MEETING OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION IN BIRMINGHAM. 281 
magnificently illuminated by the (Giilclier) electric light, and 
the rows of busy workers engaged in diamond cutting, watch 
making, cigar making, &c., with the sound of music and 
machinery, make a brilliant and interesting sight. The 
building has been crowded daily since its opening. The 
soiree given on Thursday evening, September 2nd, enabled 
the members of the British Association to see the Exhibition 
at its best. Among its many points of interest we must not 
omit to mention the Natural History Section, the perfection 
of which was largely owing to the efforts of Mr. R. W. Chase 
and Professor Hillhouse. 
A second soiree—given by the Mayor, Thomas Martineau, 
Esq., in the Council House and Art Gallery on Tuesday 
evening, September 7tli—enabled the visitors to see David 
Cox’s pictures illuminated by an ingenious form of electric 
light, devised by Messrs. Hookliam and Chamberlain. The 
light is partially screened from the eyes of the observers, but 
falls directly upon the pictures. 
Evening Lectures in the Town Hall were delivered by 
Professors Rucker, on “Soap Bubbles;” Rutherford, “The 
Sense of Hearing;” and Chandler - Roberts, “Colours of 
Metals and Alloys.” The last-named was delivered to an 
appreciative audience of working men, and was a model of 
what a popular science lecture should be. 
That union of scientific jokers, “ Ye Red Lion Clubbe,” 
held its annual dinner at the Liberal Club on Tuesday 
evening, September 7tli, when there was much roaring and 
wagging of tails on the part of the “ noble beasts” and their 
attendant “jackals.” Burlesque addresses were delivered, and 
-but we draw the veil, for dire is the vengeance vowed 
by the “king of beasts” against those who “tell tales” 
of his revelries. 
When the members met to hear the result of the meeting 
in the Town Hall on Wednesday, September 8th, the smiling 
faces of the officials betokened general contentment. It was 
announced that 2,470 tickets had been disposed of, and that 
the Council had been able to allot grants amounting to £1,300 
in aid of scientific research. Sir Henry Roscoe was elected 
president of the Manchester meeting, which takes place in 
1887, and it was resolved to “go to Bath” in 1888. An 
invitation from the Australian Colonies to hold a supple¬ 
mentary meeting at Sydney in January, 1888, was also 
accepted. 
The work of the meeting proper was fitly ended by a 
performance of the “ Elijah,” in the Town Hall, on Wednesday 
night. 
