124 MKETING OP THK BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 



rate of that increase and decrease. The communication of Captain 

 Denham is looked upon by all the scientific men, whose opinion is 

 worthy of attention^ as one of the most important points on physical 

 geography yet submitted. 



Skction D. — Zoology and Botmiy. — Mr. Nicol read a paper on 

 the structure of the horizontal branches of the natural family of Co- 

 niferit ; highly interesting and useful in observing fossil remains 

 of vegetable substances. — Dr. Neele made a communication on 

 the seeming hybernation of a land- rail; it was found in Orkney, 

 when brought near the heat of a fire it was restored, but died shortly 

 afterwards. — Some observations, of a highly interesting character, 

 were made by Professor Daubeny, on the circumstance affecting the 

 exhalation of moisture on the leaves of plants — the influence of light 

 and heat together, and of heat without light. A very interesting 

 discussion arose out of this subject. — Mr. P. Marshall read a paper 

 on the zoology of Rathlin. — Professor Allman submitted a plan for 

 the arrangement of plants according to their natural affinities. 



Section E. — Anatomy and Medicine. — This section held its 

 meeting at the Royal College of Surgeons. A paper was read, 

 by Dr. McDonald, on the pulse and breathing, from the earliest pe- 

 riod of man's existence. — Dr. Harrison made a communication on 

 the heart bones in ruminating animals. — Mr. Houston read a most 

 valuable and interesting paper on hydatids found in the omentum of 

 the axis deer, one of the animals which died in the Zoological Gar- 

 dens. This curious animal was traced in its progress from its origin 

 to its decay, in the same spot where it originated. The subject was 

 illustrated by beautiful drawings, and altogether attracted the ut- 

 most attention, as well from the carefully minute manner in which 

 it was observed, as from the clear manner in which it was elucidated. 

 Dr. Harrison submitted a paper on the entozoa in the human mus- 

 cle. — Dr. Jacob read a most admirable paper on the mammary 

 glands of the Cetacese. He had a fine specimen of the dolphin tribe to 

 aid in illustration of his subject. — Dr. Collins submitted a valuable 

 abstract of the registry kept for seven years in the Lying-in Hospi- 

 tal. — He was followed by Sir James Murray, on atmospheric pres- 

 sure. 



Section F. — Statistics. — Lieutenant-Colonel Sykes read an inter- 

 esting ])aper shewing the rate of wages in Deccan, and the progres- 

 sive improvements occurring during later years. — Professor Babbage, 

 in accordance with the desire of the meeting, gave his views in re- 

 ference to the influence of co-operative shops for the sale of necessa- 

 ries to workmen. These co-operative shops were of two kinds. One 

 was that in which the workmen, buying at wholesale, shared among 

 themselves the intermediate profit derived by the retailer ; and the 

 other, where the master kept the shop, and the workmen purchased 

 from him. With the latter branch of the case he did not intend to 

 deal at present, but his opinion was hostile to the formation of shops 

 by masters. He exemplified his remarks in a very minute and sa- 

 tisfactory manner, and concluded by expressing himself hostile to 



