X PRESIDENT S ADDRK8S. 



species of Polyzoa, the interesting and typical creature Den- 

 (lr(is())nri radian.s, and liosts of other things which gave a charm 

 to our weekly meetings for a long time, and made us the 

 justifiable envy of our less fortunate ueiglibours, who only 

 heard of our good fortune, or perhaps got a specimen bottle 

 from our friend Mr. Bolton. 



Now I do not think it too much to say that this, like many 

 other localities, had never been thoroughly searched before, 

 and am quite sure that some of our neighbours who regard 

 their districts as unfavourable for pond life may find riches 

 within their reach quite as great if tliey will only adopt the 

 same vigorous methods of seeking them. 



In looking for specimens of microscopic aquatic life it is 

 necessary to note carefully the conditions which prove most 

 favourable to their existence, for it is certam that the larger 

 our acquaintance with them the more sure are we of success, 

 and the less likely are we to become tired of tlie pursuit before 

 we have mastered its difficulties. 



The water needs to be fairly still for most things, and I 

 have found it most favourable when there is some clay and a 

 fair quantity of vegetable matter in suspension ; but a few 

 creatures, as Hydra nili/aris and some species of Polyzoa, being 

 voracious feeders, are usually most abundant where the water is 

 in rapid motion, as at the flood-gates and outlets of pools, the 

 weeds, woodwork, or stones in these parts being sometimes 

 truly carpeted with these animals. 



I generally avoid those ponds altogether where the water 

 looks black and smells strongly of that curious alga Oscillatoria, 

 aiteresting as it is, for I expect to find little else there, and if 

 the situation is much exposed to the wind the quiet spots where 

 the weeds grow pretty freely in deep water are to be sought in 

 preference to all others. 



It is quite true that in warm summer time a dip in any 

 part is sure to yield something which will repay the search, but 

 in winter or cold weather only the more sheltered spots are 

 worth much attention, and so obvious does this seem that I 



