Proceedings. oxvu 



he ftrrived at a too hasty opinion as to the position one class 

 (rj2.,the Birds) occupied, placing them lower in the scale than 

 they either socially or anatomically deserved, for on lookmg 

 further into the subject he finds he ought to have located them 

 with the Reptiles, under Huxley's order of Sauropsida. He 

 therefore thinks an ample apology is due to the Birds, which he 

 hopes their great friend and benefactor Mr. Crowley will duly 

 convey to them. 



The Conversational Meetings have been fairly well attended, 

 and many matters of a highly interesting nature discussed. 



The Twentieth Annual Source was held in the Large and 

 Small Halls, and the old School of Art Room on the 20th of 

 November, when 108 microscopes were exhibited by the following 

 Clubs-— Croydon 36, Royal 7, Quekett 14, South London 10, 

 Brockley and St. John's 6, Forest Hill 9, Greenwich 4, Hohnes- 

 dale 6, Tower 3, and unattached 13. 



In the Small Hall were displayed, by 41 exhibitors, many 

 collections of an interestmg and instructive character, amongst 

 which we noticed a fine collection of photographs of all the known 

 Great Auks' eggs, including Croydon's only one, the property of our 

 friend Mr. Crowley ; the well known, and always eagerly looked 

 for, basket of flowers collected by Mrs. Miller found its usual 

 place with an increased number of varieties. Mr. Helps had his 

 very fine display of coal-tar products ; and on a long table 

 extending nearly across the room, was the large and very com- 

 plete collection, by Mr. Lovett, of lamps, commencing at the most 

 primitive of hghts, ascending by a species of evolution to the 

 most modem and almost perfect lamp. Mr. Crowley also gave 

 us a display of his imique collection of butterflies and moths. 

 Many other exhibitors placed for our edification collections, 

 useful, curious and instructive. 



In the old School of Art Room, two exhibitions of lantern-sUdes 

 (prepared by the members of the Club) were given. 



The total number of visitors and members present amounted 

 to 630, being 60 below the total of the previous year. This 

 falling ofif was not due to less interest being taken in the Club, 

 but was caused chiefly by the Mission which was held in Croydon 

 durmg the week we held om* Soiree. However, in comfort we 

 gained, if in pocket we lost, by their absence. 



Having now traced the progress of the Club during the past 

 year, it behoves us to see if we are satisfied with its prosperity ; 

 fi-om my pomt of view I think we ought not to be, for when we 

 consider we have 285 members and only an average oi 27 attend 

 our Monthly Meetings, we feel compelled to look round and ask 



