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19 
Goldfinch (Carduelis elegans), near the railway bridge at the Bache, 
22nd March, 1911. (S. G. C.) 
Cirl-bunting (Emberiza cirlus/, at Caerwys, Flintshire, 21st June, 1911. 
8. G.C.) 
Pace Four seen flying over Upton, 15th October, 1911, an early 
date for Chester district. (S. G.C.) 
Great Northern Diver (Colymbus glacialis). Shot on the Great Orme, 
Llandudno, February 1912. Reported by Dr. A. Hamilton. (A.N.) 
Brambling, two males (Fringilla montifringilla). Shot at Sealand, near 
Chester, February 6th, 1912. (A. N.) 
Stock Dove (Columba enas). Two shot at Mollington from a small 
flock, on January 3rd, 1912. (A,N.) 
Redstart, male (Ruticilla phenicurus/. One seen at Oulton Park, 
Cheshire, April 26th, 1911. (A.N.) 
Peregrine Falcon, female (Falco peregrinus). Shot at Huxley, near 
Chester, November 25th, 1911. (A.N.) 
Great Snipe (Gallinago major). Shot on the Dee Meadows (Welsh 
side, Denbighshire), September, 1911, by Mr. Arthur Acton, 
Wrexham. Unfortunately, the tail only of this bird was sub- 
mitted for identification. There can, however, be no doubt as to 
its identity. (A.N.) 
Long-spined Bull-head (Cottus bubalis), taken in the Dee at Parkgate, 
December 1911. (A. N.) 
The Science of the Sea. 
By G. A. Duntiop. 
In his introductory remarks Mr. Dunlop mentioned that previous 
to the year 1900, the beginning of a new era in marine science, our 
knowledge of the Sea consisted of a series of isolated observations of 
facts, in themselves no doubt of much interest and value, but tending 
only occasionally to throw light upon the greater problems of the biology 
of the Sea. Faunistic lists had been prepared, the structure and habits 
of some animals studied with care, and monographs written thereon, 
but scarcely any attempt had been made to study in a systematic 
and comprehensive manner the actual conditions of life in the Sea. 
Authorities such as Gosse, Landsborough, Forbes, and Huxley in the 
“arly Victorian” years, each in his characteristic way, laid an excellent 
and sound foundation for greater possibilities. 
Proceeding, Mr. Dunlop referred to the formation of the “ Per- 
manent International Council for the Investigation of the Sea,” whose 
efforts will, it is anticipated, havea far-reaching effect upon the Science 
of the Sea. He also made mention of similar work which had been 
undertaken by local bodies and which was sure to produce great and 
good results. 
The lecture was profusely illustrated by a series of beautifully 
prepared lantern slides, which gave added interest to a subject which 
had not previously been dealt with on the lines adopted by Mr. Dunlop. 
GEOLOGICAL SECTION. 
Two meetings have been held during the Session. At the first, on 
Thursday, March 21st, the Chairman (Mr. A. W. Lucas, F.G.S.) sketched 
out “The Origin and Nature of Soils; their composition and uses,” 
emphasising their importance in the scheme of Nature. This was 
appropriately followed, in April, with a Paper by Mr. Herbert 
Hatch, M.Sc., on “The Soils of the District,’ who dealt with the 
subject not only from a geological point of view but also from an 
agricultural and botanical standpoint, emphasising the effect of soils in 
regard to the colouring of fruits and foliage, a subject which appears 
to deserve more attention than has hitherto been given to it. 
