JoumJiI SI'mW PROCEEDINaS OF SOCIETIES. 257 
was illustrated by diagrams and by specimens of bunted wheat, and 
a vote of thanks to the author was unanimously carried. 
Mr. H. F. Hailes exhibited and described a new porcelain shade 
for microscope lamps, which appeared to possess many advantages 
over most of the shades in common use. It was said to be applicable to 
any lamp, and whilst perfectly screening extraneous light from the eyes 
of the observer and from the room generally, it threw no shade upon 
the table, and did not become too hot to be raised or removed at any 
time by the fingers. Mr. W. Moginie also introduced to the notice 
of the club a new portable collecting case, fitted with three large and 
foui' small bottles, a ring for attaching them to a stick, a cutting-hook, 
and a magnifying lens. In reply to a question from Mr. Golding, 
the President stated that in consequence of the great success of tho 
monthly conversational meetings, held during the winter, the com- 
mittee had decided to continue them during the summer months, 
provided that the requisite permission from the authorities of tho 
College could be obtained. The proceedings terminated with a con- 
versazione, at which, amongst the many objects of interest exhibited, 
special attention was attracted by a series of very beautiful drawings 
of Infusoria and Entomostraca, by Messrs. Tatem and Clayton, of 
Beading, which had been kindly lent by them to Mr. Curties for 
exhibition to the members of the club. 
The Annual Soiree of the club took place at University College, 
on March 12, the use of the building having been most courteously 
granted by the Council for the occasion. The library and museum 
were specially arranged for the exhibition of microscopic objects by the 
members of the club and the various makers, about 200 microscopes being 
employed for the purpose. Several of the class-rooms were fitted up as 
dark chambers, in Vv^hich were exhibited at intervals microphotographs, 
polariscope and kaleidoscope eifects, dissolving views of Abyssinia, 
and microscopic and natural history subjects, whilst refreshments 
were served in tv/o other class-rooms and in the museum. The 
number of visitors present during the evening was about 1500, who 
were received on arrival by the President, the Secretary, and a member 
of the Soiree Connnittee ; and copies of a printed synopsis of objects 
exhibited, with a plan of the building, were freely distributed. In 
addition to the numerous microscopes, a number of interesting photo- 
graphs, collections of stuffed birds, books, drawings, and works of art 
were placed upon the tables for inspection, and excited considerable 
interest. Many of the microscopic preparations shown, were of great 
beauty, but where all were excellent it would seem invidious to make 
any selections for special notice here. 
Literary and Philosophical Society of Manchester. 
Ordinary Meeting, January 26th, 1869. E. Angus Smith, Ph.D., 
F.R.S., Vice-President, in the chair. — " On Microscopical Examination 
of Dust," by J. B. Dancer, F.R.A.S. The author stated that he had 
made some microscopical examinations of dust collected in June, July, 
and August last, and also of the particles contained in the rain-water 
