*ljTumL.SriS^^ PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 221 
thinking tliat whilst it was probable that these creatures were her- 
maphrodite, and capable of self-fecundation, yet it seemed also 
probable from analogy that the spermatozoa of other individuals would 
be prepotent, and that, as in plants, crossing was most likely to cause 
great improvement in the breed. Mr. W. Hislop read a paper " On a 
New Analyzing Selenite Stage," the subject being illustrated by 
diagrams and by the apparatus described. A paper was also read by 
Dr. John Matthews " On a New and Simple Mode of Micrometry." 
This ingenious contrivance consisted in having two adjustable points 
of steel fitted to the eye -piece in such a way that they could be made 
to move across the field of view, and measure the diameters of objects 
in the same way as a pair of callipers, the value of such measurements 
being afterwards ascertained by removing the object and substituting a 
stage micrometer. Several important advantages were claimed for 
this instrument, which was exhibited in the room, and attracted much 
attention. Mr. H. F. Hailes drew attention to some specimens of a 
new form of porcelain shade for microscope lamps, which he had 
made the subject of a paper in February last ; the articles were now 
ready for delivery by Mr. Baker, of High Holborn. Mr. W. Hislop 
also mentioned that a new 3i-in. objective, by Mr. Smith, jun., was 
being exhibited in the room, and he made a few observations upon the 
desirability of ascertaining the temperatures at which micro-crystals 
were formed, and introduced to the notice of the members a new ther- 
mometer, which had been constructed for him by Mr. Hill for this 
purpose. Cordial votes of thanks to the readers of the papers were 
carried unanimously. The chairman announced the meetings and 
field excursions for the ensuing month, and the proceedings terminated 
with a conversazione, at which a number of very interesting objects 
were exhibited. 
Brighton and Sussex Natural History Society. 
Sept. 9th. — Annual meeting, at which the Committee's report for 
the year was presented, and the officers for the ensuing year elected. 
President — Mr. T. H. Hennah. Committee — Messrs. G. W. Sawyer 
Noakes, J. Dennant, E. Glaisyer, and the Eevs. J. H. Cross and J. 
Image. Treasurer— Mr. T. B. Home. Hon. Sees. — Mr. T. W. 
Wonfor and J. Colbatch Onions. Hon. Librarian — Mr. Gwatkin. 
After which the ordinary meeting was held (a microscopical one), at 
which Mr. T. Hennah exhibited living beetle, showing structure of 
mouth, and Marchantia polymorpha in fruit and elaters of same ; Mr. 
Smith exhibited fructification of Hepaticae ; Mr. Glaisyer exhibited 
Sphagnum squamosum, with porous cells and spiral fibres ; Mr. 
Gwatkin exhibited skin of toad, Fossil wood from Great Desert, lung 
of boa constrictor, and large intestine of ostrich ; Dr. Hallifax, section 
of lady-bird, showing optic and ventral ganglia ; ditto of bee, showing 
tongue and suctorial apparatus ; ditto of common fly, showing pro- 
boscis and eggs of parasites of Bohemian pheasant and Mallee bird ; 
Mr. T. Cooper exhibited sections of yew, &c., embryo oysters, and 
Polycistina; Mr. R. Glaisyer exhibited sections of crab-shell, prima 
