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A CURIOUS CHINESE

289

FISH.

By J. C. KERSHAW, F.F.S.

ING one of the many creeks that make a network
of the district round the mouths of the
Canton River, and which forms the harbour of
Macao, an odd fishing industry is carried on by
the poorest class of Chinese. Like the other
branches of the Canton River, this creek brings
down an enormous amount of matter in suspension,
which is gradually but surely filling up the har-
bour. At low water large expanses of mud-flat
are uncovered. There are miles of it, of a yellowish-
brown tint, consisting of the soil of the country

A CHINESE: GoBY,.

which the river traverses. With this is a consider-
able proportion of sewage and filth of all kinds from
Canton or other large towns and villages, with
that from the shipping, or rather boat population.
This mud, by the way, is of marketable value,
great quantities being dredged up by native mud-

boats, and used at Macao and Hong Kong for ~

cement-making.

These mud-flats are the home of a species of
goby of the genus Boleopthalmus, very nearly allied
to the so-called walking fish, Periopthalmus. They
are, like the mud, of a yellowish-brown colour,
mottled with darker brown, and spotted with a
few bright blue markings on the upper part of the
body and dorsal and tail fins. These gobies, like
their allies, are soft-skinned fish, with exceedingly
small scales, and average about five inches in
length. The eyes are very close together, and on
the top of the head.

Wher the tide is out, these fish lie on the surface
of the mud in vast numbers, sometimes taking a
series of little jumps like a frog, and at others
moving slowly by the aid of their fins, which they
use like the flippers of a seal or walrus, so that
they appear as if walking. When disturbed they
burrow vertically into the mud. If in water they
lie on the bottom, seldom rising much above it.
They have a habit of raising and depressing the
dorsal fins, especially when chasing one another.
This goby is very fond of climbing on to a stone
or mangrove stem, right out of the water, where
it will stay for a considerable time.

Hundreds of Chinese, men, women, and children,
catch these fish when the water is low. Some of

Marcu 1902.—No. 94, Vou. VIII.

these people simply wade in the mud, which takes
them up tothe knees. They are furnished with
baskets, made with a wide mouth and narrow neck,
strapped on their backs. Most of them use a sort
of mud-sledge, which is merely a board four or
five feet long and a foot broad, slightly turned up
at the front end, where a piece of wood or rough
rail is provided as a hand-rest, or, to use a
bicycling term, a handle-bar. On this sledge they
rest with one knee, whilst with the other foot they
propel themselves along the mud ata good pace,
taking advantage of all the little depressions where
there is an inch or two of water, and every now and
then getting off the board and groping for the fish
in the mud with both hands up to the elbows.
During the summer the men are clad only in
the scantiest of garments, usually just a waist-
cloth. The women wear more, but we once
observed one who had just finished fishing, and
was packing up on the shore: she held her board
up on end in front of her as we passed, with an
elaborate show of modesty. When the tide is on
the ebb, one meets a motley crew of old and young,
decrepit and able-bodied mud-fishers, going to the
tidal flats with their mud-boards on their heads or
shoulders, and armed with baskets, pots, and pans

ZEN eerie

CHINESE SEARCHING FOR GOBIES.

of every description. Some of the sledges have a
box nailed on them to act both as a handle-bar
and a receptacle for the fish. A woman will even
fish with a child strapped on her back, in the
usual Chinese fashion. These poorer people do
not eat the fish themselves, but sell them at about
twenty cents per catty ; thatis, about fivepence for
one and a third pounds—and it takes many of the
fish to weigh a pound.

This fish has many enemies besides the Chinese.
Herons of several species, and even the kites, and
no doubt other birds, are always on the watch for
it. It must be very prolific, as the numbers do not
seem to decrease, and it is in season, as far as
Chinese ideas go, all the year round; but then any-
thing ‘“ chow-able ” is in season to a Chinaman.

43 Praya Granda, Macao, China.

Published February 25th, 1902.

2990

NOTES

ON SURREY

SCIENCE-GOSSTIP.

PLANTS.

3Y SAMUEL ARTHUR CHAMBERS.

HE following list of plants observed during

1898-1901 will, it is hoped, prove of interest

to readers of SCTENCE-Gossip. They may also be

useful for comparison with the flora of other dis-
tricts with a similar subsoil.

Ranunculus ophioglossifolius Vill. — Westfield,
near Woking, May 31st, 1900; also found at Ock-
ham in June 1898.

Aquilegia vulgaris Linn.—At Ranmore Common,
Dorking.

Aconitum napellus Linn.—Banks
Ripley Green, Surrey.

Papaver somniferum Linn.—Plentiful in a corn-
field near Headley, Leatherhead. Introduced.

Papaver hybridum Linn.—Leatherhead, June
1901.

Corydalis claviculata DC.—In asand pit at Send,
near Woking.

Teesdalia nudicaulis Br.—Tyting, Guildford ;
also found at Tartar Hill, Cobham.

Senebiera didyma Pers.—Leatherhead, July 1901.

of a brook,

Arabis hirsuta Br.—Hawkshill and Fetcham
Downs, Leatherhead.

Viola palustris ULinn.—Near Wisley Pond,
Ockham. :

Dianthus armeria Uinn.—Barnet Wood Lane,
Leatherhead, July 1898. I have not observed this
rare annual since last-named date. Mr. John T.
Carrington found it in 1900 in some quantity in a
rough field at Newlands Corner, and near there by
roadside from Horsley to Guildford.

Moenchia erecta Sm.—The Common, Ashtead,
May 1900.

Montia fontana Linn.—Elm Corner, near Ripley,
May 1901.

Silene gallica Linn.—Byfleet, July 1901.

Claytonia perfoliata Don.—This plant is well
established on banks at the north end of the
village of Ripley; also near Pyrford Church and
Whitmore Common, Woking.

Hypericum humifusum Linn.—Near Effingham
Junction, and at Elm Corner, Ripley.

H. hirsutum Linn.—Barnet Wood Lane, Leather-
head, and Hatchford, Cobham. This plant is
fairly common in Surrey.

Hf. pulchrum Linn.—This plant is very plentiful
at Tyting, Guildford.

H. clodes Linn.—The Pond at Wisley, near

Ripley.

Linum angustifolium W,—Fetcham Downs,
Leatherhead, October 30th, 1901.

Geranium pyrenaicum Winn. — Common at

Leatherhead.
G. lucidum Linn.—On a bank, Stoke Hill, near
Guildford.

Impatiens fulva Nutt.—Common on banks of
Wey, Guildford. A North American alien in this
country. This plant but seldom flowers with us;
T have only found about six in flower during last
four seasons. This is curious, as it flowers com-
monly by the banks of the canal east of Rickmans-
worth, in Hertfordshire.

LI. parviflora.—Banks of river Mole at Leather-
head. Bentham and Hooker state that ‘this
plant, a native of Eastern Europe and Russian
Asia, is established in some of the
counties of England.”

Genista tinctoria Linn.—Little Bookham, and at
West Clandon. Myr. Carrington reports it from
meadows south of Wisley Common and Ockham.

G. anglica Linn.—On commons in many parts of
Surrey.

Medicago falcata WLinn.—Near London Road
railway station, Guildford, July 1898.

Trifolium subterraneum Linn.—'The-
Ripley, Surrey.

Lotus tenuis Walsat and Kit.—Railway embank-
ment at West Clandon, near Guildford; also near
Effingham Junction, June 1899.

Hippocrepis comosa Linn. —Leatherhead Downs.

Ornithopus perpusillus Linn.—Tyting, near
Guildford, and at Ripley Green.

Lathyrus nissolia Linn.—Found in June 1899,
near Grove Heath, Ripley ; also near West Clandon.
This plant is difficult to find, unless in flower. _

Lathyrus macrorrhizus Wimm.—At Leatherhead
and Bookham Common.

Potentilla argentea WLinn.—At ‘Tyting, near
Guildford. At Send. Occurs also near “ The
Hut ” Hotel, Wisley, Surrey.

Pyrus aria Ehrh.—At East Clandon, near Guild-
ford.

Kpilobium palustre Linn.—Wisley Pond, near
Ripley.

Ocnothera biennis Linn.—The Common Merrow,
near Guildford.

Saxifraga granulata Linn.—Tyting, near Guild-
ford.

Savifraga
Leatherhead.

Drosera rotundifolia Linn.—The Common, Wis-
ley; also Whitmore Common, Woking.

Drosera anglica Wads.—Mr. Carrington finds
this species also on Wisley Common, near ‘The
Hut” Pond.

Apium inundatum Reichb.—Ponds on Wisley
Common, Ripley.

Galium eruciata Scop.—West Clandon.

Asperula cynanchica Linn.—The Downs, Leather-
head, On-chalk subsoil.

southern

Green,

tridactylites Linn.—On walls at

SCIENCE-GOSS/P. 291

Centranthus ruber DC.—On an embankment at
Mickleham, near Leatherhead.

Serratula tinstoria Linn.—In wood near East
Horsley railway station; also found in lane near
Ashtead railway station.

Arnoseris pusilla Gay.— A sandy field near Send.

Phyteuma orbiculare Linn. —Leatherhead Downs.

Pyrola minor Linn.—In a copse at Burnt Com-
mon, Ripley.

Hottonia palustris Linn.—Found in brook near
the Anchor Inn, Pyrford, Ripley, June 4th, 1898.
Occurs in ponds near Newark Abbey, Ripley.

Primula ciatior Jacq.—In a meadow,
Horsley.

Lysimachia vidgaris Linn. var. punctata.—On the
banks of the Mole, Leatherhead.

Anagallis tenella Linn.— This beautiful perennial
may be found on a bog near the Tower, Leith Hill.
August 1899.

Gentiana
Clandon.

Chlora perfoliata Linn.—At Boxhill, Surrey.

Cuscuta europaea Linn.—On stinging-nettle at
Leatherhead.

C. epithymum Linn.—Growing on rica cinerea
at Leith Hill on August 9th, 1899.

Cynoglossum officinale Linn.—Norbury
near Leatherhead ; and at Boxhill.

Antirrhinum orontium Linn.—At Elm Corner,
near Ripley; and at Pyrford, Woking.

Atropa belladonna Linn.—Near Cherkley Court,
on the Roman road, Leatherhead. Mr. Carrington
finds it on the range of hills south of East Horsley.

Pedicularis sylvatica Linn.—At Bookham Com-
mon and on Wisley Common.

Salvia verbenaca Vinn.— At Great Bookham,
Townshott Close, and in the churchyard.

Mentha pulegium Linn.—At Jacoh’s Wells, near
Guildford.

Scutellaria minor Linn. — Near
Ripley.

Ajuga chamaepitys Schreb. — On the. Downs,
Mickleham, Leatherhead ; and at Great Bookham.

Littorella lacustris Linn.—Pond near “The Hut”
Hotel, Wisley, Ripley.

Thesium linophyllum Linn.—Near Dorking ; and
on the Downs, Merrow.

Huphorbia amydaloides Linn.—Ranmore Com-
mon, near Dorking.

Salia repens Linn.—Whitmore Common, near
Woking.

Calla palustris.—On the edge of pond, Wisley,
“The Marsh Calla is common in the north of
Europe” (Professor D. Oliver). Watson, in “ Topo-
graphical Botany,” says it was planted “in the
neighbourhood of Cobham, Surrey,” by a medical
man. It may have been introduced to this spot in
a similar way, if this is not his original locality.

Alisma ranuncuioides Linn.—Wisley Common,
Ripley.

Damasonium stellatum Pers.—Down side, near

Kast

amarella Linn.—The Downs, East

Park 9

Elm Corner,

Cobham, July 23rd, 1900. The summer of 1901

being very dry, the pon] where this annual grows

was dried up, and D. stellatum did not appear.
Cephalanthera grandiflora Bab.—Epsom Downs

Lane, Leatherhead ; and on the Downs, East
Horsley.

Habenaria bifolia Br.—Ranmore Common, near
Dorking; and at East Clandon Downs, near

Guildford.

Aceras anthropophora Br.—Copse on the Downs,
Guildford ; and at Boxhill.

Ophrys apifera Huds.—Horsley, Sheep Lees.

O. muscifera Huds.—Horsley, Sheep Lees.

Ruscus acueatus Linn.--This plant is
plentiful on Great Bookham Common,

Muscaria Mill.—On a
Reigate Road, Leatherhead.

2 Linden Villas, Leatherhead.

February 8th, 1902.

quite

TACCMOSUM

bank by

A DIPTEROUS FLY.
By WALTER WESCHE, F.R.M:S.

PfP\HE casual observer will find little to attract
his attention in the small fly Siphona genicu-
lata. It is coloured in gentle half-tones of grey
and ochre, inclining towards a dull shade of yellow.
Two or three may be seen playing together round
low bushes, or sometimes in early spring on the
flowers of iris. Later the blossom of the privet is
a favourite feeding-place; whilst in the summer
and autumn they are attracted by the larger com-
posite wild flowers. Their flight is short and quick,
making it difficult to observe them. They are not
at all uncommon, and may be seen in most gardens
from May till October. Personally I have met
with them for several successive years in a garden
in South Hampstead, and lately many were seen
on wild flowers in an orchard at the base of the
Malvern Hills, in Worcestershire. It is about half
the size of a large house-fly (Musca domestica), a
big specimen measuring about two lines in length-
The head is bent downwards, giving the insect
a rather hump-backed appearance when viewed
from the side. In life the antennae are porrect—
that is, they stand out prominently from the fore-
head. A small black fly (Meigenia floralis), which
is also an inhabitant of gardens, has this same
characteristic ; it may be that the sense of smell is
highly developed in both these species.

The male and female are only to be distinguished
from each other by a very minute examination.
In Diptera the male, in a very large number of
cases, is readily recognised by the width of the
“frontalia,” the space which separates the com-
pound eyes. When the eyes are larger in the male
than in the female, a state which exists in the
majority of cases, this space is narrower. In many
instances the male eyes are so large that this space
in the upper part of the head is quite obliterated.

jn 2

292 CLE NCEAG OSSiiz.

The eyes are then said to be “contiguous,” and
touch fora considerable distance, only diverging at
the top to form the ‘* ocellar triangle.” Obviously
this does not apply to those families—seven in
number—in which the ocelli, the simple eyes, are
absent. The familiar blowfly (Calliphora erythro-
cephala) illustrates the former point. If several of
these are examined, some will be noticed with a
smaller space between the eyes than others: these

Fic. 1. Siphona geniculata, dorsal view.

are the males. Siphona geniculata has no differ-
ence in the sizes of the frontalia of the sexes, and
the male and female may be said to be outwardly
identical, which is not a usual phenomenon.
In the large majority of cases the sexes are
distinguished by what are known as secondary
sexual characteristics; this includes the width
of the frontalia, but also comprises an endless
variety of brushes, of spines, of teeth, and of
hooks which are to be found on the limbs and
bodies of the males, and are absent in the
females. In some few cases the sexes are

coloured in a different manner. In the hawthorn
fly (Bibio hortulans) the female is an orange-red,
while the male is immaculate black. In a very
handsome fly, common in the country— Graphomyia
macilata—the female is a light grey, barred and
spotted with the richest velvety black, while the
male, though retaining some of the black markings,
has on the abdomen replaced the grey by an orange-
red, not unlike the shade found on the female of
B. hortulans. As an example, the verification of
which is within the reach of all, I can quote the
lesser house-fly (Homalomyia canicularis). The
male has part of the abdomen a very dull yellow

marked with dark grey bars, and the female has
the abdomen grey and unspotted. In these three
species the eyes are larger in males than in
females. :

It is not only on account of the sexual similarity
that Siphona is noticeable. The long, geniculated
proboscis is interesting in many ways, and from
the homological point of view bears the same
relation to the mouth parts of Diptera as does
the neck of the giraffe to that of other mammalia.
Nothing can be more dissimilar in appearance
than this slender-jointed rod and the proboscis of
the house-fly (fig. 3); but let them be micro-
scopically examined, and the homologies of struc-
ture are at once apparent (see fig. 4). It is true
that in the process of elongation some of the
tracheae have disappeared. A parallel case is
found in the mouth of the predaceous fly, Hmpis
tesselata. The teeth, that are by no means a well-
known appendage to the tracheae of the nearly
related house-fly (AZ. domestica), are absent. This
latter loss is, however, a characteristic of all pollen-
feeding flies, as in the hover-flies (Syrphidae), but

Fic. 3. Proboscis of house-fly (Musca domestica). Showing
expanded labella, teeth lancet case, and palpi.

I do not know any other genus of the Muscidae
in which they have disappeared. The proboscis
has been elongated till it is nearly as long as the
insect, and this extreme length, combined with its
tenuity, enables it to probe the long tubes of small
flowers similar in shape to those on the privet and
camomile, and to reach: their nectaries. I have
often watched with great pleasure this process.
The proboscis is inserted and withdrawn slowly
and with grace, the insect evidently enjoying the
honey sucked up by its slender tube. ,

Fig. 1 is a drawing of the fly, giving a dorsal
view. The individual happened to be a male; the
female is, however, exactly similar. Fig. 2 is a
lateral view of the head of the same insect.
Fig. 3 is the proboscis of a_house-fly (i.
domestica), prepared and mounted for micro-
scopic examination. At the base of the tracheae
are the teeth. A sheath which fits into a depres-
sion in the trunk of the proboscis is here shown
projecting at an angle. This contains the stylets.
with which many predaceous flies kill their prey.

eo te) a ee

a

SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 293

The levers which work them are seen below, and
still lower are the palpi, the feeling organs of the
stylets.

Fig. 4 is the proboscis of S. geniculata, treated
in the same way, and showing the same organs.
Fig. 5 shows the end of the proboscis of S. geni-
culata flattened and more magnified, to show the

Fig, 4. Fig. 5.

Fic. 4. Proboscis of 8. geniculata. Showing the modifications
of the same parts seen in Fig. 3.
Fic. 5. Tip of proboscis of S. geniculata, Expanded to show
what remains of labella and tracheae,

arrangement of the tracheae. It has before been
said that Siphona is a genus of the large family
Muscidae, the larvae of which are mostly reared
on excrement or decaying animal matter, but I
have reason to believe that S. geniculata lays its
eggs on flags or similar plants, and these are
hatched out in the following spring; but up to
the present I have not been able to trace the larval
stage.

There is another species of the genus, S. cristata,
which only differs by being much smaller in size,
and is properly a variety. It is not so common,
but is generally to be met with where the larger
form is found.

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IN SINCM:
By R. Dickson-Bryson, B.A., F.P.S., F.R.As.S.

(Continued from Vol. VI., page 39.)

a lion-ant (Myrmeleon), which, by the way,

is not an ant, but belongs to another order of
insects, begins active life as a plump larva. The
body of the perfect insect is well-formed, long,
blackish in colour, with yellow patches. The
wings are narrow, long, transparent, and interlaced
with a complex nervous system, with irregular
patches of white. The larva, on the other hand,
is of a dull, dirty grey in colour, has a small flat
head, and an enormous abdomen. Its movements
are slow and difficult, and its mouth is furnished
with a pair of powerful mandibles with which it
seizes its prey.

Although named the lion-ant, it has not the
alarming habits of its homonym, and does not
pounce upon prey, succeeding rather by patience
and cunning. Its victims fall into a trap, but that
trap is a masterpiece. Having selected a suit-
able, preferably a sandy, place, it proceeds to
make atrap. ‘This is generally in the neighbour-
hood of an old wall or at the foot of atree. It
begins by tracing a circular trench of faultless
regularity and about eight centimetres in diameter,
the dimensions being the same for all lion-ants.
Entering within the circle, the ant takes up a
position opposite the interior edge, and scrapes
away the sand with its feet, lifts it on its flattened
head, and, imitating the movements of a man’s
shoulder when heaving a load, pitches it outside
the circle. ‘The ant works backwards, and, follow-
ing the periphery, continues its work until it has
made a complete tour of the circle. It then makes
a second within the first, and instead of advancing
in the original direction, it takes the opposite.
This is probably done to distribute the work equally
between the right and left feet. A third trench
is made within the second, and the operations are
continued until the centre of the circle is reached.
Here it adds the final touches to its trap, so as to
produce a uniform gradient all round, and to give
to the cavity its proper form. When it is complete
the greatest depth is about five centimetres. The
lion-ant is careful to remove all large-sized grains
of sand or soil, which to it are relatively as blocks
of sandstone, by throwing them outside the circle,
a task requiring enormous strength. Frequently,
Sisyphus-like, it may be seen rolling a very large
grain up the steep. More fortunate than Sisyphus,
however, it abandons the task if these are too
many, and sets out in quest of another place.

The gradient round the interior of the circle is
regular and smooth. The finished trap is always
of the same form, size, regularity, and perfection.
Lion-ants all go through the same process, employ
the same means, and perform their tasks without
previous instruction or the possibility of experience.
What is part of the organic structure of the lon-
ant, or rather due to that structure, cannot be
tanght to others.

We may now consider the tactics of the lon-ant
in ambuscade. It is at the bottom of its trap,
buried in the sand, allowing part of the head only
to be seen, with enormous mandibles projecting,
and woe to the imprudent or over-curious insects
that wander within the precincts of that dangerous
trap. If from the edge of the precipice it throws
down an interrogatory glance, a grain of sand is
adroitly hurled with prodigious force at its head,
striking and stunning it. Before the insect can
escape another is hurled against it, and staggering
and rolling into the trap, where it is seized, torn to
pieces and devoured. The remains are afterwards
thrown outside the circle.

Although the lion-ant constructs its trap so

204 SCIENCE-GOSSTIP.

skilfully it is unable to assist others. Observe, too,
that only the larvae of the lhon-ant construct these
traps. The fully developed insect has other modes
of existence and different. organs. The lion-ant
absolutely loses its former instinctive habits,
because it has no further use for them. These
remarkable creatures have instinctive habits pecu-
liar to the several metamorphic states. Let those
who can explain how these insects, arising from
the same source, and having regard to the several
forms through-which they pass, can adapt to each
state new habits and modes of living, according to
the requirements of these several states. I have
not met with any modern theories that will account
for their absolute uniformity of action.

