36 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



Physa fontinalis, Not uncommon. 



Ancylus fluviatilis, Common. 



Cyclas cornea, „ 



II. — On the Distribution of Mosses in the Valley of the Girvan, with 

 notes on interesting and rare species. By Mr John Shaw. 



Mr Shaw, in the course of his remarks, showed that this 

 district, which was so famous for the special genus Orthotrichum, 

 was very rich as a general moss region. There were 44 genera 

 and 170 species represented. Of these there were new to 

 Scotland — Tortula recurvifolia, JBryum ohconicum, Bryimi murale 

 (Wilson MSS.), Leskea pulvinata, Hypnum irrigmim, Tm4ula papil- 

 losa, Toiitda Hornschuchiaiia, and the male plant of the not very 

 uncommon Ryjmum undulatum, was got there for the first time in 

 Britain. These additions he stated on the authority of Wilson, 

 the author of the " Bryologia Britannica." He said, in examining 

 a district it was necessary to know first its physical geography. 

 In connection with this general statement it was indicated what 

 might be expected from such a district as Dailly parish, with its 

 streams, extensive woods, and glens, vieing with any in picturesque 

 beauty in Scotland, and appearing to be rich in all forms of vege- 

 tation, but more especially in mosses, on account of the shade and 

 moisture they enjoy. 



April 29th, 1862. 



Mr John Gray, Vice-Pi'esident, in the chair. James Dunlop, 

 M.D., was elected a resident member. 



SPECIMENS EXHIBITED. 



Mr David Robertson exhibited the following specimens, with 

 remarks upon their habits and occurrence : — 



Luidia fragilissima. — From recent observations I am inclined to 

 think that this starfish is not alike fragile at all seasons of the 

 year. We all remember Professor Forbes' very graphic description 

 of Luidia' s disintegrations. 



In the summer months I rarely bring one to the surface in the 

 dredge entire. They have generally begun, or are beginning to 

 break up, and all attempts to frustrate their suicidal purpose are 

 of no avail. Occasionally in these montlis they may be found near 



