70 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOOIETY. 
Srconp Eventne Meerine, Nov. 13, held by kind permission 
at the house of Mr. John Parker, jun. A vacancy having oc- 
curred in the Committee by the removal of Mr. Britten to the post 
of Secretary, Dr. Bowstead was unanimously elected in his place. 
A paper on “ British Reptiles,” kindly forwarded by Mr. W. R. 
Tate, of London, was read by the Secretary. The orders Sauria 
and Batrachia, as illustrated by British examples, were selected 
for especial notice ; and the remarks upon each species were gath- 
ered, in a great measure, from personal observation. The Presi- 
dent then delivered an instructive address upon ‘‘ Diatoms and 
Desmids,”’ illustrated by diagrams and coloured drawings. The 
physiology of these minute vegetable organisms was explained ; 
and the narrow line which separates them from the animal world 
was clearly and concisely drawn. Various Diatoms were exhibi- 
ted under the microscope, as were also fossil specimens of their 
sporangia, from flint. Among the subjects exhibited was a 
collection of Butterflies, and another of Beetles (chiefly local), 
exhibited by the President, the former containing the only speci- 
mens of the rare Clouded Yellow ( Colias Edusa) which have been 
taken in the Wycombe district, Various Reptiles, British and 
foreign, preserved in spirits, were also on the table; as also was 
a copy of Morris’ “ British Birds,” lent by Dr. Bowstead; and a 
series of coloured engravings of Wild Flowers. The approaching 
Meteor-shower formed, as might be expected, the subject of much con- 
versation ; after which, the usual votes of thanks having been pro- 
posed and acceded to, the meeting broke up. 
Asetul Books. 
has been suggested to us by a contributor that a small portion 
ofour space might be profitably occupied by a list of useful books 
as may be usefully consulted by those who are desirous of increas- 
ing their knowledge of Natural History. We have great pleasure 
in acceding to this proposition: and have selected the following, 
which, while giving sound reliable information on the subjects of 
