
NOTICES OF MEETINGS. 223 

The two insectivorous plants gathered derive, according to the late Dr. Darwin, 
benefits from the insects, each by a different method; for while the Sundew 
actually digests the animals entrapped, the Bladder-wort but absorbs the pro- 
ducts of decay of the organisms it entombs in the bladders. 
The wealth of wild flowers was most profuse; but in passing through Morley 
Meadows, by the left bank of the river Bollin, a magnificent spectacle was 
presented, for there, in an opening in the wood, were hundreds of the common 
Fox-glove, Digitalis purpurea, from three to five feet in height; and though 
thunderstorm number two was raging, the party levied tribute, reaching 
Wilmslow in time to catch the 6.15 train for Manchester. 
On Saturday, May 27th, a few members of the Microscopical Society, under 
the leadership of Mr. Sington, rambled in the fields between Heaton Moor and 
Burnage, pond hunting and botanizing. 
Among the pond-life found were AZfelicerta ringens, a number of larve, in- 
cluding those of the Ephemeridze ; Hydra, Stentors and Volvox globator ; several 
varieties of Desmids and Water Scorpions, various entomostraca, the spawn of 
as well as full grown tritons, newts and sailor beetles. A number of Dragon 
flies just commencing the imago stage of their existence were also caught. 
The district is not a good one for Mosses, but Hypnum serpens and several 
species of Bryum and Mnium were found, 
MANCHESTER MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY.—At the ordinary meet- 
ing in July the attendance was thin, many of the members having accepted in- 
vitations to be present at the Soiree, given by the Society of Chemical Industry, 
at the Owens College. 
Mr. Miles read a short paper ‘‘On the Optical performance of Objectives,” 
with special reference to Professor Abbe’s recent paper ‘‘On the Relation of 
Aperture and Power in the Microscope.” The discussion on this paper was 
deferred to the September meeting. 
The ramble of the members on the 17th June was next reported upon by Mr, 
Brittain, the conductor. The romantic Buxton valley, from Buxton to Millers 
Dale was truly a happy hunting ground on the occasion. The weather and the 
flora were equally charming, and many good gatherings of interesting specimens 
of micro-fungi, mosses, &c., were collected for future microscopic examination 
on quiet evenings at home: amongst the former many specimens were found in 
excellent condition. The favourite common Colts-foot cluster cup was in great 
plenty : some of the party now for the first time saw it in its natural condition, 
and are not likely to forget this their first day of a successful hunt. Soon after- 
wards the luxurious Zpz/obium hirsutum attracted the notice of the conductor, 
for upon the leaves of this plant another cluster cup was now due. On 
examination it was found upon a large number of the leaves, and in great plenty, 
as also in beautiful condition ; it is known as 4icédium epilobit. A small quantity 
of the Rose rust, Lecythea rose, was met with, and a solitary specimen of the 
Sorrel smut, Ustilago Kuhniana. This fungus fixes itself upon the floral organs 
chiefly, and quickly destroys them, It is found sometimes upon the stalks of 
the plant, but in smaller quantity. The white fungus, Cystopus candidus, which 
sometimes spots over the leaves of the common cabbage, like dabs of whitewash, 
was found upon the Shepherd’s Purse. It is very common upon the latter plant. 
The Corn rust, Z7ichobasis rubigo-vera, was met with on grass in moderate 
quantity. 
Amongst the results of the ramble which will leave the most lasting 
impression was the Butter-wort; so called from the sticky nature of its leaves, 
It is known also as the Snowdon violet. It was in full flower, and a large 
number of the leaves of the plant had caught and held in their fatal grip a 
countless number of unfortunate insects. This is one of those insectivorous 
plants upon which Dr. Charles Darwin made some hundreds of experiments, 
