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The Naturalist. 



tion of a portion of Austin's collection of American mosses, -which, had 

 been brought by Capt. P. G. CunlifFe, occupied the rest of the evening. 

 It was suggested that a further examination of these American mosses 

 should be made on a future occasion. — Thos. Rogers, Hon. Sec. 



Wakefield Naturalists' and Philosophical Society. — Meeting 19th 

 Jan., Dr. Crowther, v. p., in the chair. — The proceedings of the evening 

 were of a varied and interesting description. Mr. J. Spencer, of Halifax, 

 delivered a lecture on " The Fossil Plants of the Coal Measures," 

 illustrated by some very beautiful diagrams of sections, fossil remains, &c. 

 taken from specimens in Mr. Spencer's pcssession. The subject was 

 thoroughly and clearly explained, and the various fossils common in the 

 coal strata ol this district were fully and graphically described. A micro- 

 scopical soiree of a very instructive character, in which Dr. Crowther, 

 Mr. Spurling, and Mr. C. W. Richardson took part, terminated the 

 proceedings. 



Meeting, Feb. 2nd, Dr. Crowther in the chair. — A most interesting 

 paper was read by Mr. Thos. Lister, of Barnsley, entitled " Walton Hall 

 — past and present." The lecturer commenced hio address by compli- 

 menting the members of the society on their excellent display of 

 microscopes, &c., and also on having secured such a capital room for 

 their meetings ; he tl^ en briefly alluded to the wonderful effects produced 

 by the snow and frost during the recent severe weather, and spoke of the 

 Creator and His wondrous works, as seen in the largest as well as the 

 smallest objects ; and he condemned in the strongest language the mania 

 on the part of many persons to kill everything which comes under their 

 notice in the fields and woods, and then style themselves " naturalists." 

 He then traced the history of the Waterton family, and gave some 

 interesting particulars with regard to Walton Hall, the home of Squire 

 Waterton, the naturalist — to some of whose extraordinary adventures he 

 alluded, and described the valuable collection of lace, books, &c., 

 possessed by the present tenant, Mr. Hailstone. The microscopical 

 section then exhibited several beautiful and interesting objects. — E. B. W. 



Yorkshire Naturalists' Union. — Botanical Section. — This section 

 elected a committee to assist the president and secretaries in the work of 

 the sectior, it being suggested that much valuable aid could be rendered 

 by post when members could not possibly attend a committee meeting. 

 The following were elected on the committee : — Rev. W. Fowler, M.A., 

 Messrs. T. Birks, W. N. Cheesman, T. Hick, B. A., B.Sc, G. E. Massee, 

 H. T. Soppitt, and G. Webster. Mr. F. A. Lees, FL.S., offered the 

 manuscript of the West Riding Flora to the section for the Transactions, 

 the section to choose suitable men to edit each group of plants. The 

 section passed a resolution that the fauna and flora sub-committee of the 

 council be asked to accept the offer. — W. West. 



