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HARDWICKE'S

SCIENCE-GOSSIP:

1876.

WOEKS BY TEE EDITOE OF " SCIENCE GOSSIP."

HALF-HOURS IN THE GREEN LANES; a Book for a Country Stroll,

Illustrated with 300 Woodcuts. Third Edition. Crown Svo., cloth, 4s.

HALF-HOURS AT THE SEA-SIDE: or Recreations with Marine Objects.

Illustrated with 150 Woodcuts. Third Edition. Crown Svo., cloth, 4s.

GEOLOGICAL STORIES ; a Series of Autobiographies in Chronological Order.

Third Edition. Illustrated with 175 Woodcuts. Crown Svo., cloth, 4s.

THE AQUARIUM ; its Inhabitants, Structure, and Management. Illustrated

with 239 Woodcuts. Crown Svo., cloth extra, 6s.

NOTES ON COLLECTING AND PRESERVING NATURAL HISTORY OBJECTS.

Edited by J. E. TAYLOR, F.L.S., F.G.S. Contents: Geological Specimens, by the Editor;
Bones, by E. F. Elwin ; Birds' Eggs, by T. Southwell, F.Z.S. ; Butterflies and Moths, by Dr.
Knaggs ; Beetles, by E. C. Bye, F.Z.S. ; Hymenoptera, by J. B. Bridgman; Fresh-water Shells, by
Professor Ralph Tate, F.G.S. ; Flowering Plants, by James Britten, F.L.S. ; Mosses, by Dr. Braith-
waite, F.L.S. ; Grasses, by Professor Buckman ; Fungi, by Worthington G. Smith, F.L.S. ; Lichens,
by Rev. James Crombie, F.L.S.; Seaweeds, by W. H. Grattan. Illustrated with numerous Wood-
cuts. Crown Svo., cloth, 3s. 6d.

HAEDWICKE & BOGUE, 192, PICCADILLY.

HARDWICKE'S

5)

Jttpit«-<S08JMjr:

AN ILLUSTRATED MEDIUM OF INTERCHANGE AND GOSSIP

FOR STUDENTS AND

LOVERS OF NATURE.

EDITED BY

J. E. TAYLOR, Ph.D., F.L.S., F.G.S., F.R.G.S.I., &c.

LONDON:
HARDWICKE & BOGUE, 192, PICCADILLY.

1876.

WYMAN AND SONS,

ORIENTAL, CLASSICAL, AND GENERAL PRINTERS,

GREAT QUEEN STREET, LONDON, W.C.

10 SIX

PREFACE.

oXKo

H E necessity for writing a few prefatory
remarks to another volume of Science-
Gossip reminds one of the swift march of
Time, as well as of the slow and certain
tread of modern Science. The past twelve
months have witnessed additions in every
department of natural science, as lastingly organic as
the layer of new wood which, in trees, has encircled the
concentric rings of bygone years. It is not enough
for a man now to profess himself a naturalist — the term
is almost too incomprehensively vague, — and it is neces-
sary for a student to devote himself, if not entirely,
yet specially to one or two particular branches.

For students and readers of every class we have
endeavoured to cater, we hope with some success. In
view of the large progress which Science is making, and of the greater
number of students its fascinating discoveries are attracting, we felt
inclined to increase the number of pages of our well-known Journal.
Our intention was thus to prepare a more abundant and varied intellec-
tual supply. But this could not have been done without raising the
price to sixpence, and we felt that one of the great purposes of
Science-Gossip was to address the masses, to whom increase of price
might mean a decreased ability to " take in '\ the Magazine.

"We determined to take our subscribers into consultation in this
important matter, and therefore requested opinion. It is with pleasure,
as well as with some regret, that we announce the heartiness of the
response — pleasure at the kindly, often personal, interest taken in
Science-Gossip ; and regret, because we felt it best, in the interest of
the work our Magazine is appointed to do, ultimately not to accept it.

PEEFACE.

Hundreds of letters reached us from all parts — Australia, India,
Canada, and the United States, as well as from every town and city
in Great Britain, encouraging us to enlarge "Gossip"! Never
before did the Editorial Chair feel so pleasant ! Here and there came
a letter pointing out difficulties which we confess we had not at first
considered.

Finally, whilst personally thanking every one of our well-wishers for
their hearty good wishes, we concluded that, for the present at least,
Science-Gossip should not alter either its price or its form. We
determined that the only alteration should be in the direction of its
improvement — in first-class articles from well-known pens, and in a
more earnest endeavour to keep popularly abreast with the progress of
natural science. Our great desire is that the important discoveries and
conclusions of Science shall percolate down to the densest strata of our
population. The circulation was never before so great as it is at present ;
but our ability to improve Science-Gossip in every respect would be
increased if that circulation were doubled. This could be effected, in
the easiest manner, by every one of our old subscribers securing a new
one for the ensuing year.

We are pleased to know that in our desire to increase the usefulness
and efficiency of our unpretending Magazine, we have the hearty
co-operation of its new Publisher, whose great wish is to improve
it in every respect, whilst supporting its traditional style of treatment.
The first proof of this cordial assistance on his part is the publication
of a Classified Index of all the Volumes of Science-Gossip, including
the present, twelve in number. Under the headings of Zoology, Botany,
Geology, Microscopy, &c, the reader will there find the entire contents
of the Twelve Volumes alphabetically arranged. We hope that this will
prove a valuable synopsis of recent natural history knowledge. It is
intended to publish the Index concurrently with the present number, or
very shortly afterwards.

Nothing remains for us now, except to extend the Editorial greeting
to each and all of our large circle of friends, and to thank them cordially
for active as well as passive sympathy and support received by us during
another year of our Editorial life.

LIST OF ILLUSTKATIONS.

Aberration (Longitudinal) of Glass

and Diamond Lenses, 245.
Accentor modular is, 81.
Actinophrys Eichhornii, 36, 37.
Air-Can for Aquatic Animals, 115.
Apiarum marlnum, 112.
AsilidcE, 156, 157, 15S.

Barbel, from "Walton's Angler,"
80.

Caprella, acantliifera, 224.
Carp, from " Walton's Angler," 80.
Cells for Microscopic Slides, 78.
Chelydra serpentina, 32.
Chenopodiaceae, 19.
Claw of the Spider, 52.
Clearwings, 133.
Conopida, 172, 173, 174.
Cormorant, Common, 128.
Culpeper's Microscope (1750), 84.

Drying-Closkt for Slides, 209.
Dugong, The, 76.

Erinaceus Eurupasus, 177.

Felspar, Section of, 101.
Flying Squirrel, 132.

Gallinula chloropus, 148.

Granite, Section of, from Cornwall, 101.

Grindelius's Microscope (1702), 84.

Gull, Glaucous, 201.

Great Black-backed, 200.

" Hair-like Insects," 152.
Halicore Dugong, 76.

Hedgehog, the Common, 177.

Hedge- Sparrow, 81.

Hooke's Microscope (1664), 84.

Infusorial Animalcule, 124.
Isoetes, 12, 13.

Lamp, the Sear, 100, 209.
Larus glaucus, 201.

• marinus, 200.

Leeuwenhoek's Figure of the Trunk of
Weevil, 28.

Microscopes, 4.

Lepidoptera of the New Forest, 228, 229.
Lieberkuhn's Simple Microscope, 85.
Locust, the, 276.

Macrospores in Coal Plants, 244.
Manatus Americunus, 57.
Martin's Microscope, 85.
Mica, Section of, 101.
Microscopes —

Culpeper's (1750), 84.

Grindelius's (1/02), 84.

Hooke's (1664), 84.

Leeuwenhoek's, 4.

Lieberkuhn's, 85.

Martin's, 85.
Mistletoe, The, 273.
Muscidce, 60, 6l, 104, 105.

Ovipositor of Spider, 53.

Pachytylus migratorius, 276.
Pultsmon squilla, 224.
Parasitic Worms in Marine Fish, 8, 9.
Phalacrocorax carbo, 128.
Polariscope Apparatus, 231.

Potato Fungus, 180, 181.
Pteromys volucella, 132.
Puffing-ole, 223.

Quill Worts, 12, 13.

Reflecting Arrangements of Early

Microscopes, 198.
Reptile Vivarium, 267.
Resting Spores of the Potato Fungus,

180, 181, 204, 205, 206, 207.
Rock, Sections of, 101.

Salix alba, 108, log.

Sapphire and Glass Lenses, Curvature

of, 245.
Section- cutting Machines, 65, 248.
Sections of Rock, 101.
Sesidis, 133.
Snapping Turtle, 32.
Spiders and their Webs, 252.

Claw of, 52.

Ovipositor of, 53.

Starch Grains of various Substances, 220,

221.

Trough for Showing Migration of
Infusoria, 266.

Viscum album, 273.

Water or Moor Hen, 148.

Weevil, Figure ot the Trunk of, 28.

Wenham's Newest High-power Binocu-
lar Prisms, 269.

Willow, Peculiar Growths of the, 108,
109.

Worms, Parasitic, 8, 9.

THE STUDY OF GEASSES.

No. I.

those who
botanically

surprising
so little
appears to be
known amongst
botanists and
others regard-
ing our British
rasses. Even
profess to be
inclined shun
this part of the science as
a kind of bugbear. It is
quite true they recognize
a grass when it is seen, by
certain outward signs ; be-
yond this they decline to
proceed any further. I
confess for my part, if any
portion of my herbarium
interests me more than
another, it is the dried
grasses, of which I now possess many hundreds of
both species and varieties. Again, why so many
persons take a deep interest in pteridology and
neglect all other departments of botany is to me a
mystery. It is for the purpose of inducing some of
my young friends, for their own sake, to begin to
look more closely into our grasses, that I write this
short paper. If I can persuade only one student to
commence, I shall not have laboured in vain ; for a
little thought will convince every unprejudiced per-
son that the supposed difficulty is a mere myth.

Most country people will point out one or all of
the following British grasses, if the common English
name only is used. Common ray, or as usually pro-
nounced, rye-grass (Lolium perenne) ; silvery oat-
grass {Arrhe neither urn) ; and common meadow soft
grass (Holcus lanatus).

Suppose you have the last-named grass on your
study table, and are wishful to learn something
about it. We recommend these grasses, because
the floral parts, being tolerably large, can be studied
without a microscope. This grass is exceedingly
common, and often gives a peculiar purplish tint to
No. 133.

meadows of ripe hay-grass. It has a soft velvety
feel when handled. This, together with the pinky-
red colour of the flowers, is an unmistakable cha-
racter ; so that you will readily distinguish it from
all other species. Turning now to some descriptive
botanical work, supposing you have one at hand,
you will probably read something like the following
respecting this large and important natural fa-
mily, called by botanists " Gramim" or " Grass
Eamily" :—

" Florets mostly perfect, one, two, or more imbri.
cated on a common axis, or rachis, situated within
an involucre, consisting of one or two glumes.
Perianth glumaceous, the fertile florets generally
consisting of two dissimilar glumellas" &c.

This seems enough to terrify any one ; you lay the
book down iu despair, and declare you will never
again study the grasses. Let us calmly look it over
and see what we can do. Glumes and glumellas cer-
tainly look more formidable in print than they are
in reality. On this occasion we wish you to dissect
the specimen without the aid of any illustrations'
but merely by the simple description here given.
Next month we will again take up the subject, and,
by means of two or three small engravings, try to
throw a charm around the subject, and fill it with
interest to all our readers.

Now take from the flowering head, which is
named a panicle, a flower ; by separating them with
a pin you will easily perceive what you suppose
bears a close resemblance to a perfect flower,
containing stamens and pistil. A caution is here
needed. Some parts of the panicle may not be
mature, i.e., the flowers are undeveloped. Search
on; you will soon find a perfect "floret."

These florets are often named " spikelets."

We presume you are tolerably conversant with
the formation of a flower, such as the buttercup or
wild rose. If so, you are aware that on the outside,
supporting all the other parts, and intended, espe-
cially when in bud, to cover up and protect the
more tender organs, is the "calyx," or cup, each
division of which is named "sepal." The second
ring of floral organs, in the rose, for example, is

B

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GO S SIP.

called " corolla " ; this is the gaily-coloured and
attractive portion of the flower ; its divisions are
named "petals." In our next paper, if you do not
know these organs, they will be explained in a
homeiy, simple manner, so that you cannot after-
wards mistake them.

But in the " spikelet " of the meadow soft grass,
now under examination, these organs, although
present, are altered so much in appearance that you
could not recognize them as the calyx and corolla,
or what you would call by that name in flowering
plants. Thus, on the outside, at the base, are two
small, purplish, boat-shaped, bract-like organs,
with three veins running up each ; these correspond
to the " calyx" but are called " glumes " ; then next
to these are the two "glumellas" or "corolla."
The latter are green, therefore easily recognized ;
they are also much smaller in size than the glumes,
which (glumes) in this grass are almost transparent
as a piece of glass, so that the glumellas can be
seen through them. The "perianth" mentioned
above, is applied to both the calyx and corolla,
when it is difficult to distinguish one from the
other; thus the glumes and glumellas are the
protective organs of the flowers in grasses, or the
perianth. Another name applied to the glumella in
some botanical works is the " palea."

In some of the spikelets you will detect both
stamens and pistil ; in others only the stamens, or
pistil, are present. The stigma, or the upper part
of the pistil, is a very pretty, feathery appendage ;
also the anthers, or the head of the stamens,
containing the pollen, or fertilizing dust,
are very elegant, suspended on a most delicate
stalk ; but these parts shall be more fully explained
shortly.

I hope in this short lesson we understand some
little about the formation of the grass flower, —
sufficient to stimulate us to know more, and enough
to persuade us that there no real difficulties what-
ever to those who are determined to be masters of
the subject. It.

PAPUANS IN AMERICA.

|_| AVING long taken an interest in American
-*-■- archaeology, allow me to call the attention
of your readers to traces which I think I have dis-
covered of the existence of certain tribes of Papuans
in America. This is in itself by no means impro-
bable, since there is every reason to believe that
both the civilized races and the Californian Indians
(at least) were of Polynesian origin, and reached
America through the Polynesian archipelagos.
We know from Williams, Wallace, Pickering, Earl,
&c, that the Papuans were the aborigines of a

large portion of Western Polynesia, and possessed
(at least in Eiji) admirable sea-going canoes ;
I am, therefore, justified in suggesting that parties
of them extend further to the east, and reached
America in early ages through Eastern Polynesia.
Dr. Pickering thinks that stories of " black abo-
rigines" in America may be referred to Malay
Polynesians, but Papuans would answer much more
closely to the description. Helps tells us* that
the Spaniards, when they first discovered Panama
under Vasco Nunez, found a race of black men,
supposed to be shipwrecked negroes, in Darien,
living distinct from the other races. The Spaniards
appear to have allied themselves with them in their
contests with the Indians of the country. Some
of them built homes in trees as the Papuans and
Cambodians do. f In Brazil we find a native tribe
of Indians— the Cafutos— still existing, with negroid
features and wiry Papuan hair. These people are
ignorantly considered to be a cross between negroes
and Indians, + but are, I believe, pure Papuans.
A singular resemblauce between^the customs of Fiji
and the South American Indians is observable in
the method of manufacturing an intoxicating drink
by chewing. This drink is called " kava " in Poly-
nesia. The Yagnas of Brazil have an identical
method, thus described by a recent missionary : § —
" The process of manufacturing masdta (a drink
commonly patronized by the Indians in Ecuador,
Nueva Granada, and Venezuela) is certainly not
calculated to enhance one's relish for it. A quan-
tity of yuca is scraped and thrown into a number
of jars, each capable of holding from ten to fifteen
gallons, and then a bevy of females — in point of
fact, all hands — sit upon the ground and masticate
the root, throwing each mouthful into the jars. In
three days the milky liquor ferments, has an agreeable
acid taste, and, if imbibed in excess, intoxicates."
This method exactly agrees with the Fijian one.
It seems hardly probable that this singular style
of brewing was invented in two distinct localities —
i. e. in Polynesia and South America.

It seems to me evident, from the descriptions
given of the black and ferocious Charruas or Char-
ruan Indians of Paraguay, whose hand was against
every other Indian tribe, and who were finally exter-
minated by the President of Uruguay in 1831, that
they were also evincing the" peculiar characteristic
of the Papuan race — which has proved fatal to
them in their contest with the Malays— i. e., that

* See his "History of Spanish Conquest in America,"
vol. i. p. 360.

t Ibid., vol. i. p. 421; also Earl's "Papuans," pp. 53, 115;
and Mouhot's " Cambodia," p. 238.

t See "The Golden Americas," p. 180. Ward & Lock,
London.

$ See Mr. dough's "Journal of Travels on the Amazon,"
;n The South American Missionary Magazine, June, 1875,
p. 199.

HAllDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

insubordinate and fierce personal independence
which prevents them from obeying a chief or allying
themselves with others for self-defence.*

If the attention of ethnologists and archaeologists
were once drawn to the importance of detecting
Papuau tribes jn aboriginal America, great light
might, I think, be thrown upon the origin of the
American races and of the singular civilization
which once flourished in the New World.

The Papuan has, as Wallace tells us repeatedly,
a higher intellectual capacity and " feeling for art"
than the Malay, f

Pickering calls the Fijians "a far more ingenious
people than the (Malay) Polynesians." J

May it not be that we owe some of the great
monuments of America to an admixture of Papuan
blood ? Herrera (quoted by Stephens, p. 533) says
that the Indians of Yucatan (Mayas ?) wore their
hair in tresses of spiral curls at the time of the
conquest, as the Papuans still do, and some of the
figures sculptured at Palenque present the same
peculiarity.

It is an interesting fact that the aboriginal
negroid or Papuan races still inhabit the interior
of Indo-China) to the languages of which the dia-
lects of the Central American races have recently
been discovered by Mr. Hyde Clarke to be closely
allied, § and that Buddha is commonly depicted
in China and India with negroid features — his
mother Maia (or Maya) being of Papuan race, i. e.
a Moy. ||

Civilization may have reached a far higher develop-
ment amongst the Papuan races than we are aware
of, and we may owe more to this despised race than
we generally suppose.

Francis A. Allen.

THE MICROSCOPE, AND MICROSCOPIC

WORK.

No. 1.— By E. Kitton.

IT is an old saying, that a bad workman finds
fault with his tools ; and, no doubt, the con-
verse holds good, that good work will be done by a
skilled workman even with bad tools,— and this is
very conspicuously the case if we look at the work
done by such men as Hooke, Leeuwenhoek, Swam-
merdam, Baker, and others, with the instruments at
their command. It must, however, be understood

* See Latham's "Man and his Migration," p. 105; and
also "The Papuans," by G. W. Earl, M.R.A.S. (Is not this
a distinctively Turanian feature?)

t See Wallace's " Malay Archipelago," p. 587.

t See "Races of Men," pp. 152, 153; and also Earl's
" Papuans," p. 68.

^ See papers read before the British Association, 1874.

|| See Earl's "Papuans," p. 159.

that these men were not microscopists, they did not
look upon the microscope as a superior kind ol'pcep-
show, for which pretty slides were to be prepared,
like slides for a magic-lantern. The proper use of
a microscope is to enable us to examine and study
objects too minute to be visible to the unassisted
eye, and not to look at arranged diatoms, butterfly
scales, and crickets' gizzards. Oar opinion would
be small indeed of an entomologist or conchologist
who arranged his specimens in groups of flowers
or geometrical patterns, and, instead of employing
a scientific arrangement, only studied how to make
his cabinet look pretty. The " microscopist," how-
ever, delights jn a slide of arranged diatoms, on
which fresh-water and marine forms, fossil and
recent, rare species from the Pacific Islands and
those from the nearest wayside ditch, are arranged
so as to form a star or some intricate geometric
pattern. I do not object to the selection or even
arrangement of diatoms when, as it frequently hap-
pens, we can only obtain them mixed with sand and
other debris; and if few in number this method
places many forms together, and enables us to
detect any variations that the species may be
subject to. It lies also another and a greater ad-
vantage to the manipulator, who whilst picking out
sees the form under various aspects. Another kind
of arrangement, viz., one on which some fifty or
more species from the same] gathering are placed
together, is also useful, as showing the number of
species to be found in the same habitat ; but butter-
fly scales arranged as flowers (with, perhaps, diatom
valves for centres) cannot be of the slightest scien-
tific value. All that can be said in their favour is,
that they show considerable manipulative skill. I
must also protest against the term " microscopist,"
or " microscopy " : there is no such science. One may
study the minute forms of animal or vegetable life,
or may trace the minute structure of tissues of the
larger forms, but these are departments of zoology,
bot°any, and histology ; or the microscope may be
used for investigating the forms and optical
properties of crystals, but that study is crystallo-
graphy. We have clearly shown that there_ is
no such science as microscopy (unless the collecting
and looking at pretty objects can be called so). It
would seem absurd to call the study of the stellar
worlds telescopy, or the student a telescopist, but
these terms would really not be more so than
microscopy or microscopist. I would urge all those
who possess a microscope to use it for the purpose
of investigation (it matters but little what depart-
ment they take up), and follow the example of such
men as Beale, Drysdale, Dallinger, and several ot
the contributors to this periodical. Every one does
not possess the skill of preparing slides equal to
those sold by the opticians, but it does not require
much skill to dissect an insect, and see the relation

b 2

HARD VVICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

that various parts bear to each other. Suppose, for
example, he possess a properly-prepared slide of the
gizzard of the cricket or the spinnerets of a spider,
it would be a matter of little difficulty to dissect a
cricket or spider, and see how those organs are con-
nected with other portions of the insect.

All of us who have exhibited our slides and instru-
ments at what are called scientific soirees have been
struck with the want of interest shown by the public
in the objects exhibited, and by the singular com-
parisons made use of. I have heard a section of an
injected tongue of a cat compared to a map of
England, and a valve of Heliopelta Metii shown with
black ground illumination, to the top of a thimble.
This want of appreciation may be easily understood
when we consider how small a portion of an object
even with a low power is seen (about i of an inch),
and, as is often the case, the exhibitor, who has pro-
bably purchased the object, can give no information
as to what is seen in the instrument.

The inventor of the microscope will probably never
be discovered, and perhaps no one could ever claim
that merit. The magnifying property of spheroidal
transparent substances was no doubt discovered
and utilized many thousands of years ago, and it
has been stated that a convex lens was found in the
ruins of Nineveh. It is, however, only in recent
times that we have any authentic records of the
microscope. Dr. Brewster, in his "Treatise on
Microscopes," mentions that " Zacharias Jansen
presented one to Prince Maurice, which in 1617 came
into the possession of Cornelius Drebbel, of Alk-
maar, who then resided in London as mathema-
tician to James I., in which place he made micro-
scopes, and passed them off as his own invention.
These instruments were said to be 6 ft. in length,
and consisted of a tube of gilt copper 1 in. iu dia-
meter, supported by thin brass pillars in the shape
of dolphins on a base of ebony, which was adapted
to hold the object to be examined. Nothing, how-
ever, is known of their internal construction ; they
were probably nothing more than telescopes con-
verted into compound microscopes." Viviani, the
author of a Life of Galileo, says that this great man was
led to the discovery of the microscope from that of
the telescope, and that in 1612 he sent one to Sigis-
mund, king of Poland. The invention of the com-
pound microscope is, however, usually attributed
to Zacharias Jansen, or Zansz, spectacle-maker, of
Middelburg, in Holland, about the year 1590.

About the middle of the seventeenth century we
come to a period when the learned men of the time
turned their attention to the construction and im-
provement of the microscope, and the early volumes
of the "Transactions of the Royal Society" fre-
quently contain papers on the instrument and the
discoveries made therewith.
In 1673 the great Lceuwenhoek contributes his

first papers to the " Philosophical Transactions "
but before giving a short resume of his labours it
may perhaps be desirable to form some idea of the
kind of instrument he used. Henry Baker, P.R.S.,
in his work on the " Microscope," edit. 1753, gives
figures and a description of one of Leeuwenhoek's
microscopes. At page 434 he says: — "Though
Mr. Leeuwenhoek's Microscopes are much talked of
very few People are acquainted with their Structure
and Apparatus, no Figure of them that I remember
having ever been made publick : 'tis therefore hoped
the Curious will be pleased to see a Drawing of them
taken with great Exactness from those in the Repo-
sitory of the Royal Society, which are all alike in
Form and differ very little in Size from this Drawing
or from one another." *

Fig. 1.

Fig. 2.

Representations of one of Leeuwenhoek's Microscopes,
from " Baker on the Microscope."

" The flat Part, a, fig. 1, is composed of two thin
Silver Plates, fastened together by little Rivets, b,
b, b, b, b, b. Between these Plates a very small
double convex Glass is let into a Socket, and a
Hole is drilled in each Plate for the Eye to look
through at c. A Limb of Silver, d, is fastened to
the Plate on this side by a screw, e, which goes
through them both. Another Part of this Limb,
joined to it at right Angles, passes under the
Plates, and comes out on the other side at /, fig. 2 ;
through this runs directly upwards a long, fine-
threaded screw, g, which turns in and raises or
lowers the Stage, h, whereon a coarse, rugged Pin, i,
for the Object to be fastened to, is turned about
by a little Handle, k; and this Stage, with the Piu
upon it, is removed farther from the magnifying

* Leeuwenhoek bequeathed to the Royal Society a small
cabinet containing twenty-six microscopes and objects, of
which a description was given by Martin Folkes, Esq., in
No. 3S0 of the " Philosophical Transactions.''

IIARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

Lens, or admitted nearer to it, by a little Screw, /,
that, passing through the Stage horizontally, and
bearing against the Back of the Instrument, thrusts
it farther off when there is occasion. The End of
the long Screw, g, comes through the Stage at m,
where it turns round, but acts not there as a Screw,
having no Threads that reach so high.

" These microscopes are plain and simple in their
Contrivance. All the Parts are Silver fashioned by
Mr. Leeuwenhoek's own Hand ; and the Glasses,
which are excellent, were ground and set by himself.
He glued one, or at most two, Objects on the point
of the Pin belonging to each microscope, and care-
fully preserved them there; so that each Instrument,
being devoted to on'e or two Objects only, could be
applied to nothing else. This Method induced him
to make a Microscope with a Glass adapted to
almost every Object, till he had got some hundreds
of them, as he says himself in the 2nd vol. of his
Works, page 230, Mihi quidem sunt centum centum-
que Microscopia, &c. All this Trouble and Expence
is now saved by a Set of Glasses, to be shifted with
great Ease, as the Subject to be examined may
require.

" The magnifying Powers of these Glasses come
short of some now made, but are fully sufficient for
most Purposes. Of the 26 Microscopes I examined,
one magnifies the Diameter of an Object 160; one,
133; one, 114; three, 100; three, 89; eight, 80;
two, 72 ; three, 66 ; two, 57 ; one, 53 ; and one,
40 times."

These instruments, we need scarcely observe,
were much inferior to the cheapest English or con-
tinental microscopes of the present day, and it is a
matter of surprise that so much really good work
could be accomplished by tools of such inferior
quality. Of course a very large portion of the
microscopic Fauna and Flora with which we are now
acquainted was totally unknown to the microscopic
workers of that period ; Desmids and Diatoms
could not be, or at least were not, detected by such
aids as those just described.

We now proceed to give a short resume of the
work accomplished by the " Great Leeuicenhoek."

In the Preface to his " Select Works, containing
his Microscopical Discoveries," he remarks, that
" I have heard that many persons dispute the truth
of what I advance in my writings, saying that my
narrations concerning animalcules, or minute living
creatures, are merely my own inventions. And it
seems some persons in France have even ventured
to assert that those are not in truth living creatures
which I describe as discoverable to our sight, and
alledge that, after water has been boiled, those par-
ticles in it which I pronounce to be animalcules will
be still observed to move. For my own part, I will
not scruple to assert that I can place before my eye
the smallest species of those animalcules concerning
which I now write, and can as plainly see them

endued with life as with the naked eye we behold
small flies or gnats sporting in the open air, though
these large animalcules are more than a million of
degrees less than] a large grain of sand. For I not
only behold their motions in all directions, but I
also see them turn about, remain still, and some-
times expire; and the larger kinds of them I as
plainly perceive running along as we do mice with
the naked eye. Nay, I see some of them open their
mouths, and move the organs and parts within
them; and I have discovered hairs at the mouths
of some of these species, though they were some
thousand degrees less than a grain of sand." *

Leeuwenhoek means that the solid contents of a
grain of sand would be a thousand times greater
than the animalcule, and not that the animalcule
was a thousand diameters less than a grain of fine
sand. This is rendered evident by his remarks a
little further on: he says,— "In examining the in-
testines of flies and other insects by the micro-
scope, I have discovered vessels conveying the
blood and juices, the smallest ramifications or
branches whereof appear to me more than 200,000
times less than a hair of my beard." Supposing
the hair to be the ^V of an inch in diameter, the
highest magnifying power at his command would
not have enabled him to have discerned vessels
only the 2O0'0O0' part of the 5V of an inch Gnnnhroo
of an inch) if diameters were meant.

His plan of obtaining the size of a minute object
is worth transcribing:— "I have a plate of copper
with many lines engraved on it, and divided into a
number of small equal parts. I then carefully
observe how many of these parts one hair taken
from my beard and seen through [the microscope
appears to cover. Supposing that the diameter of
this hair appears equal to fifty of those parts, then
with the point of a needle I trace on the copper a
line of the same size by the naked eye as is equal
to one of the small veins or vessels in a flyf seen
through the microscope, and I find nine of those
small veins so traced with a needle, when placed
close together, are the fiftieth part of the diameter
of the hair. If, then, 450 diameters of those small
veins which I most plainly see in a fly are no more
than equal to the diameter of one hair taken from
my beard, it follows by the rules of arithmetic^ that
one of such hairs is more than 200,000 times larger
than those very small blood-vessels in a fly."
(To be continued?)

* The grain of sand he afterwards describes as being of the
kind called glass-grinder's sand.

t Leeuwenhoek probably saw the tracheal tubes.

t Now, the area ot circles being in proportion to the
squares of their diameters, the proposition may be thus
demonstrated : —

450
450

22500
18(10

202,500

HAEDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

NOTES ON PLEOMORPHISM.

By P. Duffy, E.L.S., E.C.S.

1~N philosophical language the term identity indi-
-*- cates the sameness of a substance or thing
under every possible variety of circumstances. This
is the abstract definition of identity, but in nature
we can no more find it realized than we can find
realized the mathematical definition of a straight
line. On the contrary, 1 am inclined to think that
the more extensive our knowledge may be of the
facts which nature reveals to our observation, the
more embarrassed we become in forming the con-
ception which the abstract . definition of identity
suggests, for experience teaches nothing more
impressively than that the slightest change in the
environment of any material body is accompanied
by a corresponding alteration in its properties.
Thus, whenever we alter the conditions of light,
heat, electricity, and gravitation, by which any
substance is surrounded, do we not produce some
correlative change in the qualities of that sub-
stance? And is it not equally true that under any
given set of circumstances almost every substance
will assume the same condition that belongs to it
at any other time under that same set of circum-
stances ? If we heat a piece of platinum, for in-
stance, and after heating allow it to cool to the
temperature with which we started, we find that it
resumes all its original qualities, and that, provided
no chemical reaction be allowed to intervene, its
bulk and its specific gravity, which is the same
thing in other terms, and „its relations to heat,
light, and electricity will be just the same as those
it possessed before we subjected it to heat. Every
test of identity that we can now apply to it elicits
but one uniform answer, viz., that it is the same
substance; and this result is perfectly in accord-
ance with what our ordinary conception of identity
in nature leads us to expect. But we should err
greatly if we were to conclude that every material
substance conforms rigidly to these notions. So
far is this from being the case, that there are many
bodies, several solid and some liquid, which admit
of a variation of properties, and present different
appearances under the same conditions of tempera-
ture, light, and so forth. Most persons are ac-
quainted with the two forms of carbonate of lime in
calc spar and arragonite, which not only belong to
different crystalline systems, but differ in density,
and are further distinguished by the peculiar
property possessed by^calc spar of doubly refracting
a ray of light. Now, although there is, as we see, as
great a difference between calc spar and arragonite
as there is between many bodies that are in no
sense identical, it is a fact that we may transmute
these two substances one into the other, and
chemistry can point out no difference in the ponder-
able elements of which they consist. Thus, if we

heat a crystal of arragonite in the flame of a spirit-
lamp, it falls into a powder composed of calc spar:
while if we add a solution of Ca.Cl. to NH4C03,
we obtain a granular precipitate, the particles of
which have the form of calc spar or of arragonite,
according as the temperature of the solution is 50°
or 150° E. ; and whether the crystal be one of calc
spar or one of arragonite, all that chemical analysis
tells us about it is, that every 100 parts of it con-
sist of 40 of calcium, 12 of carbon, and 48 of
oxygen. A substance which has thus the power of
assuming different and incompatible crystalline
forms is [said to be dimorphous, trimorphous, or
polymorphous, according as the number of forms is
two, three, or many. Although these terms, de-
rived from the Greek word nop$i\, form, and a prefix
expressing the proper numeral, are not generally
understood in chemistry to denote any other than
the number of crystalline forms which a solid body
is capable of assuming, I think their meaning may
without any impropriety be extended so that they
shall be understood to refer to every condition of
the same substance in the solid state, whether
crystalline or destitute of crystalline character.
In biological science the term pleomorphism is
employed to denote the actual or possible occur-
rence of any number of forms more than one, of an
individual animal or plant, or of a species of animals
or plants. Eor convenience in grouping together
phenomena that have at least this feature in com-
mon, I intend, in the remarks I have to make, to
employ the term pleomorphism in this sense,
when speaking of ^non-living as well as of living
matter.

We have no difficulty in meeting with illustra-
tions of the phenomenon I refer to, either in the
inorganic or organic kingdom of nature. I may
begin with oue that is familiar to us all. I do not
assume that any of us first made his examination of
barley-sugar in a spirit of science, but, whether
or not, he can hardly fail to have observed that the
sticks of this substance, which are at first clear and
glassy, become after a time white and opaque ; they
pass, in fact, from the glassy condition into the
granular or crystalline one, the change occurring
without the slightest loss or gain of weight. This
change may also be reversed, the vitreous condition
of the substance being restored by merely melting
it by heat and allowing it to solidify. Now the
difference in the physical properties of the sugar in
the one condition and in the other is as great as can
be discovered between many bodies that do not,
approach each other in composition; yet any one
who investigates the subject will find that one and
the same substance underlies the two different
conditions.

The transition from the glassy to the granular
condition may be effected quickly if, instead of keep-
ing the sugar at the ordinary temperature of the air,

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

we melt it, and allow it to cool to about 100°, and
then, while it is still soft and viscid, we rapidly
and frequently extend and double it up. The tem-
perature of the mass quickly rises to 140° or up-
wards, and after this evolution of heat the sugar is
found on cooling to be in the condition, not of a
glass, but of minute crystals.

Phosphorus is another substance which is suscep-
tible of a somewhat similar change. At ordinary
temperatures it is a clear, colourless body,
which melts into a liquid when heated to about
113° F., and readily catches fire at comparatively
low temperatures when exposed to the air. In
an atmosphere of a gas with which it does not
combine, it may however be heated to a temperature
of 460" or higher, and then the translucent liquid
phosphorus forms a red deposit, which is nothing else
than another modification of phosphorus.

This allotropic phosphorus, as it is called, may
also be prepared by dissolving ordinary phosphorus
in bisulphide of carbon along with a small quantity of
iodine, and heating the solution to 212° in a sealed
tube for some time. The red phosphorus is then
precipitated from the solution in proportion as it is
formed.

The difference in the appearance of the two modi-
fications of phosphorus is obvious. They are known
to differ also in most of their properties ; thus they
are not soluble in the same menstrua ; the liquids
which will dissolve one generally failing to dissolve
the other. The density of ordinary phosphorus is
1*83, while that of the red modification is 2T ; the
temperatures at which they respectively ignite are
also very widely separated. Notwithstanding all
these and other differences betweeu them, they are
mutually convertible. The red variety is prepared
from ordinary phosphorus, and may be converted
into the latter again by simply heating it to the
temperature at which it evaporates, and condensing
the vapour. Their properties are in many respects
less alike than those of gold and platinum ; yet we
do not hesitate to pronounce the substance of both
identical. What then causes the difference ?

In the case of phospborus, and several other
bodies which are susceptible of similar changes, we
have not far to seek for the answer. The difference
in the properties of the ordinary and of the allo-
tropic modifications of phosphorus, is due to the
different quantities of heat that are present in a
latent form in the one aud in the other. It is not
usual to speak of heat as a constituent of bodies, but
there can be nothing better established than that its
presence is the modifying element in these cases.
I might give many proofs of this, but it may be
sufficient to mention that in the preparations of red
phosphorus by the action of iodine, Brodie found
that on heating the mixture of ordinary phosphorus
and iodine to 390°, a sharp explosion took place,
with a loud report, while nearly the whole of the

phosphorus used was found to have passed into the
allotropic or red modification. In short, ordinary
phosphorus in passing into the red condition sets
free its combined heat, which then becomes
sensible.

Among bodies derived from the organic world
there is a group, known as the glycerine compounds,
of the series of acids to which formic, acetic, and
other acids of the general type (CHH2)0.2 belong.
I know that several, and I believe that all, of the gly-
cerine compounds of these acids, as met with in nature,
are susceptible of different allotropic modifications,
such as those we have been speaking of. Chemistry
is familiar with some twenty of these acids, and
upon good grounds presumes the existence of a great
many more cf them. In the whole domain of modern
chemistry there is no group of bodies equal to these
acids, and their connections, for interest and in-
struction. It were out of the scope of my present
remarks, however, to enter upon a discussion of their
chemical relations generally, but I may just mention
that corresponding to each of the acids of this series
there are an alcohol, an ether, an aldehyde, and
other bodies, each of which bears a definite relation
as represented by its chemical constitution, to the
corresponding terms {uologues) of all the other
series. This is readily seen from the following
formulae of a few isologous terms of three of the
series : —

Acids. Alcohols. Ethers.

Acetic .... C2H402 *C2H60 *C4H50

Propylic... C3H602 C3H80 C6H O

Butylic... C4H802 C4H100 C8H50

Amylic .... C5HI002 C,H120 C^H^O

Cetylic .... C16H3202 C1GH340 C32H330
Stearic C18R3(i02t

* * *

Melissic .. C30HG002 C30H620J.

One of the most wonderful and interesting facts
revealed by chemistry is that to each addition of
this carbo-hydrogen (CH2), corresponds a definite
alteration of physical properties, such as specific
heat and boiling-point. The more remote members
of each series differ, as may be supposed, consider-
ably from one another, yet they have all so much in
common that it mny be said —

Facies non omnibus una,
Nee diversa tamen ; qualem decet esse sororum.

I think these few remarks upon the chemical
characters and relations of the substances that I
have now to speak of will not appear to be an
uncalled-for digression, when it is borne in mind
that it is upon their territory that the science of

* Vinous.

t The alcohol and ether of this term have not yet been
actually isolated.

X Ether not yet isolated.

8

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GO S SIP.

modern chemistry has advanced her frontier farthest,
and effected her greatest conquests in the investiga-
tion of the constitution of matter.

As I have already indicated, the particular series
of this group of substances to which I have
to direct attention in connection with pleo-
morphism, consists of those fats— such as mar-
garine, palraatine, and stearine— which, when de-
composed by an alkali, yield an acid of the series
in question, and glycerine. It is a very remarkable
fact that there are many glycerine compounds of
fatty acids which consist of carbon, hydrogen, and
oxygen; but, so far as I know, it is only those the
acid of which belongs to the particular type (CnH2)n
Oo that have the capacity of assuming different
physical conditions; thus oleine, which is perhaps
a constant accompaniment of stearine, palmatine,
&c, in nature, and which differs in composition very
little indeed from the type of these bodies, appears
to be destitute of the capacity of assuming the allo-
typic conditions which are known to belong to
those bodies. I have here specimens of these dif-
ferent substances— stearine, palmatine, margarine,
and oleine ; but it will be sufficient for our purpose
to describe the phenomenon in question as mani-
fested by stearine. Now stearine in the purest
condition in which it has been prepared is at ordi-
nary temperatures a solid substance, which, when
heated to 125|° E. melts, and then, if kept at that
or a slightly higher temperature, resolidifies; after
this resolidification it melts only when the tem-
perature is raised to 147°, and now solidifies again
at a temperature slightly above this melting-point ;
but after this last solidification it melts only when
the temperature rises to 157°. After this melting,
however, it refuses to solidify at any temperature
higher than the melting-point we began with —
viz. 125f°. In other words, it has three different
points of fusion : it melts at the temperature of the
first, — solidifies : melts at the temperature of the
second, — solidifies ; melts at the temperature of the
third, and then solidifies only when the temperature
falls below all three points of fusion ; and, after
solidifying here it may be made to melt again at
the first, at the second, and at the third melting-
points respectively, solidifying, as before below all
three; and these changes are reproducible in this
order of succession to any extent without the
slightest loss or gain of weight. Are we to say that
these different melting-points belong to one and the
same substance, or to three different substances ?
Undoubtedly they belong to one and the same sub.
stance, but to three different modifications of it.
These modifications differ from one another, not
only in melting-point, but in several other respects :
—the first modification, or that which is formed
when the substance solidifies at the lowest of the
three melting-points, is amorphous, — it is destitute
of all structure whatever; the third is crystalline in

structure, and is, in fact, identical in all respects
with the crystals deposited from a solution of
stearine in ether : the properties of the second
modification are intermediate between those of the
other two. They are distinguishable, also, by their
density, as may be seen by those specimens of the
first modification floating, while the other two
sink in water. What I have said of this pheno-
menon as manifested by stearine, holds good of it,
with very slight modification, in the case of each of
the other analogous substances, palmatine, marga-
rine, &c.

(To be continued?)

ON A PARASITIC WORM INFESTING A
MARINE FISH.

IN April, 1874, my friend Mr. W. R. Hughes,
F.L.S., sent me a fine specimen of the smaller
Wrasses, the Crenilabrus rupestris, or " Golds-
wing," which had been kept in his marine tank in
company with several others. It had fed well and
thrived in confinement (its food consisting of smelt
and other white-fleshed fish), until about a week
before it died, when it showed an inability to keep
in the horizontal posture, and died apparently ex-
hausted. I received it the next day, witli a note
from Mr. Hughes giving the above particulars, and
asking for a post-mortem examination, which was
made at once, with the following results.

External appearances. — There was a fulness about
the ventral surface which made me suppose that
the fish died consequent upon its inability to deposit
spawn ; but, as the examination showed, this idea was
erroneous, as the fish was an adult male. Mr.
Hughes told me the next dajtthat he had held the
same opinion whilst the fish was. moribund, and had
sent it to me for confirmation. An appearance of
inflammation was observed extending upwards and
around the anal orifice, but no other external indi-
cations of the cause of death were noticeable. The
mouth, tongue, eyes, fins, and scales were healthy.

Internal appearances. — The viscera were all nor-
mal in their position, and apparently healthy. The
red streak seen on external examination as extend-
ing inwards from and around the anal orifice, was
evidently due to post-mortem changes. The heart
and great blood-vessels, gills, oesophagus, stomach,
liver, woolfian bodies, spleen, mesentery, lower ali-
mentary canal, and air-bladder, were apparently
healthy. Post-mortem staining was evident in
nearly all these organs. The brain was well-devel-
oped and healthy, with but little change or staining.
There was apparently nothiug to be seen by the
unaided eye which would account for death. Whilst
turning them over with the point of a narrow-
bladed scalpel, I discovered a movement amongst
the fibres of the connective tissue, which holds the
organs in position. With a watchmaker's eye-lens

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

I discovered that what I bad thought were fibres of
connective tissue, were in reality small worm-like
bodies, which were slowly moving about in the
fluids and organs of the fish. On removing the
visceral mass by dividing the oesophagus and aorta
close behind the gills, and tearing it away from its
attachments, I placed it under a two-inch lens, and

Fig. 3. Parasitic worms in fish.

found that the parasite was distributed all over and
through it. Picking out several of them with a
bent needle, I placed them on a glass slide, put a
small quantity of the fluids of the fish with them,
placed over them a cover glass, and examined them
with a two-inch lens. Their general appearance
resembled those of the hsematoid class of parasitic

f not however make out any sexual differences, for
all that were examined were apparently immature
males. Yet there must have been a female hidden
somewhere in the host, for I found two encysted
worms on the edge of the liver, which were picked
off with a bristle, only one of which was success-
fully mounted and drawn (see fig. 4). In the free
worm there was a small opening like a mouth at the

Fig. 4. Encysted parasitic worm.

worms. Eig. 3 gives a good general idea of their
form. Taking the liver by itself, I pressed it well
between two slides, and found several of the para-
sites. All the other organs were examined iu the
same way, and, with the exception of the air-
bladder, all of them contained the worm in abun-
dance.

Remarks. — These worms appear to be identical
with the genus Prosthecosacter, as described by
Professor Cobbold, and I feel inclined to believe
that they agree with Prosthecosacter minor. I could

^MrajW

Fig. 5. (Esophagal ganglion of worm.

apex of the truncated head ; an oesophagus was
plainly visible, with what I took for a collar of
nervous matter, embracing it externally. I presume
this is the oesophageal ganglion (see fig. 5). The
alimentary canal was freely suspended iu a cavity,

Fig. 6. Anal orifice of parasitic worm.

sometimes assuming a convoluted appearance, and
had an anal orifice situated in the centre of the end
of the tail, as seen in fig. 6, where the contents of
the rectal end are seen to be extended. In this
figure may be seen a fine corrugated line running
clown on the outside of the alimentary canal, which
I suppose is one of the canals of the water vascular
system.

This short description of a haematoid worm
inhabiting, and no doubt killing the host, is of some
little interest, because of the vast consumption of
marine fish as food by the public, who as a rule are

10

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

not informed of the danger accruing to those who
eat their fish half cooked. The eggs, or even
encysted young, of parasitic worms are thus left
undestroyed, and only waiting to be introduced into
the alimentary canal of some highly organized
animal as man to complete their development.

Wm. Wright Wilson, E.L.S., &c.
Birmingham.

THE CHAT AND OTHER BIRDS : A
SUMMER'S STUDY.

By Charles C. Abbott, M.D.

I FIRST saw the Chat, last year, on Sunday,
May 9th. Erom the topmost branch of a tall locust
he sailed upwards and outwards for a yard or more,
with fluttering wings and dangling legs, uttering a
few harsh squeaks, aud then alighting, warbling a
sweet series of liquid notes, followed in turn by the
yelping bark of a puppy, the squeak of a squirrel,
or dull creaking of a rusty sign-board. Then, hop-
ping from twig to twig searching for insects, he
added his own peculiar chirp, alternated with low
yet distinct notes, quite indescribable, but all hol-
low, ghost-like, gloomy cries. These weird, mourn-
ful groans, plaintive calls, and cries as of some poor
creature in distress, would follow each other in
quick succession; then, suddenly ceasing, an out-
burst of glorious melody would complete the strange
series, and the restless bird, having regained his
perch upon the topmost branch, would remain quiet
for a moment, and then, with the same awk-
ward, crooked flight, repeat the same series of
strange and sweet notes, with some little varia-
tion, omitting some and adding other mimicry of
uncouth sounds.

While I listened, wondering what strange sound
would next greet my ears, I was surprised, even
startled, by hearing them repeated, but at some
distance off. Another Chat, farther down the path,
is singing in the same strange way. Another it
must be ; for the one first heard is still in sight on
the locust, flitting carelessly about, but apparently
silent. Curious to hear the new-comer, I passed
on, when the sounds were heard in the opposite
direction. I retraced my steps, and now the strange
medley came from the low bushes about me, and I
looked carefully for the unseen Chat that seemed so
near, when again, from the locust overhead, the
series of odd sounds and sweet warblings came
floating down to me.

The truth was now clear, the one bird had uttered
every sound I heard, and, by his ventriloquism, had
for the time completely deceived me. My study of
this habit and its use now commenced, and for long
weeks I watched him, to test, in every way, his

ability to mislead one by the exercise of this peculiar
power. On the 13th a second Chat appeared, and
the two (for it was a female) quickly selected a
suitable site for the purpose, and, in a tangled mass
of blackberry briars at the foot of the tall locust,
they soon built a commodious but roughly - con-
structed nest. While his mate was sitting, the
male Chat seemed more animated than ever, and,
jealous of every intruder, " threw his voice " in
every direction other than towards the nest, if they
came too near. On concealing myself, and getting
very near, I found, by watching for an hour or more
at a time, that when undisturbed they uttered
fewer of the cries of other creatures, and seldom
exercised their ventriloquial powers. Their song
was varied and, at times, grand; but usually the
cheerful notes were so intermingled with hollow,
sepulchral tones as to render the entire utterance
far from pleasing. It could never be so startled as
to simply give a quick chirp of alarm and fly off.
However suddenly I appeared from my conceal-
ment, there was an equally quick uttering of notes
of distress such as I have described, coming, it
seemed, from a point several yards distant. Vary
my experiments as I would, it mattered not : the
bird was thoroughly conscious of its ventriloquial
power, and trusted far more to it than to flight to
avoid aud mislead its enemies.

How came this bird to possess so unusual a
power ? I will leave it to others to determine,
making but a single suggestion with reference to it.
Having closely observed the habits of a pair of
these birds during the entire summer, I learned
that the habit is one eminently useful to the bird,
and, I think, possessed by the male only. This I
could not positively determiue.

When it is recollected that many of our birds—
notably the Mocker (Mimus polyglottus) and Cat-
bud {G aleoscoptes carolinensis) — mimic not only the
notes of other songsters, but sounds of almost every
description, and that many gregarious birds post
sentinels to give alarm on the app-oach of an
enemy, it will be seen that the vocal powers of
birds are not simply brought into play for their own
satisfaction or that of their mates. During the
lapse of ages, they have learned, through experience,
something of the laws of sound, and know fully as
well as man does that a loud note can be heard at a
greater distance than one lowly murmured ; for
birds, when giving an alarm-cry, utter the note
much louder than their ordinary chirps or song,
which fact abundantly demonstrates the truth of
my assertion. This knowledge of sound, simple as
it is, is the starting-point for the acquirement, first,
of mimicry, which is the intermediate stage of
acquirement between ordinary vocal utterances,
including songs, and that ventriloquial power
which we have seen is possessed by the Chat.

Now, as this bird imitates very many sounds, it

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

11

seems clear tljat the power to do so must have been
first acquired, and the addition to it, in being able
to repeat the sound so as to make it seem as though
uttered where the mimicked note is heard, consti-
tutes the power in question. Such an addition to
the power of mimicking other birds, and the cries
of small mammals, would at once prove advan-
tageous in misleading a pursuing enemy, as a small
bawk ; and the Chat would not be slow to learn
this, and profit by the knowledge by constaut re-
petition and practice. A bird readily appreciates
the benefit it derives from any unusual circumstance
or series of them, and will remember long, and
endeavour to secure their repetition, so far as it was
instrumental in bringing it about. In this way
a new habit readily becomes characteristic of a
species, first locally, and then throughout the entire
range of its habitat.

About the middle of June the young birds had
left the nest, but continued with the parent birds,
and were fed by them. From this time until
August 5th, when both old and young left the
neighbourhood, I failed to detect any attempt even
at singing on the part of the young ; and the more
marked features of the song of the parent birds
were but seldom heard after the young had obtained
a sufficient flight-power to insure their safety. Both
the mimicry and the ventriloquism seem to be
wholly exercised by the male in securing safety to
the young and the female while sitting, if we except
his occasional exhibitions on his arrival in spring,
which are tests of his power, for his own satisfac-
tion at first, and when the females arrive, proofs of
it to theirs.

On the 15th of July a pair of Bewick's wrens
Thryothonis Bewickii) appeared in and about one of
my outbuildings, and in a day or two, having fixed
upon a suitable spot for their nest, commenced
carrying the materials necessary for its construction.
As they were not at all timid, I had abundant op-
portunities of watching them while so employed,
and I must admit that their modus operandi was
very damaging to the poetry of birds' nests. After
the first few strands of long, tape-like grass had
been arranged upon the beam, the birds came toge-
ther to the spot, each carrying a blade of grass or
other equally flexible material. The female then
sat in the unfinished nest, while her mate wound
loosely about her the materials they had brought.
This was repeated until the foundation of the nest,
about an inch deep, was completed, when the female
ceased carrying materials, but waited for her mate's
return with such soft materials as he could find for
the lining of the nest. This was simply placed upon
the nest loosely, and not at all adjusted. When a
considerable quantity had been piled up, the female
" burrowed " into it, and turning round and round,
succeeded in treading down a comparatively smooth
depression in the floor of the nest, and the larger

1 strands were rudely arched over her, but did not
really form a roof. In three days the nest was
completed, and was nothing better than any child
could have made with the same materials by
wrapping, winding, and slapping it over his fist.
Not one particle of ingenuity was displayed at any
time. On the fourth day the first egg was laid, and
on this day a cat succeeded in catching the male
bird. As the female did not seem to miss him very
much, and it was this mishap which made the sub-
sequent study of the nest and the female bird pos-
sible, I thanked the cat for the interference. The
widowed wren wandered about quite as usual, con-
stantly uttering a very cheery chirp, and gathering
up a goodly quantity of insects every day. One
egg was laid each day, until four had been depo-
sited, when she commenced sitting. The fourth
egg was pure white ; the others of the usual hue
and markings. An interesting physiological feature
of the case might be profitably discussed, but will
here be but briefly referred to. This species of
Wren usually lays from seven to nine eggs, and
hatches them all. Did the influence of the male
only reach to the third, or possibly the fourth egg ?
Of the four eggs laid, the last one did not hatch,
and I judged from its contents that the yolk had
been imperfect. Again, did the death of the male
bird indirectly cause the shell of the fourth egg
laid to be wholly colourless ? The season was too
advanced to make any experiments during the
remainder of the summer.

After the young were a day old, the parent bird
was seldom seen except for a moment at a time,
when it would dart into the workshop through a
knot-hole, carrying a beetle larva or caterpillar, and
giving it to them, off she would go again, usually to
the roof of another building, and there chirp and
fairly scream, fluttering about in a distressed manner,
as though determined to make the passers-by believe
she had a nest anywhere except in the spot really
occupied. This habit was so marked in all its fea-
tures as to attract the attention of the whole family ;
and when the workshop, which was continually
visited for a few moments at a time during the day,
was occupied on her arrival with food for her young,
she would dart out as rapidly as she came, and go
through her accustomed antics on a distant roof,
the while retaining the food for her young in her bill.
By the 12th of August the young had left the nest,
and in a day or two they left the neighbourhood.

The song of the male Wren is, I think, very fine,
and far more melodious than that of Troglodytes
cedon, the common house-wren of our country. But
there is not in it, or in the utterances of the female,
any trace either of mimicry or ventriloquism, and I
could not but recall the advantage the Chat had in
remaining comfortably at home and sending his
voice on an errand, when I saw the anxious Wren
labour with both voice and body, and with all her

12

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

might, to make her supposed enemies believe her
painfully-acted and harshly-uttered lie.

A word with reference to her nest. This species
of Wren usually builds a very commodious and neat
nest, and in a concealed spot; not, as in this instance,
on the top of a window-frame, in full view, like a pee-
wee's nest. It was, really, an instance of what is
constantly to be seen in nest-building, — carelessness
and laziness on the part of some individuals of
every species. In my studies of thousands of birds'
nests, 1 have found it to be true that an exposed
position will be chosen occasionally, because the
twigs and branches so grow as to lessen the labour
of building the nest. Birds are " smart " in many
ways, but have their weaknesses, too ; which fact, I
think, is one of the strongest arguments in favour
of the theory (?) that their mental powers are iden-
tical with those of mankind, differing only in degree.
In consequence of our early education, this becomes
difficult to believe ; but, indeed, could we obliterate
from our minds all knowledge of even the word
" Instinct," when we enter the haunts of birds, a
fuller and far more correct knowledge of them could
be obtained in one summer than has been gathered
since the days of Linnaeus.

Considerable comment having been made with
reference to my note on the eggs of the Yellow-bird
(Chrysomitris tristis), in the Gth vol. of this maga-
zine, wherein I stated that about thirty per
cent, of the eggs had yellowish-brown and some-
times purple marks, I determined to take copious
notes of the colouring of the eggs of all our breeding
birds during the spring and summer of the last
year ; and I will conclude this article with a brief
resume of my observations, and the conclusions I
derived from them.

In making a classification of my notes on the eggs
observed, I found, first, that birds laying white eggs
in small numbers, as the Yellow-bird and Pee- wee
{Sayornis fuscus), vary a good deal, in that occasion-
ally a single egg, or oftener the full complement,
will have some dark markings about them ; while,
on the other hand, birds that ordinarily lay marked
eggs occasionally lay one, or a whole " sitting,"
pearly white ; as the Grass-finch (Poocostes gra-
minetts) and the Song-sparrow (]\felospiza melodia).

Secondly, that birds like the Quail (Ortyx vir-
ginianus) and the Woodpecker, laying large numbers
of white eggs, do not vary at all.

Thirdly, that birds laying a small number of
dark-coloured eggs, as the Cat-bird, Robin, and
Wood-thrush {Tardus mustelinus), frequently lay
a whole series of much lighter hue than usual,
but never any exhibiting well-defined marks upon
them.

Fourthly, that supernumerary eggs, with white
shells, are not unfrequcntly deposited ; and these I
believe are, as a class, infertile. I have found them
in the nests of our chipping Sparrow, the Lob-o'-link

{Dolichonyx oryzivora), Blue-bird, and Great-crested
Ely catcher (Myiarckus crinitus).

I believe, therefore, that the colour and markings
of eggs are so far variable that no nest can posi-
tively be identified by the eggs alone, and not
always if both the construction of the nest and the
markings on the eggs are considered. We all know
how " geographical races " of a species vary as to
both size and colour, and this is equally true of the
nests and eggs.

NOTES ON QUILL-WORTS {Isoetes).

1NCE the date of my notice of the Isoetes
Hystrix, Duriai, and the Guernsey plant, in
Science-Gossip of November last, p. 25S, my atten-
tion has been drawn to the Flora of France and Cor-

s

Fig. ". Isoetes Hystrix.

sica (1855) of Grer.ier and Godron, containing full
descriptions of all the Isoetes found within those
limits, including the /. Duricei, Bory, and the I.
Hystrix, Bory, Durieu, and Cosson, which quite
confirms my statement that the Guernsey plant is
not the /. Hystrix, Bory.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

IS

The Isoetes are there classed in three divisions.
Eirst, the Aqvaticce, which include the I. lacustris
only. Secondly, the Palustres, comprising I. tenuis-

only scales, therefore if not the I. Buricei (or a sub-
species), must be a distinct species. The I. Buricei
taken in Algiers is very large in comparison with
the Guernsey plant, from growing in a pure, soft,
sandy soil, allowing the bulb to expand. The-

Fig. S. Isoetes Duriai.

sima, Boreau, 1. adspersa, Braun (Perreymondi,
Bory), and I. setacea, Delille. Thirdly, Tejrestres,
comprising /. Hystrix, Bory, Durieu, and Cosson,
and 1. Durieu, Bory.

The Aquatics have no scales (phyllopodes) ; the
Palustres also have no scales ; the Terrestres have
the rhizome covered with persistent scales. The
7. Hystrix has the bulb surrounded by short, black
shining scales, terminated by two long linear subulate
horns (spines), between which often appears a third,
very short. The I. Buricei, Bory, has the bulb also
surrounded by scales, only very short, black, largely
truncated, and shortly tridentate (no spines). The
distinctions are thus clearly defined, showing that
no species that has not the spines can be the Hystrix.
The Guernsey plants sent to me have no spines,

Fig. g. Isoetes Darixi (Guernsey plant).

specimens from which the illustrations are taken
agree with the foregoing respective descriptions.
Brighton. T. B. W.

CEMENT EOR DRY-MOUNTING MICRO-
SCOPIC OBJECTS.

THE very frequent occurrence of slides becom-
ing defective, either through the covers or
cells coming off or from the cement running in or
letting in the air, induced me about a year and a
half ago to send a communication to the editor of
Science-Gossip on the subject (and which appears
at p. 131 of the volume for 1874), intending to give
the results of many years' experience by stating
what I had found to be the most reliable materials ;
but illness occurring, prevented its completion
at the time, and being followed by disinclination
and want of energy, this led to its protracted post-
ponement. In that paper I stated my aversion to
the use of gold size, as a most objectionable
element, from its tendency to run in, owing to its
not hardening throughout, but only on its exterior
surface ; and at the same time making allusion to
a new material which bid fair to be of great value
as a substitute ; and, fortunately, the time which has
now elapsed enables me to confirm most fully the
favourable opinion originally formed as to its merits.
This varnish was first introduced to my notice by
Mr. Ackland, as his colourless cement for fixing covers,
&c. ; and immediately on its composition being-
imparted to me in confidence, I at once recognized
its importance in the place of gold size, and having
prepared some liquid asphalt with this varnish, in
lieu of the gold size, I set to work to.test its appii-

J J.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

cability and its results, and it is satisfactory to find '
that it has proved to be all that could be desired.

In the days of the old monocular microscopes,
thin cells and translucent objects were chiefly
required ; but since the introduction of the bin-
ocular, deeper cells and both wet and dry mountings
of considerable size have to be provided, and it is
no very easy matter to devise means of resisting or
compensating expansion and contraction in these
more bulky receptacles ; for if the cement be too
hard, the air will obtain access, and if too soft or
yielding, the cement itself will be gradually drawn
in and become equally disfiguring, a defect speci-
ally pertaining to the gold size when mixed with
cement; and the desideratum was to find some
substance which should retain a slight degree of
tenacity without the same disposition to spread or
run, and this merit Ackland's varnish appears suf-
ficiently to possess.

Eor cells requiring 'to be attached to the glass
there are three substances, namely, glass, metal,
and paper, which are most to be relied on : the two
former may be fixed clown with marine glue, but
there are innumerable objects for which properly
prepared paper rings or cells are admirably adapted,
as being both convenient and economical, and which
may be fixed down with less trouble by cementingj
and be equally durable and safe. Ebonite cells
were at one time strongly recommended ; but these
have been discarded, owing to the almost impossi-
bility of attaching them to the glass in a sufficiently
secure manner.

For the method of making these paper rings and
cells, the reader is referred to p. 16 of the same
volume (1874).

Requiring to mount a dry preparation in a deep
cell, and having the latter securely attached to the
glass slide, place the object in its centre, and take
care that the whole be perfectly dry before pro-
ceeding, and close it up ; but when this has been
attained, and the slide properly centred upon the
turntable, form a ring of the cement upon the edge
of the cell, — letting it stand up as a prominent ridge
rather than be spread evenly over the surface. Now
pick out a proper-sized cover, and by the time this
has been sufficiently cleaned and ready for use, the
cement will be in a fit state to receive it, when it
may be dropped into its place, and slightly pressed
down to make it adhere enough to avoid shifting
when the slide is handled. As the cement will
have become too hard to be pressed into shape with-
out warmth, heat a plain glass slide as hot as it can
be held, and then placing it upon the cover nip the
two together between the finger and thumb until
the whole of the cement forms one entire black
circle without any interrupting fissures, which may
be known by their being lighter in colour.

By attaching cells or covers in this way by means
of heat applied to a half-set cement, two advantages

are derived ; first, the heat necessary to soften the
cement secures its firm adhesion to 'the glass, and,
next, from its being in a half-dried state, it is, .when
cool, sufficiently tenacious to resist the solvent
powers of additional coats of varnish or cement, and
is thus deprived of the tendency to be sucked in by
any exhaustion of the cell's atmosphere. To insure
security it is always better to give one outside coat-
ing of the thin varnish, embracing both a small
portion of the slide and of the upper surface of the
cover, before setting it aside to complete the drying_
In using this asphalt varnish there are two
points requiring attention ; in the first place it must
not be applied in too thick a state, as under these
circumstances it does not work with the proper
freedom, and in the second place it must not have
fresh benzole added at the time of using, for it will
then be found to be knotty or lumpy. The best
plan is to have several one-drachm vials with it, suffi-
ciently thin for use, and when one has become
unworkable, to add benzole, and put it aside for
another, until its turn shall have come round again.
In the putting up of snake objects in dry cells,
one of the greatest troubles experienced by careful
mounters lies in the extreme difficulty of securing
the absence of dust, and other extraneous matter
from the interior of the cells and the underside of
the covers. There is one circumstance affecting the
cause of this disposition to accumulate foreign
substances upon the surface of glass which, if
generally known, is very commonly neglected. Let
a stick of sealing-wax be rubbed briskly on the
coat-sleeve for a second or two, and then be pre-
sented to any light substances, such as small pieces
of paper, feathers, or cotton threads, &c, and these
will be seen to instantly start up, and adhere to its
surface. Now as glass is also an electric, and can
be excited in the same way, it stands to reason that
when a cover is rubbed either w;th silk, linen,
leather, or any similar substance, it will be made to
attract dust, and other bodies floating in the air of
the room, or resting within reach of its influence.
Acting upon this principle, and after trying nu-
merous plans, the following has been adopted as
proving the most successful.

Take an eighth part of a sheet of stout blotting-
paper, and roll it up firmly into a cylinder about as
thick and as long as an ordinary cedar pencil, binding
it round with a piece of plain paper, gummed or
pasted at the last coil, to keep it compact. When
dry, cut off one end square and the other obliquely,
so as to present a flat point or edge ; after which rub
the cut surfaces on a rather smooth file, or scrape
them with the edge of a knife, so as to render them
soft and fluffy, like the pile on the face of velvet.

Next, procure a flat cork or bung, about two
inches in diameter, and over one of its surfaces
stretch a piece of soft, thin wash-leather, tying it
around the edge, so as to form a table for receiving

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

15

the covers after they have been cleaned and rendered
fit for use.

The last requirement will be a small india-rubber
bottle or ball, with a fine tube or pipe to enable it
to be used as a syringe or " bellows," to blow off the
dust, &c, which is the final operation in cleaning.

Being thus provided, we are now ready to com-
mence operations, and as the covering glass for dry
cells must necessarily be of sufficient thickness to
resist some degree of pressure, the covers will be
strong enough to bear a fair amount of careful
handling, therefore they may be taken up and held
by the edge, between the thumb and two or three
fiugers, so as to present one of the surfaces upwards.
Let this surface, as well as the end of the paper
rubber, be strongly breathed upon, and then with
gentle friction the glass may be rendered beautifully
clean and clear, after which let it have three or four
strong puffs from the blower, and be instantiy in-
verted upon the wash-leather table, having first
blown off any dust which may have gathered upon
it. Here it may remain until wanted, when it can
be taken up by a three-pointed needle forceps, and
dropped on to its place and adjusted for com-
pletion.

Blotting-paper has been found to cause the least
degree of excitation in the glass, as well as being
very efficient in producing a brilliant surface without
injuring it, while any fibres remaining are readily
dispersed by the blast of cool air, which is also very
effective in destroying any electrical attraction,
which may have remained in the cover. Eor clearing
the covers of slides during examination these paper
rubbers are most serviceable, but in cleaning the
lenses of eyepieces, &c, they are unequalled, and
when accompanied by the blowing process,the plan is
invaluable, especially with the " Kelners," where the
slightest particle of dust forms a highly obtrusive
blemish, but which can thus be readily avoided.

W. K. Bridgman.

Anagallis arvensis. — In Lord Bacon's
works I find it written, "There is a small red
flower in the stubble fields, which country-people
call the wincopipe, which, if it open in the
morning, you may be sure of a fair day to
follow." This description seems to refer to
Anagallis arvensis. Is that flower known by
such a name now in any part of the country ? It
is not mentioned by Dr. Prior, but perhaps some of
your rural readers may be acquainted with it, and
can explain its origin.— F. W.

