290 Canadian Record of Science. 



each nodule is found to contain a fossil, either of fish, 

 plant or other organic remains, while those from the Con- 

 necticut River often show no distinguishable nucleus, or if 

 present, it consists of a shell or small pebble. 



Prof. Penhallow then followed with some notes on " A 

 Peculiar Growth in a Black Walnut." 



After the usual vote of thanks to the authors of papers 

 the meeting adjourned. 



The regular monthly meeting of the Society was held on 

 Monday. Nov. 24th. the President, Dr. Harrington pre- 

 siding. 



The Librarian reported the usual exchanges. The follow- 

 ing donations of the museum were also reported. 



Antlers of Virginian Deer, Mr. Alfred Griffin. 



Virginian Horned Owl, Mr. F. B. Caulfield. 



The usual vote of thanks was tendered the donors. 



On motion of Mr. Shearer, seconded by Mr. Brown, it 

 was decided to open the museum to the public, free, one day 

 in each week. 



Prof. Penhallow then presented a very interesting descrip- 

 tion of a caterpillar fungus (Sphaeria Robertsii) from New 

 Zealand. He showed its relation to other fungus pests in 

 various parts of the wo rid, and also pointed out the fact that 

 insects of various kinds are infested by related species. The 

 discussion was an animated and important one, and devel- 

 oped many interesting laws relative to the parasitic action of 

 plants and their relation to disease. He presented one of 

 the specimens to the museum. 



Prof. Penhallow also gave the results of observation on 

 soil temperatures carried on by a committee of the Society, 

 under a grant from the Elizabeth Thompson Science Fund. 

 His remarks were illustrated by instruments and drawings. 

 He pointed out the various changes of temperature effected 

 in the soil by atmospheric temperature and solar radiation, 



