1891-92.] 4*7 



a much greater subsidence, which submerged the former land 

 surface and the present site of Belfast to a depth of at least 50 

 and perhaps 70 or 80 feet. Subsequently an era of elevation 

 set in, which gradually raised the sea-bottom to its present 

 condition of dry land. Considering the extremely slow rate at 

 which geographical elevation or depression is known to take 

 place, some idea may be formed of the immense period which 

 has elapsed since this bed was formed, and which is nevertheless 

 but a brief moment in the centuries of geological time. 



After some discussion, the election of several new members 

 brought the meeting to a close, and the audience gathered 

 round the table to examine the various interesting objects which 

 were on exhibition. 



The sixth meeting of the Winter Session was held on March 

 15th, the President in the chair. The evening was devoted to 

 microscopical work, and the receiving of the first annual report 

 of the Microscopical Section of the Club, which was formed just 

 a year ago. There was a crowded attendance of members and 

 visitors. The President, in taking the chair, expressed his 

 pleasure at the success of this new section of the Club, which 

 was started only a year ago, as evinced by the large turn-out of 

 members, and by the excellent and varied display of microsco- 

 pical objects and apparatus. Size, he said, is not the primary 

 essential element of the great and the sublime. Such terms are 

 but relative. How small is our world compared to the im- 

 mensity of the universe ; can we draw the line where greatness 

 begins and littleness ends ? The dog is small compared to the 

 ox, but how gigantic is he compared to the little field mouse ? 

 A poet wag has told us — 



E'en little fleas have smaller fleas 



Upon their backs to bite 'em, 

 And smaller fleas have lesser fleas, 



And so ad infinitum. 



When Alexander sighed for other worlds to conquer he over- 



