xxiv. Proceedings. 
cristata) one of the largest of the Helmet Birds of West Africa, 
a group which are closely allied to the crows, and exhibited 
and described a specimen of Touracine solution, containing the 
colouring matters of the feathers. 
Mr. A. RussEL WALLACE gave some further particulars as 
to the properties of this colouring matter, and mentioned, 
amongst other things, that it seemed so far soluble in water, 
that much of the colour could be washed out of the feathers. 
The PresipEenrT also pointed out that these birds were only 
found in a comparatively small part of Africa, and could only 
exist where copper was present in the soil. He also expressed 
the opinion that in all probability they were only to be found in 
districts where some particular plant, or group of plants, 
abounded, which contained copper in the seeds or fruit 
upon which the birds fed. He also remarked upon the very 
singular fact, mentioned by Mr. Curling, that it was only one 
or two feathers in the wings of these birds which contained the 
copper. 
Dr. WiLtiAMs also added some further observations as to the 
Turako. : 
The PrEsIDENT called attention to a remarkable proof of the 
voracity of the Great Black Backed Gull which had lately come 
under his observation. (Seep. 56). He also exhibited and 
described some minute red earth worms, which he had received 
from Mr. J. Chisholm, from the mud of the river Thames, 
near North Woolwich, and which were found there in such 
numbers that at low water they quite coloured the mud. 
Mr. W. N. Coates exhibited and described a variety of 
the common snipe (Sc. russata) shot by him in County 
Meath, last autumn. 
The following objects were also exhibited :—The President, 
head of Black Backed Gull (Larus marinus), Common Gull 
(Larus canus); Thomas Cushing, standard and wheel and 
Aneroid barometers, Sympiesometer, Hypsometer, &c.; Henry 
Long, sulphate of alumina; section stalk of Tobacco; Edward 
Lovett, Tubes of annelid, microscopic cephalo pod from Ber- 
muda; K. McKean, jaw of Helix ericetorum; H. R. Owen, 
muscular tissue of Crab; S. Overton, palate of Sting Ray; 
W. F. Stanley, six genera of exotic ferns, double stained, also 
chrono-barometer; W. Low Sarjeant, circulation in Vallisneria 
spiralis ; J. Berney, section-cutting machine, 
