3010 Fishes — Iusects. 



Mr. Gosse also stated his opinion that it was possible that this parasite is always 

 hatched in a parent Volvox, but that the embryonic globe is entered from without. 

 He next described the eggs, some of which are smooth, and others covered with 

 prickles, and he suggested that, as in these animals the sexes are distinct, both as re- 

 gards size, form and structure, the smooth eggs might be those of females, and the 

 prickly ones those of males. He concluded with some remarks on the habits of this 

 curious parasite. 



Another paper, by G. C. Handford, Esq., « On a White Mirror for the Microscope,' 

 was also read. 



Wishing to correct the unpleasant glare, and other inconveniences attendant on the 

 reflected light of an ordinary silvered glass mirror, the author was induced to construct 

 one by which he considers these defects may be remedied. It consists of a thin con- 

 cave glass, three inches in diameter, the back of which is rendered white by means of 

 plaster of Paris or of zinc paint. This is mounted in brass and fitted over the frame 

 of the ordinary silvered mirror, thus not requiring the latter to be removed. The ad- 

 vantage gained by this mirror he stated to be, that the whole of the rays reflected 

 from the surface of the plaster of Paris were brought into one focus, together with 

 those reflected from the surface of the glass, and thus a more equal and also a more 

 brilliant light is produced than by any of the means heretofore employed for the pur- 

 pose of getting a perfectly white light. — J. W. 



Occurrence of the Opah or King-fish at Redcar. — A splendid specimen of the opah 

 or king- fish, measuring in length three feet five inches, and in depth (including dorsal 

 fin) two feet five inches, and weighing 72 fbs., was taken yesterday at this place. 

 Another specimen of Kay's bream was found on the beach last week. — T. S. Rudd ; 

 Redcar, November 18, 1850. 



Occurrence of Ray's Bream and Argentine at Redcar. — Two other specimens of 

 Ray's bream have been found on our beach this week. The fishermen of this place in- 

 form me that the above fish only makes its appearance on this part of the coast during 

 the months of October, November and December. The argentine only occurs here 

 from January to May ; where they are to be met with during the rest of the year I 

 have not been able to ascertain, but conjecture they migrate into the river Tees. The 

 argentine, when found, has precisely the same cucumber-like smell as the smelt. — Id. ; 

 December 4, 1850. 



Occurrence of Deilephila Celerio in Cumberland. — A very fine specimen of Deile- 

 phila Celerio was taken at rest on a window- shutter, at Brampton, near Carlisle, on 

 the 5th of last month (October) ; is not this very late in the season ? The specimen is 

 now in my cabinet, and is in beautiful condition. I also got one a short time ago, 

 taken in this town. — /. B. Hodgkinson ; 12, Friday Street, Preston, November 23, 

 1850. 



Note on Cheimatobia borearia. — When a previously supposed rare insect occurs in 

 any plenty, it m;iy fairly be presumed that its supposed rarity originated in our not 