The History of the Moon. — " The moon
exhibits in high relief an advanced stage of the
fiery history of our earth. There the process of
cooling has gone so far that even volcanic action
has ceased."— Ennis's Origin of the Stars.

MICROSCOPY.

An Ingenious Turntable.— At the annual
soiree of the Oldham Microscopical Society, recently
held, there was an exceedingly large and creditable
array of objects. A noticeable feature in the exhi-
bition was a new and most ingenious form of turn"
table, made by Mr. Charles Butterworth, of Shaw,
by the aid of which cement cells, so invaluable in
microscopic mounting, could be made with the ut-
most precision and despatch, and that too not only
in the circular but also in the elliptical form, of any
size from 2 in. in length to 1 in. in width, reducible
until a perfectly straight line was produced ; by its
aid also a thin glass cover could be held in position
ou a cell so made whilst the finishing ring or rings
of cement were added. The invention excited much
attention, and was considered by the members as
the most complete appliance of the sort yet intro-
duced.

Eitting High-power Object-glasses.— What
is the method of fitting a high-power object-glass
purchased separately from a microscope, so that it
shall be accurately in centre ?— H. W. E.

Varnish for Microscopic Cells. — Your corre-
spondent " W. G. C." asks for a recipe for the
white varnish used in ring shells. The following
was given to me by a scientific instrument maker.
Ingredients: chloroform, gum dammar, white oxide
of zinc, and boiled oil, the same as used by colour-
men. The gum dammar, is dissolved in chloroform ;
just sufficient oil is mixed with the oxide of zinc to
make the powder into a coherent mass, the oil and
powder being worked together in a mortar. The
thick paste so formed is put into the chloroform
solution, the mixture being well shaken. Ex-
perience alone will instruct the maker in the quan-
tities of the ingredients. To make coloured
varnishes, instead of oxide of zinc, vermilion,
Prussian blue, emerald-green, or even lampblack
may be used, according to the colour required.—
B. S. T.

Finishing Varnish.— In reference to"W.G.C.'s"
query about a good white or coloured finishing
varnish, in December's number of Science-Gossip,
he may be glad to know that I tried last year, and,
as far as I can see, successfully, the ordinary oil
colours in tubes ; they are easily used, and can be
thinned with turpentine, or any of the mediums in
use amongst artists ; of these, however, I think
" drying-oil " is the best, as it dries firmly, and is
not apt to become sticky in hot weather. Of course
the fast-drying colours are to be preferred, flake-
white, vermilion, French ultramarine, emerald-
green, all dry well, and dry better if mixed with
flake-white. A white varnish consisting of nitrate

16

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

of bismuth and mastic varnish is given in " Davies
on Mounting," but I have not tried it. These
varnishes I know are against Dr. Carpenter's advice,
in the way of containing solid particles; but his
caution does not refer, I should say, to finishing
varnishes. In reference to mastic varnish, I saw a
statement some months back in Science-Gossip,
that gum mastic was not soluble in turpentine ; I
am certain this must be an error, if the turpentine is
good, as I have dissolved mastic myself in it. It is
not worth while, however, to do so, as it is easily
bought good from artists' colourmen.— /. G. P.
Vereker.

The Reflex Illuminator. — Will some of the
readers of Science-Gossip give their experience in
the use of this piece of apparatus ? I have been
able to do the following: — with a ^ths, ith, and
xuth immersion by Gundlach, I get very good
results, on a dark field, with some few objects, as
insect scales and diatoms. Of the scales I succeed
best with Lepisma and Podura, the latter exhibiting
structure invisible by other modes of illumination.
With regard to diatoms, P. formosum, decorum,
and a few others come up well, even with the ^g-th
immersion, when mounted in balsam ; when dry, I
fail altogether. I have had a single specimen of
Heliopelta mounted for me ; this, under the Toth,
shows more beautifully than with the paraboloid.
Some of the Aulacodlsci exhibit quite a new appear-
ance when the light falls upon them under a certain
angle. All the objects require to be mounted on
clean slides, and with covers free from striae, and
the best effects are obtained when a single object
is in the field of view. I should think Mr. Kitton
might give us a hint, for I feel confident that its
powers are not yet developed. — P.

Cement in Glycerine.— "J. It. T." appears to
doubt the efficacy of the cement recommended by
" E. K." for keeping in glycerine. I can with con-
fidence recommend it. I have found no other
cement to answer the purpose. There are two hun-
dred objects in my cabinets mounted in glycerine,
and sealed with gold-size, thickened with a mixture
of white and red lead and litharge. These were
mounted principally in 18G9 and 1870, and at present
they are all sound, with the exception of two, which
were defective from the first. It is curious that
" J. It. T." should use crocus of iron in his gold-
size in opposition to Dr. Carpenter's instructions. —
S. L. B.

Interference of Light.— Some time ago I
was bothered in the same way as J. G. R. Powell,
by the reflection of light from the sides of the tube
of the microscope, when using the second eye-piece.
This was, however, completely done away with by
the insertion of a "stop" or " diaphragm " within
the tube, cutting off the reflected rays— B. B. W.

ZOOLOGY.

"Missing Links" among the Lepidoptera. —
M. Kiinckel has described in the " Comptes
Rendus" several Australian Lepidoptera which
possess terebrant trunks, instead of the usual suck-
ing probosces we have always regarded as charac-
teristic of the order. Having read in a newspaper
the depredations of a moth {Ophideres fullonica) on
oranges, he carefully examined the trunks of these
insects. Lepidoptera are specially constructed to
suck up the nectar of open flowers, and to imbibe
sweet fluids. M. Kiinckel goes on to say :— " By
a strange exception, the moths of the genus Ophi-
deres, Boisd., possess a rigid trunk — a true borer of
ideal perfection — capable of piercing the skins of
fruits, and of boring through the thickest and most
resistant envelopes. This trunk is a perfect instru-
ment, and wonld be an excellent model for the
making of new tools to be employed in boring holes
in various materials. Partaking at once of the
barbed lance, the gimlet, and the rasp, it can pierce,
bore, and tear, at the same time, allowing liquids to
pass without impediment by the internal canal. The
two applied maxillae terminate in a strong, sharp,
triangular point, furnished with two barbs ; they
then become enlarged, and present on the lower
surface three portions of the thread of a screw,
while their sides and their upper surface are covered
with short strong spines, projecting from the centre
of a depression with hard and abrupt margins. The
purpose of these spines is to tear the cells of the
orange-pulp, as the rasp serves to open the cells of
the beetroot, in order to extract the sugar from
them. The upper region of the trunk is covered
below and on the sides with fine close-set striae,
arranged in half-screws, which give it the properties
of a file ; the striae are interrupted here and there
by small spines of soft consistence, which serve for
the perception of tactile sensations. The orifice of
the canal through which the liquids ascend is situated
on the lower surface below the first screw-thread.
Not content with examining Ophideres fullonica,
Linn., I investigated all the representatives of the
genus, and found that 0. materna, Linn., 0. sala-
minia, Cram., 0. imperator, Boisd., as well as the
other species, have a powerful trunk in the form of
a borer. The structure of the maxillae, therefore,
furnishes a generic character of great value ; more-
over it establishes a closer relationship between the
Lepidoptera, the Hemiptera and certain Diptera
in which the maxillae are destined to pierce tissues.
The Australian colonists dread 0. fullonica on
account of the mischief caused by it in the orange
plantations ; for the fruits which it pierces with
holes quickly spoil, and soon fall to the ground and
rot. All the Lepidoptera of the genus Ophideres
being, as I have just shown, furnished with a tere-
brant trunk, it is incontestable that they have similar

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

17

habits, and that they will bore into oranges and
other fruits. As they are very widely diffused in
tropical regions, they must justly be ranged among
injurious insects. Unfortunately their early stages
are unknown, so that no really practical method of
destruction suggests itself to the mind ; but their
large size and striking colours, allowing them to be
recognized at the first glance, they may be killed
without any fear of reproach for committing a
judicial error."

Popular Natural History Books. — Our
position with regard to "Geological Stories,"
" Half- Hours in the Green Lanes," and " Half-
Hours at the Seaside," prevents us doing more than
stating, for the information of numerous inquirers
who applied in consequence of not being able to
procure them, that all have passed into new editions,
and may now be obtained in the ordinary way
through any bookseller, or from 192, Piccadilly.

The Marine Aquarium. — We are pleased to
note that the nble paper by Mr. W. R. Hughes,
F.L.S., President of the Birmingham Natural
History and Microscopical Society, has been neatly
published (with illustrations) by Van Voorst,
London. The principles and management of marine
aquaria, large and small, are set forth with the
utmost clearness, and the kind of objects best suited
to keep up the necessary self-adjustments are
described. The book will be a handy manual to
aquarium-keepers.

The Lepidopterist's Calendar.— Our young
entomological students cannot do better than pro-
cure this cheap and handy little work, which has
just reached a second edition. It is written by Mr.
Joseph Merrin, and published by Herbert Marsden,
Regent-street, Gloucester. It comprises nearly
300 pages, and gives the time when the British
lepidoptera appear in the egg, larval, pupal, and
imago states, together with the food-plant of each
species, and their habitats. The information is
most handily arranged under the different months
of the year, beginning with January. We know of
no other book in which so much convenient know-
ledge is packed so methodically away.

Habits op Rabbit. — A coastguard-man reports
that, he saw a rabbit attack a weasel with such
courage and fierceness as to compel it to beat a re-
treat. Perhaps it was a mother unwontedly bold in
defence of her young. On reliable authority I am
told that a rabbit, an old doe, on being hunted by
two young spaniels, swam across our river Camel, at
Carrion Pit, a deep pool, and was soon after killed
on the opposite side. An intelligent country friend
has just sent me the head of a rabbit, with its lower
incisors grown to the length of an inch and a half.
In this case it was probably owing to some con-
genital want of adaptation of the upper and under

jaw, whereby the cutting edges of the rodent teeth
were not brought in apposition. The upper incisors
were of the natural length. The animal was, in fact,
"underhung." Such a deformity may sometimes
arise from faulty development of the teeth, or acci-
dental dislocation. Jenyns, in his interesting
" Observations in Natural History," mentions occa-
sional instances of this monstrous prolongation of
the incisors. The Museum of the Cambridge Philo-
sophical Society has a specimen in which the lower
teeth are developed to the length of two inches and
one-eighth. The rabbits mentioned by Jenyns had,
when taken, the appearance of beiug starved to
I death : mine was shot while running with great
activity, and was in very fair condition. — Thomas
Q. Couch, Bodmin.

Note on the Betony Weevil {Cionus scrophu-
larid). — During a Saturday afternoon ramble along
the road leading from Woodford to Chingford, a few
weeks since, my attention was directed to a small
piece of water beside the footpath, not much above
the dignity of a ditch, on the edge of which some
plants of Water Betony {Scroplmlaria aquaticd)
were growing. I noticed that the leaves were
eaten through and through, while some nettles
close by were more completely intact than nettles
commonly are. On turning up the ragged leaves
I found a few sluggish-looking beetles, less than
a quarter of an inch in length, black, with yellow
spots, and with lengthened beaks, which proclaimed
them to be of the Weevil family. Looking further,
I discovered a number of oval cocoons, brown and
membranous, and attached in most cases to the
under- sides of the leaves, but in other cases to the
upper surface, and also to the flower-stalks, on
which the seed-vessels were now. ripening. The
questioned remained, who were the depredators ?
Was it the beetle, or the larvae which had 'now
passed into the pupa state, and had made their
curious cocoons, or some other devourers which
had decamped? Closer inspection showed that
some of the cocoons were empty, the integument
having cracked all round near the upper end,
except at one point, so as to form a natural lid to
the tiny box ; others still contained a dark body
dimly visible through the membrane. The shape of
the cocoon resembled that of dipterous insects,
and some of the ichneumonidee, but quite unlike
the closely-fitting envelope of the Cbleoptera.
However, fiat experimenttim appeared to be the
best motto, and a number of the cocoons were
speedily boxed, together with two or three of the
weevils, for further examination. On reaching
home I soon made out the latter to be the Cionus
scroplmlaria of entomologists; and in a few days
several specimens of the same insect emerged from
the cocoons. On referring (among other works) to
the English Cyclopaedia, I found that the four [five]

18

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

species of Cionus found in this country inhabit
plants chiefly of the genera Scrophularia and
Verbascum ; that they construct cocoons thereon,
and that the larvae are yellow and gelatinous. It
was thus tolerably clear that the latter were the
devourers of the betony-leaves ; and thus an out.
line of this little insect's life-history appeared to
be afforded. I could not fail to be struck with the
curious mode of opening which characterized the
cocoon, — an arrangement similar to that found in
one of the Hemiptera (a field-bug), and figured in
Rennie's now almost-forgotten volume on "Insect
Transformations." Nor was it less remarkable to
note the close resemblance of the cocoons to the
brown seed-vessels of the Betony, whether closed
or open, rendering it easy to mistake the former
for the latter. Possibly these brief jottings may
possess some little interest for the entomological
readers of Science-Gossip. At least I hope so. —
IF. H. G.

Sparrows and Peas. — When I resided in the
town of Cirencester, I experienced great difficulty
in growing peas, for as soon as the leaves began to
expand, they were eaten away down to the petiole,
as the gardener said, " by they mischievous
sparrows." Well, we adopted all sorts of expe-
dients to keep the birds away, but I was surprised
to find that the more successful our efforts in this
direction, the faster and surer was the destruction
of the young pea-planfs, and this led me to look
carefully at the peas, when it was found that the
leaves were notched in a peculiar manner, as though
by the gnawing of an iusect, and not like the pecking
and tearing of a bird, and upon closer inspection I
soon found the creatures at their work in the shape
of a small beetle, Sitonia (Curculio) lineata, —
Striped Pea Weevil,— and we believe that the
whole of the mischief to our peas was done by these
creatures, and that the sparrow, so far from being
the delinquent, was, indeed, aiding, us to get rid
of the pest, which we let him do unmolested for
the future, save the little disturbance we gave
him in drawing an insect-net over the ranks of peas
in bright, sunshiny weather, by which means we
caught the insects, and ever after saved our crop.
Since that time we have seen whole fields of peas
all but destroyed by this creature, and even in our
crop of this year, which was tolerably successful,
the insects were so abundant as to enable us to take
up hundreds at a time from the rim of the carter's
hat, who was pitching them on the waggon. We
find lime, soot, or finely-powdered road-dirt, or all
mixed together, dusted over the crop in early morn-
ing, while the dew is upon it, discourages the iusect,
probably by rendering its food unpalatable ; but, be
that as it may, they usually fly off to some other
pea, or it may be clover crop, after the first dress-
ing.—/. Buclcman, Bradford Abbas.

On Collecting and Preserving Htmeno-
ptera.— In answer to Mr. Hallett, I have no doubt
his plan is good, but still it has so many disadvan-
tages that I would not advise a tyro to try it. In his
criticisms of my paper, he complains of the com-
plications of cyanide, boxing, chloroforming, and
then sulphuring. I have found stupefying with the
cyanide-bottle is the quickest and safest method of
getting these insects into the box, which should
never contain more than a single insect ; indeed,
Mr. Smith says, when he has captured a rarity, he
incloses that box again in a larger one. Some
caution is needful in boxing such insects as the
humble bees, wasps, and hornets, whose stings in
the female and neuter are really formidable. Mr.
Hallett does not tell your readers how he gets them
into his box. He hints at killing them with chloro-
form ; this should never be attempted, as it renders
them so rigid that it is extremely difficult to set
them. The store bottle he recommends, I think,
should never be used, because many of the bees
differ in one sex, whilst the other greatly resembles
the same sex of another species, which may be taken
at another time of the year ; this is particularly the
case with the males of some species of Andrena, and
by being mixed thus higgledy-piggledy in a bottle of
laurel-leaves, all evidence of time and locality is
lost ; another reason is that all insects killed with
cyanide or laurel-leaves, or allowed to remain in
either any time, are apt to mould on the slightest
provocation ; it is far better, if there is not sufficient
time to set all, to pin them, with a label bearing all
particulars, and afterwards, if required, damp them,
and then set them. With regard to his observa-
tions on killing them with sulphur, I can only say
it is the method recommended by Messrs. Ered.
Smith, Shuckard, and E.Newman, all old hymenop-
terists of note, as the best for preserving the colours,
and leaving the insect perfectly lax for setting. As
to the drawing of the insect set with the table
braces, I should have thought it was unnecessary to
observe that that is a vagary of the artist, who is
evidently not an entomologist, as it would be very
troublesome to set the insect with the legs as repre-
sented in the woodcut. The string plan may be
good, but in that one has to arrange two pins
instead of one in the table. Erom the observations
of Mr. Hallett, if he had not stated he has collected
these insects, I should have thought that beetles or
bi'gs had occupied his leisure, and not bees and
wasps. — John B. Bridgman.

BOTANY.

An Operative Botanist. — There has just died
one of those remarkable men who, we are thankful
to say, abound in Lancashire and Yorkshire, and
who devote their leisure to the practical study of

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

19

natural science. Mr. James Walker, of Mossley,
was one of these. As a botanist he had no superior
in his district; and his kindly disposition and will-
ingness to assist those of his class who were desirous
of "knowing something about plants," drew round
him a host of sincere and earnest disciples, who
followed him to his grave in November last. This
is very meagre tribute to Mr. Walker's talents and
moral worth, but we are thankful to pay it. Nearly
every large town on the borders of Lancashire and
Yorkshire has its botanical society, where a stranger
would be surprised to meet with an amount of
knowledge rarely to be seen elsewhere.

The Rarer Species op Dianthus.— From a
note in last month's Science-Gossip it is pleasant
to know that the scarcest species of Dianthus in
our flora (D. casius) is not only far from being
extinct at its sole station, Cheddar, but that lady
botanists do not fear to scale precipices to obtain
it — we hope soon to persuade ladies to join the
West Sussex Natural History Society ; — and this is
very encouraging. The pretty Dianthus Armeria,
witli its bright red petals, is to be found here ; but
Dianthus prolifer is one of our rarest Sussex plants.
Can any one inform me if it occurs in plenty else-
where than in Jersey, or spare me a specimen from
any of its six habitats ?—F. H. Arnold, LL.B.

Parietaria officinalis. — I have lately ob-
served a very singular phenomenon in the flowers
of Pellitory-of-the-wall. The stamens of the flowers
of this plant have their filaments fixed upon them-
selves, and are partly concealed by the corolla, the
anthers alone being perfectly visible. Whilst ex-
amining a specimen, I happened to touch one of the
filaments with the point of my knife, when sud-
denly it unbent itself with some degree of force ;
at the same instant the anther burst, and a cloud
of pollen was discharged into the air. Upon further
examination I found that only those stamens whose
pollen was ripe could be made to perform this
curious feat. — H. C. Crew.

Curious Poppy Elower. — A correspondent
most kindly sends us a peculiar variety of the Corn
Poppy (Papaver Rhceas, L.), in which one petal is
of the normal colour, the opposite one on the axis
is a clear white; then the other two opposite ones,
on the floral axis, are streaked claret-colour and
white intermingled. This to us remarkable flower
was found in a field at Kingston, Hants, amongst
barley ; probably hundreds of others in the same
field were of the usual colour, whilst the present
example, certainly a very uncommon colour, shows
this strange freak of nature. We should feel most
grateful if all our readers who are botanists would
pick up any species they meet with in their rambles
possessing any peculiar abnormal formation in either
leaves or flowers. The past autumn has been very

prolific in these teratological specimens. As they
are sent to us, if deserving of notice, we shall both
figure and describe them, so as to extend our
limited knowledge of this branch of botany. Very
few persons seem to# know much about it, but a
good chapter on " Vegetable Teratology " is as
deeply interesting to read (better, we hope, to most
readers) than the best work of fiction ever published.

Mealy Surface op Chenopodiace^;.— Instead
of indulging in vague speculations, such as that
about " pure ammonia " by your correspondent in
Science- Gossip, No. 131, p. 260, the cause of the
mealings of the .Chenopods should be investigated
by rational examination. Almost everybody with

k€B¥b %

l'"ig. 10. Utricular shining hairs of Chenopodium Olidium.

the slightest pretension to natural science has a
microscope, and a very poor instrument would at
once show that the white, glistening appearance on
the leaves and stalks of these plants is due to the
pubescence. The whole subject was demonstrated,
by drawings and preparations, at the meeting of the
East Kent Natural History Society, Dec. 4, 1873,
noticed about that time in several periodicals, in-
cluding, I think, Science-Gossip. On the occasion
mentioned, as recorded in the report given in the
Quart. Journ. Micros. Science, April, 1S74, Professor
Gulliver proved that the so-called mealiness of the
Chenopods is produced by simple hairs of two or
more cells, the terminal cells being dilated into a
globular vesicle, numbers of which so vividly reflect
the light as to produce the white and glistening
appearance. And hence Mr. Gulliver called this
pubescence "utricular." It is really a beautiful
object when viewed by a low power on a dark
ground and reflected light. The accompanying
rough sketch shows a portion of the leaf and its
stalk, studded with these utricular hairs, as seen
under an inch objective ; and to the right are four
detached hairs, more highly magnified, the lower
one of which is collapsed.

20

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

GEOLOGY.

Remarkable Eossil Orthopterous Insect
prom the Coal-measures of Britain. — This
was the subject of a paper read at the London
Geological Society, by Henry Woodward, E.R.S.,
E.G.S. The author commenced by indicating the
importance of the examination of the clay-ironstone
nodules of the coal-measures, in which so many
valuable fossils have been discovered, including the
remarkable insect described in the present paper.
The specimen displays the characters of the four
wings, only two of which, however, are nearly
perfect, and these measure 2| in. length, and 1 in.
and li in. in breadth, the hind wing being the
broadest. The author described in detail the
characters presented by the venation of the wings,
which includes three straight veins running parallel
to the fore margin, the third bifurcating near the
apex, a fourth much curved vein giving origin to
six branches, and having at its base a triangular
space, from which arise the other veins of the wing.
The body appears to have been about five lines
broad between the bases of the wings. In front of
the wings is the prothorax in the form of two large,
rounded, dilated, and veined lobes ; it measures
fourteen lines across and six lines in length. In
front of these lobes is the head, with its eyes pro-
duced in front into a slender process three lines
long. This insect is considered by the author to be
most nearly related to the Mantida?, the characters
of the head and thorax especially being to some
extent paralleled in the existing genus Blepharis.
The author proposed to name the species Litho-
mantis carbonarius, and suggested that Gryllacris
{Corydalis) Brongniarti probably belongs to the
same genus.

The Discovery of a Fossil Scorpion in the
English Coal-measures. — This was another
paper read at the same meeting by Mr. Woodward.
The author commenced by noticing the various
European and American localities in which fossil
Arachnida have been found in the coal-measures.
Hitherto, no true scorpions have been recorded
from the English coal-measures ; but in 187-4 the
author received from Dr. D. R. Rankin a specimen
from the coal-measures near Carluke, which lie
regarded as the fossil abdominal segment of a
scorpion ; in April last he obtained a fossil scorpion
from the Sandwell Park Colliery ; and in August
Mr. E. Wilson forwarded to him several specimens
of similar nature in clay-ironstone nodules from
Skegby New Colliery, near Mansfield. The speci-
mens are all very imperfect ; but the author states
that they most closely resemble an Indian form,
which is probably Scorpio ofer. He refers the
English species provisionally to the genus Euscor-
pius, Meek and Worthen, and proposes to name it
E. anglicus.

The Porest-bed Series at Kessingland and
Pakefield in Suffolk. — This was the subject of a
paper read at a recent meeting of the Geological
Society, by John Gunn, Esq., M.A., P.G.S. The
author described a section from the cliff at Kessing-
land and Pakefield, from the examination of which
he arrived at the conclusion that the Eorest-bed
series underlies the Chillesford clay and sands. At
the foot of the cliff there is an estuarine deposit
forming the soil of the forest-bed, consisting of blue
clay and gravel, the "Elephant-bed" of the author's
former paper. Above this is the forest-bed, con-
taining large stools and stems of trees, but no fossil
bones. This is followed by a freshwater deposit, cou-
sistingof black soil with freshwater shells correspond-
ing to a similar bed at Muudesley and Runton,
known as the " Unio bed," and including the " Root-
let bed " of oozy clay, regarded by Mr. Prestwich
as an indication of the forest. The author considers
the supposed rootlets to represent brushwood, which
succeeded the true forest. Above this come fluvio-
niarine deposits, in which crag shells occur, although
but rarely. To this division the author was inclined
to refer the Norwich Crag, which at Bramerton
underlies the next division, regarded by the author
as the Chillesford clays and sands. Of the over-
lying deposits the first is supposed to be the
"Pebbly bed " by the author; it has been regarded
as middle drift, and the uppermost is upper boulder-
clay. The paper was illustrated by the exhibition
of a fine series of bones, chiefly cervine, from the
lowest deposit noticed by the author.

Metropolitan Scientific Association.— On
Saturday, November C, about fifty members of this
society paid a visit to the Surrey Commercial Docks
for the purpose of viewing the geological features of
interest disclosed during the excavations now being
carried on there. The Rev. E. JosselynBeck, M.A.
conducted the party over the ground, and his lucid
explanations and general courtesy added greatly to
the pleasures of the visit. The cutting is about
40 feet deep, and about halfway down is a very
excellent section of an ancient forest-bed, several
trees remaining in situ. Below this is a band of
silty clay, and this has been found especially rich in
mammalian remains; and still further down are the
lower level gravels. One of the most important re-
suits of the visit was the discovery of what, on further
examination, will doubtless prove to be a line of fault
hitherto unsuspected. To Professor Morris, who
accompanied the excursion, the members were
greatly indebted for an admirably lucid outline of
the tertiary deposits, as illustrated by the section
around them. Mr. Beck had very kindly caused to
be placed in an adjacent room the remarkable col-
lection of fossils discovered in these excavations;
after viewing which the company passed a vote of
thanks to the rev. gentleman for his kindness.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

21

Geology of Colchester. — A capital ,'paper on
the above subject has just been read by Mr. W. H.
Dalton, of her Majesty's Geological Survey, before
the members of the Colchester Natural History
Society. The paper consisted of a limine sketch of
nearly new geological ground, including chalk,
Thanet beds, Reading beds, London clay, red crag,
glacial and post-glacial deposits.

Middlesex Ciialk. — I beg to inform " W. H. G."
that there are some extensive chalk-pits in Hare-
field, some in use, but many are abandoned. The
old chalk-pits are very interesting to the botanist
and geologist. The nearest railway stations are
Uxbridge and Rickmans worth ; the latter is prefer-
able, as the chalk extends more in that direction.—
0. H. Seward.

Guide to the Geology of Londox. — We are
glad to see that a second edition of this clearly-
written and well-arranged little manual has been so
soon called for. The author's large work on the
" Geology of the London Basin " has been laid
under contribution, and its most important features
re-appear in the present book. All the various
formations in the neighbourhood of the metropolis
are described ; the places where the best sections
are to be seen, and where fossils are to be obtained,
are also severally mentioned. The student of
London geology could have no better guide than
the author, Mr. W. Whitaker, E.G.S., who is justly
regarded as one of our best authorities in field
geology. We are further glad that the book has
been such an unexpected success, as it will convince
the Stationery Office (if that is the bureau to which
we should look) that the English public would
gladly purchase the "Memoirs of the Geological
Survey" if they would publish them at a more
reasonable price. The present Guide is published
at a shilling.

Proceedings of Societies. — We are pleased
to notice that the Watford Natural History Society
bids fair to take one of the most prominent places
among provincial societies. The list of members
includes some well-known names, so that in this
respect the society has an advantage over many
others. In the second part of the Society s
" Transactions" the papers are devoted to natural
phenomena, the first part being almost exclusively
geological. Mr. John Hopkinson, F.G.S., has
one on "The Observation of Periodical Natural
Phenomena," and Mr. J. E. Harting, F.L.S.,
another on his favourite topic of Ornithology. The
Glasgow Natural History Society have also pub-
lished the first part of the second volume of their
" Proceedings." It contains several geological
papers,' — "On the Mode of identifying Tertiary
Fossils," by Mr. D. Robertson, E.G.S. ; " On the
Extinct Eossil Shells Bellerophon and Porcellia,"

by John Young, F.G.S. The latter geologist also
contributes other papers, on " An Arctic Shell-bed
at Cartsdyke " ; the " Parallelism of the Irish and
Scotch Carboniferous Strata," &c. ; whilst Dr. John
Grieve has a paper on the " Fossils from the Leaf-
beds of Mull," and Mr. James Coutts one on the
" Post-tertiary Clay-beds at.Kilchattan Bay, Bute."

The Sheffield Museum. — We are very sorry
to see that, owing to a difference between the
curator of this museum, Mr. C. Callaway, B.Sc,
and one of the committee, the former has tendered
his resignation. Mr. Callaway is perhaps better
known among American geologists than English, on
account of his knowledge of American fossil
brachiopoda. The main cause of difference (which
seems to us to have taken the form of persecution)
was that the member of the committee aforesaid
thought less of " old bones, and things of that
sort," than Mr. Callaway did. The question should
be asked by those who love science in Sheffield —
What right has such a man on the committee ?

NOTES AND QUERIES.

Colours of Crocuses. — I saw lately a corre-
spondent (E. J. Scott) stated he had known crocus
flowers to change colour, a fact I can vouch for.
Some years back I planted a quantity of blue and
yellow crocus ; the first and second years they were
true to colour, after that time they were all yellow.
— Thos. Thirkel.

Tadpoles of Newt. — Allow me to state that in
December's number of Science-Gossip " H. E. F."
contradicts himself by saying that "the tadpole
of the newt has gills and a tail during part of its
life, and develops its hind legs first." Then a little
further down he says that "the tadpole of the
newt has a tail permanently, gills during part of its
life, and develops its front legs first." The front
legs make their appearance first, and about three
weeks afterwards the hind legs. I draw attention
to this, because such a mistake in a magazine like
Science-Gossip would, in all probability, be likely
to lead amateurs in natural history astray. — A.
F. Maingay.

Spawn of Frogs and Toads.— The article by
" G. S.," on the above subject, published in our
Gossip for November, will, I feel sure, be a welcome
addition to the knowledge of those who, like myself,
are just beginning the study of the interesting phe-
nomena of development. In the early part of last
year I obtained a number of tadpoles of the frog
{Remit temporarici) from a pond in the neighbourhood
of Manchester. When first caught, the legs had not
made their appearance on any of the specimens ;
but after I had kept them for about ten days, the
whole of them exhibited the hind legs in various
stages of development. During this period the tail
of each specimen grew shorter, and by the time
when the lore legs were fully developed, had almost
entirely disappeared. My tadpoles, however, were
not suffered to arrive at maturity. _ About the end
of June, on looking into my aquarium, I observed
one of them lying dead at the bottom, and covered

22

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

with a downy white substance, which I supposed to
be a fungus. Before night I found two 01 hers dead
and covered with the white substance ; and the next
morning the whole of them were dead. On re-
moving them 1 found that the fungus, if it be such,
had completely enveloped their bodies, and the
stench which arose from them was horrible. This
was not the first time I had had this horrid pest iu
my aquarium, for I have had several lots of fish
killed in the same way, and should feel very grateful
to any of the readers of Science- Gossip who
make aquarium natural history their special study,
if they would tell me how to get rid of this chief of
aquarium pests. I think " G. S." has done well in
exposing the popular fallacy respecting the disap-
pearance of the tails of tadpoles. It is not long
since I heard one of our most eminent naturalists
assert that the tails of tadpoles dropped off when
they were no longer needed. This statement was
made to a class of students, of whom I was one.
P.S. — Frog-spawn was observed at least a week
earlier than usual, last year, in several ponds in the
neighbourhood of Manchester. Has this been
general throughout the country ? — H. C. C. 31.

Newts.— In Science-Gossip of Nov. 1st " G. S."
makes some inquiries about the development of
newts. Perhaps the following may interest him
and others of your readers. On the 2nd of April
last, I got, from Covent Garden market two female
newts ; the one a warty, and the other a smooth
one ; both of which I placed in a small aquarium.
On the 3rd the smooth newt laid three eggs, and
on the 4th five more. On the same day the warty
newt also laid several. When first laid the eggs
were white, and those of the warty newt about the
size of a mustard-seed, covered with a thin coating
of albumen, which in a short time absorbed water,
and swelled to a quarter of an inch in length and
one-sixth in breadth. 1 several times saw the warty
newt in the act of laying her eggs. She first went
to a leaf, and appeared to smell it, and, if she
found it suitable, she drew herself over it, and bent
it across the thick part of her tail with her hind
feet. The leaf was then held against the opening of
the oviduct, and the feet clasped over it. The newt
seemed to compress the oviduct laterally with the
feet, until the egg was expelled into the fold of the
leaf, which was then held lightly round it until the
leaf had stuck to the albumen of the egg. This
generally took from three-quarters of a minute to a
minute, and during that time the newt seemed quite
insensible, allowing itself to be touched without
moving. Two eggs were sometimes laid at the
same time; but I have never seen one with a
double yolk, each egg having its own outer cover-
ing, which swelled out, and separated it from the
other. The smooth newt did not lay any more, but
the warty newt laid about thirty eggs within the
week, only six of which hatched. On the 20th April
I had three more female warty newts sent me, one
of which went on laying eggs up to the 4th May,
which shows that newts do not all lay their eggs at
once. I have seen fresh-laid newts' eggs taken
from a ponu as late as 14th June. One of the eggs
of the smooth newt hatched on 27th April, but the
tadpole died the same day. Another hatched on
20th. When first hatched, the young newt was in
a very undeveloped condition, its eyes being scarcely
visible, and the under jaw much shorter than the
other. It had three unbranched gills on each side
of its head, and two other smaller projections,
which may have been the rudiments of the fore-

legs, but of that I am not sure. For three days
the young newt did not eat anything, but swam
about and fixed itself to the sides of the aquarium,
&c, apparently by its mouth. It then began to eat
small water-fleas and the larger infusoria. On the
14th May the fore-legs were well developed, and
the hind-legs were distinctly visible about the
1st June, at which time the gills had six branches
each. The young newt lost its gills, and left the
water on the 7th July. I had some smooth newts'
eggs in 1874, which hatched in twenty-one days.
The eggs of the warty newt took, this year, about
thirty days to hatch. The young of the warty newt
takes longer than the smooth newt to develop its
legs, and considerably longer to absorb its gills.
The Rev. S. A. Brenan inquires how to feed newts.
I always put the food into the water, and leave it
there, but not long enough to become putrid. The
best food is worms ; but, failing those, raw beef or
mutton, cut into thin strips about li inch long,
will do very well. It is most amusing to watch the
newts smelling about for the meat. They seem to
know that there is food somewhere about ; and they
snap at each other's feet and tails, and anything
else that they come to. I once saw one almost
choke itself with a red carnelion, which lay near a
piece of meat. Newts will eat water-woodlice, and
most other water insects ; and the warty newts will
eat the smooth ones, if very hungry, and their own
young. The smooth newts get much tamer than
the warty ones. Two of mine would eat from my
fingers when out of the water. Sticklebacks and
newts should not be kept together. The stickle-
backs give the newts no peace, continually biting
their tails and eyes, and finally killing them. They
also eat newts' eggs if they get the chance. " The
bright silver shade" referred to, is, I think, the
air which adheres to the dry skin of the newt when
it goes into the water. I have often noticed it. —
A. H. Searle, Kensington.

Late Flowering Laburnum. — In last October
number of Science-Gossip "J. W. G." speaks of
Slaving observed a laburnum-tree coming into flower
in the last week of August. I also noticed, about
the end of September, a laburnum in this town
covered with blossom ; the tree did not appear,
however, to be making new wood, as mentioned by
your correspondent.— H. T. B., Stockton-on-Tees.

The Butcher-bird.— Although Lanius colluris
and Lcmi/is excubitor are said to impale their victims
on thorns, and devour them at their leisure, still I
do not think this is correct. It is certain that they
have great power in their toes, and hold their prey
in one foot, resting on their tarsal joint. They
sometimes make great havoc 'amongst young birds,
and have even been known to carry off very young
and weakly pheasants. This genus shows a very
marked affection for its young, and will attack even
hawks in their defence. — E. Lovett.

Common Crossbill. — If any of your readers
have had the good fortune to find the nest and eggs
of the common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra), will
they oblige by giving information concerning the
structure and situation of the nest, a description of
the eggs, the time of nidification, or any other
peculiarity they may have noticed? — W. Fetch,
Heeley, Sheffield.

The Buffalo. — In support of what your corre-
spondent " Centurion " says, with reference to the
poor buffalo atjthe " Zoo," I quote the following from

HAUDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

23

an old work on natural history : — " Sometimes are
found in herds of considerable numbers, frequenting
moist and marshy situations, and preferring the
coarse vegetation of the forest and swampy regions
to that of open plains. They swim well, and cross
the broadest rivers without hesitation." There is
certainly great difficulty in providing the advantages
of nature for animals in confinement, but it should
be done as near as possible. — E. Lovett.

The Greenfinch.— Can any one inform me of the
use of the small ball-like elevation in the upper
mandible of the Greenfinch (Coccothranstes chloris) ?
— T. Jackson.

Charlton Sand-pit.— In answer to the query of
*' W. H. G." respecting the present condition of
Charlton Sand-pit, I may say that I have been there
several times geologizing, and have never met with
any objectionable treatment, but, on the contrary,
with the greatest civility, the workmen being always
ready and anxious to sell specimens.— J7. B.Linley.

Swallows in November. — I think it is not
a very common occurrence to find swallows in
November. They had left here (Bath) about the
middle of September, and some were seen during
October, the thermometer ranging, on the north
side, in the open air, from 40° to 42° at eight a.m.^
and 46° to 50° in the middle of the day, the whole of
that time with northerly or easterly winds mostly.
On the 3rd of November, however, the wind came
from south-west to south, thermometer 52° to 54°, at
eight a.m. and 60° to 65° middle of day ; sky cloudy,
but clearing at two o'clock, the air feeling warm, and
even close. At four o'clock, to my astonishment, I
noticed twenty to twenty-five swallows (the small
species) performing gyrations just as in summer. I
had no time to watch them ; but half an hour after
I found they were gone, and the sun was behind the
hills. Now the question is, where did they come
from ? Had they returned with the warm wind, or
only remained behind in some warmer part of the
country ? — C. H. Macco.

■ Fishes and Barnacles. — In the stomach of a
Smooth Blenny (Blennius pholis), about three inches
in length, 1 found four specimens of the shell of the
common Acorn Barnacle {Balanus balanoides).
Could any one inform me as to how a small fish could
obtain a creature usually so firmly fixed to the rocks
as to require a hammer or stone to remove it ?
These crustaceans may frequently be found on the
shells of the mollusca, or on the carapace of crabs,
&c. Is it probable that the fish swallowed them in
conjunction with, perchance, a small crab, the com-
paratively thin shell of which was dissolved by the
acid of the stomach before I opened it ; or is it more
likely that the barnacles might have been torn off
the rocks by some other agency, and then swal-
lowed ; but if this were so, they must have been
eaten very quickly after the disengagement, or they
would have been dead, and would, 1 suppose, not
have been so palatable. — /. S. A.

Gilbert White's " Selborne."— I am surprised
to see that your correspondent " Vagans " proposes
that Mr. Buckland should tamper with his forth-
coming edition of White's " Selborne." What is the
book worth if it is not left as White wrote it ? As
far as I can see, any one who tampers with the book
tampers with White's name as a naturalist. What
is there in it that a naturalist of the present day,
writing on the same subject, would not mention?
"Vagans" must learn that books on natural history

are natural histories, and not books for the drawing-
room table. We shall be very glad to see White's
lately-discovered letters in the new edition ; but as
to expunging matter, the act would be criminal. —
Adrian Peacock, Amcott's Rectory, Doncaster.

Irish Antiquities.— Mr. G. H. Kinahan's fig.
154, in the ninth of his admirable sketches of Irish
Antiquities, reminds one of the sepulchral mound
or cairn at Newgrange, some four or five miles from
Drogheda. The stone basin at Newgrange is some-
what oval, and about 4 ft. in diameter, much resem-
bling that depicted by Mr. Kinahan in Science-
Gossip, and with a variety of sculpture on the
adjoining stones, some of which is of a form like
the circular figures on the stones of the chamber at
Slieve-na-caillighe. But this Mr. Kinahan describes
as post-Christian, whereas the mound or cairn at
Newgrange is commonly supposed to _ be ante-
Christian, and, indeed, of unknown antiquity. How-
ever this may be, the whole structure at Newgrange
is one of the most wonderful in the United King-
dom, far more so than any structure of the kind
ever found in England or Scotland. _ Probably Mr.
Kinahan will favour your readers with an accurate
description of Newgrange. — 0. G.

" Veronica " (Speedwell). — " Veronica " is
believed to have originated in the legend of the
Roman Catholic Church respecting the " Veronica,"
who was the same as " Berenice." The word is from
the Greek, and means a "Sacred Picture," the
blossom having been fancied to bear a representation
of the countenance of our Saviour. A handker-
chief, superstitiously believed to have belonged to
this St. Veronica, was preserved at St. Peter's, in
Rome, and is said to have been used by our Lord
on His way to the crucifixion, and to have the im-
press of the sacred lineaments. — E. E.

Late Martins. — On the 16th of November I
noticed four martins flying under the shelter of
some beech woods, near High Wycombe. Don't
you think it late for them, and do these late birds
leave England or lay up during the winter in some
hollow tree or hole in a bank ? — /. L. H.

Cats and Progs. — We had a cat which was very
fond of playing with frogs. She would hunt about
the garden until she unearthed one, and pat it on
the back until it leaped away with a loud squeak.
I have often observed her doing this, but on no
occasion did she attempt to eat the frog, and I never
could discover that she injured it in the least. —
/. P. Blackett, jun.

1 BOOKS, &c, RECEIVED.

"Climbing Plants." By C. Darwin, F.R.S. London : John
Murray.

"The History of Creation," 2 vols. By Prof. Haeckel,
edited by Prof. Ray Lankester. London : H. S.King & Co.

" Elementary Botany." By W. J. Browne, M. A. Belfast:
W. Mullan.

"Time and Time Keepers." By J. W. Benson. London:
Hardwicke.

'•Our Place among the Infinities." By R. A. Proctor.
London : H. S. King & Co.

" The Universe." By F. A. Pouchet. London : Blackie &
Son.

"The Canary Book." By R. L. Wallace. London:
" Country " Office.

"The Origin of the Stars." By Prof. Ennis. London:
Triibner & Co.

" Monthly Microscopical Journal." December.

" American Naturalist." .

" Land and Water.''

"Ben Brierley's Journal."

" Journal of Applied Science."

" Les Mondes."

24

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

To Correspondents and Exchangers.— As we now
publish Science-Gossip at least a week earlier than hereto-
fore, we cannot possibly insert in the following number any
communications which reach us later than the 8th of each
month.

F. E. S.— The specimen sent is a myriapod, not uncommon
on damp hedge-banks, called Gcophilus electricui. It has no
relation whatever with the glow-worm.

j s a.— Get Frank Buckland's work published by the
Christian Knowledge Society, entitled " Familiar History of
British Fishes," price about 5s.

P. H. G.— Many thanks for your kindly interest. The sug-
gestion shall be attended to.

G B. W.— See a note in the June No. of Science-Gossip,
page 139, headed "To Clean Corals." That will give you the
information you require. ,..,„_

R. C— It is very certain that the live frogs got into the
" cavity of the stone " by some means, although " no crevice
or fissure could be found," and equally certain that the live
frogs have not been hybernating there since the carboniferous
period, millions of years ago ! We have seen several in-
stances of "live frogs and toads" having been lound in
" solid rock," but every examination proved they had crept
there to hybernatij.

C. S. K.— You will obtain all the information you require
by addressing Mr. E. Newman, 9, Devonshire-street, Bishops-
gate.

G. G.— It is not an unusual thing to see dipterous flies and
even wasps sipping the dregs or "heel-taps" of wine-glasses.

J. p. s.— The specimen is a variety of the common Haw-
thorn (Crataegus oxyticantha), having extraordinary large
berries.

F. Coles.— The minute red fungi on the bark of the twig
sent are a species of Spharia.

W. H. B.— Get Mr. W B. Hughes's little book on " The
Management of the Marine Aquarium." (London: Van
Voorst). You will there find, on page 34, how to prepare
artificial sea-water.

r s. T.-We have not heard that spiders are fond of the
berries of the yew. Wasps have a particular liking for them,
and their sweetness probably attracts many species of fruit-
feeding flies. ' .

W. J. B. and W. K. H.— Thanks for your kindly sugges-
tions.

Bats.— Any reader of Science-Gossip, knowing any haunts
(caverns or otherwise) of bats will oblige by communicating
with " H. L.," care of the editor of Science-Gossip, 192,
Piccadilly, London.

John Turner.— The specimens forwarded in a bottle seem
to be, as regards the pteropod, most nearly allied to Limacina
antarctica, but coming from Davis Straits, in the arctic regions,
we should not expect it to be the same species. The shell
soon drops off in L. antarctica. The Crustacean is an Am-
p/iipod, and seems to be a species of Gammarus.

W. H.— We do not think Dr. Carpenter's Lecture to the
working men of Bristol during the meeting of the British
Association, on " A Piece of Limestone," has been published,
except in the Bristol newspapers during the above occasion.

Zoophytes.— The packet of eighteen different kinds of
Zoophytes, &c, sent to be named some time ago, are as
follows: — No. 1. Salicornaria farcimmoides ; 2. Sertularia
urgentea; 3, 11, and 4. Sertularia abietina with Spirorbis
nautiloides and Sertularia rosacea; 6. Sertularia cupressina;
6. Antennularia antennina ; 7- Antennularia ramosa ; 8, 13,
and 10. Flustra truncata; 9. Cellularia reptans; 12. Crisia
eburnea; 14. Membranipora pilosa ; 15. Membranipora pilosa,
Eucratea chelata, and Leporalia annulata; 16. Sertularia
pumila; 17. Cellularia avicularia ; 18. Leporalia trispinosa.

EXCHANGES.

Five foreign insects, a Prawn, and two specimens of the
common Hydrocampa, for British Crustaceans or Water-
beetles.— J. H. B. Brooke, 21, Willington.road, Stockwell,
London, S.

Rubus Chama-morus, offered for other plants.— W. J.
Hannan, 6, Tattan-street, Ashton-under-Lyne.

For a portion of wing of Bombyx Yama-inai, send a stamped
directed envelope to W. H. Gomm, 2, Oak villa, Mattock-
lane, Ealing.

The large American Silk-moth, B. cecropia, and the large
China Silk-moth, B. Dernyi, for Birds' Eggs, &c. Parties
not hearing in three or four days may conclude their offers
are not accepted.— John Thorpe, Spring- gardens, Middleton,
near Manchester.

Good Lefidoptera, also Rare and local Plants, offered for
Birds' Eggs— Wm. Jordan, Cockfield, Sudbury, Suffolk.

For Chalk-washings from Gravesend, send stamped
directed envelope to Dr. G., 3, Woodville, Gravesend.

Funaria hygrometrica, Bryum argenteum, var. lanatum,
&c, for other Mosses.— Address, Mrs. S., Brentford End,
Middlesex, W.

For six species of Zoophytes, unmounted, send other good
Microscopic Objects to R. H. Philip, 28, Prospect-street,
Hull.

Wanted, Hardy Ferns, Bulbs, or Bulbous-rooted Plants,
for Micro Slides or Material. Lists exchanged.— R. J. Lund,
26, Commercial-street, L=eds.

For pinnule of Nephrolipsis exaltata with Sori, send
stamped directed envelope to H. E. Perry, The Bank, Long
Eaton, Derbyshire.

Side-blown Eggs of Great Crested Grebe, Shag Cormorant,
Woodchat, Shrike, and Short-toed Lark, for other good (side-
blown) Eggs.— W. Petch, Heeley, Sheffield.

For specimen of Sheine (for the Polariscope), send
stamped envelope to F. Coles, 248, King's-road, S.W.

For Slide Spores of Aregma bulbosum, Bramble Brand,
mounted in damar, send good Slide to Wm. Goodacre
Cokayne, Forest-road East, Nottingham.

Sections : Four well-cut, unmounted sections (Orange,
Lemon, Pepper, and Olive Trees), for each good Slide of
Insects, Diatoms, &c, for good unmounted Material.— H. L.,
Chronicle Office, Wolverhampton.

Well-mounted Microscopic Slides, various, for others of
good quality. Lists exchanged.— J. Ford, Newbridge-cres-
cent, Wolverhampton.

Send well-mounted Slides for eight Exotic Butterflies'
Wings ; quantity of Slides for exchange. The wings all dif-
ferent, if preferred.— W. Tylar, 165, Well-street, Birmingham.
Wanted, Plants suitable for an aquarium ; will give healthy
Plants of Sundew, Drosera rotundifolia. — Address, G. T. F.
Napier, Alderley Edge, Cheshire.

Correspondents wanted abroad to exchange British
Birds' Eggs for those of foreign countries.— J. W. Dealy, 142,
Clarence- street, Sheffield.

Two Slides of Fossil Infusoria, for one of selected and
named Diatoms.— Thomas Lisle, Villers-street, Wolverhamp-
ton.

A Collection of Chalk Fossils of about forty specimens,
containing Wood, Teeth, and Bone, for a good Microscope.—
H. B., Castle Acre, Brandon, Norfolk.

Cladophora rectanguluris, Sphacelaria sertularia, and
various interesting fruited and diatom-laden Marine Alga?,
mounted in balsam and other mediums, or for herbarium, or
prepared for mounting in Balsam; and other interesting
Material, including Foraminifera, Diatoms, Zoophytes, Star-
fish, Scorpion Crabs, Holothuria, Parasites, &c, for Polari-
scope, Slides, &c— T. McGann, Burrin, co. Clare.

A well-mounted Slide of Uric Acid Crystals will be for-
warded for any other really well-mounted Slide.— Address,
J. C. T., 4, Lord-street, Liverpool.

Many American deposits of Diatomaceae, for others, Slides
and recent Gatherings; Moron Earth wanted.— Dr. A. M.
Edwards, Newark, N.J , U.S.

For exchange or otherwise, a 4-in. object-glass by Ross,
and an Achromatic Condenser, in perfect order.— Apply to
Rev. J. Bramhall, St. John's Vicarage, near Lynn, Norfolk.

A Baker's Erecting Prism and a very fine Tourmaline, for
a Webster's Condenser, a Swiss Condenser, Kelner Eye-piece,
and a Polariscope.— W. Statham, Green Bank, Shottle, near
Derby.

Mounted Specimens of Globigerina, Spines of Echini, &c,
from the Porcuvine soundings, for various unmounted Micro-
scopic Material. — C. P. Ogilivie, Size well House, Leiston,
Suffolk.

Wanted, 7, 11, 164, 375,626,832, 1359,1361, 1362, 1596,for
79, 165, 169, 173, 234, 835, 1284, 1387, 1391, )595, 7th edition
Lon. Cat.— F. H. Arnold, Fishbourne, Chichester.

Offered: 60, 85, 120, 182, 512, 776, 1006, 1471, 1513,
Petasites atbus, Poa sudetica, &c, for 5, 25, 32, 62, 119, 255,
353, 564, 593, 59S, 600, 698, 737, 907,997, H05, 1222, 1223, 1305,
1370, 1410, 14S4. 1552, 1553, 1564, 1577 and b, 1597, 1655, 1656,
&c, Lon. Cat., 7th edition ; also Lowland for Alpine Willows. —
A. Brotherston, Shedden Park-road, Kelso, N.B.

Communications Received up to 12th ult. from : —
G. G.— F. K.— J. F.— J. B. B.— G. H. K.— W. K. B.— E. E.—
F. E. S.— J. R. S. C— C. H. M— W. P.— E. L.— W. E.—
F. A. A.— M. M.— J. B.— H. T. R.— T. J.— T. B. L.— J. P. B.
— F. C— W. H. G.-J. H. U.— E. M.— B. B.-G. O. H.—
C. L— A. H. S— R. F. K.— Dr. A. M. E.— P. H. G.— A. M.—
T. L. C.-F. G. H.-C. D.— H. C. C. M.-S M. P.-G. A. S —
R. J. L.-J. F. R.-J. T.-G. B. W.-G. M. D.-A. P.-J. B.
— C. W. S.-J. B. B.-R. C.-H. C. R.-C. S. K—G. S. F. N.
— R. W.-T. Q. C. -W. S. A— W. B.— Dr. G— T. L.— J. C. T.
— S. W. D.— A. J. R. S — F. H. A.— R H. P.— W. S.— A. F. M.

F W.— T. G. P.— H. P. M.— J. H. B.— G. G.— A. J.—

J. P. S.-C. W. S -J. E. L.-T. G. P. V.— W. T.-D. N.—
A. B.— R. F..— F. C.-W. G.-J. F.— H L.-B. B. W.- E. W.
-T. McG.-G. H. H.-H. E. P.-J. P. B.-W. P.-Dr. P. Q. K.
-H. F., jun.-W. H.1B.-R. S. T.-T. T.-T. E.-F. C— E. H.
— M. S.-J. B.-W. J.-L. L. B.-R. T. L.-W. H.-G. E.—
N. P.- E. B. S.— H. E. W.— W. H.-F. H. W.— &c. &c.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

25

HISTOEY OF OUR CULTIVATED VEGETABLES.

No. XV.— THE CARDOON (Cynara cardimculus) .

r^^>.

5? HE Cardoon, or
Chardoon, be-

longs to the
same class and
jj* order as the
Artichoke,
which it very
much resem-
bles, but is of a larger and
more regular growth. It is a
native of Candia and the South
of Europe, but we have no
notice of its cultivation in
our current authors. It was
introduced into England about
1683, and first cultivated by
Mr. James Sutherland. Par-
kinson, in his " Pardis,"
states that he was assured by
John Tradescante that he saw
three acres of land about Brussels planted with this
vegetable, the leaves of which the owners whifced
like endive, and soli there in winter. Townsend,
in his Tour through Spain in 1786, mentions that in
some parts of that country they never use rennet
for cheese, but substitute the down from Cynara
cardimculus, from which they make a strong infu-
sion over-night, and next morning they mix half-a-
pint to fourteen gallons of milk warm from the cow.
In the present day the French peasantry carefully
dry in the shade the flowers of this plant, and of the
artichoke, to use for the same purpose. Cardoons are
cultivated for the table in many parts of the Continent,
but not much esteemed in England, as it is stated
they are rather troublesome to grow in this climate,
and depend so much on the skill of the cook to
render them palatable.

John Baubin affirms that the Cardoon is a hybrid
plant, or mule from the seed of the common arti-
choke.
No. 134.

This plant has the same name, with slight varia-
tions, in several languages of Europe : as Kardouen,
Kardon, Cardone, and Cardon.

No. XVI.-THE JERUSALEM OR GROUND
ARTICHOKE {lleliantlms tuherosus).

This plant is a production of the warmer parts of
the Western hemisphere, and consequently unknown
to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Sir James
Smith says, in his "Introduction to Botany," that the
name of this vegetable is a corruption of the Italian,
name Girasole Articiocco (Sunflower Artichoke), and
was first brought from Peru to Italy, and thence
propagated throughout Europe. This tuber, which
is more agreeable than profitable, was first cultivated
in England during the reign of James I., as we are
informed that in the year 1617 Mr. John Goodyer
received two small tubers, not bigger than a hen's
e%g, from Mr. Pranqueville, of London; one he
planted, and the other he gave to a friend. His own
brought him a peck of tubers, wherewith he stored
Hampshire ; but he remarks that they are meat more
fit for swine than men. This note bore the date of
October 17, 1621. Erom this it appears that this
vegetable was introduced into England by the
Erench, who met with them in Canada, as Parkinson,
writing in 1629, mentions them under the head of
Battatus de Canada, the Erench Battatus, or
Jerusalem Artichokes. Coles also, whose work
was printed only forty years after they were known
in this country, called them the Potatoes of Canada ;
but we are informed in Martyn's edition of Miller,
that "they were so called because the French
brought them first out of Canada into these parts ;
not that Canada is their original country, for they
are unquestionably the produce of a hot climate,
being natives of Brazil."

In Parkinson's time they used to be baked in pies
with marrow, dates, ginger, raisins, larks, &c, but

c

26

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

the facility with which they increased by cultivation
made them so plentiful and cheap in London that
even the common people despised them, although
when first introduced they were said to be a dainty fit
for a queen. In the " Bath Society Papers," vol. iv.,
Mr. Nehemiah Bartley.near Bristol, in 1787, gives an
account of some experiments he made in cultivating
this plant as an agricultural crop, and states they
are about equal in value to potatoes for feeding
youug pigs. But their chief recommendations are
the certainty of a crop, as they will flourish in
almost any soil— in the corners of fields and other
waste places. Under favourable circumstances,
ten to twelve tons per acre have been grown.

The stems of this plant grow to a considerable
height, and their fibre might probably be found
valuable for making paper ; the leaves are stated
to contain nitre. In the tubers a chemical sub-
stance is found, called Inuline, which is organized,
according to Raspail, like common starch, but
stands, to a certain extent, in opposition to that
substance, which it replaces in the root system of
the composition, and has not been detected in any
other tribe. Iodine gives it a yellow tint. Inuline
was discovered by Valentine Rose in 1804. The
Jerusalem Artichoke multiplies very quickly, and is
with difficulty cleared out of the land where it has
once been planted. It very seldom blossoms in this
temperate climate ; the flowers resemble a small
sunflower.

Hampden G. Glasspoole.

NAVAL NATURAL HISTORY.

/"\N first going to sea, now many years ago, fresh
^ from college, and with that usual smattering
of natural history which our medical students then
received — consisting, for the most part, of long words,
the meaning of which was not always clear to them —
I was frequently astonished to find how little I
knew of the popular aspect of the science which was
my favourite stud}-, and had sometimes to blush for
my ignorance before the old ,: salts " on board, more
especially as to my knowledge of ichthyology. Such
occasions have led me to think that did the pro-
fessor of natural history take a hint from his bo-
tanical colleagues, and institute excursions, say to
Billingsgate or the Brighton Aquarium, once or
twice during the session, he would teach more on
his fish subjects than he possibly can from the mum-
mified or wizened-looking specimens which he ex-
hibits in the class-room ; or, at all events, the
student would learn more of the popular names of
his " subjects," which he would find of infinite use in
pursuing his after-studies.

The man-of-war's-man is a good practical natural
historian ; and as the entomologist and botanist may
learn many things from the children in the green

lanes and by the hedgerows, so the lovers of the fish
world often find valuable instructors in the working
fisherman or the old sailor. But " Jack's " natural
history is not exactly that of the schools ; at least
not of the modern schools. His is more of the
Gilbert White type— a few plain, well-ascertained
facts, a little mythology, and a terse vernacular
nomenclature, constituting his stock-in-trade. His
learning is chiefly of a traditional order ; for although,
he has roamed over the world, and mayhap spent a
quarter of a century on the " briny " without having
ever seen a sea-serpent, yet his faith in the existence
of the great " ichthyophidiau" is unbounded ; for " Did
not all hands see it on board of the old Dsedalus?"
His classification is not quite modern, for no amount
of argument would convince him that a whale is not
simply a " big fish "; indeed, not long since, a post-
captain in the Royal Navy openly challenged the
writer for proofs to the contrary. Their nomencla-
ture, too, is sadly defective; the term dolphin, for
instance, may signify one of three animals, two of
them belonging to widely different genera ; but it is
only an advanced individual who applies this term to
the long-snouted cetacean Delphinus. The porpoises
and dolphins which disport themselves round the
ship in shoals, are variously termed "grampuses,"
" porpuses," or " bottlenoses," and it is for the
scomberoid Coryphene that the term "dolphin" is
usually reserved by sailors. Of " black fish" there
are many ; two belong to the Scomberidse, Scomber
thynnus, or the well-known Tunny-fish, and Centra-
tophus morio, a spindle-shaped fish about eighteen
inches long, sometimes found on our own coasts,
and which is perhaps best entitled to the appellation,
being of a blackish colour on the body, with in-
tensely black dorsal fins. Two Atlantic P/iyseler
tursio and Grampus Cuvieri, and two Pacific delphi-
noids, Globiocephalus intermedins and G. macroryhn-
cus, also answer to the name, the latter being the
" black fish " of the South Sea whalers ; but the
animal to which the term is most commonly applied
is, no doubt, Cuvier's grampus. The young natu-
ralist in the Mediterranean will not always recognize
his ".flying-fish" in the spiny-finned Bactylopterus,
which can be said to "fly " through courtesy alone;
this attribute being properly applied to one of the
Pike family, Exocatusvolitans, which both astonishes
and amuses by its long, rapid, and graceful flights
when evading its pursuers ; and, apropos of this fish,
of wbich probably more has been written than of
any other, 1 believe I have myself observed, and
have been confirmed in my observations by many
intelligent seamen, that the Exoccetus not only has
the power of altering the direction of its flight
whilst in the air, but is also able to rise from a
lower to a higher altitude without cither re-
entering the water or wetting its wings. This,
however, has long been a disputed matter.

Collingwood, in his " Wanderings of a Natu-

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOS SIP.

27

ralist," eaters fully into the subject, aud shows that
the curve described by the fish in its aerial course
is not a parabolic one, which it would be were the
primary impetus the sole force expended, and there
is certainly nothing either in its specific gravity,
length of pectoral fins, or muscular development,
from which we can prima facie deny the power,
albeit limited, of true flight to this harassed denizen
of the deep. However, further observation would
be welcome on this qiicestio vexata.

The term "Portuguese man-of-war," although
generally referring to Physalia, is also, and com-
monly, in the Mediterranean applied to the more
highly-organized Argonaut, Paper Nautilus, or Paper
Sailor, as it is called ; and here I think the blue-
jacket gives the more sensible appellation, for whilst
the former animal is powerless against the wind
and the tides, the latter can hoist its sails, with out-
spread tentacles " paddle its own canoe," aud like
some of our modern ironclads even settle into the
depths of the ocean upon slight provocation !

How many "devil-fishes " there are I have not
yet determined, — probably a good score ; the title to
the rank being earned apparently by anything big
and ugly. In England the sailor- applies the term
to the Lopkius piscatorivs, or Angler, also to the
Octopus and larger cuttles ; but probably his original
devil-fish is the Cephaloptera, or Horned Ray, an
animal which, from its grotesque appearance, enor-
mous power, and savageness when attacked, perhaps
best deserves the name. In the Gulf of Mexico
much sport is to be had in harpooning these fish,
the strength of some being so great as to enable
them to tow a man-of-war's gig with a crew of four
or five men at a very considerable speed. Their
vitality, too, is very great ; I have seen them almost
hacked to pieces before life became extinct, and on
one occasion was towed a considerable distance in
a large boat by one which had been thrice trans-
fixed with a cutlass, and afterwards lost by its
tearing itself from the harpoon.

Another large cetacean belonging to the genus
Rata, met with in Jamaica and adjacent islands, also
receives the common name of " devil-fish."

Although belonging to different genera and having
well-known distinguishing marks, shrimps and
prawns are almost convertible terms with seamen,
the former name being applied to the smaller
prawns, and the latter crustaceans when attaining
a large size, as in the East Indies, become dignified
by the name of Crayfish.

But, as I have said, Jack has no regard for classi-
fication or the dogmas of the schools, nor does his
"master" much foster a study, the prosecution of
which in a practical form is perhaps more easy for
him than for any other class not endowed with
wealth and abundant leisure. It is but too true, as
a recent writer has remarked, that naval officers
have been far outstripped in their contributions to

natural science by their brethren in the mercantile
service ; and we had hoped that when that magnifi-
cent pile at Greenwich was converted into an educa-
tional establishment for the Royal Navy, a niche
might have been found for the study of "Nature."

Robert Nelson, R.N.

THE MICROSCOPE AND MICROSCOPIC
WORK.

No. II— By E. Kitton.

TTAVING briefly described our workman's tools,
*--*- we will endeavour to give some idea of the
work he did with them.

Our readers must not suppose that Leeuwenhoek
ever wrote a book on " microscopy." He used his
microscopes to enable him to see more of the struc-
ture of a plant or animal than the unassisted eye
would permit him to do ; and that is all a scientific
man does at this present time. Microscopes, in fact,
are nothing more than complicated spectacles, and
often not half so trustworthy.

One of the subjects he treats upon is "the Oak."
The following is the heading to the chapter : —
" The Nature of its Production ; the different
Degrees of Goodness in Oak Timber, and the Causes
of that Difference ; the Author's Opinion as to the
proper Season for felling Timber."

This chapter is illustrated by several copperplate
engravings of magnified sections (transverse and
longitudinal), all of them admirably executed. The
figure of a portion of a transverse section is 11 in.
in length and 4 in. in breadth, the actual size of the
fragment being £ of an iuch long and -^ broad, an
amplification of about 72 diameters. " This species
of timber tree has five different kinds of vessels,
three rising perpendicularly, and two extending or
spreading horizontally. The insides of these vessels
are full of a kind of vesicles or little bladders, com-
posed of very thin membranes or skins. The second
sort of these perpendicular vessels is much smaller,
and is also composed of exceeding fine membranes
intermixed with a kind of spots which, by the micro-
scope, appear to my eye like globules or little balls.
The third kind of these perpendicular vessels is
exceedingly small, but in great numbers ; likewise
composed of excessively minute membranes. All
the perpendicular vessels, which are found in so
small a piece as that before represented, and which
in size is about the ninetieth part cf a square
inch, do amount in number, in my opinion, to
twenty thousand. So that an oak tree of four feet
in circumference contains, according to my com-
putation, more than three thousand two hundred
millions of these perpendicular vessels.

"These perpendicular vessels do for the most
part infuse or instil their juices into other vessels
which are almost innumerable, lying in a horizontal

c 2

28

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

position in the tree, and by means of which its bulk
or thickness is daily increased. These vessels are
of two sorts ; one sort of these horizontal vessels,
which originally, or at the first formation of the
plant, are derived from the marrow or pith in the
centre of it, but afterwards in great numbers take
their origin from the perpendicular vessels.

" These vessels appear to my eye like dark streaks
(when seen in a transverse section), but, in order to
examine them more closely, I cut a piece of wood
lengthwise, so that they were cut exactly across,
and then each of them appeared to be formed of
five, six, or even seven vessels joined one to another,
and intermixed among the perpendicular vessels.

" The other sort of horizontal vessels lie in great
numbers or clusters closely joined to each other,
though not evenly diffused through the wood."

Leeuwenhoek's figure represents a series of
elongated cells, and he says, " I have in many
places drawn cross-lines to represent what I con-
ceive to be minute valves, and although I could not
see them so distinctly as here they are drawn, yet I
cannot doubt of their existence, having frequently
seen these valves in other woods, and particularly
very distinctly in the elm ; besides it seems very
evident to me that without such valves the tree
could not be increased in bulk on account of the
great force required to separate and loosen the bark
from the tree in the time of spring, and also for the
bursting open of the bark to allow for the growth
and increase of the wood."

The remainder of the chapter is taken up with
remarks on the value of .various kinds of oak
timber deduced from his microscopical observations,
all of which tend to show that he made his micro-
scopes subservient to the particular study he was
then engaged in.

