Springfield are dwarfed into comparative insignificance by the results of a series of examinations of the water supply of Newport, R.I., as given by Dr. Drown in a recent report, from which it appears that on August 31st, 1891, there were present in Easton's Pond, one of the sources of supply for Newport, the large number of grass-green Algae (Chlorophyceæ) of 677,750 per 100 cubic centimetres; on September 11th, 1891, there were found 927,400; on October 8th the number had fallen to 675,700, but subsequently again rose until the enormous maximum was attained on January 18th, 1892, of 1,428,600 per 100 cubic centimetres. Diatoms were present on the same date to the amount of 200,700 per 100 cubic centimetres, giving a total of Diatoms and grass-green Algæ of 1,629,300.
In the July number of the 'Home University' is an interesting note "On Temporary Museums," which we here reproduce: —
We desire strongly to recommend as a very efficient aid to education the formation of Temporary Museums. These are especially suitable for places of summer resort at the seaside, or elsewhere, but they might also be attempted with success in almost any town. A museum of this kind was organised last summer at the pleasant little town of Hunstanton on the Norfolk coast, and it is upon the experience there obtained that our suggestions and advice to others who may be encouraged to attempt the like will be based. At Hunstanton the Museum was open five weeks, that is, during almost the whole time that the Board- School-rooms were at liberty. The school-rooms were rented for a nominal sum, and were fitted up with boards laid across the desks, upon which objects were displayed. A Committee of Organisation and Management, composed partly of residents and partly of visitors, was, of course, extemporised, and appeals were made for the loan of objects of interest. It is scarcely to be doubted that in almost any town there would be found those who for such a purpose would be willing to lend pictures, cases of stuffed birds, insects, fossils, and miscellaneous curios. With objects of this kind to make the chief display, the members of Committee would easily supply the rest. A few books of reference should be borrowed—if possible a copy of the 'Encyclopædia Britannica'—and an energetic Sub-Committee to name and label the objects should commence its labours a week or two before the opening, and continue them throughout. Those thus engaged would find their reward in the acquisition of much knowledge, for more is to be learned in the act of making and arranging museums than can be got by visiting those already in good order.
At a recent meeting of the Linnean Society at Burlington House, a series of interesting photographs of a fine hen Buzzard, of the common
