34 



these really beneficent, though apparently deadly microbes, play a 

 very considerable part in the economy of nature, and have been 

 not inaptly termed the " Scavengers of the Almighty." 



A short discussion ensued at the close of the paper, and the 

 usual vote of thanks was passed. A number of good diagrams 

 illustrated the lecture. 



May 12th, 1891. 



A combined meeting with the Microscopical Society took p^ace at 

 which a goodly number of objects were shown and described. The 

 Secretary was absent through illness. 



October 20th. 



The first meeting of the Session was held, the President in the 

 chair. 



A discussion took place on the desirability of amalgamating the 

 Microscopical and Natural History Societies. Several members of 

 each society had many times expressed a wish for this, and the 

 President and Secretary each pointed out the advantages which 

 would accrue to both societies becoming one. The Secretary of the 

 Microscopical Society (Mr. Kerr) said he thought it very desirable, 

 and that his committee was waiting to see the results of this 

 meeting. 



It was then proposed by Mr. Walton and seconded by Mr. Ellis : 

 — That a communication be forwarded from the Natural History 

 Society to the Committee of the Microscopical Society inviting 

 them to take steps for the desired amalgamation. Carried 

 unanimously. 



Mr. Kerr then read a paper on "The Hessian Fly," which was 

 full of information and exceedingly interesting. It was illustrated 

 by good diagrams and a large number of Microscopical preparations 

 which were exhibited at the close. A vote of thanks to the 

 lecturer was passed. 



