286 BEPOETS. 



power to utilize it ? And when we also find it similarly exerted in such 

 sheltered jilaces as the Avon Gorge, where the violent storms of the sea coast 

 would not be encountered, is there notsome justification in hopiug that a subject, 

 which has been the day-dream of many others as well as -myself, may at no 

 distant date receive such attention as will render it no longer a mere visionary's 

 idea ?" The address was listened to with great attention, and a hearty vote of 

 thanks was awarded to Mr. Twigg. 



BIRMINGHAM SCHOOL NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. — This 

 society, under the presidency of the Rev. A. R. Vardy, M.A., (Headmaster,) is 

 in a thriving condition. The fortnightly general meetings have been held 

 regularly throughout the year, at which papers have been read by various 

 members, the chief of which are the following : — February 1st, " The Purple 

 Loosestrife," by Mr. Levett ; May 17th, " Coal : its Origin, Structure, and Distri- 

 bution near Birmingham," by Mr. Atkins. The Society consists of forty-five 

 members. President, Rev. A. R. Vardy, M.A. ; Vice-presidents, Rev. E. P. 

 MacCarthy, M.A., R. Levett, Esq., M.A., Rev. J. H. Smith, M.A., J. Turner, 

 Esq. The Botanical Section has made two excursions, the first to Hagley and 

 thence to Barnt Green, on April "iith ; the second, on May 2.jth, to Haywoods, 

 near Kmgswood, where the following uncommon j)lants were found : — I'ohjgala 

 depressa, Myosotis syivatica, Convallaria mojalis, Carex pendida, in addition 

 to ninety other species. Mr. Turner is president of this section. The Entomo- 

 logical Section has been doing some good work, under the presidency of Mr. 

 Levett. Numerous rare and interesting specimens, brought by various members, 

 have been exhiliited at the Sectional Meetings. The Geological Section has also 

 been working well, under the presidency of Mr. Atkins, having made excursions 

 to Dudley and other places of interest in the neighbourhood, and having held 

 Sectional Meetings regularly. 



BURTON-ON-TRENT NATURAL HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL 

 SOCIETY. — The last excursion of the season was made on August 14th to Tam- 

 worth, Mr. W. C. Owen being leader. The church was first visited, where the 

 Vicar, the Rev. Brooke Lambert, pointed out the objects of interest. The earliest 

 portion of the church is of Norman date. In the tower is a double winding stair- 

 case of unique construction. The church, which contains many interesting 

 monuments, has been lately restored. The parish register dates back to 15.56. 

 Tamworth Castle was next visited, Mr. Cooke, the present resident, kindly 

 guiding the party. The Moat House, a fine old Elizabethan mansion, was next 

 seen by permistion of the owner, Mr. J. F. Woody. After tea, the party drove to 

 Seckington, calling at Stalfold Hall to see the interesting chapel atljoiniug. At 

 Seckington is a large mound and a series of cntrcnL'hments, supposed to be an 

 ancient British earthwork. Mr. A. Clarson, of Tamworth, described it, and told 

 what is known of it. The excursion was greatly enjoyed. 



CARADOC FIELD CLUB.— The third Field Meeting was held at Lilleshall, 

 on Tuesday, Aug. '27th. Heavy rain in the morning prevented more than a cursory 

 examination ef the geologic features of Lilleshall Hill, on which light has been 

 cast by the recent labours of Dr. Callaway ; but, as the weather cleared, a pleasant 

 afternoon was spent in inspecting the ruins of the Abbey and a walk through the 

 woods. Mr. R. W. Ralph (secretary of the Severn Valley Field Club) kindly and 

 hospitably acted as guide through the day. 



DUDLEY AND MIDLAND GEOLOGICAL AND SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY 

 AND FIELD CLUB. — The sixth Field Meeting of the year was held on Tuesday 

 and Wednesday, September 17th ami 18th, at Chester and Northwich. A goodly 

 party assembleil at Chester, and accompanied by a large number of members of 

 the local scientific societies, proceeded to Northwich under the guidance of Mr. 

 Thos. Ward. By the courtesy of the Weaver Trust, a small steamer was in 

 waiting to enable the visitors easily to go to the hydraulic canal lift at Andertou, 

 which was explained by Mr. Wells, the engineer, and its action tried by most of 



