144 
REPORTS OF SOCIETIES. 
differentiation which we can trace in the vegetalffe kingdom, starting from a 
uniform mass of nnnucleated protoplasm, he spoke of the three classes into 
which the freshwater algre may be divided, viz.:—(1.) Those in which the spores 
are produced by changes in the contents of a single coil; i2.) Those in which 
the spores originate in the union of the contents of two apparently similar cells; 
(.3 .1 Those in which the spores are produced by the fertilisation of the contents 
of one cell by those of another dissimilar cell. The Conjugate Algee belong to 
the second group. He then detailed the attempt which has I’ecently been made 
by Dr. M. C. Cooke, to rescue the members of this group from the chaos into 
which they had been thrown by Continental species-mongers. A note by Dr. 
M. C. Cooke was then read in rei)ly to certain observations made by Mr. C. B. 
Plowi'ight in his paper on the “lie-classittcation of the Uredines,” read before this 
Society in February last. Gi-mnooicAn Skctton, May 22nd.—Mr. Mansell, jun., 
exhibited a rolled fragment from the red marl from Harborne, showing 
pseudomorphs of salt crystals, and some probable glacial scratches Mr. C. .1. 
Watson exhibited some fine crystals of selenite from Shotover Hill, Oxford. 
Mr. T. H. Waller, B.Sc., then read a very interesting and instructive paper 
on “ The Felspars.” He stated first the general characters of the group, and 
then described in detail the composition and optical isroperties of each variety, 
as orthoclase, albite, anorthite, oligoclase, Labradorite, etc. He also described 
the various methods used to distinguish them by chemical tests, and by the 
microscope. The paper was illustrated by many hand specimens, and by 
microscopical sections. The paper was highly appreciated by the members 
present, and was followed by a discussion, during which Mr. Allport exhibited 
and described some fine pseudomorphs of felspar ciystals. 
OXFORDSHIRE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.—On April 27th in Uni¬ 
versity Museum, the first meeting of the summer term was held. Professor 
Westwood, IM.A., presided, and exhibited a series of Stylops, a parasite found 
on the Bee. Mr. Battye showed a five-leaved form of Herb Paris, from Wytham 
Woods, which the Secretary, Mr. Druce, said was almost the commoner form 
this year in the Beckley locality. A. R. B. Battye, Esq., was elected Secretary 
of the Ornithological Section, I'ice Rev. H. A. Macphersou, who has recently left 
Oxford. An abstract of the Report on North Oxfordshire Ornithology for 1882, by 
Mr. Oliver V. A]fiin, was read. Tlie early part of year was noticeable for its ex¬ 
treme mildness, and the Chifl'chaff’ (Phylloscopus rufus) was reported as staying 
the winter at Bodicote. Some additional localities for the Great Spotted Wood¬ 
pecker {Dendrocopus major) were mentioned, and also that a nestling bird was 
taken in a wood on the borders of the county in June. The early spring did not 
appear to have influenced the summer birds of passage in any great degree. The 
late stay of House Martins was observed—young birds being still in the nest on 
October 17th. The occui’rence was announced of the Fire Crested Regulus 
{Begulm ign icapillus) in the county (the first on record), an adult male example 
r.aving been captured near Banbury. Reference was made to the Crested 
Grebes at Clattercutt Reservoir {vide “ Midland Naturalist,” 1882, pp. 275-276) and 
to a Blackheaded Gull {Lotus ridihundus) shot in July. Notes on the autumn 
migi’ation (vide p. .57-58) were read. The young broods of Partridges varied vei’y 
much in different parts of the distidct. In some places the coveys were large 
and the birds well grown early in September, while in other small broods of 
undersized birds, and too often old birds entirely without encumbrances, were 
found. The Red Legged Partridge was certainly on the increase, and was met 
with not uncommonly. A Grey Phalarope (the tenth specimen on recordi was 
procured near Banbury in December. Mr. Aplin also communicated a note on 
the occurrence of a Puffin (Fratercula nrctica) near Woodstock, in November, 
and sent to Mr. Darby alive. Also on a peculiar variety of the Mole taken at 
Souldern in June. The colour of this specimen appeared at first sight to be a 
dusky cream, but on raising the fur it was found to be of a light though pale 
apricot colour, each hair having a dusky tip. The colours were warmer and 
deeper on the lower than the upper parts. Another specimen recently ex¬ 
amined was of a darkish silver grey. A paper on bats by the late Frank Norton, 
Esq., which had been arranged am) edited by the Rev. H. A. Macphersou, was 
then read, and will appear in a future number of the “ Midland Naturalist.” 
