52 1 



in the higher strata of the atmosphere was examined by means of 

 a kite, which being attached to other kites sometimes attained an 

 elevation of 1000 feet. Pollen was found to be much more largely 

 present at the upper levels than at the ' breathing level,' in the pro- 

 portion, in fact, of 19 to 1. Abundant proof was obtained of the 

 presence of fungoid spores in large quantities in the air. In one 

 experiment the spores of a cryptogam, at 1,000 feet, were so numer- 

 ous that they could not be counted ; at a rough estimate they could 

 not be less than 30-40,000 to the square inch. That these organ- 

 ized contents travel through the air to a considerable distance 



Manchester, but within the boundary of one of the most densely 

 populated parts, and in no direction within less than one-third of 

 a mile of grass land. The quantity of pollen was about one-tenth 

 of that collected in the country." 



NOTES. 



The American Association for the Advancement of 

 SciENCE.-The twenty-fourth meeting of the Association was 

 held in Detroit, Mich., beginning on Wednesday. August 11, and 



in- themselves as present, in place of 225 the previous year; 96 

 new members were elected, while last year 118 elections were 

 made. The falling off in attendance is unquestionably due to the 

 want of arrangements with the railroads, by which the usual reduc- 



at which the announcement relating to railroads was made. Per- 

 haps in no previous year has the necessity for reduction in travel- 

 ling expenses, caused by the general business depression, been so 

 greatly felt as in the present one. As the cities inviting the As- 

 sociation to hold its meetings from year to year, do so in a most 

 cordial manner, with the anticipation of large meetings, it be- 

 comes an important duty of the Local Committees that are formed 

 every year to give the matter of transportation early attention. 

 Railroad companies carry on their work by a complicated system 

 of agencies, and it takes a long time to obtain the consent and 

 issue of proper orders from the right parties. The companies, as 

 a rule, are inclined to grant return passes to members attending 

 the meetings, when the matter is properly laid before them, and 



