PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 143 



developed by the action of galvanism ; but we have no evidence whatever of the 

 existence of fossil Acari in siliceous rocks (the substance used by Mr. Crosse), 

 which appears to be the one that generally inhabits cheese in the present condition 

 of our globe. 



I remain, 



Yours sincerely, 



Edwin Lankester. 



£The periodical press certainly did circulate the supposed result of Mr. Crosse's 

 experiments, as it would have circulated an account of a " sudden death" or other 

 " mysterious occurrence," but, for all that, we consider apathy to be justly charge- 

 able upon their pages. Respecting the scientific men, it appears that we were 

 in some degree mistaken ; and are glad to find that the timely and judicious 

 experiments performed by Messrs. Children, Gray, Golding Bird, and others, 

 have succeeded in placing the affair in its proper light. If all new discoveries 

 were thus promptly put to a fair test, instead of being despised and ridiculed, 

 the truth could not long remain concealed. But personal interest, as well as 

 aj&thy and prejudice, too frequently forbid so decisive a mode of procedure. 

 —Ed.] 



Lining of the Wren's Nest. 



To the Editor of the Naturalist. 



Dear Sir, — The Wren's nest which I mentioned (Vol. II., p. 131) as not 

 :*ying any lining, had not, as you supposed, even a lining of other materials 

 than feathers. It had not an appearance of any thing of the sort. I have 

 speatedly found the nest of this bird without any feathers, and with only a few 

 [orse or Cow hairs. 



I am, dear Sir, 



Your obedient servant, 

 December 17, 1837- Beverley R. Morris. 



PROCEEDINGS OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES. 



ROYAL SOCIETY. 



This Society met on Thursday, Jan. 25, Francis Baily, Esq., vice-president 

 and treasurer, in the chair. — Bryan Donkin, Esq., and Sir John Hansler were 

 admitted Fellows of the Royal Society. The following candidates were also 



