261 
Ordinary Meeting, March 22nd, 1864. 
E. W. Binney, F.R.S., F.G.S., President, in the Chair. 
Messrs. Oliver Hey wood, James Mudd, Leslie J. Monte- 
fiore, and C. A. Dnval, were elected Ordinary Members of 
the Society. 
Ajlr. Hu kst communicated the following letter from Capt. 
Jolm Mitchell, Superintendent of the Madras Museum: — 
Madras, 13tli January, 1864. 
To FI. A. Hurst, Esq., 61, George Street, Manchester. 
Dear Sir, 
I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your 
letter of the 10th November, 1863. 
There are very few microscopists here, and as I do not 
know any person who is likely to undertake the examination 
of cotton fibre in the various stages of its growth, I have 
resolved to do so myself, in the belief that the subject is one of 
sufficient importance to justify me in devoting one day in the 
week to the inquiry so long as may be found necessary. 
I have accordingly made arrangements with Dr. Hunter , 
Honorary Secretary of the Madras Agrihorticultural Society 
(who at once promised me every assistance), to receive weekly 
on Saturday a few pods from the Society’s grounds, where 
cotton of all kinds is growing. 
I have already given four days to this inquiry, and 
although it is still in its infancy, I have obtained some 
PnocEEDixGS— L it. & Phil, Society— No. 15.— Session 1863-64 
