1G 



Mr. Cunningham exhibited an impression from Storeton 

 quarry, which he considered to be that of a large Tortoise. 

 The President read an account of the trial and execu- 

 tion of certain pigs and bullocks, for murder ! It occurred 

 in France in the fifteenth century. 



THE TAPER FOR THE EVENI.VG WAS, 



AN APOLOGY FOR THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE."— By Dr. Hvmf. 



FOURTH MEETING. 



ROYAL INSTITUTION, 1st December, 18+3. 

 The PRESIDENT in the Chair. 



Mr. Thomas Sansom, A.L.S., F.B.S.E., was admitted a 

 member. 



Mr. Mayer exhibited several specimens of Diamonds, 

 from Bahia, and stated that some had been found weighing 

 a quarter of an ounce. They were, however, of dark colour, 

 deficient in lustre, and of little value, except in the manu- 

 facture of watches. 



Dr. Jeffreys read a communication on the consump- 

 tion of Tobacco, and stated the large sum thus expended, 

 which he considered might be more beneficially employed. 

 He also noticed the injurious effects of the article on animal 

 life. 



The President handed round a letter from Charles I , 

 of which the concluding words and the signature were, 

 undoubtedly, the autographs of that King. It was dated 

 Newport, 11th November, 1G-48 ; and was a letter of intro- 

 duction in favour of Lady Hopkins, addressed to Sir 

 David Kirke, Newfoundland. 



Dr. Carson exhibited some living Gold Fish having 

 deviations from the usual form, — one having, apparently, 

 a double tail, and another wanting part of the dorsal fin. 

 He stated that such deviations were unusual in the fish in 

 its natural state, and attributed them to impaired nutrition 

 and the want of exercise, from which they suffered in the 

 confined state. 



