353 
of Edinburgh, Session 1870-71. 
miles it takes advantage of this circumstance, and swerving out of 
its direct course, seizes hill after hill, so as to present to the 
enemy not only the obstacle of its own height, but that of the 
ridge of which it is built. A similar and more striking one of the 
natural ground is seen at Peel Crag. 
When the wall runs over precipitous ledges like this, the fosse 
on the north side of it is of course discontinued, but the moment 
it again descends into the valley it is renewed. 
Dr Bruce’s paper contained several other particulars illustrating 
the present condition of the wall, and showing the powerful and 
systematic organisation displayed in its construction as a means 
of commanding and keeping in subjection the adjacent country. 
It also contained references to the monuments and inscriptions 
found in the line of the wall, indicating in particular the prevalent 
religious feelings of the period, and in particular showing an 
infusion of Eastern ideas into the native mythology of the Bomans. 
The following Gentlemen were admitted Fellows of the 
Society : — 
Charles Hayes Higgins, M.D. 
Angus Macdonald, M.D., F.R.C.P. 
Monday , §th February 1871, 
Dr CHBISTISON, President, in the Chair. 
The following Communications were read : — 
1. Note on two Species of Foraminifera, and on some 
Objects from the Nicobar Islands of great Ethnological 
interest. By T. C. Archer, Esq. Specimens were exhi- 
bited. 
Mr Archer exhibited two interesting Foraminifers, one being 
Saccammina Carteri , which forms a large proportion of the Carbonif- 
erous limestone at Elfhills, Northumberland; the other, a gigantic 
species of the Arenaceous group brought from Persia by the late Mr 
Loftus, and named after him, Loftusia persica. The latter specimen 
was that to which Mr Archer especially called the attention of the 
