PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES, 
43 
in our balances, has nevertheless been wisely assigned to discharge the most im¬ 
portant functions. 
“ On the Action of Light upon the Colour of the River Sponge.” By John 
Hogg, M.A., F.L.S., &c., Fellow of St. Peter s College, Cambridge. Communi¬ 
cated by Prof. Bell. 
The author found that the green colour of Spongilla fluviatilis , the RiverSponge, 
is acquired solely through the agency of light, and is lost when the Sponge is removed 
from the influence of light. As this does not appear to be the case with Actinece , 
Hydra viridis, or any other Polypes , the author is disposed to consider this 
production as being nearer allied to Algoe or Fungi , than to any tribe belonging 
to the animal kingdom. 
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
June 5.—H. M. Dyer, Esq., V.-P., in the chair.—It appeared from the Mete¬ 
orological Journal kept at the garden, that the mean temperature of the past 
year was 48.52, whilst that of the ten preceding years w r as 50.62, and that the 
quantity of rain was four inches less than the annual average ; so that the year 
was both colder and drier than usual. It was stated, that at the late exhibition 
the specimens exceeded 900 in number, and that additional tables, to the extent 
of 200 feet, were required for their display.—The Hon. F. Strangways exhibited 
some wicker-work intended for the preservation of half-hardy plants in winter; as 
also leaden labels which, being punched and painted over, were very durable. 
The prizes awarded were silver Knightian medals to Mr. Lumsden, for a col¬ 
lection of ten shrub Calceolarias, and George Barker, Esq., for Epidendrum 
primulinum , an Orchidaceous plant, more particularly remarkable for its perfume. 
Silver Banksian medals were also awarded to Mr. Glendenning, gardener to 
Lord Rolle, for six Pine-apples; Mr. Lowe, of Clapton nursery, for Clematis 
azurea grandiflora; Mrs. Lawrence for Pavettia caffra; Messrs. Chandlers, 
for a collection of Rhododendrons ; Messrs. Mountjoy, for Heartsease; and Mr. 
Myatt, for Rhubarb. Several rare plants were exhibited from the gardens of 
the Society, the most remarkable of which was a hardy dark species of Lilac, 
which will prove a valuable addition to the gardens. 
ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
June 5. —J. F. Stephens, Esq., Pres., in the chair.—Donations of entomologi¬ 
cal works and of insects were announced, including a valuable collection of British 
Chalcididce^ by F. Walker, Esq., and a specimen of Stylops JDalii , by Mr. 
Thwaites, by whom a number of this remarkable parasitic insect had been 
recently captured. Mr. Johnson presented a plate illustrating the Natura 1 
g 2 
