NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. IxXlil 



Icevigata, Sm., and Cynophallus caninus, Fr., both of which 

 are somewhat rare in the district. 



Mr. James Steel exhibited a number of miscellaneous Natural 

 History objects, received from Mr. Thomas Steel, Sydney, 

 New South Wales. Among these was a specimen of 

 Echinus chloroticus, a species which resembles considerably the 

 Common Sea-Urchin of our coasts, but is rather flatter in shape. 

 Mr. James Barrie Low, M.A., exhibited portions of the skin, 

 vertebrae, and teeth from the lower jaw of the Common White 

 Shark, Carcharlas vulgaris, on which he made some remarks. 

 Mr. Duncan Mackenzie exhibited three Snakes from South 

 Australia. 



Mr. Thomas King showed the following species of Fungi 

 collected at Tillicoultry, viz.: 

 Agaricus (Amanita) niuscarius, L. 



Lactarius cainj^horatus, Fr. — So named from its peculiar odour, 

 which resembles that of the Melilot. This species, which 

 appears to be somewhat rare in Scotland, has been observed 

 in the Craigton Woods, near Milngavie, and in Cadder 

 Wilderness. 

 L. vellereus, Fr. — Remarkable for the woolly down which 



clothes the surface of the pileus. 

 Cantharellus ciharius, Fr. — Although usually occurring in 

 tolerable plenty, the Chanterelle has been rather rare this 

 season, owing, no doubt, to the unfavourable weather which 

 retarded the growth of Fungi generally. 

 Boletus edulis, Bull. — Found in very fine condition, one of 

 the specimens measuring nine inches across the surface 

 of the pileus. 

 B. variegatus, Fr. 

 B. luridus, Fr. 



The President delivered an address on the glacial period and 

 its influence on the distribution of cryptogam ic plants. After 

 explaining the principal theories regarding the origin and extent 

 of the great ice currents, he referred particularly to some 

 apparent anomalies in the distribution of several species of 

 mosses and lichens which occurred in single isolated stations 

 in countries widely separated, — Ben Lawers, for example, 

 affording several striking instances. These plants probably 

 represent the remnant of a preglacial flora, which, from situa- 

 tion and other causes, escaped destruction during the ice age. 

 An observation of the area of growth of these species enables 

 us to determine the probable extent and effects of the great 

 glacial movements. In illustration of his remarks, Dr. Stirton 

 exhibited specimens of Ptychodium plicatum, Myurium Hebri- 

 darum, Camptotlieciuin nitens, Hypnum Oakesii, Chlorea 

 vulpina, and Unibilicaria riigi/cra. 



