256 Proceedings of the 



that the organisms could be cognisant of their existence in any 

 way. The markings are of such a nature as to be quite without 

 use to the organism, and we may take it that the possession of 

 one particular pattern is of just as much, or little, use to the 

 organism as the possession of any other pattern. Have we any 

 right to say that any one of the patterns is an adaptation ? 



Mr. A. E. Hilton cited the case of the Mycetozoa, where the 

 specific nomenclature is based on minute markings on the capil- 

 litium. These markings are really the waste products of the 

 protoplasm which is purifying itself in spore-formation. It is 

 quite certain that the cause of the different markings must be 

 in the protoplasm itself. The protoplasm of different species 

 makes deposits in different shapes, and these must be largely 

 dependent on the condition of the air, as regards temperature 

 and moisture, at the times of spore-formation. The real seat 

 of the difference lies in the protoplasm itself. 



Mr. W. It. Traviss exhibited and described a simple apparatus, 

 for use in pond-hunting, for collecting water from depths which 

 cannot be reached with the usual dipping-tube and stick. It 

 consisted of a light metal cylinder closed at one end. At the 

 other a light frame is fixed in a sort of handle-shape. This 

 frame serves as support to a stout metal rod, which is fastened 

 at the other end centrally to the bottom of the cylinder. On 

 the rod slides loosely, first, an easily fitting cap to the cylinder, 

 and, next, several lead discs. A string is attached to the bottom 

 of the cylinder actually to an eye formed by bending the end 

 of the central rod which is projecting outside. Another string 

 is attached to the opposite end of the rod. In use the weight 

 of the lead discs is so adjusted that they will take the cylinder 

 down to the bottom, upside down and full of air, the contrivance 

 being lowered by the string attached to the bottom, the other 

 string hanging slack. On reaching the bottom, or, if desired, 

 some particular depth which could be marked on the string, the 

 second string is gently pulled, bringing the mouth of the cylinder 

 away from the bottom, and permitting some of the contained 

 air to escape. Two or three tugs at the string will allow all the 

 air to rush out, and at the same time fill the cylinder with 

 bottom-water. It will now be right side up, and the lead weights 

 which carried it down will keep the loosely fitting lid in position 

 as the apparatus is drawn up by the top string. Practically no 



