of shells, from the waters of Sydney. He also exhibited a section of Steatite, (rare,) from the Bleak Head, Lizard. Mr. W. R. Hughes, F.R.S., read, on behalf of Dr. Spencer Cobbold, F.R.S., a further instalment of his valuable communication on "The Parasites of Man," (see p. 295.)
Birmingham and Midland Institute Scientific Society. September 2nd. A party of members left Snow Hill for Coalbrookdale, whence they proceeded to Maw's Encaustic Tile Works, where, by special permission, they were shown the various processes of making the tiles. The moulding of the tiles from» nearly dry powder by simple pressure, making them fit to be put at once into the kiln, occasioned much surprise, The various processes of putting the patterns on and glazing the tiles were then inspected, and much interest was shown in the forming the seggars out of powdered fire-clay by a pressure of 140 tons. The party then proceeded to Benthall Hall, where Mr. G. Maw kindly showed them the many objects of interest in the hall, and also the fine collection of foreign plants in the garden. Benthall Edge was descended to Buildwas, the well-preserved Abbey visited, and on adjournment then made to the Bridge Inn for refreshment. Here Dr. Callaway joined the party, and led the way to Shineton Brook, where are the exposures of shale described by that gentleman in the August number of the "Midland Naturalist." Numerous impressions of trilobites (Asaphus Homphrayi) were found; and the party then proceeded to Cressage, whence the return was made at 7 20.—October 9th, Mr. C. J. Watson read an interesting paper to the members, entitled "Scientific Jottings on the Continent."
Caradoc Field Club.—The first Field Meeting of the season, specially devoted to the study of Cryptogamic Botany, was held at Downton Castile, near Ludlow, on Wednesday, September 25th. In spite of rainy morning, there was a fair attendance of members, Several rave specimens of Fungi, amongst others Clavaria amethystina, Lycoperdon echinatum, Strobilomyces strobilaceus were collected on the walk through the woods, which were thrown open to the party by the courtesy of A. R. Bonghton Knight, Esq. After dinner at the Feathers Hotel, Ludlow, a paper "On the Cup-Funguses of Shropshire" was read by Mr. W. Phillips, and Mr. J. P. Blunt made some remarks in continuation of a paper read last year, on the researches which he and Dr. Downes are pursuing in regard to the influence of "Light on Bacteria." This was a highly successful meeting,
Cheltenham Natural Science Society.—This Society held its Annual Meeting on Thursday, the 4th October, when T. Wright, Esq., M.D., F.R.S., &c.}, was unanimously re-elected President for the session of 1878 and 1879. Col. Basevi was also re-elected Honorary Secretary, and the following gentlemen the Committee of Management:—Major Barnard, F.L.S., F. Day, Esq., F.L.S., F.Z.S., H. Elwes, Esq., F.L.S. F.Z.S., G. Ferguson, Esq., M.D., H. A. James, Esq., Sir Brook Kay, Bart, R. M. Lingwood, Esq., F. D. Longe, Esq., F.G.S., Dr. F. Maier, and T. Wilson, Esq., M.D. The accounts for the past year were read and passed. October 17th.—General Meeting. Major General Cox presided, in the unavoidable absence of Dr. T. Wright, F.R.S., through severe domestic affliction. The minutes of the meeting on the 4th inst. were read and confirmed. Ballot was taken for the admission of three members. Mr. Badger's circular, dated 26th September, relating to Mr. Harrison's interesting paper on the Glacial Deposits was read, and copies of the paper distributed. Major Barnard read a most interesting paper on "New Zealand: Botanical and Zoological." A cordial vote of thanks was awarded. The paper was illustrated by some specimens of curious birds and dried ferns, and the author drew comparison between the ferns of New Zealand and of England.
Nottingham Literary and Philosophical Society.—Natural Science Section.—September 20th. Mr. E. Wilson, F.G.S., exhibited a fractured quartzite pebble, containing a clear cast of the Caradoc fossil, Orthis redux. The pebble was recently picked up by Mr. J. H. Jennings, of the High School, from a roadside heap of broken quartzites, on the south of Bulwell Forest, near Nottingham. It was not therefore in situ, but was probably derived from the subjacent Banter conglomerate of the district (see "Geological