His observations on the oak are succeeded by a
discourse on the microscopic structure of fir : " The
different Degrees of Goodness in Fir Timber ; how
discoverable; the minute Vessels which enter into
the Composition of this Tree described at large."
It is unnecessary to give any extracts from this
article, as it is similar to those already given. He
gives a very good figure of the dotted ducts which
be discovered. Tne minuteness of these vessels
astonishes him, and he scarcely expects to be be-
lieved by those who have not seen them. He con-
cludes by observing, " These discoveries of mine
respecting the smallness or thinness of the vessels
or tubes composing the substance of trees may not
easily be credited by many, as not comprehending
how, by reason of their exceeding smallness, any
juice or iiquor can possibly pass through them, and
what is more difficult to conceive, how, through such
vessels ascending perpendicularly, any nutritive sub-
stances can be derived from the root of the tree to
the extremities of the upper branches.

" But as, on the one hand, it is out of the reach

of our finite capacities to comprehend the extent of
the Universe, so, on the other, we are equally
unable to conceive the minuteness of the vessels
and component parts of which not only animals but
also vegetables are formed ; and much less how the
parts of matter are united together, or how one
part grows out of or is added to another."

Leeuwenhoek was opposed to the theory of
equivocal or spontaneous generation, as explaining
the sudden appearance of living organisms where,
apparently, they had not previously existed. The
heterogenists have been driven from one stronghold
to another, until they have only the Bacteria to fall
back upon.

Fig:. 11. Leeuwenhoek's figure of the Beak or Trunk of a Weevil.
"L, M. R is part of the head; N, the proboscis (which is not
so straight as here pictured, but appears bent down when
seen sideways) ; O, the month, showing: pincers or teeth.
Within this mouth are two piercers or stings, one of which
is seen in the figure. S, T are the two horns."

Leeuwenhoek, in his chapter on the Weevil, or
corn-beetle, says : " I have heard it strongly argued
that the weevil, or corn-beetle (which is a very
noxious insect, well known to the corndealers and
bakers in this country), is produced by what is
called equivocal or spontaneous generation, that is
to say, from inanimate substances without any
parent. The principal reasons alleged in support of
this opinion are, that we often find this insect in a
new granary where never wheat was kept before,
and therefore it is deemed a necessary conclusion
that such weevils are not propagated by the ordi-
nary course of generation. Again, it is said that
we may open many grains of wheat which are
sound and uninjured, so that no mark of a perfo-
ration or hole shall be discernible on the outside,
yet within these grains shall be found perfectly
formed and living weevils."

To this Leeuwenhoek replies that, although the
granary might be new and free from the insect, yet
the men who removed the corn, or the ship, waggon,
or cart, employed to carry the corn might be in-
fected with weevils by having carried grain on
which they abound, and thus, from a few of those
insects multitudes may be produced by the ordinary
course of generation.

In order to demonstrate the truth of this, he

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

2<>

requested some of those who advocated the spon-
taneous generation theory to procure him some
weevils, and accordingly, on the 13th of March, he
received some grains of wheat (many of which had
their insides eaten away) mixed with weevils.

The following is Leeuwenhoek's description of
his experiments. " I took three glasses, in each of
which I put six, eight, or nine weevils, and eight,
ten, or twelve grains of wheat, which wheat I was
the more assured could not be infected because it
had been kept for several months closely covered up
in my study. In the fourth glass I put some weevils
without any wheat, but this last mode of experiment
I afterwards rejected, observing that in twelve days
they all died. As to the other three glasses, the
weather being cold and observing the animals for
the most part to be motionless, I put them into a
leather case which I always carried about me. And
I had no doubt but I should clearly prove to all
that the weevil proceeds from a maggot, for which
reason I frequently examined these objects by the
microscope.

" I at first entertained an opinion that the weevil,
like the silkworm moth and many other insects, did
not, while in that shape, take any food ; but herein
I found myself mistaken, and observed that the
weevil not only feeds upon wheat, but that it can
excavate or scoop out the contents of every grain
and creep about in the inside, being provided with
a beak or trunk of a great length in proportion to
the size of the body, at the extremity of which are
certain exceedingly small orgaus or instruments like
teeth, and with these it can bore or pierce through
the outward husk or shell of the wheat, and thus
open to itself a passage to devour the contents."

After the lapse of a fortnight he observed the
impregnation of a female weevil, and in about two
months his patience was rewarded by the discovery
of two short and thick little maggots, one of them
about the size of a large grain of sand ; and on
examining other grains of wheat by the aid of a
microscope, he observed minute punctures, and on
opening the wheat he found a perfectly-formed
weevil of a yellow colour. Upon dissecting a female,
he found five white eggs. He gives figures of the
egg maggot " beak or trunk," and part of the head
showing the compound eyes, and which he com-
pares to ".a parcel of very minute black coral beads
placed in exact order close together, and this I con-
cluded to be one of the eyes.

" I trust that these experiments and observations
will prove that weevils cannot be produced otherwise
than by propagation and laying eggs, from which
eggs maggots proceed, and finally those maggots
are changed into weevils."

He seems — to use a cant phrase — to have been
" exercised " by the incredulity of the " vulgar," as
will be seen from the following remarks : — " But
whether the vulgar will be hereby convinced of the

error of their opinion in this respect I much doubt,
being continually pestered with their objections to
what I have advanced. It is, however, with me a
certain truth that what I have demonstrated re-
specting the weevil— namely, that it cannot be
produced otherwise than by generation — does also
hold good with regard to all creatures endued with
life and motion. Probably what lI here advance
may appear strange to some, and they may, perhaps,
wish me to inquire into the propagation of other
minute animals; but for the present 1 leave tire
prosecution of these matters to those who may
choose to bestow as much labour thereon as I have
done in this examination of the weevil, assuring
them that my observations are the result of more
than four mouths' application to the subject."

Leeuwenhoek's microscopic studies will generally
be found to have had a practical bearing. After
his examination of the infected wheat and the
weevil, he advises the frequent shifting of the grain,
which he says will prevent the multiplication of this
pest ; and he gives the following reasons for this
advice:— " Supposing one of these insects to have
pierced and prepared two or three grains ready to
deposit its eggs, and soon after the corn is moved
or spread about, the animal, when it is ready to lay
an egg, finding no grain prepared to receive it, must
leave such egg on the outside of the corn, where the
young maggot, when hatched, will be in the same
situation as seed sown in barren land, and, con-
sequently, must perish. But if such corn is undis-
turbed the weevil may multiply in a great degree
by depositing its eggs in the grains fully prepared
to receive them, and which may be considered as so
many nests for the reception of the young."

Leeuwenhoek does not, however, long refrain
from combating the heterogenists. His essay on
the weevil is succeeded by one " On the Maggot or
Caterpillar infesting Corn in granaries ; the Nature
of its Generation explained, and the means to pre-
vent its increase pointed out."

" Having, as I hope, by my observations on the
weevil, convinced mankind that it is propagated in
the ordinary way of generation, I have since em»
ployed myself on the examination of that insect or
maggot which our bakers and corn-dealers name dc
wolf." * This creature is a very small white maggot5
provided with pincers and teeth placed on the fore
part of its head, by which it not only feeds on and
consumes wheat and other grain, but also can per-
forate or gnaw holes in wood. The common opinion
is that it is produced from corruption or else from
what is called "blight." In order to refute this
"vulgar error," he carries on a series of experi-
ments similar to those described in the essay
on the weevil; and he found that the maggot

* " The Wolf, " From a note it appears that this pest was
scarcely known in England.

30

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSir.

developed into a small moth, which, he says, " are
very pretty objects to behold; the wings, which are
four in number, being while, sprinkled all over with
black spots ; and on examining them with the micro-
scope I found that this whiteness proceeded from
the white feathers on the wings, and that the black
spots were caused by other feathers which were
black on the edges. Although I examined some
thousands of these feathers, they were all so dif-
ferently formed that I canuot say I saw two exactly
alike. All of them, although so very minute, have
quills like the feathers of birds, by which they are
fixed or rooted in the membrane that forms the
wing, and so completely cover it that it canuot be
seen."

Here Leuweeuhoek's microscope played him
false or his imagination misled him, for as we now
know, the butterfly or moth scales exhibit a totally
different structure to the feathers of birds. The
figures of these scales represent them as having a
quill to which barbs are attached precisely as they
occur in the feathers of humming-birds.

The great Dutchman concludes this essay with
the following remarks : — " Can any man in his sober
senses imagine that this moth, of which I have given
the description, which is fitly provided by nature
with the means to propagate its species, furnished
with eyes exquisitely formed, with horns, with tufts
of feathers on its head, with wings covered with
such multitudes of feathers all of different shapes,
and these exactly covering the wings in every part —
can this mo'h, I say, adorned with so many beauties,
be produced from corruption ? For, in a word, in
this little creature, contemptible as it seems to us,
there shines forth so much perfection and skill in
the formation as to exceed what we observe in
larger animals."

{To be continued?)

THE ORIGIN OF THE GREENSAND.

<< * * * now ^ it is not a fact that greensands of the Cre-
taceous epoch are always composed of foraminiferal casts, it
is time that the statement of Ehrenberg, endorsed so unre-
servedly by Carpenter, should be challenged. "--S. A.Stewart,
in Science-Gossip fur Nov., 1875, p. 243.

rpHE author of the note on " Greensand and its
■*■ Origin," from which the above sentence is
extracted, severely censures Dr. Carpenter for
accepting the statement that the greensand grains,
so constantly met with at the base of the Upper
Cretaceous series, are for the most part internal
casts of Foraminiuifera in glauconite.

Now I have no doubt that Dr. Carpenter can
very well defend himself, and can give, as indeed he
has elsewhere given, very excellent reasons for so
unreservedly endorsing Ehrenberg's observation;
but as he may not think it worth his while to notice
the errors and assumptions visible in Mr. Stewart's

paper, I beg leave to offer a few observations on the
subject ; for as it is a fact that some greensands do
mainly consist of foraminiferal casts, the general
denial thereof by Mr. Stewart should not pass
unchallenged.

In the first place I think Mr. Stewart has been
misled by the expression used by Dr. Carpenter in
the particular paper he quotes, viz., " the greensand
deposit of the Cretaceous epoch." It is indeed
rather a loose statement, since greensand beds
occur at many horizons in the series, not at one
only, as this might be understood to mean ; but
any one who has read Dr. Carpenter's other papers
on the subject would know that he is, of course,
fully aware of this well-known fact.

If Mr. Stewart's argument were that all green-
sands have not yet been proved to have a forami-
niferal origin, and consequently that we should be
cautious in taking for granted that they have all
been formed in the same way, there would be some
reason in it ; but no such discretion is to be found
in his communication; on the contrary, he denies
the fact in toto, and says : " The assumption that the
greensand is formed of casts of Foraminifera should
be rejected for the following reasons : —
" 1st. Foraminiferal shells do occur plentifully and
uninjured in the English greensand ; ergo,
there is no cause for assuming the wholesale
destruction of calcareous shells in that epoch.
"2nd. Calcareous tests of mollusca have re-
mained ; casts are rare in the greensand.
" 3rd and conclusive. The grains of glauconite in
the Irish greensand, when examined with the
microscope, show no real resemblance to
Foraminifera."
My first criticism on these objections is that, sup.
posing the statements they contain to be true, they
are apparently all founded on the assumption that
if certain fossil organisms do not exist in one
locality, there/ore they cannot exist in any .other
locality ; and I submit that such logic is hardly
defensible.

With regard to the first of these arguments,
Mr. Stewart is quite correct in stating the existence
of calcareous shells in the Cambridge greensand*
but he has apparently overlooked the published fact
that glauconitic casts of the same also occur in great
abundance. For this I may refer him to papers by
Mr. W. J. Sollas, in the Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc,
xxviii. p. 397, and in the Geol. Ma//., vol. x. From
the former 1 extract the following remarks as being
both explanatory and conclusive.

"From the resemblance of most of the green
grains to the Foraminifera found with them, from
their rough parallelism in size, from the appearance
of many of the grains when sections are made of
them, and from the occurrence of glauconite casts
in the interior of the original Foraminifera, we
must attribute to the green grains a foraminiferal

HAIiDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

31

origiu. That this has not been determined by pre-
vious observers is partly due to the use of acid,
after Ehrenberg' s directions, in preparing the sand;
this of course would obliterate the calcareous lines
which distinguish the lobations. The silica and
various silicates mingled with the glauconite grains
must have thrown the analysis of these grains
hopelessly wrong."

Taking now Mr. Stewart's second objection, that
the calcareous tests of mollusca have remained, and
that casts are rare in the greensand,— according to
the context this should refer to the English green-
sand, and such a statement sounds somewhat
strange to any one acquainted with the fauna of the
Cambridge bed, the greater part of which, or some
two hundred species, are only found in the state of
phosphatic casts; it is true I regard these as
derived by erosion from the gault ; the fact never-
theless remains that they are now in the greensand
or chloritic marl, which here forms the basement
bed ot the chalk.

Again, take the chloritic marl of the Isle of
Wight. Here casts are CDtnmon, some fossils, such
as the Ammonites, rarely retaining their calcareous
tests, while those shells that do remain, such as
those of the Lamellibranck Molluscs, have always
lost their internal nacreous layer, so that any traces
of the hinge or internal muscular impressions are
rarely visible. This is indeed the ordinary state of
shells in many glauconitic and all chalk strata, and
I x-egard it as a very significant fact, which may
possibly find its explanation in that very presence
of carbonic acid in excess at great depths, which
Dr. Carpenter and others have suggested to account
for the removal of the foraminiferal shells on the
sea-bottom.

The third reason (which Mr. Stewart regards as
conclusive !) simply amounts to the fact that the
Irish glauconite grains, though carefully examined
by himself and Mr. Wright, show no resemblance
to Foraminifera. This may be so, and it is of course
worth ascertaining; possibly, however, acid has
been used in these examinations, which, as Mr.
Sollas has pointed out, increases the difficulty of
recognizing their true origin. And even suppos-
ing that these Irish greensands are not composed
of foraminiferal casts, I fail to see how that is a
conclusive objection to their forming the main con-
stituent of other greensands.

It is not necessary for Dr. Carpenter's argument
that all greensands should be so constituted ; it i
sufficient for him that such should frequently be the
case ; and of this there can, I think, be little doubt,
if Mr. Stewart will accept the statements of other
authorities in the scientific world.

Besides the testimony of Professor Ehrenberg and
Mr. Sollas regarding greensands, Professor Bailey, of
the United States, was the first to ascertain that
the process was going on at the present time in

the Gulf of Mexico. Dr. Carpenter has also obtained
such casts both from dredgings in the iEgean and
from Mr. Jukes's Australian dredgings (see a paper
in Proc. Roy. Soc, 1875, p. 2-12). Lastly, I may
quote from a paper read before the Geological
Association last year (p. 2i) : "The observations
recently made in the ' Challenger ' show that all
along the line of the Agulhas current there is a
greensand covering the bottom. Now, as Pro-
fessor W. Thomson says, we should simply have
noted this as greensand if we had not had in our
mind the observations of Professor Ehrenberg.
Looking at this greensand with a microscope, we
are able at once to recognize the grains as. almost
entirely the internal casts of Foraminifera."

With regard to the question raised by Dr. Car-
penter as to whether the absence of the shells is
attributable to mechanical abrasion or chemical
solution, I am inclined to think that sometimes one
cause, sometimes the other, has been in operation.
In the Cambridge greensand it is, 1 think, chiefly
due to abrasion, the co-existence of shells and casts
in that bed being thus accounted for. Supposing
them both to have been contemporaneous with its
deposition, it is difficult to see why some should be
in the state of casts, and others retain their shells in
aperfect and uninjured state ; but on the hypothesis
that the latter only belong, so to speak, to the indi-
genous fauna, while the former have been derived
from the Upper Gault, their association in so thin a
bed receives a perfectly natural explanation.

It would, perhaps, have been more prudent
in Mr. fctewart to have asked for informa-
tion on the subject, rather than to have given an
unqualified denial to observations which are made
by competent men, and he is especially unfortunate
in remarking that "hasty generalizations are the
greatest fault of our times, and it is to be deprecated
that erroneous statements should go forth under the
sanction of high authorities in the scientific world."
1 most cordially agree with this sentiment, and the
present communication has sprung from a similar
wish, viz., that erroneous statements and hasty
generalizations should not be put forward by any
one professing to be a scientific man.

Cambridge. A. J. Jukes Bkowne.

" It has often been vaguely asserted that plants
are distinguished from animals by not having the
same power of movement. It should rather be said
that plants acquire and display this power only when
it is of seme advantage to them ; this being of com-
paratively rare occurrence, as they are affixed to the
ground, and food is brought to them by the air and
rain. We see how high in the scale of organization
a plant may rise, when we look at one of the more
perfect tendril-bearers."— Darwin on the "Move-
merit and Habit of Climbing Plants."

32

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

THE SNAPPING TURTLE.

(Chelydra serpentina.)

EROM my study window I have an unbroken
view of a broad expanse of meadow, dotted
here and there by single huge hickories, a willow
hedge, and margined beyond by the broad expanse
of the Delaware river. Of various levels, some
of the lower tracts are always wet, and for many
weeks of each year wholly submerged. While I
now write (Oct.) such is the case; and the few
acres of meadow, now a shallow pond, that glistens
and gleams like gold while bathed in the mellow
light of the setting sun, attracts by its beauty troops
of noisy herons, that eagerly pursue the great bull-
frog (Ram pipiens) ; and that, too, has a charm for

interesting history, being much more active and
intelligent (?) than the four species found associated
with it here in New Jersey.* For an idea of its
general appearance, I refer the reader to the illus-
tration, calling attention particularly to the neck,
which is capable of being extended to a considerable
length, and with so sudden a movement, that the
animal gives one the idea of a serpent concealed in
a shell rather than of a turtle. A specimen kept
for several months in an aquarium, I noticed always
withdrew its head when it noticed a fish approach-
ing, and at the same time slowly elevated its whole
body by its fore feet; then, if the fish came near
enough, the neck was suddenly (literally, as quick
as lightning) lengthened, and the object seized.
Once the powerful jaws are closed upon the victim,
nothing can force the turtle to relax his hold.

Fig 12. Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina).

timid wood-ducks (Aix sponsa) that cut the still
waters as they speed along and vie with the sunset
in their brilliancy of colour. All that is now in view
seems full of active life, and brilliant with a wasteful
wealth of colour. What of beneath the waters ?

As I watch the surface of the pond, I see ever
and anon a small black dot, as it were, upon the
surface, moving quite irregularly about. Forward,
sidewise, backward, and then disappearing, only to
reappear, and again as restlessly to move about.
Small as the dot is, as seen from my window, it is
given a wide berth in its peregrinations; for the
ducks swim rapidly off if it approaches them, and it
is no tempting morsel to the herons, for they pass
it by however near it may come. This black dot is,
in reality, the pointed snout of the " snapper " — our
fiercest and largest turtle — the Chelydra serpentina
of naturalists.

Zoologically considered, this turtle has a most

Even decapitation will not avail for some time.
Absurd as it may seem, it nevertheless is true that
the head of this turtle, after decapitation, will retain
sufficient vitality (?) to maintain a firm hold upon
the object seized for several hours. And judging
from the eyes, which remain open and bright, this
severed head is conscious up to the last. My own

* In central New Jersey, there are four species of water
turtles, two of which are exceedingly abundant; and all four,
far more than the snapper, love to bask in the sun, during
summer and early autumn. These four species are the
" Stinking Turtle " (Ozotheca odorata) ; the Painted Turtle
(Chrysemys picta) ; the Spotted Turtle (Nanemys guttata), and
the Red-bellied Turtle [Calemys Muhlenbergii). The first and
third mentioned are the most numerous, inhabiting every
pond that contains fish, their principal food. The Painted
Turtle and " Red-belly " are now less common than formerly,
both being sought alter by restaurant keepers, who palm
them off on their customers as "Terrapin " (Malacoclemys
palustru), but no cookery, however skilful, can deceive those
who are accustomed to the " genuine article. "

HAUDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

33

experiments indicate apparent life in the head, if not
actual, for from six to twenty hours, according to
the size of the animal; the older specimens living
longer than younger ones.

When on land, the snapper seems to be quite at
home, although his muvements are very awkward.
But considering that it can travel " on foot " quite
expeditiously, the ir.aiiuer of walking is really less
awkward than it appears. " He moves along with
head and neck stretched out, moving them to and
fro, as he proceeds, as though inspecting the ground
as he goes. His walk is said to resemble that of
our alligator ; like them falling now and then on his
sternum to rest, and then proceeding." (Holbrook.)

In New Jersey, the snappers leave the water
about the middle of May to lay their eggs. I have
found them from twenty to two hundred yards from
water, making quite deep holes in sand or loose
earth, and laying therein their whole complement
of eggs. When fairly free from the egg, they find
their. way to the water quite soon, I judge, as I
have found very small specimens paddling about in
shallow water, snapping at minute insects as vora-
ciously as their parents seize fish. According to
Prof. Agassiz, this snapping habit commences
wonderfully soon. In his " Contrib. Nat. Hist,
of U.S.," vol. i. p. 175, he says : " The Snapping
Turtle, for instance, exhibits .... its ferocious
habits even before it leaves the egg, before it
breathes through lungs, before its derm is ossified
to form a bony shield, &c. ; nay, it snaps with its
gaping jaws at anything brought near, though it
be still surrounded by its amnios and allantois, and
its yolk still exceeds in bulk its whole body."
And again : — " I have seen it snapping in the same
fierce manner as it does when full grown, at a time
it was a pale, almost colourless embryo, wrapped up
in its foetal envelopes .... three months before
hatching."

Judging from the fact, that the younger they are,
the more incessantly they are pursuing and devour-
ing small animals of every kind, fish, shells, insects,
— everything, in fact, that comes in their way, —
judging from this, I believe the growth of the young
is very rapid until they attain a length of six or
seven inches. After this I have no means of ascer-
taining the rate of growth. It must be remembered,
however, that, like our black snake (Bascanion
constrictor), the maximum growth has never yet
been determined. The largest snapper I have met
with weighed nineteen pounds; they have been
captured weighing nearly or quite fifty. That they
are long-lived is well known, and probably growth
slowly continues throughout the whole period of
their existence.

As already stated, the snapper is voracious
beyond description, but I believe not, as generally
supposed, strictly carnivorous. They seem fond at
times of the stems of water-lilies, and eat quite a

large quantity at one time. I presume they devour
them as food, and not, as a cat eats grass, as a
medicine.

In studying the movements and feeding habits
of a specimen confined in an aquarium, I noticed
that this turtle has quite a peculiar voice, but only
gives utterance to his peculiar cry at night. It is
best described as a bellow, faintly heard, as though
uttered a long distance off. After making innu-
merable attempts, in various ways, I finally suc-
ceeded in seeing the turtle when uttering this
peculiar cry. The animal stood up on all four feet,
stretched its neck out as far as possible, and, with
its head wholly out of water, gave utterance to the
cry or "call" with the mouth widely open. The
turtle then sauk to the bottom of the aquarium, and
did not repeat the cry that evening. This sound, I
suppose, is, in fact, a " call " note, under ordinary
circumstances, to be heard only during the breeding
season ; beiug uttered only by the males to attract
the other sex. I am quite positive, however, that
I have never heard the same sound in the haunts
of this turtle.

As is common with turtles, the world over, this
species is far more active at night than during the
day, but is "sleepy" at no time of day or year.
Even after the creeks are tightly frozen up, and the
snapper is snugly fixed in his winter quarters in the
mud, he is then, even, quite wide awake if any
intruder appears, and will bite as savagely when
you draw him from the frozen mud in January, as
he seizes an unsuspecting duckling by the leg in
summer, to make a meal of in some quiet resting-
place at the bottom of the pond.

Charles C. Abbott, M.l).

Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.A.

NOTES ON PLEOMORPHISM.
By P. Duffy, P.L.S., E.C.S.

{Continued.)

THE question— What is the purpose in nature
of this capacity of pleomorphism possessed by
certain fats ? is not one that lies directly in the line
of the present discussion; but looking to the almost
universal diffusion of such substances in living
bodies, it assumes such an interest as will, I think,
justify me in referring, however briefly, to one fact
that I have ascertained, and which very likely indi-
cates an important function of such glycerine fats
in the economy of living animals and plants. If
one of these fats be fused at the highest of its
three melting-points, it takes up a quantity of heat
that remains latent— if the fat be not agitated-
even when the temperature falls and the fat solidifies
below all three melting-points ; but if, in the process
of [cooling, the fat be agitated, it solidifies several
degrees above its lowest melting-point, and con-

34

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

sequently in the second modification, while at the
same time the heat previously latent is evolved in
sufficient quantity to raise the temperature of the
mass 8° or 9°.

Are we to infer from this that, besides the other
ways in which fats regulate the temperature of the
organisms in which they occur, nature, by endowing
them with the capacity of pleomorphism, has in-
vested them with an additional and special power of
compensating sudden vicissitudes of temperature ?

I shall not trouble you with mora than one other
illustration of pleomorphism as "manifested by non-
living matter. In a late number of the " Proceed-
ings of the Royal Society," it is shown, in a paper
by Mr. Eodwell, that the iodide of silver exists in
three allotropic forms": viz., (a) at temperatures
between 241° and its fusing-point, which is about
842°, as a plastic, tenacious, amorphous substance,
possessing a reddish colour, and transparent to
ligbt ; (f3) at temperatures below 241°, as a brittle,
opaque, greenish-grey crystalline mass ; and (y), if
fused and poured into cold water, as an amorphous,
very brittle, yellow, opaque substance.

But the most remarkable and auomalous character
of this body is, that, in cooling after being melted,
the following effects may be observed :— (a) At the
moment of solidification a very considerable con-
traction takes place ; (/3) the solid, on further cool-
ing, undergoes slight and regular contraction, after
the manner of solid bodies in general, until (y)
at or about 241° it undergoes sudden and violent
expansion, passing from the amorphous into the
crystalline condition ; (o) after undergoing this ex-
pansion, the mass, on further cooling, undergoes
slight expansion, and (t) the co-efficient of con-
traction diminishes as the temperature decreases
(or, otherwise expressed, the co-efficient of contrac-
tion augments with the temperature) .

Hitherto I have spoken of dead matter only, and
of the changes of which it is susceptible without
losing its identity. But in the world of life we
meet with phenomena which, although I confess, it
is on any view of their nature difficult to compare
them with those I have been speaking of, yet sug-
gest so many analogies with the latter, that I cannot
help speaking of some few of them in this con-
nection.

The case of the metamorphoses of insects is one
so familiar to most persons, that I need do no more
than refer to it.

My next illustration is from a homely source.
We are all familiar with an unwelcome guest,'which,
in the form of a white down, takes up his quarters
upon the surface of jams and preserved fruits that
have begun to decompose. This white down con-
sists of a fungus known as the Aspergillus glaucus,
which, after its spores have ripened, assumes a grey
or dull-green colour. The vegetative portions of
this fungus— that is to say, all that part of it which

\ is not immediately concerned with the production
of the fruit, — the mycelium, as it is called— con-
sists of a series of interlacing and branching cylin-
drical threads made up of elongated cells placed
end to end, and generally filled, at least in the
young state, with a liquid in which very fine gra-
nules appear to be suspended, and to which the
name protoplasm is given. These threads keep
constantly elongating by additions to their points,
and give off branches in all directions, which again
elongate in a similar way. Some of these threads
overspread the surface, others ramify in every di-
rection through the substance of the matter upon
which they grow. From the superficial threads
certain branches rise perpendicularly into the air to
the length of about s'^th of an inch, and these
branches bear at their summits little globular heads.
From the upper half of each of these heads issues a
series of small, closely-packed processes, at the free
extremity of each of which a small round protube-
rance is formed, which eventually becomes a spore.
No sooner is one spore formed than the formation
of a second commences on the same spot, pushing
forward the one first formed, and to this succeeds
another, and then still another, until some ten or
more have been produced on each of the processes—
sterigmata, as they are called, — the whole series
remaining connected for a time, and forming a
chain of spores extending in the direction of the
axis of the sterigma. These spores, each of which
is about urolith of an inch in diameter, are distin-
guished by the name conidia : it is they which,
when in mass, constitute the fine dust of a grey-
green colour already mentioned.

I have been thus minute in describing the pecu-
liarities of the conidiiferous form of fructification
of Aspergillus glaucus, because they are more or less
typical of what we meet with in the case of many
other fungi.

But what I wish to direct attention to more par-
ticularly is, that the same mycelium which produces
this kind of fruit, these conidia, also gives rise to
another set of reproductive organs. When the
production of conidia is drawing to a close, a
number^of small fine branches issue from the my-
celium. After attaining a short length, each of
these assumes the form of four or six turns of a
corkscrew. Eventually, these turns approach each
other till they form a hollow screw ; a small branch
now issues from the base of the spiral, and extends
till its free extremity meets that of the spiral, with
which it then unites. This union is held to be the
equivalent of impregnation among the higher plants.
Other branches then issue in all directions, inter-
lacing with one another, till they form a close hull
over the spiral ; the whole presenting the appear-
ance of a little yellow spherule. Each of these
yellow spherules when mature contains a number
of bags, each bag (ase/cs) containing eight spores,

HARDWICK'E'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

35

which equally with the other spores, conidia, repro-
duce the parent plant when placed in suitable cir-
cumstances.

These two kinds of spores were formerly consi-
dered to belong to two different species of fungi,
Aspergillus glaucus and Eurotium herbariorum ;
they are now known to be the product of one and
the same species, which is called Eurotium Aspergil-
lus glaucus.

Many instances of pleomorphism connected
with cryptogamous vegetation might be given,
differing from this only in certain details, which,
although very important, are too minute to be
entered upon here ; but I must not refer at pre-
sent to more than one other, which has been
brought to light of late years by the researches
of De Bary, and one which, looking to the fact that
it sweeps away all barriers that were supposed to
divide the animal from the vegetable kingdom, is
so startling in its consequences, that if it rested
upon any less authority than that of De Bary, would
be supposed to be a mistake of observation. When
the spores of certain fungoidal organisms, which De
Bary calls Myxomycetes, are placed in circumstances
favourable to their germiuation, they burst, and the
protoplasm with which they are filled slowly escapes.
At first the escaped protoplasm has a globular
shape, but presently its circumference begins to
undulate, throwing out and withdrawing pointed
processes, till it soon assumes the shape of an elon-
gated body endowed with motion, and which is
provided with a vibratile cilium on the end, that
points iu the direction of its motion. Towards the
hinder end are to be seen one to three vacuoli, one
of which, at least, is contractile, that is, it expands,
and again contracts to almost total disappearance.
Suspended in water, these bodies exhibit all manner
of contractions and extensions of their own sub-
stance, while at the same time they exhibit two
kinds of motion, one of rotation, the other of pro-
gression. At this stage they are not inclosed in any
distinct envelope, and, in short, they exhibit every
character by which the organisms of the admittedly
animal family Amcebae are distinguished, so that
there is no good ground for denying that at this
period of their life they are as much animals as
amoebae are.

The most remarkable cases of pleomorphism of
which I know anything have, however, been brought
to light chiefly by the investigations of Mr. Darwin
upon certain flowering plants, which he calls dimorphic
and trimorphic. In his own words,* "Dimorphic spe-
cies consist of two forms, which naturally exist in
about equal numbers ; in the long-styled form, the
pistil is always longer, and the stamens (excepting
in the case of Linum grandiflorum) are shorter, than
in the other form. Conversely, in the short-styled

* Journal of Linn. Soc, Botany, vol. x. p. 393.

1 form the pistil is shorter and the stamens longer,
than in the long-styled form. In the latter the
pollen-grains are almost always of larger size than
in the short-styled form. The sexual union of the
Wo distinct forms is necessary for full fertility. . .
When long-styled or short-styled plants are impreg-
nated with their own-form pollen, thii union is not
fully fertile, or is even absolutely barren. Such
unions, and the offspring raised from them, may be
called illegitimate. Thus, two legitimate and two
illegitimate unions can be effected.

" With Trimorphic species the case is more com-
plex. There are ttiree forms which differ greatly in
the length of the pistil ; and in each form two sets
of stamens exist, differing in length, in the size of
the pollen-grains, and often in colour. The stamens
are graduated in length, so that one of the two sets
in two of the forms is equal in length to the pistil
in the third form. For instance, in the long-styled
form the pistil equals in length the longer set of
stamens in the mid-styled and short-styled forms.
In all three forms the union is fully fertile and legi-
timate only when the pistil is impregnated with
pollen from the stamens which equal it in length.
Thus the long-styled form can be legitimately ferti.
lized only by the longer stamens of the mid-styled
or short-styled form ; it can be illegitimately ferti-
lized by its own two sets of stamens, and by the
shorter stamens of both the mid-styled and short,
styled forms, so that the long-styled form can be
fertilized legitimately in two ways, and illegitimately
in four ways. The same holds good with the mid-
styled and short-styled forms; hence, with trimor-
phic species eighteen unions are possible, of which
six are legitimate, and produce legitimate offspring,
and twelve are illegitimate, and produce illegitimate
offspring."

It is unnecessary here to multiply instances of
the analogy which I suggest exists between the
behaviour of living matter and that of non-living
matter in respect to pleomorphism, the variability
of bodies without loss of identity, for to each of us
will occur other illustrations furnished by chemistry
or by biology, according to our familiarity with one
or other of these sciences.

REMARKS ON THE ACTINOPHRYS
EICEHOBNII.

THE May number of Science-Gossip, 1875
contains some observations on Actinophrys
Sol, which I intended to follow up with some further
remarks on its economy. But so complicated and
numerous were the changes through which they pass
in the course of their life, that at present it is
impossible to detail or follow out in a satisfactory
manner their life-history. The following observa-
tions are upon the economy of Actinophrys Eichhomii

36

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

the study of which has been most interesting. I
have been enabled to follow them through the entire
circle of their life, and I trust, with the aid of the
accompanying sketches, to render the same plain
and interesting to the readers of Science-Gossip.

cell, and they increased by fission to over thirty
in number by the end of June. On the 23rd
of July I observed some of them were with-
drawing their spines. Having seen the same thing
performed by the A. Sol, and knowing that this

— -n

Fig:. 13. Actinnphrys Eic/ikornii ; J, food at the edge of body and spines
crossed ; B, contractile vesicles; C, vacuoles containing food and digestive
matter.

Actinophrys Mchhornii differs very materially from
A. Sol. It is generally much larger when full-
grown, of a whiter colour, and more translucent.

Fig. 15. Spines partly withdrawn; D,
irregular inner circle.

indicated a change about to take
place, I became much interested in
them, and was very desirous of
witnessing what these changes would
lead to, being persuaded that they
had to do with the preservation and
propagation of their species ; and, as
the reproduction of these animals is
very imperfectly known, and little
understood, any light thrown on the
subject must be of interest. I had
seen what is termed " conjugation "
take place several times. The process is this':
two Actinophryes approach each other; their spines
first meet and cross each other; but. soon the

\ i « /

Fig. 14. A. Eichhomii (conjugation).

Its spines are more numerous, more flexible, and of
greater length ; some of them are more than twice
the diameter of the body. In the beginning of last
May I had six of the A. Eichhomii in a glass

Fig. 16. The transparent state: G, the pellucid mantle;
H, capsules or ves cle ; /, spermatozoa escaping from
the capsule.

surfaces of the two bodies,' touch, and they slowly
become fused into one mass, first of an oblong form
(fig. 14), and finally into one large round Actinophrys

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE. GOSSIP.

37

(fig. 13). This act of conjugation which I witnessed
began at six o'clock in the morning ; at ten o'clock it
had proceeded to the state and form of fig. 14 ; at
seven in the evening they bad become as one, with
no difference in their appearance from the ordinary

f

^

Fig. )". K, the flattened or indented body, after the escape of
spermatozoa.

single ones, with the exception of its being a trifle
larger, and the two contractile vesicles being still in
full action. This Actinophnjs I watched in particular

Fig. 18. The granular appearance after change from figs. 15
and 16 ; L, the formation of ovules.

when the spines had begun to shorten, and on
July 23 the spines were nearly withdrawn (Gg. 15) ;
the inner circle of which at D, and fig. 23, E, now

Fig. 19. The eggs perfectly formed ;
M, the very transparent envelope.

Fig. 90. Egg clear of
the envelope ; iV, the
marginal lines caused
by the contraction of
the contents.

became very irregular and confused. In about four
honrs the spines were entirely withdrawn (fig. 23),
and the whole was of a dark colour, and appeared to
consist of a granular mass. At this stage the edge
is seen gently and slowly to undulate (fig. 23, E) ;
these pulsations at first I thought to proceed from

the action of the contractile vesicles, but on seeing
them on different parts of the margin at the same
time, and their not rising so high or so regular as
the vesicles generally do, convinced me that the
motion was the effect of some other cause. From

Fig. 21. Showing the expansion
of the original circle; 6', the
marginal line widened ; O, the
delicate mantle ; P, the spines
bent; R, contractile vesicle.

Fig. 22. The further
advance of spines and
mantle.

this state in about four hours the whole globe became
transparent (fig. 16), having the resemblance of a
piece of lace with rounded patterns worked upon it,

Fig. 23. Spines entirely withdrawn; E, the irregular inner
circle ; F, the undulating surface.

the centre of each having a darker spot, the whole-
surrounded by a pellucid mantle (fig. 16, G). At this
time it was still globular in form, but very soon a

Fig. 24. The perfected A. Eichhornii.

capsule or vesicle was seen swelling up from it
(fig. 16, E), perfectly clear and transparent,|in which
could be seen innumerable minute moving bodies »
exactly in the same manner as those seen in the

3S

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

sperm-cells of the Hydra,* and also, like them, this
capsule opened and discharged therefrom a vast
number of those bodies into the surrounding water
(fig. 10, i"). Their movements in the water, and their
apparent size, were very similar to those of the
Hydra.f After the rupture of the capsule, and dis-
charge of the spermatozoa, that portion of the
globe became flattened or indented (fig. 17, K), over
andaround which were seen theescapedspermatozoa,J
that continued to float round the now transparent
globe, which soon again resumed the perfect round
form, and gradually the whole became quite opaque
and of a uniform granular appearance (fig. 18). Soon
there were some darker spots discernible within,
which gradually enlarged and became thicker; and
in about twenty-four hours these spots assumed an
oval form (fig. 18, L), each surrounded by a lighter
margin. These ovules vary in number from two to
six in different individuals, and continue to darken
in colour, and change in form, until they become
perfectly globular (fig. 19). At the same time the
dark part which had surrounded them now entirely
disappears, and they were enclosed in a perfectly
transparent envelope. So transparent was it, that
•at first it could be discerned only when a particular
ray of light was thrown upon it, when from its own
reflection it became visible ; but, in consequence
of its gelatinous nature, it was soon detected
through the many extraneous substances that came
in contact with and adhered to it ; such as decaying
vegetable matter, algaj, various Desmids, &c, with
which, long before their development, the eggs be-
came almost hidden from view. By this envelope the
eggs were evidently fixed in one place on the glass ;
in this state they continued for more than two
months, manifesting outwardly no perceptible
change. They were quite opaque, and had a fine
granular appearance. By Aug. 14 the envelope
had become of a darker colour, and was evidently
decaying away, and the eggs in some of them had
moved nearer the edge, and were observed slowly
to change their position. Aug. 29th two of the eggs
were clear of the envelope, so that the changes
that took place were distinctly seen (fig. 20). At
the end of about ten weeks from the time that the
eggs were fully formed, a contraction of the con-
tents took place, and a narrow line became visible
within the circle at the edge, which gradually
became broader and somewhat irregular as the con-
traction went on, until they had the appearance
shown at fig. 20. At this stage very slow movements

* See Sciexce-Gossip, 1874, p. 1S8, and 1873, pp. 12, 13.

t Those of the Hydra Professor Gulliver examined under a
high power, and proved them to be spermatozoa, estimating
the mean length of each spermatozoon at about 5-j1^ of an
inch ; and could I have procured those thrown out of A.
Eichhomii, no doubt but he would have been able to prove
them of the same nature.

X I call it spermatozoa, believing it to he so.

were seen in the granular contents of the eggs. Dp
to this time no change had taken place in the size
of the eggs. On Sept. 11th, I observed that the
original circle of the egg was gradually expanding,
leaving a wia'er margin (fig. 21, S). This was at
twelve o'clock at noon; there were then no spines
visible; but in ten minutes from this time a very
delicate mantle, or envelope, was gradually thrown
out with an undulating motion round the egg
(fig. 21,0). In another ten minutes the envelope
was further expanded, and then could be discerned
very fine spines ai'ising from the now expanding
outer circle, but still within the delicate and newly-
formed envelope. The spines were in a somewhat
bent position at first, as though the envelope had
not extended far enough to allow them to push out
quite straight (fig. 21, P). The contractile vesicle, so
very characteristic of these animals, was now for
the first time seen in full action at this early stage
of development (fig. 21, R). The expansion of the
pellucid envelope continued to go on as the spines
increased in length. At the expiration of another
ten minutes they presented the form of fig. 22, the
undulating envelope still extending, and the spines
now pushed out very fast, both in number and
length, when the envelope suddenly collapsed and
disappeared altogether, and the spines rapidly
acquired their proper form and full length. In
about forty minutes from the commencement of the
enlarging of the original circle of the egg, the
Actinophrys was rendered perfect (fig. 21), exactly
like the original, but much smaller. In about
three or four days they increased to the full size,
when they measured about ^th of an inch in
diameter ; the egg measured about 3ioth of an inch
in diameter.

One of the young, the development of which I
had followed from the enlargement of the egg to its
perfect form, came in contact with the extended
spines of a large one, was speedily drawn to the
surface, and incepted like other particles of food.
The little fellow was soon dissolved, and lost sight of.
This did not look like the process of conjugation,
but rather more like cannibalism. At the same time
in the old one there were three vacuoles containing
food (fig. 13, C). Small particles taken as food glide
slowly down the tentacles; when the surface is
reached it becomes indented, and the spines cross
each other (fig. 13, A). As the food proceeds towards
the centre of the body, it becomes inclosed in sepa-
rate vacuoles, undergoing the process of digestion ;
the indented edge again resumes its usual form, and
the spines again become straight.

At times there are to be seen, confined to certain
localities in the A. Eichhomii, granules in constant
motion, very similar to those always found in the
points of Clostcrium lunula, styled circulation ; but
these are not to be confounded with the spermatozoa
seen in the capsule, as the granules are much larger,

HARDWICKE'S SC1E N CE- GO SSI P.

39

and are confined in various places, and do not escape
from the body.

Thus I have traced A. Eichhornii through the
circle of its life-history, which has occupied five
months. It appears that the more general way of its
multiplication is by fission or self-division, and that
this mode of reproduction (which I have endeavoured
to follow out and explain in this paper) is some-
thing similar or analogous to the Ephippia or winter
eggs of the Duphnea, the egg of the Hydra, or the
statoblast of Lophopus crystallina, Flumatella
repens, and other polyzoa, which are intended for
a purpose to lay for some time before they are
developed into life.

This paper is an abstract of a more extended
communication, illustrated by diagrams, read at a
meeting of the East Kent Natural History Society
at Canterbury, Oct. 6th, 1S75.

Canterbury. James Fullagae,.

LOCAL NAMES OF PLANTS.

IN the interesting paper on the " Local Names of
Plants " in the December number of Science-
Gossip, " C. B." mentions having seen " Reckless "
used in Covent Garden Market as a corruption of
auricula. It may interest your correspondent and
others to know that Reekless is the common name
for the auricula in several localities on the eastern
borders. "Dusty miller" is another name fre-
quently used iu the same district for the " mealy-"
leaved varieties.

The following names are used in the neighbour-
hood to designate some of the common wild plants :
— Ranwiculus flultans, R. aquatilis, and several
pond weeds are known as " eel-beds." The various
scarlet poppies are " cocks'-kames " (combs); Ra-
phanus raphanistrum is the "runch" of the farmer,
although both the white mustard and the charlock
are sometimes so called. The different species of
Malva are "maws." Ononis arvensis is called
"liquor-stick," from its taste somewhat resembling
that of liquorice [Glycyrrhiza glabra). According
to Johnston's "Eastern Borders," p. 70, quoting
from Thomas Aird, brambles are called " ladies'
garters " in Roxburghshire. I have never heard
that name applied to any of the Rubl in the part of
Roxburgh that I am acquainted with, but frequently
to the variegated variety of Digraphis arundiuaeea.
About Bowden, the poet's birthplace, it may be one
of the local names. "Ar-nut," or "er-nut," is a
corruption of "earth-nut" (Bunium Jlexuosum).
Sedtcm telephium is the " orpy-leaf," and Semper-
■aivum tectorum is called "Fu-its" (both are popular
remedies for cuts, &c). The latter will soon be a
thing of the past in this district, as it is fast dis-
appearing, along with the thatched cottages, on the
roofs of which it was generally seen. Saxifraga

umbrosa is changed from "None-so-pretty "to "Pretty
Nancy," and the hemlock becomes "humly."
" Robin-rin-the-hedge " is a very characteristic
name for Galium aparine. " Dishy-lagy," the
common name for Tussilago farfara, is evidently a
corruption of the generic name. " Feather-fooly,"
the local name of fever-few, has probably been given
to it on account of its featherlike foliage. Vero-
nica hederifolia is named by farmers the " mother-
of-wheat" ; and Galeopsis versicolor and G. tetrahit,
are " day " or " dey -nettles." Polygonum aviculare,
owing to its toughness, has earned the name of
"deil's lingels" ; and on account of its acid taste,
Rumex acetosa gets "sour leeks," "little guid."
Euphorbia helioscopia is used for removing warts.
The tremulous-leaved poplars are honoured by the
appellation of " auld-wives'-tongues," possibly from
their constant motion. But why auld (old) wives?
Many young ones have the same gift. "Silver-
shakers " and " silver-ginglers," are children's names
for the elegant Briza media. Frequently different
species of the same family get a common name, e.g.,
Fumaria Bomi, F. densiflora, and F. officinalis, are
all "fumitory," or, as an old man whom I knew
used to call them, " Flumistery." Likewise " bull-
grass " may be either or all of the following : Bromus
mollis, B. racemosus, or B. commuted us.

A. B., Kelso.

MICROSCOPY.

Glycerine Mounting. — As an addition to the
subject of glycerine mountings, and the best cement
for preserving them for some time past noticed in
SciENCE-Gossir, it may be that my experience
with the same may not prove uninteresting to your
readers. I have used this medium for many years
in the mounting of vegetable and insect prepara-
tions, and have very rarely lost a slide from leakage.
I have used every description of cement with which
I am acquainted that could be employed with such
a medium, and have found the white zinc cement,
when properly prepared, to be by all odds the most
satisfactory, on account of the facility with which
it can be used, and its permanence. I usually keep
a supply of cells ready made, with one or more
coats of the cement, according to the thickness of
the specimen to be mouuted. A thin coat of the
zinc is then to be applied by means of the tin
table, the cell filled with glycerine, and the object
placed therein as usual ; the cover is then applied
at one edge to the ring of cement, aud gently
loosened until it touches all around its circumference
when, being slightly pressed, it will be found to
adhere quite firmly! A delicate spring compress is
then to be applied, to prevent possible displace-
ment of the cover, and the whole slide thoroughly
washed in cold water with a brush, to remove every

40

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

trace of glycerine. Then remove the compressor,
and replace upon the tin table, and apply a thin
coat of the cement to the edge of the cover, to be
repeated until the slide is finished. The same pro-
cess is applicable to deep glass cells. I send you
herewith a specimen mounted by above process in
one of the latter, that you may judge of the quality
of the work ; also one of the compressors which
I use. — W. H. Walmsley, Philadelphia, U.S.A.

Seeds op Collomia coccinea.— I have received
from a friend a few of these very interesting seeds ;
he gave me these directions to obtain a most curious
sight : — " Having obtained your seeds, take a sharp
pocket-kuife, and cut off as small a quantity as
possible of the outer skin, then place it upon your
fluid slide, and cover it with a small square glass
slip ; at first use your 1-inch object-glass, and it
looks like a small piece of dirt, but directly you put
the smallest quantity of water in at the top of the
slip, so as to touch the seed, myriads of spiracles
will start away from it, and continue so to do
for nearly ten minutes. I have tried this experiment
a great many times, and always with success." —
P. /. C.

"Half-Hours with the Microscope."— This
is the title of a really useful little book, written by
Mr. John Phin, the editor of the " Technologist,"
and published by the Industrial Publication Com-
pany, New York. It contains practical hints on
the selection and use of the microscope, and is
intended for beginuers. Everything relating to the
working of the microscope, with all its accessories>
and also the various modes of mounting, &c,
are very clearly and patiently detailed in this little
work, which we heartily commend to all who are
looking out for such a book.

Royal Microscopical Society. — At the recent
meeting of this society, attention was called to a
number of specimens sent to the society a short
time since by Mr. Hanks, of San Erancisco, and
which had since been mounted for the cabinet by
Mr. Loy ; also to some slides of Aulacodiscus
Kitloni, presented by Mr. Thomas Curties from
material collected on the late Congo Expedition, by
Mr. Martin, H.M.S. Spiteful. Mr. C. Stewart
then gave an interesting account of the structure
and development of sponges, freely illustrating his
remarks by drawings upon the black-board, and
concluded by stating his reasons for believing that
the well-known perforations in oyster-shell were
really made by the sponge. Mr. Hickie exhibited
to the meeting some photographs from Germany of
Naoicula crassinervis and Frustulia Saxonica, and
read some letters from Dr. Eabenhirst and Herr
Seibart in support of his opinion that the two were
■widely distinct.

Glands, &c, of Insects.— A paper, containing

researches on the fuuctions of glands in the diges-
tive apparatus of insects has just been read before
the French Academy of Sciences, by M. Jousset.
He was able, in Blatta orietitalis, to obtain the
liquids in the gland itself before entrance into the
alimentary canal. Another contribution to the
same meeting was on the floral glands of Parmssia
Palustris, new physiological functions, by M. Haeckel.
These glands are a carnivorous organ.

Glycerine Mounting. — Permit me to point out
to " S.L.B.," that, in using gold-size and crocus of
iron as a finishing varnish, I am not acting in opposi-
tion to Dr. Carpenter's advice, because the two or
three coats of plain gold-size which intervene, and are
allowed to become thoroughly dry, effectually pre-
vent all contact of the fluid with the finishing coat.
Dr. Carpenter's caution applies only to varnishes
in contact with the mounting fluid, and not to finish-
ing varnishes.—/. R. T.

Liquid Cement.— Can any of your many readers
give a recipe for making a cement similar in pro-
perties and appearance to the useful cements which
are now so much in vogue for mending glass and
china ? I have found them valuable in many mat-
ters connected with science, but for general use they
are too expensive, when a small bottle costs a shil-
ling; probably the cost of making would be con-
siderably less. — R. S. T.

ZOOLOGY.

The Ceratodus.— Professor Huxley, in his paper
recently read at the Zoological Society, on Ceratodus,
the Queensland reptilian fish— so nearly resembling
the Ceratodus of the New Red Sandstone— in describ-
ing the brain of that fish for the first time, showed
how closely it approached that of the Lepidosiren,
and how that in some points it resembled the Sela-
chian rather than the Ganoid type. He gave cogent
arguments against the theory of Gegeubauer, with
reference to the typical conformation of the fore
limb, and laid special stress on the affinities of the
animal with Chimeera.

Recent Zoological Discoveries.— The address
to the Royal Society, recently delivered by the
president, Dr. Hooker, refers to the dredgings of
Dr. Gwyn Jeffreys and Captain'.Loftus Jones on the
Greenland coast, from 70° 30' N. lat. to the
entrance of Davis's Straits, and in the Atlantic as
far as 25° 5S' W. long., in depths of which the
greatest was 1,7S5 fathoms ; and temperature
soundings were taken at eleven out of the twenty
stations indicated in the Admiralty Instructions.
Among the valuable results obtained are the fact
that the fauna of the Greenland seas agrees with its
land flora in being mainly Norwegian, there being
(with the exception of the Echinoderms) an absence

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

41

of many North- American forms, which, as it appears,
have not been found eastward of the meridian of
Cape Chidiey, in Labrador. A remarkable mollusk,
previously dredged at a depth of about 1,000
fathoms off the coast of Portugal by the Porcupine,
and which, when first found in a fossil state in the
newer tertiaries of Sicily, was supposed to be an
extinct type, reappears in the deep waters of Davis's
Straits ; and a Campanularia was found, specifically
identical with one discovered this year iu the
opposite hemisphere, viz., in Kerguelen's Land, by
Mr. Eaton, the naturalist of the Transit of Venus
Expedition to that island. A most singular sponge-
like diatom, named by Dr. Dickie Synedra Jeffrey si,
with living Globigerince entangled in the colloid
collecting-matter of its frustules, was taken in the
towing-net.

Plack-throated Diver in Essex. — A specimen
of the male black-throated diver {Colymbus arcticus),
in fine plumage and condition, was shot in the river
Blackwater during the last week of December, near
Maldon, Essex.

The "Challenger" Expedition.— This im-
portant expedition is now approaching its close.
The Challenger has arrived at Valparaiso, and was
to sail thence to the Falkland Islands by way of the
Straits of Magellan. The scientific party had ex-
plored a scries of active volcanoes in an unfrequented
island of the North Pacific, and were rewarded by
the magnificent spectacle of surging waves of molten
lava and spray of brilliant fire. The party stayed a
fortnight at Tahita, exploring everything of interest
there. After leaving Tahita, forty days were spent
voyaging to Chili, sounding and dredging pro-
ceeding with most satisfactory results. The island
of Juan Fernandez, which was first reached, was
unanimously declared to present the most beautiful
scenery of any throughout the travels. Several new
varieties of birds and twenty-four novel species of
ferns were here obtaiued. From Monte Video the
Challenger will make a straight course for home,
deeply laden with the spoils of the longest con-
tinuous voyage on record.

Pare Bird.— On the 25th of August last, a fine
specimen of the Hyacinthine Gallinule {Porphyrio
veterum) was taken in this neighbourhood. It was
found in one of our "rheins," or running ditches,
unable to fly, having apparently been shot at. By
the help of a dog, it was chased to a hedge, and
there captured. It pecked savagely at the faces of
all who came near it, and one boy whose curiosity
got the better of his caution, received a blow which
pierced the lip and wounded the gum. Iu fact, its
bill, when wielded with such hearty good— I should
rather say ill— will, was a formidable weapon. The
blue on the neck, breast, and belly of the bird is of
-a very lovely hue. I shall be glad if any of your

readers could inform me whether the bird is often
found in this country. I have never seen one before.
Its wings do not seem to be well adapted to long
flights, and it may have escaped from some private
collection. After a day or two's captivity it was
killed and stuffed, and is now in the possession of
its captors. — //. M, M., Badgworth, near Weston-
super-Mare.

Pare Pirds. — Rara Avis, Eastwell. — A splendid
eagle was shot in Eastwell Park, a fewr days ago, by
one of the Duke of Edinburgh's gamekeepers. It
measured 7 ft. 2 in. from tip to tip of wings. The keeper
saw the huge bird strike down a pheasant and eat
it completely, leaving only the tail-feathers. It is
stated that three or four eagles have recently been
seen in the neighbourhood.' — Henry Lamb, Maid-
stone.

Montrose Museum. — Egyptian Geese {Chena-
lopex .Pgyptiacus). — Fine specimens, male aud
female, of this rare aquatic bird were obtained by
the Natural History Society last week, having been
shot in the tidal basin. This bird, according to
Herodotus held sacred by the Egyptians, is a
native of Northern Africa. The pair, doubtless
disgusted at the alienation of the Suez Canal, were
about to adopt the South Esk Estuary as their
future home, when met by this cruel reception. —
R. B.

BOTANY.

Variations in Colour op Flowers.— Many
of your correspondents have given localities where
plants have been found ' varying in their normal
colour, but as yet I have observed that none have
been in the county of York. I therefore wish to
inform your readers that the following variations
in colour have been seen by me in that county
during the last five years. I found at Settle a
white specimen of the Malva moschata. At Pram-
hope and Pool I found white specimens of Campa-
nula rotundifolia and Campanula rapunculus. At
Ossett I found a white specimen of Digitalis pur.
purea ; and at Horbury I found one plant bearing
flowers of a light blue tint, and dotted at the edges
with white. At Settle I collected a rose-coloured
specimen of the wild hyacinth which Hooker and
Arnott say is rare. In many places I found white
specimens of the same plant. At Swillington I
found a white specimen of the Ballota nigra. At
Adel a white specimen of Ajuga reptans, and at the
same place several white specimens of Cardamine
pratensis. At Kippax I have found two white spe-
cimens of the Cichorium intybus. At Harewood I
have found several white specimens of the Veronica
officinalis. At Arthiugton I found a white specimen
of the Veronica Beccabunga. At Corkridge a blue
specimen of the Anagallis arvensis (Poor man's

42

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

Weather-glass). At Esholt a rose-coloured speci-
men of Oxalis acetosella. I collected two white
specimens of Solatium dulcamara two years ago, but
cannot remember the locality. The places that I
have mentioned above are all (excepting Settle)
within walking distance of the large town of Leeds.
— Fred. Casson.

The Plants op Whitelex Dean.— Whiteley
Dean may be a new place to many of the readers of
Science-Gossip for botanical rarities, jet it has
been for many years noted. There are many speci-
mens to be found there that are not to be met with
for miles elsewhere. Buxton, in his " Guide to
Plants growing Seventeen Miles round Manchester,"
speaks of Malaxis paludosa as growing near to
Milnrow. No doubt this is the place indicated.
It has been thonght that this plant was locally
extinct, but after a few years' diligent search I have
had the good fortune to meet with it, but at a dif-
ferent place to where it used to grow, and I have
reason to believe that it is due to an old veteran
botanist in our locality, Mr. James SchoCeld, of
Lady House, near Milnrow, who tells me he once
removed one to a different situation. It is very
rare,— I only found some half-dozen specimens.
Another plaut 1 have not seen for some time,
common Butterwort (Piaguicula vulgaris), but
I believe it is still in existence. I have sometimes
found it rooted up, which I always attributed to the
sheep-keepers, who believe with Whithering that it
causes diseases in sheep. The Bound-leaved Sun-
dew (Drosera rotundifolia) is very common, almost
as common as anything in the Dean; also, the
Ivy-leaved Bell-flower {Campanula hederacea), Bog
Pimpernel [AmgaUis tenella), Bog Asphodel (Nar-
thecium ossifragum), but not plentiful. Marsh
Arrowgrass [Trigloehmpalustre), Great Water-scor-
pion Grass, Forget-me-not {Mgosotis palustris).
Another locally-common plant said to be scarce in
most parts of England is the Mountain Spignel or
Bald-money (Meum athimanticum), also one of the
Cow-wheats (Melampyrum pratense). Amongst
the mosses I may mention a few : Mnzum- subglo-
Bosum, Fountain Apple-moss (Bartramia fontana).
I have found in fruit this last summer Hz/pnum
aduncum, U. cuspidatum, II. fluitans, H. commu-
tatum, Sphagnum acutifolium, S. squamosum, S.
obtusifolium (the former fruited very freely this
last summer), Dicranum squamosum, Atrichum laxi-
folium, and Bryum pseudo-triquelrum.—B. Belfield,
La,ic Bullom, near Milnrow.

Hterociiloe borealis— With reference to the
early or late time of flowering of this plant, Science-
Gossip, November, p. 262, I would beg to lay
before your readers the testimony of one of the
most eminent of living professors of botany. He
says: "The Uierochloe borealis usually flowers in

April. It is certainly an early-flowering plant."
I suppose this testimony is decisive. — R. W.

Petasites pragrans (Sweet-scented Butter-
bur, or Coltsfoot). — Perhaps it will interest some
readers of Science-Gossip to know that this plant
is very abundant in the neighbourhood of Tenby,
and especially so in the village of Penally, where I
gathered a fine bunch of it in flower on Decem-
ber 24th. I also gathered it near Carmarthen last
winter, in flower, immediately after some very severe
weather. — II. Lewis Jones.

Cladiuai Mariscus. — Your correspondent F. H.
Arnold asks where Chadium Mariscus is to be found
in the southern counties. I can help him to one
locality, for I gathered the plant last autumn from
the banks of the lake iu Arundel Park, Sussex. —
H. E. Wilkinson.

Centaurea solstitialis. — This phut, which I
mistook for a yellow variety of C. Calcitrapa, and
which I mentioned as being so abundant here in a
field of lucern in the autumn of 1875, did not
appear again this year, although the lucern was
allowed to remain. I suppose that the summer here
was not long enough for it to ripen its seeds, or
that the frosts of spring destroyed the young plants.
It is mentioned in an old work which I have re-
ferred to, as being a native of Montpellier. I sent
specimens to two of our regular correspondents,
Mr. G. C. Druce, of Northampton, and Mr. W.
Green, of Bristol, but uufortuuately my notice sent
to Science-Gossip was held over until the winter,
when the plants had perished. Hooker gives its
habitat as fields in south and east of England. I
shall be glad to know from any of our correspondents
in what locality it is an established plant. C. Cal-
citrapa is very abundant here as a roadside weed. —
Dr. Morton, New Brompton, Kent.

Colours op Crocuses.— Before we accept the
conclusion of Mr. Thirkel, may I ask him if his
crocuses may not possibly be an example of the
Darwinian theory that the " fittest survive " ? I
have known a bed of blue crocuses to appear year
after year of the same colour, and have in my own
gardens some thousand or more bulbs which I
believe always come true, still I think it most likely,
if a number of blue and yellow crocuses were
planted together, that the yellow variety, being the
hardiest, would propagate faster, and ultimately
crowd out the blue ones.— Br. Morton, New Bromp-
ton, Kent.

" Flora op Eastbourne."— This is the title of a
handsome book, well printed, and compiled by Mr.
F. C. S. Roper, F.L.S., the President of the East-
bourne Natural History Society. This society is
well known for the thorough manner with which its
members have worked out, and are still working out,
the natural history of their neighbourhood ; and we

HARDVVICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

13

take this volume to be the best specimen of the kind
of labour in which they are engaged. It contains a
list of all the species and varieties of flowering
plants, ferns, &c, growing in the Cuckmere district,
East Sussex, and is illustrated by a geological map,
by means of which we can trace the influence on
the local geographical distribution of plants by
geological conditions. To local botauists this book
will be a welcome boon, and we congratulate Mr.
Roper on the successful manner in which he has
worked out the botanical details. The introduction
to this work is exceedingly goo I, well written, and
presents all the conclusions that can be drawn re-
lative to the distribution, &c, of the plants, very
clearly indeed.

The Guernsey Isoetes.— In Science-Gossip
for November, p. 25S, I stated that this plaut,
first noticed in Science-Gossip in 1S73, p. 1T3>
might be the I. Hystrix Duriei, but certainly not
the /. Hystrix, Bory, of Algiers ; Mr. Baker, Curator
of the Kew Herbarium, quite confirms this state-
ment. He tells me that the Guernsey plant is /.
Hystrix,va,v.subinermis (uuarmed, spineless), Durieu,
■in "Balansa PI. Alg. Exs.," 1S51, No. 27, adding, " We
have the same form in Kew Herbarium from
Caprera, Algeria, French Landes, Phrygia, Smyrna,
Castile, &c. ; it is, in fact, more common than the
typical Hystrix with the big spines, as photographed
by you." Again, he says, " Best differential cha-
racter of Isoetes Duriei and Hystrix is in the
raacrospores (see specimens enclosed)." In the
description of the Isoetes by Grenier and Godron,
it is stated that the different species are chiefly dis-
tinguished by the two sorts of sporanges, one with
macrosporocarpes situate at the axils of the external
leaves, containing from 40 to 230 macrosporauges
in each sporocarpe ; the other with microsporo-
carpes situate at the axils of the interior leaves,
containing above 1,000,003 microsporanges in each
sporocarpe, resembling fine flour (fine farine). If,
therefore, the different species are to be determined
by the formation and characters of the macrospo-
rauges, a very powerful microscope must be used in
the examination of them. All the macrosporauges
described by Grenier aud Godron are stated to be
more or less tubercled, except /. Hystrix, which is
very finely reticulated, showing the differential cha-
racter referred to by Mr. Baker. I am not aware
that the anatomy of any of the Isoetes has been
drawn or engraved, except the 1". lacustris in
Sowerby, and in plate 12 of Hooker and Arnott's
" British Flora " ; or that with the exception of the
/. lacustris, figured in Sowerby and in Science-
■Gossip for 1S73, p. 51, and the Algerian plants in
the "Floraof Algeria" (a work rarely to be met with,
and which I have for some time endeavoured in
vain to obtain both in London and Paris), a copy of
which may be seen in the Library at Kew ; with

these exceptions, I am not aware of figures of any
entire plant of Isoetes (except also the plants illus-
trated in the last number of Science-Gossip) having
been engraved and published. The total absence of
spines in the /. Hystrix subinermis Duriei, give3 it
externally such a different appearance from the
typical plaut (I. Hystrix, Bory), that no one could
take them to belong to the same species without
examining the macrosporauges. I presume the 7.
Hystrix, var. biennis, had not been discovered in
France in 1855, the date of Grenier and Godron's
" French Flora," or it would have been noticed
by them; and the same reason would account for
its not appearing iu the "Flora of Algeria," where
it no doubt was discovered subsequently.. — T. B. IF.,
Brighton.

Flora, of Rodriguez. — In his recent address to
the Royal Society, Dr. Hooker referred to Mr.
Balfour's report on the "Flora of Rodriguez," and
stated it as a very remarkable fact that one of the
two new genera of flowering plants which have been
found belonging to the natural order Turneracea, is
most closely allied to a peculiar Panama genus ; and
that one of the new species has only a single con-
gener, which is a Pacific Island plant.

Botany for Schools.— A nicely got-up little
elementary volume on Botany, intended for schools
and science classes, and compiled by Mr. H. J.
Browne, MA., has just been published by Messrs.
Mullan, of Belfast. It deals principally with struc-
tural botany, but gives an outline, with useful but
brief descriptions, of cla-.siQcatory botany as well.

GEOLOGY.

