Dec., 1891 . 
REPORTS OF SOCIETIES. 
277 
connects the rude “ Primitive Relations of the Sexes ” with 
the fine ideal of married life not infrequently met with in 
modern times. Anyone who looks round and observes the 
higher types of men and women which even now exist must 
see that the evolution of their relationship with each other is 
making considerable progress, and will be led to believe that, 
given a favourable environment, this progress will continue 
until married life gains the height at which it completely 
fulfils all requirements. The path, however, is still difficult, 
but, as Emerson says, “ He who aims high must dread an 
easy home and popular manners.” 
$teprts of Societies. 
BIRMINGHAM NATURAL HISTORY AND MICROSCOPICAL 
SOCIETY. —Microscopical Section, November 3rd. A series of pre¬ 
parations showing the structure of the ovipositors and stings of insects 
was exhibited by Mr. A. Reading, and supplemented by Messrs. Car¬ 
penter and Iliff. The preparations, sixteen in number, related chiefly 
to the Hymenoptera and Diptera, but the Neuroptera, Orthoptera, 
and Arachnida were also represented. Mr. Reading gave some notes 
on the structure of the ovipositors and stings, and was followed by 
Mr. T. Y. Hodgson, who briefly pointed out the probable line of their 
development, and who exhibited specimens of Orthoptera and Myria- 
poda in support of the theory. Mr. Suffleld exhibited a specimen of 
Sirex gigas, captured near Broad Street, in the neighbourhood of a 
timber yard. —Biological Section, November 10th. Mr. R. W. Chase 
in the chair. Mr. W. B. Grove exhibited a fungus, Clavaria stricta , 
for Mr. Wright Wilson. Mr. W. R. Hughes, F.L. S., read a paper on 
his recent summer visits to the Marine Biological Laboratory at 
Plymouth. After giving a description of its external appearance, 
position, and internal arrangements for all branches of marine 
biological research, he exhibited and gave notes on a beautiful series 
of slides illustrating the migration of the eyes in the flat fishes 
(Pleuronectidse) from a symmetrical to a lateral position ; and also a 
slide of a species of Myzostoma, an external parasite of the Rosy 
Feather Star. These slides he had obtained, together with many 
others, through the courtesy and liberality of the authorities, amongst 
whose names those of Mr. Calderwood, M.A., the director, and Mi*. 
J. W. Cunningham, M.A., the naturalist, were foremost. A short 
discussion, in which Messrs. R. W. Chase, J. F. Goode, C. Pumphrey, 
and J. Levick took part, and a vote of thanks to Mr. Hughes, 
terminated the meeting. 
BIRMINGHAM MICROSCOFISTS’ AND NATURALISTS’ 
UNION.—October 19th.—Mr. J. Betteridge presented to the society’s 
cabinet the following specimens:—Red-backed shrike, Lanius collurio; 
a pair of stonecliats, Saxicola rubicola ; green sandpiper, Totanus 
ochropus, and sparrow-hawk, Accipiter nisns. Mr. J. W. Neville pro¬ 
posed a vote of thanks to the donor, which was seconded by Mr. B. 
Cracroft, and suitably replied to. Mr. J. Collins then read a paper, 
“ Remarks on Darwin’s Voyage of the Beagle.” After referring to 