The. voracity of caterpillars of herbivorous
insects is well known. From the time of their
birth until they evolve from the larval state is a
long uninterrupted period of browsing. They are
very numerous, and any attempt to destroy them
usually ends in failure. Many do perish, but the
number is small compared with the hosts that
escape to become mature insects. What chiefly
concerns us is the apparent sagacity shown by the
mother insect in depositing her eggs ona particular
plant. The common white butterfly, Pieris brassicae,
for instance, deposits her eggs on plants of the
cabbage family. The Preris herself does not feed
on that plant; her food is the nectar found at the
base of the corollas of flowers. She cannot “know”
what food her young brood will require when they
emerge from the egg. Why she should so un-
erringly select a member of the cabbage family, in
preference to other plants in the vicinity, is at
present entirely beyond our limited means of
observation. Her organic structure does not help
us, ancl we must leave the problem. We shall find
many of these difficulties in natural history; but
it would be unphilosophical to despair of ultimate
solution, and we should therefore keep our minds
in a state of judicious suspense, hoping that the
patient research of the future will throw light on
the subject.

The caterpillar has many enemies, and of these
none, perhaps, more unremitting than the ichneu-
mon flies. They are four-winged insects, of
numerous species, which feed upon honey. The
females ave furnished with an ovipositor, proceed-
ing from the posterior part of the abdomen, often
of great length. The ovipositor is a hollow tube
pointed like a needle, and is used to insert its eggs
deep into the bodies of the larvae of other insects,
in the abdominal cavity of which the footless larvae
live parasitically, and often change into pupae.

The sole object of the life of the perfect female
ichneumon fly would appear to be to discover a
proper nidus for her eggs. She hovers like a bird
of prey over a plant, and as soon as she discovers
a caterpillar, darts down upon it and binds it
fast with her feet. The needle-pointed Ovipositor
is inserted into the body of her victim, and at

the same time an egg slips along the oviduct and
passes into the wound. This operation is repeated
over several parts of a caterpillar’s body. Fre-
quently the laying commences in the body of one
caterpillar, and is finished in that of another. The
ichneumon lays a number of eggs proportionate to
the size of her victim’s body. The host cater-
pillar’s body is destined to serve as food for the
larvae as soon as they are hatched, and a sufticient
quantity of nutritious material is necessary to
ensure complete development. The ichneumon
fly, by thus distributing its eggs, would appear, to
a casual observer, to possess certain properties of
mind. The conception ef proportionate parts is
an involved mental process, and implies a superior
intelligence. Does, however, the ichneumon per-
ceive—and this is the crucial point—the purposes
of that distribution? For my own part, I un-
hesitatingly reply in the negative. The brain, if
one may be permitted to speak of an insect’s brain,
fails to justify such a lofty claim. When referring
to an insect’s brain, we allude to the entire nervous
mass rather than to one specialised organ. An
insect may be said truly to have many brains; but
if we insist upon finding one brain, the first ganglion
in the spinal marrow may be so regarded. The
functions of that brain, however, are merely to
control the corporeal activities. The insect has
no organ analogous to the larger brain in the
higher animals, and in which the intellectual
powers are located. The ichneumon cannot, there-
fore, be said to cogitate, and its remarkable
properties must, for the present, be ascribed to
some unknown cause.

Equally interesting are the larvae, which in de-
vouring the caterpillar strictly abstain from inter-
fering with the vital organs, the loss of which
would mean the certain death of their victim.
In the interests of the larvae, the caterpillar host
must live until they have attained complete de-
velopment. At the last moment only, when they
have reached the end of their larval state, are the
vital organs consumed and the caterpillar put to
death. The death of the one and the complete
development of the other are simultaneously
effected.

At this point we may revert to the ege-distri-
buting properties of the ichneumon fly, and the
no less remarkable instincts of its larvae. It has been
argued that the ichneumon, in the case of a small-
sized caterpillar, may limit the distribution of its
egos, because it meets with obstruction and can
find no fartherspace. If this were sc, irregularities
would ensue; but no one has ever known the
ichneumon to make a false calculation that would
involve the death of its young. This would fre-
quently happen were the ichneumon guided by no
other cause than obstruction and an absence of
space. Any irregularity or uniformity, a sine qui
non of instinct, would be as hopeless as the pro-
duction of the “Iliad” of Homer by a chance

i eS ee

SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 295

arrangement of the letters of the Greek alphabet.
Some other principle underlies the habits of the
mother ichneumon fly. On the other hand, in the
case of the larvae, if they do not attack the vital
organs of their victim till the last moment, it may
be that their jaws are not powerful enough to
devour the tougher parts;
probably true.

Of the many other species of ichneumon, all of
which differ in their habits, the Scotia flavifrons,
for instance, lays its eggs on the surface of the
larvae of a large beetle, to which it affixes them by
means of an adhesive liquid. At birth these larvae
emerge only in part from the egg ; they push out
the head just far enough to enable them to feed
upon their victim. Another ichneumon, the
Ephialtes, evinces a remarkable power of discover-
ing the larvae of other insects hidden in the bark of
trees. The insect runs up and down the bark,
striking it at intervals withits borer, as if to sound
the presence of its victim. Allat once it halts and
remains motionless for a few seconds; it has
discovered a larva. Through a tiny aperture in
the bark it insinuates the needle-pointel ovipositor
and deposits its eggs upon the larva.

In the several species of these ichneumons the

and this argument is

OUR

length of the ovipositor varies, and is proportionate,
in length, to the thickness of the bark upon which
each species lives. The inhabiting of a particular
tree by these insects is not a matter of choice, but of
necessity, since their organs are adapted to spec‘al
functions that can only be discharged on the tree
specially suited to each species.

There is another ichneumon equally conspicuous,
and for many reasons interesting to the entymo-
logist. This insect selects neither the interior nor
the surface of the larval body, but deposits its eggs
inside the eges of other insects. gs
it deposits one of its own. ‘This is hatched before
that which forms the nidus, and the contents are
consumed by the parasitic larva. De Geer, the
Swedish naturalist, was, I believe, the first to
observe and record this interesting fact. He had
secured a leaf upon which a number of eggs were
fixed, preserved it with great care, anticipating a
brood of butterflies, and was greatly surprised
when a tiny ichneumon fly emerged from the egg.
The lepidopterologists who breed butterflies from
chrysalides or eggs may be disappointed by having
merely a brood of ichneumon flies issue from them.

In separate eggs

(To be continued.)

COCKROACHES.

By E. J. Burcess Sopp, F.R.Met.Soc., F.E.8.

(Continued from page 260.)

RITING early in the seventeenth century,
Moufet records the occurrence of latta
orientalis in cellars aud flour mills in London, but
it had probably been established in England some
considerable period antecedent to that time (").
His quaint drawings of the species, however, include
amongst them the figure of a Blaps, the “ darkling
beetle ” of some of our older writers (*), a hetero-
merous coleopteron of somewhat similar habitat,
but whose hard convex form and slow deliberate
gait have little in common with the appearance
and activity of the cockroach. He further says: “I
have heard from persons of good credit that one
of these cockroaches was found and taken in the
top of the roof of the church at Peterborough
which was six times jarger than the common
species, and which not only pierced the skin of
those which endeavoured to seize it, but bit so
deep as to draw blood in great quantity. It wasa
thumb’s length and breadth in size, and, being
confined in a cavity of the wall, after two or three
days made its escape no one knew how” ('8). If

(14) Baker, “ Phil. Trans.,” 1740, p. 441; Kirby and Spence,
* Intro. Entom.,” 7th edit., p. 416.

(15) It was probably introduced during the sixteenth
century. Originally a native of Central Asia, it has now spread
with trade all over Hurope.

(16) “ Insectorum Theatrum” (1634).

this fearsome creature were indeed a cockroach,
and the “persons of good credit” had in no wise
exageerated its proportions, it might possibly have
been anearly allied insect to our occasional visitant
Blabera gigantea (fig. 13), subsequently alluded to
herein. The celebrated Dutch naturalist, Johannes
Swammerdam (!7), was also acquainted with the
cockroach. Amongst his “ creatures of the second
class” we find mention of ‘the Indian insect,
sufficiently known by the name of kakkerlak” ('*),
and “ that species of beetles which are commonly
found about bakers’ ovens and, according to Fabius
Columna, in kitchen dirt. They agree altogether
with the insects just now mentioned and called
kakkerlak, and are the same that are described by
Moufet under the name of Blattae.” In a recent
communication to the “ Annals of Scottish Natural
History” (January 1901) (9) Mr. Evans called
attention to three old and very interesting lists of
Scottish insects, in the earliest of which, by
(17). “ The Book of Nature,” London, 1758 (first pub. 1669).
(18) Kakerlac, a name of probably Dutch origin used for the
Blattae by the American colonists (“ Nat. Cyclopedia,” London,
1847). lLatreille divided the cockroaches into two divisions,
Blattae and Kakerlac, the former containing those insects in
which both sexes possessed wings, and the latter comprising
those in which the females are apterous, as in B. orientalis.

(19) “Ent. Record,” xiii. 5. See also Kirby and Spence
_“Tnt o. Entom.,” p. 151 (7th edit.).

296

Sibbald in 1684, reference is made to ‘“ Blatta, the
moth-fly,” which, although the term is unfamiliar,
may possibly have been our common cockroach.
It is often difficult to determine to what insects
these early writers referred, more especially, per-
haps, in the group we are considering; for, in
addition to the loose application of the word Blatta
before alluded to, our Cursoria have at various
times been included with hexapods now recognised
as belonging to quite different orders. We have,
however, no trouble in discovering, either from the
description or plates of the ‘Mill Beetle” in the
‘List of Coleoptera” in the Companion to Buffon’s
“Natural History,” our old friend the “black beetle,”
with “his feelers like bristles, and two horns (i.e.
cerci) on the tail, and prickly legs.” As neither
Johannes Jonstones (?°), Johannes Godartius (?'),
nor Oliver Goldsmith (?) makes any mention of
the cockroach, though writing discursively on such
kindred insects as the locust, grasshopper, mole-
cricket, etc., we may conclude that it had not
spread to any great extent in the country, espe-
cially as that great observer Gilbert White, writing
about 1787—two hundred years or more after their
known existence in London—speaks of their ap-
pearance at Selborne, scarce fifty miles distant, as
“an unusual insect in one of my dark chimney
closets” (*%). This would seem to show that the
invasion of the cockroach was carried out slowly
and unobtrusively, albeit with a determination and
thoroughness worthy so great and ancient a race.
Llatta orientalis is not the only member of its
family in whose breast has been planted the love
of adventure and conquest. Periplaneta americana
Linn, (fig. 1) long ago anticipated our American
cousins’ newly evinced desire for expanse of empire.
Many years have now elapsed since, chafing at the
narrow confines of the New World, it crossed the
seas and established itself in Europe, Asia, and
Australasia. This is the species, too, which is
often so prevalent on shipboard, many vessels being
completely overrun with it. It is a larger insect
and slightly lighter in colour than ourcommon cock-
roach, a detailed description of which forms the
concluding portion of the present article. It
further differs from B. orientalis in having the
tegmina or wing-cases developed in both sexes,
longer than the body, and rounded at the apex.
The disc of the thorax is pale yellow, but the fact
of its having an irregular dark central patch gives
to the shield the appearance of bearing an ill-
defined yellow ring, which, though always present,
varies considerably in size and distinctness in
individual insects. The length of this cockroach
is about an inch and a quarter (28-33 mm.). The

(20) “A Hist. of the Wonderful things of Nature,” London,
1657,

(21) “ Of Insects, done into English and Methodized,” York,
1682,

(22) “A History of the World and Animated Nature”
(4 vols.), London, 1774; Liverpool, 1811.

(23) Selborne, ‘ Ghs. on Insects.”

SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

species orientalis is by many entomologists in-
cluded in this genus, but our distinguished British
Orthopterist, Mr. Malcolm Burr, to whose (?*) and
Professor Miall’s exhaustive monographs (*°) Iam
very considerably indebted in the present paper,
has revived the term 4latta; and if the law of
priority holds good this generic title should be
retained, as it was first used by Linnaeus to de-
scribe the type orientalis in 1745.

P. americana is a native of Tropical America,
but has been recorded from London and several
other localities in England, in some of which it
appears to be permanently established.

Periplaneta australasiae Fabr. (fig. 2) is not
unlike the latter insect, but is smaller and easily
distinguished by the distinctness of the thoracic
markings, the yellow “ring,” although varying
very greatly in breadth in different insects, having
the edges always clearly defined. The tegmina,
in addition to being obviously shorter than in the
preceding species, bear a well-defined longitudinal
yellow streak on their anterior margins, running
about one-third of their length. The size of this
insect is about an inch and an eighth (25 mm.). —

Originally a native of. Australia, this cockroach
has now spread with commerce to divers. parts of
the globe. Mr. Burr mentions that it was first
captured at Belfast, but it has since been taken in
hot-houses at Kew (Mr. Lucas) and other parts of
the kingdom. My own specimens are from Waver-
tree (Liverpool), and were kindly obtained for me
by my friend Mr. Oulton Harrison, who states that
in the green-houses where they occur they are
believed to occasion damage by eating the aérial
roots of orchids,

Compatibly with the national character, Phyilo-
dromia germanica Linn. (figs. 5 and 6) has also
founded colonies in many climes—regions as widely
separated as France and Australia, Mexico and
Japan, North America and Ceylon. This is the
‘“Croton-bug ” of the United States, into which it
was introduced from Europe. It is especially
prevalent about water-pipes, etc., and obtained its
popular name on account of its being first
observed at the time that water from the river
Croton was brought into the city of New York
(Stand. Dict.”). It has now, however, spread
pretty generally throughout the country. Of
introduced species this insect more closely re-
sembles our native ones than do any of the others,
but is readily separable from them by its larger
size (11-13 mm.), by the two well-marked dark
longitudinal bands on the pronotum, ‘‘ by the ab-
sence of the apical area of the wings, and by the
venation of the elytra” (Burr). The general colour
is reddish testaceous, the males being lighter, and
in form narrower than the females, the wings being

(24) “British Orthoptera,” by Malcolm Burr, F.Z.&., ete.,
Huddersfield, 1897.

(25) “ The Cockroach,” by L. ©. Miall, F.R.S., and A. Denny,
F.L.S. Leeds, 1886.

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SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

fully developed in both sexes. In London, Liver-
pool, Birkenhead, Aldershot, and other towns, the
German cockroach is now firmly established,
although sometimes restricted to certain circum-

scribed and well-defined areas. It seems par-

ticularly partial to hotels and restaurants, in many

of which it even outnuumbers the German waiters.
Observation would seem to show that although
extremely numerous where occurring, this insect
does not extend its range in England to any great
extent; but, according to Brunner von Wattenwyl,
in Vienna it has practically replaced B. orientalis.
A well-known hotel near Covent Garden has been
overrun with it for years (**), and Professor Miall
mentions that in Leeds it has occurred at one
baker’s shop since 1855, when it is supposed to
_have been brought from Southern Russia by troops
returning from the Crimean War. Just such
another small colony exists at West Kirby, where,
so far as I can discover, it is almost entirely con-
fined to a bakehouse and one or two adjoining
cottages. How long the insects have been esta-
blished there I cannot say, the evidence to hand
being somewhat contradictory ; but it appears they
have increased in numbers considerably during the
past decade, although seemingly they have not
spread. This apparent inability to extend its
range in Britain, to the exclusion of &. orientalis,
probably applies with still greater force to our
two last-named cockroaches, in which fact seems
to lie the reason for the ubiquity of the former
insect, which not only increases and multiplies in
its own habitation, but slowly disperses over all
the ‘surrounding neighbourhood, occasionally ex-
terminating or expelling other insects that may
be in possession. A baker, formerly employed in
Birkenhead, informs me that when he first went
there the bakehouse was Overrun with crickets, but
that of late years their place has been taken by
“black beetles,” and scarcely a cricket is to be seen.
Tn some parts of Central Europe P. germanica lives
in woods, like our own really indigenous cock-
roaches, but I am not aware that it has ever been
recorded from the open in Britain.

_ These four representatives of the family—viz.
Blatta (Stilopyga) orientalis, Periplaneta americana,
P. australasiae, and Phyllodromia germanica—form
the first of three groups into which I have some-
what arbitrarily divided our cockroaches, species
which although originally introduced may now
claim to be regarded as properly naturalised
British subjects.

(26) H.C. R., “Science-Gossip,” 1868.

(To he continued.)

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY IN VICTORIA.—Professor
J. W. Gregory, F.R.S., has been appointed tem-
porary head of the Geological Survey of Victoria,
for the purpose of assisting in the complete re-
organisation of the staff, and its institution on
a permanent instead of a temporary basis.

oo

INTRODUCTION TO BRITISH
SPIDERS.

By FRANK PERCY SMITH.

AN

(Continued from page 266.)

GENUS Z/Z2A KOCH:

First leg longest.
wide.

Labium almost as long as

Zilla x-notata Clk.
Length.

(Epetra stmilds Bl.)
Male 4 mm., female 6 mm.

Zilla x-notata. Palpus and vulva.

Palpus of male short. Abdomen of female towards
its fore part of a leaden hue.
on walls and gate-posts.

Extremely common

Zilla atrica Koch. (LZpe7ra calophylla Bl.)

Length. Male 4 mm., female 6°5 mm.

Palpus of male unusually long, the radial joint
being excessively elongated. Fore part of abdomen
of female suffused with red. Common amongst
foliage.

GENUS ARAWEA LINN.

Labium considerably wider than long. Eyes not
equidistant, the centrals being usually separated by
a much smaller space than that between one of them
and the adjacent lateral.

Aranea angulata Clk. (Zpeira angulata Bl.)

Length. Male 10 mm., female 12 mm, ;

Male tibia II. thicker than tibia I. Coxa II.
armed witha sharp spine. Anterior central eyes in
female larger than posterior centrals. Abdomen with
a strong conical protuberance on each ‘ shoulder.”
Very rare.
La

208 SCTE NEE GOSSTP:

Aranea gibbosa Walck. (£fezra arbustorum
Spiders of Dorset ”; 2. dzcornzs Bl.)

Length. Male 4 mm., female 5 mm.

Very similar in form to 2. angzlata Clk., but
much smaller, and the anterior central eyes are equal
to the posterior centrals. Fairly common.

Aranea pyramidata Clk.
BL.)

Length. Male 8 mm., female 14 mm.

Abdomen yellow, with a blackish band in the
This band is very

(Zperra scalaris

central part of its posterior half.
distinct, broad at its anterior extremity and narrow-
ing somewhat towards the spinners. Not common.
Aranea marmorea Clk.
Very closely allied to 4. pyramddata Clk. De-
scribed in ‘* Proc. Dorset Field Club,” vol. xx.

Aranea dioidea Wlk. (Ze7ra albimacula Bl.)

Length. Male 3 mm., female 4 mm.

Cephalo-thorax yellowish-brown, darker in front.
Legs, in the female, somewhat annulated, the femora
of the first two pairs being rather the darkest.
Abdomen reddish-brown, thickly spotted and speckled
with black and white. Metatarsi and tarsi II. longer
than metatarsi and tarsi IV. A rare species.

Aranea adianta WIk.
** Spiders of Dorset.”’)

Length. Male 5 mm., female 6 mm.

Very similar in structure to A. dzozdea Wk.

Metatarsi and tarsi II. are equal to metatarsi and
tarsi IV. The anterior eyes of the male are closely
grouped, separated by distances about equal to their
diameters, and almost equidistant. The length of
the tibia and patella I. is equal to that of metatarsus
and tarsus I.

Rather rare. I have received specimens recently
from Mr. Frank R. Hinkins, of Brighton.

(Zpetra adianta in

Aranea ceropegia Walck.
in ‘‘ Spiders of Dorset.’’)

Length. Male 7 mm.

Very similar to 4d. adianta Wlk., but much larger,
Extremely rare.

(Epetra ceropegia

Aranea ornata Bl.
Described under genus Zfecva in ‘Spiders of
Great Britain and Ireland.” Type lost.

Aranea signata BI.
A doubtful species described in ‘* Spiders of Great
Britain and Ireland.” Type lost.

Aranea umbratica Clk. (Zfezra umbraticain
‘* Spiders of Dorset.”’)

Length. Male 9 mm., female 12 mm.

The whole spider is of a warm blackish-brown tint,
and both cephalo-thorax and abdomen are unusually
flattened. It is a common species, and is usually
found under loose bark or between boards in palings.

Aranea sclopetaria Clk. (Ffezra sertcata
Bl.)
Length. Male 7 mm., female 10 mm.

The female may be distinguished from A. wmbratica
Clk. by its non-flattened form, and the male by the

‘form of a prominent process connected with the

palpal organs, which, in this species, is deeply bifid.
Not generally common. Very plentiful in a few
localities near London.

Aranea cornuta Clk. (Zfezra apoclisa Bl.)

Length. Male 6 mm., female 8 mm.

Allied to A. sclopetarta Clk., but, unlike that
species, the cephalo-thorax of the male is as long as
tibia I. The spines on the legs of the female are all
black, this character separating that sex from 4.
sclopetaria Clk. Not uncommon. Usually found by
the side of streams.

Aranea patagiata Koch.

Length. Male 6 mm., female 8 mm.

Very closely allied to A. cornuta Clk., but the
prominent process connected with the palpal organs.
is short and strongly curved, whereas in 4. cornuta
it is straight and narrower. This process is strongly
bifid in both species. Rare and local. I have taken
it on the walls of the East London Waterworks at
Hackney Marshes.

Aranea quadrata Clk.
«Spiders of Dorset.’’)

Length. Male 6 mm., female 15 mm.

The abdomen of the female sex of this handsome
spider is almost globular, and is usually of a reddish

(Zpetra quadrata in.

or yellowish tint often clouded with green. Towards.

its fore extremity are four conspicuous yellowish-
white patches closely grouped. A fairly common

"species.

