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life-history of the epoch, and to the strange fact that in the 
lowest fossiliferous strata, the huge “‘ Paradowides,” the giant 
of his tribe of ‘“ Crustacea” (the Trilobites,) should at once 
spring into existence without apparently any ancestors. Dr. 
Wricut argued that this sudden appearance of new forms of 
life was the case throughout all geologic history; others, how- 
ever, maintain that this history is itself imperfect, whole pages 
and chapters being lost and destroyed; and that it is alike 
inconcievable and unphilosophic to assume that a crustacean or 
an elephant came suddenly into existence without any fore- 
runners from whom to take and carry on the lamp of life. 
The Second Winter Meeting of the Club was held in the 
Lecture Theatre of the 
SCIENCE SCHOOL IN GLOUCESTER, 
on Wednesday the 23rd of February, when a paper was read 
by Mr. Jonny Betiows, entitled ‘“‘ Notes on certain traces of the 
British or Celtic period which remain in the Forest of Dean.” 
Mr. Bettows commenced by referring to the well-known 
building in the centre of the Forest called the “Speech 
House,” the history of which he sketched, and drew attention 
to the very considerable number of hollies growing about the 
spot, and to the evident great age of many of them. He then 
shewed that many superstitions are connected with the holly 
which have come down from very remote times, when the plant 
was associated with some idea of sacredness and holiness. The 
selection of its present site for the “‘ Speech House” was dwelt 
upon as implying in itself a strong presumption in favour of 
the spot having been used as a central point of gathering for a 
period long antecedent to the erection of the present building. 
Reference was then made to certain personal characteristics 
still recognisable, and to habits and customs still or of late 
existing in the Forest, which are probably derived from Celtic 
sources; and it was shewn that these peculiarities are still 
preserved in those districts wherein from the nature of the 
country the Britons found refuge when fleeing before the Saxon 
