404 Proceedings of the British Association, 



infra-orbital sinuses in the Antilope grimmea, and in the exist- 

 ence of solid masses, like indurated ear wax in old stags. 



8. Dr Daubeny read a paper on the circumstances affecting 

 the exhalation of moisture from the leaves of plants. Professor 

 Daubeny reported that, since his communication to the Bri- 

 tish Association at Cambridge, when he had ascertained that 

 the quantity of carbonic acid decomposed by a plant was in 

 proportion, not to the chemical or heating influence of the ray 

 transmitted to it, but to its illuminating power, he has found 

 that the functions of exhaling moisture by the leaves, and ab- 

 sorbing it by the roots, depend upon the same law : with this 

 difference, however, that, provided some light be present, much 

 heat will serve as a substitute for our transmitting a greater de- 

 gree of light. He has made experiments which serve to shew, 

 that, so long as the plant continues healthy, in the mutual action 

 of the plant and atmosphere, the balance is always in favour of 

 the purifying influence of plants. Dr Daubeny had employed 

 Drummond's light, but he could not discover that it had any 

 influence on the functions of the plant. 



9. A conversation having taken place regarding the occasion- 

 al torpidity of birds, Dr Neill informed the members, that he 

 knew of a land-rail having been found in a torpid state under a 

 heap of stones and turf in winter; that it was reanimated by 

 heat, but died two days after. 



10. Mr James Drummond Marshall read an account of the 

 zoology of the Island of Rathlin, on the coast of Antrim. 



11. The President laid before the Section a diagram shewing 

 his plan of a natural arrangement of plants, and made some ob- 

 servations illustrating the principle. 



12. A member exhibited a substance called Bog-tallow, found 

 in a globular form, of 6 lb. or 71b. weight, and which appeared as 

 if it had been inclosed in a tub. It is used in some places to make 

 candles, and, being melted and dropped in water, it assumed the 

 appearance of tallow. Mr Marshall stated that he had found a 

 tub like a firkin, containing a similar substance ; but it was the 

 opinion of Dr Neill, that such substances were the adipoeere of 

 elks or other animals that had perished there. 



13. Dr Marshall observed, that many fishes had disappeared 

 from the northern coast of Antrim ; and Dr Neill instanced the 