Aranea diademata Clk. (Zpezra diadema Bl.):

Length. Male 6 mm., female 12 mm. |

This species, commonly known as the ‘‘ garden
spider,” must be familiar to everyone.
angular form of the abdomen will distinguish it readily
from its ally 4d. geadrata Clk. It varies greatly in
colour, from pale sandy yellow to almost black.
Extremely abundant.

Aranea alsine Wk.

Length. Female 6 mm.

Abdomen pale yellow, with reddish reticulations..
A sinuous band occupies the central part of the
upper side. Allied to A. diademata Clk. Very
rare.

(Zpetra littea Bl.)

Aranea cucurbitina Clk. (Zfezra cucurbitina
in ** Spiders of Dorset.’’)
Length. Male 5 mm., female 6 mm.
Cephalo-thorax reddish-brown with, in the male,
a lateral black band. Abdomen bright green with.
a red spot at its hinder extremity. Common.

The sub-

SCIENCE-GOSS/P.

Aranea westringii Thor.

Extremely like A. cecaurbitiena Clk., but the thorax
of the male lacks the lateral blackish bands. Ex-
tremely rare.

Aranea triguttata Fabr.
“¢ Spiders of Dorset.”’)

Length. Male 4 mm., female 6 mm.

Cephalo-thorax warm yellowish-brown, palest in

(Zpetra agalena in

front. Anterior central eyes seated upon a slight
prominence. Abdomen reddish-brown, speckled
with yellow. ‘‘ Shoulders” very dark. Not rare.

Aranea redii Scop. (£pezra sollers in ‘* Spiders
of Dorset”; . solers Bl.)
Length. Male 6 mm., female 8 mm.

BUTTERFLIES OF THE

299)

Allied to A. ¢trégutrata Fabr., but much larger.
The process connected with the genital aperture of
the female, also, is shorter and straighter than in
that species. Not rare.

Aranea acalypha WIk.
*¢ Spiders of Dorset.’’)

Length. Male 2.5 mm., female 5 mm.

Anterior eyes, in the male, almost equidistant.
Quadrangle formed by the centrals longer than wide.
Anterior central eyes in the female hardly as large
as posterior centrals, and separated by a distance
greater than that between one of them and the ad-
jacent lateral. Not common.

(Zpetra acalypha in

(Zo be continued. )

PALAEARCTIC REGION.

By HENRY CHARLES LANG, M.D., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. LonpD., F.E.S

(Continued from page 268.)

LYCAENIDAE.

Genus 21. SATISUMA, Murray 1875, Stgr. Cat.
1901. Thecla Led., etc.; ? Incisalia Scudder.
Small butterflies, attaining about the same

dimensions as Callophrys rubi. Wings rather short
and broad. Ou. margins more or less crenate,
especially those of h.w., which are most markedly
indented towards anal ang., but without any

( Continued.)

“tail.” There is a peculiar lobe-like projection at
an.ang. Sub-costal nervure four-branched. Eyes
hairy.

1. S. frivaldszkyi Led. Z. b. v. 1855, p. 100;
t. 1, f. 1, R.H. p. 194; Stgr. Cat. 1901, p. 68.

23—28 min.

The greater portion of the wing area is of a
light metallic blue colour, similar to that seen in
some species of Lycaena. F.w. with costa and
ou. marg. broadly blackish-brown. H.w. with a
narrow dusky marginal band, external to which is
a narrow blue line, and then a black one. Fringes
black and white. Neuration black. Head, thorax,
and abdomen blackish. Antennae black, with
white rings. Clubs black. U-.s. sepia-brown.
F.w. with a wavy darker line, faintly edged with
white externally, at end of disc. cell. H.w. with
three distinct dark brown wavy lines, reaching
from costa to in. marge. The space between the
first and second Jines is darker than the rest.
Basal portion and ou. marg. powdered with greyish-
white. ‘The sexes differ but little in markings, the
2 being somewhat less suffused than the ¢.

HAB. Altai, 8.E. and C. Siberia, Amur. V.-VI.

Mr. H. J. Elwes, in his monograph on the
Lepidoptera of the Altai Mountains, Trans. Ent.

Soc. Lond. 1899, p. 321, remarks concerning this
species as follows :—‘‘ I found this in bushy places
in the Katuna and Tchuja valleys at 3,000—4,000 ft.
in the second week in June. It is evidently an
early spring insect, as many of the examples were
already worn. It appears to be common through-
out Central Siberia, as Jacobson found it on the
Upper Yenesei, Leder on the Irkut, and Trybom on
the Lower Yenesei as far north as 64°. This
species is probably more nearly allied to the North
American group of which 7. irus Godt. is the
best-known representative than to any European
species. This group has been generically separated
by Scudder under the name Jncisalia. It is quite
distinct, in my opinion, from TZhecla (Satsuma)
Jerrea from Japan, both by the pattern of the
underside and by the absence of the sexual patch
on the fore wing of the male.” ‘‘ Non syn. ferrea
Butler,” Stgr. Cat. 1901.

Genus 22. NMIPHANDA Moore.

Butterflies of larger expanse and of a more
robust appearance than those of the foregoing
genera. Fore wings pointed at apexin g. H.w.
ending acutely at an. ang. In @ wings altogether
more rounded, but the ou. margs. of all the wings
in both sexes are entire, without indentations or
projections ; and there are no “tails.” The under-
side of the wings is not streaked, but has dark
spots disposed in rows or chains, and _ sur-
rounded by whiter rings, very much as in some
of the Lycaenae. Eyes smooth. Antennae as
in the preceding genera. Thorax and abdomen
less slender. Subcostal nervure of f.w. three-
branched.

L 4

300 SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

1. N. fusea Brem. and Grey, p. 9. Stgr. Cat.
1901, p. 69; Cat. 1871, p. 7. Thecla fusca (non hujus
gengen Amblypodia), R.H. p. 192 (2. fusca) dispar
Brem. Lep. Ost. Sib. p. 24, t. 3, f. 4.

35—40 mm.

6 has all the wings dull brown, strongly shot
with purple over their entire area, except the costae
and ou. margs., which are narrowly blackish-brown.
The neuration is dark brown, and the spots on the
u.s faintly appear above on the f.w.; otherwise
there are no markings. U.s. brownish-grey, with
darker basal and submarginal spots, also whitish
bunches and rings. @ larger than @, all the
wings more rounded than in g, dull brown with-
out any appreciable violet reflections, and without
markings; but, as in g, some of the spots of the
us. are seen above. Fringes white, with faintly
marked brown spots. U.s. as in ¢, but the
eround colour is whiter and the spots are much
larger.

Has. Amur. (Chab. Pokr. Ask. Baran. Uss.
Bureja), Corea, N. China. WIm—VII.

a. ab. 9 Jlasurea Graes Berl. e. z. 1888, p. 74.
Ster. Rom. Mau. vi. p. 72. In this form the 9?
exhibits the blue or violet colouring of the ©.
Has. Corea and Japan.

THECLA Fab. Ulis. Mag. Inselb.
VL, p. 286: 1807.

Genus 23.

Small butterflies of a brown colour above, the
u.s. being lighter and with more or less white
markings in form of narrow streaks; hence the
Eaglish name ‘“hair-streak.” Otherwise with
black spots arranged in submarginal or central
rows. ‘The colour of the wings above is never
purple, blue, or green, as in some of the allied

genera. The h.w. sometimes have a_ slender

filiform ‘“ tail,” but in other species this is absent,’

and even in many of those species in which it
occurs it is not a constant character. F.w. short
and triangular in outline, with the subcostal
nervure three-branched. Eyes hairy, but not so
very markedly.

If we accept the grouping of this genus as it
stands in the present edition of Staudinger’s
Catalogue, we can, I think, for the sake of con-
‘venience, divide it into several sections founded on
the markings of the us. In the following table
the species will be taken nearly in the order in
which they are placed in that catalogue.

A. F.w. without any submarginal spots, h.w.
with white streaks or chains of coalescent white
spots. ;

a. With a distinct sexual patch on f.w. of 3.
—T. spini, T. grandis, T. w-album, T. eximia.

B. Without sex mark in ¢.—T7. prunoides,
LT. pruni, 1. ilicis, T. acaciae.

B. F.w. without any marginal spots. F.w. and
h.w. without any white spots or streaks, but with a
single row of black spots.—Z. herzi.

C. F.w. with at least one submarginal vow of
black spots.

a. Pattern of wings arranged in ocellated
spots as in Lycaena.-—T. ledereri.

B. Pattern of wings showing narrow white
streaks.— 7. lunulata, T. sassanides, T. myrtale.

y. Pattern of wings showing numerous
white spots arranged in chains, and replacing
the streaks seen in the species of the last sec-
tion. H.w. with a marginal row of orange
spots as in Lycaena.—T. thymnus, T. teug-
strocmi and vars.; T. sinensis and vars.

If I may be allowed the remark, I would here
express my opinion that the new arrangement of
the genus Thecla is without any advantage. Iam
unable to understand the zoological grounds on
which 7. thymnus, T. teugstrocmi, and T. sinensis
have been removed from the genus. Lycaena in
which they previously stood. In my judgment it
would have been much better to have kept to the
old treatment of the genus Zhecla as it stood in
the last edition of the catalogue. It seems to me
to be quite clear that the present arrangement can
only lead to further subdivision, which is ‘very
undesirable. The zoological term “ genus” should
be limited so as to include broad common charac-
ters. For the sake, however, of my readers, I feel
it necessary to follow Staudinger’s Catalogue, both
here and in other places.

The species of this genus chiefly frequent shrubby
places, or open spaces in woods. They are fond of
flying round bushes, often alighting on flowers and
leaves. Their flight is quick and jerky, like that of
most Lycaenidae, which is very different from the
graceful flight of the Papilionidae or Nymphalidae.
Where they appear they are nearly always to be
seen in some numbers, occasionally in considerable
abundance. ‘The butterflies of this genus do not
occur, as a rule, at any great elevation.

1. T. spini Schiff. 8.V. p. 186 (1776). - Le.
B.E. p. 76, pl. xvil. fig. 2, Ster. Cat. 1901, p: 69:
lynceus Esper.

29—34 mm.

g dark brown, without markings above, except-
ing some slightly defined orange spots at an. ang.
of h.w. and sometimes an orange spot about the
centre of ou.marg. ‘“Tail” short and with a white
tip. There is a-smooth oval spot near costa of f.w.
2 somewhat larger, f.w. without sub-costal patch.
H.w. with better-defined orange ‘spots near anal
angle, and tail somewhat longer than in g. Us.s.
greyish-brown, with a row of white streaks ex-
tending across both wings, more linear in some
specimens than in others, and having a tendency
towards a W-shape near an. ang. H.w. Alone ou.
marg. there is a row of orange spots decreasing in
size towards costa. At an. ang. there is a large
spot of light blue, which at once distinguishes this
species from any other European Zhecla.

HAB. Locally abundant throughout Central and

SCIENCE-GOSSTIP.

Southern Europe, but not Great Britain. 2? Siberia
(Stgr.). Frequenting bushy places on_ hillsides
and open spots in woods. VI.—VII.

‘Larva light green, with two yellowish streaks
on the sides. On each seginent is a row of oblique
lines of a darker green than the ground colour.
On the dorsal surface, which has a dark streak,
are some pink dots.” B.E. p. 77. On Prunus
spinosa, Crataegus oxyacantha, etc. -V.

a. 2 ab. lynceus Hb. 674-5. Differs from type
in having a rather large fulvous patch on f.w., and
larger spots near an. ang. of hw. U.s. darker
brown, with the white streak narrower and more
continuous, fewer orange spots along ou. marge.
Has. 8.W. Europe (8S. Spain, Portugal, ete.), Tran-
sylvania.

b. v. 2 et ab. melantho Klug, Symb. Phys. t. 40,
f.10, 11. Us. paler in colour, “tails” of h.w.
longer (Stgr. Cat.). Hap. W. Asia, N. Persia.

IT have a pale specimen which I took at Digne
that might answer the above description.

Ceaneeiauion Hixs: “Mem: Rom. IME pp: 271.
Larger and darker than type. Hapb. Amur, Corea.

(To be continued.)

[We regret to say that, in consequence of Dr.
Lang’s sudden and serious illness, the illustrations
have to be unavoidably deferred.— Eps. §.-G. |

Mayor MACMAHON recently delivered an inter-
esting address at the Royal Institution upon the
‘*: Magic Square,” which is an association of numbers
arranged in rows on the principle of the chess-
board; these added any way produce the same
multiple. It is an old-world game of a scientific
character, and one that becomes interesting to
those who learn its rules. These, we understand,
are taught in one lesson by Mr. C. M. Wray,
65 Warwick Street, S.W.

EXPERIMENTS BY BALLOON, conducted by Drs.
Hallion and Tissot in Paris, are reported to have
given very interesting results. The object of Drs.
Tissot and Hallion was to discover the cause of
mountain-sickness, and the feeling of nausea some-
times felt by aéronauts. The question before them
was whether, as held by the school of Jourdanet
and Paul Bert, this was due to the poverty of the
atmosphere in oxygen, or whether this feeling of
nausea was caused by an interference with the
circulation of the blood. Drs. Jolly and Bounier
in a second balloon, and the other doctors in a
third, intended especially to devote themselves to
a spectroscopic examination of the blood, to the
observation of the globules of the blood, to a study
of the causes of giddiness and of altered respira-
tion in mid-air. When on’ the ground a milli-
métre cube of human blood contains about six
millions of red corpuscles ; at the height of 4,000
métres these increased to ten millions. It was
hoped, in the event of a real increase being observed,
anaemic people would be benefited by being sent
up in balloons, with the resulting increase in the
number of corpuscles in their blood. The observa-
tions made, however, tended to show that this
neo-formation is only apparent. ‘The effect on a
rabbit which had been taken up showed that at a
certain height the organism loses a definite quantity
of water, whilst the blood becomes concentrated.

ASUS) ELAR PSS oe

NOTICES BY JOHN T. CARRINGTON.

By H. G. WELLS,

The Discovery of the Future.
(London: Fisher

Bisey e955 pps lnk corel.
Unwin & Co. 1902.) 2s.

This little work is the reprint of a lecture
given by the author at the Royal Institution on
January 24th of the present year. It is practically
a continuation of his recently published work
‘““ Anticipations,” dealing, however, chiefly with the
ethical side of the problems of the future rather
than the mechanical.

A Concise Dictionary of Eqyptian Archaeology.
By Mary BropRIcK and ANNA ANDERSON MORTON.
viii + 198 pp., 7 in. x 5in., with 80 illustrations.
(London: Methuen & Co. 1902.) 3s. 6d.

Now that Egypt has become a fashionable play-
ground for Britons, a better knowledge of the
hieroglyphic characters found on the ancient monu-
ments is almost a necessity for full enjoyment.
Herein they are illustrated in alphabetical order,
as are many cartouches and other interesting
subjects. It is a useful little book.

The West Indies and the Empire. By H. DE R.
WALKER. x + 253 pp., 9in. x 55 in., with map.
(London: Fisher Unwin. 1901.) 7s. 6d.

This book refers chiefly to the economic and social
conditions in the West Indies in recent times. It
is the result of a visit paid by the author to that
beautiful part of the world, and will be found of
interest to the increasing number of persons who
make a winter’s sojourn under the sunny skies of
the Antilles. There are only touches here and
there with regard to scientific subjects, as may be
gathered from the following quotation from the
author, who says, when referring to the botanical
departments of Jamaica: ‘I mention the fact
because there may be many, like myself, who con-
nected Kew simply with the idea of well laid-out
gardens which were thrown open to the public, and
knew nothing of the serious scientific researches.”
One may learn much by travel.

Moths and Butterflics. By MARY C. DICKERSON,
B.S. xviii + 344 pp., 93 in. x 64 in., with 234
illustrations. (Boston, U.S.A.: Ginn & Co. 1901.)
10s. 6d. net.

It has seldom been our pleasure to notice such
a beautifully produced book as this before us.
Splendidly illustrated by upwards of 200 photo-
graphs by the author from life, it forms quite a
work of art, and is highly creditable to the pub-
lishers, being also among the best examples of
American typography. The subject-matter is
purely popular, but apparently accurate, the
examples being taken chiefly from New World
species. It contains little about classification, but
is a good story of moths and butterflies for
young people and some others. English names
are used for most insects; but the many readers
who, after meeting with this book, will first com-
mence to collect and then study, may later learn

302

the terminology and classification of the superb
creatures described therein. It can be obtained
from the London house of the publishers.

List of British Diptera. Second Edition. By
G. H. VERRALL, F.E.S. 47 pp., 8% in. x 6] in.
(Cambridge University Press. 1901.)

Since the first edition was published in 1888
about 300 species have been added to the British
fauna, and no fewer than 500 names have been
altered in some way or other. It becomes there-
fore imperative that students of British diptera
should obtain this, the standard list. It shows
how much has yet to be done in that Order of
insects, this fact being emphasised by the author’s
statement that a supplement will shortly have to
be issued for the new unrecorded species. This
state of things will doubtless soon change when
further volumes of Mr. Verrall’s standard work on
the British two-winged flies are issued.

Birds and Man. By W. H. Hupson, F.Z:S.
iv + 317 pp., 8$in. x 55 in. (London, New York,
and Bombay: Longmans. 1901.) 6s. net.

Mr. Hudson, whose former books have been noticed
from time to time in these pages, is a well-known
writer on birds and bird-life. His style is always
entertaining. This work is written in the same
chatty manner as some of his others. It may be
classed among those on country lore rather than
dealing with science.

Text-book of Elementary Botany. By CHARLOTTE
L. LAURIE. xii+142 pp., 7; in. x 43 in., with 150
illustrations by W. L. Boys-SmitH. (London:
Allman & Son, Limited. 1902.)

Miss Laurie and Miss Boys-Smith have between
them produced a really useful text-book of botany.
Each has done her work well. It is divided into
three parts, the first referring to structure and
growth, the second to classification, distribution,
and habitat, and the third to physiology. The
examples are taken from common plants of easy
access. We can recommend this little work to
any of our readers who desire a better understand-
ing of botany.

Regeneration.
Ph.D. xii + 316 pp., 9 in. x 64 in., with 66 illus-
trations. (New York and London: Macmillans.
1901.) 12s. 6d. net.

Numbers of people know that if a worm be cut
into two pieces the absent part is ‘‘ regenerated,”
otherwise renewed, in more or less similar appear-
ance to the absent part, thus making two worms,
This curious feature in the economy of Nature
forms the subject of the very interesting book
before us. It discusses a number of cases of re-
_ generation in various species of animals and plants,

showing to what a wide extent this extraordinary
faculty extends. Itis not confined to the lower
forms of life, but is found among many that are
highly organised. ‘The term is used as the title of
Dr. Morgan’s work in its widest sense; not only
including the replacement of a lost part, but also
the development of the new whole organism which
may arise from a small portion of an adult, an
embryo, or even an egg. The different forms of
renewal are explained, and the whole book teems
with suggestions for study and thought. Chapter
Xlil. is a valuable treatise upon the theories of
regeneration, and will be found one of the most
exhaustive we have yet met with in our ex-
perience. The author has done his work well,
and we recommend his book.

By THoMAS HuNT MoRrGAN,

_France is

SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

Forls of the Air and Beasts of the Field, 2 vols.,
xxiii+641 pp., 8in.x5iin., with 22 plates and
numerous other illustrations. (Boston, U.$.A., and
London: Ginn & Co., 1901.) 7s. 6d. each volume.

These two handsome and beautifully produced
volumes form a pair, or may be purchased separ-
ately. The contents consist of a series of bird
and animal stories relating to America. They are
prettily told, with a brightness that our cousins
over there would call “ sweet.” These volumes are
among the most charming gift-books we have seen
for many a long day.

Mosquito Brigades and How to Organise Them:
By RONALD Ross, F.R.C.8., D.P.H., BER ISS val
+100 pp. 8}in.x53in. (London: George Philip
& Son. 1902.) 3s. net.

To be able to obtain a popularly written book on
the question of mosquitos and their association
with malaria, by so great an authority as Major
Ronald Ross is a source of congratulation. By
looking over the divisions of the work we can
gather a good idea of its intentions. They are
entitled “Things to be Learnt,” “Things to be
Done,” etc. It is a concise and practical review of
the whole subject, by its greatest authority, with
valuable suggestions as to how to organise ‘“‘ Gnat
Gangs” which will fight the enemy, that has only
to be seen to be feared. It all seems simple
enough, and when one comes to think of the
immense amount of worry and actual danger of
death, human beings suffer from the little pests
mankind at large should welcome this book.

Lamarck. By ALPHEUS §. PACKARD, M.D,
LL.D. xiii+451 pp., 8} in. x 53 in., with portrait
and 11 other illustrations. (New York, London,
and Bombay: Longmans. 1901.) 9s. net.

Professor Packard has hitherto been widely
known for his works upon entomology. ‘The book
before us is a deviation from his usual writings,
though one that might have been expected from a
worker who has had to make research into the study
of evolution. The full title given by the author is,
“ Lamarck, the Founder of Evolution. His Life and
Work.” His apology: for writing these pages is
explained in his preface, being the habilitation of
the Lamarckian theory of organic evolution as the
rival of Darwinism. First unfolded in 1800, and
finally expounded in 1809, Lamarck’s theory dropped
into abeyance for half a century, and then for well-
nigh another half-century was obscured by Charles
Darwin’s lucid and simple theory. Dr. Packard
has treated his labours as for the love of them, the
result being an admirable book born of his enthu-
siasm. It is nicely illustrated with portraits of
the author’s hero and his associations, forming
altogether an acquisition to any scientific library.

Inseet Life. By J.-H. FABRE, D.Sc. xii+316 pp.,
7Lin.x5in., with 16 plates. (London and New
York: Macmillan & Co., 1901.) 6s.

