174 
REPORTS OF SOCIETIES. 
Neville exhibited a collection of shells, zoophytes, &c., from the 
Blackpool district. Mr. Madison, various specimens of lead ore from 
Matlock. Under the microscopes the following objects were exhibited : 
By Mr. Taylor, a section of Carboniferous Limestone, showing Foramin- 
ifera in situ; Mr. Insley, a section of Diorite, by polar light; Mr. 
Moore, gizzard of Pediculus capitis ; Mr. Bunn, Spineless Water Flea, 
Daphnia vetula. April 26th.—An excursion was made to Rowley 
Regis, where the members were met at the station by Mr. Beale, who 
conducted them through a quarry, pointing out the strige on numerous 
blocks resulting from ice action ; also many other interesting features 
connected with the Basalt. The party then adjourned to inspect Mr. 
Beale’s fine geological collection, after which a vote of thanks to that 
gentleman for his kindly proffered services as guide brought a pleasant 
afternoon to a close. April 28tli.—Mr. J. B. Stone, J.P., presented to 
the Society (through Mr. Flower) a copy of his new book, “ Children 
in Norway; or, a Holiday on the Fkeberg.” Mr. Insley exhibited 
various specimens of Basalt from Rowley Regis; Mr. Tylar, two 
photographs of the party in the quarry ; Mr. Darley, larva? of Wood 
Tiger Moth ; Mr. Hawkes, an album of dried plants from Ivingswood, 
collected in a day’s ramble ; Mr. Madison, shells of Helix pomatia , H. 
lapicida , and Cyclostoma elegans , with models of their inmates, giving 
them a life-like appearance ; also models of Limax fiavus and Anon ater. 
Under the microscopes Mr. Hawkes showed Batracliospermum and 
Closterium Lunula; Mr. Tylar, sting of Scorpion. A paper w r as then 
read by Mr. J. W. Neville, “ Notes on Larvae,” it being the second of a 
series on the egg, larva, pupa, and imago. The subject was taken up 
from the deposition of the egg; he described the increase in size of 
some eggs by the absorption of air and water ; yolk segmentation, the 
development of the embryo, the resemblance between some stages in 
the embryo and the course of life in certain lowly organisms ; many 
degrees of advancement in larvae ; skin casting, its causes, &c., &c. The 
paper was illustrated by drawings and microscopical objects.—May 5th. 
Mr. Madison exhibited a distorted specimen of Planorbis vortex (the 
whorls being separated) from Yardley. Under the microscopes Mr. 
Dunn showed Draparnaldia glomerata; Mr. Tylar, Araclmoidiscus 
ornatus on Sertularia abietina; Mr. J. W. Neville, Oak Spangle Fly, 
Cynips longipennis; Mr. Hawkes, spores of Equisetum arvense. May 
12tli.—Mr. Darley showed specimens of larvae of Plusia iota and P. 
chrysitis. Under the microscopes Mr. J. W. Neville showed Ophiocoma 
neglecta; Mr. Tylar, ova of Gobius niger, showing young fish; Mr. 
Hawkes, reproductive organs of Nitella translucens. A lecture was 
then given by Mr. H. Insley, on “ Special Structural Botany.” Ranun¬ 
culus acris was taken as a type specimen, and the various parts 
described, from the root to the flower; also the different tissues of which 
the plant is built up. The subject was illustrated by diagrams, and a 
large number of preparations were shown under the microscopes. 
BEDFORDSHIRE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY & FIELD 
CLUB.—On the 20tli March an admirable paper was read by Mr. W. 
Steward, on “The Migratory Instinct of Birds.” He treated the 
subject in an original method, and his views were thoroughly evolu¬ 
tionary. Going back beyond the Glacial period, Mr. Steward carefully 
traced the rise of this remarkable instinct, ably described its character, 
and suggested the conditions that would be adequate, if they were not 
actually known, to bring about by pure force of circumstances the 
migratory instinct of birds. Some slight discussion took place at the 
close, and a cordial vote of thanks, which he thoroughly deserved, 
