PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. ]J7 



eye could reaeli. They were curiously contrasted with the beau- 

 tiful aquamarina of the water lying over the ichite coral reefs. 

 "The red colour I ascertained," says Captain Xewbold, "to be 

 caused by the subjacent red sandstone and reddish coral reefs. 

 A similar phenomenon is observed in the Straits of Babel Mandeb, 

 and also near Suez, particularly when the rays of the sun fall on 

 the water at a small angle." Pliny speaks of the Bed Sea as a 

 vast forest : " E.ubrum mare et totus Orientis oceauus refertus 

 est sylvis." Sandstone and granite lend the strong red hue which 

 is connected with the name of Edom. It is described by Diodorus 

 Siculus as of a bright scarlet hue, and is represented in legendary 

 pictures as of a bright crimson. AVe are thus supplied with suffi- 

 cient reasons for the colour of the Eed Sea without assigning it 

 wholly, as some have done, to red algge, which Dr. Colliugwood 

 never saw. The nature and effect of what he did see is admirably 

 described, and we are greatly indebted to him for his communi- 

 cation. 



Dr. MrRiE read a paper " On the Arrangement and Classifica- 

 tion of Microscopic Objects in Cabinets." 



The ChaikmajS" observed that the views brought forward by 

 Dr. Murie were well worth attention, and would be valuable in 

 assisting the Council to rearrange the Society's collections. He 

 suggested that, as the subject was of a very technical character, 

 and required mature consideration, it might be advisable to post- 

 pone any discussion upon it. 



The best thanks of the Society were ofiered to the respective 

 authors of these papers. 



QUEKETT MiCEOSCOPICAL ClUB. 



December 27 fh, 1867. 

 Mr. AmnrR E. Durham, President, in the chair. 

 Mr. N. BuROEss read the concluding portion of a paper on 

 " The Wools of Commerce, Commercially and Microscopically 

 considered." 



Mr. BocKETT called attention to a form of live-box, in which 

 he exhibited some Acari under a microscope. 



Speciinens of Stephanoceros, Conochilus, and some sections of 

 wood, were distributed. Eleven members were elected. 



January 2^th, 1868. 

 The President in the chair. 

 Mr. M. C. CooKE read a paper on " The Hair of Indian Bats," 

 which he illustrated with numerous diagrams and mounted speci- 

 mens which he afterwards presented to the club. 

 Eleven members were elected. 



Fehruary 2SfJi, 1868. 

 The Peesidext in the chair. 

 Dr. T. F. Purlev, of U. S. America, was introduced to the 



