Nov., 1892. 
REPORTS OF SOCIETIES. 
263 
of the other. Mr. W. B. Grove exhibited a specimen of Rosa rugosa in 
fruit, and a fungus, Agaricus meleagris. Also, for Miss Gingell, Agaricus 
terreus , Clavaria pistillaris , Cl. aurea and Helvella crispa, from Min- 
chinhampton. A vote of thanks to the exhibitors concluded the 
meeting. —Geological Section. October 18th. Mr. T. H. Waller 
in the chair. Messrs. C. J. Levi and F. G. Smith were elected 
associates of the society. Mr. C. J. Watson exhibited photographs 
of Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh. Mr. C. Pumphrey exhibited speci¬ 
mens from a Vitrefied Fort, and Mr. B. W. Chase specimens of granite 
from Lundy Island. The Rev. W. H. Painter then read a paper on 
“ The Rocks of North Devon,” which was abundantly illustrated with 
diagrams, photographs, and about sixty specimens of fossils, rocks, 
etc. 
BIRMINGHAM MICROSCOPISTS’ AND NATURALISTS’ 
UNION.—September 18th. Special—Conchology. Mr. J. Collins 
showed a small collection of land shells from Ilfracombe ; Mr. Rolan, 
a collection of land shells from South Wales ; Mr. J. Madison, a large 
collection of Unios and Anodons, showing many varieties, both British 
and foreign; one taken in the Avon, which may prove to be a new 
species ; also specimens of the molluscs in spirit, and a series of 
drawings of the same ; Mr. Linton, a very complete series of Helix 
aspersa, H. nemoralis, H. hortensis, H. pisana , and H. arbustorum; 
Mr. White, marine shells from Barmouth; Mr. J. Moore, photo¬ 
micrographs of molluscan palates; Mr. Darlaston, foreign marine 
shells. Under the microscope, Mr. Hawkes, several species of blight 
on leaves; Mr. Collins, Ophrydium versatile .—September 25th. 
Mr. Mulliss showed cotton plant in fruit. Mr. H. W. H. Darlaston 
then read a paper on “ First Experiences in Microscopy.” The writer 
said ' L1 ' , e object of the paper would be to give a few personal experiences 
in the preparation and mounting of objects that would, he hoped, clear 
away some of the difficulties so often encountered by beginners in this 
fascinating study. His first studies were in the insect world, and the 
preparations were mainly mounted in balsam. A number of specimens 
were then mentioned, and the writer’s experience in each given. 
After whole insects one came to dissections ; the readiest methods of 
mounting these were described, both with and without pressure. 
The great difficulty in the latter was arranging them nicely under the 
cover glass, so as to show the various parts. After referring to botanical 
preparations and the ready method of making microscopic drawings, 
the writer concluded an interesting paper by showing what good work 
could be accomplished by patience and care. A series of microscopic 
preparations and drawings was shown.—October 3rd. The President 
in the chair. Mr. J. Collins showed a specimen of Zannichellia 
palustris, also a number of herbarium specimens from the Severn 
Valley; Mr. W. J. Parker, a series of beautifully - executed 
drawings, with manuscript notes relating to entomology, by Mr. 
Freeth, of this city; Mr. Rolan, geological specimens from 
the Severn tunnel and polished incrustations from steam boilers.— 
October 10th. “Limelight Exhibition of Photographs,” by Mr. W. 
Tylar. The exhibitor read a short paper, “Notes on a Recent Visit to 
the Channel Islands,” the pictures being taken during the tour. They 
comprised a series of views of Weymouth. Guernsey and Jersey, both 
instantaneous and time exposures ; the exhibitor remarking that some 
of the best pictures were taken with an inexpensive portable camera, 
and that a photographic outfit was now within the reach of all.— 
October 17tli. Practical Microscopy. Mr. J. W. Neville gave a 
