PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY. 469 
gathered in the belt between 9,000 and 10,000 feet. Some 
plants seem to grow anywhere in these Alpine districts. For 
instance, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Linn., was blooming vigorously 
on rock-ledges after all other plants had disappeared, and was 
equally strong and robust in the valley near the village. On the 
summit of the Furka pass the snow was plentiful, and, the 
season being late, early flowering plants were still common. 
Along the slopes here “are fields unlimited for botanical work— 
a work full of splendid exercise for mind and body, a health- 
giving and muscle-developing enjoyment to all who love to follow 
nature, and learn of her in the midst of her solitary grandeur 
and varying beauty.” 
In the absence of the Hon. Editor, the Hon. Secretary 
intimated that the part of the Society’s Transactions for last 
session (Vol. V., N.S., Part II., 1897-98) was now ready. 

3lst January, 1899. 
Mr. Robert Kidston, F.R.S.E., F.G.S., President, in the Chair. 
Mr. Anderson Fergusson exhibited Arhopalus speciodus, Say, 
and Buprestis hemorrhoidalis, Aerbst., South American beetles, 
which were recently found in this district, probably introduced 
with foreign timber. 
Mr. James F. Gemmill, M.A., M.B., C.M., delivered a lecture 
on “The Study of Marine Natural History, with special refer- 
ence to certain living specimens exhibited.” A large number of 
aquaria, with live marine animals, had been brought from the 
Marine Station, Millport, to illustrate the lecture. Some small 
aquaria, belonging to Mr. George M‘Crie, were also placed on the 
tables. Those last mentioned were of special interest, as they 
had all been “established” for long periods. The lecturer gave 
a short account of the specimens in the aquaria exhibited, indi- 
cating the special points of interest in the habits, structure, and 
classification of each. The concluding portion of the lecture was 
occupied with a discussion of some of the questions, which are 
still unsolved, regarding the life-history of the common Limpet, 
especially with reference to reproduction, and bearing on the 
general question of the differentiation of sex, in the animal 
kingdom. A number of microscopic slides, relating chiefly to the 
