230 Ponds ^ and the Life therein. [Sess. 



his pony to the spot, but after splashing and pkmging about some time, 

 while the Laird sat quietly on his horse, he said, " I fear. Laird, we'll hae 

 nae sport the day ; I canna find trace o' the creature." The Laird replied, 

 " Troth, Jock, I'm thinking it's no that likely, for it's twa-and-thirty years 

 sin' I saw him stravaiging in yon pool." 



\Otters in a Church. — On the morning of 30th September 

 1910 the workmen employed in the new parish church, 

 Melrose, found two otters amongst the building material. 

 After a chase, one was captured, but escaped from the box 

 in which it was placed.] 



[The above paper was given with lantern illustrations, of 

 which two are here reproduced (see Plate XVI.)] 



YIL— PONDS, AND THE LIFE THEREIN. 



By Mr FKANK WALLIS. 



{Read March 23, 1910.) 



For many years my spare time has been devoted to the 

 investigation of the contents of ponds. The geologist tells 

 us that we can learn more of the geology of a district by 

 studying the banks of a pond or lake into which a stream 

 runs, especially if we follow the stream to its source, than 

 by almost any other means. Whether we take up the study 

 of the flora or fauna of a pond, we will find that many 

 excursions will be necessary, at all seasons of the year. 

 G-enerally speaking, the duller and dirtier looking the pond, 

 the more prolific it will be, teeming as it usually is with 

 minute organisms that can give many hours of pleasure to 

 the ardent microscopist. At the same time, there are many 

 other things to note, such as the position of the pond, 

 whether its banks are overshadowed by trees whose foliage 

 may drop into the water, &c. But let us suppose the best 

 of conditions are there. As we approach we see that, spread 

 over its surface, are some lovely green patches, which we 

 shall find to be composed of myriads of small plants com- 

 monly known as duckweed. Though seemingly alike, there 



