224 Reports and Proceedings. 
knowledge of the functions of these singular forms of animal life, 
and giving a number of interesting facts in connection with them, 
which the investigations of scientific men had brought to light. The 
Sponges on our own shores and their habitats were described. Com- 
paratively recent investigations in this department of natural history 
have led to the discovery that perforations in shells and the ‘ holey 
stone’ found on our shores—regarded by the superstitious as ob- 
noxious to witches—are the work of a singular form of Sponge. 
Some recent and interesting discoveries in Foraminifera were then 
touched upon, and Mr. Brady exhibited some novel fossil specimens 
which had been discovered by the late Mr. W. K. Loftus, of this 
town, while in Persia. In illustration of the minute size of some 
forms of Foraminifera, the Lecturer stated, it was calculated that 
a square inch of chalk contained a million of them. In conclu- 
sion, the Lecturer mentioned that Foraminifera had been discovered 
in the Laurentian rocks of Canada in a horizon several thousand 
feet below the Silurian strata, which were previously supposed to 
be the lowest in which remains of animal life existed. 
Tur WIGAN FIELD-NATURALIST AND SCIENTIFIC Society held a 
Soirée on February 2nd, in the Public Hall, decorated for the occa- . 
sion, and opened at seven o’clock. A large collection of objects of 
scientific and general interest was exhibited, comprising Aquariums, 
Microscopes, Photographs and Stereoscopes, Herbariums, Preserved 
Animals, Fern-cases, Hothouse Plants, Models, Scientific Instru- 
ments, Chemical Products, Miscellaneous Curiosities, and some 
Coal-fossils. The last were lent by the Mining School ; the other 
numerous and various specimens were contributed by Members and 
friends. Music and refreshments were supplied at half-past eight 
o'clock. The President, Mr. E. H. Birkenhead, called on the Hon. 
Sec., Mr. Bernish, to read the Report of the Proceedings of the 
Society since its formation nearly three years ago. During the 
season 1863-4 five Excursions were undertaken, and in the past 
season there were four. Some of these excursions were largely, and 
others poorly attended; but all were successful in a naturalist’s 
view, as on every cccasion something new was observed, some new 
specimen collected. Eight evening-meetings have been held, at 
which papers were read. On each occasion the subject of the 
paper was freely discussed, and by this means afforded consider- 
able information as well as interest. The Society has, during the 
past year, added ‘ Scientific ’ to its title, and increased the field 
of its researches, affording to its Members an opportunity of con- 
sidering those scientific operations with which this neighbourhood 
abounds. Another series of Excursions will be commenced in the 
ensuing spring, when it is hoped that, as the Society becomes 
better known, its ranks may become stronger, and its Excursions 
and Meetings better attended. ‘The President then delivered a 
lengthy and interesting address, in which he spoke of the objects 
of the Society, and pressed its claims upon the notice of the Meeting. 
He referred to the progress of Science, and touched upon the 
