252 
Here we have a reversed state of things ; and the animal has by 
a reversed process fitted itself for an aquatic life, although its pro- 
genitors had been for generations untold, real airbreathers. 
To those of our members who have an aquarium of a capacity of 
two gallons or upwards, I would recommend the observation of the 
development of the batrachians from the egg. In the course of a 
few weeks those of the frog and toad are easily to be obtained 
from our ponds and ditches. About a score will be sufficient for 
such a vessel as I have mentioned ; they are no trouble, require but 
little food, and are by no means particular as to what ; the only 
caution required being to give them nothing fresh till they have 
consumed their last rations ; and when the approaching change 
from the larval to the full grown stage shows itself, to give them a 
piece of floating wood to rest and air themselves upon. In such 
an aquarium about twenty years since, I saw in the possession of 
the late Mr. B. B. Woodward, at Bungay, a newt which had 
retained its gills until full grown ; and I remember that none of our 
naturalists were able to account for this anomaly. On its death it 
was sent to the British Museum, where it excited considerable 
interest, and elicited the remark — “What can this mean! You 
have been rearing an American form from a British newt.” 
Fraulein von Chauvin’s observations have given an explanation of 
the mystery. 
In conclusion, let me congratulate the (Society on its continued 
success ; it being financially as well as numerically stronger than at 
any previous period. 
We have to regret the death during the past session, of a 
veteran naturalist, the Bev. Richard Lubbock ; a name long to be 
held in esteem by those who enjoyed a personal intercourse with 
him ; as well as that larger section of the observers of the present 
day, to whom that delightful work “ The Fauna of Norfolk ” has 
proved a volume as truthful and fascinating as even Gilbert 
White’s History of Selborno. A biographical notice of Mr. 
Lubbock by Mr. Stevenson will be found in our Transactions, and 
to this. I refer you for more complete information. 
Miss Martineau of Bracondale, has also been removed by death 
