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Reports.

The meeting then resolved itself into a conyersazione, and an exhibition of microscopic Objects, &c. Mr. Allen. of Bath, Secretary to the Postal Microscopic Society, lent an antiquated form of instrument for exhibition, and also sent some excellent slides and MS. containing beautiful drawings by Taffen West, Hammond, Winderhill, &c, On December 11th, at an numerously attended meeting, the President in the chair, J. H. Tennton, Esq, C.E., rend an important and interesting paper on "The enlarged use of compressed air in recent engineering construction;" Dr. Bond, of Gloucester, exhibited a telephone in working order, and described its construction and mode of use; and Mr. Holland exhibited various liassic specimens from the bone bed, near Westbury.

Tamworth Natural History, Geological, and Antiquarian Society.—The annual meeting was held December 17th. After the statement of accounts and the report bad been read, the President (Mr. R. W. Nevill) delivered a valedictory address, in the course of which be reviewed the social changes which have taken place during the last quarter of a century, mentioning briefly, but clearly and forcibly, the more important of them. He next painted out that the progress of science during the same period had been even greater. Reference was then made to some of the many important investigations now occupying the attention of one leading men of science; and to the recent discovery of the telephone by Professor Bell, After thanking the members for their attendance, Mr. Nevill proposed for his successor as President the Rev. Brooke Lambert; the motion was seconded by Mr. W. Lucy, and carried unanimously. The Committee, Treasurer, (Mr. H. Thring,) and Secretary, (Mr. W. G. Davy,) were then elected. The meeting was afterwards occupied in examining a telephone, which was exhibited and successfully worked.

Answers to Correspondents.

F. T. M. "Mathematical Problem,"—. We have submitted your question to two able mathematicians—one a Senior Wrangler who has made optics a special study—who agree in stating that in the present state of any knowledge it is unanswerable.—We shall be glad to be favoured with your promised contributions.

Melircerta Ringens.—In answer to H. M.'s enquiry, we refer him to advertisement on the cover of this month's issue, in which he will see that he can obtain for a mere trifle from Mr. Thomas Bolton, of Hyde House, Stourbridge, specimens of this interesting building Rotifer. Mr. Bolton has long been recognised in this locality as a most successful finder of rare Rotifers, Entomostraca, &c.

We have to thank many friends far encouraging communications. We have especially to thank Dr. W. Hinds} for his excellent article on "The Chlorophyll-body and its relation to Starch;" Mr. W. G. Blatch for his interesting communication on "Entomological Books for Beginners," and Mr. C. T. Musson for his "Catalogue of the Land and Fresh Water Shells to be found in Nottingham and the neighbourhood," for all of which we hope to find room in the number for February.

We have much pleasure in printing the following resolutions, unanimously agreed to at the last meeting of the Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society:—Resolved—That the Secretary be requested to send a copy of the first number of the "Midland Naturalist" to all the members of this Society, accompanied by a circular calling their attention to the journal, end expressing a hope that they will subscribe. Resolved—That this resolution be communicated to the other societies in the Union, in the hope that they may be induced to take similar measures to bring the "Midland Naturalist" before the notice of their members.