80 
REPOETS OF MEETINGS. 
of eggs, and thereby started an interesting discussion on the 
causes of their variation in colouring and texture. 
On October 27th, Mr. S. H. Reynolds read a paper on 
"Fossil Birds" and discussion followed on the points raised 
therein. 
An attempt is being made to discover some means by which 
this Section may work in conjunction with the Curator in 
carrying out an improvement of the collection of birds in the 
Bristol Museum. 
The Section now consists of thirteen members, and its 
finances are in a flourishing condition. 
^OUR meetings of the Section have been held in the 
course of the year and the following papers read:— 
February 8th. On Professor J. J. Thomson's Recent 
Experiments suggesting the possible Subdivision of the 
Chemical Atom," by Professor A. P. Chattock ; " On an 
Experiment exhibiting the Wave Trace of an Alternating 
Current," by Mr. W. M. Thornton, B.Sc. 
March 10th. " On Further Experiments upon the In- 
fluence of a Silent Discharge of Electricity on Gases," by 
Mr. W. A. Shenstone, F.R.S. 
March 29 th. Mr. F. W. Stoddart read a paper on the 
following subject : — (a) The Assimilation of Atmospheric 
Nitrogen ; (b) Nitrification. History of Investigations and 
special Methods employed. 
December 6th. " On Further Researches upon the 
Composition of American Petroleum," by Dr. S. Young, 
D. T. PRICE, Hon. Sec. 
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL SECTION. 
F.R.S. 
LLEWELYN N. TYACK, Hon. Sec. 