Anyone who knows the science literature of
familiar with Fabre’s ‘“ Souvenirs
Entomologiques.” Though popular and brilliantly
written, it has a merit, often so apparently absent
in some other writers, the value of accuracy. One
of the most painstaking of living naturalists,
independent in thought, self-reliant, and no copier
of the work of others, what wonder Docteur
J.-H. Fabre has forced his way to a front position,
and commands attention. The title-page of the
volume before us is interesting and worthy of being
given in full. It runs: ‘Insect Life, Souvenirs

SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

of a Naturalist, J.-H. Fabre, ‘that inimitable
observer.’ Charles Darwin. ‘Translated from the
French by the Author of ‘ Mademoiselle Mori,’
with a preface by David Sharp, M.A., F.R.S.,
and edited by F. Merrifield, with illustrations by
M. Prendergast Parker.” With all this talent to
introduce Fabre to English readers, much may be
expected, and happily the charm remains of the
brightly told story of the original author. It is
simply delightful to read the lines of rippling
words that entice us to continue, though fatigue
beckons us to rest, when most good folk around
are a-bed. ‘This work is nota lofty treatise, with
the millstone of classification hanging thereto, but
a story, and one well told, of the habits and
history of beings quite as intelligent as some that

3183}

play into one another’s hands have been written ;
but in these two we find such a correlation. Dr.
Coulter is to be heartily congratulated on the fact
that he has succeeded in putting plant life before
us in a manner which is easily understood. No
doubt they will give a stimulus to those readers
who either as yet are mere sceptics, or who have
become so entangled in their own network of
specialism as to give but little thought to grand
underlying principles. ‘ Plant Relations,” we
take it, should be read first, for in it we find stated
the relations which the plant holds with the
external physical forces, and the general physio-
logy of the organism considered asa whole. The
volume deals with plant life upon general broad
principles, recognised equally in the animal and

CERCERIS TUBERCULATA DRAGGING WEEVIL TO rts BURROW.

(From Fabres “Insect Life.”)

are human. Yet they are called by their proper
names, and not by cumbersome localisms that
mean nothing to readers in other languages. We
show, by permission of the publishers, one of the
illustrations, and our best wish for this book is
that it may become as popular among English
readers as it is in France.

Plant Relations and Plant Structures. By
JOHN M. CouLTER, A.M., Ph.D. xxii + 614 pp.,
8 in. x 5% in., with 503 illustrations. (London:
Hirschfield Brothers. 1902.) 2 vols. 6s. net
respectively.

These are two of the “Twentieth Century Text-
books,” and are written by the head of the Depart-
ment of Botany in the University of Chicago. It
is some time now since any works on botany which

vegetable kingdoms, and is.certain to be of interest
to those who desire to gain insight into the work-
ing principles of any organism. “ Plant Structures”
is written in the same lucid style; it is, of course,
of a somewhat elementary nature, but this will not
prevent its being read and appreciated by the
more advanced students of botany. An important
point laid stress upon throughout the whole work
is the comparative morphology of the various
eroups—i.e. in the comparison with one another of
the several reproductive processes, and of the
organs and tissues which are the seat of these.
The two books form together an excellent summary
of the structures and life processes that are to be
met with in the vegetable kingdom. The illustra-
tions are well reproduced, many of them being
taken from standard botanical works.—//. A. H.

(eae

fa

CONTRIBUTED BY THE REY. J. M. COBBETT,
3.A. OXON.

AN interesting event in the world of science last
month was the formal admittance of the Prince of
Wales to the Fellowship of the Royal Society.

THE lecture on this occasion was given by Sir
William Crookes on the “ Constitution of Matter.”
His discovery of the radiometer was the first
success in his efforts in this direction. He made
manifest to his audience the existence of some-
thing, potent indeed, but almost inconceivably
minute, compared with which the molecule and
even the atom is large, ‘those little indivisible
particles which are supposed to constitute the
physical basis of the universe.” They are namecl
electrons, but are identical with what the lec-
turer formerly called “radiant matter,’ with the
“satellites” of Lord Kelvin and the “ particles ”
of Prof. J. J. Thomson. They do not behave as
gases, but are more like a fog or mist, carried
about by a current of air, to which they give
temporary conducting power. They can, however,
pass through solid matter such as a metal, can
turn vanes like a wind, and cause many substances
to glow with an intense light.

THE Prince of Wales has presented to the
Zoological Society a pair of vulpine phalangers
(Trichosurus vulpecula), of which the female is
remarkable as being a perfect albino. Another
notable addition consists of a litter of three Red
River hogs (Potamochaeras penicillatus) born in the
Society’s Gardens.

THERE was a very large assemblage on Feb. 7th
in the theatre of the Royal Institution, Albemarle
Street, W., to hear Professor Ray Lankester’s
lecture on the okapi, the hornless giraffe of the
Semliki Forest. Lantern slides of the animal,
from the specimen mounted in the Mammalian
Gallery of the Natural History Museum, were
shown, and the strange coloration, uniform on the
body, with striped ‘legs, described. This, the
lecturer held, was protective. In the same way
the anatomical characters of the skull were dealt
with. The ruminant dentition was explained.
Special reference was made to the resemblance of
the canine teeth of the okapi to those of the
giraffe in being bifoliate, a character, so far as is
known, found in no other family. Illustrations of
the five-horned giraffe from Mount Elgon, the rhino-
ceros, antelopes, deer, and oxen, with restorations
of extinct horned animals, were shown on the
screen, and the nature of the horns explained.
Those of rhinoceroses were agglutinated hairs ;
oxen, sheep. and antelopes carried horny sheaths
or solid bone-cores; the antlers of deer were bony
growths; and the horns of the giraffe were bony
cores covered with skin. The lecturer remarked
that it was doubtful whether the okapi had lost its
horns ox was on the way to acquire them.

. so in form.

SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

Dr. F. W. Pavy, F.R.S., has been elected
President of the National Committee for Great-
Britain and Ireland of the International Congress.
of Medicine, in place of the late Sir W. MacCormac,
Bart.

DR. ARTHUR Evans, of the Ashmolean Museum,
gavea lecture on February 4th at the English School
at Athens on his important discoveries at Cnossus in
Crete and inthe palaceof King Minos. Dr. Evans
has returned to Crete in order to resume his re-
searches.

THE PHILOSOPHICAL FACULTY of the University
of Konigsberg has conferred the honorary degree
of Doctor on Mr. B. P. Grenfell and Mr. A. S. Hunt,
both Fellows of Queen’s College, Oxford, for the
great services rendered by them in the field of
Egyptian archaeological research.

SEVERAL large collections of butterflies and
moths were disposed of last month by Mr. Stevens.
Among them were four specimens of the ‘“ great:
copper” butterfly (Polyommatus dispar). ‘There
was also a collection of North American insects
formed by Captain Geddes, of Toronto. There
were a number of “lots” of the bird-winged
butterflies of the genus Onxithoptera, many of
which are remarkable for their str ongly contrasted
coloration.

Dr. SYMES THOMPSON, Gresham Professor of
Medicine, recently delivered the first of a series of
lectures on immunity from disease. He said that.
by preserving a high level of health, people could
do a great deal in avoiding disease. On the other
hand, various fevers and small-pox were by no
means limited to unhealthy people. The lecturer
went on to advocate revaccination. Though one
was fortunately able to be beforehand with the
smal!-pox bacillus, in diphtheria it was at present
necessary to wait till the disease was well advanced
before antitoxin could be used.

THE Russian scientific expedition to Tibet under
Lieutenant Kotzloff, which recently returned to
Moscow, spent two and a half years altogether in
Central Asia, covering during this period a distance
of over 8,000 miles. Astronomical observations
were made at forty different points. A meteoro-
logical station was established in Tsaidam, and
records obtained for thirteen successive months.
The zoological, botanic, and geological collections
are extremely interesting, and were brought on the
backs of fifty camels to the frontier station of
Urga. From the central region of the Great Gobi
Desert a thousand geological specimens have been
collected.

AtT a meeting of the Geological Society on
Wednesday, February 5th, at Burlington House,
Professor IT. G. Bonney, F.R.S., read a paper on
the relation of certain breccias to the physical
geography of their age. The lecturer described
the principal beds in Britain, Ireland, and on the
Continent, and said that the fragments of which
the breccias were made up were angular or nearly
They were sometimes stratified, and
sometimes occurred between beds of finer material.
They fringed old land masses, from which they
were in all probability derived, and from which
they extended outside for a few miles. These
brecciated masses were products of bare rocky |
hill- ete disintegrated by frost, falling in a talus:
at the foot, and after being consolidated carried
on by torrential rains or snow.

SCHEME GOSSIP. Vv

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NV. B.—See Notes on our Instruments in the New Edition of
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SECOND-HAND
MICROSCOPES.

Leitz Stand 1a, with Abbé condenser and Iris dia-

phragm in case .. £8 10s.
Watson Circuit-stage Van istennale 6 in case .. £16 16s.
Powell & Lealand, No. 1 Stand with BE . £70 Os.
A eal ONO: 3 . of .. £85 Os.
As 50 No. 50 .. £17 Os.
Ross-Zentmeyer MindoanEE with Appaatas . £40 Os.

A large number of second-hand objectives of various powers by
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Catalogues of New EP “Second: hand Instruments Bost free to
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The Student’s Series of Mieroseopical Studies
in Elementary and Advaneed Botany,
comprising 48 Preparations.

41 Is. net.

Book of Diagrams Is. extra.

The Type Preparations in this Series can only be
supplied at the prices indicated.

48 Bcomacarianel to illustrate the Histology of
the Rabbit, 41 Is. net.

The Type Slides at the prices indicated.

16 Brevanauone to illustrate the Histology of the
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NATURALISTS and MANUFACTURERS OF CABINETS and APPARATUS for
ENTOMOLOGY, BIRDS’ EGGS and SKINS, and all branches of Natural History.

N.B.—For Excellence and Superiority of Cabinets and Apparatus, references are permitted to distinguished
fatrons, Museums, Colleges, &c.

(<i Our Catalogue (96 pages) may be had post free on application.

Plain Ring Nets, Wire or Cane, including stick, 1s. 3d., 2s., 2s. 6d.
Folding Nets, 3s. 6d. and 4s.
Umbrella Nets (self-acting), 7s.
Pocket Boxes, 6d. ; corked both sides, od., 1s. and 1s. 6d.
Zinc Relaxing Boxes, gd., 1s., 1s. 6d. and 2s.
Nested Chip Boxes, 4 dozen, 7d., 1s. 6d. gross.
Entomological Pins, mixed, 1s., 1s. 6d. per oz.
Sugaring Lanterns, 2s. 6d. to 8s.
Sugaring Tins, with brush, 1s. 6d., 2s. :
Sugaring Mixture, ready for use, ts. gd. per tin,
Mite Destroyer (not dangerous to use), 1s. 6d. per lb.
Store Boxes, with Camphor Cells, 2s. 6d., 4s., 5s. and 6s.
Ditto, Book Pattern, 8s. 6d., 9s. 6d. and tos. 6d. ;
Setting Boards, flat or oval, 1in., 6d. ; 14in., 8d. 5 rZin., od. ; 2in.,

TON eaHiIsy Ls GeO, STS -p2C poe ley wTS. A Ci eA iss, 1S, 1005) |

4% in., 1s. 8d.; 5 in., 1s. rod. Complete set of 14 boards, ros. 6d.
Setting Houses, gs. 6d. and 11s. 6d. ; corked back, r4s.
Zinc Larva Boxes, 9d., 1s. Brass Chloroform Bottle, 2s. 6d.
Breeding Cages, 2s. 6d., 4s., 5s. and 7s. 6d.

Taxidermist’s Companion, z.e. a pocket leather case containing
- most useful instruments for skinning, ros. 6d.
Scalpels, 1s. 3d. ; Label Lists of Birds’ Eggs, ad., 3d., 6d.
Scissors, per pair, 2s. Setting Needles, 3d. and 6d. per box.
Coleopterist’s Collecting Bottle, with tube, 1s. 6d., rs. 8d.
Botanical Cases, japanned double tin, 1s. 6d., 2s. 9d., 3s. 6d., 4s. 6d.
Botanical Paper, rs. 1d., 1s. 4d., 1s. 9d., & 2s. 2d. per quire. [7s. 6d.
Insect Cases, imitation mahogany, 2s. 6d. to 11s.
Cement for replacing antenne, 4d. per bottle.
Forceps for removing insects, 1s. 6d., 2s., 28. 6d. per pair.
Cabinet Cork, 7 by 34, best quality, rs. 4d. per dozen sheets.
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Glass Topped and Glass Bottomed Boxes, from 1s. per dozen.
Label Lists of British Butterflies, 2d.
Ditto Land and Fresh-Water Shells, 2d.
Egg Drills, 2d., 3d., 9d. ; Metal Blow Pipe, 4d. and 6d.
Our new Label List of British Macro-Lepidoptera, with Latin and
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ptera, every species numbered, ts. ; or on one side for Labels, 2s.

All articles enumerated are kept in stock, and can be sent immediately on receipt of order.
The ‘“ DIXON” LAMP NET (invaluable for taking Moths off Street Lamps without climbing the lamp-posts),
recently much improved, 8s. 6d.

CABINETS.

Special Show Room.

The following are the prices of a few of the smaller sizes ; for measurements and larger sizes see catalogue.

Minerals and Dried

Insect. Eggs. Plants, Fossils, &c.
AMTAWELS! Cele i clots 138. 6d. 12s. od. tos, 6d.
6 Drawers ...... 17s. 6d. 16s. 6d. 15s. od.

A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS, BIRDS’

Minerals and Dried

Insect. Eggs. Plants, Fossils, &c.
8 Drawers ........ eeGhe Saonabin 3OSaeeroseiters 25S.
1o Drawers ........ 7s gaeuodnt Heche oocns6o 455.

EGGS AND SKINS.

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jae AJl Books and Publications on Natural History supplied.

386 STRAND, W.C.

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BRITISH SPIDERS.

I shall be pleased to help anyone working up local lists
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for return of collections should be enclosed.

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HEYNE BROS. ci teipsicy,

Naturalists & Entomological Dealers & Booksellers,

Have just established themselves at

110 STRAND, LONDON, W.C.
Fine Stock of European and Foreign Butterflies, Moths,
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ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINETS, BOOKS, APPARATUS,
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The Irish Naturalist.

A Monthly Journal of General Lrish Natural History.

BOTANY. ZOOLOGY. GEOLOGY.

Edited by Gro. H. Carpenter, B.Sc., and
R. Lirovp PRAEGER, B.A.

This Magazine should be in the hands of all Naturalists interested
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Dustin: EASON & SON, 4o, Lower Sackville Street, to which
address subscriptions should be sent.
London: Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co.

SETTING INSECTS.

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THE NATURALIST:

(Originally founded 1833.)

A Monthly Journal of Natural History for the Northern Counties
of England, viz. :—Northumberland, Durham, Yorkshire, Lincoln-
shire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, West-
moreland, Cumberland, and the Isle of Man.

Conducted by—W. Denison Roebuck, F.L.S., with the assistance
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F.L.S.; George T. Porritt, F.L.S., F.E.S.; and W. Barwell
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and Geology, City of London College.

NATURE NOTSS is intended to be a record of progress
—progress in the love of Nature, in the knowledge of natural
objects, and in the war to be waged in defence of the beauties of
Nature against their more or less avowed exterminators. The
object of the Selborne Society is to unite lovers of Nature for
common study, and the defence of Natural Objects (Birds,
Plants, beautiful Landscapes, &c.) against the destruction by
which they are so constantly menaced. The wecnzuae Annual
Subscription (which entitles subscribers toa Monthly copy of the
Society's Magazine) is 5s. All particulars as to Membership may
be obtained from the SECRETARY OF THE SELBORNE SOCIETY,
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SCIENCE-GOSSIF. 305

THE annual general meeting of the Physical
Society was held on February 14th, the Vice-
President, Dr. Blakesley, being in the chair.
Professor Silvanus P. Thompson was re-elected
President for the coming year. The annual ad-
dress, owing to the indisposition of the President,
was read by Mr. W. Watson.

WE hear with great regret of the death of Major
A. Ficklin, late of Kingston-upon-Thames, after a
short illness, on February 4th. Mr. Ficklin was an
ardent entomologist, an enthusiastic fly-fisher, and
a clever artist. He was one of the oldest Volunteer
officers, and long connected with the Inland
Revenue Department at Somerset House.

WE learn, in connection with the recent ex:
plorations at Stonehenge, that Mr. C. H. Read,
the head of the Mediaeval Department of the
British Museum, made an exploration last year
at Winklebury Camp, near Basingstoke, and con-
sidered that what was discovered pointed, as at
Stonehenge, to the later centuries of the Neolithic
period.

THE expedition, under Dr. Hertz, sent out by
the St. Petersburg Academy of Science for the
investigation of the mammoth discovered in the
district of Kolymsk has reached Sredne Kolymsk,
bringing with it the mammoth. It was found, on
examination, that the animal was a middle-aged
male. Its skeleton and skin, with few exceptions,
were complete. The tail was short, and covered
with long hair. In the stomach, between the
teeth, and on the tongue the remains of undigested
food were observed.

A NEW departure is about to be made by the
London County Council in connection with the
Horniman Museum at Forest Hill. This museum,
which contains a fine collection of anthropological,
art, and natural history objects, was presented by
its founder, Mr. F. J. Horniman, M.P., to the Council
last year. With a view to making the museum of
value as an educational institution, the Council
has secured the services of Dr. A. C. Haddon,
H.R.S., of Cambridge, as advisory curator. As
University Lecturer in Ethnology at Cambridge,
and past Professor of Zoology at the Royal College
of Science, Dublin, Dr. Haddon is eminently
qualified for the task of reorganising the museum.

On February 12th several gentlemen interested
in liquid fuel paid a visit to the steamship ‘‘ Murex,”
which has just completed the longest voyage
on record with petroleum. Taking the journey
throughout, there was a _ total consumption
for all purposes of from 17 to 182 tons per
day. If coal had been burnt, the correspond-
ing consumption of “Welsh” would have been
from 24 to 25 tons; with “Japanese” or other
varieties, from 30 to 32 tons per day. Therefore,
making allowances for difference in price, it is
claimed that, in the first place, there is an actual
saving as regards cost of fuel. Still more signifi-
cant, it would appear, are the economies effected
in relation to available cargo-carrying capacity
and to labour. The crude petroleum burned in the
furnaces is stored in the forepeak, in the double-
bottom of the steamer, and in other spaces which
in a ship consuming coal are rarely, if ever,
utilised. Thus, the whole of the: central cubical
area, enclosed fore and aft by protecting copper
dams, is made available for oil in bulk or for
mixed cargo.

A RUMOUR has reached us of the discovery of a
white, or nearly white, lion in North Africa. It has
long been known that the colour of a lion varies
from a deep chestnut to a silvery grey. Indeed,
the belief was for some time held that a race of
white lions existed in South Africa.

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM AT WASHINGTON,
U.S$.A., has acquired from Borneo two specimens of
the flying lizard. It is an ordinary reptile in size
and shape, with the exception that it possesses
wings. These are bat-like in formation, and,
having no proper muscles of their own, are sup-
ported on the ribs of the animal.

THE ‘“‘American Naturalist” contains an in-
teresting account of the kangaroo rat. This new
American rodent has pouches in its cheeks which
it can turn inside out to clean. It burrows very
quickly, getting out of sight in less than a minute.
The strong, kangaroo-like hind legs throw out the
soil that its fore paws dislodge.

ARRANGEMENTS are being made to acquire the
ancient remains at Stonehenge as a national
monument. ‘The County Council of Wiltshire has
been asked to take charge of this, one of the most
perfect of remaining temples dedicated to sun-
worship. We imagine, however, that it would be
better in the hands of a more generally representa-
tive body, and one less subject to the influences of
change of membership.

THE work of preparing Bushey House for the
National Physical Laboratory is now approaching
completion, and at the request of the President
and Council of the Royal Society the Prince of
Wales has fixed March 19th for the opening cere-
mony. The object of the laboratory is to en-
courage the applications of physical science to
manufactures and commercial industries. This it
will do by undertaking researches into questions
of importance to either, and by testing apparatus
and materials used in trade.

On February 13th Dr. C. F. Harford Battersby,
‘Principal of Livingstone College, delivered a lec-
ture at the Imperial Institute on “The Native
Races of Nigeria.” The lecturer described the
more important of the tribes inhabiting this region
in South Nigeria. The people were generally
pagan, their customs and superstitions being bar-
barous, and they were without any central govern-
ment. In the north the tribes, notably the Hausas,
had powerful rulers controlling large territories, a
fair measure of civilisation, and were in the main
Mohammedans. Of the southern peoples the Ibos
were the most important and characteristic, and,
like many other neighbouring tribes, had a very
elaborate system of fetish or ju-ju worship. The
people of the kingdom of Jupe represented in their
general character the Mohammedan races of the
Central Soudan. The people of Bida, the capital
of the district, and the central slave-market, were
very intelligent, and many of them could xead
and write. The most important races of West
Africa were the Hausas and Yorubas. The latter
had benefited more than any other West African
race from their contact with Europeans, but in the
lecturer’s opinion the Hausas were distinctly the
superior race. They had a remarkable civilisation
of their own, a well-formed language with a con-
siderable amount of literature, a good system of
education, great powers as travellers, and made
excellent soldiers.

306

Messrs. SANDHURST & CROWHURST are issuing
a series of lantern slides of birds and animals,
taken while living. Nests, eggs, and young of the
former have been taken by Mr. Oliver G. Pike.
They are most suitable for illustrating papers or
remarks at the meetings of natural history societies
or elsewhere.

THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE in Queens-
land has resolved to offer the substantial reward
of £5,000 for the discovery of a means of eradi-
cating the prickly pear pest. A proviso will be
made that the cost must not exceed a certain sum
per acre, and the Department will have to be
satisfied that the means adopted are efficacious.