The Origin of the Primary Rocks.— A.t the
last meeting of the Geological Society of London, a
paper ou " The Physical Conditions uuder which the
Upp3r Silurian and succeeding Palaeozoic Rocks
were probably deposited over the Northern Hemi-
sphere," was read by Henry Hicks, F.G.S. The
author, after pointing out the lines of depression
explained in his former paper To the Society, now
further elaborated the views then propounded by
him, by carrying his examination into the higher
Palaeozoic series and into more extensive areas.
Beginning at the top of the Lower Silurian, where he
first recognizes the evidence of a break in the
Palaeozoic rocks, he proceeded to show that this
break was restricted to very limited areas, and
almost entirely confined to the parts which had been
first submerged, and where the greatest thickness
of sediment had accumulated on both sides of the
Atlantic, and hence where the pre-Cambrian crust
had become thinnest. On the European side this
break occurred where volcanic action had taken
place, and has doubtless to be attributed to the

44

HAUDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

combined action of upheaval of portions of the crust
and the heaping-up of volcanic material, the latter in
some cases forming volcanic islets of considerable
extent. He strongly objected to look npon these
breaks, even in the British area, where they are
most marked, as evidence of a want of continuity
over other and far greater areas, or to admit that
even where there was conformity in the rocks
at this point, "great intervals of time are indicated,
unrepresented by stratified formations." The con-
formity found in extensive and widely-separated
areas is proof also that a gradual contraction took
place of an enormous portion of the crust in the
northern hemisphere in Palaeozoic times ; and the
breaks at the close of the Lower Silurian and in the
Devonian are not indications of an arrest in the
general subsidence. After indicating the changes
which must have taken place in the climate from the
gradual spreading of the water and the evidence to
be derived from the consideration of the deposits and
the faunas, the author drew ihe following general
conclusions : — 1. That the condition of the northern
hemisphere at the beginning of Palseozoic time was
that of immense continents in the higher latitudes,
traversed by mountainous ranges of great height,
but with a general inclination of the surface, on the
one side (European) to the south-west and south,
and on the other side (American) to the south-east
and south. 2. That these continents were probably
covered, at least in their higher parts, with ice and
snow ; and that much loose material had conse-
quently accumulated over the plains and deeper parts,
ready to be denuded off as each part became sub-
merged. This would account for the enormous
thickness of conglomerates, with boulders, grits and
sandstones, found in the early Cambrian rocks, and
also to a certain extent for their barrenness in
organic remaius. 3. That the depression over the
European and American areas was geueral from at
least the latitude of 30° northwards ; that the parts
bordering the Atlantic were the first to become sub-
merged ; the lower latitudes also before the higher.
4. That the depression could not have been less
altogether, for the whole of the Palseozoic, than
50,000 feet; and that conformable sediments to that
extent are found over those parts of the areas first
submerged, and which remained undisturbed. That
volcanic action was chiefly confined to parts of the
regions which became first submerged ; that the
immediate cause of these outbursts was the weakness
of the pre-Cambrian crust at those parts, from the
great depression that had taken place, it being too
thin there to resist the pressure from within, and to
bear the weight of the superincumbent mass of soft
sediment. 5. That the seat of volcanic action at
this time was at a depth of probably not less than 25
miles, as sediments which were depressed to a depth
of from 9 to 10 miles do not indicate that they had
been subjected to the effect of any great amount of

heat, and are free from metamorphosis. 6. That
the climate at the early part of Palseozoic time was
one of very considerable, if not extreme, cold, and
that it became gradually milder after each period of
depression. That towards the close of the Palseozoic,
in consequence of the elevation of very large areas,
and to a great height, the climate became again more
rigorous in character. 7. That the various changes
which took place over the northern latitudes during
Laurentian and Palseozoic times allowed marine and
land life to develop any progress in those areas at
interrupted periods only ; consequently most of the
progressive changes in the life had to take place in
more equatorial areas, where the sea-bottom was less
disturbed, and where the temperature was more
equable. Any imperfection therefore in the Palseon-
^ological record belonging to these early times should
be attributed to these and like circumstances ; for
whenever an approach to a complete record of any
part of the chain is preserved to us, the evidence
points unmistakably to an order of development,
through a process of evolution from lower to higher
grades of life.

Fossils near London. — Will any reader of
Science-Gossip kindly inform me of any localities
in the West of London where I could obtain fossils
and minerals ?—A. T. R. F.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

JlJNIPERUS COMMUNIS IN SURREY, SciENCE-

Gossip, p. 234. — The Common Juniper varies con-
siderably, no doubt, in height, according to circum-
stances favourable to its growth or otherwise ; but
I well-nigh dropped my spectacles when I read that
"near Mickleham, &c, it invariably reaches a con-
siderable height, say from 10 to 15 feet." The Cater-
ham plant may then undoubtedly be considered
a starved or a dwarf condition of/, communis ; yet the
plant of Ray, Smith, and others known as Juniperus
nanuSyVfhether it really be a distinct species or only an
alpine variety, is widely different from the lowland
plant altogether, although it is difficult to give very
tangible characters to distinguish the two plants ;
our North Wales /. nanus is certainly most distinct
in appearance from any condition of the common
species which I ever met with in the chalk districts
of England. One would think a very sheltered
situation, and some other unusually favourable con-
ditions of soil, &c, must be needful to have made
the Common Juniper on the Mickleham downs
attain such a growth as 10 or 15 feet in height !
— W. P., Llanclderfel, Oct., 1875.

Tails of Caterpillars. — I think I can throw a
little light on the subject mentioned by your corre-
spondent " J. R. S. C." in the October number.
A few years ago I reared some larvae of the Puss
Moth (Centra vinula), and my astonishment was
great to notice that, when spinning their cocoons,
they continually emitted a liquid from a large open-
ing under the true mouth, the like of which I had
never seen in any other larva. This accounts for the
fact mentioned, that it is only after the last change

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

45

of skiu that this apparatus is required. When
youmr, the larva can throw out a long thread like
a filament, of a dark reddish colour, from each of its
two caudal appendages. These are probably used
to brush away ichneumon flies. The emission of
the liquid as a means of defence by the adult larva
is a peculiarity I have never observed. The rosy
slit has, to me, an additional interest when consi-
dered in connection with the very strange appear-
ance of a mask about the head of this creature,
which may be said to possess black eyes, rosy
cheeks, and cherrvlips, or the semblance of them, at
all events.— T. W. Wood, F.Z.S.

Slit Windows.— In the October number of
Science-Gossip there appear illustrations of the
outside and inside elevations of a slit window. I
know little of architecture, and shall most likely
make my ignorance apparent, but should like to
inquire if this class of window belongs to any
particular period ? there having been discovered
recently a row of six exactly similar windows in a
building (formerly used as infirmary to the great
Benedictine monastery of St. Mary, at Worcester),
which stands on the eastern bank of the Severn,
between the river and the cathedral and monastic
buildings. The ground-floor was used as the bakery,
the upper story as infirmary. A modern brick
mansion had been erected about and over this stone
building, completely enveloping the latter. It
appears to have been partially taken down and then
built over. The pulling down of the dwelling-house
some two years ago discovered the massive stone
walls and the windows as I describe — six in a row,
closely set together. If any one will give informa-
tion as to the supposed date of the structure, it may
interest many in the immediate locality — if not
elsewhere. I forgot to say the ruin is left stand-
ing, and appears quite an object of interest beside
the noble and lately restored cathedral. — A. E.,
Worcester.

Lobsters. — I should be much obliged to any
reader of Science-Gossip who would kindly inform
me what are the characteristic motions of lobsters,
and how their organs are adapted to perform them.
—C.

A Visit to Lynton, N. Devon.— The delight-
ful little town of Lynton is situated on the top of a
hill (430 ft. above the sea-level), at the foot of
which lies the fishing village of Lynmouth, where
the united rivers of the East and West Lynn fall
into the sea, after twisting and tumbling over rocks,
through beautiful glens and valleys, which abound
in this romantic part of England, now made noto-
rious by Blackmore in his novel, " Loorna Doone."
The town of Lynton is built most irregularly, and
reminds one of Wales. In the cottage gardens
difl'erent varieties of fuchsias are grown, and flower
luxuriantly. About a mile from Lynton is the well-
known "Valley of Rocks," which is approached
either by the carriage-road or the cliff walk overlook-
ing the sea, and (on a clear day) the Welsh coast is
seen. Following this path, you suddenly come upon
the debris of rocks, some still remaining erect on
the heights above, others hurled down by wind and
storm. Another place worth seeing is the private
ground of Mr. Puddell, opened twice a week to
the public, who are expected to pay a gratuity at
the lodge towards the Lynmouth Hospital. The
river West Lynn here flows over boulders, forming
miniature waterfalls and cascades. Many flowers
and ferns have been brought here by the proprietors

of Glen Lynn (as this charming spot is called),
and thev grow profusely, as if habituated to the
soil. The Watersmeet should also be visited, —
a lovely valley, where the two rivers, the Brendon
and the Lynn, unite : the road to it is very
fine. It was here that I found the red Seduni,
Orpine telephium, among a heap of stones by the
river Lynu. Last, but not least, I must mention
the drive to Glenthorne (the property of Mr.
Halliday) over the Bren Barrow Moor, which, in
September, when the gorse and heather are in full
flower, is one mass of purple and gold. There is a
British camp on the Moor. Space forbids me to
say more; but I must add that any one who wants
to see real English scenery should pay a visit to this
charming place, situated at an easy distance from
Ilfiacombe. — Helena J. Taylor, Folkestone.

How do Ckickets Produce their Sound ?—
I have frequently tried to find out how crickets
produce their well-known chirrup; but only on oue
occasion did I succeed in inducing a cricket to
exercise itself in that direction, they having
apparently a great objection to " sing" in captivity.
On the occasion I refer to, I put two crickets, — a
pair, — under a tumbler, whereupon the male imme-
diately raised its elytra, and shuffled them together,
producing a noise which would be best represented
by the word "shilly." It repeated this several
times with its head towards the female, who
probably considered herself insulted, for she literally
clawed his face with one of her hind feet, supple-
menting this action with a sudden and violent kick,
and from that time themale took no more notice
of her. — J. P. Blackett, jun.

The Growth op Mistletoe. — Will any of your
readers be kind enough to supplement the following
list of trees which support mistletoe? The oak,
poplar, lime, sycamore, apple, mountain ash, and
fir. 1 have seen it growing on all of these but the
first, about which, however, there is no doubt. The
mountain ash, 1 believe, to be au unusual tree to
support the mistletoe, but an example can be seen
from the Great terrace of Windsor Castle. Once
only have I seen it on a fir-tree ; unfortunately I
omitted to notice the kind. The growth was curious ;
a large number of very small plants were growing
upon the stem of the tree, on the side towards the
south. The tree was in the forests of Goisern, in
the neighbourhood of Ischl. — R. S. T.

" Crabs out of Water. — Some years ago I kept
a small crab {Carcinus Mcenas) in a bell-glass, with
some rock-work for him to come out of the water
on. If the glass cover got tilted on one side he
managed to get out, and was often found about the
room. Towards summer the tank was moved out
of doors, under a verandah ; he soon got out and
could not be found ; but four or five days after, on
moving some flowerpots and plants from a damp
corner, the crab was discovered remarkably vig-
orous, with a large worm in his claws, which he
was very particular in insisting taking with him, on
being returned to the tank, from which he soon
escaped again, and filially disappeared.—//. F.jioi.

Dogs Eating Wasps.— I am curious to know
whether it is a common thing for dogs to eat wasps,
and if they are known to possess some means of
nullifying the effect of the sting ? On several occa-
sions this summer, I watched with much interest
the excitement caused by wasps to a black and tan
terrier. The moment one appeared on the window,

45

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

he cornmeiiced barking furiously, frying with his
paws to knock it down, which, if on the lower panes,
he generally succeeded in doing ; but the curious
part was, that as soon as the insect was on the
ground, the dog began turning it over and over
with his tongue for about ten minutes, all the
time making a peculiar hissing noise, dragging it
sometimes half across the room, and eventually eat-
ing it with the greatest relish, but apparently un-
conscious of the danger of the sting if eaten imme-
diately after death ; but if he could pounce on one
in the act of flying, he swallowed it at once with
impunity, evidently regarding it as a bonne-bouche,
from the frantic manner in which he pursued any
that came in his way. — *ST. M. P.

White Varnish eor Microscopic Cells. — I
should not advise " W. G. C." nor any amateur to
trouble themselves with making their own varnishes,
as dealers in microscopic material can supply them
ready for work at nearly the price the material
would cost an amateur. — T. McG.

Tadpoles, &c— In reply to A. F. Maingay, allow
me to say, that in my article ou tadpoles of newts, &c,
the seventh line from the end, the vrovd frog ought to
be substituted instead of newt. It then reads as
follows : — " The tadpole of the frog has gills, and a
tail during part of its life . . . the tadpole of the
newt has the tail permanently" &c. — //. E. Forrest.

"Mocha Stones" are so called, because
found in abundance at Mocha, in Arabia. They
are found in Amygdaloidal Trap, which appears
to have been originally vesicular lavas, through
which waters charged with siliceous and calcareous
solutions had percolated for ages until they finally
filled up the cavities with agates, &c. The dendritic
markings are metallic, not fossil vegetation, to which
they bear a resemblance. It is needless to say that
these igneous rocks are a very old formation. The
varieties of agate, onyx, carnelian, jasper, &c, which
are so abundant on the beach at Aberystwith, most
probably come from some trap rocks on the north
side of the bay. The metal in the transparent
agate or chalcedony is mostly iron, which gives
the colours, dark green, yellow, and reddish brown,
seen in the Mocha, and the green and brown moss
agate— H. C. E.

Mocha Stones.— I send the following extract
from Sowerby's "Popular Mineralogy": — "On
this subject Phillips observes, — ' Dr. McCulloch has
instituted a very ingenious inquiry into the nature
of those vegetable appearances of different colours
visible in the more transparent chalcedonies, which
are termed Mocha, and more particularly in those
which are less so, termed Agate. Close observation,
added to chemical experience, induces the conclusion
that many of these appearances are owing to the
existence in the stone of aquatic confervse ; that
these plants sometimes appear perfectly in their
natural form and colour ; iu others they seem to be
coated by oxide of iron, which occasionally hides the
form of the plant, and discolours it. Mosses and
some varieties of lichen have been observed, and
occasionally chlorite, which sometimes is so disposed
as to represent a vegetable. A chrysalis, probably
of a moth (?), was observed in an onyx-agate in a
ring in the possession of Earl Powis.' Against the
experience of Dr. McCulloch we should be sorry to
offer an opinion, but we think the subject requires
further investigation. Mocha stone is a most beau-
tiful, valuable agate, consisting of white cornelian,

with patches here and there of a deep brown colour
and dentritic appearance. It derives its name
from Mocha, in Arabia, whence it is brought."
With regard to the Mocha being found at Aberyst-.
with, I am afraid that it is only in the shops that it
will be met with; large quantities of pebbles are
imported from Germany (some with colouring
matter, especially blue, infused into them), and
when stones are brought from the shore to the
lapidary to be cut and polished, they are frequently
thrown away, and the foreign ones already prepared
are returned to the happy tinders. There are beau-
tiful specimens of Indian green moss agates sold at
Aberystwith, and people are told that they are
found upon the beach there, but only in the winter
months, when visitors are scarce, either being of a
shy nature, or of migratory habits, like the fieldfare,
&C.—E. M.

On collecting Hymenopteea, &c. — Some of
your correspondents encumber ihemselves with more
bottles, tins, and boxes than there is any necessity
for; the simplest, most efficient, and least expensive
plan is the following : — Laurel-leaves, as Mr.
Blackett states, are the best,_ gathered in spring,
but not too young, if pounded in a mortar, instead of
cut up merely. A good-sized bottle of the bruised
leaves will be good for killing Coleoptera, Hymeno-
ptera ; in fact, all insect life during the year. I use
miuenowin December which were gathered last June.
The most convenient collecting-bottle is anordinary
two-ounce or four-ounce wide-mouth, with turned-
back rim, and tight-fitting cork. In the centre of
the cork pierce with a borer a hole, in which a
glass tube will fit, open at both ends._ I use a
one-drachm tube bottle, the bottom of which I cut off
by notching with a file, applying a red-hot ring of
wire, and drop a little water over it : this cracks it
round tolerably straight. Hold the edge in a gas
flame for a few seconds to melt off the sharp edge,
tie a piece of muslin round the bottom, and cork the
mouth; fit this tube tightly into the cork of the
larger bottle, which fill half or three parts full of
bruised leaves. This forms a cheap and convenient
double bottle. The larger insects are easily put
into the large bottle, while the tube is kept for the
smaller or any rare species. They are killed in a
few seconds, and will keep in capital condition for
setting for some weeks, or even months if needed.
It is well, however, not to keep them too long.
With this single bottle, I think, all a collector's
requirements are met. Chloroform, cyanide of
potassium, sulphur, and ammonia are all nuisances,
and can be very advantageously dispensed with. —
E. Wheeler.

Stratagems op Birds. — A writer in the October
number asks if any of the readers of Science-Gossip
ever noticed a similar instance of birds using strata-
gem to decoy persons from the vicinity of their nest.
Quite a number of our American birds will behave
in a manner similar to the chaffinch mentioned, —
such as the quail, killdeer, prairie-hen, duck, turtle
dove, and, in fact, a majority of birds that build
their nests upou the ground, as many a rural youth
is able to testify from experience. — R. F. Kerr,
Greencaslle, Lid., U.S.A.

Ticks on Mice.— About a month ago, whilst
taking a walk, I observed in my path a short-tailed
field-mouse, which appeared to be nibbling some-
thing on the ground. Ou touching it, instead of
running away as 1 expected, it rolled oyer, gasping,
and apparently in great pain, I carried it home,

II A R D W I C K E'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

•47

and, upon making a closer examination than I had
previously done, observed something in the fur near
its neck, which appeared to be living. On attempt-
ing to seize it with the forceps it started off, but I
at length secured it, and found it to be an immense
tick, about the size of a small pea, but resembling
the ordinary mouse flea. On removing this creature
from the mouse, it seemed much relieved, but even-
tually died. Is it usual to find ticks of such a large
size ? — G. M. Doc.

Capture of Cynthia Huntera in Hants.— On
p. 25G of last vol.SciENCE-Gossir a correspondent
briefly records the capture of this species in Hamp-
shire. Without making the, slightest imputation
on the good faith of the writer, I would ask him
whether he has not mistaken some variety of Cardui
for its A mericau relative ? The existence of Huntera
as a British insect having always been considered
most apocryphal, an undeniable occurrence would
be worthy of more than a passing notice. — Charles
Lovekin.

A " Singing Mouse." — A short time ago I had
the pleasure of listening to a veritable singing-
mouse. The creature was caught, by means of a
trap, in a cupboard, where a kind of faint warbling
noise had long attracted my attention. Its song,
which resembled that of a distant canary, was full
of pleasing variations, and often lasted fifteen or
twenty minutes without interruption. When thus
engaged, its whole body seemed to tremble. Its
ears were large for a mouse, and its tail was of un-
usual length, but in other respects it resembled the
ordinary "nibbler." I kept the " little stranger "
in a glass vessel for some time, when it unfor-
tunately escaped, and fell a prey to the merciless
cat. — Geo. 0. Hoicell.

Basalt.— " B. B. W." and "W. R. J." ask for

information on this subject. I beg to refer them to
the Geographical Magazine, alluded to in my note
on this subject in last October number of Science-
Gossip; also to draw their attention to the last
paragraph of that note. The deeper their inquiries
go, the more likely they are to detect the great
geological error of classifying igneous and unstrati-
fied rocks together. — H. P. Malet.

Eolk-lore about the Nettle. — Are there
any modern instances of bfilief in the superstition
noticed by Brand, that bunches of nettles hung up
exert a preservative influence, acting as a charm,
for example, in the preservation of beer from turning
sour ? — C.

Eauna and Flora of the New Forest.— In
reply to your correspondent "E. D. M." (Science-
Gossip for December), I venture to suggest Wise's
"New Forest ; its History and Scenery." It is not
of course devoted exclusively to the Natural History
of the district, but it includes chapters on the Geo-
logy, Ornithology, and Botany; and in the appendices
will be found lists of the birds, flowering plants, and
Lepidoptera peculiar to, or common in this locality.
It is published by Smith, Elder, & Co. I do not
know the publishing price, as I purchased my copy
at a bookstall for (I think) 4s. 6d. I think it pro-
bable that Messrs. Walford Bros., booksellers, of
the Strand, would give " E. D. M." some informa-
tion respecting a "Fauna" or "Flora" of the dis-
trict if such there be ; but I have never heard of
such a work, nor of the existence of a " Natural
History " Society, or " Field Club," at either one or
other of the three places indicated by your cor-
respondent.—A. P.

Ticks on Dormice.- I have a dormouse, who is
much infested with white ticks, which come when
he is asleep. If any of your correspondents can
give me any advice as to the remedy, I should be
much obliged. — /. II. B. Brooke.

Labels for Orders of Plants. — Seeing we have a
good catalogue of British Plants, also a good set of
labels for same, may I name another hint, viz., a set of
labels for the covers of the orders, with the numbers
of those orders, same as those in London Catalogue,
but larger type ; this would save trouble and time
in writing them, and would, upon reference, catch
the eye sooner than writing, the covers generally
being in coarse brown paper. The sets when
printed could be advertised, and no doubt made to
pay if neatly and boldly printed.— A Subscriber.

Irish Antiquities. — In the January number of
the Sciencf.-Gossip, " G. G." has made an over-
sight, when he states that I have described the oval
bullan at Slieve-na-Cailliagh as post-Christian. In
describing the bullous it was necessary to figure and
describe all types, and of that at this locality it is
distinctly stated, " seem to be pre-Christian, as they
have only been found in the interior of the De
Danaan tuiams or earns." The tuiams at New
Grange and Dowth, and the numerous earns on
Slieve-na-Cailliagh, are supposed, on good evidence,
to have been the sepulchral monuments and tombs
of the De Danaan kings. The battles of South and
North Moytura, between the De Danaans and the
Firbolgs, in which the latter were vanquished, are
supposed to have been fought in the year A.M.
3303, and the De Danaan, according to the Four
Masters, held the country for 197 years. If, there-
fore, these tuiams and earns were erected by the
De Danaans, they and the enclosed bullans must be
pre-Christian. All these monuments have already
been described— that of New Grange years ago, in
one of the tracts printed in the Appendix to Dr.
Gerrard Boate's '' Natural History of Ireland," a re-
print of which was published some years ago by Thorn,
of Dublin. Since then, among others, Wilde, and
recently Fergusson, have given elaborate descriptive
plans and sketches of the New Grauge and Dowth
monuments; while Du Noyer and Conwell have
described those on Slieve-na-Cailliagh. The latter
antiquarian's excellent sketches and description will
be found in the " Proceedings of the Royal Irish
Academy," and at present he is engaged on an ex-
haustive history of the place. — The Writer of
" Sketches in the West of Ireland."

Sparrows and Peas.— It is a very great pity
that so many have such a prejudice against, birds, as
injurious ; and consequently destroy them : when
they really do an infinity of good, and are easily
prevented from doing much harm. I always
encourage them coming about the garden and
premises, and have not at all suffered from doing so,
besides having the pleasure of watching them and
seeing how tame they will become. As to my
peas, they never suffer. When I sow them, I simply
stretch two lines of worsted over the row, and they
are never touched. — E. T. Scott.

Juniper Bushes. — Whilst rambling on the hills
near Steyning, I saw a quantity of juniper bushes
with large quantities of berries upon them. 1 have
not met with any elsewhere, and a botanical friend
of mine asserts his belief that they are to be met
with (growing wild) in no other part of Sussex.
Can any of your readers inform me if the idea is
correct ? — T. C, Brighton.

4S

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE GOSSIP

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

TO CORRESPONDENTS AND Exch anoers.— As we now
publish Science-Gossip at least a week earlier than hereto-
fore, we cannot possibly insert in the following number any
communications which reach us later than the 8th of each
month.

W. H.— Dr. Carpenter's Lecture to the Working-Men of
Bristol on a piece of Limestone is published in Good Words
for October, 1875.

Dkssau.— We believe the second volume of Nicholson's
" Manual of Zoology " was published by Messrs. Blackwood,
Edinburgh.

J. L. V.— It is not an uncommon thin? for the Brimstone
butterfly (Goniopteryx rhamni) to be temporarily roused from
its state of hybernation by an unusually warm day, so as to
be seen fluttering in our lanes.

Robert East.— The beetle is called Pristongchus terricola,
a very common species. The Hair-worm you took from it is
undoubtedly the Gordius aquations, or common Horsehair
worm of our ditches, which, in its earlier life history, is
parasitical within beetles and other insects.

B. H.— The sport in the Helichrysum sent us is not un-
common in composite flowers, although it is not so often met
with in the everlastings as in the daisy, &c. See Masters's
" Vegetable Teratology " for an explanation of monstrosities
of this kind.

F. A. Lake.— We should think any large nursery gardener
would be able to supply you with the ferns you name. Apply
to Messrs. Hooper & Co.

E. H. (Sheffield).— The date you name, December 29th, is
very early for the Skylark to commence its song. But it
usually begins in January, if the weather be open and mild.
Undoubtedly it was owing to the unusually warm weather at
the end of December that you heard it. We ourselves heard
the Missel Thrush in full song on the forenoon of the 24th
December last.

R. S. Thomas.— The " Micrographic Dictionary," published
by Van Voorst, is the best book a hardworking microscopist
can obtain for such purposes as those you mention.

W. J.— The mineral you forwarded to us from a coal-seam
in the neighbourhood of Swansea is sulphate of lime.

Xkno. — Get Cooke's " Microscopic Fungi," with coloured
illustrations, published at 6s. by Hardwicke, 192, Piccadilly.

Robert W. — Your fossil coral is Holysites catenulatus,
commonly called "Chain Coral." It is one of the character-
istic forms of the Upper Silurian rocks.

Ada P.— Loudon, in his " Hortus Britannicus," gives the
origin of the generic name Paris (in Paris quadri folia), as
derived from " par, equal ; regularity of parts."

P. O. — Write to Hardwicke, 192, Piccadilly, for their cata-
logue of scientific works. You will find there more than one
work of the kind you want.

Greenwood. — If you apply to Messrs. R. & J. Beck, 31,
Cornhill, London, you will obtain all the information you
seek concerning the Reflex Illuminator, and likewise its
adaptation to the microscope you name.

H. J. Ryder. — For information concerning chalk fossils
consult Mantell's " Medals of Creation," Taylor's '* Geo-
logical Stories," Nicholson's " Manual of Palaeontology,"
Owen's " Palaeontology," the volumes of the Palaconto-
graphical Society of London, the Decades of the Geological
Survey, Dixon's " Geology of Sussex," and Whitaker's
" Geology of the London Basin.''

C. — Obtain Nicholson's "Advanced Text-book of Zoology,''
and you will there find all the information you require con-
cerning the locomotion of lobsters, and the organs which
produce it.

R. N.— See Gosse's " Naturalist in Jamaica " for a detailed
account of the motions of the Flying-fish (E.rocwtns vulitans)
as witnessed by himself. There can be no doubt of its power
to rise and fall in the air, and even to beat the atmosphere
with its extended fins.

N. T. S. — Your plants are (1) Galeopsis versicolor, (2) Pru-
nella vulgaris, (3) Linaria utitissima.

P. Howell. — The " Migrographical Dictionary" is pub.
lished by Van Voorst.

E. Sandys. — The Zoologist is still in circulation, and edited
by the well-known naturalist, Edward Newman.

EXCHANGES.

Rhubarb, beautifully showing spiral vessels, and Raphides,
in exchange for objects of interest. — S. C. Hincks, Runfold,
Farnham, Surrey.

First-class Slides," or cash, offered for Chalk Dnst from
Hollow Flints, or rich Foraminiferous Material, Deep-sea
Soundings. Dredgings, &c. — C. L. Jackson, 11, Hesketh-
street, Southport.

A Baker's Erecting Prism and a fine Tourmaline, for a
Swift's Condenser, or a Webster Condenser, or a Polanscope,
or a Kelner Eye-piece.— W. Statham, Green Bank, Shottle,
near Derby.

Okkered :— 14u, 146, 17, 18, 186, 59, 79, 99. 136, 1576. 1616,
16/, 218, 259, 301, 318. 331, 338, 341, 5096, 534, 576, 603, &C.,.
" Lon. Cat.,'' 7th edition, for other plants. — John Wm.
Burton, 35, Hemans-strect, Liverpool.

Iodea superba (fine plant) for its value in Foreign Shells. —
J. Rogers, 27, Oldham-road, Manchester.

First-class Slides will be given for unmounted Fleas from
Bat, Mole, or Squirrel. Communicate before sending any. —
E. Wheeler, 48, Tolliagton-road, Holloway, London, N.

Wanted. Hierochloe borealis, for Sussex Plants.— F. H.
Arnold, Fishbourne, Chichester.

Wanted, some Larvae of Tipula oleracea. — W. White,
Litcham, Norfolk.

Conchologv. — Exchanges invited, in rare British Marine,
by J. T. Marshall, 1. Portland Cottages, Portland-place
North, Clapham-road, London.

For portion of the Euplectella Sponge for mounting send'
good Material or Slides. Will give good Slides for Material,
especially clean Diatoms.— W. Tylar, 165, Well-street, Bir-
mingham.

"Science-Gossip" for 1869-70, unbound, for any objects
of interest.— F. M., 40, Bengal-street, Bradford.

A refrigerating Microtome in good order, offered for a
Half-plate Portrait Lens, or long folding Camera, or Micro-
scopic Accessory Apparatus.— Address G. G., 11, North-
terrace, Alexander-square, London, S.W.

Duplicates,!7. Io, C. Haule, C. Edusa, Argeolus, L.Sinanis.
Wanted, S. Ligustri, H. Linea, H. Comma.— H. Davis, Teme
Villa, Bushy- park, Totterdown, near Bristol.

Wanted, a supply of Barbadoes Earth, unprepared Many
things to offer in exchange.— George H. Stubington, Basing-
stoke.

BOOKS, fee, RECEIVED.

"The Arctic World" (illustrated). Edinburgh: Messrs.
T. Nelson & Sons.

"A Short History of Natural Science," by Arabella B.
Buckley. London : John Murray.

"Wages and Wants of Science- Workers," by R. A. Proctor.
London: Smith, Elder, & Co.

"A Month in Mayo," by G. Hooper. London : Hardwicke.

" Popular Science Review." January.

"Monthly Microscopical Journal." January.

" Land and Water." January.

" Journal of Applied Science." January.

" Monthly Journal of Education." January.

" American Naturalist." December.

"The Fancier's Journal " (Philadelphia). December.

" Potter's American Monthly." December.

" Ben Brierley's Journal." January.

&c. &c. &.C

Communications Rbceivkd up to 10th ult. prom : —
W. K. B.-F. K.— G. H. K— Dr.C.C. A.— H. G G.— W. H.—
T. S.-C A. O —Col. G.— A. J. B.— G H. S.— B. H.— H. L.-
T. McG— A. H. L.- S. C. H.— J. R. S. C— H. E. W.— N. P.—
J. F.— H C. R — W. L.— W. R. H.— J. H. M.— H. D.— R. B —
W. H. M— W. K.— J. H. B. B.— C. P. H.— F. H. A.— R. E.—
W. S.— G. S.— H. E. F.— W. W.— E. W.— C M -T. R.—
M. G — H. J. R.-R. D. E.— J. C. S.— R. S. T.— J. W. B —
H. C. R.-Dr. J. H. G.— T. H. P.-W. A. L.-G— W. J.—
J. H. B.— Dr. M.-C. L. J.-J. R. T.— E. T. S.— F. A. L.—
A. B.— H. L — H L. J.— P. T. C— J. D. S.— H. M. M.— G. G.
— W. H. P.— G. S. S.-A.J. R.F— F. M.— W. T.-W. R. H.—
A.P.— G. H. K— R. N.-J.H.— J.T. M.-G.C.D.— J. H.B. B.
— W. G.- B. H.— J. L. V.— &C. &c.

HARDVVICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

4!)

A GOSSIP ABOUT NEW BOOKS.

Pressure of

valuable literary
material has
prevented our
noticing many
scientific books
published dur-
ing the latter part of last
year. Rarely have we had
more valuable contributions
to natural science in such a
short space of time. Dar-
win's long-looked for work
Insectivorous Plants"
(London : John Murray)
showed us, happily, that the
keen and careful research of
its author has not yet shown
any signs of giving way,
nor have his powers of phi-
losophical generalization
been weakened. In this
volume, of nearly 500 pages, we have a series
of experiments on the so-called " carnivorous "
plants, aud many of the results seem ludicrous
when regarded from the old notion of how a
plant ought to behave. Indeed, we are learning
every day how arbitrary is our old classification, and
how little we have hitherto actually known about
organic objects. We need no longer point to the
lowest forms of animal and vegetable life as the
platform where both meet ; these " carnivorous "
plants behave as animals also, when it is to their
advantage to do so. In calm and philosophical
language, and yet in a style so admirably suited to
the novel facts and their meanings that the reader
willingly gives himself up to the subtle charm of
the book, Mr. Darwin discourses on the sundews
and the movement of their " tentacles," as he calls
the red hairs on the leaves; on Venus's Ely-trap
{Dioncea muscipula), and the irritation of its fila-
ments; on Aldrovanda vesiculosa, a plant which
captures crustaceans ; on the various species of
No. 135.

Butterwort (Pinguicula) and Bladderwort (Utricv-
laria); as well as of other plants, such as Droso-
phyllum, Roridula, Byblis, &c, which affect " insec
tivorous " habits. Erom experiments made on these
various plants (all of which are related in the volume
before us), there can be no question as to their diges-
tive powers, and their capability of assimilating nitro-
genous food. Not long after the appearance of
" Insectivorous Plants " the reading world was sur-
prised by another work on "The Movement and
Habits of Climbing Plants," by Mr. Darwin (London :
John Murray). Such accurate industry has rarely
been equalled, and never surpassed. In this latter
volume we have those phenomena of the dissipation
of motion exemplified by numerous climbing plants,
which seem almost to partake of intelligence or
instinct. Leaf-climbers, tendril-bearers, and hook
and root climbing-plants of all kinds are minutely
described; the experiments made by Mr. Darwin
upon them almost convincing us that the force of
habit in certain of them is nearly analogous to
instinct. This book contains more than 200 pages,
and in lively interest is equal to that on Insec-
tivorous Plants. Had only these two volumes ap-
peared last year, they would have left their mark
on our scientific literature. And there can be no
doubt whatever they will largely influence the spread
of the doctrine of evolution, which alone among
extant theories is able to account for those singular
phenomena in plants which form the subject-matter
of these two treatises.

In Geology and Physical Geography it is some
time since there appeared a work of such import-
ance as" Climate and Time," by James Croll (London:
Daldy, Isbister, & Co.). Mr. Croll's theories as to
the origin of the Glacial Period by astronomical
causes have long been held in high estimation by
our best geologists. In this large volume we have
the whole subject worked out in its geological rela-
tions, and a theory of the secular changes of
the earth's climate elaborated in the completest
manner. No geologist of any pretension can afford
to do otherwise than make himself thoroughly

50

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

familiar with this remarkable book. As the author
endeavours to account for those evident extremes of
tropical and arctic conditions which the same areas
seem to have experienced in various of the geo-
logical periods, both from the laws of the diffusion
of heat by currents, and by the varying positions of
the earth and the sun, we have various chapters
devoted to a closely-reasoned out description of
them. Those on ocean currents in relation to the
distribution of heat over the globe, are masterly
expositions. After dwelling in detail upon all the
cosmical and solar and terrestrial conditions which
can possibly affect climates, there follow a series of
chapters in which evidence is produced of warm
inter-glacial periods in that to which geologists have
given the special name. All the causes which could
produce both extremes are described, as well as the
origin of the submergences and elevations which we
know then succeeded each other. The volume con-
cludes with two chapters on Glacier Motion. From
this brief outline of the contents, our readers will
perceive that Mr. CrolPs work is of a most ex-
haustive character. This and the work of Mr.
James Geikie, on the " Great Ice Age," will do more
to finally settle the cause of the Glacial Period than
anything which has before been written. Mr. Croll's
book is written in that terse and unadorned lan-
guage which convinces us a man is in earnest ; and
we expect it will long continue to be a work of
authoritative reference for the mass of questions
which it discusses.

We confess that the " History of Creation," by
Prof. Hseckel (London : H. S. King & Co.), although
well translated, and edited by Prof. Ray Lankester,
has somewhat disappointed us. It is an important
book, and, to a great extent, one that will make its
mark. It will be largely read by all naturalists, but
few will concede the points so harshly and hastily
raised by the author. It is a history of creation
from an extremely evolutionistic point of view, and is
crowded with facts which, it seems to us, can only
be explained on that theory. The author is a re-
markable man, and anytning from his pen will have
great weight. But the philosophical discussion of
the weighty questions involved in the history of
creation is spoiled by an anti-theological bigotry,
which breaks forth here and there in a degree
which is contrary to every canon of good taste. If
the author choose to originate a creation without a
creator, we find no fault as a question of theory,
although we must confess that it seems very con-
tradictory for a man to use his own high intellect
in discovering natural laws, and then to turn round
and declare such laws could originate without
Intelligence ! If readers will compare the intem-
perate tone of Hseckel's work with the philosophical
reverence of Herbert Spencer's " First Principles,"
they will see that the doctrine of evolution, instead
of_detracting from, a First Cause, clears it of its

anthropomorphism, and elevates it into a higher
region. But if our readers can peruse Hseckel's
two volumes without sheering off into a dislike of
the author's narrowness, we can promise them a
really great treat, for they dwell on embryological
questions especially in a manner we have not yet
seen attempted.

" Animal Parasites," by Professor Van Beneden
(London : H. S. King & Co.), is one of the most
readable volumes of the most valuable " Inter-
national Scientific Series." It deals with a group of
objects about which the student finds it difficult to
find a text-book ; and although "Van Beneden's
classification of parasites is more popular than
scientific, all readers will be intellectual gainers by
its perusal. It is one of the most charmingly
written scientific books we have read for some time,
and we heartily commend it.

"Zoology for Students," by Dr. Carter Blake
(London : Daldy & Isbister), is, in many respects, a
long way behind the time. Although prefixed by a
thoughtful essay from the pen of Professor Owen
(which we fail to see has anything to do with Dr.
Carter Blake's "work), it does not by any means
come up to the standard now required in an
advanced zoological examination. We cannot under-
stand a naturalist writing a featf-book in which the
sub-kingdom Radiata is still maintained, as in this
book it is. Moreover, Dr. Blake makes the Radiata
include Polyzoa, as well as Anthozoa and Echino-
dermata !

Mr. 3. E. Harting's "Rambles in Search of
Shells" (London: Van Voorst) is an attractively
written book, illustrated by excellent coloured and
most faithful likenesses of our land and fresh -water
shells. The young student could not begin with a
better book. Even more elaborately got up is the
volume entitled " Our Summer Migrants" (London :
Bickers & Son), by the same author. Any one who
has read Mr. Harting's ornithological works is
aware how earnest and enthusiastic he is in the
study of our native birds. This volume is superior
to the best he has yet written, both in descriptive
style and in matter of fact, for it deals with the
most charming of our feathered tribes— the summer
migrants. Further, the chapter devoted to each
bird is headed with one of Thomas Bewick's cuts ;
and as the paper and type are both excellent, the
binding elegant, and the pages gilt, our readers may
imagine that this book is one to thoroughly enjoy.

Messrs. Lockwood & Co. have issued a new
edition of that most valuable storehouse of con-
chological and geological information to students,
Woodward's " Manual of the Mollusca," with an
illustrated appendix by Professor Ralph Tate. We
are glad of this, for the last edition did not do the
original author justice, and no man is better able
both to edit this work and to bring the subject-
matter up to the most recent discoveries than Mr.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

51

Tate. This edition, therefore, is one to be especially
sought after by all those who wish to study recent
and fossil shells. Principal Dawson's "Dawn of
Life " (London : Hodder & Stoughton) is an ex-
haustive but popular treatise on his favourite fossil
the Eozooti. All the arguments in favour of the
foraminiferal nature of this doubtful fossil are mar-
shalled in logical and telling order, varied with a
few backhauded blows at evolution. Nevertheless,
it is a book which the geological student will read
with pleasure and profit, and is undoubtedly a valu-
able contribution to the literature of geology.

Professor Mivart's " Lessons from Nature "
(London : John Murray) will interest a good many
people in various ways. It will show them how an
eminent naturalist, not averse to the doctrine of
evolution, and a Catholic, regards the advanced
scientific doctrines of the present day. Although
this volume has been already before the public in
another form, we thank both author and publisher
for giving it to us again in this completer and more
attractive style. Dr. Mivart attacks the vague and
misleading appeals to Nature so constantly made
by many scientific men ; and, leaving the defensive,
also breaks a lance against the ^/^anthropomor-
phism of many writers. In the essays which now
form the chapters of this book, the reader will find
the theories of Spencer, Bain, Lewes, Huxley,
Darwin, Wallace, Galton, Lubbock, Tyler, ably com-
bated, although somewhat Somatically, and will not
be surprised, after Cardinal Manning's recent argu-
ment that the Romish Church has always been " the
true exponent of science and morals," to find Pro-
fessor Mivart supporting him at the close of his
book by declaring that " a prescieuce has watched
over the Church's definitions, and that she has been
so guided (the italics are the author's) in her teach-
ing as to be able to harmonize and assimilate with
her doctrines the most modern theories of physical
science."

" A Short History of Natural Science," by Miss
Arabella B. Buckley (London : John Murray), gives
us an account of the progress of scientific discovery
from the time of the Greeks to the present day. It
is well and intelligently written, and will prove very
serviceable to others than the "young and un-
scientific people," for whom the author modestly
states she has written it. The book contains nearly
five hundred pages, and is an acceptable and useful
contribution to our libraries. " Our Place among
the Infinities" (London: H. S. King & Co.) is
from the facile pen of R. A. Proctor. Our readers
will therefore expect them to be thoughtful and
attractive. The book is a series of essays, con-
trasting our little abode in space with the infinities
around us. The chapters on the " Past and Future
of our Earth," and a " New Theory of Life in other
Worlds," are especially interesting. " The Origin
of the Stars," by Professor Ennis (London :

Triibner & Co.), is a rather high-sounding treatise
on the evolution of the stellar universe, and will be
read with great interest and delight by all astro-
nomical students. This is the first English edition,
its success in the United States having been very
great. "Time and Time-tellers," by James W.
Benson (London : Hardwicke), is an exceedingly
well got-up little volume, amply illustrated, on all
kinds of watches and clocks, ancient and modern,
and is an interesting treatise on all relating to these
useful articles, well written, and sparkling with
well-told anecdotes. " A Month in Mayo," by
George Hooper (London : Hardwicke), contains
some lively characleristic sketches, sporting and
social, of Irish life. The author is a thorough and
well-known adventurous sportsman, and he is one
of the few who are good naturalists as well, with a
keen eye for the many traits of animal life which a
sporting naturalist has so many opportunities of
observing. Mr. Rooper has made good use of his
opportunities, and his style is so attractive and
cheery that we are bound to finish the book if we
begin the first chapter. " The Universe," by Dr.
E. A. Pouchet (London : Blackie & Sons), is the
third edition of a well- written and popular account
of "the Infinitely Little," gorgeously illustrated
and bound, so as to form a most charming gift-book.
Of the contents enough has already been said. In
few places are the author's facts to be trusted,
although we are glad to see that many glaring errors
which appeared in the first edition have been cor-
rected in this. Still, we must regard a book from
the point at which the author wrote it, and, as he
states in his preface, that he never intended this to
be a learned treatise, we are bound to believe him.
We are not sure whether these books and those of
Figuier have done more good than harm in inocu-
lating students with false notions, which require
many years and much study to be corrected. " The
Canary Book," by Robert L. Waliace (London :
the Country office), is, on the other hand, an un-
pretentious but thoroughly useful little volume,
on the most charming of our domestic pets. It
contains full directions for the breeding,, rearing,
and management of exhibition canaries and canary
mules ; their treatment in health and disease, toge-
ther with a full description of all the different
varieties of canaries, and their various points of
excellence. The illustrations are excellent, and the
whole tone of the little book is marked by the
earnestness of an enthusiast.

Few modern books of travel have made such a
name as the " Abode of Snow," by A. Wilson
(Edinburgh: W. Blackwood & Sons). Although
originally written for Blackwood, and then repub-
lished in a well got-up volume, the first edition of
the latter was out of print in a few weeks, and a
copy of the second is now before us. A more read-
able book we have rarely met with. The author

D 2

52

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

has a vigorous style, and such akeeu eye for natural '
phenomena, especially of a geological and physical
geographical character, that his delineations are
graphically impressed on the reader's mind. And
when we remember that the country thus delineated
is the Himalayan mountains to the table-land of
Thibet, those who have not read this book will
understand how thoroughly interesting it must be.
Travellers like Mr. Wilson do more than simply
interest us ; they contribute materially to natural
science by so vividly describing natural scenery
which few can ever behold. We heartily commend
this volume to our readers.

A great many books have been issued since the
Arctic expedition left England concerning the
countries it has gone to explore. None of them,
however, come up to "The Arctic World," pub-
lished by T. Nelson & Sons, London. It is a large
qmrto volume, charmingly bound in crimson and
gold, and profusely illustrated by some of the best
full-page and other woodcuts we have seen since
those of Wolf. The letterpress is of a large type,
and agreeable to the eyes ; and the matter is well
written, although the chief Arctic travellers are
largely laid under contribution. The plants, animals,
and natural phenomena of the Arctic regions are
described and figured in a very truthful style.
Those who cannot go to these high latitudes must
do the next, best thing — get this attractive work.

THE MICROSCOPE AND MICROSCOPIC
WORK.

No. Ill— By F. Kittou.

¥*N our last paper we gave a short resume of some
-*- of Leeuwenhoek's labours with the microscope.
In the present paper we propose to continue our
sketch of his studies with that instrument. Space
will not allow of more than short excerpts, and
these we shall make from the essays on the Spider
and Silkworm, as being the most interesting. Those
of our readers who have paid any attention to the
former animals will, perhaps, be somewhat surprised
that he overlooked those very extraordinary organs
the male palpi. With this exception Leeuwenhoek
seems to have had a very fair acquaintance with
the structure of this " animal." He says :—" I
have often seen the spiders, when dropping or falling,
as it seemed, from a tree, stop or support themselves
in midway by the help of one of their hind feet,
which they continually apply to the thread as they
open it. These feet are each of them furnished
with three nails or claws, standing separate or
apart from each other. Two of these claws are at
the extremity of the foot, and each of them is
formed with teeth, or notched like the cuts in a saw,
growing narrower towards the bottom; and with
these they are enabled to hold fast the thread, in

like manner as the pulley or wheel used by clock-
makers in their thirty-hour clocks is contrived to
lay hold of the clock-line by means of the groove
being also narrow at bottom. For the more per-
fectly understanding this formation, 1 caused the
following figure to be drawn."

The illustration is very good, and although not
quite accurate, gives a good idea of what we now call
the " combs." The general accuracy of Leeuwen-
hoek's figures is the more surprising, as he does not
seem ever to have prepared them in any way ; and
doubtless the use of caustic potash, &c, for the
purpose of bleaching, was entirely unknown to him.

Fig. 25. Claw of Spider (from Leeuwenhoek).

These instruments are now supposed to be used
for the purpose of cleaniug the web, but no doubt
they serve for both purposes.

To Leeuwenhoek belongs the credit of the dis-
covery of the poison-fangs of the spider. The
existence of these organs as the means of conveying
a poison was questioned as recently as 1867, when
several correspondents of Science-Gossip argued
for and against their existence. Mr. R. Beck, in a
paper on this subject, remarks that Leeuwenhoek
had discovered the nature of the fangs, and gives a
copy of his figure, which we here reproduce. As
Leeuwenhoek's observations are of considerable in-
terest, I transcribe them : — " I have often heard it
said that the spider has a sting, with which it is
also reported it can kill a toad ; but no one could
tell me in what part of the body this sting was
placed ; therefore I concluded that, if there was
one, it must be in the posterior or hind part, as in
other animals and insects; but on examination 1
found this opinion to be groundless. The spider is,
however, provided with two organs or weapons
answering every purpose of a sting, which are
placed in front of the head, just below the eyes, and,
when not in use, they lie between the two shorter
feet. These weapons, or instruments of offence.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

which are bent in the nature of claws, are very
similar to the sting of the scorpion and fangs of
millepeda ; and in each of these fangs (for so I will
call them) is a small aperture, through which in all
probability a liquid poison is emitted by the spider
at the time it inflicts the wound."

Leeuwenhoek's discovery was disputed by some
of the learned men of the day. Dr. Mead, in his
"Essay on Poisons," doubted the fact, in which he
was at first supported by Henry Baker, F.B..S.,
who had not been able to detect, the aperture ; but
on further examination, made on a large foreign
spider from the island of Nevis, he detected the
orifice, and " showed the same to Dr. Mead, who
was much pleased with the discovery."

Dr. Mead, in his "Mechanical Account of
Poisons," 3rd edit., p. 88, says that he was " inclin-
able to believe that Mr. Leeuwenhoek had been
mistaken; and that the fangs were capable of in-
flicting a wound only, into which a poisonous liquor
was instilled afterwards by a short white proboscis
thrust out of the spider's mouth."

ifc^fe

Fig. 2(3. Ovipositor of Spider.

To test the poisoning power of the spider, he
tells us that he " took a small frog, whose body was
about an inch and a half in length, which I put into
a glass tube together with a large spider, in order
to see the action of the two animals when brought
together, and I observed the spider pass over the
frog without hurting it, though with its fangs dis-
played as if to attack the frog. Upon this, I caused
the frosr to fall against the spider, who thereupon
struck his fangs into the frog's back, making two
wounds, one of which exhibited a red mark and
the other a purple spot. I then brought the
frog to the spider a second time, who there-
upon struck his fangs into one of the frog's
fore feet, whereby some \'e\v of the blood-vessels
were wounded; and having provoked the spider
a third time he struck both fangs into the frog's
nose, presently after which I took the spider out
of the glass. The frog thus wounded sat without
motion, and in about the space of half an hour it
stretched out its hind legs and expired."

His experiment on another and a larger frog was
not successful, its superior size and strength no
doubt enabling it to resist, the effects of the venom.

Leeuwenhoek now turns his attention to the
formation of the nest, and the deposition of the
eggs, of which he gives an interesting description.

During his observations on the nidiflcation, lie
detected the method used by the spider for depo-
siting its ova. He says, " I was desirous to see a
spider laying its eggs, which at length I obtained a
sight of, and observed that they were not emitted from
the same part as usual in all other minute animals,
but from the fore part of its belly, not far from its
hind legs, and near the place I observed a kind of
little hooked organ, handsomely shaped, which J
had often before seen in the animal, and could not
imagine for what purpose it was designed ; but
now, I perceive that it extended over that part
whence the eggs issued, and I therefore conjec-
tured that its use was to deposit them in regular-
order within the web prepared to receive them.
This hook I then separated from the spider's body,
and, placing it before the microscope, I delivered it
to the limner that he might make a drawing of it as
it appeared to him."

This drawing is given at fig. 26, "efgi k,
and therein between the letters I and k certain
folds or wrinkles appear, this organ being so formed
as to have a greater extent of motion action than
usual. The letters e f denote the part which was
joined to the spider's body." In order to discover
whether the eg^s could be hatched by artificial
warmth sooner than the usual time, which is in the
spring, he enclosed some on the 1st of January in a
glass tube, which he constantly carried about with
him. On the morning of the 17th he found twenty-
five young spiders, and in the evening of the same
day he counted above a hundred and fifty young
ones : on exposing them to the cold they became
motionless, but recovered on the application of
warmth ; on the 21st he was able to discern their
eyes, and on the 25th they began to open webs, in
the same manner as full-grown spiders. Leeuwen-
hoek was at a loss to understand how " these young
spiders could be supplied with nourishment, con-
sidering that the natural food of these creatures is
the substance of other insects ; but I now perceived
that they fed on the barren eggs which had been
left in the glass, and they afterwards devoured
one another till they were reduced to very few in-
number."

That wonderful production, the web of the spider^
was not likely to escape the notice and investigation
of Leeuwenhoek, and accordingly we find him
studying the spinnerets, of which a tolerably accu-
rate description and figure are given ; but he is most
struck with the amazing fineness of the threads,
and calculates their diameter : his standard of com-
parison is, as usual, a hair from his beard. He says,
" For this purpose I placed the thickest part of the
hair before the microscope, and, from the most
accurate judgment I could form, more than a hun-
dred such threads placed side by side could not
equal the diameter of one such hair. If then we
suppose such hair to be of a round form, it follows

Hi

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIT.

that ten thousand of the threads spun by the full-
grown spiders when taken together, will not he
equal in substance to the size of a single hair.
To this we add, that four hundred young spiders
at the time when they begin to open their webs are
not larger than a full-grown one, and that each of
these minute spiders possesses the same organs as
the larger ones ; it follows that the exceedingly small
threads spun by these little creatures must be still
four hundred times slenderer, and that consequently
four millions of these minute spiders' threads can-
not equal in substance the size of a single hair."

Leeuwenhoek was unable to detect zygosis in
these animals, although he had frequently endea-
voured to do so ; he enclosed a female with three
males in a glass, and she flew at them " with so
much fury, and wounded them to such a degree, that
blood issued from their legs and feet."

" These are my chief observations on the spider, an
animal held in such detestation by many that they
dread even the sight or approach of it, but in which
we And as much perfection and beauty as in any
other animal."

Leeuwenhoek was advised by the Eoyal Society
to examine the barren and fruitful eggs of the silk-
worm. His first experiment was to ascertain
whether it was possible to promote the growth of
the silkworm in the autumn. The following plan
was therefore adopted : " I put into a flat screwed
box some eggs six weeks old, which in the daytime
I carried in my pocket, and at night placed beside
me in bed, that they might continually keep warm ;
and in another box of the same kind I put some
more eggs three weeks old, and these my wife (who
was always warmly clad) constantly carried in her
bosom."

On opening some eggs which he had kept by him
for above a mouth, he observed a minute silkworm
about the thickness of a hair, but he was not able
to distinguish any particular parts of its body. In
the space of ten days more he found larger worms
in the eggs, and on examining those carried by
his wife he found still larger, which by the micro-
scope appeared as large as one's finger. These he
proposed to give drawings of, but the animals
soon dying, they lost their figure, and neither the
head nor tail, nor any other part of their bodies
was distinguishable. After this the eggs dried up,
and he was obliged to wait until the beginning of
May before he could resume his observations. On
the 20th of that month lie could perceive not only
several parts of each animal's head, but also a great
number of small vessels, which branched out into
others, extending all over the body. These vessels
he supposed to be veins and arteries conveying the
blood. (1 need scarcely say that these vessels were
trachea, and not blood-vessels.) The description of
his investigations on the structure of the silkworm
aud its moth occupies fifteen quarto pages.

Leeuwenhoek now proceeds to examine the scales
of fishes, and soon detects the scales of the eel, of
which he gives a very good figure.

His friends, the heterogenists, are not content
with his demolition of their assertions that the
weevil is generated spontaneously, and he receives
the intimation that in a book published at Rome by
a learned Jesuit, named Philippo Borrauni, it is as-
serted that animalcules or small living creatures can
be produced out of inanimate substances, as mud or
sand, by spontaneous generation, according to the
doctrine of Aristotle. "Aud it seems that this
learned gentleman is himself very desirous to see
my observations on the subject. I shall therefore
proceed to consider Signor Borranni's positions, and
I doubt not that upon investigation they will be
found of no weight or substance, but will vanish
like smoke or vapour." The heading to this essay
will perhaps be sufficient for the modern reader, —
"The author's refutation of the doctrine of equi-
vocal or spontaneous generation in the instance of
the Sea Mussel, with a particular description of that
species of fish."

Not being acquainted with Borranni's book, which
by the way, I should imagine soon found its way
into the Index Expurgatorius, I am unable to say
whether the learned Jesuit considered sea mussels
animalcules, or, if he did not, whether he contended
that they were produced spontaneously ; if he did,
the author of the essay, assisted by his microscope,
soon proved that such was not the case.

The essay on the circulation of the blood is very
interesting, but much too long to, transcribe here.
As may be supposed, when the rudeness of his
instruments are taken into consideration, many
errors may be detected in his observations ; for
example, he considers the blood-corpuscles are
spherical, excepting in the fishes. He observed,
although imperfectly, the circulation in the gills of
a young cock, in the ears of white rabbits, and the
wing of a bat.

But it was when he placed a young tadpole
under one of his instruments he saw the cir-
culation of the blood in full perfection, and he says,
"a sight presented itself more delightful than any
my eyes had ever beheld, for here I discovered
more than fifty circulations of the blood in different
places, while the animal lay quiet in the water, and
I could bring it before the microscope as I wish."
What would have been his delight if he could have
seen the circulation under a modern binocular !

Leeuwenhoek made microscopic observations on
various substances, as coffee, mace, cochineal, hops,
the cocoa-nut, the herb Periwinkle (wherein he
refutes the opinion "that it does not bear any
seed "), on quills, on human hair, the hair and wool
of animals, and on the eye of a whale. The learned
Dutchman concludes his last essay with the fol-
lowing remarks : —

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

55

" When we duly consider the more perfect work-
manship of the Divine artist, we must confess that
those things which we discover by our microscopes
and industry are but as the shadow of those which
hitherto remained concealed from us, not only in
such small animals as this now under consideration,
but also in larger animals and in plants.

" It is to be hoped, then, that the inquirer into
Nature's works, by searching deeper and deeper
into her hidden mysteries, will more and more place
the discoverers of those truths before the eyes of
all so as to produce an aversion to the errors of
former times which all those who love the truth
ought diligently to aim at. For we cannot in any
better manner glorify the Lord and Creator of the
Universe, than that in all things, how small soever
they appear to our naked eyes, but which yet
have received the gift of life and power of increase,
we contemplate the display of His omniscience and
perfection with the utmost admiration."

The following is the original of the last para-
graph : —

" Want wy en konnen den Heer en Maaker van
het geheel Al, niet meer verheerlyken, als dat wy in
alle zaken, hoe kleiu die ook in onse bloote oogen
mogen zyn, als ze maar leven en wasdom hebben
outfangen, zyn Al-wysheit en Volmaaktheit, met de
uiterste verwoudering sien uit steken."
(To be continued!)

THE JEWS AND PRE-H1STORIC IRISH]
ANTIQUITIES.

rjlHERE is no direct evidence concerning an
■*- immigration of Jews into Ireland. But that
there is strong and satisfactory evidence of a so-
called Phoenician immigration no one will dispute.
It is asserted in their own records, which are very
ancient. (See "Annals of Ireland," by the Four
Masters, and Keatiuge's "History of Ireland," and
others.) These again are supported by Phoenician
relics, by evident traces of prevailing Baal-worship,
and by the language. The words uttered by " the
little Carthaginian" in the "Poeuulus" of Plautus
are pure Irish. (See " Essay on the Antiquity of
the Irish Language." Dublin : 1772.)

If then the Phoenician immigration be admitted
as established, it becomes a question how far their
manners and customs may not have been influenced
by the Israelites, and, indeed, whether there may
not have been a considerable blending of the races.
The Phoenician and Hebrew languages were iden-
tical. (See part ii., vol. ii., Transact. Bib. Arch. Soc,
where this is proved, and where the above-men-
tioned passage in the " Poenulus " of Plautus is
transliterated into Hebrew) But (what is more to
the point in this paper) it will be recollected that
Hiram, king of Tyre, had the high privilege

accorded him of assisting at the building of the
Temple, where a large number of the skilled work-
men were Phoenicians (1 Kings v. 6, 17, 18), and the
head-man of these cunning craftsmen was " the son
of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father
was a man of Tyre " (2 Chron. ii. 13, 14).

Jezebel, the wife of Ahab, was daughter of
Ethbaal, king of Sidon (1 Kings xvi. 31).

But, besides this identity of language and social
intimacy, the Israelites, or a large portion of them,
— the tribe of Dan especially, — like the Phoenicians,
were a seafaring people. Thus Dan had ships as
early as B.C. 1285 (Judges v. 17) ; and the navies of
Solomon and some of his successors were renowned.
The Jewish Chron., May 2Sth, 1875, reports a lec-
ture delivered at the Jews' Infant School, on the
23rd May, to Jewish working men, by Rev. A. L.
Green, who stated as follows : —

" Our forefathers, in their happiest times in the
golden age of the nation's glory, were indeed the
public carriers of their day, travellers for commer-
cial enterprise to all the then known countries, near
and far. The ships of Solomon rivalled the Phoe-
nician navy. The ports of Elath and Eziongeber
were filled with the ships of Tarshish, which sailed
down to the iElanitic Gulf of the E.ed Sea on to
the Indian Ocean, to Ophir, to Sheba, to Arabia
Felix, to India, and to Ceylon ; and through the
Pillars of Hercules ; brought home copper from
Cyprus and tin from Spain, possibly from Cornwall.
The Talmud is filled with special regulations bearing
on the exceptional wants springing from these
various avocations. Synagogues were from earliest
times attached to special centres of industry, and
frequented by special traders; and a workman's
ritual was specially arranged to suit the artisan, the
landsman, and the seafarer. The pursuits of com-
merce, in its various ramifications, were ordered by
an admirable code of commercial law. The laws
of agency and insurance and hypothecation were
codified. Promissory notes and bills of exchange
were formulated even in Mishnaic times."

It has been pointed out that the Dannites appear
(possibly from their proximity to Tyre and Sidon)
to have been more thrown among the Phoenicians
than the other Israelites ; and it is remarkable that
a people called " Tuatha da Dannan," or tribe of
Dannan, are amongst the earliest civilized colonists
of Ireland. They were renowned for their skill in
the arts and sciences, especially architecture, and
for their attention to schools. The Irish historians
ascribe the knowledge of these Dannans to " their
intercourse with the Phoenicians." They are said to
have come from Egypt, and to have resided a long
time in Greece.

In "Phoenician Ireland," by Villaneuva, trans-
lated by H. O'Brien, p. 184, there is this curious
remark on the Dannans :— " I recollect that m the
Phoenician language is to be found the word

56

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

danihein, signifying illustrious, generous, noble ; or
rather, Damn, for Danani, or Danita, the inhabitants
of the city of Dan, at the foot of Mount Lebanus,
the spot where the Phoenicians worshipped the
graven image given them by Micah (!), and where
Jeroboam had erected the golden calf."

As for the long residence of these Dannans in
Greece before they came to Ireland, Latham's
" Ethnology of Europe," p. 137, has the following : —
" I think that the eponymus of the Argive Danai
was no other than that of the Israelite tribe of
Dan ; only we are so used to confine ourselves to
the soil of Palestine in our consideration of the
history of tlie Israelites, that we treat them as if
they were adscripti glebee, and ignore the share they
may have taken in the ordinary history of the
world. The seaports between Tyre and Ascalon, of
Dau, Ephraim, and Ashur, must have followed the
history of seaports in general, and not have stood
on the coast for nothing. What a light would be
thrown on the origin of the name Pelop-o-nesus
and the history of the Pelop-id family, if a bond
%de nation of Pelopes, with unequivocal affiuities
and contemporary annals, had existed on the coast
of Asia ! "VVho would have hesitated to connect the
two? Yet with the Danai and the tribe of Dan
this is the case, and no one connects them."

There is strong evidence, however, of Jewish
colonies in Spain from a very early date. In Margoli-
onth's " Lectures," p. 24, 1 find, among many others,
records of two very ancient Hebrew inscriptions,
which had existed at Saguntum. One ran—

"This is the grave of Adoniram, the servant of king

Solomon, who came to collect the tribute and died

on the day "

and another records the death of a prince of the
army of Amaziah, king of Judah : —

" Raise, with a bitter voice, a lamentation for the great
prince ; the Lord has taken him to Amaziah," &c.

The voyage from Spain to Britain, and therefore,
of course, to Ireland, was very trifling. Appian
tells us that, from Spain to Britain was only half a
day.

" Quando in Britanniam, una cum ssetu maris transve-
huutur qirne quidem trajectio dimidiati diei est."*

But to revert to the Phoenicians. Although much
of their worship was gross in the extreme, as indeed
was the idolatry into which the Israelites frequently
fell away, I find that " in their (the Phoenicians')
oldest temples were no images. But there were
rude fetishes, conical or oblong stones. . . . Such a
stone was called by the Greeks baitulos, and Bochart
and others of a former age traced these to Bethel
and to the pillar which Jacob erected there."

* "This must be a mistake for a day and a half, unless,
under the name of Spain, the ancients sometimes compre-
hended a large portion of the coast of France as far as
Cape Ushant."

Thus, then, whether Ireland was colonized par-
tially by Israelites or solely by Phoenicians, there
seems to have been a sufficient intimacy between
the races to account for any resemblance which may
be held to exist between the ancient Irish churches
and the Ark of the Covenant. Col. G.

ON THE SIREN I A.
By Thomas Southwell, F.Z.S.

Honorary Secretary to the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists'
Society.

THOSE who had the good fortune to visit the
Gardens of the Zoological Society of
London between the 6th uf August and the 7th
of September last, could not fail to be interested
in an animal then exhibited for the first time
alive in this country. I need hardly say, I refer
to that strange animal the Manatee. So curious
and interesting is the group to which this creature
belongs, and so rapidly is it disappearing before the
advance of civilization, that some account of its
existing members will perhaps be acceptable to the
readers of Science-Gossip ; and I have been induced
to add a brief summary of what is known of one
other individual belonging to the same family,—
Steller's Manatee, which has become extinct almost
within the memory of man.

Once numerous on the face of the globe, as shown

by the fossil remains of various genera and species

found in the later Tertiary formations, the order

Sirenia is now represented by two genera only,

Manatus and Halicore ; it was formerly regarded

by naturalists as forming part of the order Cetacea,

which they divided into two sections, one comprising

the true Whales and Dolphins, termed Zoophagous,QX

animal-eating, the other, which included the Manatee

and its kindred, they designated Phytophagous or

plant-eating Cetaceans. A better acquaintance with

the anatomy of the members of the group has

proved that the resemblance to the Cetacea is

almost entirely confined to external appearances,

and that their organization indicates a close

alliance to the great order Ungnlata, or hoofed

quadrupeds ; but at the same time it is so peculiar

as to constitute a small, but very distinct group, to

which, from a fancied resemblance of its members

to the fabulous Siren, or Mermaid, the name

Sirenia has been given. The claim of any recent

member of this order to a place in the British

Eauna is very slight indeed, and rests entirely upon

the occurrence of one or two specimens of the West

Indian Manatee {Manatus americanus), which have

been cast ashore, in a putrid condition, on the

Orkney and Shetland islands, probably borne

northward, after death, by the gulf-stream.

The existing members of this order are com-
prised in one family, the Manatida, which is

HAltDVVlCKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

57

divided into two genera, Manatus and Halicore,
and numbers three, or perhaps four species ;
namely, Manatus americanus (auslralis), Manatus
senegalensis, Halicore dugang, and perhaps,
Halicore tabemaculi ; but of the latter as a
species very little is known. One other form
has recently become extinct, namely Rhythm
fSfelleri, and the remains of others occur, as has
already been said, in recent geological formations.

Dr. Gray, in the "Ann. and Mag. of Nat. Hist.,"
for Feb., 18G5 (3rd series, vol. xv. p. 130), reviews
the literature of the subject, and enumerates the
remains of Manatees known to him ; after a careful
examination of which he arrives at the conclusion
that there are two species of Manatee only, one con-
lined to the American, the other to the African side
of the Atlantic, both inhabiting the same latitudes,

p. 33, " is about the bigness of a horse and 10 or 12
feet long. The mouth of it is like the mouth of a cow
having great thick lips. The eyes are no bigger
than a small pea, the ears are only two small
holes, one on each side of the head. The biggest
part of this creature is at the shoulders, where
it hath two large fins, one on each side of its
belly. Under each of these fins the female has
a small dug to suckle her young. Prom the
shoulders towards the tayl it retains its bigness
for about a foot, then it groweth smaller and
smaller to the very tayl, which is flat and about
14 inches broad, and 20 inches long, and in the
middle 4 or 5 inches thick, but about the edges of it
not above 2 inches thick. Prom the head to the
tayl it is round and smooth without any fin but
those two before mentioned. I have heard that

Fig-. 27. Manatee (Manatus americanits).

i.e. between 10" south and 25° north of the equator.
The American species, M. americanus of Desm.,
includes, he considers, M. australis of Tilesius;
M. latirostris, Harlam ; and M.fluviatilis, Illiger;
whilst to the African species M. senegalensis, of
Desm., he refers II. nasutus of Wayman ; M.
Fogelii, Owen ; and M. Owenii, Du Challu. To the
former of these two species, M. americanus, the
individuals which have been washed on the shores
of the British isles are believed to have belonged.
The habitat of this species is the eastern coast
of inter-tropical America, the shores of the Carib-
bean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico, with the West
Indian islands. In these warm seas they were
formerly found in considerable numbers, always
keeping near the coast and delighting in the
shallow brackish water at the outlets of rivers,
which they frequently ascended, and where the
marine vegetable growth which formed their food
was most abundant. The remarkable appearance
of this species is described by Dampier, who had
ample opportunities of making its acquaintance,
with his usual truthfulness. "This creature," he
says, in his "Voyage round the World, 1703,"

some have weighed above 1,200 lb., but I never
saw any so large."

