36 



extremes of seasonal plumage, summer and winter. The Black Guillemots 

 differ from the rest of the family Alcida, as they sit on two eggs, whereas 

 the other species sit on one egg only. In the course of his remarks 

 Mr. Waite drew attention to the feet of the Divers ( Colymbida), which are 

 solely adapted to swimming and diving, and are incapable of supporting 

 the bird in the upright attitude common to the Guillemot and its allies. 

 During the terrestrial progression of the Diver the breast is rested on the 

 ground, making a distinct track by the bird sliding and floundering about. 

 Another of the several interesting features pointed out was the difference 

 between the hind toes of the ordinary ducks and the diving ducks 

 {Faligulina), the former being simple, as seen in the "Wigeon, Teal, 

 Mallard, Sheld-duck, &c., and the latter lobed, as exemplified in the large 

 number of Diving Ducks laid on the table. Many good examples were 

 shown of birds in different states of plumage consequent on age, sex, and 

 season ; and in addition to the marine birds proper many waders which 

 live almost wholly on the coast were also exhibited. There was a short 

 discussion, and some questions asked and replied to. 



The Chairman exhibited and described a very extensive and 

 exceedingly valuable collection of microscopic marine fauna and flora. 



The Hon. Secretary showed, on behalf of Mr. J. Phillips, prepared 

 slides of marine algae, exhibiting different stages of development ; among 

 them were Plocanium coccinewn, Coralliria officinalis, and Corallina from 

 the Isle of Man. 



Meeting held in the Medical School, November 11th, 1889. Professor 

 De Burgh Birch, M.D., CM., F.E.S.E., President, in the chair. 



MOVEMENTS OF THE HEART, CHEST, AND PULSE. 

 PROFESSOR BIRCH. 



The lecturer referred to the debt under which physiologists and 

 physicians lay to Mr. Marey for, the introduction of the pneumatic 

 system, through the aid of which the movements of an organ could 

 be transmitted to a recording apparatus, not directly attached to the 

 object observed. The movements of the heart, pulse, and chest were 

 exhibited on a screen by lantern projection as they were being made, by 

 means of an arrangement devised by the President. Subsequently the 

 methods of automatically recording frogs' muscle and heart movements 

 were shown, and the pulse-tracings of members present were taken. 



Meeting held in the Club's Eoom, Municipal Buildings, November 

 18th, 1889. John Stubbins, F.G.S., F.E.M.S., Vice-President, in the chair. 



STRUCTURE AND LIFE- HISTORY OF AN INSECT (STYLOPS SPENCIl). 

 J. STUBBINS, F.G.S., F.R.M.S. 



Slides of the anatomy of this peculiar parasite of the Wild Bee were 

 exhibited under several microscopes, and tubes containing affected Bees ; 

 also a large number of drawings illustrating numerous peculiarities. 



