PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
143 
developed by the action of galvanism; but we have no evidence whatever of the 
existence of fossil Acari in siliceous rocks (the substance used by Mr. Crosse), 
which appears to be the one that generally inhabits cheese in the present condition 
of our globe. 
I remain, 
Yours sincerely, 
Edwin Lankester. 
QThe periodical press certainly did circulate the supposed result of Mr. Crosse’s 
experiments, as it would have circulated an account of a 44 sudden death” or other 
44 mysterious occurrence,” but, for all that, we consider apathy to be justly charge¬ 
able upon their pages. Respecting the scientific men, it appears that we were 
in some degree mistaken; and are glad to find that the timely and judicious 
experiments performed by Messrs. Children, Gray, Golding Bird, and others, 
have succeeded in placing the affair in its proper light. If all new discoveries 
were thus promptly put to a fair test, instead of being despised and ridiculed, 
the truth could not long remain concealed. But personal interest, as well as 
apathy and prejudice, too frequently forbid so decisive a mode of procedure. 
—Ed.] 
Lining of the Wren’s Nest. 
To the Editor of the Naturalist. 
Dear Sir,* —The Wren’s nest which I mentioned (Vol. II., p. 131) as not 
having any lining, had not, as you supposed, even a lining of other materials 
than feathers. It had not an appearance of any thing of the sort. I have 
repeatedly found the nest of this bird without any feathers, and with only a few 
Horse or Cow hairs. 
i I am, dear Sir, 
Your obedient servant, 
December 17, 1837. Beverley R. Morris. 
PROCEEDINGS OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES. 
ROYAL SOCIETY. 
This Society met on Thursday, Jan. 25, Francis Baily, Esq., vice-president 
and treasurer, in the chair. —Bryan Donkin, Esq., and Sir John Hansler were 
admitted Fellows of the Royal Society. The following candidates were also 