To Dampier's description we may add that the
snout is curiously truncated ; the nostrils, which are
placed at the upper terminal edge, are closed by
valves ; the mouth is small, the upper lip thick, and
the muzzle studded with strong hairs ; the only
permanent teeth are nine molars on each side of
either jaw; two incisors are shed early, and the
canines are altogether absent. The flippers, which
are placed near the head, have their edges armed
with rudimentary nails; the elbow-joint is con-
spicuous; of posterior limbs there is no external
appearance, but a rudimentary pelvis is found em-
bedded in the flesh. The tail is a continuation of
the body, flattened horizontally, and somewhat
resembling that of the beaver. The skin is very
thick, of a dark grey colour when dry, dull black
when wet, and scantily set with single hairs. A.
remarkable anatomical character, peculiar to this
genus, is the presence of six cervical vertebrae only ;
in the closely allied genera Halicore and Rhytina,
the normal number, seven, is present. The only
representation of this species that I am acquainted

58

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

with of any value, is to be found in Dr. Murie's
paper, which I shall have occasion to refer to shortly.
It represents the young male which formed one of
the subjects of his paper, and which, through the
kindness of the Zoological Society, J am allowed to
reproduce in the accompanying woodcut.

Of the habits of this species, Dampier gives an
interesting account ; he says it frequents creeks and
rivers near the sea where the water is shoal and the
shore low ; sometimes being found in fresh water,
sometimes in salt, but never far from the sea : its
food consists of marine vegetables, and its flesh is
excellent. " The tayl of a young cow is most
esteemed, but, if old, both head and tayl are very
tough : a calf that sucks is the most delicate meat."
The natives in Dampier's time (16S1) took great
numbers of Manatees by means of a sort of harpoon
lightly fixed in the end of a staff about 8 ft. long.
After paddling quietly within striking distance, the
harpoon was driven into the animal, and the staff
withdrawn, leaving the harpoon (to which was
attached a line 10 or 12 fathoms in length, termina-
ting with a float,) fast in its body. The Manatee on
being struck would swim away, but, impeded by the
float, was soon overtaken ; when quite exhausted by
its efforts to escape, they drew it to the side of the
canoe, and knocked it on the head ; then towing the
dead body to the shore, they made it fast, and
returned to seek and kill another. Having secured
a second Manatee, they towed it into shallow water
as near the shore as possible, and its weight being
too great to lift into the canoe, they " overset the
canoa, laying one side close to the Manatee ; then
they roll it in, which brings the canoa up right again,
and when they have heav'd out the water they
fasten a line to the other Manatee that lieth afloat,
and tow it after them. I have known two Moskito
men," he adds, " for a week every day bring aboard
two Manatees in this manner, the least of which
hath not weighed less than 600 pound, and that in
a very small canoa, that three Englishmen would
scarce venture to go in." When a cow, accompa-
nied by a young one, was struck, she generally took
the young one under one of her flippers ; but, if too
large, the young one never left her, so that in either
case it fell an easy prey.

Dr. Cunningham, writing to the Secretary of
the Zoological Society, thus describes the habits
of the Manatee in confinement : — " The specimen
of the Manatee observed by me at Rio in 1S67 and
1869 had been procured, as I was informed, from the
Amazons, and was kept in a strip of artificial water
in the passao publico (public gardens) of the city,
which was tenanted also by two young jacares and
a variety of water-fowl. It measured as nearly as
I could calculate between 4 ft. and 5 ft. in length.
In general it could only be recognised as an inky
shadow moving along at some distance below the
surface of the water. It evinced a curious pre-

dilection for the society of a white swan, following
this bird, which was not at all alarmed by'its asso-
ciate, from place to place, so that we found that the
presence of the swan on any particular spot on the
water was a guide to that of the Manatee, or Cow-fish,
as it is generally termed by the inhabitants of Rio.
It was very tame, often protruding its curiously-
fringed lips above the surface of the water to take
bunches of grass from the hands of bystanders ;
and several times I observed it grazing on the short
herbage at the sides of the water. This it accom-
plished by raising its head and shoulders above the
surface, and maintaining itself in this position by-
means of one pectoral fin placed on the top of the
low stone ledge or parapet which separated the
water from the adjoining turf, while it slowly moved
along sideways in this position cropping the grass
as it went." (P.Z.S., 1S70, p. 798.)

In a paper read before the Zoological Society in
November, 1875, Professor Garrod, the prosector to
the society, calls attention to the prehensile power
possessed by the upper lip of the American Manatee.
On either side the upper lip is to be found an oval
prominence separated by a square interval, forming
the anterior portion of the lip. In life these pro-
minences, he says, "face inwards towards one
another, and when the animal is feeding it grasps
the food with them, by working them laterally
inwards, so that the piece of vegetable under mas-
tication is seized between them, and there held
firmly by the coarse bristles with which they are
covered. The pads diverge in relaxing." Mr.
Garrod likens this action to the lateral movement
of the mandibles of caterpillars whilst feeding on
leaves, and states that he has not observed a lateral
prehensile power of the upper lip resembling it in
any other mammalian.

In 1866 an attempt was made to convey a young
female Manatee alive to this country ; it left Porto
Rico on the 1 2th March, but lived only ten days at
sea. In June of the same year, Herr A. Kappler,
of Surinam, having secured a young male, taken
in the Maroni river, a second attempt was made.
Under the charge of Mr. Clarence Bartlett, this
attempt proved all but successful; all went well
till within two days' sail of Southampton, when the
stranger suddenly succumbed to the chilling north-
east wind which set in. These two specimens,
which were carefully preserved, afforded the mate-
rials for Dr. Murie's splendid paper on the "Eorm
and Structure of the Manatee," published in the
Transactions of the Zoological Society for 1872 ; and
the result of the experience thus acquired as to the
best mode of conveyance, &c, led to the thin!
attempt proving successful. A half-grown female
Manatee, measuring 7 ft. 2 in., arrived safely at the
Zoological Gardens on the 6th of August last (1875).
It was sent from Pin Point, Demerara, by Mr. R.
Swain; the tank in which it was conveyed being

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GO SSIP.

59

slung upon a long pole in order to protect its occu-
pant from injury arising from violent contact with
the sides of its prison, brought about by the motion
of the vessel. On being placed in the gardens, it
soon became quite tame, and fed readily on lettuces
and sliced vegetable marrows. This lasted till the
7th of September, when the animal died very sud-
denly ; an examination of the body by Mr. Garrod,
failing to discover the cause of death.

The remaining species of Manatee, Manatus sene-
galensis, has been found in the Senegal, the Gambia,
and some of the rivers of Western Africa. Murray
(" Geographical Distribution of the Mammals") says
that its range extends round the Cape of Good
Hope, and that it has been found as far north on
the other side of the continent as Quillimane, in
Mozambique. The skull of this species, according
to Dr. Balfour Blaikie (P.Z.S., 1857, p. 30), differs
from that of M. americanus in being more compact,
the snout shorter, the lower jaw more angular, with
its lower border more curved, and the zygomatic
process of the temporal is less elevated. Its habits
appear to be similar to those of the preceding
species ; frequenting the estuaries of rivers, it feeds
on the marine vegetation there abounding; but as a
species it is not nearly so well known as its Ame-
rican relative.

(To be continued.)

PHOTO-MICROGRAPHY.
By T. H. Powell.

THERE is a general impression that it is not
easy to obtain a good negative when a photo-
graph of a microscopic object is desired; and that
the difficulties are in many cases great cannot be
denied. There are many objects, however, which
may be easily photographed; and the aim of this
paper is to give simple and concise directions
whereby this may be done.

A special photographic camera is not necessary,
because, in focussing, the body of the microscope is
moved, and not the focussing-glass. An ordinary
camera, with lens removed, can therefore be used,
with a piece of very finely ground glass fitting the
frame carried by the dark slide, as a focussing-glass,
held tightly in its place by springs so arranged that
the glass can be removed readily before the sen-
sitized plate is taken out of the bath ; it being most
essential that the sensitized plate should lie in
exactly the same plane as the focussing-glass.
Erames, measuring 4i by 3| in. or 5 by 4 in., will
be found most handy, and should be well varnished,
and great care taken to keep the wires clean. The
microscope, placed on a table in a horizontal
position, must be connected with the camera by a
black velvet hood fitting round the tube of the
microscope, and must oe perfectly light-tight in

every part. If the microscope be a binocular, the
Wenham prism must be removed ; and it is better
to substitute for the eye-piece a brass tube, with a
dead blacked interior extruding about a quarter of
an inch from the end of the instrument, over which
stops of various sizes may be fitted (easily made
from pill-box lids, by punching round holes in
them). A paraffine lamp can be used for illumina-
tion, and admits of two arrangements. It can
either be placed at the side, and its light condensed
on the mirror beneath the stage by a bull's-eye con-
denser, and thence reflected through the object up
the microscope tube ; or the mirror can be dispensed
with altogether, the lamp placed so that the centre
of its flame is in a line with the optical axis of the
microscope, and a bull's-eye condenser placed
between it and the stage at that distance which
yields an intense well-diffused light. If a trans-
parent object {e.g., the proboscis of a blow-fly) be
now placed upon the stage, its reflected image will
be seen upon the focussing-glass ; and this must be
examined with a pocket-lens, till, by means of the fine
adjustment, the sharpest possible image is obtained.
An allowance must now be made for the over-cor-
rection of the objective by turning the slow adjust-
ment, so that the objective is slightly brought away
from the object. For an inch object-glass about
one-third of a turn is required ; the exact fraction
of a turn can only be ascertained by experiment.
For a quarter-inch object-glass the correction re-
quired is so slight that it is scarcely necessary.

Everything is now ready for taking the negative ;
for this the following solutions will be required.

A good bromo- iodized negative collodion
(Mawson's answers admirably, and can be obtained
anywhere).

Silver Bath.— Nitrate of silver, 1 oz. ; distilled
water, 14 oz. ; nitrate of barium, 40 grains ; dilute
nitric acid sufficient to render very slightly acid.
When all have dissolved, filter ; and, before using
the first time, leave a collodion-coated plate in it
for half an hour.

Iron Developer. — Sulphate of iron, £ oz. ; water,
8 oz. ; filter when dissolved, aud add glacial acetic
acid, i oz. ; spirit of wine, I oz.

Redeveloper. — No. 1. Pyrogallic acid, 5 grains;
citric acid, 12 grains ; distilled water, 1 oz. No. 2.
Nitrate of silver, 10 grains ; distilled water, 1 oz.

Clearing Solution. — Cyanide of potassium, 80 to
120 grains ; distilled water, 10 oz. To be labelled
"Poison."

The plate having had its edges roughened by
drawing across the edges of another plate, is ren-
dered chemically clean by scouring with a mixture
of Tripoli powder one part, methylated spirit and
liquid ammonia of each two parts, then washed
under a tap till all trace of the mixture is removed,
drained, dried, and well polished with a silk hand-
kerchief ; next held horizontally and the collodion

GO

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

poured slowly upon one corner, the plate slightly
inclined so that the liquid spreads over its upper
surface, and then tilted up so that the surplus collo-
dion drains off again into the bottle ; when the
collodion has just ceased to drop, the plate is placed
upon a dipper aud gently lowered without a pause
into the nitrate of silver bath, moved up and down
for a few seconds, then left at rest in the bath for
about five minutes, when it may be carefully removed
and stood on blotting-paper for half a minute to
drain. (From the time the plate is coated with
collodion till it is cleared all operations except
exposure must be carried on in a dark room. A bull's-
eye lantern with a piece of yellow glass substituted
for the bull's-eye should be used to light the
operator.)

The plate is next placed film downwards in the
frame and the dark slide-door fastened ; then the
dark slide is carried into the room where the micro-
scope has been arranged, slid into the camera, and
the shutter drawn up. The length of exposure
varies, and can only be ascertained by experiment ;
as a guide it may be roughly stated at from four to
six minutes for an inch objective with a circle on
the focussiug-glass about three inches in diameter :
with lower powers under the same conditions the
time of course decreases. The time of exposure
having elapsed, the dark slide is carried back into
the dark room, the plate removed, held horizontally
by a plate-holder, and enough of the iron developer
to flood it poured quickly on ; the liquid by a slight
movement of the plate being kept in constant
motion backwards and forwards, the image will
appear, and when its detail looks perfect, hold the
plate under a tap and allow a steady stream of water
falling upon it to wash off all trace of the developer.
Now hold the negative up to the light and examine
its back with a pocket lens ; if sharp in every point
and no stains visible, the next step will be to
intensify it.

Equal parts of the Redevelopers, No. 2 and
No. 1, are poured into separate glasses ; the plate
flooded by the latter, which is then poured off into
the glass containing the former, and the mixed
solutions poured back on the plate ; after a few
seconds the liquid is poured off again into the glass
and the negative examined; if the flame on the
lantern can scarcely be seen through the blackest
parts, the process must be stopped by washing
thoroughly under the tap ; but if this is not the
case, the mixed redeveloper must be again poured
on ; and this must be repeated till the negative is
sufficiently black, care being taken, however, not
to repeat this too often, or "fogging" will be the
result.

It now only remains to remove the uudecomposed
bromo-iodide of silver from the film ; this is done
by pouring the cyanide solution, which can be used
again and again, on the plate; when cleared, it is

!

again put under the tap, thoroughly washed, set
aside to drain, and when perfectly dry gently and
evenly warmed, a varnishing solution poured upon
it just as described for the collodion ; then when the
varnish ceases to drop, it is held before a fire till a
bright and hard surface has formed. The negative
is now finished and ready to print from.

NOTES ON THE DIPTERA..— III.

The Muscid^;.

nnO but few persons, probably, does the name
J- Muscidse convey the idea of anything different
from the house-fly, the blue-bottle, and the dung-
fly. These three insects are so common as to need
no description, but there are a great many
species nearly, if not quite, as plentiful, whose
existence is commonly ignored. The Muscidse are
by far the largest family of the Diptera, and even in
the British islands, notwithstanding the smallness of
their area, the number of species is countless ; so
that many are as yet undescribed and unnamed.

The Muscidae differ widely from the Bombylidse
aud Tabanidse, described in our previous papers, being
separated from them by many families. They are
closely related to the Conopidoc, the Despunculida
aud the (Estridse. -,

Fig. 28. Bucentes geniculatus, x 7 diam. The antenna, feet,
and wing of one side only are represented.

In consequence of the great size of the family, it
is divided into sub-families. These are arranged in
two divisions— Calypteratae and Acalypteratse. These
terms (derived from KaXvirrt'ip, a covering) refer to
the form of the alula (al, fig. 30), which in the Ca-
lypteratae is sufficiently large to cover the haltere*
while in the Acalypteratae the alula is so small as
generally to leave the haltere altogether uncovered.
The Calypteratse are usually robust, and are more or
less like the blow-fly and house-fly, which are the
most familiar examples. The Acalyptevatas are
mostly slender, and the dung-fly is a good type of
them.

We will first notice a few of the Calypteratae, and
begin with a common little fly, named Bucentes
geuiculatus, belonging to the sub-family Tachinides.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE. GOSSIP.

Gl

It is found almost everywhere during spring,
summer, and autumn, but owing to its very ordinary
appearance, it usually passes unnoticed. It is
variable in size, being sometimes nearly as large as
a house-fly, but oftener only half the size. It is of
a bright brown colour, covered with long black
bristles, and has large wings. The head, too, is
large ; and the face, which is yellowish-white, is
somewhat swollen. The antennae are prominent,
and of a rather unusual shape ; but the most cha-
racteristic feature, the one by which the fly may be
recognized immediately, is the mouth. A drawing
of the insect is given at Cg. 2S, which shows the

Fig. 29. Mouth of Stomoxys calcitrant, x 14 diam. : ph, ph,
pharynx ; Ibr, labrum ; /, lingua ; la, labium j mp, maxil-
lary palpi ; le, levers or fulcra of labrum.

long proboscis. It is only the labrum or lower lip
which is so developed in length ; all the other organs
are very short. It is apparently jointed in the
middle ; but the part beyond the bend is really the
sucking part, i.e. the lobes of the labrum, enor-
mously lengthened, which, just as in all other flies,

^^^i

Fig. 30. Wing of Tachina virgo, x 5$ diams. Names of
veins:— co, costal; sc, sub-costal; 111, mediastinal; r,
radial; cu, cubital; pr, prsebrachial ; po, post-brachial ;
an, anal ; dt, discal-transverse ; d, discoidal areolet ; axl,
axillary lobe ; al, alula.

are capable of being folded back under the head :
the specific name geniculates, " having a knee," refers
to this folding back. This very peculiar form of
mouth shows the relation of the fly to some mem-
bers of the family Conopidae, which have similar
mouths.

The next two insects chosen for description be.
long to the sub-family Muscides. During the warmer
half of the year, a remarkable fly may often be seen
on trunks of trees, hedges, umbelliferous flowers,
and other places where flies congregate. Its colour-

ing is simple, but exceedingly striking : the body is
of a very dark steel-blue — almost black, smooth
and lustrous ; the wings are grey at the tip, and
brilliant orange at the base and along the fore
border for about half their length. The face is of
a yet more brilliant and golden colour than the
wings. The bright orange, so well set off by the
deep colour of the body, gives the fly its beauty, and
makes it much more handsome than the Blue-bottle,
which it resembles in shape and size. This fine in-
sect is known as Musca meridiana ; and, as its name
tells.it is only to be met with during the most sunny
part of the day.

Fig. 31. CorJi/lura puhera, x 7 diam.

The mouths of the Muscidae are all interesting,
but that of 31. meridiana is pre-eminently so. It is
short and thick, and the sucking part of the labrum
(i.e. the part often erroneously called " the lips ")
is enormously broad, in great contrast to the mouth
cf Bucentes. The capillary channels are large and
numerous, and the whole mouth is hairy. It is also
remarkable for possessing two little papillae, which
appear to be the rudiments of missing organs, —
labial palpi, perhaps.

Our next fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, is common from
April to October, and especially so in the late summer
and autumn. It greatly resembles, in external fea-
tures, the common house-fly, but it is unlike it in
one or two important points which we "ill briefly
notice. The name Stomoxys calcitrans is most
appropriate: the former word signifies " sharp-
mouth," referring to the structure of that organ,
the latter " spurring," in allusion to its use. Eig. 29
shows the mouth, which is remarkable for this, that
whereas most biting flies use only the labrum and
maxillae for piercing, this fly bites with the labrum

62

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

also, and this is modified for the purpose. Instead
of being soft, and terminating in still softer lobes, it
is hard and stiff throughout, and covered with trans"
verse strise, and many specimens have large sharp
teeth at the tip. In others, however, the teeth are
small (as in the drawing, where they can hardly be
seen), and in some absent. These teeth are found
in all flies of the genus Muscal and are very large in
M. meridiana. They are supposed to be used for
grinding hard substances. The labrum and lingua
are long, but slender. Stomoxys calcitrans abounds,
not only in the country, but in towns, and even in
London. It sucks the blood of horses and cattle,
and causes them much irritation ; but its bite is not
poisonous, and leaves no painful swelling like the
bite of the Tabanidae. Though this genus belongs
to the same sub-family as the previous, it is more
nearly allied to the Conopidse, for its mouth greatly
resembles the mouths of the genus Conops, while
the wings also are somewhat alike ; there are several
species and varieties of Stomoxys ; but it is difficult
to distinguish them.

The two principal types of wings in the Muscidse
are shown by fig. 30, wing of Tachina virgo, and by
the Cordylura's wing in fig. 31. In the wing of
Tachina, it will be seen that the prsebrachial vein
(pr) is bent at a sharp angle at *, and reaches the
edge of the margin close beneath the cubital, while
the discal transverse vein (dt) is curved : this is the
most frequent form in the Calypteratse. In the
Cordylura's wing, on the other hand, the prsebrachial
vein is continued straight to the edge, and the discal
transverse is straight too : this form is commoner in
the Acalypteratse, but occurs also in some of the
Calypteratse. There are other less important types
and intermediate forms, one of which occurs in
M. meridiana, S. calcitrans, and B. geniculatus. and
may be seen in fig. 28 : in this type the prse-
brachial is curved upwards, but not sharply bent.

It will be well to notice here that some of the
smaller veins which occur in the wings of many
other families are absent from the wings of the
Muscidse, though the principal veins (which are
named in the Tachina's wing, fiig. 30) are the
same in this as in other families. Also that, in
consequence of the areolets or interspaces near the
base of the wing being contracted into a very small
compass, the wing is chiefly occupied by the large
areolets near the tip, while the discoidal areolet is
protracted to such a length as to almost forfeit its
claim to be called " disk-like." This may be under-
stood by comparing these wings vein for vein with
those of Bombylius and Tabanus, given in our former
papers (April 1875, p. 80, and July 1875, p. 148).
We will now proceed to the Acalypteratae, and
begin witli the sub-family Helomyzides (from 'i\og,
a marsh, and fivla, a fly, — flies inhabiting marshy
ground), which is closely related to the Calypteratse
and also to the family Conopidae. The first genus

is Cordylura ; it includes several species, the most
common being C. pubera, represented by fig. 31 >
which is frequently met with near rivers and slug-
gish streams. It is about the size of the common
dung-fly, and not unlike it in shape, but differs from
it in several particulars. The colour of the body
and head is dark brown, and it is thinly covered
with black bristles. The head is large, the face
whitish, and the eyes of the colour known as Indian
red. The antennse are black, and their bristles
fringed. The mouth is of the type common to the
Muscidse ; the palpi are black, and have an exceed-
ingly long bristle at the tip : this is characteristic of
the genus Cordylura. The wings are colourless, and
their veins yellow; the femora are brown and the
rest of the leg yellow, with black spots on the tarsi ;
but the most distinctive feature is the abdomen of
the male, which is long and slender, curved down-
wards and thickened at the tip, with a wart-like
protuberance on the under side (see fig. 31). It is
on this account that the genus is named Cordylura,
from KopSvXt], a bump, and ovpd, a tail. The tout
ensemble of the male is so like some of the members
of the Conopidse, that we have made a drawing of
it, to aid in its identification and for comparison
with the Conopidse, about which we purpose at some
time to write.

F. J. Allen and H. M. J. Underhill.

NOTES ON THE AQUARIUM.

WH." is right in thinking "double ane-
• mones very unusual." After aquarium-
keeping for more than a dozen years, and paying
special attention to sea-anemones, I have never seen
more than two, which were born and reared in my
slate tank. Both were specimens of the common
Daisy {Sagartia bellis), and belonged not only to the
same variety, but the same family, probably the
same mother, who has been in my possession some
fifteen years, this stock being specially strong,
hardy, and prolific; for, whilst many other indi-
viduals have succumbed to various vicissitudes, at
different times, and one whole family of pink-
disked daisies died out entirely, to my great grief,
this robust set live on and multiply to the third and
fourth generation, enough to have peopled a hun-
dred such tanks, if all the offspring could have
found suitable food, care, and accommodation.

The first Double Daisy lived two or three years,
and attained the height of two inches, and died
during my absence from home in June, 1875. I
believe it died of spring cleaning, or rather of
paint, — the outside of the window in which the tank
stood was painted. This most valuable anemone
was the first to fall a victim ; having taken up its
position almost half out of water, it was probably
more easily affected by the paint-poisoned atmo-

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

63

sphere, whilst the other anemones more deeply
settled in the water survived. I have found paint
and varnish most injurious to aquarium animals.
Therefore it behoves all aquarium possessors to
take special care of delicate specimens at such
times and seasons when paint and its attendant
evils are inevitable. If a shiny coating of scum
from paint or varnish be allowed to accumulate on
the surface of the water and hinder the free passage
of air, the effects are almost sure to be fatal. To
prevent this, when neither the aquarium 'or speci-
mens can be removed, I have found it best to keep
the aquarium closely covered, but to give an extra
dose of oxygen, in the shape of more constant
artificial aeration, as, e.g., by syringing or briskly
stirring with a stick, when a constant current is not
available ; also to place open pans of water in the
room to receive the paint poison instead of the
tank. Therefore in aquarium-construction it is
well to avoid paint wherever possible ; and hence
also the enormous advantage of a continuous circula-
tion of water, because impurities from without as
well as from within have not time to accumulate in
one place, but are dispersed before they work evil.

The question of atmospheric contamination is an
important one, and has been discussed by the Natu-
ral History and Microscopical Society at Birming-
ham, with reference to the probable injurious effects
of their tainted atmosphere on the proposed aqua-
rium in their murky town. Individual experience
on this point would be valuable. Can any one
briag it to bear ?

After grieving over the untimely end of my first
Double Daisy, one day in July I was delighted to
find another double baby, so tiny it was not easy to
see its two mouths, much more feed them. But
patience and frequent food conquered ; although
she once wandered without leave, lost herself, and
got nearly starved. She now keeps a promising
situation, and sometimes stands nearly an inch
high, expanding f in., each disk measuring f in.
respectively. Both specimens resembled each other
closely in colour and all else, bearing decided marks
of the same parentage. The column is united
throughout, showing merely a slight line or de-
pression where the bodies unite. Two perfect
disks expand on the top, with duplicate sets of
tentacles, and are set side by side, not " developing
out of the side," as with " W. H.'s" "Double
Plumose Anemone." The digestive organs appear
to be distinct, yet connected ; if one head is fed,
the other is nourished ; if one half is probed, the
other shrinks in concert. I have noticed this sym-
pathetic action in our English corals, Balanophyllia
regia and Caryophyllia Smithii, whose corallums
appear still more distinct, and yet are united. I
have four double specimens standing side by side,
looking like separate individuals, growing out of
the rock; two others are more closely united, but

all shrink and expand simultaneously, showing
intimate connection. I believe these double corals
are rare, though P. H. Gosse has figured one com-
pound specimen of C. Smithii with four disks and
sets of tentacles. I should be glad to hear of other
instances. These examples of single animals, with
occasional compound variations, are extremely in-
teresting, as showing connection with other genera,
and the gradual diminution of species, as our know-
ledge advances.

On taking up Science-Gossip, after some years'
cessation, two things strike me forcibly. 1st. The
many unconscious contributions to Darwinism.
2nd. The want of standard knowledge on aquarium
matters generally.

Whilst Darwin's theory of natural selection is
daily gaining ground, the practice of aquarium-
keeping seems to have advanced very little, if at
all ; and certainly appears not to keep up with the
times.* Exploded theories and practices are again
and again recommended, canvassed, and carried out,
and with the usual disastrous results.

One loses his Warty Newts through a heavy
shower of rain, causing the aquarium to overflow.
Another wants to know whether it is possible to
keep "Pope-fish" in confinement, and complains
that they persist in dying, although there is "plenty
of water, which is frequently changed." With the
best possible intentions, another recommends the
introduction of growing red and green sea-weed,
and the regular supply of salt-water and animals,
from fishing-boats that discharge weekly at Billings-
gate. Others want to know why fresh-water fish,
tadpoles, &c., become " covered with a downy white
substance, or fungus," and die a horrible death,
and what is the cause of this " horrid pest " in the
aquarium ?

All these things imply a constant, or periodic
change of water, totally at variance with the teach-
ings of the best-regulated aquaria.

If your correspondent " H. C. C. M." will tell
me whether he changes his water, and if his rock-
work reaches above the surface, I may be able to
help him rear his tadpoles healthily from the egg to
maturity, and to avoid the fungoid growth for the
future. Most probably this very change of water is
one of the primary causes of fatality. It is never
necessary to change the water in a well-regulated
aquarium. The first supply should be the last, un-
less accident and unforeseen causes arise.

Stocking is, therefore, not so difficult a thing as
G. H. Webb implies. It is difficult to get, trans-
mit, and keep rare and delicate aquarium animals,

* It should be understood that these remarks refer to the
private aquarium- keepers, who ventilate their difficulties in
Science-Gossip, without eliciting higher information in
response, and not to the enormous strides made in public
aquarium-keeping, as, e.g., at the Crystal Palace, and all
others built and managed on the same principle.

01

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

but it is comparatively easy to procure and maintain
the more hardy ones, and to lay in a stock of water
once, instead of weekly. I can give the addresses of
eight trained aquarium-collectors who can supply
these things, and it is generally much better to
depend upon them than upon ordinary fishermen,
whose business it is to supply dead fish, and there-
fore cannot be supposed to understand the manage-
ment of living ones.

I am glad to see in January Science-Gossip a
notice of Mr. Hughes's half-crown book, on the
management of marine aquaria. This paper is an
advance upon most old aquarium works, — even if
he is wrong upon one point, — his favourite one ; but
when information is to be had from accepted autho-
rities, who are right upon all points, it is like waste
power not to use it. We have not time and oppor-
tunity each to work out things for ourselves ; when
this is done for us, shown to be right, the results
clearly demonstrated, printed and published at small
cost, it seems a pity to go wrong, and cause needless
suffering to harmless animals under our care. It
is sad to " sin in light." I know that competent
teachers are wanted, and that much remains to be
learnt ; but I thiuk that the extra trouble and
expense of aquarium-keeping might be greatly
reduced by taking intelligent hold of experience
already gained, and following accepted principles,
proved such by the most satisfactory 'results, and
laid down by those most competent to form an
opinion.

I much appreciate the manner in which your
correspondents have graciously accorded informa-
tion on the development of newts, in response to
my question in answer to G. M. Doe, on the " Spawn
of frogs and toads." It is surprising that an
"eminent naturalist" should teach the popular
fallacy that tadpoles drop their tails when no longer
needed. A lady corroborates the idea that the tails
are absorbed, and do not tumble off; she never
found them tumble off, but often watched them
growing gradually shorter.

I conclude the experience of " H. E. G.," that
newts' eggs are "disposed in small lumps, and
frequently covered with clay, leaves, and earth,"
must be the exception ; since J. Eullager and others
have seen them laid singly, and doubled up in the
leaves of aquatic plants. Js he sure the eggs re-
ferred to belonged] to the Newt {Triton) ? I have
since had access to that beautifully illustrated and
carefully -written volume, " Bell's British lleptiles,"
published in 1839, and find it considered the best
treatise on the subject. He says newts' eggs are
laid separately on aquatic leaves, at intervals during
many weeks. Frogs' spawn is in lumps, and develops
rapidly; toads' is in strings, consisting of a double
row of eggs arranged alternately.

The "mistake" alluded to recently by E.
Maingay, in "H. E. E.'s" remarks on tadpoles, inour

last, evidently arises from a misprint or slip. If iu
Science-Gossip for December, p. 280, line 8 from
top, the word frog be substituted for "newt," the
sense is made perfectly clear, aud consistent with
the rest of the text. Each reader can easily correct
his own copy, and prevent further mistake.

Will "H. C. C. M." give the date of year and
month when he found frog spawn a week earlier
than usual ?

If people are wishing to study this most interest-
ing development of tadpoles for themselves, I
would recommend them at once to provide suitable
accommodation, by preparing the tank or glass
beforehand ; taking special care to place some por.
tion of the sand or rockwork above water, for the
tiny breathers to disport upon. Shade the glass
from the beginning: this will prevent the growth of
excessive vegetation, but allow time for a less ram-
pant crop of spontaneous vegetation, which is the
best sort to supply oxygen for the animals to breathe.
It would take too long here to explain why it is
undesirable to transplant growing plants into
aquaria, but as amphibians are not proper aquarium
animals per se, it is quite right to introduce such
vegetation as would be otherwise unlawful, espe-
cially as young tadpoles begin their lives as vege-
tarians, and leaves are required for food, as well as
for the safe deposition of eggs. Therefore eventu-
ally get such plants as are recommended by James
Fullager, in Science-Gossip for May, 1874, p.
101, — Anacharis alsinastrum, Callitriche verna, &c,
or Vallisneria spiralis, which coming originally from
warmer climates, bears forcing all the year round.
In March or April, look for the spawn, and make
careful observations and drawings whenever possible>
and give Science-Gossip the benefit. The draw-
ings in " Bell's British Reptiles " are worthy of
emulation, bearing evidence of extreme care and
exactness.

George Mivart's three-shilling book on " The
Common Frog " (Nature Series), I have not jet
seen, but imagine it contains information that would
be interesting to many of us. It would be well to
read what he says, aud make comparative notes on
time, temperature, and conditions of existence, as
bearing on special developments.

" Trust him little who praises all ; him less who
censures all; him least who is indifferent to all,"
says a philosopher. I take this to mean, we may
trust him most who takes earnest pains with any-
thing, for,

He would gladly learn and gladly teach.

G. S.

" Wiien the short life of the Worker-bee is ended,
we are sure the creature has had a pleasurable
existence, that her labours have been of love, and
that to her work has been that which we call happi-
ness."—& Wood's "Dwellers in our Gardens."

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GO SSIP.

65

MICROSCOPY.

American Microscopy.— At the annual meeting
of the American Microscopical Society of the city
of New York, held Tuesday evening, January 25th,
1376, the following officers were elected for the
ensuing year :— President, John B. Rich, M.D. ;
Vice-President, Wm. H. Atkinson, M.D. ; Secre-
tary, C. F. Cox ; Treasurer, T. d'Oremieulx ; Cura-
tor, 0. G. Mason.

A Simple Section-machine.— Those who work
with the microscope well know the advantage of
possessing some kind of machine for cutting thin
sections of various substances, and in order to aid
those whose purses are not overstocked, I send
drawing (half-size) and description of a simple little
instrument, which can be constructed by any one
possessing the tools and a little mechanical ability,

rience of thirty years, and having prepared in that
period some thousands of slides.— S.L. B.

"Water-glass." — Can any of the readers of
Science-Gossip give me their experience in the use
of silicate of soda—" water-glass," as it is some-
times called— as a medium for the mounting of
algse, desmids, &c ? What is the mode of pro-
cedure, and where can it be obtained ? I have tried
at the chemists' without success. — St. T. H.

Fig. 32. Simple Section-cutting: Machine.

or, where time is an object, purchased for a small
sum (see advertisement). By referring to the
sketch, it will be seen that the principle of action is
a very ordinary one, the form only being reduced
to the simplest possible. It consists of a slip of
mahogany, a, faced with a stout plate of brass
made perfectly flat. Previously to fixing this plate, a
hole about 5 in. must be bored exactly in the centre
of the wood, and extending to within about t in.
from the opposite end; this done, the plate may be
fastened on, and when all the edges are filled quite
flush with the wood it will present a very neat and
finished appearance. The milled-headed screw, b,
works against a piston sliding in the interior, and
that at c steadies and compresses the sheet while
being cut ; both work in thick slips of brass let into
the wood and securely fastened. I have cut some
very beautiful sections with this instrument, and
have never come across anything of the kind so
efficient and yet so easy of construction.— J. H.
Barton.

Gold-size.— I would ask "J.R. T.," if succes-
sive layers of gold-size ever do dry, or at least, if
the last applied coat does not soften again those
beneath ? I have had slides remaining perfectly
sound for many years, but then, from some cause,
the fluid has evaporated, and the gold-size has taken
its place. I venture to suggest this after an expe-

Cement for Glycerine Mounting. — Having
received several inquiries respecting this cement,
I subjoin the following directions for its preparation
and use :— White lead in powder, red ditto in ditto,
litharge in ditto, — equal parts of each. These
are ground together with a little turpentine until
thoroughly incorporated, then mix with gold-size.
The mixture should be sufficiently thin to work
with the brush ; it is perhaps scarcely necessary to
say that the edge of cover and slide should be free
from moisture before applying the cement, and the
first coat allowed to dry before putting on a second.
The last can be applied somewhat thickly, or, as
the japanners say, floated on. No more of the
cement should be made than is required for present
use, as it soon sets and becomes unworkable. To
save the trouble of grinding, a stock of the mixture
can be kept ready ground in a bottle.— F. K.

ZOOLOGY.

Abundance of Sphinx Convolvuli— There was
quite a commotion in entomological circles caused
by the appearance of this grand hawk-moth all over
the country in the autumn of 1875, and of course
there are plenty of theories afloat to account for
this phenomenon. Against the theory that the
moths have travelled here from the Continent, we
must set the fact that many specimens have turned
up far inland, and also that larvae and pupae were
taken in some places ere the moths were captured.
One of the most extraordinary circumstances in
the history of the species is the occurrence of so
large a preponderance of barren females amongst
the September specimens, nor does it appear that
any eggs are deposited in the autumn. Where,
then, do the moths live during the winter ? Or, do
a small number of foreigners make their way across
to us in the spring of certain years, and lay eggs in
Britain, from which are produced these singular
autumn flights? But then it is odd that none are
netted, or even seen in the spring by some one
or other of our hundreds of entomologists. Very
probably, we frequently fail to detect the larva
owing to its habit of concealing itself by day,
actually retiring, as it is said, below the surface of
the earth ; and though there are entomologists who

66

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

go out by night after larvae, few perhaps examine
the Convolvulus. Beside a market-garden, near
Putney, some years ago, I saw evident tokens of
the presence of one or more S. convolvuli in bitten
leaves and large grass, where there was a bank of
wild convolvulus. A search, however, proved fruit-
less, and I could not visit the spot after dusk. —

/. r. s. a.

Nests of the Brown-tail Moth {Liparis chry-
sorrhcea). — I have already chronicled in this journal
some particulars regarding the habits of this moth
while in the larval state. On further examination
of a host of nests, I feel fully convinced that a nest
seldom or never represents an entire family de-
scended from one parent, the number varying
greatly, though from fifty to seventy individuals
may represent the average. Here and there a small
colony of not more than a dozen or so may be
found. After the larvse have ceased eating, and
" made up " their nests as winter quarters with a
thicker coating of silk, they will still emerge to sun
themselves outside on a fine day ; and as I have
detected nests with their quondam occupants dead
and stiff on the exterior, they are sometimes sur-
prised by a sudden change of temperature. Soon
after their emergence from the eggs, the larva? of
L. chrysorrhcea use the furry padding which had
encircled them previously to form a part of the
nest, and so diminish the outlay of silk required
then.—/. R. S. C.

The Octopus. — A capital little monograph,
written by Mr. Henry Lee, E.L.S., on this interest-
ing cephalopod, has recently been published by
Messrs. Chapman & Hall. Mr. Lee is one of the
most attractive of popular writers on natural his-
tory, and here we find him comparing the " Devil-
fish " of fiction with that of fact. Naturalists will
be glad of the full information as to the breeding,
spawning, and general habits of the Octopus, which
Mr. Lee's position as naturalist to the Brighton
Aquarium has enabled him to note. Observations
on all our British cuttle-fishes are included in this
volume.

Variety of the House-sparrow.— Those who
take interest in noticing the appearance of varieties
of zoological 'specimens will probably be glad to
add another instance to their stock, viz., an un-
common variety of that common bird Passer domes-
ticus, the common house-sparrow, as during the
past cold weather I had the pleasure of observing,
at the distance of about four yards only, a perfectly
black sparrow. It was amongst numerous other
sparrows, and was not by any means one of those
"dingy brown" specimens which assume that hue
(as Wood says) from living in the neighbourhood
of towns, but a bird of a deep ebony-black uni-
formly all over its body. On my nearing it, it flew
on to the ledge of a chapel close by, but not before

I had had ample time to observe it. On going
home I referred to Morris's " British Birds," to
see if he mentioned a black variety of the sparrow,
but he does not do so ; the nearest colour to black
that he mentions amongst the varieties is a blackish-
brown. — C. H.

The "Demoiselle Crane" {Jathropoides
virgo). — A bird of this species was recently picked
up dead on the banks of the river Cale in this
neighbourhood. — Wm. Herridge, Wincanton.

The Butcher-bird.— In the January number
of Science-Gossip, E. Lovett seems to have a
doubt about butcher-birds impaling their victims
on thorns ; but it is quite true that they do so, as I
have witnessed. When going down a lane one
summer, I was attracted to a bush by the sound
of a very noisy bird, which then flew to a tree close
by. It proved to be some species of butcher-bird,
for on examining the bush I found a field mouse
stuck on a stout thorn, and on returning some hours
afterwards, I saw that half of it had been devoured.
— Wm. Herridge, Wincanton.

Parasitic Worms in Fish.— As the article
contributed to Science-Gossip for January, by
Mr. W. W. Wilson, is calculated to produce un-
necessary alarm in those who are fond of fish, I
must crave space for a few remarks. The nematode
worms (not hsematoid), which are so called from
their k thread-like form, abound in fish, and Van
Beneden states that there are few, either from fresh
or salt water, which do not contain in the folds of
the peritoneum, especially about the liver, cysts
full of these worms. Young rays as well as turbots,
as soon as they are hatched, have their digestive
organs literally stuffed with parasitical worms.
This Jis not, however, necessarily a symptom of
disease; and as almost every animal has one or
more parasites, to which it stands in the relation
of a natural host, it is more than probable that
they play a useful part in the vital economy. It
has even been suggested that as leeches, another
order of parasites, have been advantageously used,
practitioners may, hereafter, be induced to prescribe,
in certain diseases, doses of intestinal worms ! Few,
if any of these parasites, pass their whole life in the
body of a single individual. The worms described
by Mr. Hughes were apparently in their perfect
state. They would produce eggs, which would
have been discharged with the excreta into the
sea, if the fish had been free, where they would
" bide their time," till they found a lodging in some
othersmaller fish,'in which they would pass into the
encysted form'similar to the chrysalis of an insect.
These in turn would be "swallowed, together with
their host, by a larger fish, which iu this case was
the " Goldswing," or (the cysts may have found
their way into the salt water supplied to the

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

67

aquariuM, for they retain their vitality for an
indefinite period, while waiting for a suitable host.
Each parasite appears to have its peculiar host, and
can live and pass into the perfect state in no other
which is not closely allied to it. Thus the Ascaris
mystce, the guest of the domestic cat, lives indifferent
species of Felis ; while the fox, so similar in ap-
pearance to the wolf and the dog, cannot develop
the Teenia serrata, so common in the latter animal.
This fact may allay any fears excited by your
correspondent's communication. It is extremely
improbable (I may say impossible) that the eggs of
a nematode peculiar to a cold-blooded fish should
find a congenial habitat in the stomach of a man. —
•/. P., Maidenhead.

BOTANY.

The Juniper. — The friend of T. C, who supposes
that this pretty shrub "grows wild" in Sussex,
only near Steyning, is in error, as may be observed
from Mr. Hemsley's note thereon, "Abundant on
the Downs westward, but very rare east of Brigh-
ton." It is not inserted in Mr. Roper's excellent
Flora of Eastbourne, which endorses the above ;
but any climber of our Downs in the direction of
Hampshire will meet with it in plenty, with abun-
dance of berries. On the hills around Kingley Vale,
it luxuriates, and upon it, on our Downs, last year
occurred the orange Podisoma juniperi. H. E.
Wilkinson has a difficulty with respect to the height
of /. communis, and I would take this opportunity
of a gossip, although only partly in re. In the De-
cember number of the Journal of Botany, my asser-
tion that Cladium mariscus grew at Arundel was
doubted ; but he kindly and unexpectedly removes
all doubt by these words : " I gathered the plant
last autumn from the banks of the lake in Arundel
Park, Sussex." The question as to the height
attained by /. communis, I can only thus answer.
Syme says it varies from 2 to 4 ft., but he certainly
underrates its growth. When exposed to the winds
it is apt to become stunted, but in lower and shel-
tered situations it may be found here from 5 to G ft.
high. — F. II. Arnold, Fishbourne, Chicliester.

Local Names or Plants. — Allow me to add to
the list of local names of plants which have lately
appeared in Science-Gossip, the very strange name
given in Cumberland to the earth-nut (Bunium
flexuosum). It is called a "yowe yorlin." Why, I
cannot tell. Yowe is the vulgar pronunciation of
ewe. But I am not aware of yorlin being ever used
otherwise, either singly or in combination. The
nearest word in sound is "gorlin" a little naked
object, as an unfledged young bird, but neither of
these names has any connection with the plant.
I may add also the Cumberland name of Bistorta

major, " Easter magianty." This, I think, is not, as
some say, from the Erench word manger, to eat, as
meaning something to be eaten at Easter. It is rather
a gross corruption of the scientific name. People
not knowing the meaning of bistorta or major have
called the former Easter, and the latter magianty.
Let me add that the usual meaning given to
Aquilegia the columbine, is probably a mistake. It
is said to be from aauila an eagle; but then the latter
half of the word is left out altogether. Is it not
from aqua, water, and lego, to collect, from the little
globules of dew or rain so conspicuous on the leaves
of the plant?— 22. W.

Centaurea solstitialis.— Dr. Morton asks in
the last number of Science-Gossip to be informed
in what locality this is an established plant. I do
not think it will be found to be so anywhere in Eng-
land : it is a native of the south of Europe. It is
occasionally found in the neighbourhood of Brighton,
here and there a single plant, generally in lucern,
InGrenierandGodron's "Flora of Erance," it is said
to "infest the fields in the south, found {se retrouve)
in the north, but exclusively in fields of lucern."
I am led to suppose, therefore, that the seeds of
the plant are brought from the south of France
mixed with those of lucern ; and flowering here
from July till September, it is cut with the autumn
crop, and prevented from ripening its seeds, even if
it would otherwise do so in this climate, which it
probably would not ; and being an annual, the plant
would not spring up again. I have occasionally
met with it by the roadside at Nice, and along the
coast from there to Marseilles in July and August ;
Hooker mentions it with an asterisk, to show that
it is not a native of this country, and that it no
longer exists in given localities. — T. B. W., Brighton.

The Colours of Spring Flowers. — Some in-
teresting observations on the flowering of spring
plants have just been made at the meeting of the
Edinburgh Botanical Society by the Vice-president,
Mr. Buchan, who, with a view of discovering what
may be learned from the budding, leafing, and
flowering of plants and trees, has collected the fol-
lowing information on the subject : — It appears
from the result of noting the average dates of
flowering of 32 species at the Royal Botanical
Gardens during 26 years, that the six latest springs
were— 1855, when the flowering was 30 days later
than the average ; 1870, when flowering was 16 days ;
1853, 14 days ; 1856, 13 days ; 1857 and 1865, each
12 days later. The five earliest springs were 1874,
when flowering was 23 days earlier than the average
date ; 1869, when it was 19 days ; 1851, 13 days ;
and 1858 and 1866, each 11 days earlier. The two
extremes show a difference between the dates of
flowering in different years of fifty-three days. The
longest deviations from the average were before the

OS

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

equinox. As to the relations which these effects
have to temperature, it was found that the mean
temperature of Edinburgh fell to its lowest on the
11th of January, when it was 34*8°, and from this
point it may be assumed that meteorological con-
ditions commence which result in giving vegetation
a start. Another question of great interest is the
relation of the colour of flowers to their date of
flowering. Taking 909 species of British flora, 257
were found to have white flowers, 238 yellow, 144
red, 94 purple, 87 blue, the remainder being green
and other colours. Of the blue flowers, 16 per
cent, bloomed in April ; 14 per cent, of the white
flowers bloomed in that month, but only 9 per cent,
of the reds, the yellows being very close to the
latter. It thus appeared that the blues were far
ahead of the reds and yellows, the whites being
intermediate, and the purples and greens came in
between the blues and the reds. This indicates the
existence of some general law which arranges the
flowering of plants in the British flora according to
the colours in the spectrum.

GEOLOGY.

How Anglesey became an Island. — The above
is the title of a most interesting paper by Professor
A. C. Ramsay, E.R.S. The author described and
illustrated by sections drawn to scale the contours
of the island of Anglesey and the adjacent parts of
Carnarvonshire, and noticed that the whole island
may be regarded as a gritty undulating plain, the
higher parts of wiiich attain an average elevation of
from 200 to 300 feet above the sea-level. Similar
conditions are presented by the country for some
miles on the other side of the Straits, and in both
the general trend of the valleys is north-east and
south-west. The rock surfaces, when bare, show
glacial striae running generally in a direction 30° to
40° west of south. The Professor indicated that
the great upheavals of the crust of the earth form-
ing mountains took place long before the com-
mencement of the Glacial epoch, and that ordinary
agents of denudition had ample time for the forma-
tion in mountain regions of deep valleys, down
which, during the Glacial epoch, glaciers would take
their course. He noticed the evidence of this local
glaciatiou furnished by the striation of the Welsh
mountains, from which he inferred that these moun-
tains as a whole were not overridden by a great ice-
sheet coming from the north, and he described the
course of the glaciers flowing from the north-west
slopes of Snowdonia as being in the directions west-
north-west, and north. These glaciers, however,
did not reach the region now occupied by the Menai
Straits, but spread out in broad fans on the north-
western slopes of the hills now overlooking the
Straits, a fact indicated by the directions of the

glacial stria? in these parts. Anglesey, therefore,
was not glaciated by ice-masses coming from Snow-
donia; and as the striations on that island point
directly towards the mountains of Cumberland, the
Professor inferred that these markings were pro-
duced by a great ice-flow coming from that region,
reinforced probably by ice-streams from the north
of Scotland, and which were large and powerful
enough to prevent the glaciers of Llauberis and
NautlTrancon from encroaching on the territory of
Anglesey. Professor Ramsay described the rocks
bordering the Straits as consisting of nearly hori-
zontal carboniferous strata, which, from appearaces,
must once have filled the whole of the region now
occupied by the Straits. He considered that the
softer shaly, sandy, and marly beds, remains of
some of which are still to be seen on the coast,
were swept away by the action of the great glacier
coming from the north-east, forming a valley now
occupied by the sea ; and in support of this view
he cited the valley of Malldraeth Marsh, running
across Anglesey, parallel to that of the Menai
Straits, about four miles to the north-west, which
a very slight change in conditions would convert
into a ford, differing from the Straits only in being
closed at the north-east end.

On some Unicellular Alce Parasitic
within Silurian and Tertiary Corals, with
a Notice of their Presence in Calceola
sandalina and other Eossils.— -This was the title
of a paper recently read before the Geological
Society, by Prof. P. Martin Duncan, F.R.S. After
noticing the works of Quekett, Rose, Wedl, and
Kolliker, which refer to the existence of minute
parasitic borings in recent corals, recent shells, and
a few fossil mollusca, the author describes the ap-
pearance presented by a great system of branching
canals of about 0'003 millim. in diameter, in a
Thanmastnean from the Lower Cainozoic of Tas-
mania. He then proceeds to examine the corres-
ponding tubes in Gordophyllum pyramidale from the
Upper Silurian formation. In sections of that coral
one set of tubes runs far into the hard structure ;
these are straight, cylindrical, and contain the re-
mains of vegetable matter. Neither these tubes,
nor auy others of the same parasite, have a proper
wall : they are simply excavations, the filiform a!ga
replaciug the organic and calcareous matter ab-
stracted. In some places the dark carbonaceous
matter is absent, and the lumen of the tube is dis-
tinguishable by the ready passage of transmitted
light. Other tubes run parallel to the wall, and
enter by openings not larger than their common
calibre. But there are others which have a larger
diameter, and in which the cytioplasm appears to
have collected in masses resembling conidia ; and
where fossilization has destroyed much of the con-
tinuity of a tube, a series of dark and more or less

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

60

spherical bodies may be seen. In some places,
especially in the spaces between the minute curved
dissepiments and tabular hosts of globular spores,
with or without tubes emanating from them, may
be ' seen. In Calceola sandaliha corresponding
structures exist sometimes, and the method of entry
of the parasite can be examined. The author gave
two instances, one of which was seen in section. A
decided flask-shaped cavity existed in the wall of
the shell, opening outwards and rounded and closed
inwards. It was crowded with globular spores
(oospores), and these, where near the sides, had
penetrated the hard shell, and thus gave a rugged
and hairy appearance to the outline of the flask-
shaped cavity. After noticing minute structures in
a brachiopod included in a Silurian coral, and in a
Lower Silurian foraminifer, the author asserted,
from the results of his late researches upon the algpe
parasitic in corals out of his own aquarium, that the
fossil and recent forms are analogous in shape, size,
and distribution. He considers that the old para-
site resembles Saprolegnia ferox in its habit ; and as
he considers that Empiisina, Saprolegnia, and Achlya
— members of the Protista — are the same organ-
isms, living under different physical conditions, he
names the old form Palaachlya penetrans ; and he
believes that it entered the wall by the spores fixing
on to the organic matter, and growing by its assimi-
lation, and that carbonic anhydride was evolved.
He considers that this acid, assisted by the force of
growth and the movement of the cytioplasm, is
sufficient to account for the presence of the tubes.
Finally, the author draws attention to the probable
similarity of external conditions in the Silurian and
present times, and to the wonderful persistence of
form of this low member of the Protista.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

Teeth of a Fly (?) — I shall be much obliged if
some of the readers of Science-Gossip can give
me a little information on the anatomy of a fly. I
have always thought the ordinary house-fly was a
suctorial ; and, as such, had no need of teeth ; but
to my surprise I saw in the case of a F.R.M.S. a
slide with the following printed label on it -.— " Teeth
of a fly— Smith, Beck, & Smith, Cornhill," &c. Of
course such a highly respectable and well-known
firm as that would not have made a mistake ; and,
wishing to correct my error in supposing flies did
not have teeth, I popped the slide under a microscope
and compared it with the tongue of a blow-fly. I
observed a most striking resemblance between the
" teeth " and the spiral tubes at the end of the
tongue ; indeed, it seemed as if a slice containing
these tubes had been taken from a fly's tongue,
mounted separately, and labelled " teeth " ; and this
opinion was shared by others who compared the two
slides. Now as Smith & Beck have had labels
priuted for this slide, it is probable that they sell a
good many of them ; and, as they are so well known,
they Gan hardly be guilty of defrauding their cus-
tomers by palming off for Is. 6d. a [slice of a fly's

tongue and calling it a fly's teeth. The conclusion
I am obliged to come to therefore is, that flies have
teeth : perhaps some one can inform me in what part
they are to be found.— T. J. B.

Devil's Coach-horse. — It may interest some
of your readers to hear of a curious old legend ex-
tant in Ireland regarding the "Devil's Coach-horse "
(Ocypus oleus) in Irish "Dhaw-dheel." It is, to
begin with, one of those things which, like " the.
weasel, the hare, and the red-headed girl," are con-
sidered extremely unlucky to encounter when setting
out on a journey, and the reason is contained in the
following legend. Whilst on earth our Lord was
one day seeking to escape from the Jews, and pass-
ing by a field where some men were sowing corn He
stopped to ask His way. The men gave him the
directions He needed, and He then passed on. But
no sooner had He done so than the corn they were
sowing sprang up green and fresh, and ripened so
quickly as to be fit for gathering the next day.
While they were reaping it, a party of Jews came
by, and asked if Jesus of Nazareth had passed that
way. "He did," was the reply, "while we were
sowing: this crop." Thinking as a matter of course
that this must have been months ago, the Jews
were preparing to turn back, when the Dhaw-dheel,
seated on the wall of the field, cocked up its tail,
and said, "Ne-agh! l\e-agh!" ("Yesterday! Yester-
day!" in Irish), so the Jews went on, and succeeded
in taking our Lord prisoner. Since then the Dhaw-
dheel has been regarded as accursed. A relation of
mine recollects that when, as a child, he was walking
through some pasture, accompanied by a peasant,
he suddenly spied a strange caterpillar (which he
afterwards recognized as the larva of Bicranura
vinula, the Puss-moth), and, though he knew nothing
of insects, wanted to carry it home, it looked so
curious; but before he could pick it up, his com-
panion sprang forward, and stamped on it, exclaim-
ing as he did so, " That's the baste that gave the
cattle the black-leg ! "—A.ff.

Hawfinch. — Can any one inform me if it is not
considered an unusual and rare occurrence to find
the nest and eggs of the Hawfinch (Coccothraustes
vulgaris) so far west as Somersetshire, having myself
taken them in that county ?— Alfred Bindon.

Wincopipe(S.-G.,p.15). — Insome of the rural dis-
tircts about here it is not unusual to hear the country
people use the word Wink-a-peeps (Eyes). A mother
will say to her child, "Shut those wink-a-peeps and go
to sleep," or when washing it, " Now close its wink-a-
peeps to keep the soap out." When out on our
Saturday afternoon Field Excursions I often hear
such remarks as the following, relative to Anagallis
arvensis : — " See, the dear little pimpernel is wide
awake: we shall have a fine day"; " See the pimpernel
is closing its eyes : we must push on" ; " Oh ! the
pimpernel has gone to sleep : we must not venture
far" ; " The pimpernel is peeping out to see if it will
be fine." I only remember having heard the pimpernel
directly called Wink-a-peep once. We were out
for a long ramble up the Bollin Valley : the day was
so glorious that no one ever thought of consulting
the " poor man's weather-glass." We had rambled a
long way up the valley, when, passing through a field
of oats, an elderly lady of the party rather startled
me by stopping suddenly, and pointing into the
standing oats, exclaiming, " Now, do you see that ?"
I looked, expecting to see a snake at least, but fail-
ing to discover anything to alarm her, I said, " Do I
see what ? " " See what, indeed ! Do you not see those
peevish little Wink-a-peeps have closed their petals,

70

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

and we so far from the station too ! " May not this
be the name Bacon mistook for " Wincopipe" ? I
think it is just the name children or country people
would give the pimpernel, as it is always winking or
peeping. The word is variously sounded in different
districts about here : thus, Wink-a-peep, Wink-o-
peep, Wink-un-peep, Wink-un-peeip, and in some
parts of Cheshire they sound it something like Win-
co-poipe. The word or words are really Wink-and-
peep. — S. B. B., Manchester.

Scarlet Pimpernel, — Lord Bacon calls this
plant " Wincopipe," and noticed " if the flowers be
close shut up, it betokeneth rain and foul weather ;
contrariwise, if they be opened abroad, fair weather."
May not possibly the word winco be derived from
the old Saxon word winken — which signifies to wink
or close ? And is not " pipe " or " pip " the same term
as is now commonly applied hy floriculturists to these
wheel-shaped flowers, such as the primrose, cowslip,
polyanthus, &c, which have very distinct centres,
forming what by botanists is called an eye ? Hence,
we judge that " Wincopipe," which we presume means
a winking or closing eye, was formerly given to this
plant on account of its peculiarity in this respect.
The Latin word pipio, to peep, may probably, we
think, have some connection with the word " pipe."
We are not aware that this local name is still applied
to this interesting'plant in any part of Great Britain
at the present time, but it is still known by the
names of " Shepherds' Barometer" and " Poor Man's
Weather-glass," which names are very appropriate.
The Pimpernel is also one of the best " florae horo-
logies," or clocks, opening its petals in our latitude
about 7.10 a.m., and closing them between 2 and
3 o'clock p.m. The Pimpernel is bright scarlet,
with generally a purple eye; and it is, with the
exception of the poppy, our only scarlet wild flower.
Of the genus Aiiagallis (Pimpernel), we have, ac-
cording to Bentham two species only, A. arvensis
and A. tenella ; the former, however, contains two
well-marked varieties, one blue and the other red,
which are considered by some botanists as distinct
species, under the names of A. ccerulea and A.
arvensis. Whether it may be more convenient to
treat them as true species, or as mere varieties, it
must at least be admitted that they differ consider-
ably. Not only are they of different colours, the
one blue, the other red, but A. ccerulea is very
decidedly smaller. The stamens and pistils ripen
simultaneously, and therefore it would appear that
they generally fertilize themselves, and the flowers
contain no honey, and partially close (as before
remarked) about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Darwin
"presumes from observation that the blue and red
flowered forms of the Pimpernel, A. arvensis, which
are sterile when crossed, are not merely fleeting
varieties, but specifically distinct." Both the Blue
and Scarlet Pimpernel were known to ancient
writers, who were pleased to term the blue-flower-
ing variety the "female," and the red the "male
Imperial Pimpernel " ; which idea Withering seems
to have had when he published his early arrange-
ment of "British Plants" in 1812, as he "represents
there, " Scarlet Pimpernel, male ; Blue Pimpernel,
female." Which notion the foregoing remarks will
prove to be without foundation.— E. Edwards.

"Sylvan Sketches."— I should be obliged if
any of your correspondents could tell me the name
of the author and date of publication of this book.
My copy, which was bought at a bookstall about
twenty years since, has evidently been rebound, and
the title-page is wanting. It contains a description

of the trees and shrubs, native and introduced,
which are to be found in Great Britain, each under
its respective heading, with much pleasant and in-
structive matter, and many poetical references ;
and, from the style of type and quality of the
paper, I should imagine it was published some time
during the first forty years of the present century. —
Martin Gardner.

The First Primrose.

Between two hedges void of bloom,

I wander'd on a sunny day ;

So narrow was the winding way
That I had scarcely elbow-room !

I wonder'd where the laughing Spring
Had hidden all her treasures fair,
I long'd to breathe a softer air,

And hear the Summer's minstrels sing.

But Spring would shortly come, I knew.
Veil'd in a labyrinth of flowers,
And with the fragrant glowing hours

Would come divinest music too !

Whilst musing thus my glances fell

Upon a primrose, barely seen

Amid its mossy couch of green,
That did of coming glories tell !

When swiftly through my teeming brain
Elash'd visions of a brighter time —
A softer sky, a balmier clime —

When Spring should kiss my cheek again !

Yes, lovely herald ! thou didst wake
To life within my yearniug breast
Such holy thoughts of coming rest,

I love thee for thy mother's sake !

And for thine own ! for thou wert brave
To tempt the nipping frosty wind ;
And thus, the earnest of thy kind,

To point to winter's early grave !

F. B. Bo vet on, Exeter.

Anagallis arvensis is still known among
country-people in Cheshire and Shropshire a*
" Wink-a'-peep." Doubtless Lord Bacon's " winco-
pipe," as quoted by "E. W." in kit month's
Science-Gossip, has the same derivation— namely,
Wink and peep— from the habit the flower pos-
sesses of closing and winking in damp, and opening
or peeping again in fine weather.— E. H., Chester.

Anagallis arvensis. — I have learnt from a kind
friend that the Anagallis arvensis (scarlet pimpernel)
is still known amongst the country people in Staf-
fordshire by the name of " Wink-and-peep." — E.
Edwards.

Encounter with a Polecat. — A fact came under
my notice very lately of which I was unaware ; viz.,
the extreme boldness of the Polecat. Walking on
the summit of one of our South Coast downs, I
came upon one of those animals, busily engaged in
(I presume) rabbit- hunting, and about twenty yards
from me. Turning round in the course of his inves-
tigations he caught sight of me, and surveyed me
fixedly for a moment; but evidently concluding I
was of no consequence, resumed them with the
utmost indifference to my propinquity. Not having
met with this animal before in a state of nature, I
was anxious to obtain a nearer look at him, and
with this view took advantage of the nature of the
ground, and, descending a slope on my left, came
up again at a point which brought me within six or
eight yards of him. Care for my presence ? Not a

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

71

bit of it ! His indifference positively nettled me, ]
and, after watching him for a minute or two, I took
aim with a thick walking-stick I was carrying, and
hurled it at the brute, the stick fixing itself upright
in the earth just behind him. This was too much
for the gentleman; turning angrily, up went his
back just like a cat's, and such a loud spitting and
swearing began as I should not have thought the
beast capable of producing. Nor was this all ; for
after examining the stick, and then giving me a
look plainly expressing " You will, will you ? " the
beast came straight at me, revenge in his coun-
tenance. Now my stick was behind the advancing
enemy, and, alas! not a stone was near. Would
the beast attack my shins, or (unpleasant thought)
climb up my clothes, and seize me by the throat
or back of neck? All I knew about Polecats
was that they bit horribly when they had the
chance, and, not caring to verify this fact per-
sonally, I . Well! I ran down the slope

and out of his way. Imagine my feelings when
on looking back I saw my enemy surmounting
the ridge, and following me, nose to ground !
Some (alas! very small) stones provided me with
ammunition, and I opened fire ; so did the Polecat,
spitting ferociously. At last one stone nearly took
effect, and the enemy turned aside to investigate it
angrily ; then entered a thick furze-bush, and dis-
appeared. Was he coming up under cover to the
very furze-bush at my feet, thence to make a sally
and attack my shins ? I knew not, and retired. So
apparently did the foe, for I saw no more of him,
though, armed now with a goodly flint stone and my
recovered stick, I sought him carefully. I confess
I felt very small at my defeat, the more so when I
considered that the slope down which I so igno-
miniously retreated was in reality part of a Roman
vallum, upon which, no doubt, high deeds of valour
had been performed in days of yore.— W. Hambrough.

Christmas-day, 1875.— I am sitting in a room
without a fire ; the sun's rays are too powerful to
bear for long together ; in the garden, strawberries,
which bore fruit in October, are in flower for the
third time in the year ; and the lark and the thrush
are singing.—/. H., Watford.

Enormous Puff-ball.— Prank J. Allen's large
puff-ball described in your December number, is
evidently Lycoperdon bovista, Badham {Lycoperdon
giganteum, Cooke). This is entirely distinct from
the common puff-ball, which never attains to so
great a size. Badham says, " Its shape is different,
being that of an inverted cone ; never globular ;
the flesh also is more compact, while the membrane
which holds what is first the pulp and after-
wards the seed, is very thin and tender ; the seed,
moreover, has no caudal appendage; and, finally, a
a considerable portion of the base is sterile, in all
which particulars it is unlike Lycoperdon plum-
heum (the common puff-ball). It is not of very
unusual occurrence in the South of England, and I
have met with it growing in its conspicuous snowy
beauty several times; more often, however, it
is found barbarously scattered in a hundred frag-
ments on the sward by some one ignorant of
its culinary excellence. When young, i.e. before
it begins to show the first signs of ripening, and
when it can be cut without showing any yellow.stains,
it makes a delicious dish. Cut it in slices and fry
in a little butter with egg and breadcrumbs, or
sweet herbs, finely pounded or chopped, pepper and
salt, and you will thank me for the hint." I have
tried it and can recommend Frank J. Allen to have

the next specimen he finds cooked, if he likes a
really toothsome dish. Only, remember, if it can-
not be dressed very soon after gathering, it is of no
use for the table, and may even do harm if eaten. —
Martin Gardner, Leyton.

Hairworms from Beetle. — 'Some time back,
when walking in the neighbourhood of Petersfield,
seeing a beetle smartly running across the road,
I quickly caught and conveyed it into a small
bottle, in which were some bruised laurel-tops.
On the following day, on taking it from the bottle,
I observed protruding about an inch, from the
posterior end of the body what appeared at first
sight like pieces of wet hay. Taking my forceps,
I carefully drew them from the body, and which
I then found to be three hairworms, each about
four and a half inches in length. The worms I
put into spirit, and now enclose one, together with
the beetle from which they were taken. I believe
there is nothing new in the fact I state, but thought,
perhaps, it might interest some of your readers.
The body of the beetle only measures about -^ of
an inch in length by i in breadth. — R. E., Southsea.

"Microscopy" and " Microscopist."— I was
much interested in the paper on " The Microscope,
and Microscopic Work," in the January number,
and I thank Mr. Kitton for the information it con-
tains ; but while agreeing with him in his strictures
on the misapplied labour sometimes lavished on
slides for the microscope — labour which must often
entail a ruinous expenditure of eyesight— I demur
to his denunciation of the terms " microscopy" and
" microscopist." The former term, as I take it,
comprehends the whole of microscopic work : the
preparation and study of objects, the manipulation
of the instrument and its accessories, and the inter-
pretation of appearances obtained through their
aid. The latter term is a convenient expression for
" microscopic worker " (using the words in their
fullest sense) — a phrase Mr. Kitton employs farther
on in the same paper to designate the student of the
minute forms of life, though I do not think " tele-
scopic worker," if applied to an astronomer, would
seem less absurd than " telescopist." Is there not
sufficient difference in the application of the two
instruments, microscope and telescope, to justify
the use of the words " microscopy " and " micro-
scopist," and to account for the non-employment
of the words " telescopy " and " telescopist " ? —
W. E. H.

