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pointed out, namely, that the two eyepieces, although meant for a pair, are frequently of different focal power, and thus produce images of different sizes; so that the eyes in trying to combine these two images suffer more harm than from a monocular The paraboloid and ether adjuncts were described, and their used illustrated.—November 13th. Mr. A. Cresswell described a new method of Automatic Railway Signalling invented by himself. In this method, which is worked entirely by electricity, there is required a metallic conductor electrically insulated, running along the whole length of the railway, with which, by means of a metallic brush or friction wheel, the engine makes connection. This conductor is divided into sections of convenient length—such as a mile—and wires connect each of these segments with the automatic signalling instrument at the nearest convenient station. When a current passes through a segment and the engine on it, an all-right signal is exhibited on the engine to the driver; but the action of the current passing is also by means of an electro-magnet in the station instrument made to break the electrical circuit in the segment behind the train; and, therefore, on an engine entering this segment, its indicator will fly to danger. The breakage of a conductor or failure of a battery will also put the indicator to danger, and thus, though it may delay the train, will render a collision impossible. The position of any train on the line can at any time be ascertained by simply inspecting the station instrument, although the instrument itself requires no one to attend to it. The details were fully explained by Mr. Cresswell, by the aid of a working diagram; and be also promised that a working model should shortly be exhibited to the public.
Burton Natural History and Archaeological Society.—The Winter Session was opened on the 22nd October by a Conversazione, which was held at St. George's Hall, There was a large number of exhibits, biological, geological, archæological, and scientific. A very pleasant evening was spent, to Which the singing of the Burton Glee Club agreeably contributed.
Evesham Field Naturalists Club.—the Annual Meeting was held on the 30th October, the Rev. J. C. Odgers in the chair. The Hon. Secretary (Sir. G. New) read the annual report, by which it appears the number of members has decreased to twenty-eight, compared with thirty-two last year. During the past season there were excursions to Tiddesley Wood, Dovedale, Backland Woods, the Abbey Manor Grounds, and to Worcester Natural History Muueum. The evening meetings were held once a month throughout the winter. The financial position of the Club is reported to be satisfactory. Mr. John Gibbs way re-elected president, and Mr. J. 5. Slater treasurer. Mr. E. B. Martin was elected hon. secretary, and a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Geoffrey New for his services during the past two years. The Rev. J. C. Odgers, Mrs. Martin, and Messrs. A. H. Martin and T. E. Doeg were elected to form the committee. On the secretary reporting the receipt of papers from the Hon. Secretary of the Midland Union of Natural History Societies on the subject of the examination of the glacial deposits of the Midland Counties, he was instructed to send a copy to Mr. Winnington Ingram and Mr. Gibbs, with a request that Mr. Ingram would represent the club.
Nottingham Literary and Philosophical, Society.—Natural Science Section,—October 18th. Mr. A. Bush read a paper on the "Morphology and Physiology of a Freshwater Mussel." November 8th.—Mr. E. Smith, M.A, read a paper on "Infusoria," illustrated by photographic and other lantern slides. This paper was printed in the "Midland Naturalist" for November and December. November 15th.—Microscopical meeting; subject: "Freshwater Life."
Nottingham Naturalists Society.—The following meetings have been held:—October 16, Lecture on Coal by C. T. Musson; November 6, Lecture on the Phonograph, by Mr. A. H. Simpson; November 13, Special General Meeting, at which "the position of the Society with regard to other Nottingham Societies" was the subject of discussion.