3] 
of a central axis. This same class is represented by the ordinary clam, 
as well as the cuttle fish, of the present. Lastly, the Vertedrata, having 
a back bone, and, the skeleton being internal, constitutes the frame work, 
upon which the muscles act. Fishes, batrachians, reptiles, birds and mam- 
mals belong to this last and most important division of the Animal King- 
dom, inasmuch as it includes man, the highest representative of vei- 
tebrate power. Thus we have the four leading types as indices in tracing 
the various sub-divisions which frequently perplex the student of natural history. 
In conclusion, I may here state that the nearest type to cystidew, is the Silurian 
crinoid, which usually differs from the former, in being elaborately ornamented 
and supported by a much longer stem, fixed in its character, like the cystidean, 
and having functions in many respects alike. Thus these interesting forms of 
life played their part in this world’s history, and lead us to coincide with 
the sentiment of the poet who has so beautifully expressed ss ie * 
“Tis hard to tell of work begun, 
Of work completed, work undone, 
And all the wonders that are wrought 
By tiny agents of God’s thought.” 
Museum Epucation: Mr, H. Beaumont Smatu.—The subject was 
shosen in connection with the removal here of the Geological Museum, 
and a graceful compliment was paid to Dr. Grant, for his unremitting 
exertions to accomplish this object. The origin and usefulness of 
museums was treated of, and the formation of local museums strongly 
urged, with a wish strongly expressed for the establishment of a national 
museum, which, as an “adjunct to Government, may be eventually 
anticipated. The neglect hitherto shewn in all young countries with 
regard to such institutions may be traced to the intense worship of 
wealth compared witb that paid to intellect, whilst the struggle of 
parties and factions contribute to this neglect. In order to be a 
naturalist, a man need not necessarily be hig shly educated. We may 
gather ideas from books, but we get them from nature direct ; books 
a nature are a reflex of each anaes ; the museum is their co- acide, 
and the information to be gained there trom collected material is the 
index to what we have to acquire by patient and personal observation 
of nature. Public opinion has greatly changed with regard to science, 
and science and infidelity are no longer counted synonymous. Science 
is, in the present eentury, the magician’s wand, and he who follows it is 
the magician of to-day. 
FOURTH SOIREE. 
Fripay, 6TH Frespruary, 1880.—‘‘ THE CoNTRACTILITY OF THE SPORES 
oF Paumetia Hyanina:” Rev. A. F. Kemp, J4A., 0.L.D. 
A paper describing observations made by the writer during the 
autumn on this plant, which is a species of Algae found in the quiet 
