VOL. XVI. (2) ORDINARY WINTER MEETINGS IOI 
containing silver filings in a fine state of division. In this condition the 
silver filings, not being in absolute contact, are comparatively non- 
conducting. But when an electric current is sent through the tube 
they are for the time brought into such close contact as to be practi- 
cally one piece of metal. They are then good conductors, and the 
current easily passes tothe receiver. On breaking this close contact 
of the filings with each other they become again non-conductors, and 
the current ceases. This breaking of contact was attained by a 
mechanical vibrator connected with the tube, and which could be 
so adapted that by a series of shocks or ‘‘ jars” it produced on the 
filings in the tube short and long signals, or any combination of these 
could be easily transmitted and received. It was stated that Marconi 
used a vertical metal rod of considerable length instead of plates, the 
long rod being an excellent radiator. Great electro-motive power is, 
of course, necessary to convey such messages to long distances. It 
was further explained how the receiving instrument could be so 
adjusted or ‘‘tuned” that the oscillations produced therein would 
keep time with the oscillations of the transmitting apparatus. A loss 
of power is thus avoided, and messages cannot be so readily tapped 
before reaching their destination. [J. N. Hops. | 
The Rev. Walter Butt exhibited a collection of plants. 
> 
TUESDAY, January 14th, 1908 
Wook. GARLES, C/M.G:, .F-L.S., F.R:G.S., President, in: the Chair, 
The following papers were read :— 
1. ‘*ON A SECTION OF THE SUPERFICIAL DEPOSITS, AND THE 
DISCOVERY OF ROMAN REMAINS AT THE GIRLS’ HIGH 
SCHOOL, GLOUCESTER.” By ZL. Richardson." 
2. ‘*ON SOME ROMAN REMAINS AT GLOUCESTER, AND THE 
ROADS NEAR THE NORTH GATE.” By John Sawyer. 
Mr J. W. Gray, F.G.S., presented a report of an earthquake 
shock which took place at the Wyche, Malvern, on Friday, September 
27th, 1907. There was one shock, which took the form of a vertical 
jerk. There were no subsequent vibrations. Loose articles were 
rattled, and there was a crushing sound. The shock was observed as 
far as Cheltenham. Mr Gray was staying at Malvern at the time—at 
a spot which he believed to be near the centre of the disturbance. By 
means of a coloured geological section, Mr Gray showed the relation- 
ship of the Archean and May-Hill rocks, which was a faulted one. He 
stated that he considered the earthquake to have been due to a 
movement along this fault. He also referred to the accident to the 
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