PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 



115 



entirely and independent of the so-called Bathybius, being indeed 

 calcareous algae. 



The coccospheres were considered by Mr. Carter to be the spo- 

 rangia of the above genus. 



The proceedings concluded with the usual conversazione. 



South London Microscopical and Natural History Club.* 



A meeting was held on Saturday, March 11th, at Glo'ster Hall, 

 Brixton Eoad, for the purpose of organizing a club for microscopical 

 research, combined with the study of natural history. Dr. Braith- 

 waite, F.L.S., F.E.M.S., &c., presided. 



Mr. Hovenden, F.A.S.L., acted as Secretary for the evening. The 

 Chairman, in stating the object of the proj^osed society, remarked that 

 Mr. Hovenden was the real originator of the club. This gentleman 

 thought that a society of the kind would find a sufficient number of 

 supporters in the district, and he therefore communicated ^vith several 

 gentlemen well knowTi in the microscoijical world, whose names were 

 eventually appended to a circular letter which was issued for the pur- 

 pose of calling together the present meeting. Dr. Braithwaite then 

 spoke of the advantages of the microscope in investigation, and of the 

 usefulness of a club for the pm-pose of diffusing microscopic know- 

 ledge, collecting objects, &c. By comprehending natural history in 

 their study, they would include the two great sections, botany and 

 micro-zoology ; in this way the younger members would be instructed 

 in natm-al history. 



Mr. Stejihenson proposed " That a society be and is hereby formed, 

 to be called the South London Microscopical and Natural History 

 Club." 



Mr. Stewart seconded this motion, which was carried unanimously. 



Mr. Henry Lee (of Croydon), F.L.S., F.G.S., said that he was glad 

 to see that the number of microscopical societies was fast increasing. 

 He mentioned that within the last few months three new societies had 

 been formed ; one at Forest Hill, numbering forty-four members, one at 

 Margate, of thirty-three members, and now this one in South London 

 which he hoped to see the most important of all. He then complimented 

 the Society upon the number of eminent names that were down on the 

 subscription list, and was glad to see that they were all thorough good 

 working members. He recommended to the Society a systematic mode 

 of working, the subject of the next meeting always being announced, 

 as desultory work seldom led to good results. He thought that each 

 member should bring his microscope, and mentioned that at Croydon 

 a ride was made that the microscopes of all the members should be at 

 the disposal of the lecturer for the evening. Eespecting the subscrip- 

 tion, he thought that the experience of all other microscoj)ical socie- 

 ties taught that it should not be a less amount than 10s. This sum 

 excludes nobody, while a smaller sum will not allow the club to carry 

 on its business. He also mentioned that the club at Croydon had been 

 invited by Mr. Saunders of the Helmsdale Club to assist them in work- 



* Report fiu'nishcd by tlic Secretary. 



