clii 
first or earliest form of animal life that is known tous. The floating 
scum of the tepid tropical ocean ceases under the microscope to be one 
gelatinous mass, and resolves itself into minute, but distinct 
globules of this rudimentary life. Though the Protozoa are unen- 
dowed with the organs that according to our ideas usually accom- 
pany animal life, we find that Providence redeems them from insig- 
nificance by the splendours of colouring that they possess, and by 
the variety and complex beauty of the shell framework that 
supports them. The Polycystine are classified by Dr. Carpenter 
(who is followed by Dr. Wallich) as Rhizopodal (i.e., root-footed 
Protozoa). The shells are thus associated with those of the many- 
chambered Foraminiferze, and mingling with that larger family they 
are often found, both as fossils, and in more recent deposits, The 
shells of the Polycystine, however, are composed of pure silex, and 
to this they owe their brilliant and ivory-like appearance under the 
microscope ; in this particular differing from those of the Foraminifera, 
which are built up of limestone(i.e., carbonate of lime), The shells are 
further distinguished by their perforations, and by their being 
pronged into spines and other proiections, which are frequently 
arranged in symmetrical devices of striking design, asin the species. 
Haliomma Humboldtii and Podocyrtis Schomburgkii. A slide placed 
under the microscope this evening shows these two species from 
Barbadoes with black- ground illumination, Another slide shows the 
Haliomma separately, and mixed groupings of several other species 
are also on the table. Dr. Carpenter, who is always a safe guide, 
says of these objects:—‘‘Few microscopic objects are more beautiful 
than an assemblage of the most remarkable forms of the Barbadian 
polyeystina, especially when seen brightly illumiaated upon a black 
ground, since their solid forms become much more apparent than 
they are when these objects are examined by light transmitted 
through them. . . . . No class of objects is more suitable than 
these to the binocular microscope, the stereoscopic projection of which 
causes them to be presented to the mind’s eye in complete 
relief, so as to bring out with the most marvellous and beautiful effect 
all their delicate sculpture, reminding the observer—ito compare 
small things with great—of the finest specimens of the hollow ivory 
balls carved by the Chinese.”—(Dr. Carpenter: The Microscope, cap. 
x.) In conclusion, I cannot do better than ask you, on the 
recommendation of this high authority, to spend a few moments in 
examining the Polycystina before the close of the meeting. 
Mr, R. A. Bastow read a paper on the mosses of Tasmania in 
continuation of former papers, illustrated by hisown drawings and 
photographs, and by the microscope. 
The following letter from Mr. A. B. Biggs, of Launceston, was read 
by the Honorary Secretary :— 
*‘In my paper on our earth tremors (read 9th June last) I referred 
to indications of change in the general direction of the shocks, from time 
to time. In connection with this branch of the subject, it is in- 
teresting to note that the direction of the shock felt in Victoria on Sth 
inst. (as per telegram) was supposed to be from the south-west. 
This, so tar as it may be relied on, accords approximately with the 
indications as per time reports, of our shock of 11th ult., which 
would appear to have passed through the island, beginning at 
Hobart (as the first noticed) and leaving at the N.E. Coast. 
This is almost in the reverse direction of the generality of our tremors. 
I have recently had the pleasure of two or three interviews with 
Professor Malno Milne, of Japan, who, I think, holds premier position 
in seismology. There was one sentence at the end of my paper of 
June 9, which I now regret was sacrificed for brevity’s sake in. 
