Cheltenham Natural Science Society.—The first session was brought to a successful close on May 16th, when the President, Dr. T. Wright, F.G.S., F.R.S.E., delivered a most instructive address on "Fossil Fishes." for an abstract of which we regret to say we have no room this month.—The Rev. W.S. Symonds and Mr. Francis Day also delivered addresses of much interest, the former discussing the question whether the older fishes lived in freshwater lakes or in salt water seas; and the latter dealing with the subject of "Classification." The next meeting of the Society will be in the Autumn.
Evesham Field Naturalists Club.—May 30th—Mr. J. S. Slater in the chair. It was reported that the Excursion to Mickleton, arranged for May 11th, had, after several times being postponed on account of bad weather, been abandoned for this season. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. T. Latham for his courtesy on the occasion of the Excursion to Dudley, on the 28th May. The following plants were mentioned by Mr. Doeg as having been found lately in the neighbourhood:—Saxifraga hypnoides, Polygonatum officinale, Ophrys muscifera, and Polypodium Robertianum. An Excursion took place on Saturday, June 8th, by break, to Tildesley Wood, near Pershore. There was not a large attendance. The following plants were found:— Hubenaria bifolia, Iris fortidissima, Hypericum anedrosmuumm, and Vibernum Opulus. June 13th—Mr. A. H. Martin in the chair. Mr. Doeg brought a very large specimen of the Lamprey, (Pefromyzon marinus,) 26½in. long, and weighing 1¾1b., taken in River Avon, near Cropthorne, last week. Mr. Martin showed an egg of the Night-jar. Mr G. New reported that Lathyrus Nissolia and Lathyrus Aphaca were both growing in great abundance on the side of the Worcester Road.
Nottingham Literary and Philosophical Society.—Natural Science Section.—May 11th—A geological excursion was made to Annesley. Near the station a section of Lower Bunter red sandstone, capped by drift, was examined, The party then visited (by permission of C. Musters, Esq.) an old quarry in the park. Here are several interesting exposures of highly calcareous and cemented drift. May 22nd.—Annual Meeting.—The following officers were elected for the year 1878-9:—President, Mr G. B. Rothera; Vice-Presidents: Mr. E. Smith, M.A., Mr. A. H. Scott White, B.Sc., B.A, F.G.S.; Hon. Secretary, Mr. Isaac Mosley; Committee: Rev. G. E. C. Casey, S_A., F.G.S., Messrs. E. Parry, C. J. A. Crawley, B.A., E. Wilson, F.G.S., A. L. Kohn.—May 25th—Geological excursion to Stanton-on-the Wolds—June 10th (Whit Monday.)—A geological excursion under the guidance of Mr. E. Wilson, F.G.S. was made to Milier's Dale. The party visited a marble quarry in Tideswell Dale, where the Toadstone is seen resting on carboniferous limestone. Description of the section and general geological features of the district by Mr. Wilson. The party then visited a quarry in Monsal Dale and other places of interest.
Nottingham Naturalists Society—June 5th—An ordinary meeting was held, at which various Natural History objects collected during the present year were exhibited.—Afternoon walks were taken every Saturday during the mouth.
Oswestry and Welshpool Naturalists' Field Club and Archaeological Society.—Thursday, June 20th, was fixed far the second Excursion of this Club. Meeting at Forden Station the party proceeded first to Munlyn Fort, where there is a large mound, surrounded by a moat, and close by the Severn. Then crossing the river they came to St. Benno's Stone, a large, upright boulder, standing by the roadside. Next they visited the Church at Berriew, (a handsome modern building,) and admired the view of the Rhiw from the bridge in the village. They followed the road up the beautiful Valley of the Rhiw as far as Pontyffrid, and then struck across the hills, past an old camp, to the top of Powys Castle Park, from which there is a magnificent view o f Shropshire and Welsh scenery, including Cader Idris, Plynlimmon, the Arans, and the Berwrn range. Thence the road lay through the Park, with its splendid trees, past the Castle, to Welshpool. The day was all that could be desired, and among the plants found we may mention Inula Helenium, Lamium meaculatum, Habenaria bifolia, and Trifolium striatum.
