EEPOETS. 95 



specimens in every branch of Zoology, Botany, Geology, Art, and Archaeology, 

 which it would take far more space than is here available to enumerate. Nearly 

 700 persons attended the gathering, and, judging from the numerous expressions 

 of approval and pleasure to be heard on every hand, we may safely add that 

 they all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. General Meeting. — March 2nd. — 

 Mr. A. W. Wills exhibited two diatoms, AsterionellaBleakeleyii, from Falmouth ; 

 and A. formosa, from Sutton Park. — Mr. J. E. Bagnall exhibited Fissidens 

 exilis, a rare moss; and Autheridium of Diplophyllum albicans, both from 

 Solihull. — Mr. W. P. Marshall read Dr. Marshall's paper, (printed on paee 49, 

 et seq.,) giving the results of Professor A. Weismann's researches into the habits 

 and life-history of Leptodora hyalina. Illustrations were given of three stages 

 in the development of the nauplius or larva, and some large diagrams of nearly 

 allied forms, connecting it with the other Cladocera, were shown by Mr. Marshall. — 

 Biological Section. — March 9th. — Mr. J. E. Bagnall exhibited and described, 

 on behalf of the Rev. W. H. Painter, a fine collection of plants from Anglesea. 

 — Mr. T. Bolton exhibited pro-embryo of Chara fragilis, grown from spores. — 

 Mr. Levick exhibited, under the microscopes, the rotifer Kotommata Brachionus, 

 males and females, the latter making webs to which they attach themselves. He 

 also exhibited Anurcea curvicorms and Pohjarthra platyptera. — The first part 

 of a valuable paper, by Mr. W. Phillips, P.L.S., of Shrewsbury, " On the Study 

 of the Lichens," was read by Mr. J. E. Bagnall, and illustrated by a large 

 number of typical specimens and drawings. The concluding portion of the 

 paper, which is looked forward to with much interest, will be read on the 30th 

 instant. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Phillips for his communication. — 

 General Meeting. — March 16th. — Mr. W. G. Blatch exhibited Pogonocherus 

 hispidus, one of the Longicorn beetles, found at Sare Hole, Moseley, on the 14th 

 just., which is remarkably early for its appearance. — Mr. T. Bolton exhibited 

 Weuham's immersion illuminator. — Mr. J. Levick exhibited a curious Infusorian 

 Dinobryon sertularia, and Volvox globator. — Mr. W. B. Grove, B.A., read a 

 most interesting paper on " Some Phenomena of Ice," illustrated by drawings 

 and by thin slabs of ice in the oxy-hydrogen microscope ; the paper will be 

 printed in a future number. 



BIRMINGHAM AND MIDLAND INSTITUTE SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. 

 — February 14th. — The members made an excursion to the site of the New 

 Lunatic Asylum, at Rubery, where, during the excavations for the foundations, 

 the coal measures have been exposed. A seam of coal, nearly two feet thick, 

 was examined by the party. February 26th. — Fifty-eight members and friends 

 went to Aston Lower Grounds. Mr. W. R. Morris explained the Gramme 

 Machines, and showed various experiments with the Electric Light. Mr. H. W. 

 Jones, F.C.S., conducted the members through the Aquarium, describing the 

 various forms of animal life in the tanks, &c. March 10th. — Mr. J. H. Baxter 

 read a paper on " What can be done with a cheap Microscope," and exhibited 

 a large collection of slides, which were well shown under microscopes not 

 costing more than 10s. 6d.each. March 17th.— Mr. R. Waite gave a very interesting 

 description of Stonehenge and Salisbury Plain. 



BURTON-ON-TRENT NATURAL HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL 

 SOCIETY.— March 2nd, Mr. Robert Thornewill read a second paper on " The 

 History of Burton Abbey." In his first paper, March 1878, Mr. Thornewill 

 gave a sketch of the history of the abbey from its foundation by Wulfric 

 Spot in 1004 to the death of Abbot Nicholas in 1197. The present was a 

 resume of the history of the abbey during the 13th and 14th centuries. 

 William Melbourne, a monk of Reading, succeeded Nicholas in the^abbacy ; 

 during his rule — on the 31st of March and the 1st of April, 1200 — 

 King John was a guest at the abbey. In this abbot's time occurred the 

 first uncovering of the remains of Burton Church — probably the Saxon church 

 partly replaced in 1114 by the Norman work at the west end by Abbot Nigel. 

 Melbourne was also a great benefactor to the town. They were told he built the 

 town " extending from the great bridge at Burton as far as the new bridge in the 

 direction of Horninglow;" and he procured from King John a charter for the 

 Thursday market and the fair now known as " Burton Winter Fair." Abbot 



