DEC, 



'^.- NEWS OF UNIVERSITIES, ETC. 797 



A VALUABLE Collection of fossils, minerals, and shells, comprising several thou- 

 sand specimens, and particularly rich in specimens from the Carboniferous forma- 

 tion, has just been presented to the University College of North Wales by Mr. 

 Evan Roberts, of Manchester. It is hoped that this gift will become the nucleus of 

 an important geological collection, suited to the educational requirements of a 

 University College, and that similar gifts will, from time to time, be made to the 

 College by those interested in the progress of geological study. 



According to the Anatomischer Anzeiqer, the Biological Station at Plon 

 (Holstein), under the direction of Dr. Otto Zaccharias, has accomplished successful 

 work during the past summer, and has been visited by nearly one hundred 

 zoologists and botanists Of the species of animals occurring in the Lake of Plon, 

 there have been determined 20 fishes, 40 Crustacea, 69 worms, 14 mollusca, and 74 

 protozoa ; while among these there are lo undescribed species and several new 

 genera. Of greatest interest is the discovery in fresh water of many organisms that 

 have hitherto been supposed to occur only in the sea ; and among these more 

 especially may be noted certain genera of diatoms, rhizopods, and worms. An 

 illustrated report on the results is in preparation. 



The tercentenary of the establishment of the Botanic Gardens of the University 

 of Montpellier will be celebrated next year, probably during the week from 10 to 18 

 June. Invitations have been issued by Professor Flahault for that date (subject to 

 alteration), since it is the best season for botanising in that district. The Garden 

 was founded by Henri IV., in 1593, and has had a distinguished history. Those 

 botanists who are fortunate enough to be invited are assured a hospitable and 

 cordial welcome. Professor Flahault published in iSgoan account of the admirable 

 Botanical Institute, accompanied by plans of its arrangement and a photogravure 

 view (Firmin et Montane, Montpellier), which will interest those who intend to be 

 present. Among the herbaria of Sir Hans Sloane in the British Museum is a very 

 valuable series of plants of historical interest from the Montpellier Garden. 



At a special general meeting of the shareholders of the Bristol Museum and 

 Library on November 3, it was resolved " that the Council be authorised to transfer 

 the Museum and Library, and all the property of the Association, to the Mayor, 

 Aldermen, and Burgesses of the City of Bristol, upon such terms as the said Council 

 may agree upon, consistently with discharging the debts and liabilities of the 

 Association, and maintaining the Museum and Library for the use of the citizens 

 of Bristol." The Association in its present form is due to the amalgamation of two 

 societies, the Bristol Library, founded in 1772, and the Bristol Institution for the 

 Advancement of Science and Literature, opened in 1823. The proposal to erect a 

 building for the joint occupation of the two societies, and to be called the Bristol 

 Museum and Library, was resolved on in 1867, but the process of raising funds and 

 providing the building was a long one, and it was not until 1871 that the removal 

 to the new home took place. Unfortunately, the funds at the disposal of the com- 

 mittee were not sufficient to carry into effect completely the original design, and in a 

 few years it was found necessary to extend and complete the existing building, and 

 especially to add a lecture hall. These works were resolved on in 1874, ^^^ ^^e 

 additional rooms were opened in 1876. Altogether, a sum of ;^22,ooo had been 

 expended on the building, of which about /6,ooo was obtained from the sale of the 

 Park Street building, and some /io,ooo by donations contributed by those anxious 

 to see the scheme carried into effect, and subsequently represented^by shares or left 

 in the way of voluntary donations. Before the Association took possession of its 

 new home, it seems to have been in a flourishing condition for several years. It 

 derived an annual income of over ;^i,ooo a year from the subscriptions, and this 

 reached the maximum in 1879, when, under the new circumstances, the institution 

 was just paying its way. Since" 1879, however, the subscriptions have continually 

 decreased in amount, and it is now considerably in debt. The Mayor of Bristol, 