Juniper Bushes. — On Southborough Common,
midway between Tunbridge and Tunbridge Wells,
there are many juniper bushes 12 feet high, and I
have measured one over 16 feet. The part of the
common where they flourish slopes considerably
towards the west. As for the soil, the Tunbridge
Wells sand (Hastings sand) stretches beyond South-
borough.— W. F.

Communications Rkceivkd up to 12th utr. from : —
q n. w.— Dr. T.— L. 8.— T. J. B.— M. F.— E. T. N.— R. M.—
H.' E. W.— W. C. U.S. L. M.— C. W. H.— E. E.-S. B. B.—
W F. F. — T. B. W. — A. F. — G. S. — T. W. D. — J. H. B.—
C P. H.— J. R. S. C— F. H. B.— H. G. G.— M. G.— H. L.—
E. L. — H. R. - W. L. — W. F. — G. S. — M. W. - J. W. B.—
C. F. W.- R. L. G.-H. J. W.— J. W. M.-C W.|W.— S. L. B.—
S. S.— C D — W. R. B.-W. H.-J. P.— E. T. S.-H. F., jun.
—J. C— W. F. W.— E. E.— T. W.-B. A. R. B.— J. H. B. B.—
W. J. D.-J. R.- J. G.— D. R.— W. H. G.— M. S.-J. R. J.-
R. P.— F. L.-F. H. A.-H. E.W.-G. R.V.- H. E. F.— S. M. P.
-W. L. S.-C. S.-W. H. P.-VV. F.-R.W.-S. A. S.- W.B.H.
-L. R.V.-R. S.T.-W. S.-W. K. M.-A. L. P. H.-T. B.W.—
H. P.-G. O. H.-F. A. A.-N. B. F.-G. C. D.-F. J. A.—
H. M. J. U.— B. W. P.-Dr. C. C. A.— W. W. R.— J. W. M.—
R. M. L.— M. G.— J. F. J., &c, &c.

72

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

To Correspondents and Exchangers.— As we now
publish Science-Gossip at least a week earlier than hereto-
fore, we cannot possibly insert in the following number any
communications which reach us later than the 8th of each
month.

G. N. W.— The grubs are the larva; of a species of Otio-
rynchus. The best plan of getting rid of them from roots is
by disturbing the soil. Try a little soot, both for top-dressing
and mixing with the soil. It is difficult to get rid of these
pests when once they have taken possession.

Dr. T.— Whitaker's "Guide to the Geology of London"
(price Is.) may be had of E. Stanford & Co., Charing-cross,
or at the door of the School for Mines, Jermyn-street.

L. S.— The quotation is a good illustration of how a great
error is always mixed up with a little truth. The fact is that
the caterpillar of the Hepialus virescens (a well-known New-
Zealand moth) is affected by a peculiar parasitic fungus, called
Sphatria Rob'rtsii, which lives at its expense, and eventually
kills it. The idea of a plant growing out of it, bearing flowers
and seeds, is additional nonsense.

H. E. Watney.— You will find a notice of the Leek in the
article on " Cultivated Vegetables," on p. 145 of the volume
of Science-Gossip for 1874.

W. C. H.— Your question is rather difficult to answer, as
the objects you name belong to the animal as well as the
vegetable kingdom. Dr. Bree's " Lower Forms of Life,"
published at the Field office, will give you a good account of
the animals you name. Cooke's " Fungi," published by H. S.
King & Co., will be the best to consult as to the rest. Dr.
Bastian reviews Pasteur's researches in his " Beginnings of
Life."

J. W. Mee. — Your sea-weed is Ptocamium coccineum, a
species which has a very extensive geographical distribution.
J. E. Jellico.— The Tortoise-shell Butterflies hybernate
during the winter, and it is no uncommon occurrence to see
them roused into activity during a warmer day than usual.
They may then be seen indulging in a weakly flight.

M. G.— Get Yarrell's "British Birds"; the edition edited
by Prof. Newton is the best and most trustworthy. You may
get a tabulated list of birds, we should think, from E.
Newman, Bishopsgate-street, the editor of the Zoologist.

C. Swatman.— You will get all the microscopical materia's
and objects you require at E. Wheeler's, 48, Tollington-road,
Holloway, London.

G. R. Vine.— The specimens from river deposit at Clee-
thorpe were badly packed, and came so smashed together
that it was impossible to make them out.

H. E. Forrest.— No translation of the book you mention
has appeared. You had better get Dr. Pritchard's " Infu-
soria." Although an old work, it has Dot been superseded.

M. S. — Your shells are: — 1. Succinea putris ; 2. Lymnea
auricularia. Mosses will be named next month.

N. B. French.— We do not think the Turntable mentioned
on p. 15 of Science-Gossip is to be purchased. You had
better apply to the inventor, whose name is there given, and
who may be found by addressing a letter to him, in charge of
the Secretary of the Society.

Erratum.— P. 46, col. 1, lines 9 and 10. " l/reconscious,"
should be " conscious."

J. H. B. Brooke.— If you will rub common tobacco snuff
into the fur of your dormouse, the ticks will soon be got rid
of. We have tried it with ferrets, and it answered very well.
—B.A.R.B.

W. F. Wakefield.— You will see your question, relating
to the " Vegetable Caterpillar," answered in another part of
this column toZ. S.

H.— Inquire at 192, Piccadilly about the parts of Schmidt's
" Diatomacea." Dr. Donkin, of Newcastle, has published a
work, in parts, on " British Diatoms."

EXCHANGES.

Beautiful Sand from Loango replete in interesting ob-
jects for mounting. Send a well-mounted object of interest,
or unmounted Diatoms, or Spicula from Sponge, if not
broken. — E. Eaton, 48, Currier's-lane, Ipswich.

For half-section of a Cocoon of the Bombyx Yama-mai,
with all the silk on, send stamp and address to W. H.
Gomm, Somerton, Somerset.

For Hair of Halithea aculeata (Sea-mouse) unmounted,
send other object of microscopic interest to Mrs. S., Brentford
End, Middlesex, W.

Well set, correctly named British Beetles, for British
Plants, not necessarily uncommon, but must be well dried,
and mounted, and correctly named. — W. R. B., care of Mr.
Edwards, Lane's Buildings, St. Faith's-lane, Norwich.

Could any of your American readers furnish me with
some live specimens of Rana pipiens (the great Bull-frog of
the United States) ? If any would be willingto exchange the
above species for anything I could offer, I should be glad. —
Frank Latchmone, Hitchin, Herts, England.

Fossil Wood, from Clay Ironstone, 300 yards deep,
showing fibre well and easily separated minutely ; for any
good Slides. — Horace Pearce, the Limes, Stourbridge.

A fine living plant of the New Zealand Fern, Todea
tuperba, for Foreign Shells.— T. R., 27, Oldhamroad, Man-
chester.

Eggs of Squacco Heron, Little R. Plover, Hooded Crow,
Black Redstart, and others ; for other good Eggs (American
eggs preferred).— C Dixon, 60, Albert-road, Heeley, near
Sheffield.

Crystals of Echinocactus vionaga, floret of Triehinium,
and other first-class botanical Slides, offered in exchange for
entomological or geological subjects. Lists exchanged. —
Address, the " Gardener," Rawden House, Hoddesdon, Herts.
A Studknt's Microscope, by Beck ; Eye-pieces C, D. E, F,
by Ross, Kellner C to D, l-10th inch Object-glass, by Ross;
and an Immersion Parabola, for exchange or otherwise. —
W. J. Dickson, M.D., Falkland, Fifeshire, N.B.

Cuticle of Ivy. and Pollen of Lilium auratum, wel[
mounted, for good Slides.— T. H. Buffham, Clarendon-road,
Walthamstow.

Carboniferous Limestone Foraminifera, mounted, for
Lias, Oolite, Chalk Marl, or Eocene Foraminifera, mounted
or unmounted.— G. R. Vine, Hill Top, Attercliffe, near
Sheffield.

Yorkshire Unios, or Anodontas, or IAmncea stagnalis,
for the same species from any other county.— J. Whitwham,
Cross-lane Marsh, Huddersfield.

Offered:— 85J, 1.036, l,i>84, 1,109,1,142,1,215,1,216,1,241,
1,242, 1,339, 1,387, 1,465, 1,470, 1,580, 1,565, 1,5706, 1,607, 1,653,
1654, 1,6654, &c, " Lon. Cat.," 7th edition, for other Plants,
—John Wm. Burton, 35, Hemans-street, Liverpool.

Good Specimen of Tengmalm's Owl {Nyctale funerea), shot
near Whitby, in exchange for a good History of British Birds.
— Wm. Lister, Glaisdale, Yarm, Yorkshire.

English Mechanic, \o\&. xix. and xx., and 21 numbers of vol.
xxi., unbound, for B Eye-piece or 2 in. Aero. Objective for
Micro. — H. Ricket.

I will give three Slides for a good Geological or Fossil
Section, mounted. List sent for selection. — E. Lovett, Holly
Mount, Croydon.

Marine Dredgings from coast of Tangiers, on receipt of
stamped envelope.— E. Lovett, Holly Mount, Croydon.

Six species of American Echinodermata, including the very
rare Ctenodiscus crispatus and Astrophyton Agassizii, given
for any volume of Science-Gossip except the 11th (unbound).
Would be glad to exchange Molluscaand Crustacea for same,
or for any of the first seven volumes of Nature, — E. T.
Nelson, Delaware, Ohio, U.S.A.

Wanted, a quantity of Bermuda Fossil Earth, for Beetles
or Parasites, mounted. — M. Fowler, 20, Burn-row, Sla-
mannan, near Falkirk, N.B.

Wanted, five good Injections for a Section-cutting
Machine, mahogany, brass mountings.— M. Fowler, 20, Bum-
row, Slamannan, near Falkirk, N.B.

Wanted, series of G. C. album, F. cardui, L. sibylla,
A. iris, E. epiphron, E.medeu, C.davus, N. lucina, T. betulce,
C. hyale, C, edusa, L. sinapis, &c. Lepidoptera and Mol-
lusca offered.— W. K. Mann.

BOOKS, &C, RECEIVED.

" The Compleat Aneler." By Izaak Walton. A facsimile
reprint. London : Elliot Hock.

•' Scientific Culture." By Prof. J. B. Cooke. London :
H. S. King & Co.

" Domestic Floriculture." By F. W. Burbidge. F.din-
burgh : W. Blackwood.

"Out and About." By Hain Friswell. London: Groombridge.

" The Dwellers in our Gardens." By Sara Wood. London :
Groombridge.

" Health in India." By Dr. Tilt. 4th edition. London :
J. & A. Churchill.

" Memoirs of Caroline Herschel." By Mrs. John Herschel.
London: J.Murray.

" Reflections and Maxims." By W. Penn. London :
Groombridge.

" Sketches of British Insects." By Rev. W. B. Houghton.
London : Groombridge.

"Smithsonian Report for 1674." Washington: Govern-
ment Printing Office.

" Potter's American Monthly."

"American Naturalist."

" Monthly Microscopical Journal." February.

" Land and Water." February.

"Journal of Applied Science."

" Les Mondes."

" The American Journal of Microscopy."

" The Western."

"The Educational Reporter."

" The House."

"The Colonies."

" Fancier's Journal."

" Ben Brierley's Journal."

&c. &c. &c.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

73

HISTOBY OF OUE CULTIVATED VEGETABLES.

No. XVII —SEA-KALE (Crambe maritima).

HIS excellent and
most valuable vege-
table in its wild
state is found on
many parts of sea-
coasts, but which
the march of mo-
dern horticulture
has brought into
very general culti-
vation, belongs to the same
natural order as the Cabbage
and Turnip tribe, but differs
from them by having a globose
seed - vessel, containing one
seed only. Some authors
think that Halmyridia, men-
tioned by Pliny, is the same as
tnis vegetable ; but the Ro-
mans did not cultivate it in
their gardens in his time, they
used it as a sea provision
long voyages; gather-
ing it where it grew wild, and
cutting it up, they preserved
it in barrels, where oil had recently been kept,
and then closed them up to prevent the action
of the atmosphere. It would be very difficult
to ascertain the precise period when this esculent
was first used in England as a culinary plant,
for on many parts of the seacoast, especially of
Devon, Dorset, and Sussex, the inhabitants from
time immemorial have been in the practice of pro-
curing it for their tables, preferring it to all other
greens ; they seek for the plant in the spring where
it grows spontaneously, and as soon as it appears
above the ground, they remove the pebbles or sand
with whicli it is covered to the depth of several
inches, and cut off the young and tender leaves and
stalks, as yet unexpanded, and in a blanched state,
close to the crown of the root ; it is then in its
greatest perfection: when the leaves are fully grown
No. 136.

they become hard and bitter, and the plant is not
eatable. Our oldest English authorities who give
any account of this plant and its habitats are
Turner and Gerard. The former, who lived in the
sixteenth century, says, in his Herbal, " this herb
groweth at Dover hard by the sea-side, and in many
other places. I named it Brassica Dobrica, in Eng-
lish Dover-cole, because I found it first beside
Dover." We also read in the first volume of "Trans-
actions of the Horticultural Society," that plants
of Sea-kale were sent from this country to the
continent by L'Obel and Turner at that early period.
Gerard, who observes in his Herbal that the sea
colewort groweth naturally upon the beach and
brim of the sea where there is no earth to be seen,
but sand and rolling pebbles. He found it growing
between Whitstable and the Isle of Thanet, aud in
many places near Colchester and elsewhere by the
seaside.

Parkinson notices it in his "Paradisus," which
was published in 1629, and Bryant also in his " Flora
Diabetica," about 1783. Philip Miller has the
honour of being the first who wrote upon it pro-
fessionally as an esculent, telling us, in the first
edition of his " Gardener's Dictionary," published
1731, that the inhabitants of Sussex gather the wild
plant to eat in the spring, soon after the heads are
thrust out of the ground, otherwise it will be tough
and rank. Professor Martyn next, in the last edi-
tion of the same work, has printed some valuable
instructions how to cultivate this plant from the
MS. of the Rev. — Laurent.

It is stated by a writer in the first volume of
" Notes and Queries," fourth series, that a person
of the name of Morgan, a native of Devon, and
gardener in the employ of J. H. Southcote, of Stoke
Fleming, cultivated some plants he found growing
wild on the beach at Slapton ; they were so appre-
ciated by his master, that several roots were sent as
presents to Mr. Southcote's friends at Bath: this
was about 1775. When once known and talked of
in Bath, it soon became found through that part of

E

74

HARDWICKEI'S SCI ENCE- GO S SIP.

England. This writer states that Sea-kale was
first sold to the public at Exeter market at the price
of two shillings and sixpence per root. In the
same volume, page 255, it is stated that the Rev.
John Fremen, who was vicar of Sidbury, near Sid-
mouth, between 1707-13, was the first person that
sent Sea-kale to the London market ; but it appears
to have been little appreciated. About the middle
of the last century, Mr. Giles Templeman, of Dor-
chester, sent some roots to Covent Garden market ;
but the plant was then so little known, that the
labels having been defaced in the carriage to
London, the contents of the parcel were put aside
as being some sort of "poisonous root, or other."

Dr. Lettsom, in his horticultural sketch of his
residence at Grove Hill, Camberwell, 1791, mentions
this esculent amongst others grown by him, and
expresses as a matter of surprise that a vegetable
so useful and productive, and easy of cultivation,
should be so rarely met with in the gardens about
London.

Curtis, in his pamphlet on the culture of Sea-
kale, published 1822, states that Sir William Jones,
of Chelsea, says he saw bundles of this vegetable
exposed for sale in the market at Chichester in
1753. " I have learned from different persons," says
Curtis, " that attempts had been made at various
times to introduce Sea-kale into the London mar-
kets, but ineffectually ; a few years since I renewed
the attempt myself, and though it was not attended
with all the success I would wish, I flatter myself
it has been the means of making the plant so gene-
rally known, that in future the markets of the first
city of the world will be duly supplied with this
most desirable article."

The Sea-kale is not much cultivated on the Con-
tinent. Yalmount de Bomare calls it Chou marin
sauvage d'Angleterre, and so condemned the plant
as only fit for the coarser tastes of the inhabitants
of colder climates ; but in the present day it is seen
in the markets of Paris and other French towns.

As to its excellence as a food, persons differ, as
they do in all matters of taste ; some preferring it
even to asparagus, to which it is related in point of
flavour; others regarding it as little superior to
cabbage. In its sensible effects on the human body
it comes nearer to the Cabbage tribe than asparagus.
It is stated as a most desirable vegetable for
sedentary persons, or such as have weak stomachs,
being remarkably light and easy of digestion, and
abounding in alkali rather than acids.

No. XVIII.-VIPER'S-GRASS (Scorzonera
hispanicd).

This vegetable is indigenous to Spain ; it was
introduced into this country about 1576, some years
after the Skirret, and, like it, was formerly more
cultivated than it is at present. Its root has not,

however, the peculiar sweetness of the latter, but it
is extremely delicate, and when' properly prepared
makes so pleasant an addition to the list of culinary
vegetables, that it appears to be unjustly excluded
from our gardens ; and, according to Beckmann, like
several other vegetables, has been banished by
fashion ; "for this tyrant, which rules with universal
sway, commands the taste, as well as the smell, to
consider as intolerable articles to which our ances-
tors had peculiar attachment." Scorzonera was first
known on account of its supposed medicinal pro-
perties, about the middle of the sixteenth century,
in Spain, where it was esteemed as an antidote to
the poison of a snake, called there scurzo. A Moor,
it is said, who had learnt in Africa that this plant
possessed so valuable a property, availed himself of
the knowledge in effecting many cures with the
juices of the leaves and roots upon peasants who had
been bitten by] these venomous reptiles while
mowing ; but he carefully concealed the plant, that
he (might retain to himself all the honour and the
profit attendant on the discovery. He was at last
observed to gather it among the mountains, to which
the name of Scorzonera was then given from the
name of the snake, the venom of which it was
believed to render innocuous. The knowledge was
quickly disseminated. Peter Cannizer transmitted
the plant, together with a drawing of it, to John
Oderich Melchior, physician to the Queen of
Bohemia, and he, in his turn, lost no time in sending
it to Matthioli, who had not any previous knowledge
of the plant (see " MatthioliJEpist. Medic," p. 210).
Soon after this Nicholas Monardes published a tract
in which the particular virtue of these roots was
panegyrized. It is probable that in Spain their
adaptation as an edible substance was likewise first
discovered ; and thence, about the beginning of the
17th century, it was introduced into France. The
author of "Le Jardinier Francois," published 1616,
who was a practical as well as theoretical gardener,
assigns to his own exertions its first cultivation in
the French gardens. (Beckmann.)

Another plant belonging to the same natural order
(Compositse), and is now rarely seen in our gardens,
is the Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius) . Dioscorides
describes this plant, and his description answers in
every respect except in the shortness of the stem.
He says it is an edible herb, with leaves like garlic,
a short stem, a long sweet root, with a large flower-
cup on the top of the stalk. It is stated that Dr.
Sibthorp did not meet with this plant in Greece,
and it finds a place in his " Prod. Fl. Greeca," merely
as having been discovered by Abbate Sestini near
Constantinople ; but it might have been cultivated
in Greece as elsewhere.

Evelyn, in his " Acetaria," .tells us that the common
Goat's-beard (Tragopogon pratensis) was grown as
a vegetable in his day, " but that the name had been
lately Italianized, and called Salsifix ; and the seed-

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

75

sellers to disguise it being a very common field herb
growing in most parts of England, would have it
thought, with many other plauts, to be an exotic,
and call it Salsify, whilst by whatever name dignified
or distinguished, it must be owned," says this
author, "to be an excellent salet root."

Parkinson also mentions the common Goat's-
beard as being cultivated in his day.

The flowers of the Salsify are purple, while those
of the Goat's-beard are yellow. Linnaeus, in his
dissertation on the " Sexes of Plants," relates that
he obtained a mule plant by sprinkling the stigmas
of T. pratensis with the pollen of T. porrifolius, and
the progeny of the seed had purple flowers, yellow
at the base, evidently of an intermediate nature

ON THE SIRENIA,

between the two parents; nor can anything, as
Linnaeus observes, more decidedly evince the gene-
ration of plants. The Salsify is found apparently
growing wild in the southern parts of England, but
there is no doubt that it is an escape from cultiva-
tion. The root, when boiled, mashed, and fried in
butter, has the flavour of oyster patties; indeed, I
have heard the plant called the "Vegetable
Oyster."

Dr. Lettsom says that the roots of this plant and
that of the Scorzonera, when roasted, eat with a
pleasant flavour equal to that of chestnuts.

Charles Bryant, of Norwich, in his "Elora
Dietetica," published in 1783, says that the roots of
the Scorzonera used to be preserved with sugar in
the same manner as the Eryngo, Sea Holly.

Both the [Scorzonera and the Salsify are almost
invariably; attacked by Erysiphe cichoracearum, a
small parasitic fungus, one of the mildews, but it
has not the effect of injuring the growth of plants
much, as it is late in the summer when it makes its
appearance, in the form of numerous white
blotches on the leaves.

The Salsify is abundantly cultivated on the Con-
tinent. The flowers of this and the Goat's-beard
close at mid-day, and therefore are known by the
name in many parts of the country as Go-to-bed-at-
noon. It is stated by Villars that the children in
Dauphiiie eat the stem and leaves of the young
plant, before the flowers appear, with great avidity,
and that the fresh juice of these tender herbs is a
good remedy for bile.

The generic name of this plant is derived from
tragos, goat, and pogon, beard, from the bearded
appearance of the seed; the specific name from
porrum, the leek, on account of the resemblance
of the leaves to that vegetable.

Hampden G. Glasspoole.

Bufeonia tenuieolia.— " It is pretty well es-
tablished that Smith was wrong as to the intention
of Linnaeus in the application of this name." —
Alcoc/c's Botanical Names for English Readers.

By Thomas Southwell, E.Z.S.,

Honorary Secretary to the Norfolk and Norwich Neturalists*
Society.

{Continued from p. 59.)

The Dugong.

rpHE Dugong (Halicore dugong, Illiger) is
-*- closely allied to the Manatee both in habits
and appearance. Although confined to the tropics,
this species has a wide geographical range ; it is
found, according to Murray (Geo. Dist. of Mam.),
on the eastern coast of Africa, from 20° S. latitude,
northward to the Red Sea ; on the coast of the
Arabian Sea, Ceolon, Bay of Bengal, and Cochin
China, as far as 20° N. latitude ; also in the Indian
Archipelago, and the northern part of Australia. In
general appearance it much resembles the Manatee,
but may at once be distinguished by its forked tail,
which organ in the Manatee is rounded; in the
male, the tusk-like incisors are permanent, but
in the female these do not penetrate the gum ; the
canines are absent, and the grinders, three in num-
ber, on each side either jaw. The flippers are
devoid of any nail-like appendages. In length it
exceeds the Manatee, and is said sometimes to reach
20 feet, but about 10 feet appears to be the usual
size. The skin is smooth and thick, with a few
scattered hairs, brownish-black or slate-coloured,
lighter on the under parts, and occasionally white
on the breast and belly. The flesh is said by some
to be excellent as an article of food, by others it is
esteemed quite the reverse.

The habits and food of the Dugong are very
similar to those of the Manatee : like it, this
species frequents the still, shallow waters of bays
and creeks, where it feeds on the submarine vege-
tation, which abounds in the warm waters of the
tropics. In such situations it was formerly very
abundant, and fed below the surface in large
flocks. When rising to breathe, it is said to have
been so fearless as to permit itself to be handled,
and that the fattest and youngest were thus
selected and shot, or forced on shore. (Leguat.) Sir
Emerson Tennent thus speaks of the Dugong in
Ceylon': " One of the most remarkable animals on
the coast is the Dugong, a phytophagous cetacean,
numbers of which are attracted to the inlets, from
the Bay of Calpentyn to Adam's Bridge, by the
still water, and the abundance of marine algae in
these parts of the gulf. The rude approach to the
human outline, observed in the shape of the
head of this creature, and the attitude of the
mother while.sucklinglher young, clasping it to her
breast with one flipper, while swimming with the
other, holding the heads of both above water, and
when disturbed, suddenly diving and displaying her
fish-like tail,— these, together with her habitual de-

E 2

76

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

monstration of strong maternal affection, probably
gave rise to the fable of the mermaid ; and thus
that earliest invention of mythical physiology may
be traced to the Arab seamen and the Greeks, who
had watched the movements of the Dugong in the
waters of Manaar" (vol. ii. pp. 557-8). The
only figure of the Dugong, not altogether a fancy
sketch, with which I am acquainted, is to be found
in the "Philosophical Transactions" for 1820, and
is taken from a specimen sent from Sumatra to
Sir Everard Home, by Sir T. S. Raffles : this has
been frequently reproduced (see fig. 32), but a
good portrait of the animal is still a desideratum-
The Australian Dugong has been described as a
distinct species, under the name of Halicore austra-
Us, but Dr. Gray, "after a careful study and com-
parison," was "unable to discover any external
difference or character in the skull or skeleton,"
by which to separate the Indian from the Austra-
lian Dugong." (Cat. Seals and Whales, p. 363.)

known as Bhering's Island. During an enforced
residence of ten months on this island, arising from
the loss of their ship, Steller studied this remark-
able animal, of which his memoir, published in
1751, after the death of the author, is the only
record.*

The Pthytina was distinguished by the total absence
of teeth, mastication being performed by a pair of
curious horny plates, one attached to the palate, the
other to the lower jaw ; the lips were double, the
outer upper one thickly set with bristles, "like a
broom." Its skin was covered by a thick fibrous
epidermis, "like the bark of an old oak, rather
than the skin of an animal, black, scabby, wrinkled,
rugged, hard, and tough ; destitute of hair, scarcely
affected by axes, or the point of a hook — an inch
thick." (Steller.) This epidermis was composed of
horny tubes, arranged perpendicularly side by side,
like closely-packed fibre, and is said to have pre-
sented a section like ebony ; the fibres were rooted

Jm
i

iiimM^

Fig-. 33. The Dugong {Halicore Dugong) ,

Riippell, under the name of Halicore tabernaculi,
describes a dugong' found by him inhabiting the
coral banks on the Abyssinian coast of the Red Sea,
near the Dhalac Islands, which.he considered differ-
ent from the species inhabiting the Indian Ocean ;
he gave it its specific name, under the belief that the
Jews used.the skin of this animal to form the veil of
t he tabernacle. Dr. Gray had not had the opportunity
of comparing skulls and skins of animals from that
locality, but he thought it probable that it would
prove to be the same as the Dugong from India and
Australia.

The only other recent representative of this re-
markable order, JRhytina Stelleri, Illiger {Rhytina
flir/as, Gray), although in all probability now
extinct, has so recently passed out of existence,
and is so interesting a species, that I cannot omit to
notice it. The Rhytina, unlike the Manatee and
Dugong, its near allies, inhabited the Arctic Circle,
ar.d was very restricted in its range ; it was dis-
covered by Steller, the naturalist to Bhering's
second expedition, in the year 1711, on an island
lying to the S.W. of Bhering's Straits, and now

in the true skin, but easily detached, and through
them a moisture plentifully exuded, which, when
the animal was exposed to the air, kept it constantly
moist. When wet, its colour was black-brown, but
when dry wholly black, sometimes variegated with
white. The true skin was thick, soft, white, and
very firm. The head was small and oblong, the
paws ending in claw-like callosities, the body
gradually growing more slender towards the tail,
which was bifid, horizontal, and fringed with long
fibres like whalebone ; mammse two and pectoral.
Steller gives the length of one measured by himself
as 24 ft. 8 in., and its greatest circumference 20 ft.
4 in., and estimates its weight at 8,000 lb.

Of the habits of this curious animal, which it will
be seen greatly resembled those of the Manatee and
Dugong, Steller gives an interesting account. He
says, " It happened to me on an unfortunate occa-
sion that for ten months I observed the manners
and customs of these animals daily before my cot-
tage door ; hence those things which were observed

* " De Bestiis Maruiis." By G. W. Steller, Comm. Nov.
Ac. Sc. Petrop., torn. ii. p. 294, et seq. 1749-51.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

77

by me I will subjoin briefly." They frequented the
shallow and sandy 'places about the sea-shore and
the mouths of rivers, attracted by the freshness o*
the waters; when feeding, the young ones were
kept in the centre of the flock, and they approached
so close to the shore, that their backs would be
above water as they fed, the gulls often alighting on
them to feed on the parasites with which their skin
was infested. They were so fearless that he often
stroked their backs with his hand, and when injured
they merely retired to deeper water, soon returning,
as though the injury were forgotten. They appeared
to be monogamous, and to bring forth their single
young one in the autumn. When feeding, which
they did most voraciously, about every five minutes
they thrust their nostrils out of the water to
breathe. Although such voracious animals, they
appear to have selected certain sorts of seaweed
on which to feed, in preference to others. In
winter they seem to have fared very badly, many
being killed by being dashed against the rocks by
the waves, or suffocated in the ice : all at this season
were miserably thin. The old ones evinced the
most touching affection for each other and their
young, and an old male, whose mate had been killed,
could not be driven from the spot so long as her
body remained in the water, and continued to haunt
the spot for three days, anxiously awaiting her
return.

They were captured by a large hook, like the
blade of an anchor, with a line attached, which was
taken out in a boat, the other end of the line being
on the shore. When the animal was struck, the men
on the shore drew " the resisting one " to land, and
when it was wearied, and perfectly quiet, despatched
it with daggers and knives, " some cutting off
immense pieces from the live animal." The only
resistance it offered was expressed by a vehement
vibration of the tail and fore-arms, accompanied by
loud breathing. Large pieces of the rough
outer skin frequently became detached during its
struggles.

When Steller first discovered this animal in 1741,
it existed in such immense numbers that he observes
there were sufficient to feed the whole of Kams-
chatka ; twenty-seven years after, in the year 1768,
the last of its kind is believed to have been killed.
The existence of such a valuable supply of excellent
food, so easily obtainable, soon became known, and
the whalers at once made Bhering's Island their
winter quarters, and resorted thither to provision
their ships ; the result was the speedy destruction
of this harmless and interesting animal. The only
remains of the Rhytina known to exist are, according
to Dr. Gray, two ribs in the British Museum, re-
ceived from the St. Petersburg Museum, and three
skeletons in Russia, — one at St. Petersburg, the
second at Helsingfors, and the third at Moscow.
a. That the other members of this remarkable familv

will soon share the fate of the Rhytina there can be
very little doubt, for already it has been discovered
that, in addition to the value of its flesh as an article
of food, the oil obtained from the fat of the Dugong
possesses all the remedial properties for which
cod-liver oil has become so noted ; for this purpose
Mr. Scott* says, that of late years, in New South
Wales, " harpoons, nets, and boats with organized
crews, have been employed" in its capture. I
cannot share in his regret that '*' now that it has the
experience of the ways of man " the difficulty of
obtaining the Dugong has cramped the enterprise ;
were it otherwise, its days would be short indeed —
in fact, limited to the exact period required to kill
and boil down every dugong in New South Wales.
How constantly we have to regret that by
thoughtless and greedy slaughter, animals, which
properly protected and used with moderation, might
long have been preserved for our benefit, have been
utterly exterminated ; and yet the present state ot
the Northern seal-fishery shows how slow we are
at learning the lesson ! When will man learn that
it is not by killing the goose that the golden eggs
are to be obtained ?

WHITE AND COLOURED YARNISH EOR
"RINGING" SLIDES.

UNTIL within a comparatively recent period
the majority of microscope slides were covered
with elaborately gold-ornamented coloured papers ;
but as this covering prevented the use of the
Lieberkuhn, which, with the binocular, has now
become an almost indispensable part of the instru-
ment, as well as the plan being inapplicable where
large and deep cells are required, it has very justly
come to be discontinued. On the other hand, many
slides were finished off by being placed upon the
turntable and neatly encircled with a well-formed
ring of asphalt, or of coachmaker's black varnish,
giving them an exceedingly stylish appearance,
better appreciable, however, in the daytime and in
the cabinet, than suited to the gloomy shade of the
microscope lamp of an evening; hence it is not
surprising that light and bright colours should be
thought to be an advantageous substitute, and to
have become very generally adopted.

A few years ago some slides came under my notice
in which this black ring had been superseded by a
foundation of some light-coloured material, which,
from its dingy and discoloured surface, appeared to
be composed of ordinary white paint, or white lead,
and the reflection made at the moment was, that
had the " permanent white " or oxide of zinc been
used, and a smooth or varnish surface been ob-
tained, it would neither have become discoloured

* " Mammalia, Recent and Extinct." By A. W. Scott, M.A.
Sydney, New South Wales. 18/3.

78

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

r soiled by any amount of handling or exclusion
from the light ; and this idea was no sooner started
than the necessary steps for putting it iuto practice
were immediately taken, and which were attended
by complete success ; for the slides done at that
time are still as fresh and as perfect as at first.

About that period, it having been found that gum-
dammar dissolved in pure benzole formed an ex-
cellent varnish, this solution, coloured with ver-
milion, was coming into use, which, relieved
with an inner circle of pure white, produced a
neat and pleasing appearance; but now a "happy
thought " occurred, which has resulted in making
the application of these coloured varnishes both
useful and ornamental.

Introducing a variety of coloured rings upon the
white ground, the thought suggested itself that
these colours, with differently arranged combina-
tions, might be made to serve as distinguishing
characters for different classes of objects ; thus, for
instance, all vegetable substances might be noted
by a circle of green, while blue would serve to

Fig. 34. Section of cell completed.

A

Fig. 35. Section of cell with too large a cover, showing the
weakness of its attachment.

denote such as were of animal origin, and red or
yellow those of the mineral kingdom. Then, by
broad and narrow lines, and the order in which they
were placed, almost any amount of subdivision of
classification might be attained, and these would be
sufficiently conspicuous by artificial light to help
very materially in finding any particular slide that
might be required, and thus be the means of saving
both time aud trouble at a critical moment.

Where strength is required, as in fixing down
celiYand putting on the covers, gum-dammar, how-
ever, must not be trusted to, as it is too brittle to
answer these purposes, and which brittleness is not
lessened by its solution in benzole ; yet, for other
purposes, it is invaluable, and being soluble without
heat and in any proportions, a solution may be
made of any consistence ; although about the
thickness of rich cream, to be diluted when being
used, if necessary, will be found the most con-
venient. Now, as security is one of the first ob-
j ects to be considered both in fastening down the
cell and in putting on the cover, any means which
can aid in attaining this object should not be neg-
lected ; and as immediately following the fixing of
the covers comes the most critical part of the whole
proceeding (for should any imperfection exist at this
stage, failure, in all probability, will be the result),
it is most important that this should be seen to
before going any further ; and whereas the slightest

crevice or fissure will be sufficient to allow of
" running in," or admitting air, the chance of such
existing should be avoided by giving one coat of
thin asphalt over the whole, extending from the
glass slip on to the upper surface of the cover ; the
latter, however, should, when dry, be scraped off
clean, so that it sliall not project above but be on a
level with the glass disc.

That there may be no risk of any subsequent
applicatioa of ..varnish softening or injuring the
asphalt, it is a commendable plan to apply a layer
of some kind of size or varnish not soluble in
benzole, as, for instance, either gum or shellac dis-
solved in spirit of wine, &c.

Eor dry mountings, a solution of gum-arabic
answers perfectly; but this should have a small
proportion of sugar added to it to make it less
brittle when dry and not liable to crack, which
also increases its adhesiveness. It is also advisable
to add a small quantity of zinc-white in powder, as
this both adds to its body and renders it more con"
spicuous in application ; thus obviating the liability

Fig. 36. Cell and slide seen edgeways, showing the shape
of the foundation.

Fig. 37. Fig. 34 in section.

of any part being missed. Zinc-white, or oxide of
zinc, may be purchased at almost any chemist's for a
few pence per ounce, and is far preferable to either
white lead, flake-white, or whiting ; and as the
dammar varnish is equally inexpensive, it is much
better for several reasons to use only a moderately
thin coating of gum, and to fill up the foundation
with dammar instead of any other gum compound.
To make the white dammar varnish, put a small
quantity of the zinc- white into a small wide-mouthed
phial, and pour over it three or four times its bulk
of benzole, when it will immediately form a smooth
fluid without any appearance of " lumpiness " ; after
which add a few pieces of dammar, and cork up till
dissolved. This solution, when well stirred up, and
a drop put upon a piece of glass, ought to dry with
a bright surface ; should it not do so, more dammar
must be added until it does, when it will be ready
for use. It may be observed, that in mixing any
kind of powder with a viscid solution, such as gum
or varnish, it is imperative that it be first moistened
with a thinner solvent, as with water for the gum,
or benzole for the others ; otherwise, if it be added
dry, it will inevitably become "lumpy," and scaroely
be able to be made smooth by any amount of stirring
afterwards.

Having securely protected the cell from the
action of any solvent, we may now proceed to fill
up the angles, so as to get the most suitable shape

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

79

and form of the " foundation " for the subsequent
treatment. In putting on a sufficient quantity of
the foundation varnish to fill up the angle of the
cell, it will generally spread irregularly and farther
over the slide than is required ; but this can be wiped
or driven up to its place by means of the brush
handle, which has been cut obliquely to a flattened
point, and should be pressed against it whilst the
slide is being gently rotated. After this, and while
the varnish is quite fresh, the table should be
rapidly revolved for a few seconds, to cause it to be
evenly distributed around the cell, at the same time
that it gives to the surface a high glaze, which
imparts to it quite an enamelled appearance. It
should now present the outline given in the accom-
panying diagram, fig. 34.

To obtain a secure attachment of the thin glass
cover, it is important that its size should not exceed
the diameter of the cell itself; but, in fact, it should
be a trifle less than the outer edge of the cell wall,
leaving a small margin upon the latter to be filled
up with the cement, as indicated at a in fig. 35 ; and
at this stage no cement, but only the faint edge of
the sizing of gum, should project above the glass,
as this constitutes a part of the remaining process.
It cannot be too strongly impressed upon the
reader's attention that it is not the amount of
cement spread over the surface of the eover that adds
anything to its strength ; but that this latter result
is only to be obtained by a thorough embedding of
the circumferential edge, as shown in figs. 35 and 36.
One of the weakest forms of mounting arises from
the edge of the cover projecting beyond and over the
outside of the cell/as shown in the section, fig. 37. It
will be seen from this that as fast as the soft varnish
is applied, it necessarily drains down off the edge of
the cover, and leaves this altogether unprotected,
as at a, unless indeed such a mass of cement be added
as to make it a "bungle," and most unsightly and
objectionable.

We now come to the completing process ; but as
the slides in the preceding state will be perfectly
secure and not unsightly, they may be put aside
until a considerable number shall have been accu-
mulated, or they may be completed at once.

Although gum-dammar is sufficiently hard to
resist indentation by the finger-nail, it is yet so
remarkably brittle that it may be rubbed to powder
between the finger and thumb; hence it will be
necessary to add some toughening material, such as
the drying oils, to make it durable enough for the
outside coatings ; and as the zinc-white used by
artists is ground in poppy oil, which is of this
nature, this material is well adapted to the purpose,
and may be obtained in fourpenny tubes at any
artists' colourman's ; but it will be necessary to
avoid putting in too much, as this will prevent the
varnish from setting hard for a very long time.
Should the zinc be very soft, or it be required to

have a greater degree of opacity in the varnish, this
may be obtained by first squeezing out the zinc on
to a piece of coarse brown paper, and folding it
several times over, and leaving it until the paper
shall have absorbed out the greater portion of the
oil. The preceding step will be almost indispen-
sable with Emerald green, as this colour is mostly too
soft to be used in its ordinary state.

The colours which have been found most suitable
are : Emerald green, French ultramarine, scarlet and
crimson lake, aureolin, chrome-yellow, Chinese ver-
milion, and ivory-black.

Purples and violets can be made with the lakes
and ultramarine, while an infinite variety of the
richest transparent greens can be obtained by the
ultramarine and aureolin. Transparent colours on a
pure white ground give the richest and most re-
fined appearance, but for varying the effects it is
sometimes desirable to introduce minute propor-
tions of opaque colours, and a beautiful China blue
may be obtained by adding a little white to ultra-
marine, and all may be rendered opaque by the
addition of white.

To prepare the colours. — Having provided 6 or 8
one or two-drachm wide-mouthed phials (and if these
be cut and polished on the top so as to admit of
being closed air-tight with a piece of plate glass,
it will be far preferable to corks), half fill each
with pure colourless solution of dammar in ben-
zole, and then add sufficient of the tube-colour to
give the depth of tint required. But before using
these colours it will be necessary to give the ground-
work-coating of white to receive them, and in
doing this a good body of the varnish must be put
on and spread a little farther on to the slide, and
on to the cover, than will be needed when finished,
and then the whirling must be repeated in order to
" spin " up a smooth surface. When this has
remained for two or three days, and become mo-
derately hard, it will then be ready for finishing.
Having placed it on the turntable, and made it
secure against slipping, take a sharp-pointed knife,
or a flat-ended graver, and with this scrape or turn
up the edges until smooth and sharp, and perfectly
circular, and then wipe away the chips.

Having previously selected the several colours
required, have these at hand, each one with its own
brush on a long slender stick, and supported by a
clip over the phial, with the hair in the varnish, so
that it may be kept in proper working order, and
(adding a drop or two of benzole every few minutes
to the surface to counteract tackiness), proceed to
apply the colours in succession until complete, when
the whirling must again be resorted to to make the
colours blend and settle down to a flat surface ; and,
if _carefully_done, every line will be perfectlycon-
centric with the edges of the cell and Iwith each
other.
Por 'brushes it will be necessary to select the

80

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

smallest which cau be obtained ; and 'although
camel-hair pencils will do, sable would be infinitely
better and more lasting. After using, each brush
should be rinsed in benzole and wiped before putting
away, and then be dipped in benzole again before
using.

Erom a mere casual reading of the preceding
instructions it might be imagined that the whole
thing is a very tedious affair, and a great waste of
time that might be more profitably employed. Erom
such] an opinion, however, I beg most strenuously
to dissent ; for " whatever is worth doing at all is
worth doing well " ; and if an object be worth the
trouble of mounting at all, it is undoubtedly worth
the expenditure of a few additional minutes to
make it perfectly safe and lasting after it has been
put up. The process naturally divides itself into
two stages, the latter of which is unquestionably
a "just as you like" matter, and the only part
which can in any way come under such a stigma ;
but when it is stated that over three dozen have
been " finished off " on a summer's morning before
coming down to an eight o'clock breakfast, while an
hour or two in the evening has sufficed to prepare
an equal number for another morning's diversion,
and has thus formed cnly an agreeable occupation
for a part of the time which most people generally
take for recreation, it can hardly be deemed a
wasteful expenditure of time which possibly might
be put to a better purpose, although it is very pro-
bable that in many cases it also might not be. But,
with regard to the primary part of the process,
however, this ought to be looked upon as indis-
pensable and never to be neglected. With amateur
mounters it is a common practice to put up several
objects, and then, when covered up, to select such
as it is desired to retain, and to transfer the rest to
the duplicate box, either for distribution, exchange,
or to be sent to the dealers ; but to whatever des-
tination they may be doomed, the " foundation "
stage ought invariably to be completed, and in such
cases it will be desirable to let the last coating of
the foundation cement extend on to the edge of the
cover for both security and appearance, and then
into whosever hands they may fail, there will be no
fear of insecurity, and any subsequent] ornament-
ation may safely be left to the taste and fancy of
the possessor. W. Kencely Bridgjian.

Norwich, Dec. 1875.

AN OLD NATURALIST.

TT is with much pleasure that we notice the pub-
-*■ lication, by Messrs. Elliot Stock, of a facsimile
reprint of the first edition, published in 1653, of
Izaak Walton's " Compleat Angler." Paper, type,
illustrations, and even the binding, are all restora-
tions of the original book. This is one of the few

works of the seventeenth century that Englishmen
love to keep on their library shelves. Scores of
editions, annotated and " corrected," have appeared
since f the "gentle Angler" gave his piscatorial
experience, sagacious reflections, and semi-baccha-

;t=fj?£Sfc

Fig. 38. Facsimile of original illustration of Carp, in
" Walton's Angler."

nalian songs to the world ; but, for ourselves, we
prefer Izaak Walton undiluted. There is a fresh-
ness of green fields and babbling brooks and cool
shady dells about its quaint pages. They make

Fig. 39. Fac-simile of original illustration of Perch, in
" Walton's Angler."

one long to get away from the study and the desk,
to where the trout are rising, the lark singing, and
the meadow flowers blowing ! And then the clean-
sanded kitchen, the well-cooked finny captures,

Fig. 40. Fac-simile of original illustration of Barbel, in
" Walton's Angler."

seasoned with the healthy sauce of hunger ; and the
social glass and cheery companion afterwards ! The
" Compleat Angler " is not only one of the best
books on the subject ever written ; it is a valuable
contribution to natural history as well. We have
been allowed by the publishers to reproduce some
of the facsimile woodcuts, and our readers cannot
but be struck with their vigorous boldness and
accuracy.

"The mode of reproduction amongst mollusca
varies. Some, like the Valoatidce, change their sex
after a time, being at first male, and then female."
— liar ting 's Rambles in Search of Shells.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE • GO SSIP.

81

THE HEDGE-SPARROW.

{Accentor nodularis.)

THE above-named little songster differs from
some others of the same genus (Sylviadce)
by remaining with us throughout the year. At
all seasons its pleasant and cheerful note may be
heard. Whether in the depths of winter or height
of summer, it is still to be found, hopping about
from twig to twig, and uttering its short but plain-
tive song. It is very commonly distributed over
our islands; frequenting the hedgerows and gar-
dens, feeding upon insects, worms, and various
kinds of seeds ; and in the winter season drawing
near to the dwellings of man, and there subsisting
largely upon his generosity. In its character it

wandering bird's-nester. It is in the nest of the
uuobstrusive hedge-sparrow that the egg of the
cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) is most frequently found.
The cuckoo and hedge-sparrows are there hatched
together ; the former, after several attempts, throws
out the other nestlings, in order to receive the full
supply of food, which the foster-parents are con-
tinually bringing to the nest. The hedge-sparrow
is very sombre in appearance : head, neck, and
throat, bluish grey ; back and wings reddish brown,
streaked with dark brown ; breast and belly dusky
white ; tail slighlty forked ; legs and toes orange-
brown, claws black. The female considerably re-
sembles the male in the colour of its plumage, with
the exception of its being a little more spotted on
the head and breast. C. Drxox.

®jpsg2

0W ®Tmt^; ^^"V^^ISW

«sr-^ 0

Fig. 41. The Hedge-Sparrow (Accentor modularis).

is unobtrusive and harmless, deserving more pro-
tection and support from man than it generally
receives. If you take a walk by the hedgerows in
the early part of summer, you will be sure to make
the acquaintance of the hedge-sparrow, then
employed in domestic duties ; and you may be
certain that its eggs, or unfledged nestlings, are not
far away. If you make a slight search, you will
perhaps be rewarded by the sight of its beautifully
compacted nest of twigs, moss, roots, and wool,
with a plentiful lining of hair. Within are deposited
its four or five eggs, of a deep bluish-green colour,
entirely devoid of markings. Almost every country
schoolboy can show you the eggs of the " Dunnoek "
(as it is often termed in the country), and it is
a wonder that the birds are so common, especially
when we consider the many accidents to which
they are subject through their tameness, the eggs
and young being so easily discovered by every

THE ORIGIN OP THE GREENSAND. "

" If Mr. Stewart's argument were that all greensands have
not yet been proved to have a foraminiferal origin, and con-
sequently that we should be cautious in taking for granted
that they have all been formed in the same way." *

I HAVE chosen to head my remarks with an
extract from one of Mr. Brown's sentences, for
the simple reason that, if he consent to delete from
that text the words " have not yet been," and
insert in their stead the two words " cannot be,"
if he consent to this reading, he and I are at one.
It is not desirable that valuable space should be
occupied with the reiteration of arguments that
have been misunderstood ; but it may be useful to
point out some of the errors into which Mr. Brown
has fallen, while penning his comments on my short
note on ,: The Greensand and its Origin." In the

* A. J. Jukes Brown, Science-Gossip, No. 134,

S2

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

first place, I may say that no one has been misled
by Dr. Carpenter's expression, " the Greensand
deposit of the Cretaceous epoch," which is a
definite term, referring not to a greensand bed,
but to the Greensand Formation as a whole.
Again, my reason,'"marked categorically as number
2, had no special reference to the English Green-
sand, nor did it so appear from the context. I referred
to the Greensand Formation in the same sense as
Dr. Carpenter. It has been pretty well established,
and is, indeed, admitted by Mr. Brown, that the casts
occurring so abundantly in the Cambridge Green-
sand are derived from an older bed; and whether
these derivative fossils retain their shells, or are
mere casts, seems not to have any bearing on the
argument. Mr. Brown must have read my com-
munication in a hasty manner, otherwise he would
not have made such an obvious mistake as to
imagine that I considered that the fact of the
absence of certain fossils from our Antrim green-
sands proves the non-existence of these fossils
in any other locality. I never met with an Irish
naturalist who was capable of such an assump-
tion, and having enjoyed the pleasure of knowing
some earnest and acute Cambridge naturalists,
I think I may venture to affirm that Mr. Brown
will not find any similar assumption in his own
district. Dr. Carpenter, however, does not hedge
his theory with any limitations, and, with all respect,
it seems to me that it is necessary for his argument
that all greensands should be constituted of
glauconitic casts of foraminifera. The statement
made by " authorities," that certain greensands
which they have examined are so constituted, has
been accepted by me already, as any one will see
who glances at the conclusion of my former note ;
and it is not necessary that the party making
such statement should be an authority in the sense
of Mr. Brown ; any trustworthy observer who gives
an intelligible account of what he sees, is entitled to
as much respect as an " authority." The Greensand
of the North of Ireland is usually quite soft, and
requires only washing and sifting to prepare it for
the microscope ; acids would not assist the in-
vestigation, and were not used in this case. Any
one who has seen the beautiful series collected by
Mr. Wright from our chalk flints will understand
that it must be an easy matter to determine whether
the grains of glauconite are fossil casts or amorphous
particles. Mr. Wright's collection, made with great
labour, from the chalk of this locality, numbers over
a hundred species and well-marked varieties of
foraminifera, distributed over 22 genera. The
types are very diverse, and the distinguishing charac-
ters in many cases so decided as to render their
detection easy, even were the test removed. While
the microscope will not avail to separate casts of
nearly-allied forms, it will, at all events, enable the
observer to decide on the broad question of fact,

as to whether the grains of the material under
examination have been moulded in the interior of a
foraminifera! shell. In one respect, I must claim
the right to say something on this matter. I have
not got my views at second-hand ; before venturing
an opinion on the subject, I took the precaution of
trying to see "if these things were so"; not
with a view to the matter in dispute. I made an
offer of material to any who doubted my conclusions,
or who very properly wished to examine for them-
selves. Several gentlemen availed themselves of
that offer, I know not with what result, but any
statement of theirs should at all events be received
with respect. 1 am referred to papers by Mr. Sollas,
F.G.S., which papers I read years ago. I have also
read Mr. Seeley's paper on the subject,* to which I
am not referred; but who states conclusions that
seem much more in harmony with facts than those
of Mr. Sollas. I have been in the habit of perusing
the " Quarterly Journal " of the Geological Society
of London, also the journal of the Royal Geological
Society of Ireland, the " Geological Magazine,"
"Annals of Natural History," Science- Gossip,
&c, and am of opinion that I could not have
received much information on the subject from
Mr. A. J. Jukes Brown, additional to what I have
derived from these sources.
Belfast. S. A. Stewart.

HOLLY AND MISTLETOE.

LITTLE thought of during the rest of the year,
at Christmas time holly and mistletoe take a
position of importance, denied to them all the other
months. The holly, as might be expected of a
plant of its sturdy nature, boldly asserts itself, and
is, at the season just passed, to be met with every-
where. In our churches it twines round the
pillars, runs along the front of the galleries, and
wreathes the pulpit; whilst on home and hospital
walls, its shining leaves and bright berries gladden
all, bringing to sick and well thoughts of past
happy Christmases and hopes of future ones as
blessed. Banished from churches, where, only by
mistake, we are told, did it ever have place,
Mistletoe has, in many houses even but an un-
certain footing, for all do not look with favour
on the privileges it brings in its wake. I propose
to give a few facts concerning mistletoe and holly,
taking the latter first. Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
is an indigenous plant, growing also in warm
and cold countries of Europe, Asia, and America.
Although of slow growth, it attains, in a few in-
stances, a great height, and forms, with care, after
some years,, handsome hedges. Evelyn had a fine
holly hedge at Says Court, and I have seen one

* " On the Rock of the Cambridge Greensa d." — Geol.
Mag., vol. iii. p. 305, et s?q.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

S3

on the road from Birmingham to Acock's Green,
about twelve feet high. Tynningliam, near Dunbar,
boasts the Jargest holly bush in Scotland, and at
Preusham, in Surrey, some holly-tress reached a
height of sixty feet. It is an interesting fact that,
whilst the lower leaves are stiff and furnished with
spines, which serve to protect the plant from injury
from animals and other enemies, the new leaves
at the upper part, having no share in the defence
of the plant, do not possess this rigid character.*
The wood is close and white, and stains well,
taking especially a beautiful black. It is used
for Tunbridge ware and wood engravers' blocks ;
box and pear-tree only exceeding it in value for
the latter purpose. In very ancient times branches
of it were fastened to houses to defend them from
lightning, and as a protection]from witchcraft. Later
on the bark and leaves were used in fomentations,
and the dried and not dried berries were reputed to
possess very opposite qualities when swallowed. In
my young days, when I suffered from chilblains,
I was told that if I would only submit to have them
whipped with freshly-gathered holly-leaves till the
blood flowed, they would soou heal and never again
appear. I had not the courage to try this remedy,
but I believe it is still used in some country places.
Birdlime is now made from the bark.

Holly is evidently a corruption of holy, — a
name given from its use in some of the early
Church festivals, when it was strewed instead of
olive-branches. Its use at Christmas time can be
traced to the Romans, who dedicated it to Saturn,
and used it largely in the decorations for his festival,
held at that time. The early Christians, therefore,
whilst quietly celebrating the birth of our Lord,
and keeping aloof from the riotous scenes around
them, were wont to deck their walls with holly that
they might avoid detection and punishment. Holly
symbolizes resurrection. Great interest attaches
to some holly-trees. In Argyleshire there is a
prophecy that when a particular holly-tree near
Inverary ceases to exist, and when certain other
things shall happen (some of which have already
come to pass), " then shall all the Argyle Campbells
be destroyed, excepting so many as shall escape on a
crooked and lame white horse " ; and we learn from
Notes and Queries that, in 1S61, "the roots were
exposed and loosened by the tide, and that the
grandfather of the present Duke of Argyle insisted
on an awkward bend being made in the line of public
road to avoid the necessity of cutting it down."
Near Dilston, in Northumberland, there is a
thick holly-bush, consisting of several trees close

[* This is an exploded idea, although alluded to by Southey.
The young; leaves of the holly are soft and unprickly at first,
wherever they grow, and become hard and prickly after-
wards. The old leaves are not all shed at once, but are
gradually replaced by young, which always appear soft and
devoid of prickles.— Ed. S.-G.]

together — the stems scored with initials and marks,
and which is said to have served as a " post-office "
for the passage of letters between the rebels and
their friends in the troubled times of 1715 and 1745.
A curious custom, called " holly bussing," was kept
at Netherwitten on Easter Tuesday a few years ago,
and may be now for all I know. The young people,
headed by the parish clerk, playing the fiddle,
betook themselves to a wood, where they gathered
holly, with which they afterwards decorated a stone
cross in the village, finishing the evening with
dancing. Mistletoe (Viscuni album) is a parasite
growing on many trees; most frequently on the
apple, and least often on the oak. So seldom,
indeed, is it found on the latter tree that it has
been doubted whether it ever attacks it ; there are
too many authentic instances, however, of its having
been there seen for this doubt still to exist. Whilst
it is found in France, Italy, Greece, and parts of
Asia, it is said never to grow in Ireland nor in
Devonshire.

Tradition says that this lovely English county,
by some means, incurred the anger of the Druids,
who cursed it, and forbade the mistletoe ever to
grow there; and I have read, that, in an orchard
lying partly in Somersetshire and partly in Devon-
shire, mistletoe was to be found plentifully in the
Somersetshire part of it, whilst all attempts failed
to propagate it in the unlucky county. As to the
etymology of the word mistletoe, wise men disagree.
Prior says it is derived from mistiltan, A.-S. :
thus— mist!, different ; and tan, twig ; referring to
the difference existing between it and the plant
on which it is a parasite. Others assign the
name to the manner in which it was supposed to be
propagated by means of birds. Thrushes, black-
birds, and ringdoves are said to feed largely on the
berries. All know how sacred the mistletoe was to
the ancient Britons, and with what solemn cere,
monies their priests gathered it, cutting it down
with golden sickles, used only for that purpose, and
never allowing it to fall to the ground. It was said
by the Druids to be the winter home of the fairies*
who found, under its leaves, the shelter they lost
when other plants became bare. The priests distri-
buted pieces of it to the people, as charms against
witchcraft and many diseases. Great calamities
were portended when no mistletoe was to be found
on the oak; and it is probable that the reason why
the Druids planted apple-trees near their oak groves
was that they might remedy the defaults of nature
when it so suited their policy. Shakespeare's men-
tion of it as the "baleful mistletoe" is thought by
some to refer to the horrid rites practised by the
Druids when they gathered it; others interpret it
to allude to the injurious effect it was supposed to
have on the trees to which it fixed itself, or to the
belief that the berries were poisonous. When and
where the origin of kissing under it arose is un-

84

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSir.

known, but it has been dated back to the ancient
times when it was sacred to Eriga, the Saxon god-
dess of love. At one time a youth could claim a kiss
for each berry he plucked from the bush under which
he stood with a maiden. Nares says that the maid
who was not kissed under the mistletoe at Christ-
mas, would not be married that year. Mistletoe
was used in medicine for apoplexy, palsy, and other
diseases ; and that which grew on the oak was sup-
posed to possess the greatest medicinal virtues,
though Culpeper, a quaint old herbalist, says he
knows not why, " unless because it is rarest and
hardest to come by," — an all-sufficient reason, to
Culpeper, to account for the celebrity attained by
many remedies. The bark is 'astringent, but is not
now used in medicine. Birdlime is made from the
viscid pulp of the fruit. R. M.

THE MICROSCOPE AND MICROSCOPIC

WORK.

No. IV.— By E. Kitton.

TTAVING glanced at the work done by one of
■*-■*• the .[best observers of his time, we now
proceed to describe some of the instruments that
were from time to time invented to enable the
inquirer into nature's secrets to pry still further
into her modus operandi ; but, although enabled by
their aid to discover minute forms of life, they
could not detect how life originated.

the body was 7 inches in length and 3 inches in
diameter, and could be inclined at any angle by
means of a ball-and-socket joint. The field-glass

Fig. 42. Hooke's Microscope, with Lamp and Condenser
(1664).

A contemporary of Leeuwenhoek's, and perhaps
his equal in microscopic studies, was our country-
man Robert Hooke, E.R.S. The instrument used
by him was a compound one ; and, as will be seen
from the following drawing, could only be used for
opaque objects. This microscope had three glasses,
two composing the ocular, the third being the
object-glass. These glasses were fitted to a com-
pound body, consisting of four "draws," which
could be pulled out like a telescope; when closed,

Fig. 43. Grindelius's Microscope (1702).

Hooke occasionally removed, as he thought he
obtained more light and better definition (I have
found it sometimes of advantage to remove the

Fig. 44. Culpepre's Microscope (1750).

field lens in the modern ocular). Eor the better
illumination of the object he contrived a lamp,
somewhat similar to those at present in use. The
rays from this were received by a globe of glass

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

85

filled with brine, and made to impinge on a small
plano-convex lens attached to the base of the instru-
ment, the concentrated beam falling on the object.
Hooue thus describes his method of measuring the
magnifying power of his microscope :—" Having
rectified the microscope to see the desired object
through it very distinctly, at the same time that

Fig. 4S. Lieberkuhn's simple Microscope : a, short tube ; b,
convex lens for condensing the light en the speculum c,
from thence reflected on the injection d; e, eye lens for
viewing objects.

I look upon other objects at the same distance
with my other bare eye, by which means 1 am able
by the help of a ruler divided into an inch and
small parts, and laid on the pedestal of the micro-

Fig. 46. Central portion of Ocular of Martin's Microscope.

scope, to cast as it were the magnified appearance
of the object upon the ruler, and thereby exactly
measure the diameter it appears of through the
glass, which being compared with the diameter
it appears to the naked eye, will easily afford the
quantity of its magnifying."

To Hooke may justly be ascribed the invention of
spherical lenses of high power. The following is his
description of his method of making them :— " If you
take a clear piece of Venice glass, and in a lamp

draw it out into fine threads, and then holding the
ends of these threads in the flame until they melt,
they will run into a small round globule or drop,
which will hang to the end of the thread. Having
made a number of these, they are all to be stuck
upon the end of a stick, with the threads standing
uppermost ; these ends are to be ground off fine on
a whetstone, and then polished on a metal plate
with tripoli. The lenses thus finished, if placed
against a small hole made in a thin piece of metal
and fixed there with wax, will both magnify and
make some objects more distinct than any great
microscopes can do."

Whilst Hooke was pursuing his microscopic
investigations in England, Eustachio Divini, of
Rome, and S. Campani, of Bologna, were also
engaged in endeavouring to' improve the micro-
scope, and making observations with it. The former
published a description of his instrument in the

Fig. 47- Diagram of Micrometer in Martin's Microscope:
a, eye-lens; b, field-lens ; c, screw; d, index.

"Philosophical Transactions" for 1868; it differed
from Hooke's in several particulars. Instead of a
double convex eye-glass, he substituted two plano-
convex tenses, which touched each other in centre of
their convex surfaces. The advantage of this con-
struction was twofold,— a flat field and great
magnifying power. Chevalier, in his work on
"Microscopes and the Method of using them," says
that the compound body of this instrument when
closed was 16 inches long, and as large in circum-
ference as a man's thigh, and that the eye-glass was
equal in size to the palm of the hand.

Philip Bonnani, in 1691, published his " Observa-
tiones circa viventia, quae in rebus non viventibus re
periuntur, cum micrographia curiosa,"a quarto, con-
taining 445 pages and 68 plates. This is the work
to which Leeuwenhoek alludes in his " Refutation of
the Doctrine of Equivocal or Spontaneous Genera-
tion." In the following year, Bonnani published
his "Micrographia curiosa, sive rerum minutissi-
marum Observationes quae ope microscopii recognitor
et expressse describuntur," 4to, pp. 106, plates 40.
In the former work he describes his microscope.

86

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

The body was fixed oil a stand in a horizontal posi-
tion, and was provided with a stage for the objects.
The body had a coarse adjustment by means of a
rack and pinion moving the framework supporting
the body, and a fine adjustment effected by means of
a thread on the end of the body.

In 1702, Jean Zalm published at Nuremberg his
"Oculus artificialis Teleodioptricus," in which he
describes several compound microscopes, and gives
a figure of the microscope of Francis Grindelius,
of which fig. 43 is a copy. It will be seen that
the optical part consisted of six plano-convex lenses,
and like Hooke's, could only be used for cpaque
objects. Glass was not the only material used for
the purpose of forming lenses. Mr. Stephen Gray,
in No. 221 of the "Philosophical Transactions,"
describes the construction of his water microscopes:
these were made of thin brass, about rV of an iuch
in thickness, in which a minute hole was drilled ; a
drop of water was; taken up with a pin and placed
in the aperture ; the water retained its convex form,
and, of course, magniGed any object placed in front
of it. This gentleman also made lenses of minute
drops of isinglass dissolved in hot water. The in-
vestigations made by Leeuwenhoek with his simple
microscopes was in great measure the cause of the
neglect of the compound form, and many years
elapsed before much attention was paid to these
arrangements. The superior definition of the
simple microscope compared with the hazy outline
of the image as shown by the compound instrument
readily accounts for the preference ; the compound
microscope was also cumbrous and unmanageable.

In 1738 Lieberkuhn invented the solar micro-
scope, and the little concave reflector, now known
by his name. He exhibited his microscope to some
of the Fellows of the Royal Society. Mr. Cuff, an
English optician, improved Lieberkuhn's solar
microscope, by adding a movable reflector, by
means of which the instrument became more -avail-
able.

The injected preparations of Lieberkuhn were
famed for their beauty, and, like Leeuwenhoek, he
provided a microscope for each preparation. The
diagram fig. 45 will illustrate the manner of viewing
the object.

The drawing (fig. 47) represents the "Martin's
microscope" as improved by Messrs. Cuff & Scarlett.
This instrument was introduced in 1750, and very
many of them must have been made, as they may
now be occasionally seen.

About this time Benjamin Martin introduced his
"Universal Microscope with a Micrometer." This
instrument consists of a brass body fixed to an arm,
with a ball-and-socket movement, by means of
which the body was moved to the right or left ; the
stage was made to slip up or down the pillar sup-
porting the arm, and was the only means of focus-
sing the object.

We give a figure (46) of a part of the ocular to
which the micrometer is fixed, and a diagram showing
its arrangement, copied from a "Course of Lectures in
Natural and Experimental Philosophy," by Ben-
jamin Martin/'Readicg, mdccxliii. In the original
drawing the screw is represented as tapering
towards the point, but this is no doubt erro-
neous. Martin in the same work figures a "Pocket
reflecting microscope with micrometer." * This re-
sembles in make the non-achromatic toy microscopes
of the present day advertised to magnify " 10,000
times." It is not quite clear why he calls it a reflect-
ing microscope, unless on account of the object
being illuminated by reflectors. His diagram repre-
sents it as constructed with a bi-convex lens as an
objective. Martin was the maker of the very elabo-
rate instrument formerly belonging to George HI.,
and purchased by the Royal Microscopic Society at
the sale of the effects of the late Professor Quekett.
A full account of this microscope will be found in
vol. x. page 31, of the " Transactions of the Royal
Microscopic Society." The following is the author's
description of the objectives belonging to this in-
strument : — " Ten of them range from 4 inches to
TV of an inch in focal length. These are also num-
bered from 1 to 10, No. 1 being the highest power.
In addition to these, in one of the drawers are three
higher powers, which appear to have been an after-
thought. The focal lengths of these are marked
respectively TVth, ^'ath, ^th. There are also four
powers marked TVth, TVth, ^th, and ^th, and
numbered from 1 to 4. These last cannot be used
with the compound body, but as single lenses only,
and for their employment a small arm is provided,
which fits on the back of the instrument, which can
be turned round, and brought into proper position
for use. The ^Vth is the smallest ground lens ; I
have even seen it as scarcely larger than the aperture
of its setting. There are also nine Lieberkuhns of
various sizes, for viewing opaque objects, belonging
to the instrument."

The following are the results obtained by testing
the Ts-t.li, aVth, and ^th, a scale Morpho Menelavs
being used as a test object : —

The TV indistinct traces of lines, very ill defined.

The 5V lined distinctly, but the definition any-
thing but sharp.

The 3V lined distinctly, but still without good
definition; the amplification in all these cases being
far beyond that which is necessary for bringing out
the lines sharply with the present object-glasses of
much lower power.

