416 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 



many specimens exhibited. A pleasant excursion was 

 made to Croffs Bank^ at the invitation of Mr. Hepworth, 

 whose kind reception, display of objects, and extensive 

 microscopical knowledge, will long be remembered by those 

 who partook of his hospitality. 



Papers have been read by 



Mr. J. B. Dancer, F.R.A.S., "On cleaning and pre- 

 paring Diatoms, &c., obtained from soundings.'^ 

 Mr. W. H. Heys "On the Kaloscope." 

 And by your Secretary upon " Mr. Dale's process 

 for the separation of tallow from soundings." 



Addresses have been given on important subjects by 

 your President, by Mr. Binney, Mr. Sidebotham, and 

 others. Many contributions have been received from gen- 

 tlemen who take an interest in the prosperity of the 

 Section; amongst whom may be named Captain M. F. 

 Maury and Lieutenaat Brooke of the United States 

 Navy, Captain Anderson, Mr. W. K. Parker, Dr. 

 Wallich, Professor Agassiz, Dr. Bacon, Mr. Edwards 

 of New York, Mr. Hepworth, and other distinguished 

 scientific men, whose assistance has been highly valued 

 and duly recorded. 



The thanks of the Section are due to Mr. Dancer for 

 the unremitting kindness with which he has provided 

 microscopes and objects for use at the meetings ; and the 

 Council wish particularly to record their appreciation of 

 his valuable assistance. 



Your Secretary has originated a method of collecting 

 specimens of the sea-bottom obtained by captains of 

 vessels from the soundings they take in ascertaining their 

 position on approaching land ; and many shipmasters have 

 been furnished with envelopes in which to preserve those 

 specimens for this Section. The plan promises to be 

 highly successful ; upwards of eighty specimens have been 

 received from different parts of the world, such as the 



