182 REPORTS. 
exhibited Hydatina senta, and Mr. Bolton Batrachospermum moniliforme. Mr. 
H. E. Forrest exhibited a specimen of the common snake, (Natriz torquata,) and 
pointed out the differences in size, colour, and form of the tail between this 
species and the viper. Mr. W. R. Hughes read the ninth and last of a series of 
papers on the ‘“ Parasites of Man,” contributed by Dr. Cobbold. At the con- 
clusion of the paper a cordial vote of thanks was passed to Dr. Cobbold for his 
valuable series of papers, and for the many specimens which he had sent to 
illustrate them. A vote of thanks was also passed to Mr. Hughes for his kind- 
ness in reading the papers. 
BIRMINGHAM AND MIDLAND INSTITUTE SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. 
—March 26th.—Mons. Z. Camelinat read a paper on ‘“ Scientific and Industrial 
Education in France.” He described the various abortive attempts which had 
been made since the first revolution to impart scientific training to the working 
classes, and proceeded to describe the two technical schools now actually at 
work in Paris. The one of these, that of the Boulevard de la Villette, is intended 
for a model for large industrial towns. The pupils are received at thirteen years, 
and their average cost to the town is £10 per annum. The other school, that of 
the Rue Tournefort, will serve as a model for the smaller towns and agricultural 
districts. Here the pupils are received at eleven years, and cost annually £4. 
In both the pupils stay three years. The studies consist of general subjects, 
together with instruction in the use of all kinds of tools. At the end of the 
second year the student selects his favourite trade, and then devotes the greater 
part of his time to it, so that when he leaves the school he is able to earn the full 
wages of a practised workman. It is proposed to make these schools compulsory 
all over France. April 8th.—A party of the members visited the tar-distilling 
works of Mr. J. C. Major, Monmore Green. The processes of obtaining naphtha, 
naphthalene, benzole, carbolic acid, anthracene, creosote, pitch, and other 
substances were inspected with much interest. April 9th.—Mr. C. E. Crick read 
apaper on “Plant Life,” which was illustrated by numerous microscopical 
specimens. Good Friday, April 11tbh.—There was an excursion to the Severn 
Valley. The party proceeded by rail to Droitwich, and walked thence through 
Westwood Park to Ombersley. Just outside the park a very interesting quarry 
in the Keuper sandstone was visited. The rock abounds with carbonised stems 
of trees, and contains considerable quantities of copper ore. The path through 
Lord Sandys’ park to Holtfleet was then taken, and the valley kept to Hampstall, 
where tea was provided. After visiting several woods in the vicinity, where 
some good botanical finds were made, the party recrossed the river and walked to 
Hartlebury station, having spent a most pleasant day. 
CHELTENHAM NATURAL SCIENCE SOCIETY.—April 17th.—At the 
usual monthly meeting a paper on ‘‘ The Ideas of Harmony and Symmetry, and 
the part they have played in Astronomical Discovery,” was read by C. H. 
Hinton, Esq., B.A. The next meeting will be the last of the Session, which has 
been a successful one. 
DUDLEY GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.—The first field meeting of the 
year was held on Tuesday, April 22nd, jointly with the North Staffordshire 
Naturalists’ Field Club, at Froghall, under the leadership of Mr. Rigby, of Leek. 
Between sixty and seventy members of the two clubs, including many ladies, 
assembled at Froghall, special through carriages being provided by the courtesy 
of the London and North-Western Railway and the North Staffordshire Railway 
Companies. Proceeding about half a mile to the foot of the tramway to the 
Caldon Quarries, the whole party were drawn up the incline. On arrival at the 
quarry there was, by the kind arrangement of Mr. Fraser, the manager, a 
tremendous blast of rock, in which 9cwt. of powder was used and about 6,000 
tons of stone dislodged, which came crumbling down from the face of an escarp- 
ment about 200 feet high. After examination of the fragments the rest of the 
fine quarry was visited, and at intervals numerous smaller blasts to split the 
larger fragments took place. The top of Caldon Low was then ascended to see 
the extensive view. Some specimens were secured of the characteristic fossils 
and of the various ores, spars, and crystals found in the limestone, which con- 
tains crystals of silica, some perfect microscopic specimens of which, about 
