REPORTS OF SOCIETIES. 
281 
BIRMINGHAM MICROSCOPISTS’ AND NATURALISTS’ UNION.— 
October 23rd. Mr. J. Collins exhibited a series of slides specially prepared to 
illustrate Strasburger and Hillhouse’s botany. In a few introductory remarks 
the speaker said one of the most important features of the book was the 
number of illustrations, of which 116 were original, the plants used being 
mostly common or easily procured. He then gave his own experiences in 
the preparation of the more difficult objects. The slides numbered about 
eighty, and many of them were deservedly admired.—October 30bh. Mr. J. 
Madison showed specimens of Limncea gracilis, sub-species acella , from the 
United States; Mr. Dunn, jun., a series of photographs of Devonshire 
scenery, &c.—November 6th. Annual Meeting. Mr. S. White, vice- 
president in the chair. The following reports were moved and adopted: — 
General secretary’s, secretary of committee’s, treasurer’s (showing a balance 
in hand of £4 16s.), and curator’s. A vote of thanks to the retiring president 
was moved and carried. Mr. J. W. Neville proposed the re-election of 
Professor Bridge, M. A., as president for the ensuing year ; the resolution was 
unanimously carried. The following officers were then elected :—Messrs. 
Wykes and Rolan, vice-presidents ; Messrs. Collins and Simpson, secretaries ; 
Mr. H. Rodgers, treasurer ; the other officers remaining unchanged. In the 
absence of the president, Mr. Walter Collinge delivered an address, taking 
for his subject “ The Structure and Functions of a Leaf.” The speaker said 
in the country we saw little but leaves. The specimens we so eagerly sought, 
whether insects or molluscs, were found associated with leaves. The first 
thing that struck us was the different forms they assumed ; a reason existed 
for this, but it fell more within the province of the evolutionist. If a section 
of a leaf was made, three distinct features could be seen, the epidermal layer, 
the palisade cells, and the spongy layer. The chlorophyll granules and cell 
contents were described at considerable length, and the manner in which 
leaves assumed autumn tints. After a series of experiments, showing the 
presence of starch and aleurone by tests, the speaker said every student 
should prove by experiment the theories of books, and should never tire of 
asking the reason why. A hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Collinge brought the 
meeting to a close.—November 13th. Mr. J. Collins exhibited specimens of 
Crepis taraxacifolia, Polygonatum multiflorum , and other plants; Mr. J. 
Madison, specimens of a peculiar form of Limncea peregra , from a cattle 
trough at King’s Heath ; Mr. Darlaston, a case of insects and scorpions from 
Sierra Leone. 
ELLESMERE NATURAL HISTORY AND FIELD CLUB.—The first 
of a series of evening meetings of the above club, which it is proposed to hold 
during the winter months, was held in the infants’ schoolroom, St. John’s 
December, 1893. 
