Proceedings. xix 



was pointed out that these varieties are often confined to a single 

 pond, or are at any rate exceedingly restricted in their range ; 

 and have therefore probably descended from a single abnormal or 

 accidentally deformed progenitor. 



Mr. Low Sarjeant showed some excellent examples of the new 

 platinotype process of photography and explained its method. 



The seventh meeting was held on Nov. 11th. An excellent 

 address was delivered by Mr. Alfred W. Bennett, of London, on 

 "Plant Life in om- Ponds and Bogs." This most interestmg 

 address dealt chiefly with the Dcsimdim, and was admirably 

 illustrated by diagrams and microscopic slides. The structure 

 and classification and the varied and interesting modes of repro- 

 duction of these fresh-water Algte were fully described. A good 

 discussion followed, and it will I hope lead to some of our 

 members taking up the study of these interesting organisms, in 

 which there is an ample field for further research (see Tkans., 

 art. 54). 



Mr. Lovett exhibited two remarkable abnormal varieties of 

 Buccinwn undatiim, the common whelk, from Bamsgate. 



At the eighth meeting, Dec. 9th, Mr. W. H. Beeby read a few 

 notes on additions to the Flora of Surrey, made in the season 

 1885, includmg the re-discovery of Eriophorum (jracile, a beautiful 

 species of cotton-grass, of very great rarity (see Trans., art. 55). 

 Mr. Beeby also described the three forms of helleborine {Epipactis 

 latifolia) found in Surrey. He stated that he proposed devoting 

 another season to the further careful examination of the less well- 

 searched parts of the county, but did not anticipate that he 

 should make much further additions to the Flora. He hoped 

 then to proceed with the pubhcation of his new Surrey Flora, 

 which he trusted would not be long delayed. Mr. Beeby was 

 congratulated by the President and others on this announce- 

 ment, which will be received with satisfaction by all our local 

 botanists. 



A fine series of rare plants, recent additions to the British 

 Flora, was exhibited by Mr. A. Bennett. 



The second paper of the evening was by the distinguished 

 geologist, Mr. W. "Whitaker, B.A., F.G.S., " On some Sun-ey 

 "Wells and their Teachings." Mr. Whitaker produced and 

 placed at the disposal of the Club, the records of a great number 

 of well-sinkings, chiefly in search of water, made in the London 

 Basin, with accurate measurements of the strata through which 

 they passed. These data, so valuable to the local geologist and 

 civil engineer, will, I am glad to say, be published in our Trans- 

 actions (see Teans., art. 56). Mr. Whitaker then proceeded to 

 give a most interesting resume of the lessons to be learnt from 

 these records, and on the light they have thrown on the condition 

 of the strata underlying London and our own district. Amongst 