THE eighteenth anniversary meeting of the
Royal Scottish Geographical Society was held on
January 23rd in the Synod Hall, Edinburgh, when
Sir Harry Johnston delivered an address on the
British Protectorates in Africa, from the geo-
graphical, political, and commercial points of view,
The Society, prior to this, had presented him with
the Livingstone Gold Medal, founded by Mrs.
Livingstone Macleod in commemoration of her
illustrious brother.

Dr. T. J. Mays has introduced anew treatment for
tuberculosis at the Rush Hospital for Consumption
in Philadelphia. Instead of a lymph or serum, a
solution of silver isthe agent employed. Dr. Mays,
who has been conducting his investigation for the
past three years, does not contend that it is a cure

for tuberculosis in its last stages, but is convinced '

of the importance of his discovery. That the treat-
ment prolongs the life of a patient when the
disease is advanced has been established.

ON Friday, February 14th, at the annual general
meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society, the
gold medal of the Society was presented to Pro-
fessor J. C. Kapteyn, of the University of Groningen,
Holland, as a recognition, in some part, of an
arduous piece of work done by him voluntarily to
help British science. Dr. Kapteyn in 1882 under-
took the important and difficult work of measuring
the photographic plates taken at the Cape Observa-
tory by Sir David Gill, and tabulating the stars.
The award was also connected with his researches
on stellar distribution and parallax. The Jackson-
Gwilt (bronze) medal and gift was presented to
Dr. T. D. Anderson for his discoveries of Nova
Aurigae and Nova Persei.

EXAMPLES of the ‘‘ bow-fin” or American mud-
fish (Amia calva) are exhibited now for the first
time in the Zoological Society’s Gardens. These
fish belong to a family which has no other living
representative, and are now confined to North
America, though their remains have been met with
in France, Germany, and the Hampshire Basin.
Their method of respiration in some respects
resembles that of the higher vertebrates. The air-
bladder communicates with the throat, and they
come to the surface to breathe, when carbon
dioxide is given off and oxygen taken into the
system, as in the lungs of air-breathing animals.
They are also nest-builders, but as the conditions
necessary for public exhibition render the intro-
duction of much aquatic vegetation inadvisible,
this habit will scarcely be shown in the tanks at the
fish house. In another tank in the same house are
a number of the small species (Lepornis auritiis)
which are allied to the perch.

SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

Messrs. NICHOLSON, C. C. HuRST, and W.
BATESON, F.R.S., have been appointed to represent
the Royal Horticultural Society at the second
Conference on Hybridisation to be held this
autumn in New York. It will be remembered
that it was inaugurated at the Chiswick Gardens
of the Royal Horticultural Society, and extended
over two days.

On January 28th, at a meeting of the Royal
Geographical Society, Mr. J. 8. Gardiner gave an
account of his expedition in 1899 and 1900 to the
Maldwes to investigate the interdependence of
physical and biological factors in the formation of
atolls. He compared the charts made by Moresby
in 1836 with his own results, and claimed that the
comparison yielded absolute examples and proofs
of one method of the formation of atolls from
small surface reefs; that is, by the outward growth
of such reefs and the breaking-down of the central
part, enlarging the lagoon.

‘THE NINETEENTH CENTURY AND AFTER” con-
tains a paper by the Hon. Rolo Russell on “The
Reduction of Town Fogs.” He classifies them as
being of four kinds. (1) Damp fog or mist from
the ground, up to about 1,000 feet, with dust
particles, not numerous. (2) Damp fog or mist,
dense in the country, but possibly slight in’
London; tends to dissolve in the country during
day, and to thicken in town. (3) Dense dry fog,
with low temperature, following a very cold night ;
such fogs are most frequent in London. (4) Occa-
sional fogs after severe frost; this is the densest
kind of fog, but the least dangerous to health.

THE new report on the London Water Supply, by
Sir W. Crookes and Professor Dewar, contains a
summary of their observations during the last five
years on bacteria present in the water before and
after filtration. The amount varies, especially in
the former case, in the several months and in
different rivers. Unfiltered Thames water is richest
in bacteria, and they are most abundant in February
and July; the months next to these are January
and December. In May, September, and October
its waters are most sterile, for then they contain
only one for about six in the first two months.
The Lea and New River contain a much smaller
number per cubic centimetre, both agreeing nearly
with the Thames in their maxima and minima,
excepting the percentage in the former is less
marked in July.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE has
been singularly successful in attaining the objects
for which it was formed. With one exception each
of these has been achieved during a comparatively
short existence. What is still wanting is the
placing of the educational work of the Board of
Agriculture in the hands of the Board of Education.
Still, the members of the Agricultural Education
Committee need not complain, for their pro-
gress has been great. It was announced at a
late meeting that twenty-seven County Councils
have undertaken the training of elementary school
teachers with a view to carrying out Nature study
in schools. This system was recommended by the
Board of Education as a result of the Committee’s
investigation and advice. It is an important stride
in the course of education in rural schools, in view
of interesting the children by practising observa-’
tion of their surroundings, and so tending to stop
them from centralising in the towns.

SCIENCE-GOSS/P.

IN HArMoNy.—It
may be interesting to note that for a period of
over twelve months I had two—one of each, of
these fish living in perfect harmony together in a
glass globe containing only about four gallons of

PIkE AND PERCH LIVING

water. ‘hey both, however, unfortunately died
during the hot weather of last summer.
master fish, to my surprise, was the perch, although
it was smaller than its companion. It is possible
some fellow-naturalist may have had a similar
experience, and would state the circumstances, as
many naturalists have written doubting it being
possible to keep other species of fish for any length
of time with a pike.—C. M. Hall, 33 Goring Road,
Bowes Park, London, N.

TADPOLE or NEW?.-On December 1st, 1900, I
caught a newt tadpole in a pond, in which both
the common newt and the palmated newt are to
be found. The tadpole was about an inch long,
dark grey in colour, with rosy tint on part of the
abdomen. ‘The legs were well developed, there
were good-sized external gills, and the tail was
large in proportion to the rest of the body. Ikept
it in a jar of water containing some decaying grass
and swarming with Paramvecia and Vorticellae,
where it lived for about five months without erow-
ing much bigger or any further developing, I
never saw it eating the scraps of meat which were
occasionally thrown into its jar. On two separate
occasions I found it floating on the surface of the
water, back downwards, with its abdomen much
inflated with air. It remained in this condition
for several days.—Kdward S. Russell, 3 Octavia
Street, Port Glasgow, N.B.

RARE DiprerA.—Whilst collecting at Plymouth
last summer I had the good luck to take four
specimens of arare Muscid, Jdia lunata F. (fasciata
Mg.), a species bearing a general resemblance at
first sight to the common Musea corvina F. Three
were males, taken on August 20th and Septem-
ber lith at Oreston, on ragwort, and on Septem-
ber 30th at Plymstock, where J also took a 9; the
latter on elder. This is the first time I have ever
met with the species, which appears also to be rare
on the Continent. Another welcome addition to
my captures was Chrysonotus bipunetatus Scop.,
a rather rare, and certainly our most beautiful
Stratiomyid. Four males were taken from Septem-
ber 2nd to September 11th, and one ? on Septem-
ber 8th, all on willow at Plymstock except one (a ¢),
on ragwort, at Oreston. I have also received a 9
(undated), taken® at Azuga, in the Valachian
Carpathians, in which the basal yellow of the
abdomen is almost absent. The districts of Plym-
stock and Oreston are the nearest country places
to Plymouth, and immediately adjoin the town.
During my stay there, from August Ist to the end
- of November, I found Empidze, Dolichopidae, and
the Acalypterata strikingly absent. Syrphidae,
Tachinidae, true Muscinae, and Anthomyidae were
the best represented groups, especially the sub-

The-

307;

family Muscinae, of which I took no less that 20
species out of the total of 34 recorded as certainly
British in the new edition of Mr. Kerrall’s
admirable list. In all I took just over 200 species
of Diptera. Amongst other orders I found Hy-
menoptera rather plentiful, especially Bombi.
Coleoptera less so, but perhaps this was due to my
doing no ground-searching work. I might add
that during the whole period the weather was,
generally speaking, unfavourable.—H. Brunetti,
Brixton, January 1902.

A NarurRauist’s LAmp.—We have had_ sub-
mitted to us by the British Mutoscope and
3lograph Company, Limited, a small electrical
lamp which would admirably suit the require-
ments of entomologists or other naturalists for
night work. The size is 4 in. x 4% in. x 43 in.
It gives, we understand, a powerful light for about

A NATURALIST’S ELECTRIC LAMP.

twelve hours, if consecutively burning, with one
charge. The case is neatly fitted in walnut, and
in best quality costs one guinea. The lamp may
also be used for a bicycle or carriage. The same
Company have various other types that are much
less expensive. The arm will supply a copy of
their illustrated catalogue on application to
18 and 19 Great Windmill Street, London, W. We
‘give a drawing illustrating the lamp.

LuNAR RAINBOoW.—On the evening of Feb-
ruary 22nd my brother called our attention at
about 8.55 o'clock to a brilliant lunar rainbow,
which, when first seen by him a few minutes
earler, showed bright prismatic colours. Although
only a short interval elapsed in calling us, much
of its beauty had faded, but enough remained to
show the prismatic tints. Soon afterwards the
moon was obscured by.clouds, and it disappeared.
From our house the phenomenon was to the north-
west over the sea. This is our first observation
of a rainbow of this type, and consequently gave
us much pleasure.—C. A. Briggs, Rock House,
Lynmouth, North Devon.

PHENOLOGY.—Mr. E. Mawley, F.R.H.S., recently
submitted his annual report on the Phenological
Observations for the year 1901 to the Royal
Meteorological Society. He showed that as affect-
ing vegetation the weather was chiefly remarkable
for the scanty rainfall during the growing period
of the year. The deficiency was not confined to
any part of the British Isles, but was more keenly
felt in the English counties than in either Scotland
or Ireland. Wild plants came into flower very
late, but not quite so much so as in the previous
phenological year, which was an exceptionally
backward one.

CONDUCTED BY F. SHILLINGTON SCALES, F.R.M.S.

RoyaL MIcRoscopicaL Soctety, January 15th,
Wm. Carruthers, Esq., F.R.S., President, in the
chair.—This being the annual meeting of the
Society, the election of ofticers and council for
the ensuing year was made. Dr. Hebb read the
report of the council for the year 1901, and Mr.
Vezey, the treasurer, read the annual statement of
account and balance-sheet. The President then
gave as his annual address an interesting résumé
of the scientific work of Nehemiah Grew from
1641-1712, whom he ably defended from the
charges of plagiarism which had been brought
against him in respect to his discoveries as to
plant structure. Mr. E. A. Parsons gave a very
interesting exhibition of malaria parasites under a
number of microscopes lent for the occasion by
Messrs. Charles Baker. Messrs. Ross exhibited
their new form of Standard microscope, designed
specially for the use of medical students, fitted
with a new form of fine adjustment. Messrs. Ross
also exhibited a new simple lens for dark-ground
illumination. It consists of a meniscus lens, bored
through its centre to receive a spot, made of
vulcanite and provided with a stem to drop into
the hole in the centre of the lens.

QUEKETT MICROSCOPICAL CLUB, January 17th,
at 20 Hanover Square, W., Mr. J. G. Waller, F.S.A.,
vice-president, in the chair.—A list of the Com-
mittee’s nominations for president, officers, and an
auditor was read by the secretary. The members
nominated for the vacancies on the Committee and
an auditor on their behalf. Mr. W. Wesché read
a paper on ‘Modifications of the Legs in some
Dipterous Flies.” The modifications described
consisted of variously shaped and grouped hairs
whose uses were known and understood in many
cases, but could only be guessed at or were quite
unknown in others. In many instances these
curious structures were seen to be secondary sexual
characteristics, and were used in mating, etc. ; but
numbers of them were common to both sexes, and
were employed as brushes and combs in that im-

portant department of a fly’s activity, viz. the.

toilet ; while they very frequently existed as knives,
skewers, and such like. The author showed many
of these structures both in the whole insect and
when mounted and placed under microscopes,
several of which were lent for the purpose by
Messrs. Baker, of Holborn. The objects were also
described by means of prepared and’ blackboard
drawings. In concluding his paper the author
appealed to entomologists to study the structures
and life-histories of insects rather than devote
their time to the vanity of mere collecting. Mr.
Scourfield, in the absence of the author, Mr. C. D.
Soar, read a paper on “ Hrpolus papillosus” nov. sp.,
describing an unrecorded species of Hydrachnid
found in Britain. ‘The only other species of the
genus was obtained in Madagascar. Mr. Soar

SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

namcd this water-mite from the curious papilli
found on the back. Drawings and a specimen
under the microscope were shown by Mr. Taverner.

THE MANCHESTER MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY.—
January 9th, at the Grand Hotel, Manchester, Mr.
Jonathan Barnes, F.G.S., read a paper on ‘“ The
Microscopic Structure of Mountain Limestone,”
illustrated by means of the lantern. After men-
tioning the extentand thickness of the carboniferous
limestone rocks Mr. Barnes gave an interesting
account of the stalactites found in the caverns of
that geological formation, with special reference
to certain curious shapes assumed, which, from
experiments he had made, he was led to believe
had been caused by the air currents inside the
caverns. A microscopic section of limestone
showed that it was almost entirely composed of
those minute remains of animal life known as
Foraminifera. Another section from a locality in
the vicinity of an igneous rock proved that the
intrusive mass had entirely altered its nature, the
signs of life having disappeared, leaving a mass of
crowded and irregular particles of calcite. The
Foraminifera as they occur in the Derbyshire
limestone do not appear to have mixed together in
one common society, but to have lived in colonies.
In one spot may be found, for example, Hndothyra, -
Tertularia, and Nodosaria, three of the most
common genera, alltogether; while at a short dis-
tance Trochaminia has apparently existed alone, to
the exclusion of those previously mentioned. In
another locality the only form may be Valvrulina.
In Northumberland the limestone is almost entirely
composed of Saccammina carteri. Other micro-
scopic forms have existed, viz. radiolariaand polyzoa.
The meeting on February 6th was chiefly devoted
to the exhibition of microscopical slides illus-
trating Mr. Barnes’s paper of the previous meeting.
The exhibits included limestone sections showing
foraminifera, etc.; sections of igneous rocks, Carbon-
iferous limestone age; micro-quartz crystals from
Carboniferous limestone; intrusive igneous rock
and its action upon Carboniferous limestone, show-
ing metamorphism ; limestone pebbles from Glacial
clay ; various sections of limestone from the Isle
of Man, North Wales, Derbyshire, etc., etc.; and
hand specimens of the above rocks. Messrs. Thos.
Armstrong & Brother exhibited their new petro-
logical microscope. Mr. J. P. Shenton, F.C.8.,
alluding to the remarks made by the chairman of
the Manchester Water Works Committee when de-
scribing the removal of some 700 tons of a growth
3 in. thick in one of the Corporation’s 40-inch water
mains, said that the so-called ‘“‘pipe moss” was
generally composed very largely of such animal
forms as Plumatella, F'redericella, and Paludicella,
which zoologists, recognising the resemblance in
their appearance to the Bryophyta or moss plants,
had called the Bryozoa or moss-like animals.
Associated with the Bryozoa in these pipe growths
were, amongst many other forms, Cordylephora,
sponges, and fungoid growths, amongst which

‘renothrix was almost invariably conspicuous. Of
course much suspended mineral matter became
entangled in these growths. With reference to
Paludicella itself, in 1897 the water in the Mount
Pleasant reservoir of the Brooklyn Water Depart-
ment, U.S.A., become so charged with the diatom
Asterionella that the peculiar fishy odour and taste
of that organism made itself unpleasantly apparent
in the water. ‘The reservoir was therefore discon-
nected,and the water pumped directly into the mains.

SCIENCE-GOSST/P.

Immediately large quantities of a brown fibrous
matter appeared in the water, and the pipes and
taps became choked with it. The brown matter
proved to be Paludicella, detached from the inside
of the water-mains by the pulsation of the pumps.
Mr. Shenton further remarked that the chairman
of the Waterworks Committee considered that the
removal of the deposit from the pipes had
improved the quality of the water; but he was not
sure that this assumption was, from a biological
standpoint, a correct one. Certainly a hindrance
to the flow of the water had been taken away, but
it was well known that the floating and free-
swimming forms of life found in potable water-
supplies were reduced in numbers by passage
through the mains. In the Biston water-supply
during 1892 and 1893 observations showed that
the reduction in the mains amounted to about
60 per cent. No doubt sedimentation and death,
especially of vegetable organisms dependent upon
light for existence, accounted for part of this
reduction ; but it must be very largely due to the
consumption of such organisms as food by the
animal forms of these pipe deposits, so that the
removal of ‘pipe moss” does not necessarily
imply a decrease in the total of living organisms
present in the water as delivered to the consumer,
and it may mean the reverse. Effectual filtration
of the water-supply before entering the mains
would, by the removal of floating and free-
swimming forms of life, render the existence of
the organisms forming ‘ pipe moss” impossible,
and keep the mains cleaner than any amount of
scraping can do. ‘The organisms alluded to
are not pathogenic, or in themselves the cause of
disease, nor is their presence to be taken as
indicative of pollution; but, while they do not
render a potable water unsafe, they may render it
unpalatable.

MOUNTING IN GLYCERINE JELLY.—I venture to
send you the following note on this subject, in the
hope that others of your readers who have had
experience in the same direction may be induced
to express their views. During the past twenty
years I have mounted more than a thousand slides
of mosses and liverworts, sometimes in one medium
and sometimes in another, but generally in glycerine
jelly, as being, on the whole, the most satisfactory.
My usual course has been to first soak the specimen,
for at least twenty-four hours, in a mixture con-
sisting of water 13 oz., alcohol 13 oz.,and glycerine
5 drachms, and then to mount on the ordinary
glass slide in glycerine jelly, which of late years I
have always made myself, and to seal the edge of
the cover-glass with cement of some kind, prefer-
ably copal varnish thinned with benzine. From
time to time, however, some of my slides, after
standing for perhaps several years, have gone
wrong, though others have never altered ; for in-
stance, I have some that were mounted in 1882

which are as good now as the day they were put up, -

while others that only date from 1893 have recently
developed beads of glycerine round the edge of
the cover-glass, a sure sign of the jelly having
degenerated. I have been at some pains to find
out the cause of the mischief, though this is not
easy to do. My experience, however, leads me to
think that the following points are important.
The slides should not be exposed to draughts or
extreme cold; the preparatory fluid should be well
removed from the specimens by means of blotting-
paper before mounting; no pressure should be

329

applied to the cover-glass while the jelly is liquid,
either to eject superfluous jelly or to keep the
cover-glass in place; a ring of jelly should be left
outside the cover-glass, and the slide should then
stand for at least two or three months before the
extra jelly is removed and the cover-glass cemented.
Some four or five years ago the use of formalin
with the jelly was suggested to me; but, though
I mounted two or three slides thus at the time,
it is only quite lately that I have followed out the
suggestion in any detail. During.the past few
weeks, however, I have used a very small drop of
formalin, mixed with the jelly, in all the mounts I
have made, and am very much struck with the
apparent usefulness of the recipe. The formalin
causes the jelly to set so firmly that the applica-
tion of even a fair amount of heat afterwards does
not seem to liquefy the jelly again; indeed, the
chief difficulty of the process Hes in the fact that
the jelly sets so quickly. The presumption is
thus raised in one’s mind that the jelly in this
form may be all the more durable. It occurred to
me that possibly the formalin might have an in-
jurious effect on vegetable tissue, so I tried soaking
some leaves of Sphagnum cuspidatum in the pre-
paratory fluid, then adding formalin, and, after
allowing the specimen to soak in this for twenty-
four hours, mounting as above. I found that the
delicate structure of the leaves was in no way
affected. I feel that my acquaintance with this
method of mounting has been so comparatively
recent that it is impossible for me as yet to form
a reliable judgment. It would, therefore, be a
matter of great interest to me, and doubtless to
others, to have further information from those
who have used formalin for a longer period. I
may add that slides of Andreaca alpina (mounted
in 1896), Hypnum commutatum and Cephalozia
bicuspidata (mounted in 1897) are still in a state
of perfect preservation.—7. H. Russell, 17 Vicarage
Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

[Formalin has the property of rendering gelatin
practically insoluble, though not entirely so under
certain conditions, which we have recently had
‘occasion to investigate. Not only will the formalin,
therefore, render glycerine-jelly mounts (which
are, of course, a mixture of glycerine and gelatin)
less liable to that deterioration that is always a
danger with media made with glycerine; but it
should preserve them from any tendency towards
fungoid growths. The disadvantage of using
formalin is not alone, as Mr. Russell says, that the
elycerine jelly has a tendency to set too quickly,
but also that, in case of any imperfection in the
mount, it is impossible to subsequently melt the
mountant and remount the object. Formalin is
an excellent preservative, its chief drawback being,
so far as our own experience goes, its lability to
cause shrinkage, especially with regard to animal
life. We do not think this would apply to mosses
and similar structures. It is scarcely necessary to
add that the formalin must be added to the mount
the last thing, and by no means to the glycerine-
jelly bottle. We may add, in passing, that any
tendency to fungoid growth in the latter can be
obviated by the addition of a few drops of some
essential oil, such as oil of cloves.—ED. Micro-
scopy, 8.-G. ]

BECK’s ‘‘ IMPERIAL” MicroscopE.—Messrs. R. &
J. Beck, Limited, have of late years devoted their
attention mainly to improving their students’ class
of microscope, the latest type of which, the

310

“London” microscope, was in many respects a
notable departure. (See SCIENCE-GOssIP, vol. vii.,
p. 184.) They have, however, designed and now
completed an entirely new stand for advanced and
‘critical’ work, which deserves extended notice
in these columns, owing to several important fea-
tures. he stand is of full size, and is made either
with the Continental horseshoe foot or the English
tripod, as may be preferred, the latter being of a
massive form, with a spread of 83 and 9 inches,
There is a lever to clamp the position of inclina-
tion. The main body-tube has a diameter of no
less than 2 inches and a length of only 33 inches,
whilst, with nose-piece and closed draw -tubes in-
cluded, it measures 54 inches long. The advantage
of a wide tube is evident to all photo-micrographers,
and in this case the nose-piece and draw-tubes can
be removed and a wide-angle photographic lens
mounted for low-power work. There are two draw-
tubes, one of which is controlled by rack and
pinion, and has the universal screw at its lower
end. Both tubes are graduated in millimetres,
and they give a total extension of 260 mm. The
diameter of the tube is R.M.S. No. 4 gauge
1-41 inches, which is the largest size, and an
adapter takes the No. 1 size, ‘917 inch. This
enables a large field to be used with low-power
eye-pieces. A smaller-size body, with single draw-
tube varying from 140 to 200 mm. only, is supplied
with the simpler forms of this microscope. ‘The
coarse adjustment is of the usual spiral rack and
pinion form, working in dovetail grooves, but the
milled heads are large, and when at its highest
point the nose-piece is over 4 inches from the stage.
The fine adjustment is the new two-speed arrange-
mentof Mr. A. Ashe, inwhichtwo milled heads rotate
upon the same axis. The upper milled head
actuates a screw with a rather coarse thread, giving
a movement of ;4-inch per revolution, and this
works within an outer and finely cut screw actuated
by the lower milled head. and giving a movement
of 345-inch per revolution. The point of the inner
screw moves a lever carrying the body-tube. The
advantages of these two convenient movements
are obvious, and Messrs. Beck have every confidence
that they will prove entirely durable. The stage
is circular, and is five inches in diameter. It is
provided with centering screws, rack and pinion
for rotation, and is graduated on the periphery in
degrees. There is a removable mechanical stage,
also graduated, and provided with vertical pinions,
so that complete rotation can be obtained. One
of the advantages of this form of mechanical stage
is its non- liability to foul the top of the condenser.
The simpler models have a large stage 43 inches
square, with removable mechanical stage. The
sub-stage has centering screws, and rack and
pinion coarse and micrometer screw lever fine
adjustments. The sub-stage does not swing out,
but the optical portion of the condenser can be
arranged to do so, the iris diaphragm swinging
aside first to enable this to be done. The mirrors
are 25 inches in diameter. The price of the
“* Imperial” microscope in its complete form, as
described, without swing-out adapter for condenser,
is £29 12s. 6d. with the tripod foot, and £27 12s. 6d.
with the horseshoe foot. Either or all of the
following can be omitted, however—i.e. fine adjust-
ment to sub-stage, centering screws to stage, rack
and pinion rotation to stage, and graduations to
periphery of stage. An ordinary square stage with
mechanical adjustments can be fitted instead of the

SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

concentric rotating mechanical stage, the micro-
scope then costing £20 for the tripod form and
£18 for the horseshoe form. In its simplest form,
with small body taking ‘917 eye-piece and single
graduated draw-tube, the stand costs 30s. less.
This microscope is also made with a binocular
body, interchangeable or otherwise.

