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43 



and of Gorgonla maxslbidata. These were afterwards exhibited 

 under the President's microscope under the spot lens, and excited 

 much admiration, not only on account of the natural beauty of 

 the objects, but also from their peculiar arrangement, they bcino- 

 so arranged in the mounting that the imited spiculte presented 

 the appearance of small sprigs or trees. 



Dr. Hallifax then introduced some remarkable specimens of a 

 curiously cup-shaped fungus. In colour, they were bright scarlet 

 and gained a heightened beauty from the delicate green mosses 

 by which they were surrounded on the portions of the tree 

 branches to Avhich they were attached. Considerable discussion 

 ensued as to whether these peculiar growths should be classed as 

 fungi or lichens, as, under microscopical examination. Dr. Hallifax 

 could not identify their characteristics with those of true lichens. 

 The specimens were handed to him by Mr. J. T. Whatford, who 

 received them from a friend residing near Abingdon in Yorkshire, 

 in which neighbourhood they had been obtained, so that he had 

 no pre^dous history to guide him in their classification. 



Mr. Haselwood pointed out, that they were specimens of 

 the Pczlzcc, a large group of fungi. 



The meeting then became a conversazione, when the President 

 exhibited, among many other interesting objects, a series of 

 ciystals, including those of bi-chromate of potash, oxalic acid» 

 nitrate of ammonia, Epsom salts, and sidphate of zinc, which 

 were shown to great advantage with the polariscope, as were also 

 some finely-mounted scales of fishes. 



Dr. HaUifax exhibited a slide mounted by ^Mr. d'Alquen, 

 containing a few hairs from the seed vessels of the common wild 

 rose, and pointed out their evidently tubular structure and 

 peculiarly curved general outline. 



Mr. Haselwood also exhibited some beautifully-mounted 

 slides, amongst which were especially admired a preparation of 

 the skin of the dogfish, peristomes of Funaria, &c. 



