146 
REPORTS OF SOCIETIES. 
June, 1889. 
BIRMINGHAM NATURAL HISTORY AND MICROSCOPICAL 
SOCIETY.— Sociological Section, April 11th. Mr. W. R. Hughes, 
F.L.S., in the chair. The president reported that he had written to 
Sir Philip Magnus in reference to the establishment of a Spencer 
Society in London, suggestiug that he should co-operate with 
Miss Naden for this purpose, and that he had received a reply from 
him. Also that he had met Sir Philip Magnus at Miss Naden’s house 
where the matter had been discussed. Also that he had had the 
pleasure of a brief interview with Mr. Spencer at the Athenaeum 
Club, and was pleased to say that his health had undergone improve¬ 
ment. In consequence of small attendance, it was decided to postpone 
Mr. Bunclier’s paper to May 9th.—May 9th. Mr. W. R. Hughes, F.L.S., 
in the chair. The president announced that he had received a further 
communication from Sir Philip Magnus, informing him that Mr. Clodd 
would probably join the London Society. Mr. Stone exhibited an 
autograph letter from Charles Darwin to Asa Grey, containing a 
very characteristic passage. Mr. Harold Buncher read his paper on 
“ Segregation,” an exposition of the twenty-first chapter of Herbert 
Spencer’s “ First Principles.” An interesting discussion followed.— 
Geological Section, April 16th. Mr. W. B. Grove. M.A., chairman. 
Mr. Wilkinson exhibited (1) Lecidea pulchella, a very rare 
lichen from the top of Ben Nevis, (2) fine collection of foreign 
ferns. Mr. Marshall read a paper on “ The Gulf Stream and 
its Effect upon the Climate of England and Norway.” An 
interesting discussion followed, and vote of thanks to Mr. Marshall.— 
Geneual Meeting, April 30th. The President in the chair ; 90 present. 
Mr. G. C. Druce, F.L.S., of Oxford, gave his “Notes on a Recent 
Tour through Spain,” illustrated by a very interesting series of 
lantern photographs, which were exhibited by Mr. C. Pumphrey; 
including fine views of the principal cities of Spain, and the 
cathedrals and palaces, and also of Gibraltar, and finishing with the 
frontier town of San Sebastian, where the recent meeting of the 
Queens of England and Spain took place. A very interesting 
description was given of the country and buildings, and especially of 
the extensive flora of Spain, which includes a large number of rare 
and endemic species. The lecture was much enjoyed by those present. 
—Microscopical Section, Tuesday, May 7th. The President in the 
chair ; 115 present. The Rev. T. Simcox Lea, M.A., of Sapey Bridge, 
near Worcester, gave a lecture on “ Oceanic Islands, from a Collector’s 
Notes,” illustrated by lantern photographs of the Sandwich Islands, 
New Zealand, Fernando de Noronha, Ac., and also of Australia, which 
were exhibited by Mr. C. Pumphrey. These oceanic islands are remote 
from the great continents, and it was shown that they are distinguished 
by distinct floras and faunas; Australia has to be included among the 
number, containing many remarkable genera, especially Eucalyptus, 
which numbers sixty species. The Sandwich Islands have an extensive 
native flora, but foreign plants, including many common tropical weeds, 
have been imported, and have established themselves so firmly that 
they are encroaching upon and taking the place of the native plants, 
which are thus being gradually extiuguished; the same change is 
taking place in other oceanic islands. The island of Fernando de 
Noronha, off the coast of Brazil, is a special example of a native flora 
