PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 141 



" Some have supposed it a diatom allied to Biddulphia 

 Bayleyi. From its filamentous nature, and having long spines 

 or cilia, it might, if diatomaceous, be approached to Biddul- 

 phia; but it takes in turpentine and balsam when dried without 

 being boiled or burned. Now this can only take place on the 

 supposition either that there are no partitions (or valves at 

 the joint — in other words, that the tube is continuous), or that 

 the wall is porous ; either of Avhich is contrary to its being a 

 diatom at all. 



"Some of my correspondents suppose it to be the exuviae of 

 an annelid ; but no one can point out either genus or 

 species. 



"An object of such abundance on our coasts (at St. Andrews 

 I am informed that a pint of it could have been collected in a 

 few minutes) must surely be well known to the London 

 microscopists; and therefore I send you the slides in the hope 

 that, through its members, you will be able to throw some 

 light on the point. 



"I shall send a supply of the object itself to Mr. J. T. Norman, 

 the well-known preparer of microscopic objects ; so that any 

 one requiring slides may have them from him. They are 

 best seen on the cover, dry, and not burned ; but, unless 

 burned, they are apt to imbibe damp, and the slide becomes 

 useless in a year or two. I therefore, myself, prefer them 

 when mounted dry, after being burned. 



"Yours truly, 



G. Walker Arnott. 



Victoria-terrace, 



" Dowanhill, near Glasgow." 



Josh. Gratton, Esq., and R. Beck, Esq., were appointed 

 auditors of the Treasurer's account. 



February 8th, 1860. 



ANNIVERSARY MEETING. 



Dr. Lankester, President, in the chair. 



The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and 

 confirmed. 



Reports from the Council and the Library Committee were 

 read, together with the Auditors' Report on the Treasurer's 

 accounts; there remaining in his hands a balance of 

 £25 16s. lOd. 



Resolved that these Reports be received and adopted. 



