1887.] MICROSCOPICAL JOURNAL. 199 
rounding country was entirely destitute of timber. After an interesting discussion the 
specimen was referred to Prof. Hanks for microscopical examination. 
Dr. Riehl donated a slide of a very minute larval form of insect, in which the vas- 
cular system was particularly clearly shown. 
A varied assortment of entomological, botanical, and mineralogical specimens was 
donated by F. L. Howard, who had collected them on the slopes of Mount Shasta. 
Some peculiar varieties. of porous obsidian attracted much attention. 
Mr. Riedy stated that the work of stamping the books, plates, etc., in the library 
with the cut recently adopted by the society had been commenced and would soon be 
completed. 
The meeting thereupon adjourned to the 14th prox. 
Oo—_— 
KANSAS SOCIETY OF NATURAL History. 
The society includes in its membership specialists in many departments of science, 
but this meeting was given up entirely to microscopic work. Several of the members 
have lately become possessed of fine instruments, and considerable interest is being 
awakened in microscopy. 
Dr. Charles R. Carpenter read a paper, Sept. 29th, 1887, on The Functions of the 
Microscopic Cryptogamia, with special reference to their influence upon disease, and 
the recent progress made in the study of their development and the causes which may 
lead to epidemics. 
Professor Wm. Lighton read a paper upon Methods of Illuminating Microscopic 
Objects, which was illustrated with numerous large drawings. He gave ahistory of the 
successive order in which these methods had been discovered and used, with the par- 
ticular value of the various pieces of apparatus, and also described several of his own 
devices. 
NOTICES OF BOOKS. 
The Naturalist's Monthly ; a Journal for Nature-lovers and Nature-thinkers. Vol.1, 
No.1. Edited by Dr. J. W. Williams. Londonand Toronto. (pp. 20). Sept. 1,’87. 
This first number of a new popular journal devoted to natural history in the widest 
sense of that term serves to indicate at least the growing inquiry which is springing up 
all around about scientific things. Its appearance, in addition to the many now in ex- 
istence, augurs hopefully for the spread of interest in scientific matters. This first 
number has much to commend it; its articles—Pathology of Celandine, The Evolution 
of the Fish-hook from the Flint Hook of Prehistoric Man to the Salmon Hook of the 
Present Day, A Study in My Garden (on the aphides), Binary Suns, ‘Biography of 
Charles Darwin, Chapter on Centipedes, Snails and Slugs in My Garden, Origin of 
Fresh-water Faunas, and others—cover a very wide range of subjects. They are, 
however, treated in a popular way, but not familiarly or jocosely. The reading of them 
would interest and improve anyone. From theserious tone of the writers we can safely 
prophesy good to the readers. We trust the appreciation of the readers will insure 
the journal a wide enough circulation to make it prosper. 
Supplement to Australian Museum Report for ’86,; Technological, Industrial, and 
Sanitary Museum. (50 pp.) 
We dip with interest into this large report from New South Wales to see what is 
doing in that distant land, and remark the great interest which must prevail, as shown 
. by the report. Thus during the year (afternoon only) the attendance was total 
49,234, of which 17,937 attended on Sundays, while on week days the number was 
31,297. The bulk of the report is occupied with a list of accessions to the museum 
and library during the year. This list cannot be reproduced even in brief with any 
very interesting result, but it shows very great activity on the part of the curators and 
general prevailing interest in the success of the institution. 
Biological Instruction in Universities. By C.O. Whitman. From American Natu- 
ralist. June, 1887. 
This address, before the American Society of Naturalists, is on a well-worn theme, 
but one not yet sufficiently apprehended by educators. The author strikes the key- 
note when he remarks that we should not ‘fit’ college men to be teachers, but ‘ equip’ 
