142 Transactions. 
owls, a kestrel, and a golden-eye ; a stoat ; and also “A History 
of the Birds of New Zealand,” by W. L. Buller. Major Bowden 
presented eleven volumes of the Philosophical Journal. The 
Secretary laid on the table the Transactions of the Berwickshire 
Naturalists’ Field Club ; the Second Annual Report of the U. 8. 
Geological Survey, as a donation from the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion; and called the attention of the meeting to the handsome 
clock which had been placed in the rooms as a donation from Mr 
J. C. M‘Lean. 
Exhibits—The Chairman exhibited a gold coin found near 
Thornhill, of the reign of Robert II. Mr Wallace exhibited the 
small tortoise-shell butterfly, and remarked that he had found 
half a dozen of the species at Terreglestown during the past week. 
CoMMUNICATIONS. 
I. Some Practical Suggestions. By Mr J. G. H. Starke, 
Vice-President. 
An interesting discussion followed the reading of this paper. 
Il. At Aberdeen with the British Association. By Mr J. Suaw. 
Mr Shaw, in this paper, described the various interesting places 
visited by the Association, and briefly noticed some of the im- 
portant scientific papers that were read at the conference. 
III. 4 Gossip about Lichens. By Mr P. Gray. 
Tn this paper, which was illustrated by a number of specimens, 
the author referred to the successful investigations made by Mr 
M‘Andrew in Galloway, and regretted that so little was known 
of the Lichens of Dumfriesshire. He suggested that the mem- 
bers should collect as many of these as possible, and forward 
them to Mr M‘Andrew or some other authority for identification, 
for by so doing they would not only make themselves acquainted 
with these interesting plants, but further the advancement of 
science. Mr Gray next described the Lichens, their place in 
nature, their habitats, their impatience of atmospheric and other 
impurities, and remarked that their luxuriance was one of the 
tests of the healthiness of a climate. He recommended that the 
collectors should examine all the stone-dykes, and visit the 
Lochar Moss, and the woods of Dalscone, Carlaverock, and Kirk- 
michael. The collector of Lichens should carry a strong sharp 
