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which had been satisfactorily settled in our day, both by the physiologist and the chemist, he described the mode of life of the animal. The manner in which earthy matter, calcareous or siliceous, was secreted, in order to give strength and consistence to the tissues, was then alluded to, and the various offices performed by the spicula—connecting, prehensile, defensive, tension, and retentive, were described. The spicula themselves, which are of the most varied and beautiful kinds, resembling spun glass, extend from the simple pin-shaped to the elaborate cruciform and anchorate forms as seen in the Hexactinellidæ, and are amongst the choicest objects in the cabinet of the microscopist. Between two end three hundred of these forms had been described by the late Dr. Bowerbank, this historian of the British Spongiadæ, and several new and beautiful forms which were alluded to had been added by the deep sea explorations of H.M.SS. Lightning, Porcupine, and Challenger. The paper was illustrated by a series of very beautiful diagrams executed by Miss Hadley, one of the members of the society, and by many specimens from Mr. Hughes's cabinet. One of the diagrams exhibited an Anchorate spiculum, enlarged 22,000 diameters. Mr. Wright Wilson, F.L.S., exhibited specimens of the Euplectella aspergillum, or Venus's flower basket, and of the Hyalonema mirabilis or glass rope sponge, and also, as a control, specimens of spun glass in further illustration of the paper.
Burton-Upon-Trent Natural History and Archæological Society.—October 31st, soirée; papers by Mr. J. T. Harris, the Rev. C. F. Thornewill, M.A., and Mr. C. Perks. November 13th, paper by Rev. W. W. Fowler, M.A.; subject, “The Colorado Beetle." November 27th, paper by Lawson Tait, Esq., F.R.C.S.; subject, "Insectivorous Plants," an abstract of which will appear in the "Midland Naturalist." December 11th, paper by Rev. T.F. Fenn, M.A.; subject, "Holiday Rambles."
Nottingham Literary and Philosophical Society.—Natural Science Section.—The following papers were read:—December 5th, “On the Geology and Mining History of Coal,” by Mr. J. Bilbie. December 12th, "On the Oldest Welsh Rocks," by Mrs F. M. Ward. December 19th, "On Teredos, or Wood-boring Mollusca," by Mr. B. Sturges Dodd.
Nottingham Naturalists’ Society.—November 28th. Meeting at the Corn Exchange, Thurland Street. Mr. Shipman read a most interesting paper, entitled "Some New Features in the Geology of East Nottingham," the first half of which appears in our current number, (See p. 18.)—December 5th. Meeting at the Museum, Wheeler Gate, Mr. B. S. Dodd read a paper on "Aigaæ," dealing with their habitat, structure, economy in nature, &c., and also the readiest way of preserving them as cabinet specimens. The paper was illustrated by numerous well-mounted specimens from the Channel Islands—December 19th. Meeting at the Museum, Wheeler Gate, A rough "Sketch of the Geology of Nottingham and the District" was given by Mr. C. T. Musson.
Oswestry and Welshpool Naturalists Field Club—This Society made four excursions daring the summer of 1877—the first in the neighbourhood of Montgomery, a very beautiful district, abounding in ancient remains, camp, tummi, castles, &c., and a good field for botany and geology. The next excursion was along the Dee from Overton, through Wynnstay Park to Ruabon. The third was to the Breidden, rich in botanical treasures, but it being rather late in the season, only Sedum Forsterianum was found. The last excursion was to Wenlock and Buildwas Abbey, and the Wrekin. The only other plants of any rarity which have been found this summer, are Laula Helenium and L. Conyza, Scabiosa Columbaria, Sedum Telephium, Linum Augustifolium, and Utricularia Vulgaris.
Stroud Natural History Society.—The second meeting for the present session was hell on the 18th November. There was a large attendance. Mr. J. E. Dorington, president, in the chair. A short paper was read by Dr. Partridge, F.R.M.S., "on the application of the microscope to scientific inquiry.”