9 
to advance geological science by quiet and patient industry. 
The Kingsley Memorial Prize, for the best Collection of Cryp- 
togamous Plants, was awarded to Mrs. Hopkins. * The 
President’s Prize for the drawing of the Leaf, Flower, and Fruit 
of the Horse Chesnut, was presented to Miss GRIFFITH ; 
and a second prize, given by a Member, was carried off by 
Miss Orton. For the best collection of Land Shells of the 
District, the first prize was given to Mr. A. SHRUBSOLE; and 
Mr. H. W. Acron’s collection was so good that an additional 
prize was added by Mr. A. O. WALKER, thus, we hope, giving 
a stimulus to local collecting. 5 
The exhibition of Natural History specimens was good, 
and the splendid collection of drawings of microscopic objects 
by Mr. RocuFrortT Connor, contributed much to the interest 
and instruction of the evening. The Council Chamber was 
again filled with Microscopes. On this occasion the objects 
exhibited were classified, which, as far as the general public 
are concerned, may have appeared a disadvantage, as it pre- 
cluded the massing together of the more attractive and showy 
objects; but even this drawback, time will remedy, as the 
instruction gained will lead up to a finer and more delicate 
appreciation of what constitutes real beauty both in the Animal, 
Vegetable, and Mineral Kingdoms of Nature. We must not 
omit to notice that a bouquet of hot-house flowers was shown 
under the Graphoscope. These were exquisitely arranged by 
Mr. SELwoop and formed a glorious object. 
The Society invariably consider the Annual Conversazione 
as a great help and advantage. We welcome members whom 
we do not at other times see amongst us, and have thus a means 
of letting them see how our work is progressing, and that the 
year has not been altogether unproductive of scientific culture. 
There have been six General Meetings during the past 
winter :-— 
1881—Oct. 27—“* Notes on Italy and what she is doing for Science,” by 
the PRESIDENT (PRoF, T. McKENNy HUGHES.) 
Nov. 24—‘* The Denudations of North Wales,” by A. STRAHAN, 
Esq., M.A., F.G.S., H. M. Geological Survey. 
