PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 245 
tongue of a drome fly—each of these minute objects including a 
little world of wonders. The sides of the hall were hung with a 
collection of surpassingly perfect diagrams, illustrative of all 
the kingdoms of nature, especially the various departments of 
physiology, and an endless variety of beautiful botanical studies. 
They were no doubt contributed for the occasion by the chief 
professors of those fascinating sciences. In a smaller side room 
was displayed a large collection of specimen chemicals, metals, 
aud curious products of human industry; a miniature ancient 
catalogue of plants, copiously annotated by Ray, the great natura- 
list, and used by him while travelling; some extremely correct 
botanical drawings, coloured after nature, by Hindoo artists; a 
case of gold coins from a Japanese mint; some original photo- 
graphic etchings, thé first attempts in an art now so prodigiously 
improved, and abundance of other noteworthy objects too ‘ nu- 
merous to mention.’ At the upper end of the hall there were 
three stereoscopes on an unusually large scale, representing the 
grounds of a chateau, and various phases of rocky and mountain- 
ous scenery. 
“We spent two very agreeable hours in the rooms of the 
company, surrounded on all sides by gentlemen of no common 
acquirements, some of whom are of European fame. A few of the 
victors in science commanded universal attention, their gray hair 
and thoughtful faces challenging that silent reverence which is 
so much more valuable than vulgar applause. No better proof 
of the progress of scientific education amongst us could be brought 
forward than the presence of such an assemblage. The company 
had not forgotten the comfort of their guests, for whom a liberal 
supply of tea, coffee, cake, and delicately thin slices of roll and 
butter was provided. Every visitor must have left the hall with 
a deep sense of the courtesy and liberality of his entertainers. 
When so much precious time is sacrificed to mere amusement, 
which too often leaves nothing behind but a sense of weariness, 
it is highly desirable to attract thinking men of all ages, and 
especially the young, to such banquets of science, which afford far 
more genuine gratification than the showy spectacles which are 
addressed merely to the senses, and have no enduring charm for 
the mind. Some, doubtless, who availed themselves of the libera- 
lity of the compay on this occasion, will commence therefrom a 
life-long pursuit of wisdom in its more recondite forms, and be- 
come themselves, as years advance, the instructors of a new 
generation. Perhaps, however, these meetings would admit of an 
improvement: it would instructively and agreeably diversify the 
evening if, at intervals, men of acknowledged talent would read 
or deliver short addresses (each not occupying above ten minutes) 
on subjects illustrative of the specimens exhibited. After an 
hour or two, the continued inspection of microscopical objects 
exhausts attention, and becomes wearisome from its monotony. 
Besides, this would help more completely to carry out the true 
notion of a conversazione. The suggestions of new ideas by the 
