378 Proceedings of the British Association. 
stay to breed in any place, the number increases from the equator 
up to the 60th degree of north latitude, where the forests begin to 
grow thin. But the progress of civilization has already had an in- 
fluence on the migrations of certain species, by affording them an 
abundant supply of provisions, where they were before without any. 
Thus the starlings proceed further north as the culture of the Cere- 
alia continues to extend in that direction, and the introduction of 
certain tubular flowers into the gardens of Florida, has enticed spe- 
cies of humming birds thither from the south. Some details were 
then given of the distribution of the various families of birds, and a 
table in the report exhibited the absolute number of species, as well 
as the number of such as breed in Philadelphia, Massachusetts, and 
Suskatchewan. 
Mr. Phelps read a communication “on the formation of Peat.” 
Mr. Mackay then read a communication be had received from 
Mr. Nuttall, ‘on the management of the Pine tribe.” 
Dr. Lloyd read a communication on the Marsileacez. 
An abstract of a paper from Mr. P. Teale was read, “ on Alcyo- 
nella stagnorum ;”? and very beautiful preparations and specimens of 
it were placed on the table. It was found in great abundance from 
August to November, in 1835, in a smal] pond near Leeds. It was 
supposed to be new to Great Britain. 
Dr. Riley mentioned a circumstance in the osteology of the two 
toed ostrich, which had escaped observation. He showed, that the 
third toe was really present in a rudimentary state concealed by the 
integuments. It consists of two phalanges, and is articulated with 
a well defined condyle of the tarsal bone, and projects on the same 
plane with the other two. 
Section E.—Anatomy and Mepicine. 
Dr. Hodgkin read a paper on the connexion between the veins 
and absorbents. . 
Dr. Reid of Dublin then read to the section a paper, entitled, “a 
short exposition of the functions of the nervous system.” 
Section F'.—Srartistics. 
Prof. Forbes described the result of his application of Quetelet’s 
principle, of describing the increase of stature, weight, and strength 
by curves. He had carefully experimented on English and Scote! 
students, between the ages of fourteen and twenty five, in the Unt 
