REPORTS OF SOCIETIES. 
335 
granite and scliist in the Cornwall Rocks; also sections of rocks from 
Nuneaton. Some views were then exhibited of instantaneous pictures 
showing the breaking of a wave, the ripple on a river, etc., and some 
interesting Alpine views recently taken by Mr. Watson. Mr. W. II. 
Wilkinson exhibited a specimen of the “ mazewort ” (Dadalia quer- 
cina), from Clent, a fungus which (unlike most of its family) does 
not soon perish, as this specimen was as perfect as when gathered 
four years ago ; also a fine cluster of Xylaria hypoxylon in fruit, from 
Shrewsbury. There was a large attendance of members, wbo through¬ 
out the evening evinced the deepest interest in the very varied and 
instructive exhibitions, and a hearty vote of thanks was carried by 
acclamation to Mr. Edmonds and to Mr. Pumphrey. 
BIRMINGHAM MICROSCOPISTS’ AND NATURALISTS’ 
UNION.—October 18tli. Mr. J. W. Neville exhibited a specimen of 
lace sponge, Euplectella aspergillum; Mr. J. Madison, Planorbis lineatus, 
var. albina, from Deal, and Ancylus Jluviatilis , var. albida, from Earls- 
wood ; Mr. C. F. Beale, two fossil fish, Platysomus parvulus and Klon- 
ichthys Egertoni; also a mandible of Megalichthys Hibbertii from Deep 
Mine ironstone, Longton; Mr. Corbet, a fossil fern, Pecopteris 
lonqitita ; Mr. J. Harrison, black and white crystals of quartz from 
Japan. Under the microscopes Mr. J. W. Neville showed spicules of 
lace sponge; Mr. H. Hawkes, section of Peziza vesiculosa , showing 
sporidia in asci; Mr. H. Insley, dendritic spot on paper; Mr. Wag- 
staff, Campanularia neglecta. —October 25th. Mr. Deakin exhibited a 
nest of bullfinch ; Mr. Hawkes, specimens of Agaricus dryophilus; Mr. 
Rodgers, specimens of Helix cantiana from Fenny Compton; Mr. H. 
Insley, spine of Pleuracanthus livissimus from the coal-measures, 
Bentley. Under the microscope Mr. Hawkes showed a section of 
bud of horse-chestnut, showing the future flower scape. A paper was 
then read by Mr. J. Harrison, “ Notes on Fishes.” The writer took 
as a type the common codfish, describing in passing the various kinds 
of fish scales, as placoid, cycloid, and ctenoid. The lateral line was 
described as a sensitive surface, and its peculiar scales shown. Fins 
were described as steering organs, and the teeth, kidney, air sac, and 
auditory organs were dealt with at some length. A description of the 
heart and its action, the ovary, and methods of reproduction brought 
the paper to a close. The subject was well illustrated by diagrams 
and specimens.—November 1st. Annual Meeting. Mr. C. Beale, C.E., 
the retiring president, delivered an address congratulating the members 
on the result of their work during the past year, and suggesting 
various ways of widening the usefulness of the society by admitting 
associates and other means. The impetus given to science by the late 
meeting of the British Association was referred to, and the interest 
excited by the Natural History section of the exhibition gave promise 
of abundant fruit in the future. The growing love for natural objects 
was likely to make this section a popular feature in most future 
exhibitions. The fossiliferous pebbles from the Drift were specially 
mentioned as showing what careful and patient work could accom¬ 
plish. The address concluded by pointing out the good work being 
done by the “Practical Naturalists’ Society,” a society that all scien¬ 
tific workers would do well to recognise. Mr. John Edmonds was 
unanimously elected president for the ensuing year, and Messrs. C. F. 
Beale and F. Holden vice-presidents.—November 8tli. Mr. C. P. 
Neville exhibited a series of quartz crystals from Welsh lead mines; 
Mr. H. Hawkes, the following fungi:— Russula emetica, Lac tar i us 
