JOJ! 



while the stupid gazer finds nothing in them worthy of 

 notice, the philosophic observer sees an alphabet, which 

 enables him to read a chapter in Nature's own history of 

 our globe. Mr. Cunningham, to whom the Society is 

 indebted for the whole of the geological information, stated 

 some additional particulars respecting the stratification at 

 Bidston, and the peculiar elevations — especially at certain 

 portions of the Wirral ridge : all of which were in perfect 

 harmony with his interesting and original theory of the 

 formation and changes of the district. 



In Zoology the attention was drawn to various facts. 

 At one time the star fish was exhibited, from winch one, 

 two, or even three members had been lopped, wriggling its 

 slow way across the sand. Again, the Bero'e was shown, 

 clinging to a small projection, by the side of a pool; and 

 the little Medusa protruded its tentacula, or showed the 

 quivering circulation of its fluids through its transparent 

 sides. Dr. Inman stated some facts respecting the speci- 

 mens of animated nature which he had collected ; from 

 which, and from some casual remarks, it would seem that the 

 Medusa possesses the extraordinary capability of sponta- 

 neous or voluntary dissolution. 



In Botany several interesting specimens of fuci were 

 collected ; the peculiar ' he' of the imbedded wood was 

 observed, explanations were kindly given by Dr. Dickinson, 

 and speculations respecting its nature and age were sug- 

 gested by the peculiar appearance of the bark. 



In Chemistry the curiosity of the gentlemen was 

 excited by some interesting suggestions relative to the car- 

 bonaceous matter thiit was ei 3ry whei i spread i round ; anfl 

 its peculiar condition was regarded as a mosi value! 

 cmplification of the various processes and stages in the for- 

 mation of coal. Dr. Brett made some remarks r< pectme 

 the alterations which woody fibre underwent by exposure to 

 atmospheric agencies. "It was stated that ligneous matter, 