The very fine-lined scales of Lepisina were tried
with the 30th ; " very faint traces, amounting to a
mere suspicion of lines, was all it would exhibit."
This instrument has the following inscription

* The price of these instruments was, with micrometer,
21s. ; without, 10s. <3d.

HARDWICICE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

87

engraved upon it: "B. Martin Invt. et Fecit.
London." It has no date upon it, but was probably
constructed about 1770.

Benjamin Martin was of considerable repute as
an optician and mathematician, and wrote several
scientific treatises on various sciences. In addition
to the treatises previously mentioned, he was the
author of the following : " The Description and Use
of a new invented Pocket Microscope," Svo, pp. 29,
plates 2. Chichester, 1738 ; "A New and Compen-
dious System of Optics," Svo, pp.295, plates 34;
" Micrographia Nova ; or a New Treatise on the
Microscope and Microscopic objects;" containing—

" I. The Description and Use of two different
Reflecting Microscopes, of a new form and
structure, and furnished with a Micrometer ; viz.,
one designed for the Pocket, the other mounted on
a Ball and Socket, which renders it of Universal

Use.

"II. A large and particular Account of all kinds
of Microscopic Objects to be found in the Human,
body, in Quadrupedes, in Fowls, Fishes, Insects, 8,-c,
in Plants and Vegetables of every kind, in Earth,
Minerals, and Fossil Substances, and various other
Miscellaneous Subjects. With directions how to
procure and prepare them for Use, and divers
occasional Remarks interspersed thro' the whole.
To which is added an Account of the Camera
Obsctjra and Solo, Microscope, or Method of
Magnijing Objects in a Darkened Chamber, in every
way by Reflection and Refraction."

I have carefully quoted the table of contents, in order
that the modern " microscopist " may see what was
the range of a work on " Microscopy " published
133 years ago. It contained 62 4to. pages, and was
" adorn'd with Copperplates " (2), and the price was
2s. 6d. !

In the same year he published "A Large and
beautiful Print on Imperial Paper {Price Three Shil-
lings and Sixpence), intituled, Synopsis Scienter
Celestis, by Mr. Benjamin Martin, author of the
Philosophical Grammar," &c.

In the earlier part of his life he appears to have
kept a school in Chichester, but at last gave it up,
and commenced optician and globe-maker at " The
Sign of the Globe and Visual Glasses, two doors
below Crane-court, Pleet-street, London," and
which he carried on successfully for many years ;
but confiding in the integrity of those to whom
he relinquished the active part of his business, he
became bankrupt, and, driven to desperation, he
attempted self-destruction, which though not suc-
cessful, accelerated his . death at the age of 7S

years.

{To be continued.)

Butcher-bird. — A fine specimen (male) of this
bird was shot at Craigo, in this neighbourhood, last
week ; very rare in this part of Scotland. — R.B.,
Montrose Museum.

MICROSCOPY.

New Cross Microscopical Society.— The New
Cross Microscopical and Natural History Society
held its occasional soiree at the New Public Hall,
Lewisham High-road, on the evening of the 3rd
March, and was one of the most successful meetings
of the kind which the Kent or Surrey students of
nature have ever been privileged to attend. The
large room, so admirably adapted for a gathering,
was well filled, without being inconveniently crowded,
with about 500 visitors, while about 100 microscopes
contributed to their instruction. Too warm com-
mendation cannot be given to the excellent hon.
secretary, Mr. H. A. Auld, of Blackheath, for the
painstaking and admirable manner m which the
"get-up" was managed. Mr. J. H. Steward, of
the Strand, gratuitously lent a number of binocular
and monocular instruments, besides some excellent
graphoscopes and stereoscopes. During the evening
there were two exhibitions of the oxyhydrogen
lime-light in the upper lecture-rooms, illustrating
sundry" micro-photography and natural history
objects, while in , the large hall was shown a large
and valuable collection of British and foreign
lepidoptera and coleoptera (butterflies, moths, and
beetles), zoophytes, shells, and corals, living lichen
and flowers, and sundry curious specimens of pond
life; amongst which was a brick-making melicerta.
Almost every department of nature appeared to
have been taxed to insure the success. This pro-
mising young institution holds its evening meet-
ings at the hall the third Wednesday of every month
at' 8 o'clock. Besides a microscopic exhibition at
these gatherings, it has its summer meetings which
are generally conducted by a scientific guide, who
explains such phenomena as it has been decided
previously to examine.

Liquid Cement.-" R. S. T." may purchase at
any chemist's, compound tragacanth powder and
powdered gum-acacia for a very small sum, and if
these are mixed in equal proportions and moistened
according to requirements at the time with dilute
acetic acid, or, if the colour will not be of any
importance, with ordinary vinegar, a strong and
lasting cement will be obtained, which, as far as my
experience goes, surpasses any of the cements now
sold.— W. O. Mackmurdo.

Poraminifera— Having received a slide con-
taining foraminifera from Bantry Bay, it occurred
to me to ask whether any one has given great
attention to the question whether the species vary
in the different localities, and if so, does it depend
on the adjacent or submerged strata. Could you
give an instruction how the foraminifera are to be
obtained from the Greensand ? I was much struck
with a series at the Loophole, at Bath, from the

88

HAftDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

Greensand ; but there is no one hereabouts who
possesses the books of reference in which the secre-
tary kindly hinted I might obtain my information.—
J. P. G.

Glycerine Mounting. — Perhaps the slides
which " S. L. B." has found defective were secured
by merely removing all the superfluous glycerine
possible, and then applying gold-size. In that case,
I should not think the process would be reliable; but
if the gold-size be.kept from contact with the glyce-
rine by a coating of amber dissolved in chloroform, I
always find the gold-size to readily dry, and be quite
trustworthy. If, just before filling the cell, the top of
it be painted with amber varnish, and likewise the
edge of the cover, they adhere when brought into
contact, and the superfluous glycerine can be readily
removed by a wet cloth folded into an angular
shape. After being carefully dried, if the adhesion
is faulty at any point, a few touches of collodion
will effectually seal it up. Amber varnish should
not be applied a second time, for of course it would
soften the first coat. — /. R. T.

Polarization of Living Tissues.— A few
evenings ago, whilst examining a living shrimp, I
was rather . surprised to find it affected by the
Polariscope. At first I imagined that it was the
thin carapace ; but when this was taken off and put
under the microscope it did not polarize. I then
tried a thin section of the flesh, which had been
previously boiled— this was again a failure ; next, I
tried a piece of the raw flesh, and was well rewarded
for so doing, as its colours were most beautiful.
Has any one else observed this ?—C. P. 0.

ZOOLOGY.

The American Manatee.— From the excellent
memoir " On the Sirenia," by Mr. Southwell, in
Science-Gossip, p. 56, 1 see that he has overlooked
the notes on the Manatus americanus contained in
my "Naturalist's Sojourn .in Jamaica," p. 341, et
seq., the results of the personal observation of
myself and my valued correspondent, Mr. Richard
Hill. He is also evidently unaware that the Society
for Promoting Christian Knowledge have published
a figure of the species in their " Large Series of
Natural History Engravings," the accuracy of
which I can vouch for, as it was made after my own
drawings, which were taken from the living
animal— P. //. Gosse, F.R.S.

Nesting of Hawfinch.— In answer to Mr.
Alfred Bindon's question in the number of Science-
Gossip for March, as to the Hawfinch breeding in
Somerset, I can only say that it certainly does so
occasionally in various parts of the country, but by
no means frequently ; indeed, when I published
the "Birds of Somerset," I did not know of an

instance. Since that, however, on the 26th of
June, 1872, I had a young hawfinch sent to me from
Eitzhead, near Wiveliscombe, in the western part
of the county, that had just been killed by a cat ;
it was in immature plumage, and could not have
left the nest more than a day or two, if so much.
There is also a young hawfinch in the small lGcal
museum at Bath in the same state of plumage
which I was told was killed near that town ; and if
so, it must have been hatched in the neighbourhood,
as, like the other, it could not have been many days
out of the nest. These are the only two instances
that have come under my notice of the Hawfinch
breeding in this county; indeed, it is not a very
common bird even in the winter. Mr. Bindon does
not say whether he has taken the eggs more than
once in Somerset.— Cecil Smith.

Nilsson's Gobt.— Having found a specimen of
Nilsson's goby {Gobius Nilssonii) in the Moray
Eirth here in May, 1868, and as it is a new species
to Britain, this being the first known to have been
met with in our seas, I should feel greatly obliged
by your recording the circumstance in Science-
Gossip. When taken, I had ample opportunity for
examination, and had it alive for two days. I
could see that it differed considerably in habits
espeeially from the other British gobies, and con-
cluded on that account that it was a nondescript.
But it may be naturally asked, why so long in pub-
lishing the fact ? The answer is : When the little
creature died, I then put it into a bottle to send it
to Mr. Couch for his opinion. The bottle was very
carefully put aside until I should get a letter ready to
go along with it. This I wrote next day, but when
the bottle was required, it was gone no one knew
where. Although it was diligently and anxiously
looked for, it could not be found. About three
weeks ago I had the pleasure of again finding the
lost bottle and my little rarity, and as fresh as the
day it was put in, except the colours, which were
gone. 1 now submitted it to Professor Nicol,
Marisclial College, Aberdeen, who identified it, and
named the speeies for me. This species has only
hitherto, and previous to its discovery at Banff,
been met witli on the coast of Norway. And I do
not find it amongst those, twenty-five in nnmber,
mentioned in Dr. Turton's edition of Linne, pub-
lished in 1806.— Thomas Edwards, Banff.

Sussex Heronries. — It is remarkable that
Yarrell, in his enumeration of the counties con-
taining heronries omits Sussex altogether, although
when he wrote, the fine heronry at Parham had
been for centuries established there. This has since
been excellently described by Knox, and within the
last three years a colony has been also established
at Bosham, where, on the Bayeux Tapestry, Harold
is represented with a falcon on his wrist. Can any
reader inform me whether, at the present time,

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

89

tliere is any other heronry in Sussex? — F. II.
Arnold, LL.B., Fishboarne, Chichester.

New Entozoon from a Fish.— In regard; to
Mr. William Wright Wilson's interesting commu-
nication on a parasitic worm infesting the small
wrasse (Crenilabrus rupestris) sent to him by Mr.
Hughes, permit me to say that it is evideutly one
of the many sexually immature nematoids whose
precise generic relations must yet for a long while,
I fear, remain unknown. Of course, it may turn
out to be the juvenile state of Prosthecosacter minor,
but it is just as likely to belong to a totally different
genus. In the meanwhile it is best, perhaps, to
place these doubtful forms in Diesing's genus
Agamonema ; and thus, since Mr. Wilson's parasite
has not hitherto been described, we will call it,
provisionally, A. Wilsoni. — T. S. Cobbold, 3I.D.

PORPHYRIO HYACINTHINUS IN SOMERSET. — I

see a note in the February number of Science-
Gossip on the capture of the Purple Gallinule near
Weston-super-Mare, in this county, with a question
as to whether it is often found in this country. In
answer to which, I may say that Mr. Harting, in
his "Hand-book of British Birds," mentions only
two instances of its occurrence in Great Britain,
both of which he considers to have been escapes
from some ornamental water : no doubt this was
the case in the present instance. I am not aware
of any other recorded instance of the occurrence of
this bird besides the two mentioned by Mr. Harting.
In spite of the wings not being adapted to long
flights, as mentioned by your correspondent, it is
nevertheless a migratory bird. Colonel Irby, in
his " Ornithology of the Straits of Gibraltar," says,
on the authority of Earier, that it is [migratory at
Tangiers, arriving in Eebruary and March, and
returning in December and October. On the
Spanish side of the Straits it appears only an
irregular visitant, occurring in the neighbourhood
of Gibraltar occasionally on migration. — Cecil
Smith.

BOTANY.

Aquarian Flora. — I have the pleasure of giving
particulars of a pretty appendage to the aquarium,
namely, a floating flower-garden, which has been in
operation about a month. I procured a piece of
rough " virgin cork " (such as used for ferneries
rustic work, also by photographers), about 9 inches
long by 5 inches broad ; thicker the more buoyant.
Floated it to observe its position, then, from the
highest ground, bored two holes about an inch or
so in diameter, and a little distance apart, over
which I placed two hyacinth bulbs ; the roots soon
leached the water. From the present healthy
appearance of the leaves, I have every hope of the

success of my scheme. The fish appear pleased
with the addition, and have availed themselves of
the shade offered by the Floating Garden. — J.J.M.

Colours of Flowers. — Your correspondent
E. Edwards writes of the Scarlet Pimpernel (Ana-
gallis arvensis), " It is, with the exception of the
poppy, our only scarlet wild flower." I had always
thought that the Flos Adonis, the Pheasant's Eye
{Adonis autumnalis), was admitted to make up the
trio of pure red British flowers, and though some-
what local, it is, I believe, sufficiently well estab-
lished in many counties, Kent especially, to be
reckoned a true British native. By the way, has it
ever been noticed how remarkably few species or
even genera there are that contain varieties of all
the three (that we used to call) primitive colours?
Thus, of Hoses, we havejflenty of red and yellow,
but never a blue. Geraniums (not pelargoniums)
show red and blue, but no yellow. Tulips and
Dahlias red and yellow, but no blue, &c. The only
flowers that I can at this moment call to mind,
which present varieties in all three colours, red,
blue, and yellow, are— Balsams (and there the blue
is not pure), Hyacinths (none of the colours quite
pure), Primroses (the blue rather lilac), and the
Flax tribe, Linum rubrurn, TAnum flavum, and
Linum perenne, which appear to come the nearest
to pure colours of any. The Verbena once had a
claim to be admitted amongst the class, as there
was once a yellow variety (called Sulfurea), but
it has been allowed to die out, and, I believe, has
never been reproduced.— C. B.

Amateur Gardening. — I find it a capital plan,
in a small Ward's case kind of greenhouse, to place
pots and boxes on inverted pans ; this keeps the
floor dry, by allowing a current of air to pass below
the pots, and protects the pots from being frozen to
the floor on cold nights. Have any of your readers
tried growing bulbs in pots half-full of quicklime,
with the usual soil at the top ? — B. H. Nisbett
Browne.

Raphides in Enchanter's Nightshade. — The
common Enchanter's Nightshade (Circeea lutetiana)
is an interesting microscopical study, for its leaves,
stem, and root are crowded with the peculiar
plant-crystals called Raphides, of which Professor
Gulliver has from time to time given descriptions
in this journal. The cells of the pith of Circeea are
filled with small transparent globular bodies.

Cladium Mariscus (R. Br.) in Arundel
Park, Sussex.— This plant certainly is not wild in
Arundel Park. Some years ago a not very large
pond was converted into Swan bourne Lake, the
banks and islands of which were planted with orna-
mental shrubs and plants. Amongst the latter were
several of the more showy of our native species, and
At is in every sense of the word & garden. Helleborus

90

HAPDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

fetidus (L.) and Atropa belladonna (L.) both grow
in profusion there, but are not indigenous to the
spot. — Walter W. Reeves.

The Cause and Prevention of Mouldiness
in Fern-cases.— On looking over the back volumes
of Science- Gossip, I observed inquiries respecting
the prevention of mouldiness among ferns ; but I also
noticed that in the several replies not one contained
a correct answer to the question. Some years back
I met with the same difficulty, and did not let the
matter rest until I had obtained a complete explana-
tion of the whole subject. Inan ornamental fern-case,
standing upon a bronzed table, everything placed
within it persisted in not growing, but in becoming
covered with mildew and mould, and even the earth
itself produced prolific crops of fungi, until at last it
was suspected that some detrimental influence must
be at work, either from material or construction, and
on making a closer scrutiny, such was found to be
the reality. The framework of the case being of
zinc, and the bronzed table of iron, and as neither
the bottom surface of the former, uor the upper
surface of the latter had been painted, the two
metals were in actual contact, and they formed a
galvanic combination which proved to be the ruling
cause, for on separating the metals by an insulating
support of wooden bars, the plants at once became
healthy and took to growing, and all symptoms of
mildew and fungi entirely vanished, and have never
made their appearance since. From this discovery
it was at once perceived that polar influence was
paramount in the laws of growth, and by the appli-
cation of these principles it has been found that we
possess a practical control over many of the " ills
that flesh is heir to," both in plants and animals,
while it has also given us a clue to the cause and
prevalence of fungoid growths, and a ready means
of overruling their production. Under one of the two
polar conditions root-action is fostered, and when
interfered with, fungoid growths are encouraged ;
while, by reversing the polarity, the latter disappear
and atmospheric growth is promoted. Mildew in
vineries has been overcome and banished, and by
standing pot-plants on iron so as to excite polar
action at the roots, an unusual healthiness has been
obtained. By galvanic influence seeds have been
made to germinate heels upwards, or with the
radicle in the air, and the plumule downwards.
Roses or other plants trained to iron stakes will be
found to have their stems in contact with the iron
blackened and killed ; plants trained to galvanized
wire fastened with iron nails become unhealthy
and cankered, and numerous other effects may be
traced to the same "galvanic" cause, the obvious
remedy for which is to reverse the polarity, or to
prevent it as much as possible by insulation and
non-contact with the atmosphere. These experi-
ments will be found more fully treated in the series

of letters which appeared in the Gardener's Chro-
nicle, commencing November 23, 1872, commented
on in an editorial article, Dec. 14th, aud continued
Jan. 11, 1873, Feb. 1, Feb. 22, and March 8 ;
and in which the long-desired connecting-link
between the electricity of the atmosphere and
organic life, and other polar effects upon inorganic
matter are pointed out and explained. — W. Kencely
Bridgman.

GEOLOGY.

Geological Record. — The volume of the
"Geological Record" for 1874— the first of its
kind — has just made its appearance, under the able
editorship of Mr. W. Whitaker, F.G.S. All the
papers bearing on geology and palaeontology, pub-
lished at home and abroad, during 1874, are ably
catalogued and abstracted. Mr. Whitaker has besn
assisted by some of the best and most rising geolo-
gists of the day, and the volume is not only credit-
able to the industry of English geologists, but it is
a most valuable necessity to a geological library.

The Ceratodus. — In reference to Professor
Huxley's lecture on Ceratodus (Science-Gossip,
p. 40), are your readers aware that there is, in the
Bristol Museum, a unique collection of Ceratodus
teeth from the Phytic beds of Aust Cliff, near
Bristol, associated with bones of the saurians ?
More than 400 different forms of these fossil teeth
have been described under the name of Ceratodus,
or homed teeth, from certain lateral prominences
that render them remarkable. Mr. E. T. Higgins
made the largest collection of these teeth, which
was eventually 'purchased by special effort for the
sum of £250, and added to this far-famed geological
museum. No other portions of the fish were found,
therefore the original nature of the Ceratodus could
not be ascertained with certainty, even at the
accomplished hands of Professor Agassiz, until,
"in 1S70, the Hon. W. Forster showed to M.
Kreft, the curator of the Sydney Museum, a carti-
laginous fish that lived in Queensland, and whose
teeth corresponded in every respect with those of
the fossil Ceratodus" except in size. It presents
another interesting example of the Dipnoi, or
double breathers, because it can breathe with lungs
or gills, either separately or conjointly. It is an
herbivorous amphibious fish, not exactly a true liver
out of water, but occasionally works its way into
the muddy banks, and when warm weather sets in
buries itself in the mud, until the wet season
returns. "It is worthy of note that the nature of
the habitats of the fossil fish exactly corresponds
with that'of the recent. They lived in dismal,
muddy flats, and buried themselves in lumps of
clay, aud using their lungs, breathed through a
hole purposely made for communication with the

HARDWICKE'S SC IENCE - GOSSIP.

91

surrounding atmosphere. When the blocks are
broken, the interior shows beautiful casts of the
scales." The fossil teeth are much larger than the
recent; whereas the latter are barely an inch in
length, the former measure from two to three
inches long. Here is another instance of a persist-
ent type co-existent with the giant saurians, living
on through countless ages, and now represented
only by a diminutive species; true to the tooth in
form and peculiar structure, but greatly diminished
in size. But for the unexpected discovery of this
curious living fish, we might have considered the
singular fossil teeth extinct, and remained in igno-
rance as to their relative position and superstruc-
ture. The above measurements and quotations are
extracted from an illustrated paper on Ceratodus
Forsteri, by W. W. Stoddart, F.G.S., F.L.S., pub-
lished in the "Proceedings of the Bristol Natural-
ists' Society," vol. i., part ii., 1S7I-5, where further
information can be had. If any of your correspon-
dents are wishing to know more of this most
interesting animal, and have not access to the
above book, and canuot experience the pleasure I
did of seeing the fossil teeth shown and explained
in juxtaposition with the recent stuffed specimen
caught in Mary River, Queensland, I shall be
happy to lend them the volume (name and address
can be given in the exchange list of Science-
Gossip if desired). The exhibition of these
invaluable fossil Ceratodus teeth in the Bristol
Museum is made still more interesting by a printed
notice explaining their relation to, and discovery of,
the stuffed fish, C. Forsteri, close by. This example
is worthy of emulation. — G. S.

Evidence of a Carnivorous Reptile {Cijno-
drakon major, Ow.) about the size of a Lion.
— At one of the recent meetings of the Geological
Society, a paper on this subject was read by Pro-
fessor Owen. The specimens described consist of
the fore part of the jaws and the left humerus of a
reptile obtained from blocks of probably Triassic
rock from South Africa, forwarded by the late Mr.
A. G. Bain, F.G.S. The upper jaw displays a pair
of enormous canine teeth, much resembling those
of Machairodus, being of a very compressed form,
with the hinder trenchant margin minutely toothed.
These is no dentated border to the fore part of the
crown. No teeth can be detected in the alveolar
border of the right ramus of the lower jaw, which
extends about an inch behihd the upper canine. In
the symphysial parts of the lower jaw the bases of
eight incisors and of two canines are visible, the
latter rising immediately in front of the upper oues,
to which they are very inferior in size, and being
separated by a diastema from the incisors. In this
character, as in the number of incisors, the fossil
resembles Didelphys ; and in structure both canines
and incisors resemble those of carnivorous mam-

mals. The left humerus is 10£ inches long, but is
abraded at both extremities. It presents characters
in the ridges for muscular attachment, in the pro-
vision for the rotation of the forearm, and in the
presence of a strong bony bridge for the protection
of the main artery and nerve of the forearm during
the action of the muscles, which resemble those
occurring in carnivorous mammals, and especially
in the Felidse, although these peculiarities are
associated with others having no mammalian
resemblances. The author discusses these charac-
ters in detail, and indicates that there is in the
probably Triassic lacustrine deposits of South
Africa a whole group of genera {Galesaunis, Cyno-
champsa, Lycosaurus, Tigrisuchus, Cynosuchus, Ny-
thosaurus, Scaloposaurus, Frocolophon, Gorgonops,
and CynodraJcon), many of them represented by
more than one species, all carnivorous, and pre-
senting more or less mammalian analogies, for
which he proposes to form a distinct order under
the name of Theriodontia. The author further
discussed in some detail the remarkable resem-
blances presented by these early reptiles, in some
parts of their organization, to mammals, and
referred to the broad questions opened out by their
consideration. He inquired whether the transfer-
ence of structures from the reptilian to themamma-
liau type has been a seeming one, due to accidental
coincidence in species independently created, or
whether it was real, consequent on the incoming of
species by secondary law. In any case the lost
reptilian structures dealt with in the present paper
are now manifested by quadrupeds with a higher
condition of cerebral, circulatory, respiratory, and
tegumentary systems, the acquisition of which, the
author thought, is not intelligible on either the
Lamarckian or Darwinian hypotheses.

Antiquity of the North American Indians.
— Dr. C. C. Abbott, a frequent contributor to this
journal, has an article in the February number of
the American Naturalist on this interesting subject.
Dr. Abbott has for years past devoted his attention
to Indian pre-historic relics, and this article is a
summary of his conclusions. He thinks that only
comparative antiquity can be determined as to the
Red men, there being no starting-point from which
to begin a positive calculation. Although he
believes the Indian races to have held possession
of America for nearly forty centuries, he shows
that they were preceded by an older race, similar
in many respects to the Palaeolithic meu, who were
displaced by the original Indians.

Characteristic British Fossils.— Undoubt-
edly one of the best and cheapest books of its kind
recently published is "Figures of Characteristic
British Fossils," with descriptive remarks, by Mr.
1Y. H. Baily, F.L.S., F.G.S., the acting palseon-

92

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

tologist to the Geological Survey of Ireland. This
work appeared in four five-shilling parts, which
brought the descriptions to the close of the Palaeo-
zoic system. These parts are now republished in
one handsome volume. The illustrations are
numerous and excellent, and the letterpress
delineations clear, accurate, and fully instructive.
We cordially recommend this work to all young
geologists.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

Teeth of a Fly. — If your correspondent " T. J.
B." had either written to or called upon R. & J.
Beck, from whom the slide " Teeth of a Fly " was
purchased, it would have saved both him and his
friends from the mistake into which they have fallen
by imagining that the sliced ends of the spiral tubes
at the end of the fly's tongue are sold as " the
Teeth of a Fly." At the base of these spiral tubes
(as any elementary work on the anatomy of the fly
will explain), there are several horny appendages
with sharp, knife-like edges, which are no doubt
well shown in the specimen to which he refers, and
are known as the teeth. If "T. J. B." will care-
fully re-examine the slide, he will see, and be no
doubt able to convince his friends, that the purchaser
of this object has neither been "defrauded" nor had
"palmed off" upon him any preparation under
a false pretence. It is a great pity that persons do
not make rather more inquiry before committing
themselves in print to expressions likely to subject
them to legal proceedings.— B. $• J. Beck.

Teeth of a Fly.— I beg to inform " T. J. B.," in
answer to his query in last month's Science-
Gossip, that flies have teeth, and that if he looks
more carefully at the slide of his F.R.M.S. friend,
he will probably see them as bideutate rods, situated
between the bases of the so-called pseudo-tracheae,
which are really suctorial channels. In the Blow-
fly there are three rows of these teeth, and, conse-
quently, thirty in each lobe of the lips, or sixty in
the whole organ. If " T. J. B." will soak the pro-
boscis of a blow-fly in liquor potassae for a week,
cut off the lips, and then tease them out with fine
needles under the dissecting microscope, he will be
able to expose the teeth, and satisfy himself as to
the facts. The ily is a suctorial insect, but the
teeth are used to triturate the sugar or other food,
which then being liquefied by the saliva is sucked up
through the suctorial channels and the proboscis.
If " T. J. B." will look at page 332, vol. i. of the
Monthly Microscopical Journal, he will fiud a
capital drawing of these teeth by Mr. Suffolk, from
a mountrd preparation I made and sent to him.
He can also consult Mr. Lowne's excellent work on
" The Anatomy of the Blow-fly." — Major Lang.

The Teeth of Flies.— The communication of
your correspondent "T. J. B.," who, in the last
number of Science-Gossip expressed his anxiety
to be informed whether flies have teeth, set me to
look up authorities on the subject ; and with your
permission I will give the result of my researches.
Mr. Suffolk contributes an illustrated paper " On
the Proboscis of the Blow-fly," to the Monthly
Microscopical Journal for June, 18G9, in which he
says -.—"The pseudo-tracheae above and below the
oral aperture are arranged in four groups, each

connected with a larger tube, these four main tubes
emptying themselves into the oral aperture ; the ten
central tubes on each side of the mouth open directly
aud independently, having disposed between them
long forked appendages ; the teeth, arranged in three
rows, the back row of which perhaps are hardly to
be considered as proper teeth, as they are attached
rather closely to the membrane of the lips. The
office of these teeth is undoubtedly that of cutting
instruments or scrapers. I have examined caraway
comfits after flies have fed upon them, and found
them covered with parallel scratches, the distance
of which, when measured with the micrometer,
corresponded exactly with that between the teeth."
Respecting the teeth of Musca domestica, Captain
Lang remarks, "That there appears to be only one
row, each tooth considerably broader than in Musca
vomitoria and tridentate; and on either side of these
principal teeth may be seen a very delicate one,
so that there are the same number as in the blow-
fly, though differentlyarranged." Again, Mr. Lowne,
in his monograph on " The Anatomy and Physiology
of the Blow-fly" (pp. 47, 48), writes :— " The
anterior surface of the lobes (of the proboscis) is
channelled by a series of canals, kept open by in-
complete rings, called false tracheae, which open
internally into the cavity between the lobes, and so
into the mouth : these form a fine strainer, through
which the insect is enabled to filter the fluids from
the solid portion of the substances on which it
feeds. The lobes are, however, capable of further
separation, exposing the triangular opening, which
is surrounded by from fifty to sixty bidentate rods or
teeth, which are usually concealed between the pos-
terior portions of the lobes, but are used, when
exposed, for grinding hard substances, such as sugar ;
so assisting the salivary secretion to dissolve them."
Possessing a slide similar to the one described by
UT. J. B.," labelled by Messrs. Smith & Beck,
" Teeth of a Fly," I have again examined it under
a one-third objective, with B eye-piece ; and I
must confess my inability to discover the teeth as
figured by Mr. Suffolk. The false tracheae have a
rasping surface, apparently quite capable of making
marks upon sugar ; and it has occurred to me (subject
to correction by more experienced investigators)
that the preparer of the object in question has
mistaken the false tracheae for teeth.— John Ford,
Wolverhampton .

Mistletoe on Trees.— In reply to " R. S. T.'s "
question, in the February number of Science-
Gossip, I am able to inform him that we have a
fine bunch of mistletoe growing on au acacia in our
garden in Sussex. — E. S. G.

Mistletoe. — I have known mistletoe to grow on
a pink May-tree in Surrey, in Hampton Wick :
could any of your readers tell me if it is generally
known ?—J. W. Mee.

Mistletoe. — As supplemental to the trees men-
tioned by your correspondent " R. S. T." as sup-
porting mistletoe, allow me to direct his attention to
the article Viscum, in " The Treasury of Botany " :
we there read that "next in frequency to the
apple, the mistletoe prefers the poplar; though
it is not found on the Lombardy poplars; haw-
thorns, limes, maples, and the mountain ash are
all favourite habitats for the plant. It has been
found on the cedar of Lebanon and on the
larch." In the Kew museum there are British-
grown specimens upon maple, hawthorn, and hazel,
and upou Sorbus sp. and Acer opulifolium from
Mentone. — John R. Jackson.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 93

The Mistletoe.— " R. S. T." requests your
readers to supplement his list of trees which support
mistletoe. In this neighbourhood I have found
it growing on apple, poplar, hawthorn, common
willow, and the tree commonly called acacia, but
which I believe is a Robinia. — H. L. Graham, Bishop
Frome, Herefordshire.

The Mistletoe. — Referring to the note on the
mistletoe by " R. S. T.," in Science-Gossip# for
February, it may be found (or a few years ago might
have been) growing abundantly on a large hawthorn
in a field adjoining Black Park, near Langley,
Bucks. I do not know how rare or frequent this
may be, but it is not among the trees named by
your correspondent as those upon which he has
observed the mistletoe parasite.— C. F. W.

The Mistletoe— I would refer "R. S. T."
to some interesting observations in the Gardener's
Chronicle of January 29, by J. Rust, Eridge Castle,
Tunbridge Wells, which inform us that the mistletoe
is growing on the common azalea at Eridge Castle.
The plant was first noticed about ten years ago, and
it continues to increase every year ; it appears to be
about fifteen years old, but bow it came there no
one knows. The letter is full of other interesting
matter, and well worthy of perusal. I should fancy
this growth of mistletoe on azalea is the only in-
stance on record. — John Colebrooke.

The Mistletoe. — Since sending my inquiry
last month, I find that Science-Gossip for Decem-
ber, 1875, contains a li*t of trees which support the
mistletoe : it is taken from a paper by Dr. Harley,
communicated to the Linnjean Society. The list is
as follows :— Maple, walnut, plum, false acacia,
cherry laurel, Portugal laurel, hawthorn, apple,
crab, almond, lime, olive, ash, poplar, willow,
pear, elm, fir, larch, oak, and beech. This list leaves
the question open respecting the mountain ash ;
it may or may not be included under the term " ash."
In the same number of Science-Gossip, a note
about its growth on the mountain ash is mentioned,
with some unusual facts respecting this parasitic
plant.— 22. 8. T.

The Mistletoe. — By way of a supplement to
" R. S. T.'s " list, I will name the service, pear,
hawthorn, willow, and walnut trees as habitats
for this plant. — H. E. Watney.

Notes on the Birds of Maidstone.— On
referring to a book published in 1839, I find that
the osprey, buzzard, hobby hawk, and merlin were
to be found near this town ; but, now, I know of no
other hawks to be found here than the kestrel and
sparrow-hawk. The same book says the heron and
bittern were occasionally seen here. I have heard of
1 he heron being shot at Snodland Marsh, and also the
bittern; but the latter bird is rarely seen, and it
was some years ago when this one was shot there.
There are two or three heronries in Kent, so that it
is quite probable that this bird strays as far as
Maidstone occasionally. The hooded crow, raven,
hoopoe, great grey shrike, night-jar, landrail, quail,
snowy owl, golden plover, kingfisher, great wood-
pecker, spotted woodpecker, lesser woodpecker,
tree-creeper, ring-ousel, hawfinch, common cross-
bill, and several others, are mentioned in this book,
that were either shot or observed in these parts.

will now make a selection of the above birds to
be seen here at the present time. The landrails is, 1
am afraid, scarce (at least near this town). I used
to hear it in a field here, but it is several years since

I have heard its grating noise. The golden plover
is, I believe, common on the marshes and hills at
Burham and Snodland. Kingfishers are, I have
reason to believe, rather less rare than formerly. I
have seen them several times this past year, 1S75, on
the banks of the Medway, and in the streams along
Loose Valley. I saw a green woodpecker last year
in the Maidstone cemetery. The tree-creeper is not
uncommon. Kent is rich in warblers, and the
sweetest songster of that family, the nightingale,
may always be heard close to the town in the
summer. Nearly all the other warblers are com-
mon near Maidstone. I have at present only
discovered three of the tits, viz., the great tit,
longtailed tit, and blue tit. I observed more
yellow wagtails last summer than formerly. In the
winter large flocks of seagulls visit this place, and
/ occasionally wild ducks may be seen. And, now,
not wishing to encroach on your space, I take
leave of the subject for the present.— Henry Lamb,
Maidstone.

Notes on Pleomorphism. — In the February
number of Science-Gossip the writer of the inter-
esting " Notes on Pleomorphism " refers to De
Bary's Myxomycetes, and confesses that inasmuch
as these fungoidal spores exhibit at one period
of their life-history every characteristic of the
animal tfamily Amcebtf, the consequences of such
observations are so startling that on less authority
we should be inclined to doubt their accuracy.
Certainly for a vegetable to present the appearance
of an animal form is startling; but is it more won-
derful than the fact that certain cells of the animal
body should possess the power of motion by means
of their cilia alter they have been detached from the
body, and even when that body is dead and putre-
fying ? In the words of Dr. Carpenter, "the
motion of the cilia is not only quite independent (in
all the higher animals at least) of the will of the
animal, but is also independent even of the life of
the rest of the body. Thus, isolated epithelium-
cells have been seen to swim about actively in
water, by the agency of their cilia, for some hours
after their detachment from the mucous membrane
of the nose ; and the regular movement of cilia has
been noticed fifteen days after death, in the body of
a tortoise in which putrefaction was already far
advanced. In the gills of the river mussel, which
are amongst the best objects for the study of this
most curious phenomenon, the movement endures
with similar pertinacity." — W. F.

Kynin, Keening, or Kenning Stone. — A
small round stone found in Devonishire, about the
size of a cherry,— a red-brown colour ; indeed, it
closely resembles a red cherry in the early stage of
rotting. There is a peculiar virtue attached to this
stone ; according to the superstition, it is able to
cure sore and diseased eyes, and is eagerly sought for
by the country people. Can any reader of Science-
Gossip give me the correct way of spelling the
name, its origin, and any further particulars they
know about it.? — R. M. Latham, Disraeli-road,
Putney.

Folk - lore respecting the Nettle. — Bee-
keepers still plant in some country places a nettle
or two near the hives. One old woman I knew
assured me that if the bees saw a frog in the
vicinity they would not swarm ; so, she added, " I
always keep some sting-nettles growing in my
garden, 'cause them frogs can't abide the sight of
one."— II. E. Watney.

94

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

Folk-lore of Plants.— In reference to the
"local names" of plants, the following quotation
from "The Complete Angler" may not be un-
interesting to some of the readers of Science-
Gossip. This passage was, I believe, discussed
some years since in the "Journal of Horticulture,"
and is thus expressed in Isaak Walton's " Complete
Angler."

" So I the fields anrl meadows green may view,
And daily by fresh meadows walk at will,

Among the Daisies and the Violets blue,
Red Hyacinth and Yellow Daffodil,

Purple Narcissus, like the morning rays,
Pale Gander-grass and azure Culverkeys."

Has any one identified these two last-mentioned
plants, known then by these names probably in
Staffordshire, where Walton was born, and re-
sided when he became an author ? With regard to
the latter, we must note down a jocular reply,

" Culverkeys, — Culverkeys,
Why ! they are Pigeon Peas."

" Culver " was the old Anglo-Saxon word
for "dove," or "pigeon," and "key" is a seed-
vessel. A botanical friend suggests that this
name refers to a species of the Vetch family,
now included under the genus Lathyrus (tuber-
ous pea), forming part of the old genus Orobus,
and called Orobus tuberosus. The flowers of the
vetches for the most part are blue or azure,
and the vessel containing the seed much shaped like
a key. As regards the name " Gander-grass," we
presume it refers to the Galium Aparine, "goose-
grass," which derives its English name from the
avidity with which the young stems and leaves are
eaten by geese ; and, as a matter of course, if
geese eat them, ganders must also do so. This
species of Galium is also called Cleavers, on
account of the tenacity with which the fruit adheres
to any rough or soft substances. The flowers are
of a white colour ; hence Walton's term " Pale
Gander-grass." We do not quite understand what
flower Walton means by "Purple Narcissus,
like the morning rays," unless he applies that name
to the Early Purple, or Meadow Orchis, whose
flowers are mostly of a rich purple, and would be
out with the Daffodil. Isaak Walton must also
in his rambles along the river Dove, have met
with the rose-coloured wild hyacinth mentioned
in the interesting paper on the " Variations of the
Colours of Flowers " in last month's Science-
Gossip, p. 41, by F. Casson. I once found, some
years since, the rose-coloured wild hyacinth at the
foot of Snowdon, North Wales.— E. Edwards.

Foreign Escapes. — The following short botanical
notice may prove interesting. Staying with some
xriends at St. Leonards last September, I went
with them to pay a visit to Hollington church and
churchyard. I wandered into the little coppice
known as Hollington Wood, which surrounds the
churchyard, and of which it is only a clearing, in
search of any late autumnal wild flowers to add to
my collection of coloured drawings of wild flowers.
I soon found a plant growing very freely in the
wood, and apparently like any other plant there,
quite wild, which attracted my attention as one
quite new to me. I gathered a good deal of it, and
took it home, and as usual made a coloured draw-
ing of it as accurately as I could. Unfortunately
it was in seed, and on no single piece could 1 dis-
cover a flower in perfection; the seeds shattered
about me as I drew it. I searched my botanical
books, and was convinced that it was a species of

amaranth, but still certainly not the only English
species of that order, Amarantluis BUtum. It struck
me from the first as very like Prince's Feather. The
flowers were crowded on dense lateral and terminal
spikes, the leaves shining on the whole plant,
strongly tinged with crimson. It had no corolla that
I could detect ; a calyx and leafy bract very like
the sepalsof the calyx ; eachflower had one flattened
round black seed, which, as I said, fell in quantities
while I was drawing the plant. It grew so abun-
dantly in the wood, that for some time I never
suspected it was not a wild plant, I only thought I
was too ignorant a botanist to make it out ; but
upon my return to London I showed my drawing
to a friend who belongs to the Linnean Society, and
who, on comparing my drawitig with botanical draw-
ings belonging to the society, came to the conclu-
sion which I had previously suspected, that it was a
foreign amaranth escaped from a garden, and
naturalizing itself in the locality in which I found
it. I have now little doubt that it is Amarantluis
polygamus, from comparing it with an engraving
of that plant in Knight's Encyclopaedia, which
exactly resembles my drawing. So many of the
graves in the churchyard, only a few yards from
the place where I found this plant, are planted with
flowers, that its presence there may be easily
accounted for, but I thought the fact interesting as
showing how easily plants disperse themselves, aud
become naturalized in countries far from their native
habitat— J7. 31. K.

Lobsters. — Lobsters use their feet to climb and
walk with, and their wide tails are so constructed
that they can spring backwards with considerable
force by their aid. They have false feet, which they
never make use of in swimming, though they
occasionally do in burrowing ; also in setting the
water in motion all round them. Lobsters cast
their armour, or shell " moult," as fishermen say,
and are for a few days quite helpless, the new shell
being so soft. Persons who watch the habits of
Crustacea in large aquariums, say that the lobster,
being well aware of its approaching change, goes
and burrows under a piece of rockwork, throwing
up a sort of fortress of shingle and sand, behind
which it retires during the operation. — H. E.
Watney.

Dog eating Wasps.— Most probably the terrier
mentioned by "S. M. P." in Science-Gossip for
February, had been stung by a wasp on some
previous occasion, and, neither having forgiven nor
forgotten, the conduct described may be attributed
rather to a desire for revenge than to any great
appreciation of the merits of the wasp as an article
of food. The case is much the same as that of an
intelligent Scotch collie, who was my constant
companion for several years of my boy-life. We
were one day passing a bee-hive, with the bees hard
at work, when, suddenly inspired by a spirit of
mischief, I drew the dog's attention to it. The poor
fellow trotted unsuspectingly forward to have a
closer inspection, but no sooner did his inquiring
nose approach the entrance than he received a sting
in it which made him effect a hurried and undignified
retreat. From that day he kept at a respectful
distance from a beehive, but woe to the bee who
came within his reach elsewhere ! There was no
mercy shown, and the execution was summary, for
he evidently regarded the matter as a serious one,
and not in any way as an amusement. I do not
now remember whether or not he ate his victims,
but most likely he did. I may add that in the act

HABDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

of capture and killing, his lips were invariably
drawn back as much as possible, which showed his
knowledge of the stinging danger.— I). B.

Tadpoles of Newis — I am sorry to say I have
never taken advantage of any opportunities I may
have had for making the acquaintance of the newt
family; but on reading "II. E. E's" instructive
paragraph in Science-Gossip tor last December,
I saw, on reaching the concluding sentence, that
there was some mistake. A careful perusal of the
context showed that the apparent contradiction was
owing to an error in copying or printing ; and that
the eighth line from top of column should read
" The tadpole of the feoff," instead of " The tadpole
of the newt."— W.B. H.

Bats.— On Christmas-eve of last year, I saw by
the light of a street lamp, some bats flying about an
open space close to the town. On the 28th Dec. I
saw a bat flying about one of the principal streets m
broad daylight, though a very dull day ; and on the
29th, a fine specimen of the long-eared variety was
caught flying about a leather-warehouse belonging
to a friend of mine. This curious waking up
among the bats was, I suppose, due to the extraor-
dinary mildness of the season. I noticed also many
flies in the fields— W. A. Law.

Late Martins.— Our correspondent " J. L. H."
should read White's "Selborne," in which he will
find the migration, and supposed "hybernation" of
these birds fully treated on, although no proot of the
latter has been established. It has occurred to me
as being possible, that the late martins occasionally
seen, may be birds hatched so late in the season
that they do not migrate, and may perhaps tall
victims to the severity of our winter.— Dr. Morton,
New Brompton, Kent.

Note on Asparagus. — In the course of some
inquiries I have been making with reference to the
old market-gardens of London, I have noted some
facts concerning the early culture of asparagus ; and
places nearer the centre of the metropolis than
those named by Mr. Glasspoole might have been
cited as producing it. Thus it was grown to_ a
good extent in Lambeth, from whence it was easily
carried across the Thames to the markets about the
Strand. Also it was cultivated in the district near
what were called "Neat-Houses," lying between
Westminster and Chelsea, once a favourite resort
of ruralizing citizens; afterwards these rather
marshy fields became the possession of market-
gardeners ; and now the land is elevated, and bears
" South Belgravia" upon its surface. When Dutch
William arrived on our shores, no doubt, an addi-
tional quantity of asparagus was cultivated; for
the vegetable was much favoured at court, and the
public would follow suit. And yet the monarch was
decidedly economical, since, as Swift's biographer
tells us, it was his habit to eat, not the tops merely,
but the entire stalk; and such a practice would
surely at last lessen the consumption of the plant.
Swift himself, with his usual eccentricity, did, as
his friend. Faulkner narrates, insist on his visitors
following the royal example, and sent back plates
presented for a second "help," until the stalks
were cleared. — /. B. S. C.

Twin Birds.— In a recent number of the
Animal World there appeared a note under the
above heading, which struck me as being of such
uncommon occurrence, that I here insert it : —
" Did you ever hear of two canary-birds coming out
of one egE ? I have a fiue dark ccck which paired

with an equally fine gold-coloured hen, and in due
time two eggs were deposited in the nest. _ When-
ever the hen would permit me, I peeped into the
nest to satisfy myself that the eggs were safe, and
certainly there were only two. After they had been
hatched a week, I discovered one morning, to my
intense surprise, that there were three young ones
in the nest. They are now more than five weeks
old, very fine birds, and equally fledged. The two
I presume to be twins are singularly marked ; one
having the right wing dark, with the left one yel-
low, while the other is vice versa, both having dark
heads and yellow tails." I should be very glad if
auy of your numerous correspondents or contri-
butors could inform me, through your columns, if
any of them have ever experienced such a pecu-
liarity, or whether it is of common occurrence.—
C. P. Hall, Woolwich.

Juniperus communis.— " W. P.," in your
February number, expresses surprise at the com-
mon juniper being described as attaining to a height
of ten to Gfteen feet at Mickleham. Of this shrub,
in that district, 1 have no knowledge ; but, unless
my memory deceives me, I have met with it growing
to a height of ten to twelve feet, or even more, in
the neighbourhood of Burnham Beeches. On
referring to my notes of a visit to that beautiful
spot in August, 1872, I find that I have not
recorded the height of any of the specimens I saw,
but this is a matter which auy of your readers
living in the vicinity:could easily set at rest. It is
somewhat plentiful on East Burnham Common;
but, I think, is not more than three or four feet
high there. The larger shrubs will be found on the
uorth-west side of the celebrated Beeches, on that
part of the open forest land named in the Ordnance
map Crabtree Heath. In a book I have before me,
called " Sylvan Sketches," the author says :—
" Juniperus communis seldom exceeds three feet in
height. . . . Though its growth is so very humble in a
wild state, it will grow fifteen or sixteen feet high
if planted in good soil." W. S. Coleman, in "Our
Woodlands, Heaths, and Hedges," says:— "In its
wild state, and that in which it is usually met with,
the juniper is a low shrub, seldom more than three
feet high ; but when planted in a very favourable
soil, it will often rise to the dimensions of a tree.
At Wardour Castle, in Wiltshire, is one (the largest
in England) thirty feet in height." The size of the
beeches at Burnham is, I presume, evidence of the
fertility of the soil at that spot, and it may be that
the Mickleham junipers grow in an equally favour-
able situation. It would be interesting to know if,
in the latter district, the large shrubs are found in
close proximity, or if they are scattered over a good
stretch of country. If they grow only in one spot,
are there other junipers in the neighbourhood, and
how do they compare with the specimens in ques-
tion ? — Martin Gardner.

Communications Received up to 10th ult. from : —
Dr. W. J. H.— R. G.-R. H. N. B— J. P. G.— L. H.—
Dr. T. S. C— J. J. M.— G. S— W. L S.— S. A. S.— G. C. D.~
W. W. R.-R. M. L.— H. G. G.— C. P. H.— H. A. A.— F. M. K.
— F. A.-H. M. J. U.— J. P.— J. S. H -C. P. O.— W. G. M.
— R. G.-J. W. D.— W. J.— E. S.-C. W. C.-C. S.-E. S. C.
— C. W. C— J. B.— M. B. D.-Dr. C. C. A.— E. L— J. M. M.
—Dr. G. D. B.— J. R. T.— C. B.— T. E.~ O. H. W.— W. D.—
W. J H— H. C. C. M.-F. H. A.— W. G. B. P.— E. M. B.—
C. P. H.— E. F. J.-C. S— E. S.-E. J. B.— R. H. N. B.—

E. H.-T. C.-J. S. C.-H. E. F.-G. S. T.-W. T.-H. W.-
W. G.— H. R.-W. S. S.-C. J. J.-W. H. G.— J. A. jun.—
J. H. B.-E. H.-F. A. A.-P. H. G.-J. B. B.-T. G. B.-

F. C -G. G.-W. D. E.-M. E. P. -J. W. B.-C. D.-R.T.S.
-J. L. J.-G. J. J.-S. R.— R- C-A. W.-M. P. M.-A. H.—
&c, &c.

96

HARDWICKE S SC 1ENCE- GOSSIP.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

TO CORRESPONDENTS AND EXCH ANOERS.— As We nOW

publish Science-Gossip at least a week earlier than hereto-
fore, we cannot possibly insert in the following number any
communications which reach us later than the 8th of each
month. _^___

J. L. J.— It is quite a mistaken idea that a great reward has
been offered for the discovery of " Perpetual Motion."

S. Radcliffe — Get Swainson's treatise on "Taxidermy ';
it may be obtained from most second-hand booksellers, and
will give you all the information you need.

T. W. Dealt.— Your " French Butterfly " was very likely a
"Tortoise-shell" or " Peacock," which had escaped hyber-
nation. . ,

E. 8.— The specimens of twigs of Hawthorn, &c, on which
the " curious formation " was found, were covered with the
dried bodies of a species of Coccus which has been introduced
into this country. It is nearly allied to the Cochineal insect,
and, like the latter, the body of the female serves as a kind of
cocoon under which the eggs are hatched. It goes by the
name of the " Scale Insect."

M. B. D.— The specimen you inclosed is certainly not a
moss. It is too difficult to specifically make out, but it seems
to be a species of Jungermanniu or " Scale-moss." It is not
worth mounting.

J. Barrett.— The intestinal wcrms which caused the death
of your blackbirds were most likely the Echinorhyncus giga*,
one of the " Thorn-headed" worms, belonging to the order
Acanthocephala. They are found in mammals and fishes, as
well as birds, but have not hitherto been found in man.

Erratum.— In Jan. No. of Science-Gossip, p. 12, first
column, the 28th line should read, " in the 6th vol. of The
Popular Science Monthly (New York)," instead of "this
magazine," as printed.— C. C. A.

C. M. (Southport).— The red and black seeds are those of
Abrus precatorius, or " Wild Liquorice," a leguminous plant.
The pretty seeds are used in the West Indies for beads. The
yellow glistening objects appear to be the empty egg-cases of
some insects.

E. H. W.— Gwyn Jeffrysand other conchological authorities
say nothing about the existence of any structural differences
in the sexes of the Anodonta. Perhaps some of our corre-
spondents will answer the question.

Notes gn the Diptera.— Erratum.— On page 60, at the
15th line from the beginning of the paper, for Despunculida?,
read " Pipunculidse."— F. J. A. and H. M. J. U.

T. E. Blom field.— The Section-cutter described in last
month's number has not yet been advertised. W?e were
under the impression it was inserted then.

F. Kyflofler.— The food of the caterpillar of Bombyx
(Attacus) yumi-mai is the leaves of oak.

E. Lamplough— Your moss is Bryutn argenteum.

L. Haves.— The specimens are as follows:— 1. Bartramia
fontana; 2. Hypnum aduncum ; 3. H. fluituns ; 4. Fontinalis
antipyretica ; 5. Frullania tamarisci ; 6. F. dilatata ; /. Rhaco-
mitrium lunuginosum ; 8. Hypnum rusciforme.

M. Skiltoti.— 1. Dicranum scoparium ; 2. Hypnum cvpressi-
forme ; 3. Pot tin truncatula ; 4. Hypnum Swartzii. Both the
other specimens belong to Climacium.

W. J. —Your mosses are: 1. Fissidens cryoides ; 2 and 4.
Weisiia contronerta ; 3. Pottia intermedia; 5. Homalia tri-
chomanoides ; 6. Bryum cernuum.

M. Warren.— The following are the names of your mosses:
— 1. Hyp. cupressiforme, var. resvpinatum ; 2 and 10. H.
rutabulum; 3. Ceratodon purpureus; 4, 5,6, ". Hyp. fluituns ;
8. Hyp. aduncum; 9. Votmatodon nervosus.

Ellen Fisher.— Your specimens are : — 1. (Reserved for
future report) ; 2. Bryum Zierii ; 3 and 5. B. pseudotriauetrum ;
4. B. ctespiticium ; 6. Blindia acuta; 7. Grimmia patens; 8.
Hypnum uncinatum ; 9. Didymodon rubellus ; 10. Lesquereuxia
striata. — R. B.

Mrs. J. F. W.— If snow, cannot fall when the thermometer
is below freezing point, how is it that we have nothing but
snow falling above the snow-line and in the arctic and
antartic regions ?

EXCHANGES.

For P. angulatum with S. Gimma, well mounted as test
slide*, send good mounted objects to G. J. J., Broomfield
Cottage, Altrincham.

Bulla hydatis, &c. for mounting Palates, for good Slides,
also Palates and Jaws of Gyrodus, for good Trilohites.— R. T.
Smith, 25, St. Alban's-street, Weymouth.

Polyxenes, Lagunts and tail hairs of do. mounted ; also
Trans. Sec. of Tamarisk, Male Fern, Populus niger, Ulex
europaus, and section of Fern from Rob Roy's Cavern, a
beautiful object polarized, all mounted ; for good Slides.— G.
tiarrett, Harland House, Wherstead-road, Ipswich.

1'ofi Membrane of Bat, send a stamped directed envelope
to W. H. Gomm, Somerton, Somerset.

Wanted, Skins in good condition, of Insrssores, from
South America, Europe, Africa, or the East, for North Ameri-
can Birds' Skins and Eggs, Minerals, Coleoptera (described, but
unnamed), &c— Address, W. J. Hoffman, M.D., Reading,
Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

A German Immersion l-25th (a capital Diatom I.ens), and
a little cash, for a good Immersion 1-I2th or 1 - 1 6th ; wet and
dry fronts preferred.— J. S. Harrison, 48, Lowgate, Hull.

English Mechanic, vols. 19 and 20, and 21 numbers with
index of vol. 21, unbound, for B Eyepiece, or 2 in. Aero.
Objective for Microscope.— H. Ricket, 144, Coleman-street,
Whitmoreans, Wolverhampton.

For Foraminifera from Mediterranean, send stamped
envelope to M., 41, Thornhill-road, London, N.

Lepidoptera offered for good British Shells (Land and
Fresh- water and Marine) and Birds' Egas.— Address, Wm. S.
Smith, Albert House, Castle-street, Walmer.

Wanted, first and third Reports of QuekettClub, also Mole
Crickets, for good Micro. Slides.— H. E. Freeman, 43, Wood-
stock road, Finsburv-park. N.

Good Eocene Fossils (Isle of Wight), for others, from Crag
or for Foieign Land Shells— G. Sherriff Tye, 58, Villa-road,
Handswoith, Birmingham.

A few Fossils, &c, for Pupa?, &c, or any volume of
Science-Gossip, unbound, except 1874 and 1875. — H.
Wiglesworth, Chilton Lodge, Rotherham.

Mounted Crystals of Carbonate of Lime from an Irish
Ossiferous Cavern, and Crystals of Zeolite, from " Giant's
Causeway," good Polariscopic Objects, for others of equal
interest.— Wm. Gray, Mount Charles, Belfast.

For mounted Scales of Sole, Hairs of Polyxenes lagurus, or
Olobigerina bulloides, send good mounted Slide for each
object required.— C. P. Ogilvie, Sizewell House, Leiston,
Suffolk.

Eggs of Squacco Heron, Glossy Ibis, Little Ringed Plover,
Hooded Crow, and Spoonbill, for American or other Foreign
Birds' Eges only.— J. W. Dealy, 142, Clarence- street, Shef-
field, Yorkshire.

Wanted, Specimens (growing) of Stratiotes aloides and
Hydrocharis morsus-rante ; will give in return Gymnogramma
leptophylla.— John Piquet, 12, York-street, Jersey.

A pair of Raven's Eggs, taken this season, and blown in
the neatest possible manner; date and locality given.
Desiderata : Rare specimens of Lepidoptera in similarly good
condition. Unaccepted offers not answered.— Joseph Ander-
son, jun., Alrestord, Hants.

A 9i in. " with Browning " silver on glass Reflecting Tele-
scope on Altazimuth stand, with wheel and handles for easily
moving it about gardens ; one Kelner and four Achromatic
Eyepieces, Barlow Lens, &c, all in excellent condition ; also
a good portable wooden house with zinc-covered roof, for a
good Microscope.— T. H. Buffham, Clarendon-road, Waltham-
stow.

Fruit of Xenodochus carbonarius, and Spores of Puccinia
graminis, for well-mounted Entomological Slides or sections
of Wood, &c— C. J. Jones, Gilmore Range, Shaco Heath,
Stockport.

Wanted, Slides of Entozoa, Entomostraca, Desmids,
Diatoms, Polyzoa, &c, for good Slides or Material, Injection
Syringe. &c. ; Material wanted also.— W. Tylar, 165, Wrell-
street, Birmingham.

Palates of Doris tuberculata and Cyclostoma elegans, well
mounted in glycerine, for good Palates of the less common
British Mollus'ca, preferably in glycerine or unmounted.—
Offtrsto Edward Horsnaill, 11, Snargate-street, Dover.

For Tufts of Flustra/oliacea, send either stamped envelope
or any object of interest to T. Comlidge, 5, Norfolk- street,
Brighton.

For specimens of inside of Cactus Leaf (from Jamaica),
for the polariscope, send stamped directed envelope to
Charles Williams, Kingmead Villa, Woolcott-park. Redland,
Bristol.

Duplicates : Semele, Tritici, Multistrigaria, Vallxgera,
Deutina, Canigera, Morpheus, Alsines, Testacea, L. Comma,
Bnsilinea, H. marginata, Fallens, Impura, Strigilis, &c, for
other Lepidoptera or Birds' Eggs.— John E. Robson, Seaview-
tenace, Hartlepool.

BOOKS, &C, RECEIVED.

" Physical Geography." By W. D. Cooley. London : Dulau
& Co. ,

' 'Class-l»ook of Chemistry." By E. L Youmans. London :
H. S. King & Co. „ _

" Myths and Songs from the South Pacific." By Rev. W.
W. Gill. London: H. S. King & Co.

" Animals and Plants under Domestication. 2 vols.,
second edition. By Charles Darwin. London : John Murray.

" Monthly Microscopical Journal." March.

"American Naturalist." January and February.

"Journal of Applied Science." March.

" Land and Water." March.

" Ben Brierley's Journal." March.

" Transactions of Watford Nat. Hist. Society. Part 3.

" Fancier's Journal." January and February.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GO SSIP.

97

DECOLOURING AND STAINING VEGETABLE TISSUE
FOE MICROSCOPICAL EXAMINATION.

By GEORGE D. BEATTY, M.D. |

previous occa-
sions I have con-
tributed to this
journal articles on
decolouring and
staining vegetable
tissue. Experience
gained during the
past year enables
me to give jn this
article processes that will produce
improved results.

All vegetable sections, and some
leaves, may be prepared for stain-
ing by soaking them in alcohol, or
in a mixture of dilute nitric acid
and chlorate cf potash ; but I
much prefer the results obtained
by first bleaching them in "Labar-
raque's Solution of Chlorinated Soda," and then
treating them -with alcohol for a few hours. 1 In half
an ounce of the soda solution a large number of
sections may be placed, but not more than a dozen
half or one-inch leaves, or parts of large leaves cut
into inch pieces. Leaves in greater number adhere
to each other, aud thereby take longer to bleach.

Sections of matured wood should be kept in this
solution from twelve to eighteen hours ; sections of
stems, leaves, and petals from six to eighteen hours ;
pistils and stamens, and sections through the gynse-
cium and receptacle of flowers, from two to six hours.
Leaves and petals should not only be bleached by
the Labarraque, but should also be rendered trans-
lucent. This is accomplished in from six hours to
six days.

•If delicate leaves show evidence of disintegration
after they are bleached, but before they have become
translucent, they should be removed to alcohol,
after washing! them in water as described below.
This renders them translucent within two days.
No. 137.

After removing from the Labarraque, put them
into half a pint of clear water. Change the water
five times during twenty-four hours, acidulating
the third washing with five or ten drops of nitric
acid. Sections can be washed in half the time
required for leaves.

Next, put into alcohol, which in a few hours
prepares them for staining.

In alcohol, tissue may be kept for months without
turning yellow.

I.— Staining Leaves and Petals.

For staining leaves and petals the best dyes are
aniline-blue and haematoxylin.

Other anilines than the blue may be used, but
they are not so pleasant to the eye, and are harder
to work, as they fade out in both alcohol and oil of
cloves.

Red aniline may be used one quarter of a grain
to an ounce of alcohol; violet, one half-grain ; and
green, three grains.

To make the blue aniline dye, dissolve in a mortar
half a grain "of " Nicholson's Soluble Blue Pure" in
one ounce of 90—93 per cent, alcohol, which has been
acidulated with half a drop of nitric acid ; then filter.

Dilute a portion of this with alcohol to obtain a
quarter-grain solution.

The formula for the hsematoxylin dye is given
further on.

A bright purple dye, good for leaves and sections,
is made by steeping fresh berries of the Phytolacca
decandra in alcohol. The stainings are quite per-
manent, but the dye does not keep over six weeks.

To Stain Leaves and Petals in Aniline blue.

1st. Transfer several small leaves from alcohol to
about half a drachm of the quarter-grain blue.

If not stained of sufficient depth of hue in one
hour —

2nd. Transfer to the half-grain blue for a quarter
or half-hour.

F

L 98

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

3rd. Brush in 93 per cent, alcohol with camel-hair
pencil, and trim the edges of cut leaves. Any excess
of colour may be soaked out in this dilute alcohol.

4th. Put into half a drachm of absolute alcohol
for half or one hour. In this but a trace of colour
will be lost.

5th. Put in oil of cloves for one hour, or until
ready to mount in Canada balsam and benzole.

To Stain Leaves and Petals in Hematoxylin.

1st. Trausfer from alcohol to water for five
minutes.

2nd. To 3 per cent, alum-water for ten minutes.

3rd. To hsematoxylin dye, diluted with an equal
part of 3 per cent, alum-water, for one hour.

4th. To full strength dye, if necessary, for half or
one hour.

5th. To alum-water for a moment, or until any
excess of colour is soaked out.

6th. Brush thoroughly in water, and put into one
ounce of clean water for fifteen minutes, to remove
alum crystals.

7th. To 93 per cent, alcohol for fifteen minutes.

8th. To absolute alcohol for ten hours, or longer.

9th. To oil of cloves for one hour, or until ready
to mount.

Some leaves, chiefly ferns with sori, may be
double-stained with hsematoxylin and aniline-blue ;
the former going to sori and spirals, the latter to
other parts. The process is first to stain in hsema-
toxylin, and then to soak the colour in part from
the body of the leaf by putting it in alum-water.
Next carry through pure water and alcohol to a
half-grain aniline-blue solution for thirty or forty-
five seconds, and proceed as you do with a single
blue staining.

II. — Double Staining op Sections.

For double stainings I use hsematoxylin and
carmine, and blue, green, and red anilines.

Of the red anilines I prefer that known under the
name of Magenta or Boseine Pure, though Fuchsin,
Ponceau, and Solferino may be used. These ani-
lines are manufactured at the Atlas Works of
Brooke, Simpson, & Spiller, London.

The aniline dyes are made by dissolving the
quantity given in each process, with aid of mortar
and pestle, iu one ounce of 93 per cent, alcohol, and
filtering.

The hsematoxylin and carmine dyes are made
according in the following formulse.

Hcematoxylin Dye.

Ground Campeachy wood 4 ounce.

Pulv. alum 1 „

Mix and triturate in a mortar for twenty minutes,
then add five ounces of hot distilled water, and let
it stand for two days. Filter, and to each ounce of
the dye add two drachms of 75 per cent, alcohol.
In twenty-four hours again filter to remove preci-

pitated alum. This dye is made somewhat after
Dr. Arnold's formula ; he using the extract instead
of the wood. It keeps, with occasional filtering,
in well-stoppered bottles for two months.

Borax Carmine Dye.

Pulv. Carmine 7i grains.

Saturated Aqueous

Solution of Borax 7h fl. dr.

Mix and add Absolute Alcohol 15 drachms.
Filter and collect crystals when dry. Dissolve nine
grains of crystals in one ounce of distilled water.

This is Mr. J. J. Woodward's formula ; but not
so strong, as his is a saturated solution.

Ammonia Carmine.

Pulv. Carmine 7k grains.

Water of Ammonia 20 drops.

Absolute Alcohol h ounce.

Glycerine 1 „

Distilled Water 1

Put the pulverized carmine in a test-tube, and add
the ammonia. Boil slowly for a few seconds, and
set aside, uncorked, for a day, to get rid of excess of
ammonia. Add the mixed water and glycerine, and
next the alcohol ; then filter.

Process I.— To Stain Sections toith Magenta and
| Blue Aniline,

1st. Transfer from alcohol to magenta dye (one
quarter of a grain to the ounce), and let remain
from fifteen to thirty minutes.

2nd. Soak in alcohol for about the same time, or
until the colour is entirely, or in great part, removed
from parenchymal tissue.

3rd. Place or hold in a quarter, or a half-grain
aniline-blue solution from fifteen to forty-five
seconds.

4th. Shake in absolute alcohol for a few seconds.

5th. Put in oiDof cloves for ten minutes.

6th. In clean oil of cloves for ten minutes.

7th. In half a drachm of benzole for five minutes.

8th. Mount in Canada balsam softened with
benzole.

The benzole may be omitted, as it sometimes
slightly contracts delicate tissue ; but it causes the
mounting to harden much more rapidly, and, per-
haps, is beneficial in preserving the magenta.

Process II.— To Stain Sections in Magenta and Blue
Compound.

1st. Mix' seven drops of a one-grain solution of
magenta with five drops of a two-grain solution of
blue (non-ac\&).

2nd. Into this purple mixture put your section
for five or ten seconds.

3rd. Shake rapidly in absolute alcohol for a few
seconds.

4th. Treat with oil of cloves and benzole as in
process I.

HARDWICKE'S SC IENCE- GOSSIP.

99

Process III.— To Stain Sections in Green Aniline
and Carmine.

1st. Put your section in a three-grain solution of
iodine-green, and let it remain for one or two hours.

2nd. Soak in alcohol for five or ten minutes, for
reasons given above.

3rd. Put in water for a minute.

4th. In the borax carmine from thirty to forty-
five seconds.

5th. Shake rapidly in water, and soak out any
excess of carmine that may be taken up.

6th. Put in alcohol for five minutes.

7th. In clean alcohol for ten minutes.

8th. In absolute alcohol for ten minutes.

9th. In oil of cloves for fifteen minutes.

10th. Mount.

Process IV. — To Stain Sections in Green Aniline
and Carmine Compound.

1st. Mix fifteen drops of borax carmine with
fifteen drops of the three-grain iodine-green solu-
tion.

2nd. Transfer section from alcohol to water for a
minute.

3rd. Put in the dye from thirty to sixty seconds.

4th. Shake rapidly in water, and soak out any
excess of carmine that may have been taken up.

