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REPORTS OF SOCIETIES—EXCHANGE 
shire locality; Bosa bibracteata, rare; Equisetum maximum, rare; and 
other plants from Warwickshire localities; also two local mosses, Fontinalis 
Lintipyretica &ndi Bartramia fontana; and on behalf of Mr. S. Wilkins, Trifolutm 
striatum and T. subterranextm, from Lyme Regis. Mr. W. B. Grove exhibited a 
fungus, Uromyces Dactylidis, from Harborne, new to this district, the presence 
of which he had anticipated from theory before it was actually discovered. 
Mr. J. F. Goode gave an account of the visit of the recent party to Oban, and the 
progress of the dredging operations there, together with a general account of the 
animals captured. Mr.W. R. Hughes followed with a particular description of some 
of the organisms, especially of four which he had preserved with great trouble and 
then exhibited alive to the meeting. These were Zoanthus Couchii var. liber, 
Sagartia viduata, Pennatula pliospliorea, and Antedon (Comatula) rosaceus. He 
gave a brief resume of the life-history of the last, and showed how the last but one, 
“ the phosphorescent Sea-pen,” exhibited in the dark coruscating flashes of pale 
blue light on gentle irritation. He also exhibited, on behalf of Miss Osier, draw¬ 
ings of these species and of a Sabella, made from the life, at Oban. Mr. W. P. 
Marshall then described the successful way in which the new apparatus that he 
had devised for the dredging had acted. These consisted of a “harrow,”covered 
with ti'iplets of hooks, in which the specimens were entangled, and a “ plough,” 
which was designed especially for bringing up Virgularia whole and unbroken, 
which has never yet been done by an ordinary dredge. The latter, however, 
failed because the party did not chance on any Virgularia, but its efflciency was 
proved by the multitudes of Funiculina and Pennatula which it brought up in 
perfect condition, as contrasted with the few which had been obtained at the 
former visit to Oban, two years ago, Mr. Marshall also described the new 
method which was adopted for raising the dredge over the side of the vessel 
means of a swinging gaff attached to the mast. The expedition was especi:illy 
successful in its main object—namely, to supplement the specimens previously 
dredged at Oban by others in a more perfect state of preservation, which was 
effected by putting them into mixtures of glycerine and spirit immediately after 
their capture. SocioiiOGiCAL Section. —Two meetings were held on July 12th 
and 19th, at the Mason College—the President, Mr, W. R. Hughes, P.L.S., in the 
chair. There was a large attendance on both occasions. Chapters iii. and iv. of 
Mr. Herbert Spencer’s “ Essay on Education ” were discussed. 
BIRMINGHAM MICROSCOPISTS’ AND NATURALISTS’ UNIpN.—Monday, 
June 4th.—Mr. Deakin showed .Ecidium, on leaves of Pilewort; Mr. Hawkes, 
Cardinal Beetle and larva of Dytiscus; Mr. Darley, small Copper abd Green hair 
streaked butterflies. June 18th.—Mr. Betteridge, young and nest of Nightingale; 
Mr. Deakin, Leachii, from Kent; Mr. J. W. Neville, microscopic section 
of leaf of Banunculus repens, showing AScidium in situ, Mr. H9,wkes read a paper 
entitled, “Botany of bygone Times.” June 25th.— Special, Conchology.— Shells, 
common in the district, were shown by various members. Mr. Boland showed a 
collection of new-named varieties of Helix virgata and Bulimus acutus; Mr. 
Betteridge, a collection of district summer birds. Monday, July 2nd.—Mr. 
Delicate, eggs of Helix nemoralis; Mr. J, W. Neville, a piece of so-called worm- 
eaten glass, taken from an old Warwickshire Church; Mr. Hawkes, district 
plants; Mr. Tyler, Melicerta ringens. July 9th.—Mr. Hawkes showed a 
specimen of Modiola tulipa; Mr. Tyler, microscopic section of spine of Cidaris; 
Mr. J. Wykes, Spirogyra in conjugation A geological paper was read by Mr, H. 
Insley, entitled, “ How to work in the field.” 
The “Chain Brand,” Xenodochus carbonarius and TJredo miniata, sent to 
anyone interested on receipt of a stamped envelope. This rare fungus makes 
a beautiful microscopic object.—W.B. Grove, 269, St.Vincent Street, Birmingham. 
