99 



tribution to the life history of a little studied p^enus. He had 

 not much studied it himself, because its habitat differed from 

 those of the ordinary Rotifers ; but having had some specimens 

 given to him he had found them very interesting. 



The Chairman hoped they would have been favoured with 

 more remarks from Members present upon this paper, which 

 opened up a subject of the very highest interest, and one 

 which was well worthy of being worked out. The paper itself 

 was not only a carefully-considered descrijDtion of the group, 

 but it also opened up a question of symbiosis, a subject in 

 itself at present very imperfectly understood, but, nevertheless, 

 one of great importance and interest. As dealing with the 

 actual life history of these Rotifers, the paper was also one of 

 very great interest and importance. 



Mr. E. T. Newton said he should be glad to hear in what way 

 this symbiosis was considered to be beneficial to the plant, and 

 also if the apertures described were natural to the moss, or were 

 made by the Rotifers. 



Mr. Bryce thanked the members of the Club for the kind way 

 in which they had received his communication. As regarded 

 the idea of symbiosis, Dr. Zelinka had drawn attention to it, but 

 so far it would seem to rest very much upon supposition. The 

 suggestion was made that it might be of benefit to the plant on 

 account of the destruction of spores by the Rotifers, especially 

 those of Nostoc, which could, if not removed, be very injurious to 

 the plant. The Rotifers lodging in the cavities would eat up the 

 spores of the Nostoc as soon as they appeared, and so prevent the 

 mischief which their development would occasion. As regarded 

 the apertures in the sphagnum cells, it would seem that these 

 were entirely natural, as indeed might be seen if the specimens 

 exhibited under the microscope in the room were examined. 



Mr. R. T. Lewis read a "Note on a Species of Ixodes found 

 on a South African Lizard," the subject being illustrated by 

 specimens shown under the microscope, as well as by coloured 

 drawings and diagrams. 



The Chairman said that as this subject was connected with the 

 Acarina he should no doubt be expected to say something about 

 it. It was by no means an easy job to identify Ticks, because 

 the information concerning them was very much scattered, and 

 the balk was not at all easily accessible. He would, therefore. 



