METEOROLOGICAL NOTES.-NATURAL HISTORY NOTE. 383 
unicellular fungus ; this is independent of light, and therefore 
simpler in its external relations. Spencer looks upon this as 
asymmetrical ; rather is it not radially symmetrical ? The 
segments, truly, are not exactly like, neither is exactitude 
demonstrable in spherical symmetry. Transitions to aggre¬ 
gates of the second order are found in filamentous algse, 
e.g ., Spirogyra. These show radial symmetry of the 
cylindrical type. Primaevally the cells, doubtless, were 
spheres with flattened contact-walls ; the action of forces 
has brought their form through the barrel to the cylinder. 
Nostoc and Batrachospermwn supply connecting links. 
(To be continued.) 
METEOROLOGICAL NOTES.— October, 1886. 
There were some remarkable variations in the barometric pressure 
of the month, which showed the unusual range of T719 inches. A fall 
of rather above an inch in the mercurial column took place from the 
14th to the 15th ; the G p.m. readings being, on the 14th 29*666 inches, 
on the 15tli 28*631 inches. From this latter date the mercury rose 
steadily, reaching 30*356 inches on the 25th. The month was 
generally mild, the mean temperature being nearly three degrees 
above the average. On the 5th, 77*1° was registered at Loughborough, 
and 71*0° at Strelley; 74*0° at Coston Rectory, on the 1st; and 71*1° 
at Hodsock, on the 4tli. In the rays of the sun, 118*5° at Lough¬ 
borough, on the 1st; 117*0° at Hodsock, on the 3rd; and 107*5° at 
Strelley, on the 4tli. The high temperature of the 4tli and 5th was 
unprecedented at Loughborough in this month during the previous 
eight years. The minimum temperatures were above the average; 
the lowest recorded being 31*1° at Hodsock, on the 23rd; 34*2° at 
Coston Rectory, on the 22nd ; 35*5° at Strelley, on the 22nd; and 
35*7° at Loughborough, on the 23rd. On the grass, 27*0° at Hodsock, 
on the 14th and 23rd ; 32*0° at Strelley, on the 22nd ; and 32*1° at 
Loughborough, on the 23rd. Rainfall was rather excessive, though 
above an inch less than in October, 1885. The total values in inches 
were:—Strelley, 4*74; Loughborough, 4*48; Coston Rectory, 3*98; 
Hodsock, 3*08. The number of “ rainy days” varied from eighteen to 
twenty-two. Severe thunderstorms visited Strelley and Loughborough 
during the afternoon of the 20tli. Sunshine was very deficient. 
Wm. Berridge, F. R. Met. Soc. 
12, Victoria Street, Loughborough. 
Itiilimil |) is to rii Hole. 
The Boleti of the Birmingham District. —A few days after my 
article on this subject was printed, I found several typical specimens 
of Boletus luteus in Sutton Bark, and near to them some very fine 
specimens of B. piperatus , both in Westwood Coppice.—W. B. Grove. 