STUDENTS SERIES OF BOTANICAL SLIDES.—
In vol. vi., p. 124, of this magazine we called atten-
tion to the excellent series of botanical sides—
forty-eight in all—issued by Messrs. Flatters &
Garnett, of Manchester, for the very modest sum
of one guinea. With these is now sent out a book
of diagrams, price ls., drawn by Miss Jennie
Payne, in which each slide is separately figured
and the various histological structures clearly
pointed out. The educational value of the slides
is by this means greatly increased, especially for
those whose studies in botany have been guided
by no other teacher than a text-book upon the
subject, and we can imagine few things more
interesting to any microscopist who is still a
student of elementary or even advanced botany
than the study of these slides, with the help of the
diagrams and a good text-book in addition. If
the text-book should happen to be ‘“ Strasburger
& Hillhouse,” the student will not rest until he has_
endeavoured to emulate Mr. Flatters’ beautiful pre-
parations, and will thereby gain pleasure equal to
his profit. Truly the path of the learner is now
made plain before him. We understand that Mr.
Flatters has generously presented the Postal
Microscopical Society, selections from whose note- -
books appear monthly in our columns, with a com-
plete set of these slides and diagrams.

PARAFFIN EMBEDDING IN VaAcuo. — The
* Journal of the Royal Microscopical Society ”
mentions a method of paraffin embedding in vacuo,
contributed by Dr. R. Kolster to the ‘ Zeitschrift
fiir wissenschaftliche Mikroscopie.” Dr. Kolster
uses chloroform, xylol, or toluol as solvents, and
after saturating the pieces in the usual way places
them under the air-pump and exhausts the air.
In the vacuum the last traces of the volatile
solvent or of air are removed, and a solid homo-
geneous block remains.

MEETINGS OF MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETIES.

RoyaL MIcROSscoPICAL SoctEry.—20 Hanover
Square, W., March 19th, 8 p.m.

QUEKETT MICROSCOPICAL CLUB.—20 Hanover
Square, W., March 7th, 7 p.m.; March 21st, 8 p.m.

MANCHESTER MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY.—Grand
Hotel, Manchester, March 6th, 7 p.m. ; mounting
section, March 20th, 7 p.m.

SUNDERLAND MICROSCOPICAL SoOcTlETY.—Sub-
scription Library, Sunderland, March 18th, 7.30p.m.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

W. D. W. (Dublin).— The drawback to the spiral
focussing sub-stage is that it is less rigid than the
rack-and-pinion arrangement, whilst the latter has
also centering screws, a necessary addition with
high-power and critical work. A complete speci-
fication for Beck’s ‘‘ London” microscope would be:
Stand No. 1,152 (stage, 4’ x 4'', clamp to inclina
tion, graduated draw-tube, divided milled head to
fine adjustment, and rack-and-pinion focussing sub-
stage with centering screws), in mahogany case
£6 10s.; two eye-pieces, Nos. 1 and 2, each 5s.;

SCIENCE-GOSSTIP. 3128

Abbé condenser (1 N.A.) with iris diaphragm and
swinging arm, with blue and ground-glass discs,
35s.; set of patch-stops (for dark-ground illumina-
tion) and spectrum green glass, in box, 12s. ;
double nose-piece, 9s.; objectives, Series A, 2”
(@NPAR 0G) Saks osi ley S@NCAR 3) ons 4 (@NPAL, 115);
eachy l2si3)2"" QNLA. 68) or 22" (NA. -71)) ati 21s.
and 30s. respectively. The choice of objectives
depends on your work; 1'’ and 2” are suitable for
botanical work, and 1" or 3’ and 4’ for human his-
tology, etc. The 2” is a very useful lens, but it,
as well as the patch-stops and nose-piece, can be
added at any time. If I can help you further I
shall be pleased to do so.

W.C. B (Doncaster).—It is difficult to get good
dark-ground illumination with an objective of so
large a N.A. as ‘65 whilst utilising the whole of
the aperture. The stop originally made for you
was probably the best that could be done under
such conditions. What Messrs. Zeiss have done
is to give you a smaller stop, and to reduce the
aperture of the objective by a diaphragm placed
behind it so that it will work with this stop. A
less expensive objective of this smaller aper-
ture would probably give you almost equal results
with the same stop. You can get dark-ground
illuminations with your ‘95 objective in the same
way, i.e. by reducing its aperture by means of
a similar diaphragm, but not otherwise. The
best way of all is to have two or three stops of
varying sizes, and to place a Davis shutter behind
the objective. This is simply an iris diaphragm,
by means of which the aperture of the objective
can be regulated so as to give the best results.
There is, of course, a slight loss in definition ; but
dark-ground illumination does not give a critical
image under any circumstances, however useful it
may be at times.
in depth of focus, or what is generally known as
penetration, which is sometimes very useful in
examining or photographing objects of a con-
siderable thickness, whether with dark-ground,
reflected, or transmitted light. The minute par-
ticles in the blood are the ‘elementary particles”
or ‘‘blood-tablets,” but their use is not known. I
answered this question on a former occasion
(8.-G., vol. vi., p. 8313). You can refer to Schiifer’s
“Hssentials of Histology,” but you will not find
much information on this particular point any-
where

K. G. B. (Highgate).—Spirits of wine is a
solvent for so many cements that I cannot quite
confidently recommend one that will permanently
attach aquatic insect larvae to a card in a pre-
servative medium of this sort.
The most likely is Clarke’s Spirit-proof Cement, to
be obtained from Mr. T. Bolton, 25 Balsall Heath
Road, Birmingham.

°

EXTRACTS FROM POSTAL MICROSCOPICAL
SOCIETY'S NOTEBOOKS.

[Beyond necessary editorial revision these notes
are printed as written by the various members.—
ED. Microscopy, 8.-G.]

SECTION OF YOUNG STEM OF PALM (T.S8.).—The
fibro-vascular bundles in this section are of the
type known as the ‘closed collateral ”’—i.e. they
contain no cambium, and are therefore not capable
of further development. The true “wood” or
“xylem” is remarkably weak, the great strength

There is a corresponding gain.

It is a severe test. .

J

of the plant being derived from the highly-
developed ‘‘sheaths.” ‘The elements of the sheath
are strongly thickened, and its duties strictly
mechanical. The outermost zone here contains no
wood; it belongs to the ground tissue, and serves:
as a protective covering, but the true secondary
bark of the exogenous tree is of totally different
origin. The fibro-vascular bundles of endogens,
with the exceptions to be mentioned later, all show
the same general structure ; and the elements may
be easily recognised from the accompanying draw-

d
Annular qreup

AHA spiral
Vessels,

: a) Tissue.

Fig. 1. Section of Sugar-cane.

ing (fig. 1) of a transverse section from the sugar-
cane, which shows the typical arrangement of the
closed collateral fibro-vascular bundle. The excep-
tions to this general arrangement are the familiar

lentiecels

G th
eell “oa
containing

raphides Hin
J

Us a
carmbiun)
layer

cambiun
ach ily.

P ahh
Primary or. 4D
ori onl ous a
fibro Vascular &
bundles

Fia. 2. Stem of Dracaena terminalis.

Dracaeneae and Aloineae (i.e. the so-called arbor-.
escent Liliaceae) and the Dioscoreae.

Stem of Dracaena terminalis (1.8.). (Fig. 2).—
This is interesting from many points of view. Com-
mencing to observe at the centre of the section, we
perceive the ground tissue to be composed of rounded
cells, in which tissue are placed the wood-bundles.
As we move outwardly we perceive that the bundles.

B12 SCIENCE-GOSSTP.

take on a definite arrangement, that they are elon-
gated radially, and are only separated by thin nes
of ground tissue. As we proceed still nearer to
the outer edge we see the ground tissue to be com-
posed of thin-walled, rectangular, radiating lines
of cells, among which fibro-vascular bundles in
course of formation may be observed. In this
rectangular tissue cells in a state of active
division can be seen, and these form the circular
cambium layer, the result of whose activity is the
definitely-arranged tissues just described. Outside

sclerenchyma.
periderm. yy
pithy i29) Cen)
petiole. \ | | A sone petiole.
a

t Se

eee PG BB BS absciss
| absciss ie ieee Soe layer
layer | IST aaa
oe Sp 1
| 1 1 . t "7 1
| 4 | 3 1 ee
I \ !
[l,l ee
, i! ry ! aril eee
! ly I
Lene
peat aati!
a a(iene seek
ly rier :
eork. —! ! ! Absciss
Tissue

TS

°
abscies
tissue

Fic. 3. Twig and Leaf-stalk of Horse-chestunut.

the cambium we come to the cortex, composed of
rounded or elliptic cells, certain of which contain
raphides or crystals, here composed of oxalate of
lime. Outside the cortex we arrive at the cork
cambium, and the regular divisions of the active
cell can be seen bounded by the original epidermis,
whose work is now completed. Where the outer-
most tissue is ruptured by the increasing thickness,
we find the wound closed with corky cells. Indeed,
cork seems to be one of Nature’s favourite plasters
for injured tissue, and the study of her method of
healing, even in the vegetable world, is very
interesting. Pores or lenticels may be noticed
projecting from the cork, and it is at the base of
these lenticels that the cork first originated.
Lenticels are to the maturing plant what the
stomata were to the herbaceous stem.

Trig and two leaf-stalks of Horse-chestnut
(1.8.).—The absciss tissue is a corky layer which
is found at the point where the petiole articulates
with the stem, and effects a complete division
between stem and leaf. It cuts through the
fibro-vascular bundles of the petiole, and, its cells
being weak, the weight of-the leaf and the action
of the winds combined soon tear the leaf from
its position, the line of fracture being the ‘“‘absciss”
or “separating layer.” This tissue does not ap-
pear till all the stock of nourishment has been
withdrawn from the petiole, and until after the
leaf has ceased to functionate. Probably few

trees could compete with the horse-chestnut in a
“defoliation” race. The accompanying drawing
(fig 3) represents longitudinal and _ transverse
sections showing the position of the various tissues,
the fibro-vascular bundles of the petioles being
omitted to simplify the figures.

Stem of Pumpkin (.8.).—The areolated sieve-
plates can be seen very plainly when they have
been pressed out flat, but they are mostly seen
with only the edge presented to the observer,
showing the thick callus and the string of proto-
plasmic mucus or slime which, broadening at the
end, almost covers the plate. When living, this
protoplasm is diffused in the sieve-tube, and its
shrinkage is due to alcoholic treatment. Quoting
from M’Alpine (') :—* The albuminoids, the imme-
diate agents in the production of living protoplasm,
circulate in well-defined traits through the best-
protected portion in the whole plant. This is the
soft bast placed between the hard bast on the out-
side and the wood on the inside. ‘The cells are of
two kinds, according as the albuminoids are dif-
fusible or indiffusible. Both are provided with
very delicate walls; but in the one case there are
actual holes in the walls, and the indiffusible stuff
can be bodily transported, like the blood corpuscles
in the stream of the blood. The cells of the soft
bast conveying the soluble albuminoids are called
‘cambiform’; the others, from their perforation, are
known as sieve-tubes.” The ‘ cambiform” cells
are also known as companion cells, and in the T.8.
show as smaller elements, and often look as though
they had been cut off from the sieve-tubes.

Stem.of Vegetable Marrow (V.8.).—The fibro-vas-
cular bundles are here arranged in two more or less
concentric circles, usually containing five bundles
in each, but their number and development vary
considerably. ‘These bundles are types of the “ bi-

‘collateral ” system ; they contain two basts. one on

the outer and one on the inner confines of the
wood. This distinguishing character is common
to most of the Cucurbitaceae. The bundles contain
a cambium which sometimes becomes inter-
fascicular, but the range of its activity is very
limited. The whole vascular system is enclosed
in ground tissue that is strengthened by a scleren-
chyma sheath strongly lignified. Outside this sheath

eollencky na.

Fic. 4. Stem of Vegetable Marrow.

isa band of collenchyma, a cellulose, chlorophyll-
containing tissue strongly thickened at the corners
(fig. 4). The greatest interest, however, lies in the
splendid development of the plates of the sieve tubes,
those elements of the phléem that in transverse
sections show the largest mesh, whilst the plates
are best seen in longitudinal sections. The dotted
ducts are amongst the largest known.

(1) “ Life Histories of Plants.”

(To be continued.)

SCIENCE-GOSSIP. vil

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SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 313

EL VES) SI
| “GroLcey 2 :

aA Ay co

A REMARKABLE FORMATION.—In workings on
the southern border of Dartmoor are some very
curious formations, which appear when first seen

to be simply lumps of stone; but when the stones
are broken, they are found to be hollow, the cavity
being partly filled with sandy material. Some are
almost round, others are long and tapering, while
many are so flat that it is difficult to believe that
they are simply shells until their hollowness has
been proved by breaking through the crust. Others,
again, have been moulded into curious and fantastic
shapes. The general colour varies from pink to
dark red, but is to a considerable extent hidden by
the clay that clings to the irregular surface, and
which it is very difficult to remove even by hard
scrubbing in water. The roughness of the exterior
is caused by the presence of crystals of quartz
felspar, etc., and occasionally of very small black
crystals. The interstices between the crystals are
filled up with sandy material and kaolin, otherwise
china clay. If a portion of the shell be removed
the inner surface is found to be smoother than
the outer and of a uniform colour, but it has
sometimes a few crystals adhering. ‘The thick-
ness of the crust is about half an inch, but it
may reach as much as one and a half inches at
the edges, or possibly be so thin in other parts
as to break on the slightest pressure. The con-
tents consist of sandy clay, which varies from
pale yellow to dark red. When a portion of the
crust was pounded up ina mortar, and thus reduced
to a fine powder, it resembled the material found
inside the shell, and was of a deep red colour. The
broken bits of crust, however, do not appear red
where the fracture has taken place, but are very
dark, almost black, and show a distinct crystalline
structure. The shells are porous, those found in
damp places containing water, which, mixing with
the contents, often results in a bright red fluid
containing the particles in suspension. The colour
is due to the presence of iron, for qualitative
analysis shows that the crust is composed of
oxides of iron with aluminium and silicon. Speci-
mens of these hollow shells may be obtained
varying in diameter from two to ten inches, and in
weight from a few ounces to as much as seven or
eight pounds. These productions were found in
one of the china-clay pits at a depth of twenty to
sixty feet, and were buried in kaolin and other
granite detritus. The clay in which the shells lie
is useless for the potteries, since the oxide of iron
present in this formation causes the clay to be-
come yellow when it is baked. These shells may
have been formed by the crumbling away of central
parts of solid masses of ore, or perhaps another
possible solution may be, that they were formed by
the fusing of twoveins of ore running close to each
other, and at the same time enclosing a quantity
of material that by decomposition and contrac-
tion resulted in the powder that now fills the
cavity to a considerable extent. This powder
would, of course, get mixed with particles of the

surrounding ore, and thus become coloured, the
depth of tint depending on the quantity of iron
which became disintegrated from the inner surface
of the crust. The stones would thus be composed of
two separate portions similar to the two halves of a
walnut shell. The grounds for this explanation
are: (1) A line can usually be traced round the
crust dividing it into two parts, and thus indicating
where contact and union took place. This line
does not indicate the weakest portion of the shell,
for when broken they do not separate at the line ;
(2) many of the shells are very much flattened, so
that the opposite faces are, roughly, parallel; (3)
parallel veins of ore similar to that which composes
the shells may be found in the matrix from which
the specimens were taken; (4) U-shaped fragments
of ore may be seen which are suggestive of this
mode of construction. These facts do not make
their origin perfectly clear, and any other ex-
planation of their formation would be interesting.
The photograph shows a selection of the shells to
illustrate their main features. ‘The one referred
to above is quite remarkable, and reminds one so
forcibly of a pitcher that it might be put down as
a production of the ancient inhabitants of Dart-
moor were it not for the fact that it was found
about 40 feet under the surface and buried in clay.
This pitcher is 93 inches high and 63 inches wide,
and weighed 5 lb. when emptied. The central
one at the bottom has resting on it the portion

The circular
one in the right-hand corner has not been opened :
it is a flat one, and shows along its edge a line,
very distinct in places, which clearly marks it off

broken off to remove the contents.

into two nearly equal parts. The central top one
is only 2 inches in diameter.—A. Terry Munday,
Cornwood Vicarage, Ivybridge, Devon.

CLARENCE Kinc.—We regret to notice the
death of this eminent geologist, who was for a
short time Director of the Geological Survey of the
United States. The most important undertaking
by him was in connection with the geological ex-
ploration of the fortieth parallel. The main por-
tion, which was published during 1876 and 1877,
included, besides various reports, the geological
and topographical atlas of the Rocky Mountains,
the Green River and Utah Basins, and the Nevada
Plateau and Basin. In later years his most im-
portant work was a paper on the age of the earth,
which appeared in the annual report of the
Smithsonian Institution for 1893. His death took
place on December 24th last.

CONDUCTED BY C. AINSWORTH MITCHELL,
B.A.OXON., F.1.C., F.C.S.

NEW EXPLOSIVE FOR THE SERVICES.—The
practical experience gained during the present war
in South Africa has at length led to the abandon-
ment of cordite. When in 1889 it was first
adopted by the Government, scientific experts
pointed out that it was an unsuitable explosive
owing to its corrosive action upon the guns
and the difficulty of keeping it unimpaired in dif-
ferent climates. Soon after the war commenced
these defects in the explosive were naturally forced
into prominence. A Committee was then formed
to investigate the subject, presided over by
Lord Rayleigh, and including Sir Andrew Nobel,
Sir William Crookes, Sir W. Roherts-Austen, and
Mr. Haldane. This Committee has recently recom-
mended the disuse of cordite and the substitution
of a new explosive to be known as “ Cordite M.D.,”
or modified cordite. The old cordite consisted of
pure gun-cotton incorporated with 58 per cent. of
nitro-glycerin and 5 per cent. of vaseline by
means of a solvent (acetone) that was subsequently
evaporated. The paste was pressed out through
fine orifices into thin cords, which were reeled on
to drums, thoroughly dried, and cut into lengths.
The finished cordite was light to dark-brown in
colour and of the consistency of indiarubber. It
burnt with a strong flame, which could be readily
extinguished. The chief ingredient in the new
powder is nitro-cellulose. Nitro-glycerin, the
destructive agent in the old, is no longer employed.

DETECTION OF FORMALIN IN Minx.—Numerous

tests have been described during the past few |

years, some of which are so sensitive that they
will readily detect one part of formalin in 200,000
parts of milk. One of the simplest and most
characteristic is based upon the fact that a violet-
blue ring is obtained when milk containing traces
of formaldehyde is diluted with an equal quantity
of water and strong sulphuric acid poured upon
the surface. The reaction “is not obtained with
absolutely pure sulphuric acid, but requires the
presence of a trace of an oxidising agent, such as
iron chloride, nor is it given with stronger solutions
of formaldehyde—e.g. a liquid containing 0°5 per
cent. A second striking test for formalin is that
first described by Mr. Hehner. On adding one
drop of a very dilute solution of phenol (carbolic
acid) to the distillate from milk, and pouring the
mixture gently on to strong sulphuric acid, a
brilliant crimson ring is formed at the junction of
the two liquids, if the milk contained as much as
1 part in 200,000 of formaldehyde.

