British Association for the Advancement of Science. 311 



ing on the comparative development of parts of one circle. 3. 

 Anomalous transformations of organs. 4. Monstrous exuberances 

 of growth, by which the number of parts is altered independently, 

 of transformation, the number of circles of parts is increased or 

 the axis irregularly extended. 5. Anomalous abortions or sup- 

 pressions of parts usually present in the species. 



Mr. T. P. Teale read a paper on the Gemmiferous bodies and 

 Vermiform Filanfients of Actinic?.. He stated that as great differ- 

 ences of opinion existed among zoologists, as to the nature of the 

 gemmiform bodies and vermiform appendages of Actinias, he had 

 undertaken their investigation. Some general remarks on the 

 structure of the Actinias were premised, the author pointing out, 

 by means of a large diagram, the various directions of the muscu- 

 lar septa, some liniug the cavity and supporting the stomach of the 

 animal, whilst others, more delicate, terminate in a mesentery, 

 supporting the getnmdferous bodies (about 200 in number) or what 

 has been erroneously called the ovary. The vermiform filaments 

 are attached by a delicate mesentery to the internal body of each 

 gemmiferous body. Many more valuable and curious details are 

 given, for which we have no room. 



A paper was read by Capt. J. E. Cook, R. N., on the genera 

 Piniis and Abies, not less than 70 species of which had lately been 

 introduced into England. 



Mr. Hope read a paper entitled " Remarks on the modern 

 classification of Insects." 



Mr. G. B. Sowerby laid before the Section specimens of En- 

 crinus moniliformis^ displaying various monstrosities of form. 



A paper was read by Mr. Arthur Strickland on the Ardea alba, 

 a bird which is imquestionably an occasional visiter in England. 



Prof. Ehrenberg addressed the meeting in French, and exhib- 

 ited the first volume of his great work on microscopic forms of 

 life. He submitted to the inspection of the members a bottle of 

 the material collected in quantity in the vicinity of lake Lett- 

 naggsjon, in Sweden, which the inhabitants call Bergmehl, or 

 mountain meal. This earth, which resembles fine flour, has long 

 been celebrated for its nutritious qualities, and was found to be 

 entirely composed of the shells of microscopic animalcules. Prof. 

 Jones engaged in an oral discussion with Prof E. concerning the 

 structure of the poly gastric infusoria. 



