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nurseries are famous. Some interesting shells were collected by Mr. W. E. 

 Collinge in the garden. After leaving the nurseries the party divided, 

 some of the members starting for Askham Bog, others returning to the 

 ancient and historical city of York to examine a number of the chief 

 features of interest. Askham Bog was found to be a very profitable 

 collecting ground. 



Meeting held in the Medical School, July 21st, 1890, Professor de 

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



DEMONSTRATION OF BLOOD PRESSURE. 

 PROFESSOR BIRCH. 



It was shown that the action of the heart is for the purpose of keeping 

 up the blood pressure, so as to circulate the blood to the extremities of the 

 body ; how through the vital tree, as it is called, the blood passes from the 

 heart, where the pressure is greatest, into the arteries, then into the veins, 

 and afterwards the capillaries ; also the causes of diminution of blood 

 pressure, which are very variable. 



Meeting held in the Municipal Buildings, July 28th, 1890, James W. 

 Addyman, B.A., in the chair. 



Exhibits : — 



Mr. Edgar E. Waite, F.L.S , exhibited and described a collection of 

 foreign birds' nests. The most remarkable nest was, perhaps, that of one 

 of the oven bird {Furnarius rufus), a native of South America. The nest 

 is chiefly composed of mud bound together by straws and grasses, which, 

 when hardened by the sun, forms a compact and massive structure. A 

 domed arch in one side forms the entrance, and the whole bears some rude 

 resemblance to a bee-hive or oven — whence the bird takes its trivial name. 

 Another notable nest was that of the edible nest swiftlet {Collocalia 

 nidifica), from China. The nest is formed of a mucus secreted by the 

 salivary glands, and is held in great esteem by the natives, being chiefly 

 used for making soup. Many other nests were exhibited, among which 

 were those of various Weaver Birds, Hang Nests, Humming Birds, &c.. 

 Mr. Waite also exhibited some British birds' nests, including those of the 

 House Martin (Chelidon urhica) and Swallow {Hirundo rustica). It was 

 pointed out that the nest of the martin, usually built under the eaves of 

 houses and in window-corners, is a ball-like structure with a hole in the 

 side. The nest of the swallow is, on the other hand, merely a shell of 

 mud, built on a rafter in a barn, or other buildings, and quite open above. 

 Having shown typical nests of the two species, one was then shown of a 

 swallow, built under the eaves of a house, but still preserving the character 

 of the swallow's by being open above. The nest was obtained at Wilstrop 



