76 Proceedings of Scientific Iristitutions. 



D. Wotherspoon, Esq. F.S.S.A. communicated some Observations on the 

 Falls of the Niagara. 



March \G. A series of experiments on the Ammoniacal Amalgam, tending 

 to disprove the metallic nature of Nitrogen ; with observations, on the opinions 

 of recent writers on the subject, were made by Mr. K. T. Kemp, Lecturer on 

 Chemistry. 



Mr. Hargreaves read a paper on the Mechanical Effects of the centre of Gra- 

 vity. 



Observations were then read on the various modes by which it is conceived 

 that the Deluge was produced, by Mr. John Murray, lecturer on chemistry. 



March I7. An extensive collection of Shells was presented to the Society, by 

 Mr. Eraser of Newington. 



Mr. Ainsworth exliibited a specimen of Mountain Rock, occurring in con- 

 tact with a Basalt Dyke near Newhaven. 



Messrs. Murray and Ainsworth were appointed to report upon it. 



Dr. Halkerston read an essay on tlie properties and use of the Muriate of Soda. 



IMr. Cheek read an essay on the progressive developement of organization in 

 relation with the conditions of existence. 



March 24. Mr. John IMurray and Mr. Ainsworth reported, the former on the 

 Chemical Composition, the latter on the Mineralogical Characters of the Rock 

 found in contact with the Basalt Dyke near Newhaven, and usually considered to 

 be a Clinkstone or Clinkstone-Porphyry. 



Mr. John Edmonston read a notice of some peculiarities in the Dentition of a 

 Rabbit, with an exhibition of the Skull. 



Wernerian Society Feb. 20. An account of several new species of Grouse, 



recently discovered by Mr. David Douglas among the Rocky Mountains, was 

 read by James Wilson, Esq. 



The Rev. Dr. Scot read an essay on the Mustard Plants mentioned in the 

 Gospels. 



Also read, an account of some Fossil remains found near Kilmarnock, by Dr. 

 John Scouler. Vid. Ed. Journ. of Nat. and Geog. Science, No. VII. p. 4. 



March 6. A notice regarding the Hya Hya, or Milk-tree of Demerara ; by 

 James Smith, with botanical notes by Walker Amott, Esq. was read. Vid. 

 present Number, p. 61. 



Also was read an essay on the question whether Domestic Poultry were bred 

 among the ancient Jews ; by the Rev. Dr. Scot. 



Horticultural Society Thursday a quarterly general meeting of the Caledo- 



nian Horticultural Society was held in the Physicians' Hall — Sir Henry Jardine, 

 Senior Vice-President, in the Chair. The Earl of Leven and Melville, Sir John 

 Hay of Smithfield, Bart., Mr. Innes of Stow, and several other distinguished 

 members of the Society, and promoters of the art of Horticulture, were present. 

 The following prizes were awarded : — 



For the best specimen of blanched Succory, raised in a cellar or dark out-house, 

 or in a hot-house, pit, or frame, to Mr. William Oliver, gardener to the Earl of 

 Rosslyn at Dysart House. 



For the six newest and rarest hardy plants, cut specimens in flower, to Sir. 

 Alexander Forrester, gardener to David Falconer, Esq. of Carlowrie. 



For the best eight hyacinths, either in flower-pots or in water-glasses, red, blue, 

 ■white, and yellow, two of each, to Mr. William Mylne, gardener at Drum to 

 Gilbert Innes, Esq. of Stow. 



For the best six stalks of forced Rhubarb, raised by a market gardener, to Blr. 

 William Inglis, gardener to Wester Warriston. 



No competitor appeared for tlie premium offered for Hyacinths, which had also 

 flowered in Scotland in the preceding year ; but an extra prize was awarded for a 

 number of very fine Hyacinths, grown in a novel manner, by Dr. Adolphus Ross, 

 in his drawing-room. A quantity of moss, classically called hypnum, and vul. 



