1880. ] Proceedings of Scientific Societies. 917 
this doctrine to consist in the assertions, that (1) no palzontol- 
ogist has shown the transition of one species into another; 
and (2) that the geological record should furnish the history of 
such changes had they taken place. To this the author of the 
paper replies (1) that many intermediate forms connecting widely 
separated living types have been discovered by paleontologists. 
(2) That the geological record is too imperfect to furnish all the 
transitions that the theory of derivation requires. (3) That obser- 
vation of actual transition is not necessary in ‘evidence, since there 
is reason to believe that transformations have proceeded more 
rapidly under some circumstances than others, and through 
changes transpiring during embryonic life. In support of the 
latter hypothesis, he cites the writings of Dall (1877) and Selys 
Longchamps (1879) on Sa/tatory Evolution. 
— An interesting discovery has been made at Edge Lane 
quarry, Oldham, England. The quarrymen, in the course of 
their excavations, have come upon what has been described as a 
fossil forest. The trees number about twelve, and some of them 
are two feet in diameter. They are in good preservation. The 
roots can be seen interlacing the rock, and the fronds of the ferns 
are to be found imprinted on every piece of stone. The discovery 
has excited much interest in geological circles round Manchester, 
and the “ forest” has been visited by a large number of persons. 
The trees belong to the middle coal measure period, although 
it has been regarded as somewhat remarkable that no coal has 
been discovered near them. The coal is found about two hundred 
and fifty yards beneath. Prof. Boyd-Dawkins, of Owens College, 
has visited the quarry.—London Times. 
— Dr. Asa Gray left London for Paris last month, and is 
probably now botanizing in Spain. 
:0:— 
PROCEEDINGS OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES. 
Boston Society oF NATURAL History, Oct. 6.—Mr. S. H. Scud- 
der gave an account of the geology and paleontology of the Lake 
basin of Florissant, Colorado, famous for its insect and plant re- 
mains. 
Oct. 20.—Mr. J. A. Allen spoke of the distribution of the birds 
of the West Indies, with special reference to those of the Carib- 
bee islands. The President showed specimens of the carbonifer- 
ous centipede, Euphoberia, some of gigantic size, and discussed 
their relationship to living and extinct types. Dr. W. F. Whit- 
ney described the structure of the so-called “sucking stomach” of 
Butterflies. 
Nov. 3.—Prof. E. S. Morse spoke on the Ainos of Yesso, show- 
ing some of their implements, etc.; Mr. Scudder exhibited an in- 
