QUEKETT^MlCROSCOPICAL CLUB. 97 



distinctly, was shown. There were three slides of test diatoms, 

 Pleurosigma sinense and Nitzschia rahenJiorstii to illustrate a new 

 arrangement in which the longitudinal and transverse striae of 

 each specimen are counted and marked on the slide. By this 

 means it is hoped to standardise the use of these objects for 

 testing objectives. Another was a type slide of sixty-four 

 specimens from a deposit at Atlantic City, New Jersey. It had 

 been found that specimens of the same species from different 

 localities showed a variation in the fineness of the markings. 

 In order, therefore, to get a record of any variations from 

 these localities, a series of slides was being collected and 

 mounted, which it was hoped would be of particular value to 

 diatomists. Mr. Baker stated that, since the death of Mr. Elcock, 

 of Belfast, he did not know of any professional mounter of 

 Foraminifera type-slides except Thum, of Leipzig. Recently, 

 however, an English mounter had taken up this work, and two 

 of his slides, one of thirteen and the other of thirty-two species, 

 were exhibited. These were much admired for the perfection 

 and cleanness of the specimens. The special mount in which 

 they were put up allowed them to be taken out for photographic 

 use, and they could be examined without a cover-glass, thus 

 overcoming entirely the reflection from the cover which is so 

 often troublesome. At the suggestion of the President, a hearty 

 vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Watson Baker for his exhibit 

 and interesting remarks respecting the specimens. 



The special business of an annual meeting was then proceeded 

 with. The President requested two members to act as scrutineers, 

 and the ballot was taken for the officers, and to complete the 

 number of the Committee after the annual retirement. The 

 result was announced later, as far as possible those appointed 

 being the same as previously. The Hon. Sec. read the Com- 

 mittee's report, which disclosed a very satisfactory condition 

 notwithstanding the many difficulties caused by the war. In 

 spite of the darkened streets, the restricted means of conveyance, 

 and the large number of the younger members engaged in military 

 matters, the attendance at the meetings was only slightly less, 

 while there was even a small increase in the list of members. 

 The reports of the Librarian, the Secretary of the Excursions 

 Sub-Committee, and the Curator were all good. The Treasurer's 

 balance-sheet, though obviously affected adversely by the war, 



JouRN. Q. M. C, Series II.— No. 78. 7 



