1898] ' NEWS 427 



forty years since he accoiupaiiicd Sir Leopold McClinlock on the survey of the 

 bed of the Nortli Atlantic for the laying of the proposed Atlantic cable. His 

 observations on H.M.S. 'Bulldog' led him to maintain the presence of life at 

 depths where many disbelieved in its existence, and he was largely responsible for 

 the view that the bottom of the Atlantic was still in the Chalk period. His book 

 " The North vVtlantic 8ea-l)ed " (18G2) was the first to discuss fully and systemati- 

 cally, and in the main correctly, the various (Questions bearing on the biological 

 I'elations of the ocean floor. 



The Royal Geographical Society has awarded its Royal Medals to Dr Sven 

 Hedin and Lieut. A. E. Peary ; the Murchison Grant to Mr IL Warington 

 Smytli, whose book on Siam is finding such favour ; the Back Grant to Mr G. P. 

 Tate for survey work in Afghanistan, Baluchistan, at Aden, and on the Indus ; 

 the Gill Memorial to Mr E. J, Garwood for Avork in connection with the Conway 

 expeditions to Spitzbergen ; and the Cuthbert Peek Grant to Mr Poulett 

 Weatherley for exploring the region between Lakes Mweru and Bangweolo. The 

 Society has elected as honorary corresponding members : Don Marcos Jimenes de 

 la Espada, Dr F. Moreno of Buenos Ayres, the Marquis of Rio Branco, Brazil, 

 Dr Thoroddsen the Icelandic geologist, and Prof. Ratzel of Leipzig. 



The Dublin Microscopical Clul) has hitherto met at the private houses of its 

 members. It has obtained permission to meet in future at the rooms of the 

 Royal Dublin Society. 



During 1897, 6000 more people visited the Gardens of the Dublin Zoological 

 Society than in 1896. This, however, does not prevent the Society being in debt 

 to over £400. Under these circumstances it is sad that a deputation to the 

 Treasury in February 1897, to solicit a government grant towards the erection of 

 necessary new buildings, proved unsuccessful. The new Aquarium House, how- 

 ever, was opened in March, and the reptiles and diving birds contained in it 

 have proved a great attraction. The new Camel and Llama House lias also been 

 finished, and the health of the animals improved in consequence. Of two litters 

 of lions all the cubs died shortly after birth. Two female cubs have been 

 imported from Somaliland, as well as a fine young lioness. 



The Hidl Geological Society has issued a list of forthcoming excursions. 

 That on Whit-Monday is to the Bunter Sandstone and Glacial Deposits of Balby 

 and Sandal, and is in connection with the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union. On 

 June 11th evidences of post-glacial denudation and the present drainage system 

 are to be studied in Central Holderness. Lincoln is to be visited on June 25th. 

 The president of this Society is F. F. Walton, and the secretary, J. W. Stather, 

 16 Louis Street, Hull. 



From the Haslemere Microscope and Natural History Society we have 

 received the Report for the year ending 31st May 1897, as well as a record of 

 lectures and addresses delivered before the Society during that year. To the 

 latter Mr Grant Allen, who is president, contributes an introductory note. Mr 

 Allen finds it necessary to regret that the Society consists largely of hearers 

 rather than of workers, and in a letter to the secretary he says with some justice, 

 " A Natural History and Microscopical Society ought to be composed of natura- 

 lists and microscopists. We ought to urge upon the individual members the 

 desirability of taking i;p some one branch of Natural History." Since the Society 

 numbers no less than 452 members and has an annual income of over £70 it 

 should, certainly be possible for it to turn out a little actual work. It should 

 also be remembered that this Society shares the benefit of Mr Jonathan Hutchin- 

 son's adniirable Educational Museiim. 



There has been founded a New England Botanical Club, which meets on the 

 fiirst Friday of each month, and has its herbarium in the Museum of Harvard 

 University. The president is G. L. Goodale, and the corresponding secretary, 

 E. L. Rand, 740 Exchange Building, Boston. 



