133 



THE EXCUESIOXS OF THE PAST YEAR. 



The endeavours of the Qiiekett Club to profit by the experience of 

 field Clubs, and to establish a series of excursions in the neighbourhood 

 of the metropolis, for the purpose of collecting objects of micros- 

 copic interest, appear to have met with considerable success. Some 

 exceedingly pleasant meetings have taken place. A large number 

 of specimens have been collected, and members desirous of study- 

 ing natural objects in their own habitats have learned much. It is 

 probable that if a record were kept of species, with the locality in 

 which they were found, time of year, and any other particulars of 

 interest, some important facts might be discovered. Although new 

 species might not have to be recorded some rare ones might be 

 obtained, and others thought to be rare and local might be shown 

 to be more widely distributed. Comparative abundance or scarcity 

 in different years, or at different times of the year, might also be 

 noticed, and would prove not unimportant data for future consi- 

 deration. Alteration in climate or condition of the soil, as affected 

 by drainage and other circumstances, would be observed in their 

 effects on the delicate organisms which are known to us through 

 the microscope. 



With the view of registering these facts for future reference, we 

 propose from time to time to insert lists of species, and localities 

 established for them at these excursions. It would also materially 

 assist our object if individual collectors would also make notes of 

 their observations, and forward them to us for incorporation in our 

 lists. 



Species Collected, with their Localities. 



April 4, 18G8. Hampstead Ponds. 

 Day mild, genial, and stinny. 



Conocliilus volvox (abundant) 

 Volvox globator (ditto) 

 Wicrasterias rotata 

 Euastrum oblongum 

 Closterium lunula 



turgidum 



striolatum 



acerosum 



Cosmarium margaritiferum 

 Pandorina Morum 

 ColeochEete scutata 



Chfetonotus larus (abundant) 

 Actinopbrys sol 

 Rotifer vulgaris 

 H3dra viridis 

 Stentor Mulleri 

 Epistylis anastatica 

 Carchesium polj-pinum 

 Melicerta riugens 

 Floscularia ornata (abundant) 

 Various larvre and the common 

 entomostraca in abundance 



