274 
THE MIDLAND UNION. 
Dec., 1889. 
Birmingham Philosophical Society’s last published volume contains 
papers on “The Constitution of a Popular University,” by Dr. W. A. 
Tilden, F.R.S.; on “ The Extensor Tendons of the Manus of Apes,” 
and “ Congenital Malformations,” by Dr. Bertram C. A. Windle, M.A.; 
on “The Collection and Use of Local Statistics,” by Mr. J. Thackray 
Bunce, F.S.S. ; “ Suggestions for a Midland University,” by the 
Rev. H. W. Watson, D.Sc., F.R.S. ; on “ The Distribution of Boulders 
in South Shropshire and South Staffordshire,’' by Mr. F. W. Martin, 
F.G.S. ; on “ The Cranial Anatomy of Polypterus,” by Professor T. W. 
Bridge, M.A. ; and by the same author a paper on “ The Air-bladder 
in certain Siluroid Fishes ; ” on “ The Suppression and Specialisation 
of Teeth,” by Mr. J. Humphreys, L.D.S.I., and by Professor Poynting, 
D.Sc., “On a Form of Solenoid Galvanometer”; by Dr. H. W. 
Crosskey, F.G.S., on “ The Glacial Geology of the Midlands.” 
The Northamptonshire Natural History Society and Field Club 
continue their interesting quarterly journal. Lord Lilford continues 
his “ Notes on the Birds of Northamptonshire ; ” Mr. G. C. Druce, 
F.L.S., is still at work at the “ County Flora; ” Mr. Beeby Thompson, 
F.C.S., F.G.S., extends his exhaustive analysis of “ The Upper Lias 
of Northamptonshire;” the Rev. H. H. Slater’s address on 
“ Insularity,” is printed in No. 35 of the journal. Mr. Walter D. 
Crick contributes an article on “ Helix Fomatiq in Northampton¬ 
shire,” to No. 36, which also contains some meteorological reports and 
observations. 
The Transactions of the Leicester Literary and Philosophical 
Society are as interesting as they are varied. Mr. F. T. Mott, F.R.G.S., 
contributes papers on “ The Native Trees of Leicestershire;” “The 
Ferns of Leicestershire,” and “ On Cultivation.” Mr. W. A. Vice, 
M.B., has a contribution on “ The Teeth in the Order Rodenta.” An 
article by Mr. Montagu Browne, F.Z.S., on “ The Antiquity of 
Man in Leicestershire,” is accompanied by a number of excellent 
illustrations. Part X. contains contributions by Mr. T. Carter, 
L. L.B., on “The Parasitic Phanerogams of Leicestershire ”; and 
by Mr. G. H. Storer on “The Habits and Voices of British 
Song Birds.” In Part XI. Mr. H. G. Quilter discourses on 
“ The Rhaetics of Leicestershire,” and the Rev. T. A. Preston, 
M. A., on “ Fruits.” Mr. J. W. Knowles contributes a paper 
on “ The Theories as to the Variations of Race in Mankind,” and 
Mr. F. R. Rowley on “Facts concerning Hypopus.” Literary papers 
on “ Sartor Resartus,” by Mr. J. D. Paul, F.G.S., and by Mr. A. H. 
Paget, on “ The Beaumonts of Gracedieu,” help to make the trans¬ 
actions of great interest. 
During the year the General Honorary Secretary of the Union, 
Mr. Thos. H. Waller, B.A., B.Sc., has decided to resign his office, and 
the Council takes this opportunity of tendering to him their hearty 
thanks for the time and thought which he has given to the Union 
during the five years he has held that responsible post. 
As to the general condition of the Midland Union, the Council 
cannot but feel that there is much to be desired. The Union has in 
the past done a large amount of most valuable work, and so far from 
believing that the days of its chief utility are over, the Council 
consider that, if its work is rightly directed, it can do much more in 
the future than it has done in the past. 
In conclusion, the Council desire once more to draw the attention 
of the constituent societies to the growing custom of the separate 
publication of their proceedings. While they do not feel justified in 
