28 



The meetinp then resolved itself into a oonvorsnzione, and an eshlMHon of 

 microscopic objects, etc. Mr. AUeu, of Bath, Secretary to the Postal Micro- 

 scropic Society, lent an antiquated form of instrument for exhibition, ancl also 

 sent some excellent slides and MS. containing beautiful drawings by Tufff-n 

 West, Hummoud, Wiuderliill, &c. On Dcceudicr lllli, at a numerously attended 

 meeting, the President in the chair, J. H. Tmntou, Esq., C.E., read an 

 important and interesting paper oa " The enlxrged n-e of compressed air in 

 resent engineering construction ; " Dr. Bond, of Gloucester, exhibked a 

 telephone in working oider, and described its construction and mode of u-e; 

 and Mr. Holland exhibited various liassic specimens from the bone bed, near 

 TVestbury. 



TAMWORTH NATURAL HISTORY, GEOLOGTC^L. AND ANTI- 

 QUARIAN SOCIETY.— The annual meeting wtis held Dectraber 17th. After 

 the statement of accounts and the rejiort had been read, the President (Mr. R. 

 W. Nevill) delivered a valedictory address, in the course of which be reviewed 

 the social changes which have taken place during the last quarter of a century, 

 mentioning briefly, but clearly and forcibly, the more important of them. Ho 

 next pointed out that the progress of science during the same period had been 

 even greater. Reference was then made to some of the many important investi- 

 gations now occupying the attention of our leading men of science ; and to the 

 recent discovery of the telephone by Professor Bell. After thanking the 

 members for their attendance, Mr. Nevill proposed for his successor as President 

 the Rev. Brooke Lambert ; the motion was seconded by Mr. W. Lucy, and 

 carried unanimously. The Committee, Treasurer, (Mr. H. Thring,) and Secre- 

 tary, (Mr. W. G. Davy,) wex'e then elected. The meeting was afterwai-ds 

 occupied in examining a telephone, which was exhibited and succestfully 

 worked. 



— ■^— — 



p. T. M. " Mathematical Problem." — We have submitted your question to two able 

 mathematicians — one a Senior Wrangler who has made optics a special study — 

 who agree in stating that in the present state of our knowledge it is 

 unanswerable. — We shall be glad to bo favoured with your promised 

 contributions. 



Mici.icEUT.v RiNOENS. — In answer to H. M.'s enquiry, we refer him to an 

 advertisement on the cover of this month's issue, in which he will see that he 

 can obtain for a mere trifle from Mr. Tliomns Bolton, of Hj'de House, 

 Stourbridge, specimens of this interesting building Rotifer. Mr. Bolton has 

 long been recognised in this locality as a most successful tiudor of rare Rotifers, 

 Eutomostraca, &c. 



We have to thank manj' friends for encouraging communications. We have 

 especially to thank Dr. W. Hinds for his excellent article on " The Cliloropliyll- 

 body and its relation to Starch ;" Mr. W. G. Bliitchfor bis interesting commu- 

 nication on "Entomological Books for Boginnrrs," and I^Ir. C. T. !Mu.-;s()n for 

 bis " Catalogue of the Land and Fresh Water Shells to be found in Nettingham 

 and the neighbourhood," for all of which we hope to find room in the number 

 for Februaiy. 



W^e have ranch pleasure in printing the following resolutions, nnani- 

 mously agreed to at the last meeting of the Birmiugbam Natural Ilibtory 

 and Mieroscopical Society :^Ilesolved — That the Secretary Lc requested 

 to send u copy of the lirst number of the " Midlanu Naxih.^i.ist" to aJl 

 the members of this Society, accompanied by a circular culling their 

 attention to the journal, aiul expressing a hope that they will subscribe. 

 Resolved — That this resolution be communicated to the other Societies 

 in the Union, in the hope that they may be induced to take similar 

 measures to bring the " Midland Natvealist " before the notice of their 

 members. 



