XVlll. ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS. 



feather stars, sea lilies (now so poorly represented and 

 confined to the depths of the ocean) with their interesting 

 palaeontological history were instanced in contrasting tfyeir 

 hard skeletons with that of the other division of the 

 Echinodermata — the sea cucumbers with their long oval 

 tentacles and microscopic spicules of beautiful form. 

 Mollusca were represented by Nudibranchs devoid of the 

 shell usually found in the group and furnished beautiful 

 marginal branchiae and brilliant colouration ; also the ancient 

 representatives — Ammonites — representing our now-a-days 

 unique Nautilus. Fishes were represented by box and file 

 fishes with their strong dentition enabling them to crush 

 off pieces of coral in their habitat — coral seas. The 

 lecturer, in conclusion, pointed out the opportunities which 

 lay open to any one with an inquiring mind to spend time 

 profitably and get healthy amusement even in the examin- 

 ation of pond waters, or in a stroll along the sea beach 

 after a storm, remarks well summed up in the sentiment: 



"Tongues in trees, 

 Books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, 

 And good in everything." 



ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS, SEPTEMBER 1, 1909. 



The General Monthly Meeting of the Society was held 

 at the Society's House, No. 5 Elizabeth-street North, on 

 Wednesday evening, September 1st, 1909. 



Dr. Walter Spencer, Vice-President, in the Chair. 

 Twenty-five members were present. 

 The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and 

 confirmed. 



