Reports of Societies.
Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society.—General Meeting, December 15th, 1877.—Mr. J. F. Goode read a paper on the "Planet Mars," in which he especially alluded the the recent "opposition," as having been of more than ordinary interest from the close proximity of the planet to the earth; the varying distances from which he explained being occasioned by the ellipticity of its orbit. The various features of Mars, as seen through the telescope, were discussed, and a description given of its continents and seas: its snowy poles analogous to those of the earth. its period of rotation on its axis, duration of seasons, and other interesting phenomena, were severally alluded to. Mr. Goode mentioned that the discovery of the satellites by Professor Hall, of the Washington Observatory, had rendered the recent "opposition” particularly interesting. These satellites, he stated, are very small, and are visible only by means of the most powerful instruments, under very favourable circumstances.
Cheltenham Natural Science Society.—On 15th December, 1877, a public meeting was held, at which it was resolved to form a Natural Science Society in Cheltenham. A committee was appointed, and a secretary pro tem. Rules, &c., have since been framed. January 18.—First general meeting, at which it was resolved that the society be called "The Cheltenham Natural Science Society," that Dr. T. Wright, M.D., F.G.S., be president, and Colonel H. Basevi honorary secretary. The report of the committee was unanimously adopted, and the rules as added to and altered passed. The ordinary meetings will be held on the 3rd Thursday of each month, April to October inclusive.
Northampton Naturalists' Society.—January 7th. a paper "On Beetles" was read by Mr. E. B. Pressland. January 15th, a paper on "Photography" was read by Mr. H. Manfield.
Nottingham Naturalists' Society.—January 2nd, Annual General Meeting, when Mr. A. H. Simpson was elected president; Messrs. H. Blandy and J. Morley, vice-presidents; Mr. C. Wheatley, treasurer; Mr. C. T. Musson, hon. secretary; Messrs. W. Foster, W. Morley, R. Wix, R. T. Higham, T. Ball, and J. S. Radford, the committee; and Mr. L. Lee, assistant secretary and librarian.—January 9th was spent as a microscopical evening.—January 16th, the President delivered the Annual Address.
Stroud Natural History and Philosophical Society.—January 8th, Mr. J. T. Fisher delivered a lecture on "The Spectroscope in relation to Stellar and Solar Physics," illustrating some of his remarks by a number of photographs.—January 24th was an extra meeting, at which Mr. C. Playne read a paper on "Water as a Motive Power."
Tamworth Natural History, Geological, and Antiquarian Society.—On January 7th, Mr. Samuel Spruce, F.G.S., read a paper entitled, "Geological Notes on the Trip to Clent Hills," which he illustrated by plans and diagrams, showing the various strata between Birmingham and Hales Owen. Mr. Spruce showed that the Clent Hills are composed of new red sandstone, and not trap, as erroneously supposed by Hugh Miller and others. He also compared the trap of the Rowley Hills with that of Dosthill. The formation of the Clent Hills
