316 Proceedings of Scientific Institutions. 
‘The Secretary then laid upon the table several books presented during the va- 
cation. 
- Royal Physical Society.— Nov. 25, 1829. Mr. K. T. Kemp read an essay on 
several modes of exciting Galvanic Electrieity. (Vide Edin. Journ. of Nat. and 
Geog. Science, Vol. I. No. iii. p. 183.) 
Mr. William Macdonald, A.M., read an exegesis on the Probable Sources of 
Rivers and Springs. 
Dec. 2, 1829.—Reflexions on some of the Principles of Mechanics and the 
Theory of Machinery in general; by Charles Slee, Esq., was read by Mr. Tho- 
mas Aitken. 
Mr. Dick, Lecturer on Veterinary Surgery, communicated a notice regarding 
the Fetlock Pad in the legs of horses, demonstrating by disséctions and prepara- 
tions the similarity of its structure to the frog of the foot; and deducing from 
thence its utility and importance as a pad and support to the fetlock, ae 
in leaping and galloping | on soft and yielding ground. 
Dec. 9.—Mr. K. T. Kemp gave a description of two newly constructed Ther- 
mometers for ascertaining minute differences in the Boiling Points of Liquids. 
(Vide Edin. Journ. of Nat. and Geog. Science, Vol. I. No. iv. p. 262.) 
Mr. William Ainsworth communicated some nctes on the Geognostical Struc- 
ture of the High Peak of Derbyshire, with an exhibition of illustrative speci- 
mens. 
Dec. 19.—Mr. W. Ainsworth exhibited portraits of the Siamese Youths now 
exhibiting in London, and an ornithological monstrosity in whieh there were 
two heads and one body. 
Mr Hargreaves made a communication on the Steam-Engine, which he illus- 
trated by a very little beautiful working model. 
A notice of three remarkable Hybrids was given by A. T. Holroyd, Esq. = 
F.L.S. F.Z.S. &c. 
Mr Cheek’s communication on the Progress of Zoology in France during the 
last year, was postponed to the next evening. 
Phinian Society.—Dec. 1, 1829. Mr. Bushnan read a paper on the Fyrian 
Dye. 
Mr. Wilson communicated some remarks on the Flora of Ayrshire. 
Dec. 8.—Mr. Maclagan read a paper on the Antiquities of Ayrshire. 
Dec. 15.—Mr. Dyett presented a specimen of the Boa Constrictor. 
Mr. Balfour read a paper on the Fuci, in which he alluded to their botstical 
character and to their geographical distribution. Mr. B. also read a paper on 
Fecula or Starch, as obtained in various forms from the vegetable kingdom. 
Dec. 22.—Mr. Bushnan continued his paper on the Tyrian Dye. 
Mr. Stebles communicated some facts regarding the Migration of Birds. 
PROVINCIAL. 
Northern Institution.—Nov. 27, 1829. The members of this society held 
their first evening meeting for proceeding with the business of the session, John 
Ross, Esq., banker, in the chair. A valuable donation was presented from Mr 
Duncan Forbes, consisting of preserved specimens of Highland game and wild 
fowl, and a young but well stuffed-specimen of the Egyptian Ichneumon. A copy 
of the French Protestant New Testament, published at Geneva in the year 1560, 
was presented from the Rev. W. Findlater of Durness. When the leiters recei- 
ved during the previous month, and routine business were disposed of, the se- 
cretary read a notice from Sir Francis Mackenzie of Gairloch Bart., on a curious 
hillfort on his property of Conon, and a list of rare birds still inhabiting the fast- 
nesses of the estate of Gairloch, on the west coast of Ross-shire. The principal 
communication appointed for the evening was then read, and excited much inte- 
