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Witchell, a Vice-President; Dr. Partridge, Secretary; Mr. Bishop, Treasurer; Mr. Smith, Librarian; and the whole of last year's committee. The Secretary read the Committee's Report, which gave a satisfactory account of useful work done by the Society, which is in a flourishing condition. The retiring President, Mr. J. E. Dorrington, delivered an excellent address, in which be reviewed the proceedings transacted during his term of office. A vote of thanks was unanimously accorded to Mr, Dartington.—Mr. Bird then read a paper on “The Ancient Dwellers of the Cotswolds," an abstract of which we hope to present to our readers. The exhibition of scientific apparatus and objects, which next occupied the attention of the meeting, was varied and interesting, Mr. Pomphrey and Mr. T. Bolton, of Birmingham, exhibited and described the autographic printing process dealt with fully in another page, Mr. Bolton also exhibited numerous interesting specimens of freshwater life. The electric pen, the process of electro-plating, a telephone, spectroscopes, collections of entomological and geological specimens, and other matters, fully occupied the remainder of the evening.
Tamworth Natural History, Geological, and Antiquarian Society.—March 25th.—A handsome and well-preserved shin of an Egyptian crocodile was presented to the society, through the secretary, by Mr. Charles Long,—Dr. Joy read a paper, entitled "The Darwinian Theory reviewed." A warm discussion followed the reading of the paper, in which the Chairman, (Rev. Brooke Lambert,) Dr. B. W. Foster, of Birmingham, Messrs. Chesshire, Nevill, Hammel, and others took part. April 1st.—Mr. R. B. L. Johnston gave a paper on "Sponges, Hydras, and Corals." After describing the several varieties of sponge, and the numerous members of the Hydra family, he proceeded to touch more fully on the many species of coral. He exhibited several beautiful specimens lent by members of the society,—A small skate, dried and mounted, was presented by the Rev. Brouke Lambert.—Mr. W. G. Davy exhibited a {[wikt|cryophorus}}, the water within which was by evaporation frozen in a few moments.
Yorkshire Geological and Polytechnic Society.—The first meeting of this old Society since it changed its name was held on the 13th March, at Selby. The attendance was large. The local secretary, Mr. J. T. Atkinson F.G.S., who presided, gave an interesting address, in which there were references to local history, a resumé of the history of the Society founded forty-one years ago, and an account of the geology of the district. Mr. Atkinson entertained the members at luncheon. Jeter in the day a second meeting was held, the Chairman of which was Mr. H. C. Sorby, F.R.S., President of the Geological Society. Twenty-three new members were proposed, and a resolution passed that the June meeting should be held at Scarborough, or Bridlington if suitable arrangements could be made; or failing both, at York. In addition to a paper by Mr. J. E. Clarke, B.A., B.Sc., F.G.S., on "The Triassic Gravel, Sand, and Clay Beds at Sutton Park, near Birmingham," The Chairman contributed an important one on "A New Method of Studying the Optical Character of Minerals."
West London Entomological Society.—March 22.—Mr. Reed exhibited a series of B. Hirtaria; bred. March 29th—Mr. Walford, bred specimens of Verbasci. April 12th—Mr. Maycock, Pilosaria and D. Fagella; also a series of Leacophearia, varying from the ordinary type to black. Mr. Coverdale, Lithoriza and Parthenias. Mr. Gates, Maltis-trigeria. Mr. Meek, a very fine series of varieties of L. Monacha, some of the specimens being quite black.
Exchange.
I have vols. 1 to 5 of The Geologist, (1858 to 62;) Geological Record for 1875; Smithsonian Reports; Geological Society's Journal, 1876 and 1877, &c. I want set of Geological Magazine; Science Gossip; Report Coal Commission, 1871; vols, 1 to. 14 Geological Society’s Journal; or will give fair cash price—F.G.S., Herald Office, Birmingham,
Bird eggs, side blown, 200 species, rare duplicates. Exchange lists supplied. Wanted various varieties new to collection, All letters answered—J. W. Sissens, Sharrow, Sheffield.