374 Linnean Society.— Geological Sociely. 
hol urged by oxygen gas, in the focus of a parabolic reflector. 
The lime,under this treatment, when the experiment is made in 
the most perfect manner, emits a light 83 times as intense as 
that given out by the brightest part of the flame of an Argand 
lamp; and this, concentrated and reflected by the mirror, has 
enabled the officers employed in the survey, to connect very di- 
stant stations in the night-time, in the most satisfactory manner. 
May 11.—A paper was read, On the production and for- 
mation of Pearls; by Sir E. Home, Bart., V.P.R.S.: and the 
reading was commenced of a paper, On the burrowing and 
boring Marine Animals ; by Edward Osler, Esq. ; communi- 
cated by L. W. Dillwyn, Esq. F’.R.S. 
The Society then adjourned to May 25. 
LINNEAN SOCIETY. 
May 2.—Read a paper On the Locusts (Gryllus migrato- 
rvius, Linn.) which devastated the Crimea and the southern 
provinces of Russia, in 1824. By J. Smirnove, Esq., F’.L.S. 
Secretary to the Russian Embassy. Also a paper on Indian 
Annonacee, by H. 'T. Colebrooke, Esq., F.R. & L.S. 
May 25.—This day, being the birthday of Linneeus, theAn- 
niversary was held as usual, Sir J. E. Smith, President, in the 
Chair, when the following Fellows were chosen as Officers 
and Council for the ensuing year :— 
President : Sir James Edward Smith, M.D. F.R.S., &c. 
—Vice-Presidents, Samuel Lord Bishop of Carlisle, L.L.D. 
V.P.R.S. F.A.S.; A. B. Lambert, Esq. F.R.S. A.S. & HLS. ; 
“W. G. Maton, M.D. F.R.S. & A.S.; and Edward Lord 
Stanley, M.P. F.H.S.—Treasurer, Edward Forster, Esq. 
F.R.S. & H.S.—Secretary, James E. Bicheno, Esq.— Assist- 
ant. Secretary, Richard Taylor, F.S.A. Mem. Asiat. S.— Also, 
to fill the vacancies in the Council: Charles Bell, Esq. F.R.S. 
Ed.; John Bostock, M.D. F.R.S. Pres. Geol. Soc.; Sir Stam- 
ford Raffles, F.R.S.; Joseph Sabine, Esq. F.R.S. & A.S. Sec. 
Hort. Soc.; and N. A. Vigors, Esq. M.A. F.R.S.—After the 
dinner, (which was held at Freemasons’ l'avern, ) many interest- 
ing observations were made by the President and other gen- 
tlemen, relative tothe progress of Natural History, among which 
we would mention a recommendation from Mr. Greenough, 
that the subject of Fossil Plants should occupy the attention of 
Botanists; as it seemed to be considered neutral ground be- 
tween the Linnzan and the Geological Society, and had there- 
fore been neglected by both. 
GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
May 5.—The reading of Dr. Bigsby’s paper, on the Geology 
of the Valley of the St. Lawrence, was concluded. 
