SESSION 1894-95. Ixiii 



footprints absolutely identical with those of apparent but spurious 

 avian origin ; and as there is nothing whatever anomalous in the 

 geoloii'ical position of this iguanodon, the market value of these 

 footprints has fallen to a few shillings each. 



Mr. Stradling then conducted the members to the Osteological 

 Gallery on the top floor of the Museum, where he gave a running 

 commentary on the various groups of animals existing at the 

 present day, represented in this room by their skeletons only, 

 with special reference to the likeness or contrast presented by 

 their feet, horns, antlers, tusks, etc. The collection of human 

 skulls and skeletons was taken first and compared with the similar 

 collections representing the larger apes, which are placed in 

 close juxtaposition. The scientitic study of " criminology," from 

 the shape of the head and of certain bones, which has recently 

 come into vogue, was then mentioned, as well as a late extra- 

 ordinary discovery with respect to " giantism." It has been 

 found that a little gland at the base of the skull, called the 

 pituitary body, for which no use is known, but which seems to 

 be functional in the lower vertebrates and to diminish in impor- 

 tance as we ascend in the scale, until its uselessness would appear 

 to reach a climax in man, in all cases of abnormal development 

 becomes enlarged, and the question has been broached as to 

 whether it might not be susceptible to external influence. Gigantic 

 growth, he said, is an accident of the individual ; it is not 

 hereditary, and seems rarely to commence until the age of thirteen. 



The entire tour of the gallery was made, Mr. Stradling lightening 

 his discourse with many illustrative anecdotes and reminiscences. 

 The larger skeletons in the wing of the gallery were examined 

 under exceptional advantages, as permission had been obtained 

 for the barrier to be taken down expressly for the Society. 



Field Meeting, 11th Ma.y, 1895. 

 TEWIX AXD PANSHANGER. 



A numerous party, including members from Watford, St. Albans, 

 Harpeuden, Hitchin, and Wormley, assembled at Welwyn Station 

 at half-past 3, and, under the dii-ection of Mr. Hopkinson, walked 

 into Tewin Water Park, taking, by permission of the Earl of 

 Limerick, a private path through the wood by the side of the 

 River Mimram. The weather being hot and bright, the privilege 

 of a cool and shady walk was much appreciated. 



On entering the grounds of Tewin Water House, the members 

 were received by the Earl and Countess of Limerick, who very 

 kindly and quite unexpectedly invited them in and jn'ovided 

 refreshments, after which another pretty walk was taken by 

 the river and through the woods, Lord Limerick accompanying the 

 jjarty and pointing out some of the finest trees, especially 

 the well-grown service-trees near the house, and the avenues of 

 beech-trees which run in different directions forming a kind 

 of pattern. The ash-trees also are particularly fine. 