FORMALIN ON FLESH.—Referring to Mr C. A.
Mitchell’s note on the action of formalin on flesh,
I should be glad if he would inform me what is
the least strength that will prevent bacterial
growth.’ I have used a 2} per cent. solution (that
is, 25 parts of the 40 per cent. commercial formal-
dehyde to 373 parts of water) for micro-slides, and

SCIENCE-GOSSTIP.

have sometimes found a pure growth of bacteria
in the slides, though hermetically sealed. What
is required for micro-work is a watery fluid, not
appreciably denser than water, and as neutral as
possible, that will prevent bacterial growth and
preserve unaltered the tissues and protoplasmic
structures after they have first been fixed by one
of the fixing agents. I should be gladif a chemist
would investigate this subject, and should like
also to know his opinion of a solution of sulphur
dioxide as a preservative, and what changes it is
likely in time to produce in tissues. What is
‘“‘ Microbe Killer”? It seems to preserve a piece
of fresh meat very well. I have used bichloride
of mercury in = per cent. solution, with a little
common salt added, as a preservative, and after a
time very fine crystals, with a head at one end,
looking exactly like very fine pins, have appeared
in the hermetically-sealed slides. Can Mr.
Mitchell tell me what substance it is that forms
these crystals ?— Charles F. Rousselet, 2 Pembridge
Crescent, Bayswater, S.W., January 9th.

[It is surprising that Mr. Rousselet should have
found bacteria in preparations preserved with
formaldehyde, for his experience is contrary to that
of most other observers. Possibly the bacteria
were there before the addition of formalin, or the
formalin solution was not of the strength supposed.
The extremely antiseptic properties of formal-
dehyde can be proved by adding a few drops of
the strong solution to 4 ozs. of milk and leaving
the corked bottle for some weeks, when it will still
be found perfectly fresh, with a thick layer of
cream upon the surface. It should not be difficult
to find the right strength for a preservative
solution for microscope slides, though the only
sections I have preserved have been stained, treated
with clove oil, and mounted in Canada balsam.
The crystals observed by Mr. Rousselet were
probably a compound salt of mercuric and sodium
chlorides. I have never examined ‘“ Microbe Killer,”
and ain therefore unable to speak as to its com-
position.—ED. Chemistry. ] ;

CRYSTALLISED GLYCERIN.—If ordinary glycerin
be exposed to a low temperature for a long time.
small crystals, resembling sugar crystals. can often
be obtained. Apparently the ordinary product
contains the crystalline glycerin in a state of super-
saturation, for on introducing a few glycerin
crystals into the liquid at about the ordinary
temperature fresh crystals can rapidly be grown.
According to analyses by Mr. Otto Hehner, the
crystals which thus separate are pure anhydrous
glycerin, while the mother-liquid that surrounds
them consists of glycerin containing about6 percent.
of water. Werner was also able to obtain crystalline
glycerin by passing a few bubbles of chlorine into
concentrated commercial glycerin. When rapidly
exposed to very low temperatures, glycerin yields a
solid glass-like mass, as was found by Prof. Dewar.
Crystallised glycerin melts at 22° C. (71°96 F.).

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

P. F.—In reply to a query sent me by Mr. P.
Fell, I may state that it is not altogether an easy
matter to obtain the flashing of arsenic crystals on
separation from a hot solution of hydrochloric acid
(ante vol. vil., p. 298). It is necessary to re-crystal-
lise the arsenic trioxide repeatedly, as apparently
a slight trace of impurity is sufficient to prevent.
the phenomenon. Once I failed to produce flashing
until after I had crystallised the arsenic five times.

SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 315

"4,

CONTRIBUTED BY W. H. CADMAN.

INTERNAL RESISTANCE OF CELLS.—It is often
questioned whether a galvanic cell has a fixed
resistance, even at constant temperature ; and
many measurements have been made which have
been interpreted to show that the internal re-
sistance decreases as the current passing through
the cell increases. This problem has recently
been attacked by Mr. C. H. Ayres. The bridge
method he employed was a modification of Kohl-
rausch’s well-known method, a telephone being
employed to obtain a balance. His results show
that in the case of certain galvanic cells the true
internal resistance is not a function of the current
passing through the cell.

RUDOLPH KoENTG.—This well-known authority
in the science of acoustics died in Paris in October
1901. At the age of twenty he learned the trade
of musical instrument maker under the celebrated
maker of violins, Vuillaunme. He then set up for
himself as a manufacturer of acoustical instru-
ments. At the London Exhibition of 1862 Koenig
first made public his beautiful apparatus for the
study of sound waves by means of the manometric
flame. He made many important contributions to
the science of experimental acoustics, among the
best known being his researches on musical tones
and on the movement of air in organ pipes. Even
during the latter part of the nineteenth century,
when the science of sound was somewhat in the
background in consequence of the general interest
in electricity, Koenig remained devoted to ‘his
chosen field. His last investigation was on the
“ Highest Audible Tones and upon the Inaudible
Tones up to 180,000 Vibrations per Second.” His
skill as a mechanician enabled him to turn his

extensive theoretical knowledge to practical
account.
MAGNETISM AS A PROPULSIVE AGENT FOR

GuNs.—Experiments made at Christiania with
the electro-magnetic gun invented by Professor
Birkeland appear to have given very satisfactory
results. The shell is drawn out of the bore and
given its initial velocity by means of an electro-
magnet, instead of being driven out by the ex-
plosion of gunpowder or other explosive agents.
The Professor claims that the use of magnetism
will enable heavy projectiles to be hurled much
farther than by present methods.. The great
advantages of this new propulsive agent would be
the absolute absence of smoke and noise, in addi-
tion to there being no recoil and erosive effects
upon the guns, such as those caused by the gaseous
products from high explosives. The electro-
magnetic apparatus would require to be compact
for practical purposes, while powerful enough to
give the high velocity of projection needed.
Should this difticulty be overcome, a strange com-
parison might be drawn between the battles of the
past and the battles of the future. The absence

of noise and smoke in battle would enhance the
demands for skill and courage, and surround a
fight with mystery. Those interested in military
operations will closely follow any developments in
this new research.

ELECTRIC RESISTANCE FURNACE. — Professor
Holborn, of Berlin, has constructed an electric
resistance furnace which enables temperatures up
to 1,500° C. to be attained by using an ordinary
110-volt electric supply. The current passes
through a resistance coil of platinum or nickel
wire wound round a thin porcelain cylinder in
which the substance to be heated is placed. The
temperature can be easily regulated, so that the
furnace should prove especially useful for organic
combustion work.

WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY.—Writing in “ Physik-
alische Zeitschrift,” III., No. 7, Professor F.
Braun, of Strasburg, gives a paper on wireless
telegraphy founded upon experiments of his own
at that city in 1898. These were continued the
following year at the mouth of the river Elbe,
communication being between Cuxhaven and a
lightship at sea about twenty-eight miles away.
Other messages were conveyed to Heligoland,
about double that distance. Resonance of the
receiver was one of the chief objects of study.

FAHRENHEIT’S THERMOMETER. — The current
number of * Knowledge” contains an interesting
note by Sir Samuel Wilks, F.R.S., on the history
of Fahrenheit’s thermometer. He states that it
owes its origin to the invention of a thermometer
by Newton. This was a tube filled with linseed
oil, the starting-point being the temperature of the
human body, which was called 12. Newton divided
the space between the freezing-point and this
into twelve parts. Fahrenheit, in order to read
Newton’s instrument more accurately, first divided
each degree into two parts. ‘Then, finding he
obtained a lower temperature than hitherto by a
freezing mixture of ice and salt, he took this for
his starting-point and counted 24° up to body
heat, making 8 his freezing-point, and calling
boiling water 53. He afterwards divided each
degree into four parts, and thus arrived at the
thermometer now in use.

RELATION BETWEEN DENSITY AND REFRACTIVE
INDEX.—The ‘“ Physical Review ” for January 1902
contains an article on the relation between density
(d) and index of refraction (m) of air by Henry G.
Gale. Although the density of a gas can be given
a wide range, the index of refraction differs but
little from unity, and its variation with changes
of density is small. The author employed a modi-
fied interference method for his experiments. The
pressure of the air was determined by applying
the inverse principle of the McLeod gauge. Stout
tubes, closed at each end with plate-glass, were
employed for confining the air whose index of
refraction was to be found, one of the tubes being
connected to the tank which contained the air
under investigation and to the pressure gauge.
The conclusion arrived at is that, if there is any
departure from the law of Gladstone and Dale, up
to twenty atmospheres in the case of air, this
departure does not amount to more than about
‘1 per cent. Gladstone and Dale proposed the

nN —

very simple relation aati const. which would

be expected if transparent substances owe their
refractive power to their molecules alone.

316 SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

sy

L wc iM

ii

CONDUCTED BY F. C. DENNETT.

Position at Noon.

1902 Rises. Sets. RA. Dec.

Mar. hm. hm. A.m.s. ree

WSU) veo lures 10.490 asMsestey DISH Pion 22: (ees, wens Vetoes
11... 628 am. .. 5.55 p.m. ..23.24.12 3.5
21 cee Ose OsaMe cs Oslerpsm:., set 0s 0:46. 0) 20:

Sli rey HO-420 arm. eee G29 pany ee Osco as) 42,0810 UN,

Rises. Souths. Sets. Age at Noon.

Mar. Am. hem. Am, d. hm,

Moon cowl «.) (0:31am, so De16 As vo 29078. o6 20:22:39
lbs GER) aah oe GIG japon no ese Whoa oa elle Spalo)

21... 3.37 p.m. ..10.23 p.m. .. 4.30 am... 11. 9.10

31... 0.59 am... 5.21 am... 944 a.m... 21. 9.10

Position at Noon.

Souths. Semi- RA. Dec.
Mar. him. diameter. h.m.s.

MerCuryes slr sol OD Orble sere AOU me, leo. ee sloes
De 08295 farms ns 40M ee De D7 = sdio:40:36:

Sh

Ze LO28:3 aks word! meee OS ve sleOOrd4e0.

Dlewere OPS OG AIM s Paleo OLemaeeO UL 2D set e+ sc0 9S.

Venus .. ee OSSO:SmaMy tte eel 2206 enietOrl Olas
is 1 LOMO saa. 1230!) W208, 40 2, 98.2718;
Dee nO Os4A Aner tO es oleae ue ee 9.0.0.) Di ce

Iqu See eee OsZOsDar aes pernlyal ie ve leDioe t48, aol oo mn 1h Gs,
Mars ery ol) pe OLUSzomipsMs eee 220/00 Ou eto 2 nO: 20s OrN:
Jupiter .. 21... 8548 a.m. ..16°0” .. 20.46.38 ..18.93.37 S.
SGU Tate ee onOsn Ocom arma seta! eel Otol naec 202 ODIs,
OTROS Ag PAWESS Lysine wane ya dese SS:
oo N.

ao ePE Wi 6 23.13,
IVF TENG 35 PA oa (dh WE) jonny oy THA RO Gy MOKy Ob pay

Moon’s PHASES.
him. hein,

ard Qr. .. Mar.2 ...10.39 a.m. New .. Mar.10 .. 2.50 a.m.
NS CCQ 77staererey oss ON eemel Onliomo st immreiecC ns eens O40 6) 329 icanms

In apogee on March Ist, at 9 p.m.

; in perigee
on 13th, at 9 p.m.;

and in apogee again on 29th,

at 4 p.m.
METEORS.
him. C
Mar. .. f Leonids Radiant R.A. 11.40 Dec. 10 N.
» 24 .. B Ursids i wy OE REY INE.

CONJUNCTIONS OF PLANETS WITH THE Moon.

OF Wii
Maria wer +. Westa* - 10 a.m. Planet 0.35 8.
oy, @. ‘oo do, SEAGEIONP aan -Buelyaal % Bs. UTS
Sse na sis > Pwjnmirty 55 Weak! 5. SOs lGs
pa wo co | GORE - oo Wf JOHN, HG5 oe eollab is
gy 6&8 iGo ae PE MIeLCULY,; 2/9 1602.00: oy eee
oy 10) | co .. Mars* ele) 2p Dele >», 4.338.
* Daylight. t+ Below English horizon.
OCCULTATIONS AND NEAR APPROACH.
Angle Angle
Magni- Dis- from Re- Srom
Mar. Star. tude. appears. Vertex. appears. Vertex.
hem. © hem. 2.
16... @ Tauri Ont a 8am... 328 .. Near approach.
17... 26 Geminorum 5:1 .. 9.19 p.m. .. 104 ..10.16 p.m. .. 209
I 56 Gs 5:0. se 48 p.m... 197 .. 6.14pm. .. 234
20 .. w Leonis BS on BHU GHG 66. DH) 3. CY Biryani VY
YF 66 IO2 en 55 ..11.19 p.m. .. 146 .. 0.24a.m. .. 251
29... v Scorpii Cy oo dHVEI I Go JIB G5 eh OR, 55 CYP)

THE SUN should be watched for disturbances,
although now usually very quiescent. It crosses
the equator at 1 p.m. on March 21st, entering the
sign Aries, and Spring is said to commence.

“MERCURY i is a morning star all the month, reach-
ing its greatest elongation west 17° 41' at 2 p.m. on

March 17th. From its southern declination it only
rises about three-quarters of an hour before the
Sun at this time, the interval decreasing to less
than half an hour by the end of the month.

VENUS is a morning star all the month, attain-
ing her greatest brilliancy at 7 a.m. on March 21st.
She rises during the w hole of March a little more
than an hour and a half before the Sun.

Mars is too close to the Sun for Aicemnon,
being in conjunction with him at 1 am. on
the 30th.

JUNO is in opposition to the Sun on March 14th,
appearing asa star of 9th magnitude, passing on
the 6th almost close to 8 Virginis, 3°7 magnitude,
as is shown on the accompanying diagram.

JUPITER is a morning star in Capricornus, rising
about an hour and a half before the Sun during the
last few days of March.

SATURN is a morning star in Sagittarius, rising
about thirty-five minutes before Jupiter.

URANUS traverses a short path a little to the
north of the 3-4 magnitude star @ in the southern
part of Ophiuchus.

NEPTUNE is situated in the portion of the
heavens a little west of 7 Geminorum, where the

Bi
Ff
cc
°
z
2
o
kK
<
2
ai
Oo
Ww
Q

COURSE OF JUNO,

constellations Taurus, Gemini, and Orion are con-
terminous. He is an evening star visible until
midnight.

THE ZODIACAL LIGHT may be looked for in the
evenings as soon as it is dark during the first eleven
days above the western horizon, and following the
course of the ecliptic.

Nova PERS#I is still decreasing in brightness.
At midnight on January 28th its magnitude was
estimated at 7:8, whilst on the 31st it appeared
about 8:5. Its light seems less sparkling than that
of the stars of similar size in the same field of
view, and when a prism or ditfraction grating is
held between the eye. and the eye-piece of the
3-inch Wray ‘“ Science-Gossip ” telescope it is seen
as a green star, whilst all other stars are trans-
formed into lines of light. In other words, the
light of the Nova grasped by the little instrument
appears to be mono-chromatic, probably about
light wave 435:5 An apparently probable theory

SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 317

has been independently put forward, by Professor
Kapteyn and Mr. W. E. Wilson, to account for the
enormous proper motions of the nebulous matter
around the Nova observed on the Lick and Yerkes
photographs. It supposes that the motion is not that
of matter, but of light through the hitherto inv sible
nebulous matter surrounding the star. The fact that
the nebula is spiral in structure would account for
the apparent diagonal direction of the motion, as
the further portions of the whorls are reached by the
light waves. If this theory be correct, the nebula
should be brighter at the outer portions of the
ever-enlarging circle, and then each portion should
slowly decrease in apparent brightness, because of
the constantly-decreasing luminosity of the central
body. If the theory be accepted, the real distance
of the outbreak must be about 250 light-years, and
must have occurred at least so long ago as in
the time of the Commonwealth. Were our sun
removed to such a distance, its lustre would not
exceed the tenth magnitude; and to appear of the
same brilliance as did the Nova, its light-giving
power must be increased some 10,380 times.

HAMBURG OBSERVATORY, founded in 1825 and
furnished in 1868 with a 10-inch equatorial tele-
scope, has since the death of Professor G. F. W.
Riimker, March 3rd, 1900, been under the acting
directorship of Dr. R. Schorr, who has just now
definitely been appointed Professor and Director.

“THE HEAVENS AT A GLANCE, 1902,” by
Arthur Mee, F.R.A.S. This small card, 20 in.
x 124 in., is published by the author at Llanishen,
Cardiff, price 7d., including postage. It is a most
useful calendar for the amateur observer, even
including a chart of the heavens and a sketch map
of the moon, enabling the student to locate the
whereabouts of objects. There are numerous useful
hints and facts.

THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL
anniversary meeting at Burlington House on
February 14th. Its Gold Medal was given to Pro-
fessor J. C. Kapteyn, of Groningen, for his labour
in connection with the Cape Photographic Durch-
musterung and his researches in stellar distribu-
tion and parallax. The Jackson-Gwilt Medal was
bestowed on the Rev Dr. Anderson for his dis-
coveries of new stars, particularly Nova Aurigae
and Nova Persei.

Society held its

Atv the meeting of the Royal Society on the
afternoon of January 30th Sir Norman Lockyer
made a further communication on the new star
which appeared in Perseus early last year. As the
chemical origin of the lines in this star, deter-
mined from the Kensington photographs, had been
questioned, he has published an elaborate table,
which was prepared from the study of these
photographs, especially one of unusual excellence
taken on February 25th, 1901. The lines in the
new star were compared with those observed in
the solar chromosphere during the eclipse of 1898 ;
those of the new star discovered about ten years
ago in the constellation of Auriga; and those of
a Cygni. The correspondence of their lines
throughout supported his identification of the
substances—hydrogen, nickel, chromium, mag-
nesium, iron, etc.—already announced. The re-
markable coincidences between the spectra of
both new stars and of 7 Argus led to the conclusion
that in both outbursts temperatures had been for
a time reached which were permanent in the last-
named star. :

CONDUCTED BY B. FOULKES-WINKS, M.R.P.S.

EXPOSURE TABLE FOR MARCH.

The figures in the following table are worked out for plates of
about 100 Hurter & Driffield. For plates of lower speed number
give more exposure in proportion. Thus plates of 50 H. & D.
would require just double the exposure. In the same way,
plates of a higher speed number will require proportionately
less exposure.

Time, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Between 9 and 10 a.m. and 2 and 3 p.m. double

the required exposure. Between 8 and 9 a.m. and
3 and 4 p.m. multiply by 4.

| | | |
SUBJECT (B. | F.8 | F.11|F.16| F.22|F, SaaS F. 64
| | 4
Sea and Sky.. goa | s¢a | reo | oo | so | to | & t
Open Landscape } aieragll ease oleris a tos rt 1 |
and Shipping Oly Bey aes Sale : a ee
| |
Landscape,with ool |
dark — fore- | | | |
ground, Street) +} 4 | a + ge le 1 2 eet
Scenes, and | | |
Groups - | | | |
Portraits in | | Px eee tall petal |
ue [}2 | 4 | 8 | 16 | 3 | |
Light Interiors}; 4 | 8 | 16 | 32 | 1 2 4 8
| | | |
Dark Interiors, 4 | 4 1 | 2 4 | 16 | 32

The small figures represent seconds, large figures minutes.
The exposures are calculated for sunshine. If the weather is
cloudy, increase the exposure by half as much again ; if gloomy,
double the exposure.

THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF GREAT
BRITAIN.—The members of this Society are now
in receipt of the report of the Council for the year
1901. The total number of Fellows and members
added to the Society during 1901 is 125, thus
bringing the roll of the Society up to 905, after
allowing for loss of members through death, &c.
The finances of the Society show a steady increase,
and is left in a satisfactory condition. The annual
general meeting of the. Society took place on
February 11th, under the new rules of the Society
regulating the election of officers for the ensuing
year. From the results it will be seen that a
radical change has come over the management of
the Society, and the members may now look
forward to having their Society conducted on more
business-like lines. We shall watch with interest
the development of those reforms so much advo-
cated by the gentlemen who are now upon the
new Council.

WINDSOR EXHIBITION.—An important Photo-
graphic exhibition was held at the Royal Albert
Institute, in Windsor, on the 18th and 19th of last
month. Asuccessful collection of photographs was
brought together, largely by the efforts of Mr. J. W.
Gooch, of that town. Mr. Henry Stevens contri-

buted examples of his beautful work, consisting of
flowers and other subjects, showing splendid detail.

CONDUCTED BY WILFRED MARK WEBB, F.L.S.

REVERSED SHELLS.—Mr. William Nelson re-
ports in the ‘ Naturalist” that from the ova of
reversed specimens of JLimnaca percger both
sinistral and dextral offspring were reared.

LONDON CONCHOLOGICAL SOCIETY.—It is sug-
gested that the evening meetings of the London
branch of the Conchological Society be discon-
tinued owing to the small attendance, and only
the rambles arranged in future. Might it not be
possible to hold at least one conference ?—may we
say among the members in London? Then some
special subjects might be discussed and an exhibit
arranged.

FLUVIATILE SHELLS.—I have recently had some
interesting finds of fresh-water shells in the canals
around Guidebridgein Lancashire. Planorbis dila-
tatus was there in some numbers, in company with
the American Physa heterostopha. At Duckinfield,
not far away, I discovered a species of fluviatile
‘molluse which Mr. Edgar A. Smith, of the British
Museum, has been good enough to name Palude-
strina taylori.—Fred. Taylor, 42 Landseer Street,
Oldham, Lancashire, February \Oth, 1902.

THE PAIRING OF PYRAMIDULA WITH VITREA.—
In a recent communication to the Malacological
Society Monsieur Caziot records the pairing of
Pyramidula rotundata with Vitrea lucida. These
molluscs as at present classified belong to different
families—to wit, the Entodontidae and the Lima-
cidae. Hence the occurrence is the more striking.
M. Caziot has taken the opportunity of collecting
together the records of a number of other similar
cases, which are quite as remarkable. As was,
perhaps, to be expected, no hybrids resulted from
these peculiar unions.

