British Association for the Advancement of Science. 55 
protornis, (never before seen alive in this country, )—a group: pe- 
culiar to Africa, excited, by its brilliant coloring, elegant shape, 
and peculiar eye, the attention of all who saw it. The large eye 
is perhaps the most striking part of the bird, having a deep yellow 
iris surrounding a small and apparently black pupil, which con- 
trasted remarkably with its dark purple plumage. ‘There were 
many other rare and beautiful species in this order, especially one 
of the genus Euplectes. Of the Scansores there were several fine 
specimens; as Nymphicus Nove-Hollandia, the Psittacus No- 
ve-Hollandi@ of Latreille, the Paleornis Barabaudie, the Pla- 
tycercus Stanleyii, (named after the noble Earl,) the Platycercus 
Bauerti ; also a living specimen of the red-billed Toucan, Ram- 
phastos Erythrorhyncus. Amongst the Rasores were some red 
grouse—specimens of the Sand and Blackcock—which had been 
bred in the cage—a very rare circumstance. There were also a 
great variety of pigeons, and gallinaceous birds. Amongst the 
former was the beautiful and interesting passenger-pigeon, in great 
numbers, leading to the hope that it may soon become naturalized 
in this country. Of the Cursorial birds there were several fine 
specimens. Amongst the Grallatores, the Stanley crane ( Anthro- 
poides Stanleyanus ) formed a striking object. It is a native of 
Africa, and has lately been brought into this country. Of the 
Natatores there were also numerous species. Two yery fine peli- 
cans were in close confinement, on account of the ravages they 
committed on the young of their colleagues, the Anatide, &c. 
Amongst the animals were several valuable species of deer and 
antelope; also various Marsupiata from Australia. The noble 
Earl accompanied the party around the aviary, and seemed to 
take great interest in his extensive collections. 
The Salt Mines at Northwich also attracted a good deal of 
attention, and a party of about eighty set off on Saturday morn- 
ing to visit them. According to previous arrangement, the gen- 
tlemen who were furnished by the President of the Geological 
Section with the necessary tickets, assembled at the railway sta- 
tion at a quarter before eight — but, owing to some misman- 
agement, the train appropriated to the party did not start until 
within a quarter of nine. A little after ten, the train, after a run 
of thirty miles, came to a stop, and the rest of the journey, a dis- 
tance of about four miles, was accomplished in vehicles which 
were in waiting for the party. On their arrival at the works, 
