PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY. 119 
A paper “ On Buttercups” was then read by the Secretary, in 
which the land species of the genus Ranunculus were described in 
a popular manner; the localities in our own neighbourhood 
where each species may be found being given, with notes on the 
‘* vertues’’ attributed to them by our ancestors. The paper was 
illustrated by plates of each species, from Hardwicke’s ‘ English 
Botany.’ The third paper, read by the Secretary in the unavoid- 
able absence of its author, R. B. Sharpe, Esq., was ‘*On the 
British Titmice (Parine),’’ each species being technically described, 
and popular notes on its habits being added; Mr. Sharpe strongly 
condemned the bird-murder unfortunately so popular among un- 
educated persons. A beautiful collection of the Titmice illustrated 
this paper, the male and female of nearly every species being 
shown, as well as the eggs, and, in one or two cases, the nests. 
After the reading of the papers, the President briefly explained 
several of the more interesting geological specimens, especially 
the bones of the Dinornis, the fossil Bugs, and the Ammonite and 
Nautilus tribe. Many interesting objects were afterwards ex- 
hibited under the microscope, and it was not till it grew late that 
the concluding votes of thanks were moved. The Mayor proposed 
the thanks of the meeting to the Rev. T. H. Browne for his un- 
wearying exertions to promote the interests of the Society and for 
the interesting paper he had read; this was seconded by Thomas 
Wheeler, Esq., and heartily responded to. F. Wheeler, Esq., 
_ moved, and Mr. Butler seconded, a similar vote to the Secretary, 
which was carried by acclamation, and responded to by Mr. 
Britten. The friends then began to disperse, and we believe 
that every one departed greatly delighted with the pleasant and 
profitable evening which had been spent. 
The following were among the principal objects exhibited :— 
Ostz0LoGy was represented by a beautiful and perfect skeleton of the 
_ American Crocodile (Crocodilus Americanus); a skeleton of the Oyster 
Catcher (bird) (Hematopus Ostralegus) ; carefully prepared bones of the two 
British representatives of the Salamanders, commonly called the Water 
Newt (Zriton cristatus, and Lophinus or Lissotriton punctatus) ; the skull of 
a large bear from Thibet ; portions of the skull of the Ethiopian Wart-Hog 
(Phacocherus Aithiopicus), with enormous tusks; the jaw of a Boar, with 
fully-developed tusk; two scapule, or shoulder blades, of a Whale; the 
