Proceed {Hf/s. jj 



Dr. Bossey exhibited, under the microscope, Wheel Aui- 

 mnlcules, Stentor and Vortlcella, obtained on American weed 

 in the Little Moat. Vorticella are perfectly transparent, and 

 are very common. 



Dr. Bossey remarked that a rotifer has been known to 

 revive after being dry for years. For breeding purposes 

 obscure hght is the best; bright sunlight often kills them, 

 borne prefer impure water, some ponds, others running 



Mr. W. H. Tyndall introduced the question of " The Origik 

 OF Hillocks on the Surface of our Commons." 



Discussion followed, when several opinions were brought 

 forward. ° 



Further investigation led to the discovery of Ants of a 

 l.ght brown colour at a depth of about 8 in. below the surface 

 01 some of these mounds on Earlswood Common. 



Mr. James B. Crosfield made some remarks upon " The 

 Winter Habits of Birds." 



_ The chief pursuit of birds during the short days of winter 

 IS the search for food, and in times of frost and snow some 

 birds are worse off than others. Ground-feeding birds are 

 worst off, as the supply of worms and slugs is not obtainable 

 when the ground is hard. 



The food-supply affects migration, and most species are 

 found to be partially migratory. The Water Wagtail for 

 instance, leaves the northern counties of England during 

 winter. Starlings, Thrushes, and Wood Pigeons seem to be 

 increased m numbers in winter. Larks, Finches, Sparrows 

 and Linnets feed in flocks in winter. Perhaps no birds suffer 

 more m severe weather than Thrushes and Blackbirds do 

 berries, worms and slugs being their chief food. Eooka 

 also suffer greatly. 



On the other hand, the Tits and Goldcrests hardly seem 

 to feel the cold. They find their food amongst the twigs of 

 pines and firs, where it is accessible in hard weather. The 

 Nuthatch and Creeper scarcely change their habits at all on 

 account of stress of weather. 