MALACOLOGICAL SocrETy. — At the annual
meeting of this Society, held at the rooms of the
Linnean Society on February 14th, Mr. Burne was
elected Honorary Secretary, in place of the late
Martin F. Woodward. Mr. Edgar A. Smith, who
enters on his second year of Presidency, gave an
address dealing with the supposed similarity
between the Arctic and Antarctic Mollusca. It
proved, however, under investigation that the
supposed likeness was not a fact, and the theory
appeared to have no foundation. Mr. §. Pace
exhibited lantern-slides made by Dr. Sorby, F.R.S.,
from actual specimens of Marine Mollusca; also a

series illustrating the index collection of shells, ~

showing structure, prepared by Mr. B. B. Wood-
ward. Mr. H. B. Preston exhibited some interest-
ing adaptations of shells to ornamental purposes
among savage nations. Mr. G. B. Sowerby dis-
played a number of ‘“ types” from the well-known
French collection of Monsieur Thomas. An album
of original drawings, including many which
appeared in these pages, was laid on the table by
Mr. G. K. Gude. ‘There were several other exhibits
of interest. and a numerous attendance.

SCLENGCHAG OSS iis.

FIELD BOTANY.

CONDUCTED BY JAMES SAUNDERS, A.L.S.

STATICE LIMONIUM IN HOLDERNESS.—There is a
note in the “Transactions of the Hull Scientific
and Naturalist Field Club ” for 1901 on the sporadic
occurrence on the Yorkshire coast of the sea-
lavender. It appears that old records of this plant
are uncertain, which may be accounted for in
consequence of this habit. Recentiy it has ap-
peared in but few places around that part of the
Yorkshire coast. and apparently in small quantities.
This is the more curious in consequence of its
flourishing abundantly on the Lincolnshire coast
only afew miles away. The scarcity in Yorkshire
is probably the result of the Humber depositing
too much mud, or the shore being too sandy.

LESSONS IN FIELD BoraNny.—Those who are
engaged in the scholastic profession or are other-
wise interested in plant life, and desire to com-
municate some of their enthusiasm to others,
would be well advised to make themselves ac-
quainted with a series of articles now appearing in
the ‘‘ Teacher’s Aid.” ‘These are entitled ‘“ Object
Lessons in Plant Life.” They are written and
illustrated by Dr. F. H. Shoosmith, B.Sc. We have
carefully read. those that have come under our
notice, and find them masterly expositions of the
subjects of which they treat. They are concise,
suggestive, and profusely illustrated, many of the
figures being drawn direct from Nature. The
chapter on a *‘ Fallen Leaf” should remove many
erroneous notions that are prevalent with reference
to this commonplace phenomenon of the plant
world. Other subjects treated deal with climbing
plants, parasitic plants, carnivorous plants, and
seeds and seedlings. Now that the educational
authorities are encouraging the teaching of these
and cognate subjects in our elementary schools, the
issue of this series is peculiarly appropriate.—J/J. S.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

W. W. (Portmadoc).—The specimens sent are
no doubt Juncus ‘acutus L., although; being
eathered so late in the season, they possess only a
scanty relic of the inflorescence. One can easily
understand that the golf players on the links
where the rushes abound would frequently be in-
convenienced by their pointed stems. ‘The writer
has often been pricked by them whilst on the
Bramton Barrows in Devonshire, but never suf-
fered more than temporary discomfort. There
being nothing poisonous in their nature, your
surmise with reference to “individual peculiarities”
is doubtless correct, and the general health of the
same person is subject to variation.—J. S.

J. B. 8. (Hoylake).—Your interesting specimens
of semi-fossilized bark from a submerged forest
bed are “silver-birch,” as you surmise. A specimen
of ancient beech bark has been sent you for com-
parison, by which you will see that they differ in
appearance, both externally and internally.—J/. *.

SCGIENCE-GOSSIP. 319

STRUCTURAL Aanp PHYSIOLOGICAL BOTANY.
CONDUCTED BY HAROLD A. HAIG.

KARYOKINESIS IN HELLEBORUS OVULES.—The
stages in cell-division by mitosis are well brought
out in the nucellar tissue of the young ovules of
Helleborus niger (Christmas rose), especially at the
base of the embryo-sac. All phases may be made
out, from the first gathering together of the masses
of chromatin to form an axial mass of intertwined
fibrils (monaster stage) to the figure where the
loops are seen on either side of the plane, where
the cell-plate will ultimately form, and that in
which the two separate sets of loops form well-
defined masses joined by the intermediate spindle
of achromatin fibrils (diaster stage). The stain
used, which gives the best result, isa triple stain of
haematoxylin, safranin, and toluidin-blue.

WALL-MARKINGS IN EPIDERMAL CELLS.—The
epidermis of Hyacinthus (fig. 1) offers an interesting
study in connection with the markings sometimes

iat
ae

ZT) ee

=A

Fic. 1. Transverse striatum on the outer wall of epidermal

cells of Hyacinthus.

seen on walls of certain parenchymatous cells.
Hach somewhat elongated cell is seen to possess a
wall, upon which the most delicate transverse or
scalariform thickenings are arranged at right
angles to the long axis. They are probably of
protective value, and serve to keep the thin outer
walls in position when the protoplasmic layer
becomes so thin as to form very little elastic
support. In the same cells may be seen, on stain-
ing with suitable reagents, the peculiar elongated
nuclei characteristic of quickly growing cells.
RECENT RESEARCH.—M. T. Meehan finds that
vegetable parasites, such as fungi, can by their
presence in certain plants cause the latter to pass
from the hermaphrodite into the unisexual form
(‘‘ Cosmos,” Feb. 1902). Whether this is because
a certain amount of material is used up in the
nutrition of the fungus, thus removing sub-
stance which would otherwise have been useful to
the plant; or whether there is some direct in-
fluence exerted by the parasite, is not certain.
The phenomenon, however, would appear to be
explained in a satisfactory manner on the nutri-
tion hypothesis. Analogues of this conversion are
present in the lower plants, where, as in certain
thallophytes and fungi, spore-formation takes the
place of the usual sexual process (Vaucheria).
MM. E. Charabot and A. Hébert, in investi-
gating the action of sodium chloride upon plants,
have determined (1) that there is a percentage
increase in the organic substances of the whole
plant; (2) a relative diminution in the total
quantity of water present. The paragraph in ques-
tion does not give the actual quantities of salt
used in the experiments. M. Noel Bernard (‘La
Nature,” February 1902) has recently discovered a
most important biological point with regard to
the potato-tuber. He finds that the tuber is not,
as was formerly supposed, a true product of
vegetable growth, but the result of a pathological
process brought about by the presence in the
cortical cells of the aérial roots of certain fungi

belonging to the group Fusarium. ‘lhe mycelium
of these penetrates the cell-walls at an early stage,
and modifies the action of the contained proto-
plasts. The article in question emphasises the
fact, which has long been known, that potato-
plants may be reared from seed, but that no tubers
are formed on the aérial roots of such plants. The
fungus is thus absent from the seeds, and only gets
into the cortical tissues of the roots when these are
led underground. Ina substratum into which no
fungi are allowed to enter, no tubers are subse-
quently formed. The whole discovery is an in-
teresting addition to the biology of symbiosis.

A NEw: BoTranicaL JOURNAL.—In the “‘New
Phytologist” we have a publication which, although
small in dimensions, contains the results of in-
vestigations of a high degree of excellence. “Mr.
Tansley, the editor, states that.it is his intention
to keep the journal fairly technical, but also to
‘introduce material that will be quite readable to
students of botany, who take a general interest in
biological science. An interesting feature in the
first two numbers is an article on the ‘“ Revision
of the Classification of the Green Algae,” by F.
Blackman and A. G. Tansley, which will probably
be continued into several numbers. We cannot, of
course, attempt to give any definite criticism as
yet, but it appears that for students who specialise
in any department of botany this journal will
prove of very great value. It is excellently printed,
and is of a convenient size.

DEFINITIVE NUCLEUS AND EHGG-CELL IN
CaLTHA.—In the February number of SCIENCE-
Gossip I called attention to some of the results
that may be obtained in photomicrography by

Fic, 2, Embryo-sae of Caltha showing definitive nucleus, the

synergidae and the egg-cell.

careful and suitable staining. I regret that the
specimens shown in connection with that para-
graph did not reproduce so well as might have
been wished, but I append a photomicrograph,
taken under 4’ oil immersion, of a stage in the
embryo-sac ot Caltha palustris (fig. 2) where the
definitive nucleus, the synergidae, and the egg-cell
are well seen.

[A transposition is needed in explanatory texts
of figs. 3 and 4, ante, p. 272.—HD. “Struct. Bot.” |

220

NOTICES OF SOCIETIES.

Ordinary meetings are marked }, excursions * ; names of persons
following excursions are of Conductors. Lantern Illustra-
tions §.

SourH LONDON
SocIery.

March 13.—S§ “‘ Entomological Localities, especially the New

Forest.” W.J. Lucas, B.A.

ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY

SELBORNE SOCIETY.
March 7.—+‘“ Our Footpaths and Commons, and how they were
obtained.” E. A. Martin, F.G.S8.

Norru Lonpon NatuRAL HIsrory Socinry.

March 11.—} *“* Heather.”” Miss B. Nicholson.

11.—+* The New Star in Perseus.” OC, Nicholson, F.E.S.

25._}+“ The Structure of some Organic Compounds.”
M. Culpin.

27-31.--* Excursion to Selborne, Hants, A. Bacot.

AAMPSTEAD SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY.

March 7.—+ General Meeting. ‘“ Insects at Home and Abroad.”
Martin Jacoby, F.E.S.

12.—§ Photographic Section.
graphy.”

14.—}+ Natural History Section.
Paris and its Neighbourhood.”
Walker, D.D., F.LS., F.E.S.

oe “ Architectural Photo-
“The Entomology of

Revs Jie AS

”

ROYAL INSTITUTION OF GREAT BRITAIN.

Mareh 1.—+ “ Some Electrical Developments.” Lord Rayleigh.

ne 4.—+“ The Temperature of the Atmosphere.” W. N.
Shaw.
aD 7.—f “ Radio-Active Bodies” (in French). Professor

H. Becquerel.
8.—+* Some Electrical Developments.” Lord Rayleigh.
11.—-} “* Mimicry in Insects” Professor E. B. Poultoao.
» I14.—f* Magnetism in Transitu.” Professor S. P.
Thompson.
15.—} * Some Electrical Developments.” Lord Rayleigh.
18.—t+ “ Mimicry in Insects.” Professor E. B. Poulton.
21.—7 * Recent Developments in Colouring Matter” (in
English). Professor O. N. Witt.
22,—+ “ Some Hlectrical Developments.” Lord Rayleigh.

GEOLOGISTS’ ASSOCIATION, LONDON.

March 7.—t “The Zones of the White Chalk of the English
Coast.—III. Devonshire.” Dr. A. W. Rove,
FGS.

15.—* British Museum, Natural History, Cromwell Road,
S.W. Dr. Arthur Smith Woodward, F.R.S., ete.

”

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

To OORRESPONDENTS AND EXCHANGERS.—SCIENCE-GOSSIP is .

published on the 25th of each month. All notes or short com-
munications should reach us not later than the 18th of the month
for insertion in the following number. No communications can
be inserted or noticed without full name and address of writer.
Notices of changes of address admitted free.

EDITORIAL COMMUNICATIONS, articles, books for review, instru-
ments for notice, specimens for identification, etc., to be addressed
to JoHN T. CARRINGTON, 110 Strand, London, W.O.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS.—AIl business communications
relating to ScIENCE-GossIP must be addressed to the Manager,
ScIENCE-GossIP, 110 Strand, London.

SUBSCRIPTIONS.—The volumes of SCIENCE-GossIP begin with
the June numbers, but Subscriptions may commence with any
number, at the rate of 6s. 6d. for twelve months (including
postage), and should be remitted to the Manager, ScimncE-
Gossip, 110 Strand, London, W.C.

Tur Editor will be pleased to answer questions and name
specimens through the Correspondence column of the magazine.
Specimens, in good condition, of not more than three species to
be sent at one time, carriage paid. Duplicates only to be sent,
which will not be returned. The specimens must have identify-
ing numbers attached, together with locality, date, and par-
ticulars of capture.

Norrcr.—Contributors are requested to strictly observe the
following rules. All contributions must be clearly written on
one side of the paper only. Words intended to be printed in
italics should be marked under with a single line. Generic
names must be given in full, excepting where used immediately
before. Capitals may only be used for generic, and not specific
names. Scientific names and names of places to be written in
round hand. <

THE Editor is not responsible for unused MSS., neither can he
undertake to return them unless accompanied with stamps for
return postage.

SCIENCE-GOSST/P.

EXCHANGES.

NovicE.—Exchanges extending to thirty words (including
name and address) admitted free; but additional words must be
prepaid at the rate of threepence for every seven words or less.

FLUVIATILE SHELLS.—Offered, the new British shells, Palu-
destrina taylori and Physa heterostropha; also Pl. dilatatus, V.
moulinsiana, and other good shells. Wanted, foreign Physa,
Hydrobidae, etc.— Fred Taylor, 42 Landseer Street, Oldham.

ScreNcE-GossiP offered for Anowledge. Hach posted ten days
old, or vice versa.—W. C. Brown, Appleby, Doncaster.

MARINE OBJECTS.—Monthly or weekly supply. Parcel fresh-
gathered seaweeds, zoophytes, etc., offered in exchange for
anything useful to an amateur mechanic, antiquary, or
naturalst,—W. Balmbra, Warkworth Station, Northumberland

DiprerA.—Wanted, specimens from any part of the world.
Many named species offered in exchange.—E. Brunetti,
103 Brixton Road, London, 8. W.

MARINE HybDROzOA (Zoophytes) wanted in exchange. Must
have polyps extruded, and be mounted without pressure in
balsam or other suitable preservative.—J. W. Williams, F.L.S.,
128 Mansfield Road, Haverstock Hill, N.W.

ScrENCcE-GossiPp from 1880 to 1900, first four vols. bound in
two, cloth; rest in parts, of which six missing; clean, good
condition. What offers ?—Dr. Mayor, Heaton Chapel, Stockport.

WANTED.—Good specimens of land and freshwater shells
foreign to the British Isles—R. Harrison, 7 Foulser Road, Upper
Tooting, London, 8.W.

BoranicAL Microscopic slides wanted in exchange for
others. Will send list.—T. D. Schofield, Alderley Edge.

WANTED.—Unbound parts of Ann Pratt’s “ Wild Flowers,
Grasses, etc.” Offered in exchange Science books.—A, Nichol-
son, 67 Greenbank Road, Darlington.

WANTED.—Crustacea, star-fish, and sea-urchins, either fresh
or dry. Good exchange.—H. Parritt, 8 Whitehall Park,
London, N.

Hetix lactea from Spain; also many species and varieties
of British non-marine shells; exchange for British species and
varieties not in collection.—C. 8. Coles, Hambledon, Cosham,
Hants.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS.

E. Brunerti, from 11 Mostyn Road to 103 Brixton Road,
London, 8.W.

NOTICE.

SUBSCRIPTIONS (6s. 6d. per annum) may be paid
at any time. The postage of SCIENCE-GOSsSIP is
really one penny, but only half that rate is charged
to subscribers. :

CONTENTS.

PAGE

A CurRIOUS CHINESE Fiso. By J. C. KERSHAW, F.E.S.
Illustrated .. 6c bo sie Go oo oo Zeit)
NOTES ON SURREY PLANTS. By SAMUEL ARTHUR ;
OHAMBERS .. 20 So Ao 36 oo oo | PAO)

A Diprerous Fry. By WALTER WESCHE, F.R.M.S.
Illustrated... 6 50 sel oon:

Instinct. By R. Dickson-Brysov, B.A., F.P.S., F.R.As.S. 293

Our CockroacHEs. By E..J. BURGESS Sopp, F.R.Met.Soc.,

TOYS: 6 a0 0 00 30 a0 « 205;
AN InrropucrioN TO British Spipers. By FRANK

Percy Smith. Illustrated 50 so | PEC
BUTTERFLIES OF THE PALAEARCTIC REGION. By HENRY

OHARLES LANG, M.D., F.E.S. .. am oe se) 299
Books TO READ. Jilustrated .. cic Sole 30 no SOIL
SCIENCE GOSSIP .. Q0 26 30 do 00 .. 304
Novres AND QuERIES. Illustrated .. C 30 oo) iS
Microscopy. Jllustrated Ox) 00 50 ob so ols!
GEOLOGY .. ye Oo oc 00 os ee +. 313
OHEMISTRY 06 ate a0 56 30 95 O0 314
PuHysics 00 ae 96 30 ie 30 50 Bo ls)
ASTRONOMY ~ .. 00 bo 5 00 60 65 KS
PHOTOGRAPHY... 90 a0 36 ete v6 50 alles
MOLLUSCA .. O0 00 60 a0 56 ae a 38
Bovany. Illustrated .. o0 a0 ae ore do iilis;
NovricES—EXCHANGES — . OD 50 00 50 so ohh)

at,

Si a

S CLEN ee a

w. LONGLEY,

ENTOMOLOGICAL See!

AND

APPARATUS MAKER. A FILMLESS CINEMATOGRAPH

For taking and projecting life-size animated photographs with
greatest perfection to the extent of over 500 pictures.
Sa Specially constructed for the Amateur or Professional.

SOUTH BENFLEET, R.S.0O., Price £6 10s,

SIMPLE and RELIABLE
Negatives and Hositive
HSS Hx. MECHANISM. Plates, 2/6 each

Subject Plates, 3/6.
6d. allowed for each Plate
returned unbroken.

NATURAL HISTORY AGENT AND BOOKSELLER.

Nets, Breeding Cages, and Apparatus of every descrip-

tion ; Cabinets for Insects, Birds’ Eggs, Minerals, Shells,

Coins, etc. etc. ; Pocket Boxes, Store Boxes, and Book
Boxes. Sheets of Cork any size to order.

ALFRED H. BASTIN,
ENTOMOLOGIST,
Ivy House, 28 New Road, Reading.

All kinds of apparatus for the use ‘of Entomologists kept in
stock. A large stock of Exotic Insects of all kinds. A special

40-page Descriptive List may be had free on application by intend- WeicuT about 8 lbs. ree ae meeechogs
ing purchasers. Special cases illustrating Warning Colours,”’ MeaGunmrmne ae # Sta Pri ae en Jet,
“ Mimicry,” ‘‘ Protective Resemblance,” &c., can be supplied at Bas : 4 Devel oT. rin nae yames
very low rates. Correspondence invited. Second-hand cabinets 14 in. X 13 in, X 34 in. eveloping Tray,

bought and sold. £11 if C
————————————— Eee

RAPH di iry gl 1
BUTTERFLIES. MOTHS. | intessorciemstoeaph fin the method ofdeclonne Kane

MATOGRAPH plates is exactly the same as with dry plates, thus

Best value given for Collections from all bringing cinematography within the reach of all.
parts of the world. SPEGIALITIES—Can be seen at the Manufacturers’.
Travellers’ own Collections named, ar- High-Class Lanterns and Jets, Hand-Fed Arc Lamps, and
ranged, and mounted. Patent Rheostats (100 to 200 volts). Priczes on APPLICATION.
Many fine species for sale. Write for Catalogue to the Manufacturers ; ie :
PERCY |. LATHY, L. KAMM & GO., Scientific Engineers,

Sydney Road, Enfield, England. | //0ovts—27f POWELL ST., GOSWELL RD., LONDON, E.C.

A simple, inexpensive, and reliable process,

4 bdsed upon sound scientific principles,
c@) oo rray | for obtaining photographs of any object in its
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a 8 | ral SANGER : ing the process now ready.

w COMPLETE OUTFITS for
. SHEPHERD Ns TERN SLIDES from .
‘ : THREE COLOUR FILTERS from 15/- per Set.
0. O ul rs.. ; ; PROCESS. ' Me §=Vew Descriptive Booklets and Catalogues now ready.
me MF See ‘‘ Photography in 1901,” “' ScIENCE- Coss’
January 1902, page 232.
- Natural Colour Photographs made to Beane from Natural History poate Mieroseopie Objects, Works of.

Art, &e., either as lantern Slides or larger transparencies.
APPARATUS AND MATERIALS FOR

ORTHOCHROMATIC PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTO-MIGROGRAPHY. |
SANGER SHEPHERD & CO.,

Factory and Offices: 5, 6, & 7 Grav’s Inn Passacr, Rep Lion STREET, Hotsorn, Lonpon, W.C.
BRITISH AND FOREIGN LEPIDOPTERA AND CABINETS.

MR. J. CC. STEVENS

WILL SELL BY AUCTION AT HIS GREAT ROOMS,

838 KING STREET, COVENT GARDEN, WwW. C.,
EARLY IN MARCH, a portion of the extensive and valuable

‘COLLECTION OF BRITISH AND
EXOTIC LEPIDOPTERA

aa other Orders of Insects formed by the late PHILIP CROWLEY, Esq., F.L.S., F.Z. S; etc.,
of Whaddon House, Croydon,

“Together with the ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINETS in which they are contained.

- Further fbortions of the ¢ same yal be disposed ¢ of in the months of April and May.

BECK’S NEW ‘LONDON’ MICROSCOPES

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MICROSCOPE, as
figured, with two. eye-
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Wado AA TOG Uae | @isE APPLICATION,

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Y 3
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‘Ww. WATSON & SONS, Opticians to H.M. Govt, 313 High Holborn, LONDON, W.
EsTABLisnED 1837.) Branches—(§ FORREST RD., EDINBURGH; 78 SWANSTON ST., MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA,

SFOTTISWOODE & Go: TEs, REN) New- “STREET ‘Square, Lonpon.

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