Reports of Societies.
Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society.—August 6th.—General Meeting. The Chairman made some general remarks upon the recent excursion to Arran, and spoke in rich terms of the cordial disposition displayed by every individual composing the party, which contributed as much towards the general success, He also stated that the unanimous opinion of the party was that the excursion should he for fourteen days, and that it be to Falmouth. Mr. J. F. Goode exhibited a photograph of the steam boat "Lizzie," and described the arrangements on board and the mode of dredging. Mr. W. H. Wilkinson exhibited a number of plants collected in Arran, amongst which were Drosera anglica, Pinguicula lusitanica, Polypodium Phegopteris, P. Drvopteris, Lastrea montana, L. recusea, Asplenium macitimum, and Lycopodium alphinum, Mr. W. R. Hughes made some observations upon some of the mare remarkable specimens which were dredged. These included the rare star fish, Luidia fragilissima, and Carinella lineata, a Turbellarian worm, one of the most handsome and graceful of the whole order, also several Nudibranchiate Mollusca, notably Dota coronaia, Ducis pilosa and Aueilla cristata, new to the district. The collection, which was very numerous, included an undescribed worm, and a species of Goby not vet determined. Mr. Hughes said the specimens would be carefully examined and a further report made. The results with the towing net devised by Mr. Allport were very successful, and included Bipinnaria and larval forms of Echmodermus and living Foraminifera. Mr. Miles exhibited a beautiful series of mounted specimens of Marine Algæ, from Drummadoon Bay.—Microscopical General Meeting.—August, 20th, Mr. Rolston exhibited Cristatella mucedo, and the cash shell of a small crab: Mr. M. Browne exhibited the larvæ of the Death’s Head Moth, (Acherontia Atropos) taken in George Street, Spring Hill; and (on behalf of Sir Arthur Scott) two specimens of an African Moth, (Leta renur.)—September 2nd.—General Meeting. Mr. Bolton exhibited Lacianalaria socialis; Mr. J. Levick exhibited Actinophrys Eichhoruii in conjugation, and Spirostomum ambiguum. Mr. T. J. Slatter exhibited Fredericella sultana and Paludicella Ehrenbergi, from near Redditch. Mr. W. Southall exhibited the following plants, from the Lake district:—Parnassia palustris, Utricularia vulgaris, Saxifraga stellaris, S. aizoides, Lycopodium selaginoides, Equisetum sylvaticum, and Oxyria reniformis.—On Monday, September 16th, an excursion took place, when about sixty ladies and gentlemen visited Malvern and Eastnor Park and Castle. The party left Birmingham at 9.30. Carriages were in waiting at Malvern Link to convey the visitors to the British Camp. After luncheon the Rev. W. S. Symonds, of Pendock, near Tewkesbury, delivered a graphic and interesting address on the geological and historical features of the Malvern range, Afterwards a portion of the party walked over the hills to Eastnor. Mr. Symonds' intimate acquaintance with the neighbourhood eminently qualified him for his position of guide, and enabled him to point out the numerous objects of interest both on the hills and in the distance. On Midsummer Hill, Mr. J. T. Burgess, of Worcester, gave a brief description of the British Camp formerly existing on that spot, and also indicated the probable site of the camp occupied by the opposing Roman forces, Having inspected the quarries at Ragged Stone Hill, the party proceeded to Eastnor, where, in the meantime, the Castle and grounds had, by permission of Earl Somers, been visited by another portion of the company. Mr. W. Coleman (the Head Gardener) courteously conducted the members over the grounds, which are most lovely. Having been joined by the contingent who had explored the hills, ample justice was done to an excellent tea provided in a tent adjoining the Somers' Arius Hotel. During tea the Rev. W. S. Symonds gave a short account of the Ragged Stone Hill, and related some interesting legends connected with its history, Votes of thanks were then passed by acclamation to the Rev. W. S. Symonds and Mr. J. T. Bargess, for the admirable way in which they had acted as guides; and to the Right Hon. Earl Somers for his kindness in allowing access to his Castle and grounds. A charming drive to Malvern Link in the fresh autumn air, and then a two hours' ride by rail, brought the party safe back again, everyone being delighted with one of the most enjoyable excursions of the season, the arrangements for which were admirably carried out by the hon. sec., Mr. J. Morley.