5th. Treat with alcohol and oil of cloves as in
process III.

Ammonia carmine may be used in the same
proportion as the borax. Formerly, in process
III., I used the carmine before the green, but I
now follow Dr. B. W. Barton's plan of using the
green first, as far better results are thereby ob-
tained.

To stain sections in luematoxylin and aniline-blue,
the mode of procedure is the same as for leaves ;
but they stain more rapidly, and only require the
dilute dye.

Whether sectionsTare stained by^ the alternate
or by the compound methods, the ; selection of
colours is", the same. The red and green aniline
and the hsematoxylin go to spirals, bass cells,
scattered thickened cells, and, sometimes, to thick
epidermis and hairs.

The blue aniline and carmine always go to
parenchymal and often to thin epidermic and
hypodermic tissues. The selection of colour in
matured wood is different, as will be seen further on.

It is not possible, I think, to give a satisfactory ex-
planation of double staining of either animal or vege-
table tissues. We can only say that certain dyes seem
to have an affinity for certain cells. This is best
shown by soaking single stainings in a fluid that
removes their colour. If sections stained in red or
in green aniline be soaked in alcohol, and those
stained in hsematoxylin in alum-water, the colour
will rapidly leave the loose parenchyma, but will be

retained for many days by the denser cells, as
spirals, bass, &c.

On the other hand, specimens stained in blue
aniline, if left in alcohol, and those stained in
carmine, if left in water, lose the colour much more
rapidly in the parenchymal than in other parts.

In my previous paper on double-staining of wood,
&c., I said, if the blue was used before the red
aniline, the selection of colour was reversed. This
is true as regards matured wood, but does not bold
good when stems and midribs are under treatment.

Matured wood is better"stained by the alternate
methods. In longitudinal cuts, the first colour used
goes to longitudinal woody fibres, the second to
spiral vessels, ducts, and bark. Sections of stems
and leaves not infrequently give better results by
the compound methods. These results are superior
to those obtained in wood, for the reason, I think,
that in the latter there are not the same extremes
of hard and soft tissues.

Double stainings should be examined by artificial
light. 'Compound dyes should be used immediately
after they are made.

Care should be taken to obtain a good article of
absolute alcohol. That manufactured by Dr. E. R.
Squibb, of Brooklyn, U. S. A., gives me perfect
satisfaction, while a German article I have used
bleaches blue and green aniline stainings as though
it contained some alkali.

Benzole instantly fixes those anilines that fade in
alcohol and oil of cloves ; but it; does not do to
transfer objects from alcohol to benzole except
through the medium of oil of cloves, on account of
the injurious contraction it causes.

It should be borne in mind, that chlorinated soda
acts somewhat injuriously upon starch and proto-
plasm. This is not the case with dilute nitric acid
and chlorate of potash, nor with'alcokol.

In regard to fading, an experience of eighteen
months enables me to speak quiteTavourably.

Some few leaves stained in blue aniline and in
hsematoxylin fade injuriously pothers lose little or
no colour. Sections double-stained in green and
carmine have perfectly stood the .test of twelve
months. Those in magenta and blue as a rule hold
well.

If the effects produced by staining properly-
prepared vegetable tissues, with one or two colours,
were more generally known and availed of, the
study of vegetable histology would be even more
attractive than at present. So striking and precise
is the manner in which certain dyes seize upon
certain tissues, that it must be seen in order to be
fully appreciated.

A word about the cutting of sections, forjnuch
depends upon this preliminary step. . They must be
cut thin and even.

Vegetable parts cut into pieces should be kept in
alcohol for a week or] two before sectioning. * If

F 2

100

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

leaves become crisp, which rarely occurs, a few
minutes' residence in water renders them pliable.

In making sections of leaves, longitudinal cuts of
midribs may be made, or vertico-transverse cuts
through the midrib, including one-third of an inch
of leaf on either side, or through several veins;
leaves and small stems held against a piece of potato
or turnip that has been hardened in alcohol, may be
cut with a razor flat on the side, which is inferior
when the back is held towards you. Alcohol
should be poured over the object and razor while
cutting. Large] stems are better cut in a section-
machine, using paraffine as an imbedding agent.
The object should be flooded with alcohol while
cutting, and the paraffine should be trimmed to a
cone-shape around it after every two or three cuts.

A knife I use with my section-cutter acts so
satisfactorily upon both animal and vegetable
tissues that I will describe it. It weighs 7h ounces
(avoirdupois). The handle is stout, and is 4$ inches
long by Ik inches wide, the blade is 7h inches long,
the back being k inch thick. [The inferior side,
holding the back towards you, was first ground fiat
and afterwards slightly concave from back to edge.
A similar knife I find is figured in Mr. Rutherford's
" Outlines of Practical Histology."

A list of some of the vegetable objects I have
found most interesting may be acceptable to some
of the readers of Science-Gossip.

Leaves.— Drdsera rotundifolia, Dionea muscipula,
Hepatica triloba, Oxalis stricta, flava, hirsuta, and
Bowiei ; Deutzia gracilis, cruenta, and Portunii ;
Tradescantia zebrina, Eucalyptus globulus, Buchu
aerratifolia, Cassia acutifolia, Rhus Toxicodendron,
Adiantum cuneatum and pedatum, Pteris serru-
lata, Elae agnus.

Sections of Stems and Midribs. — Picus elastica.
Strelftzia Regina, Althaea rosea, Asclepias cornuta,
Rubus villbsus, Impatiens Balsaminia, Pteris aqui-
lina and serrulata, Paulownia imperialis.

Sections of Stems.— Aspidium Pilix mas, Ricinus
communis, Musa sapientium, Euphorbia splendens,
Datura stramonium, Dracaena Braziliensis, Ailan-
thus.

Baltimore, U.S.A.

THE "SEAR LAMP."

[" HAVE been giving my attention of late to the
-1- subject of illumination for the microscope, and
having used all the various forms, from the date of
Mr. Pilsisetur's lamp of 1850 down to the present
time, I came to the conclusion that there was yet
something needed to render microscopical illumina-
tion as perfect as the use of pctroline or paraffin will
allow.

Having mentioned the subject in the course of a
conversation with Mr. Silber, the inventor of the

now well-known " Silber Light," that gentleman at
once entered into the matter, and has constructed
for me a microscope lamp in the form which I have
illustrated in the following sketch, and which I will
at once proceed to describe.

,^w.;:i,..

Ull

Fig. 48. Sketch and general details of the "Sear Lamp"
for the Microscope.

A is a solid brass foot, only half an inch in
thickness, circular, and 7 inches in diameter. B,
the oil-holder, which holds about sixteen hours'
supply, and is of the same form as A, the stand ; but
as its total depth is only about 1 inch, the burner,

D, can by this form of lamp be brought down several
inches closer to the table, or rather closer to the
plano-concave reflector of a microscope, than by any
other form of lamp of equal power ; and as light
increases as the square of the distance, the increase
of illuminative power obtained by this mechanical
arrangement is important. C is a tubulated aper-
ture forming a small funnel for the purpose of
replenishing the lamp, secured by a butterfly nut,
and thus obviating the disagreeable necessity for
extinguishing the lamp and screwing off the burner,
in order to supply fresh oil. D, the Silber burner.

E, a strong cylindrical brass stem, upon which both
the lamp-body, B, and the accessories, P and G,
slide ; the latter being clamped at any convenient
height by their binding screws, and the oil-holder,
B, by the long radial screw shown in the sketch, and
which for greater facility of manipulation has been
extended to the periphery of the cylindrical oil-
vessel. P is a large plano-convex condenser,
which, being mounted on a jointed telescopic arm,
can be placed at any angle, and close to or more
distant from the flame. As I write, a friend of mine
is reading his " Gossip " at 18 feet distance from
the lamp, the condenser being interposed close to
the flame ; but this is only mentioned to show its
power, and not its superiority as a reading-lamp.
G, a slide bearing two rings ; the lesser is 2f in.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

101

Fig.

diameter, and adapted to carry a porcelain or copper
hot-water bath, or a small brass plate. The former
is illustrated in section at H, and the latter at I, and
their use to the microscopist in the practice of pre-
paring and mounting objects is not easily overrated.
The larger ring carries the ordinary reading-shade,
and both are concentric with the burner D. Three
carriers of the form J are attached radially
to the burner D, and upon them the porcelain
white cloud-shade K rests, while a blue spot
upon the lamp-glass of D corrects the yellow
rays (less in number in the Silber burner at
any time than in ordinary petroline flames),
and renders this, to my mind, the most
powerful and most complete microscope lamp
known.

I shall have the pleasure to introduce the
first one manufactured to the notice of the
members of the Royal Microscopical Society
at their next meeting, and immediately after-
wards they will be supplied by the Silber
Light Company (Limited) and their agents ;
but I should perhaps at once say that I have
no interest whatever in their manufacture,
beyond a desire that the " Sear Lamp " may
prove a useful and convenient accessory to
the use of my favourite instrument, the
microscope. W. Lane Sear,

Hon. Lib. Margate Micro. Club.

A CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OE ROCK
STRUCTURE.

By the Rev. J. Magens Mello, M.A., F.G.S., &c.

President of the Derbyshire Microscopical Society.

THE study of rock structure is one of great in-
terest to the geologist, and not only does it
teach him the various materials of which any parti-
cular rock is built up, but it will often lead him to
the knowledge of wonderful facts relating to its
origin and past history, and will enable him to trace
some of the many changes to which it may have
been subjected during the lapse of time.

I propose to illustrate this by taking some familiar
specimen and showing the ways in which we may
investigate its nature and history.

Suppose we take a piece of granite and see what
we may learn about it. There are few persons but
are acquainted with this rock in some one or more
of the forms in which it is found. Our public build-
ings often present us with splendid illustrations of
granite, sometimes roughly hewn, as it has come
from the quarry ; in other cases highly polished.
We have seen the fine grey stones from Aberdeen,
or the beautiful red ones from Peterhead and else-
where. Now when we begin to examine a piece of
one of these granites, we see at once that it is not a

homogeneous stone — such, for instance, a3 is a bit
of flint — but that it is built up of various dissimilar-
looking materials ; and we may notice, moreover,
that one or more of those materials is crystallinet
that it is shaped in some regular geometrical form.
We shall probably be struck with certain whitish or
flesh-coloured crystals, more conspicuously promi-

49. Section of granite from Cornwall (polarized), magnified
26 diam.

nent than the other substances of which the speci-
men is composed. With some care we may be able
to make out in part the form of these crystals, and
perhaps to measure one or more of their angles 5

Fig. 50. Orthoclase Felspar.

Fig. 51. Plagioclase Felspar.

Fig. 52. Mica (Biotite).

then, too, we shall notice that these crystals are
apparently embedded in a more glassy-looking sub-
stance of a clear or greyish colour, and here and
there we shall observe some bright spangles of a
thin flaky mineral. We shall thus have seen the
three principal minerals of which typical granite

102

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

rock is composed ; the larger opaque crystals,
whether white or pink, are felspar, the glassy
mineral is quartz, and the little glittering spangles
are mica. We may next proceed to a more detailed
examination of each of these in turn. We will first
ask the chemist what he can tell us of their com-
position. The chemist is not satisfied with merely
knowing that a certain mineral occurring in certain
definite crystalline or other forms is quartz, another
felspar, and so on ; but he asks further, — What is
this quartz ? Is it a simple body or is it, simple as it
may appear to sight, a compound of two or more
elements ? He takes various specimens of quartz,
some perhaps from the granite, others from some
other rocks, and subjects them to the analytical
processes of the laboratory : the result is that he
finds all quartz, no matter what its colour may be,
whether white or pink or black, or pure and colour-
less as glass, to be a compound of the metalloid
silicon and the gas oxygen ; in other words, that it
is an oxide of silicon, to which he assigns the name
silica. By a series of analyses he is able to correlate
the quartz of the granite with all other forms, and
they are many in which this mineral occurs. The
flint of the chalk, the white veins so often met with
in the older slaty rocks, the agates picked up on
the sea-shore and elsewhere, the beautiful crystals
known as cairngorms, amethysts, and others, are
all found to be but varying forms of the same sub-
stance, coloured sometimes by adventitious matter,
as iron, &c. ; and he finds, too, that the exquisite
skeletons of some of the sponges, the delicate valves
of the diatomacese and other minute specimens of
organic life, consist of this very same silica, which is
indeed one of the most important compounds enter-
ing into the structure of the earth's crust. Suppose
the student next picks out one of the felspar
crystals : this on analysis will be, as was the quartz,
found to be also a combination ; in it he will also
find silica, but the silica in this instance is found to
be combined with the metals aluminium and
potassium, — in fact, is a double silicate of alumina
and potash. There are many varieties of felspar,
some of them differing from that most common in
granite, which is called orthoclase, in containing lime
or soda instead of potash; these are also distinguished
from the orthoclastic species by their crystalline
structure, which will afford, as we shall see, a ready
method for their recognition when they are micro-
scopically examined. When the granite rocks
become decomposed, as they often do in Cornwall
and elsewhere, through the wear and tear of the
weather, we frequently find the disintegrated mate-
rials so separated that the silicate of alumina of the
felspar forms thick deposits of the beautiful white
clay known as Kaolin, and which is so valuable to
the china-manufacturer.

The mica of granite is usually a variety called
Muscovite, or potash mica ; this again on chemical

analysis is found to contain, as did the felspar,
silica, alumina, and potash, and also often some iron
and manganese. There are several different sorts
of mica, also, sometimes found in granite, especially
Biotite, the composition of which varies from the
above ; but all the micas may be known by their
being found in flattish crystals, which may be split
up into an infinity of thin leaflets. Thus far our
unaided eyesight and the help of the chemist have
shown us what granite is made of; but we are now
beginning to learn that, would we know something
of the real history of a rock, a far minuter examina-
tion is needful, and geologists are rapidly learning
that they must turn to the microscope if they would
receive answers to many important questions, both
as to the history and also as to the composition of
rocks. A marvellous light has been shed during
the past few years on rock-structure through this
minute investigation, especially with the aid of
polarized light. The intricacies of the closest-
grained rocks have been disentangled, their com-
ponent parts distinguished from each other, and the
very order and history of their combination in the
mass revealed. Now, when we examine our granite
beneath the microscope, which can be done by
having thin slices prepared, we shall learn some-
thing about it which we could hardly hope to have
discovered without this aid. There has been much
speculation as to the origin of granite, whether it is
a plutonic — that is, an old volcanic rock — or whether
it is only a deposit from water consolidated and
altered during the lapse of long ages by heat and
pressure : the microscope will help us to the truth.
When magnified and examined with the polariscope,
a thin section of granite is a very beautiful object,
and its different constituent parts stand revealed
with the greatest distinctness : we at once learn to
see the crystals of felspar, somewhat opaque and
cloudy as they usually are in granite, but now and then
clear and beautifully striped, and also the crystals
of mica, embedded in the clear quartz, which will
be at once known by its bright clear colours and by
the margin of rainbow-like tints which border its
patches. Ordinary orthoclase felspar is usually some-
what opaque and dirty-looking under the microscope
aud by this it may be distinguished from the clear
glassy sanidine which is frequently found in igueous
rocks, and presents under the microscope, when
polarized, pure rich colours as well as sharply-
defined crystals similar in form to those of the com-
mon orthoclase. The orthoclastic felspars may be
very readily distinguished from the plagioclastic by
their structure, as revealed by the polariscope ; the
latter invjriably are seen to be striped with vari-
ously coloured bands, showing what is called twin
crystallization;! and the orthoclase, though often
form.ng twins on a larger scale, does not present
the minutely banded appearance of the plagioclastic
felspars. The mica in the granite section will not

HAEDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

103

be difficult to recognize, especially if Biotite ; often
we shall observe it as forming fairly-shaped hexagonal
crystals, and the polariscope will also help us to
know it by its thinly laminated structure, giving rise
to fine parallel striae on the surface of its crystals.
Its colours, also, when polarized will be duller than
those of the quartz, for which it might sometimes
be mistaken at first sight, should it be a light-
coloured mica ; and then, again, it will frequently be
found that when the prisms of the polariscope are
crossed the mica becomes perfectly opaque, its
sections having been formed across the optical axis.
But let us now look at the quartz. We shall ob-
serve that this quartz is generally not crystallized
in definite forms, as are the felspar and the mica; it
appears as a matrix which has been at some time or
other soft and so is penetrated by the other crystals,
the interspaces of which it fills up : this shows us at
once that it must fhave been solidified after them,
and so was unable to assume its regular forms.
This is a very remarkable fact, and helps us towards
the secret of the formation of the granite. We
know that quartz requires a higher temperature to
melt it than does either the felspar or the mica, and
so, had the granite been formed as are regular
volcanic rocks in the ordinary way of igneous fusion,
we should certainly have found that the quartz
would have crystallized before either the felspar or
the mica, and it would have been seen in definite
crystalline form, and its crystals would have inter-
fered with and penetrated those of the other mineral
constituents of the rock. Again, if we look care-
fully at the quartz with a moderately high power, we
shall see in it certain small cavities, and some of
these will be seen to contain a certain amount of
liquid, and also an air-bubble, which will move as
the specimen is moved. This liquid has been proved
to be water, and from the fact of its not entirely
filling the cavity we learn that a reduction of tern,
perature has taken place since the water was first
caught up by the quartz, causing the contents of
the cavities to contract. Sometimes we shall find
other cavities, which, instead of containing water,
contain small crystals, or even air only. Now, from
all these facts it appears tolerably certain that the
granite was formed under peculiar circumstances ;
it has never been such a purely molten rock as
is the lava of a volcano, which is poured out from
its crater to the light of day. We gather that it
was rather formed at great depths in the earth,
where it may have been partially melted, partially
subjected to the action both of water and of steam,
charged with various mineral substances, and sub-
jected to enormous pressure. What the original
condition of granite was we cannot tell : some have
gone so far as to think that it may have been that of
a sedimentary rock, which has been metamorphosed
by the forces just alluded to. But whatever the
primary state of granite may have been, it3 present

condition shows it to belong undoubtedly to the
igneous class of rocks, but to have been formed
under conditions differing from those which have
given rise to lavas reaching the surface. As far as
can be'gathered, the granite rocks, as such, have
never seen the light of day until exposed by denu-
dation, &c. ; their origin was deep in the central
portions of ancient volcanoes, where, by partial melt-
ing and slow cooling, under intense pressure, and
in the presence of some water, the various minerals
came together and crystallized into granite.

NOTES ON THE DIPTERA— IV.

MtjscidyE [continued).

O INCE our space is necessarily limited, we are
^ compelled to pass by many flies which other-
wise we should like to describe. As the Helomy-
zides are a large sub-family, we will take another
example from them — namely, Tetanocera. Elies of
this and two or three other allied genera are re-
markable for their oddity. There are ten or eleven
species of Tetanocera tolerably common, so that it
is difficult to know which to choose for description.
At fig. 55 is drawn the head of Tetanocera marginata^
which, although not so common as one or two other
species, is perhaps the oddest fly of the whole
genus. It is the form of the head and of the
antennae particularly which gives these flies their
peculiarity, — indeed, a Tetanocera may always be
recognized by its antennae, which are carried hori-
zontally, and always have the third joint more or
less pointed. In T. marginata the second joint is
much longer than the third. This is the charac-
teristic feature of the fly. Its general colour is
rusty, and its wings are speckled brown and white.
Another species which we frequently meet with is
T. cucullaria. This, too, as are all the common
species of Tetanocerae, is a rust- coloured fly. It is
not unlike a dung-fly in shape, but the head, instead
of being round, is somewhat flattened, and the face
is white. It may be distinguished from other Teta-
nocerae as follows : — The bristle of the antennae is
covered with short downy hairs, while its second
and third joints, unlike the antennae of T. marginata
are of equal length. The wings are transparent,
with a number of indistinct pale brown dots to-
wards the tip. But perhaps the commonest Teta-
nocera is T. Hieracii, which can generally be pro-
cured from marshy places. Its characteristic fea-
tures are these : the bristle of the antenna is
fringed with hairs, while the third joint is slightly
longer than the second. Its wings are dark brown,
covered with three transverse bands of transverse
spots, and the discal transverse vein undulates
slightly, but not so much as in fig. 30.

The mouths of the Muscidae are all formed on
one type, which, however it may be varied, can be

104

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

recognized at a glance. As flies of the genus
Tetanocera have mouths of the normal shape,
we have selected them for illustration and de-
scription.

Eig. 53 'is a drawing of the mouth of Tetanocera
Hieracii magnified 45 diameters, and viewed as a
transparent object to show its muscular action,
which, as it is difficult to understand, we describe
somewhat at length. Since everybody is not versed
in anatomical terms, we would premise that a
muscle is fixed to the skeleton (or to those portions
of the animal which serve as the skeleton) by two

spectively the exsertor and retractor muscles of the
mouth. The figure shows the pair b contracted;
consequently the mouth is pushed out from the
head. If the muscle c were similarly contracted,
the pair b would relax, and the mouth be with-
drawn. At a are the pharyngeal muscles. They
arise from the top of the pharynx, and are inserted
into the plate r, fig. 54. (Shown in fig. 53, but not
lettered.) It forms the roof of the mouth, and it is
joined to the sides of the pharynx. It has a certain
limited up-and-down motion, and it is shown nearly
shut in fig. 53, and wide open in fig. 54, as if for the

Fig. 53. Mouth of Tetanocera, x 45 diams., as a transparent object : ph,ph, Pharynx; Ibr, Labrum or upper lip;/,
one of a pair of fulcra which move it; I, Lingua or tongue; la, Labium or lower lip ; mt, Mentum;/", Processes
which terminate it ; d, d", edge or rim of the oral cleft ; ce, (Esophagus ; sd, Salivary duct ; v, Valve in the same.
Names of the muscles, and their points of origin and insertion : — b, Exsertors of the mouth, arising from the rim
of the oral cleft at d, and attached to the processes of the pharynx ; e, Retractor of the mouth, from d" to mt ; a,
Pharyngeal muscles, from top of pharynx to the roof of the mouth ; e, Depressor of the labium, from tip of pharynx
to e ; g, Elevator of the labrum, from apex of the pharynx to end of the fulcrum f ; mt. Muscle of the mentum,
from its base to its tip/" ; k, Transverse muscle of the mentum, from e to k.

points only, at one of which it is said to " arise,"
while at the other it is "inserted"; and further,
a muscle pulls its point of " insertion " or " attach-
ment " towards the point where it has its origin,
is. " arises." The mouth of a fly has three joints,
and the part which first attracts our attention
is the pharynx, which forms the basal joint
{ph, fig. 53, and shown in section at fig. 54). A
good idea of its shape may be obtained by cutting
an isosceles triangle out of a piece of paper,
folding it down the middle, and fastening toge-
ther the two corners which possess the equal
angles. Our model pharynx, however, will not
possess the two posterior " processes," nor the
long and narrow chitonous plate which moves up and
down between its sides. To the processes are
attached a pair of muscles, I, which arise from the
rim of the oral cleft at the point d ; at d", on the
opposite side of the rim, arises a muscle c, which is
inserted at the base of the mentum. These are re-

passage of food. The raising and lowering of this
plate r produces suction, and it is moved, of
course, by the muscles marked a in both figures.

At Ibr is the upper lip or labrum, which when at
rest fits tight over the labium. It consists of an
inner and an outer plate connected by transverse
muscles (see figure). The inner plate is continuous
with the plate r, as the roof of the mouth. At /
is shown one of the fulcra which move the labrum.
There are a pair of them, one on each side, and
they are articulated to the base of the outer plate.
They are the homologues of the maxillae in Syr-
phidse and other flies. At the top of the pharynx
arises a pair of long muscles, g, inserted where the
fulcra join the labrum. These muscles elevate that
organ, as shown in the drawing : attached to the
other end of the fulcra are the muscles h, which
depress it ; while another muscle (only faintly
drawn), which has its origin at the tip of the
pharynx, aids g in raising it. These three pairs of

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

105

muscles seem to serve also for raising and lowering
the rest of the mouth, for there are no others to
do it.

In the thorax are two salivary glands that termi-
nate in a pair of ducts. The pair join, and form the
salivary duct shown at sd, fig. 53. This has a valve
at v to control the emission of saliva, and it ter-
minates in the lingua or tongue, /. In biting-flies it

membrane (see figure). Joined to these processes
is a pair of longitudinal muscles arising from the
base of the mentum. The contraction of these
would naturally draw the processes together, and so
shut the lobes of the labium, while the contraction
of the transverse muscles k would perhaps tend to
separate them.
To the under side of the floor of the mouth, at e,

Fig. 54. Mouth of Tetanocera; diagram illustrating the
action of the pharynx, x 45 diam. ; ph, Pharynx ; c, Its tip,
where numerous muscles are attached; Ibr, Commencement
of labrum: a, Great pharyngeal muscle; o, small muscle;
as, (Esophagus j r, Eoof of the mouth, which moves up and
down.

Fig. 55. Head of Tetanocerus marginuta, x 14 diam.

Fig. 56. Head of Sepedon sphegeus, x 14 diam.

is the injection of saliva into the wound made by
the labrum that produces irritation and swelling.

The whole of the second and third joints of the
mouth are called the labium. This is of three parts
— an outer plate (mt, Gg. 53), which is the mentum ;
an inner plate, e, which forms the floor of the
mouth, and is the labium proper; and, thirdly, a
pair of lobes.

The mentum terminates in a pair of long processes
(/",fig. 53), which are attached to the outer skin of
the lobes by means of a triangular thickening of the

Fig. 57. Head of Loxocera ichneumonea, 12 diam.

is attached a muscle arising from the tip of the
pharynx, which bends down the labium when the
fly wishes to bring its lancets into action.

The inner surfaces of the lobes are traversed by
about thirty minute gutters, generally known as
" false tracheae," but which, since that name would
lead one to suppose that they are closed tubes
instead of open gutters, we prefer to call " capillary
channels." The food of the fly, which is almost
entirely liquid, is collected by these, and passes
between the labrum and labium into the pharynx,
which, as before noted, supplies the power of suc-
tion.

The whole mouth is liberally supplied with
tracheae, which ramify so much that even each of
the hairs on the exterior surfaces of the lobes has a
separate branch.

We hope that this figure and description will
enable amateur entomologists to understand how a
fly eats, which is somewhat difficult to make out
from specimens prepared in the ordinary way.

Eig. 56 is an outline of the head of Sepedon sphe-
geus, a fly belonging to the same sub-family as
Tetanocera, and in many respects resembling that
genus. It is not common enough to be described
here, but the drawing is given to show how widely
the antennae differ from the ordinary type prevailing
among the Muscidse, and approach the type found
in the Conopidae.

Passing over several sub-families, we come to the
Psilides (i.e. " smooth flies "), to which belong two
iusects better known than liked; viz. the Cheese-fly
(Piophila casei), and the Eacon-fly (P. luteata).
These are the parents of the " hoppers " which
infest cheese and bacon.

Belonging to this sub-family there is a fly of very
paradoxical appearance, named Loxocera ichneu-
monea. The name Loxocera (meaning "oblique
horn ") is given to the genus because the antennae,

106

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

which are of great length, are carried, not horizon-
tally, but at an angle of about 45° with the line of
the body, as shown in fig. 57. This species is called
Ichneumonea because of the very considerable
resemblance it bears to some of the ichneumon-
flies ; in fact, it is so unlike the Muscidso as to be
certain to puzzle any one meeting with it for the
first time ; and, as it is pretty frequently found, a
description may be acceptable. In length (not
including antennae) the male is about ■—, the female
about -fa of an inch : the body is slender, quite
smooth, and polished : the legs, the hinder and
lower part of the thorax, and the mouth, are bright
red; the remainder of the body is black. The
wings are colourless, with black veins ; the legs
small ; and the antennas longer than the head. The
abdomen of the female is much longer than that of
the male, being produced to form a long and pointed
ovipositor. This genus, like Tetanocera and Sepe-
don, may be at once recognized by the antenna?.

This sub-family contains many grotesque flies, of
which not the least remarkable are those of the
genus Micropeza, which, for length and sleuderness
of legs may be compared with the Nemocera or
long-horned Diptera.

Some of the ovipositors of the Muscidse are well
worth examining, especially the knife-like ones
found in the sub-family Ortalides, which can be
retracted into the abdomen like a telescope: these
require to be drawn out with forceps before they
can be fully seen with the microscope.

This paper gives nothing beyond a mere glance at
the Muscidag, aud the insects described are only
specimens chosen from an almost bewildering num-
ber of forms interesting both generally and micro-
scopically. Any one requiring further information
frill find the subject minutely treated in the best
English work on the Diptera, "Insecta Britannica,
part Diptera," by Francis Walker (in English and
Latin). Schiner's "Eauna Austriaca, part Dip-
tera" (in German), describes a very large number
of species, and contains much useful information.'
Among other noted works are those of Westwood,
Curtis, Macquart, and Meigen. These are expen-
sive books, but they may be found at some of our
national libraries.

Frank J. Allen & H. M. J. Underhill.

i THE WRYNECK.

{Yunx tor quill a.)

rpHE peculiarity of structure, the shy and in-
■*■ teresting habits, combined with the sombre,
>et beautifully-pencilied plumage of the Wryneck
[Time torquilla), are characteristics well calculated
to excite inquiry, and the curiosity of all those who
are at all partial to the study of the feathered tribes.
This bird is one of our numerous summer migrants,

visiting here at the end of April or beginning of
May. It seems to restrict itself more especially to
the south and south-east of the country, specimens
not having been often seen in the north and more
elevated districts. Its partiality to that part of the
country which it inhabits may be attributed, in
some degree, to the warm and dry climate, where
all the minuter and more destructive insects abound ;
such as ants, aphides, &c. ; the former beiug the
chief objects of subsisteuce to which the Wryneck
has recourse, it is quite consistent that the bird
should have such a predilection for those localities
which it inhabits. In its natural haunts it can
easily be distinguished at first sight from all other
birds, by a habit peculiar to itself, which seems to
be occasioned by a convulsion of surprise, as when
engaged over an abundant supply of its favourite
food. The body is kept quite still, the neck twists
and turns backwards and forwards, while the head
is continually swaying from side to side, which gives
it more the appearance of a reptile than a bird. It
is from this peculiarity that it has earned the appel-
lation which it bears ; in fact, almost all its other
names in various languages refer to the distortion of
the neck : our worthy cousins beyond the Chanuel
designate it by the name of Torcol, in Germany
Natter-hulz, and in Italy Torto-collo.

Though the Wryneck cannot boast of the bril-
liancy of its plumage, it is so neatly and beautifully
mottled with different mural hues, which set off and
blend into each other so well, as to make it appear
very handsome, even more so than a bird of more
gaudy.tints. Above, the ground-colour is a yellowish
brown, beautifully variegated with spots of brown
and hues of black, somewhat resembling arrow-
heads in appearance, and a very distinct mural hue
of brown from the nape of the neck down the back.
The ground-colour beneath is whitish grey, tinged
with a slight rusty tint towards the neck, with
arrow-head hues of black, here forming bars ; the
tail consists of ten flexible feathers, which ate
mottled, and have black edges, as well as two or
three waved bars that run across it; the quills are
brown, also bound with black. It is about seven
inches long, and ten across the wings ; the bill, which
is nine or ten lines in length, is slender and pointed.
The vocal powers of this bird are very limited,
being only a very shrill drawling whistle.

It belongs to the interesting order Zygodadyles,
or "yoke-toed," two of the toes being turned for-
ward and two back ; the former are joined at their
bases, and the exterior toe in each foot is much
longer than the interior. The great forests of the
tropics are the chief nurseries for this order ; there
they are characterized by their gorgeous colours,
great multitudes, and harsh voices ; chief amongst
which are the Parrots, Macaws, and Toucans. In
this country, we have the Woodpecker, the Wry-
neck, and the Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus). Although

HARD WICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

107

there are a great many curious varieties 'and modi-
fications ia the: structure of the foot, yet the
same principle is held throughout. It can clearly
be comprehended that the foot has two bearings,
as it were, in front and behind, so that the bird can
walk up a perpendicular pole, or lengthwise on a
thin branch, the nails being very sharp in the Wry-
neck ; it can even cling to a wall if there is the
smallest crevice to get a hold with. There is
abundance of food for birds that can be attained
only by walking or perching in this manner. Insects
are there lurking beneath the bark and in the
crevices of trees, which would do serious damage
if there were no birds to keep them down ; hence
we see how essential it is that they should have
this peculiarity of structure, and it is a good ex-
ample how apparently little difference from that
which answers one purpose, may answer a very
different one. The legs are placed behind the
centre of gravity, so that the bird sits very
upright on the branch to which it clings, or its
body is thrown backwards, so that the weight of
the bird assists in compressing the claws into the
fissures of the bark, and presses the tail under them ;
thus using it as a prop, without that exertion of
the body which would prevent the free use of the
beak. This last organ, in the case of the Wryneck,
is not thick and strong, as it is in the Woodpecker,
in which case it is used for tearing up the bark in
search of insects ; but, as was said before, weak
and pointed, and does not assist it in finding
its nourishment, but is the sheath of a large
tongue, which it can protrude for quite an inch,
darting it into the crevices of bark and ant-hills,
aud retracting it with the rapidity of [lightning
covered with struggling ants, which stick to its
viscous humidity. The point of the tongue is
horny, and it is in conjunction with the bill
that it is used for disturbing their dwellings,
which readily brings them out to ascertain the
cause of destruction, or to reconnoitre their per-
secutor, when they are very soon picked off. The
structure for the extension of the tongue is very
similar to that of the Woodpecker : two powerful
muscles rise from the root,! and after stretching
from the crown of the head and enclosing the
larynx, are inserted in the front.

The nest-building propensities of the Wryneck
are anything but extensive. At the time of in-
cubation'a hole in an old tree is chosen, and perhaps
it may be enlarged or altered in any way to adapt it to
circumstances ; yet it is quite a mistake, as some
suppose, that the bird wholly excavates the recess
for itself : this would be a thorough impossibility, on
account of the extreme frailty of the bill. The bottom
of the hole is lined with the debris caused by en-
larging the sides ; then the eggs are deposited with-
out any further preparation, which are about ten in
number, snow-white, and large as a sparrow's in size.

It is a curious fact, that a bird which lays such
a number of eggs, should be so local and scantily
spread. It is true that it appears throughout all
Europe, from the southern states to Sweden, and is
even said to be in Bengal and some other parts of
India; but this should be a cause of increasing,
rather than diminishing their numbers. Perhaps
the nest generally being in a situation so easy to gain
access to (averaging from five to eight feet, from the
ground), may often be pillaged by those predaceous
creatures, which so highly relish the dainty morsels
which it contains ; or, again, as an intelligent
ornithologist states, " The ants which the Wryneck
finds in those localities which it frequents, are exceed-
ingly numei'ous when the weather is favourable,
but are rather uncertain, from their extreme sensi-
bility, and the great degree which the maturing of
their eggs depends on the state of the atmosphere.
Hence, we can easily see .that the fate of a bird
which is in a great measure, if not entirely, de-
pendent on a summer production, aud that pro-
duction very much under the influence of the
weather, must ofteu be reduced to extremities, and
is probably as liable to suffer from contingencies in
its winter retreats, wherever they may be."

In conclusion, *I may state that this bird has
never been known to live more1 than a few weeks
in confinement. In the first place, the proper food
is very difficult to be obtained ; and, secondly, when
it is offered, the bird rejects it. A Prench gentleman
once procured a mother, together with the nest
and young : they were fed on paste made of bread
and cheese, and lived nearly three weeks, by which
time they became quite tame, and would even eat
out of his hand. But when they grew larger, they
seemed to fall into a languid state, and refused the
usual paste, and as ants could not be procured for
them, they died one after the other of hunger.

Woolwich. C. P. Hall.

ON THE GROWTH OP THE WILLOW
[Salix alba),

WITH NOTICES OP SOME CURIOUS TREES OP THAT
SPECIES.

By Edwin Lees, P.L.S.

IT was a saying of the celebrated eremitish cou-
templator and lover of solitude, as well as pro-
moter of monastic life, St. Bernard, that he had
learned more from trees than men ; and no doubt
the naturalist with any poetical feeling in his tem-
perament might well echo such a sentiment. But
the physiological botanist, who looks about him in
the woods and on the banks of streams, may also
pick up some knowledge from studying the growth
of trees ; and even the common Willow {Salix alba)
can show some very curious instances in its mode of
growth and resuscitation. As a tree, its allotted life

108

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

is but short in comparison with other deciduous
trees, as it soon becomes hollow, and is easily upset
by winds. But, as I am about to show, it has power
of resuscitation which enable it to prolong or re-
new existence.

The propagation of the Willow is easy enough, as
a mere branch, or stick, if planted, will grow ; but
after becoming hollow, and appearing to be an easy
prey to the tooth of time or any wind that may blow,
it is enabled by a remarkable process to send down
roots from above, which anchoring iu the soil, give
the Willow a fresh hold upon life, audits protracted
existence is thus secured.

58. Peculiar growth of the head of Sali.v alba.

A silvery feature is given to a landscape where
the waving willows by the brook-side predominate,
and are agitated by the wind. Even when denuded
of their leaves, the " willowy brook " may still be
traced, and the old pollards ranged along the bank,
like giants with huge distorted heads, and bent
towards the earth by the force of continued gales,
make a characteristic feature not to be mistaken.
I have noticed numerous old willows on the bauks
of the river Temein Worcestershire, which perhaps
more than any other English river is bordered with
willows in1 every stage of age and decay, often
forming very grotesque objecls. As they are all
pollarded by the farmers on whose land they grow,
many of them form enormous heads on which in
ime a humus is deposited, and mosses accumulate ;
thus affording a nidus for seeds and berries to rest
upon and vegetate. In this manner epiphytes arise,
and it is curious to observe seedling oaks, haw-
thorns, alders, and hazels, and sometimes syca-
mores and ashes, besides smaller shrubs, growing
upon and mixing their foliage with the old pollard
willows. An old willow with its family of colo-
nists, among which are often many flowering plants
upon its wide-distorted head, thus makes a very
curious spectacle.

As the Willow grows rapidly to maturity, its
duration is proportionally short, and, shattered by

winds and storms, it bends in a decrepit state over
the streams on whose banks it grows — " stooping,
as if to drink," Cowper says, — and becoming hollow
with a still sprouting head, is easily overthrown.
Fallen willows often form rustic bridges, useful to
the wanderer in crossing streams where there is no
foot-path to aid his progress.

-^AXNV"- }■ ■-,-'., :-,.../;,■ ■ ;;• '-" '
Fig. 59. Aged hollow willow near Pawick.

Nature gives some compensation to the Willow for
its short natural life by giving it means of resuscita-
tion iu several ways, and it clings to life with
remarkable energy. Even if the trunk be broken
and the head blown off, if the latter only retains the
slightest hold upon the tree, and in its fall is sup-
ported by a neighbour, the head produces an abun-
dant crop of branches, continuing to flourish not-
withstanding its prostration. I have sketched a
remarkable willow thus circumstanced, standing
near the river Teme, in the vicinity of Tenbury,
Worcestershire (see fig. 58). If a tree standing
upon the river-bank, close to the water, gets its
roots exposed by the bank being washed away, these
roots become leafy, and form so many fresh stems,
with a bush of verdure as the process goes on. In
this way the tree becomes duplicated ; the upper
portion above the bank, while the lower is below it,
and partly in the water. Sometimes, while the bole
of a willow has from some cause become decayed
and utterly dead, the lower part next the ground
retains vitality, throwing out a maze of shoots that

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GO SSI P.

109

surround and protect the decrepitated old rotting
bole.

Another way in which aged willows are resusci-
tated, is by their power of sending down roots from
the head within the hollowibole into the soil, thus
giving fresh anchorage to the old tree ; and when
the decayed shell at last gives way to age and time,
a scion of the demolished tree is left to occupy the
ground, and to take the place of its departed sire.
I have here given representations of two hollow
willows standing on the banks of the river Teme,
near Pawick, Worcestershire, which well exemplify
the process of roots descending into the ground from
above, within the hollow tree. The willow is thus
invigorated with new life, and resists for many years
the wintry gales that would otherwise have over-
thrown it (see figs. 59 and 60). Modern writers

Fig. 60. Hollow trunk of willow near Pawick.

have taken little note of this mode of growth,
though it was remarked by Evelyn, in his " Sylva,"
many years ago. He says : " Trees will likewise
grow frequently out of the bole of the other ; and
some roots will penetrate through the whole length
of the trunk, and, fastening in the very earth, they
burst the including tree, as it has happened in
willows, where an ash-tree has sprung likely from
some key or seed dropt upon the headof it." Evelyn's
observation, however, rather applies to the roots of
trees that have got fortuitously upon the heads of
pollard willows, and there vegetated, and not to the
resuscitated growth of the willow within itself, as I
have here described. But Dr. Plot, in his " Natural
History of Oxfordshire," has mentioned an elm,
" hollow as* a drum, and decorticated at the base,"
which, as I have mentioned in the Willow, had " let
down roots all the length of this empty case, which
striking when they came to the earth, from whence
it derived nourishment, maintaining a flourishing
top, and has till now passed for a little miracle."
This curious elm does not appear to have been
noticed since Dr. Plot's time, and I fear is not now
in existence. A few other trees throw down roots
in this remarkable manner, but it is most obvious in
the willow.

Green Hill Summit, Worcester.

THE MICROSCOPE AND MICROSCOPIC
WORK.

No. V.— Bt F. Kitton. '

WE propose in the present paper to give some
account of Dr. Hooke's celebrated work
the " Micrographia, or some physiological descrip-
tions of minute bodies made by magnifying glasses,
with observations and enquiries thereupon." The
microscopic observations of Dr. Hooke preceded
those of Leeuwenhoek several years. (The
"Micrographia" was published in 1GG5, Leeu-
wenhoek's earliest work, " Anatomia, seu interiora
rerum cum in animatarum ope et beneficio exquisi-
tissimorum Microscopiorum detecta," was published
in 1687. The " Micrographia " consisted of a folio
volume of 246 pages, and 3S plates ; the figures are
inferior in accuracy to those of Leeuwenhoek, pro-
bably owing to the fact that Hooke used a com-
pound instrument instead of a simple lens. That
Hooke's figures and descriptions were thought
highly of at the time, will be seen from the fol-
lowing remarks of Swammerdam (he is writing
of Hooke's figure of the Larva of a Gnat), " que
nous voyons depeints en grand dans les figures
admirables de Monsieur Hook" (sic), page 101;
and again at page 104, he says, " ainsi que V incom-
parable Monsr. Hooke nous a decouvert le premier,
&c." * Although the book and its author were thus
highly esteemed, no second edition was ever re-
quired, but in 1745 a reprint of the plates and
a resume of the text was published by John Bowles,
" Printseller at the Black Horse, in Corn/till." This
reprint was entitled " Micrographia Restaurata, or
the Copper Plates of Dr. Hooke's Wonderful
Discoveries by the Microscope. Reprinted and
fully explained, whereby the most valuable particu-
lars in that celebrated Author's Micrographia are
brought together in a narrow Compas. And inter-
mixed occasionally with many entertaining and
instructive Discoveries and Observations in
Natural History." Eolio, pp. 65, plates 33. The
editor of this resume remarks in the preface, that " As
these were some of the first Drawings of Objects
examined by the Microscope, so likewise are they
without Comparison some of the best that were
ever taken in so great a number ; there are no less
than Thirty-tliree plates, which contain a delightful
variety of Subjects largely magnified and curiously
engraved. At the Time Dr. Hooke published this
Work a verbose and diffused way of writing was in
fashion, which seemed to us at present tedious and
distasteful : the Doctrine of equivocal generation, or
a spontaneous Production of many Species of Living
Creatures, as well as Vegetables, without any other
Parents than Accident and Putrefaction prevailed

* This is from an old French translation of Swammer-
dam's " History of Insects," published in Utrecht in 1682.

110

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

likewise, almost universally, and had done so for
ages, however absurd it appears to us. For which
Reasons it has not been judged convenient to
reprint the Mlcrographia, but to give rather some
short and plain Descriptions of its Pictures without
meddling at all with its Opinions or Hypotheses"

The following list of what were considered
microscopic objects two hundred years ago will
not be wholly devoid of interest to the modern
"microscopist."

1. The point of a small needle x 200 diameters. ]

2. A printed dot or Tittle do. do.

3. Edge of a Razor x 20 diameters.

4. Sparks struck from Flint and Steel.

Iu the description of these, the following obser-
vation occurs. "The melting of the Particles of
Steel instantaneously upon the Collision is very
wonderful, and comes nearly to the effects of
Lightning. Indeed, there seems to be in Iron or
Steel a sulphureous combustible matter very easily
put in Action ; for either hammering, filing or
rubbing it with violence, will presently make it so
hot as to be able to burn one's Finger."

5. Structure of several sorts of Hairs.

" Our author says, that as far as he could find,
Human Hairs are all solid cylindrical bodies not
pervious like a Cane or Bulrush, but without any
Pith or Distinction of Rind, and imagines those
who assert them to be hollow, have not inspected
them with sufficient Care. Dr. Power on the contrary
makes no doubt that every one of our hairs is
hollow, which though our glasses cannot demonstrate
by reason of their Transparency, is palpably evinced
by that Disease in Poland, called the Plica, where
Blood drops from the ends of the Hairs of the Head,
and likewise issues out whenever they are cut,
which he thinks infallibly proves the tubulous
Cavity of them. But to this Dr. Hook [answers
that the Microscope gives no Encouragement to
believe our Hairs hollow, and that the very Essence
of the Distemper called the Plica Polonica may be
their growing hollow and of an unnatural Constitu-
tion. Malpighi asserts the Hairs of animals to be
tubular, that is composed of a Number of minute
Tubes or Pipes. Mr. Leeuwenhoek tells us that an
Human Hair cut transversely shews a Variety of
Vessels iu regular Figures." Disputes, in reference
to minute structure as revealed by the microscope,
occurred in those days, even as now, the difference
only consisting in the delicacy of the test : then, it
was the tubular or non-tubular structure of the
hair ; now, it is as to the existence or non-existence
of beading on the markings of a podura scale, or
whether the longitudinal lines of Frustulia saxonica
are capable of resolution, or whether what, are so
called are spurious and caused by diffraction.

G. A pretty minute Shell found amongst sand.

The figure represents a small Foramiuifer, pos-
sibly a Rotalia, of which the following descrip-

tion is given. " This Shell appeared to the naked
Eye like a white Spot no bigger than the point of a
Pin, but when viewed by the Microscope it was
found in every Particular to resemble the flat spiral
Shell of a Water Snail, and had Wreathings (what
wenow know as chambers), all diminishing gradually
to wards the Middle or Centre, where there was a very
small round white Spot. 'Twas not easy to discover
whether it was hollow or not, but it rather seemed
to be filled with somewhat, and probably might Jbe
petrified, as larger Shells are often.

"The Object under Observation informs us of an-
other genus where the Almighty Hand of the Maker
is amazingly exemplified in the Minuteness and Ele-
gance of the work. For we hereby find that the same
Power which contrived such minute Insects as Mites,
such minute Fishes as the Eels in Vinegar, and such
miuute Vegetables as Moss andMouldiness, haslike-
wise formed a Tribe of such minute shells as this be-
fore us, the Beauty of which could never have been
discovered without the Microscope's Assistance. It
was found accidentally amongst some white Sand
that was looked at with no other Design than to
try the goodness of some Glasses. But many
valuable Discoveries have been owing to lucky
Accident."

7. " Some curious Forms of small Diamonds or
shining Sparks in Flints."

We need scarcely observe that these small dia-
monds are only crystals of quartz of very frequent
occurrence in the cavities of flint.

8. The forms of Gravel in urine.

9. Snow-rlakes and Ice Crystals.

10. A piece of Ketteriug-stone.

The figure represents a fragment of oolitic lime-
stone.

11. The configuration of Spunge.

Dr. Hooke, in his description of the structure of
spunge, quotes a passage from Bellonius' 2nd book
de Aquatilibus, chapter II., which we reproduce-
" Spunges inthe Sea are extremely different from what
they are when dry, sticking to the Rocks, as many
Species of the Fungi do to Trees two or three Foot
sometimes under the Sea Water, tho' now and then
not above four inches, /fhose Hollows which we see
empty in Spunges, or in dry Spunges washed and
wrung out, are filled whilst on the Bocks with a filthy
Liquor, or rather Jelly-like Matter, which stinks
enough to make one sick, even at a considerable
Distance. Aristotle supposed them to have some
kind of Life from their manner of fixing themselves
to the Rocks, whence, says he, it is very difficult to
pull them away, unless they are taken as it were by
Surprise, for at the Approach of anybody to lay hold
on them, they contract immediately and fasten
themselves so as not to be removed without a great
deal of Trouble. They do the same whenever there
are Storms and Tempests. The nasty Matter before
mentioned may be supposed given them by Nature

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

Ill

instead of Elesh, and the larger cavities seem a sort
of Bowels or Intestines to them."

12. A piece of Charcoal.

13. A piece of Petrified Wood.

14. The Pores in Cork.

15. The Sensible Plant.

16. The form of Blue or White Mould.

17. Small Wall Moss.

18. The configuration of a beautiful Sea Moss.
This is a very accurate representation of a portion

of Flustra foliacea, but which the doctor, on the
authority of Mr. Bay, calls a Fucus or Sea-wrack.

19. A piece of Bosemary Leaf.

20. Pine Lawn.

21. A piece of Stinging Nettle.

The doctor performs the following experiment, in
order to detect how nettles sting : — " Having pro-
vided a single Glass whosePocus was at the Distance
of above half an Inch fastened in a little Pramethat
it might be managed easily, he perceived by the
Help thereof, that on thrusting his Pinger gently
against the Ends of a Nettle's Prickles, they did not
bend in the least, but he could discern a Liquor
rising towards the Points thereof, or sinking in
them according to the Degree of Pressure, and on
taking away his Hand, he could see it subside en-
tirely into the little Bladder at the Bottom, and that
as plainly as he had ever seen Water ascend and
descend in a Tube of Glass."

22. The Beard of Wild Oat.

23. Transverse section of do.

24. Seeds of Venus's Looking-glass.

25. Seeds of Thyme.
2G. Seeds of Poppy.

27. Seeds of Purslane. These are said to re-
semble a Nautilus or Sailor-shell.
23. Scale of a Sole.

29. Piece of the Skin of do.

30. Couhage.

31. The Sting of a Bee.

32. A minute part of a Goose's Peather.

33. Two parts of a Goose's Quill.

34. Parts of a Peacock's Peather.

35. The Foot of a Fly. " The foot of a fly," he tells
us, "consists of three joints, two Talcns, and as many
Pattens, Soles or Spunges, as they are called by
some. By the wonderful contrivance of which
Instrument this Creature is able to walk perpendi-
cularly upwards, even against the sides of Glass,
nay, to suspend itself and walk with its Body down-
ward on the Ceilings of Booms, &c.

36. Part of a Fly's Eye.

37. Part of a Ply's Wing.

38. The Eye and Head of a Drone Fly. This figure
is more than 9 inches in diameter.

39. A Blue Bottle or Flesh Fly.

The writer falls into the same error as Leeuwen-
hoek, in supposing the trachea to be veins : he says,
" Upon opening a Ply, numberless veins may be dis-

covered dispersed over the Surface of its Intestines,
for the Veins being blackish, and the Intestines
white, they are plainly visible by the Microscope,
though two hundred thousand times slenderer than
the Hairs of a Man's Beard."

"Was it not from a prepost erous Humour in Man-
kind, that constantly inclines us to despise and
overlook] whatever is continually before us, we
should often divert ourselves with observing the
pretty Actions of this little familar Animal, which
are very well vtorth our notice. To see it like
a little Bird taking its Flight about us, and when
it thinks fit to settle, using its Fore-feet to clear its
Body, Head, and Wings, and afterwards rubbing them
backwards and forwards one against the other, to
clear away any Dirt that may be contracted iu
making the other parts clean. To see its manner of
feeding, the Motions of its little Members, and the
delicate structure and Contrivance of them ....
must till the Mind with Delight and Admiration."

40. A Fly Wing.

41. The Jaw Bone and Teeth of a Snail.

" The Teeth are all joined together like the Teeth
of a Rhinoceros, which perhaps is the only known
Animal besides that has them in that manner."

This is the chitonous mandible present in many of
the mollusca.

42. A Silk Worm's Egg.

In the text, directions are given how to breed silk-
worms in England, and how to wind off the silk. A
description of the silkworm's manner of making
silk, and also a description of the spermatozoa.

43. Eels in Vinegar.

44. The Nymph Worm of a Gnat,

45. The Nympha or Aurelia of do.

46. The Tufted or Brush-horned do.

47. The great-bellyed or Female Gnat.

48. The white Feather-winged Moth.

49. The Back of the long-legged Spider.

50. The Eyes of do.

51. The Belly of do.

52. The Ant, Emmet, or Pismire.

53. The Wandering Mile.

54. The Crab-like Insect,

55. Cloth Worm or Moth.

Dr. Hooke's figure, which is a very good one, does
not represent the larval form of the clothes moth,
but a perfect apterous insect, viz. Lepisma
saccharina. The compiler of the "Micrographia
restaurata," however, is responsible for the error,
as Dr. Hooke called it the Boole-worm, from having
often seen it running amongst books and papers. He
describes it as of a white shining silver or pearl
colour, and as commonly found lurking in holes
or crannies, and whenever it is disturbed scuds
away very nimbly to seek some other hiding-place.

56. The Cheese-mite, upper and under surfaces.

57. A small creature hatched on a vine (appa-
rently a Coccus).

112

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

58. The Elea.

The figure of this insect is nearly 17 inches in
length, and is really a very good drawing; but,
of course, none of the internal structure is shown.
The pygidium is indicated, but, as might be ex-
pected, no detail is given. The eye is thus de-
scribed : " On each side of the head is a round and
beautiful black Eye, in the middle whereof may be
seen a round blackish Spot, which is the Pupil of
the Eye encompassed with a greenish glittering
circle or Iris, as bright and vivid as the Eye of a Cat.
Behind the Eye is a small cavity, wherein a cer-
tain thin Film, beset with many small transparent
Hairs may be observed moving to and fro, and
which may probably be the Ear."

The writer concludes his description of the
flea with the following advice of how to catch your
Ilea : — "If you attempt to catch them, remember
always to wet your Thumb and Einger with
Spittle."

59.sThe Louse.

This is even more magnified than the figure of
the flea, its length being nearly 20 inches. A
minute description is given of this insect and its
habits, but in too forcible a style to suit the fas-
tidiousness of the modern reader. This plate con-
cludes the work. We cannot, however, conclude our
notice of the labours of the learned doctor without
referring to two figures on Plate XXIV., of which
Fig. 61 is a. facsimile of one of them.

"These, it appears, are copied from Piso's Natural
History of Brazil, in which he tells the story of a
FishermaD, whose Hook being entangled, contrary to
his Expectation, on a Pocky Shallow not far from
Paranambuque, brought up with it, on his pulling
it out of the water, Spunges, Corals, and Sea-weeds,
instead of Eish. He took Notice, amongst the rest,
of a little odd-shaped Plant, about halfaEootin
length, with a soft spungy roundish Body, enlarging
from the Bottom upwards, after the Fashion of a
Pear, and having short Boots, which had fastened it
to the Bock. The Inside of it was composed of
wonderful little Cells and Hollows, and its Surface
was all over covered with a tenacious sticky Matter,
resembling the glew of Bees. On the Top was a
■wide Opening or Entrance (as is shewn in the figure),
so that it might properly be called Apiarum mari-
num., or a Sea-Bee's Nest, for as soon as it was
brought to Land, it swarmed with little blewish
Worms, which by the heat of the Sun were changed
into small black. Flies or rather Bees; but they all
flying away, nothing can be asserted as to their
making Honey.",

"However, as the little Cells or Combs and waxy
matter of Bees were evidently there without doubt
the substance of the Honey itself, or whatever else
is contained within them, will be discovered by the
Divers, when they shall observe these Bees' Nests
more curiously, and thoroughly examine them at

different Seasons of the Year in the Places where
they are produced." It is scarcely conceivable
that 200 years ago the knowledge of Natural
History was so slight, that even the great Doctor
Hooke, a F.B.S., and a man of European reputa-
tion, should have taken "Occasion to enquire
whether the Hulk or Case was a Plant growing be-
fore of itself at the Bottom of the Sea, out of
whose putrefaction these strange kind of Maggots

Fig. 6], Apiarum marinum.

might be generated ? or whether the Seed of cer.
tain Bees sinking to the Bottom might there natu-
rally form itself that vegetable Hive and take root ?
or whether it might not be placed there by some
Fly diving, or whether it might not be some peculiar
Propriety {sic) of that Plant whereby it might ripen
or form its vegetable Juice into an Animal Substance?
or whether it may not be of the Nature of a Spunge or
rather a Spunge of the Nature of this ? " The
learned doctor has, no doubt, hit upon the true
solution of this mysterious production at last.
{To be continued.)

MICROSCOPY.

Microscopic Fungi in Ferneries. — An in-
teresting paper on this subject was recently read
before the Oldham Microscopical Society, by the hon.
sec, Mr. Pullinger. He stated that in the autumn
of 187-1 a rockery was constructed in a greenhouse,
and backed up with peat, &c, for the culture of

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

113

British ferns ; certain roots and stumps of trees in an
advanced state of decay being built in amongst the
stone. Early in the spring of 1S75 a number of
minute, beautifully-formed bodies made their appear-
ance on one of the stumps, resembling very small
round-headed pins pricked into the wood. They
were pulpy in consistence, and of a lemon-colour,
which gradually deepened into a brown, and then
assumed a metallic steel-grey lustre, their interior
being full of spores and threads. On investigation
these were found to be fungi of the Myxogastric
family, and geuus Didymium. In the month of May
he noticed upon the same stump some small masses
of a white substance resembling blanc-mange,
irregular in form, as though dropped there out of a
spoon. Three hours later the surface of the sub-
stance had assumed a vein-like appearance, some-
what swelled and interlacing, which soon changed
to regularly formed granulations; the mass also
seemed to have moved its position on the stump,
leaving behind it a peculiar slimy substance. A visit
a few hours later showed a complete transformation,
for the whole mass, with the exception of the slimy
film, appeared to be lifted bodily up, aud supported
underneath by numerous closely-packed horse-hair-
like stems, the mass being thicker and the granula-
tions more distinct, whilst the colour was opalescent.
In the course of a night it became evident that the
granulations were the apices of so many closely-
compacted but distinct elongated cells, each of which
was supported by one of the before-mentioned stems,
and as the mass dried they separated from each
other, until they resembled a nodding plume of
feathers ; the colour now being dark brown, and the
outer membrane bursting, the whole soon became a
dusty mass of spores, aud thus the writer made his
first acquaintance with Stemonitis fusca. Very
shortly after the appearance of the Stemonitis two
fresh , forms were observed ; one consisting of
minute cylindrical heads standing on stems near but
distinct from each other ; they were of the same
colour and consistence as the blanc-mange-like mass
before mentioned ; in a few hours they turned pink,
and finally assumed a bright vermilion colour, and
in a few days the rupture of the peridium displayed
the elastic threads of the capillitium, which main-
tained the same shape as before bursting, but was
much increased in bulk, and the vermilion-coloured
spores scattered in all directions : this was Arcyria
punicea. A cluster of globular bodies about the
size of small marbles next appeared, of a beautiful
pinkish flesh-colour, which deepened to a salmon-
colour, and finally became drab. At first they were
full of flesh-coloured liquid, and the following
morning a single drop of liquid, clear as water, stood
on the crown of each, as though it had excreted,
but no rupture was visible, and in a few days they
had become filled with spores and threads, which
puffed out as the common puff-ball ; this was

Lycogala epidendron. Other varieties simultaneously
appeared, until the number was swelled to eight
remarkable specimens, all of which grew within a
few inches of each other on the same stump, and
represented no less than six genera of the order
Myxogastres, the following being £their names :
Arcyria panicea, Arcyria nutans, Stemonitis fusca,
Lycogala epidendron, Physarum nutans; Didymium—
Trichia turbinata, Trichia chrysosperma.

Report on the Irish Diatomace^e, by the
Rev. Eugene O'Meara, M.A. Part I.*— Nearly
a quarter of a century has passed away since the
appearance of vol. i. of Smith's "Synopsis of the
British Diatomacese," and nearly twenty years have
elapsed since its completion: from that period
until the present time no work has appeared de-
scribing systematically the Diatoms occurring in the
British islands. Only scattered papers have from
time to time appeared in various scientific serials,
noting the occurrence of new forms. We were
therefore pleased to learn that a report on the
Diatomacese of Ireland was in hand, the first part of
which is now published. The author has adopted
the system of Heiberg {see " Dausk Diatomeer "),
which he says " appears to me to have most to re-
commend it, founded on the symmetrical or unsym-
metrical structure of the frustules in their various
aspects. There are two principal aspects in which
a diatomaceous frustule may be regarded, — the front
view, in which the hoop or connecting band is
presented to the eye ; and the side view, in which
one or other of the valves is under observation ; and
in both these positions the longitudinal and trans-
verse axes are to be considered. If in the two
positions, and in these varied views, exact symmetry
obtains, the frustule is said to be symmetrical in all
its aspects, but if the two opposite valves are not
uniform, or the portions of the valves on either side
of the transverse or longitudinal axis, on a side view
or front view, do not exhibit the same proportions
or outline, the frustule is said to be unsymmetrical
on that view or axis on which the difference of form
is observable. Such is the ground-plan of Heiberg's
systematic arrangement, and which I have adopted
in the present report. It is not indeed wholly free
from objections to which other systems are liable,
and possibly may be open to others peculiarly its
own ; but still the principle on which this arrange-
ment is based commends itself as being at once
more simple, more comprehensive, and most easily
applied."

The division is certainly open to' the objection

* Only 100 copies have been reprinted from the " Pro-
ceedings of the Royal Irish Academy " (for whom the report
was written), and when these are disposed of, no separate
copies will be obtainable. At present copies can be pro-
cured of the author (price 7s- 6d.), Rev. E. O'Meara, New-
castle Rectory, Hazelhatch, Dublin.

114

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GO S SIP.

that many forms now considered as belonging
to the same genus, must, if this arrangement be
adopted, be separated. Eor example, Tricerutium
Montereyii, and at least two species of Stictodiscus,
cannot be with propriety retained in their respective
genera. In these species the two valves of the
frustule are unsymmetrical; one of them being
bullate at the centre, and the other fiat, or only
slightly convex. The genera included ill this part
are the following : Melosira, Lysigonium, Podosira,
Orthosira, Cyclotella, Coscinodiscus, Arachnoid iscus,
Actinoptychus, Craspedodiscus, Omphalopelta, Actino-
cyclus, Eupodiscus, Auliscus, Odoutodiscus, Bid-
dulphia,Triceratiumt Ampkitetras, Trinacria, Istkmia,
Fragilaria, Penticula, Odontidium, Pimeregramma,
Plagiogramma, Piatoma, Ralfsia, N.G., Rhaphoneis,
Synedra, Grammatophora, Tabellaria, Tetracyclus,
Rhabdonema, Striatella, Tessella, Amphvpleura, Mas-
togloia, Pic/cieia, Collectonema,PerIceleya, Schizonema,
Piadesmis, Prebissonia, Navicula, — in all forty-three
genera. It will be observed that the author has
reinstated the old genus Lysigonium to receive the
following forms:— Melosira nummuloides, M. Westii,
and Lysigonium Wrightii. The genus Trinacria is
given as an Irish diatom on the authority of a
single specimen found in a mounted preparation
from the Arrau islands. As this is a fossil form,
occurring in abundance in the Mors deposit,"
it is probable that the single valve was an inter-
loper. I may here remark that T. regina is
identical with Triceratium, solenoceros, Ehr., and
and T.' Kittonianum, Grev. I fear Craspedodiscus
and Arachnoidiscus have as little claim to a place
among English or Irish diatoms, as the preceding
species. The N.G. Ralfsia must be deleted, as there
is already a genus of marine alga; (belonging to the
family Mesoglocaceaj), bearing that name {see
Kiitzing's "Species Algarum," p. 543). The text
occupies 190 pages, and there are 9 plates, contain-
ing 329 figures. We are sorry that little can be
said in their favour : in many instances they are
simply misleading. To justify these remarks we will
give the following examples : Synedra superba, with
costse as distant as those on Pinnularia alpina ;
Coscinodiscus centralis, with large, distant, monili-
form markings ; Navicula cardinalis, with the mar-
gins inllated (all our specimens have the sides per-
fectly straight). The text will be found generally
accurate, and the descriptions are brief but lucid
and it is very much to be regretted that some com-
petent artist could not have been found to give
tolerably accurate figures of the forms described in
the book. The art of representing diatomaceous
forms seems to be lost in this country. — F, Kilton.

The " Eozoon Canadense." — In iheA?inals and
Magazine of Natural History for April there is a
capital translation, by Mr. W. S. Dallas, E.L.S.,
of Otto Hahn's "Micro-geological Investigation of

Eozoan Canadense" the "Dawn animalcule" of the
Laurentian rocks. Otto Halm considers it in its
geological, zoological, and mineralogical bearings,
and comes to the very definite conclusion that the
Eozoon is a myth, founded on mistaken conclusions
as to the micro-geological characters of certain
serpentines.

Polarization of Living Tissues.— Some time
since, while examining the coutents of a "micro-
scopic " aquarium, I tried the effect of the polari-
scope on the Daphuia pulex, expecting to find
the shell would polarize in a similar manner to the
ova of the oyster. I was very much surprised to
find the shell not affected, but the body itself; the
intestines and muscles of the tail and antennse
showed a greater intensity of colour than almost
any object I had ever seen polarized. I have at
different, times examined several specimens of Crus-
tacea, Cypridina, Polyphemidee, &c., and always
with the same results. The young of many water-
beetles are also good examples ; in fact, from the
observations I have made, I think there is no doubt
that living tissues generally will polarize in some
degree. The leaves of many aquatic plants examined
while living form very striking objects for the
polariscope. — W. C. PL. P., Ives.

Experiments on Spontaneous Generation. —
In the Popular Science Review for April there is a
capitally- written and well-illustrated article by the
Rev. W. 11. Dallmger, already well known for his
researches in the life-history of the monads, giving
a review of Professor Tyndall's "Experiments in
Spontaneous Generation," and Dr. Bastian's posi-
tion thereto. The author thiuks that as to the
development of Pacteria in infusions charged with
solid matter, precise experiment of a sufficiently
comprehensive character has yet to be made on
them in relation to the demonstrated germs. Mr.
Dallinger sums up against Dr. Bastian's theory.

ZOOLOGY.

Camberwell Beauty. — On Friday, March 10th,
a female Camberwell Beauty {Vanessa Antiopa)
was caught near Padiham, Lancashire, by Mr.
V. H. Lucas, being the first ever known to be
caught in this neighbourhood. — W. Wilcox.

Natural History Abroad.— In an exceedingly
well-written and scholarly article which appeared
in the Fortnightly Revieio for January, we have a
good illustration of the usefulness of how even a
slight knowledge of Natural History might prevent
an author from committing egregious blunders.
The writer, speaking of the passive endurance of
the lower animals to pain, treats us to the follow-
ing : — " We are all familiar .... with narratives
of moths, having pins in their bodies, which have

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

115

jet continued to get about and devour their more
securely transfixed neighbours." This manifesta-
tion of a carnivorous appetite in moths will be new
to our entomological readers !

Sphinx Coxvolvuli in Orkney.— Mr. J. T.
Boswell writes to the Scottish Naturalist for April
to say that in the autumn of last year Sphinx Con-
voh'idi was abundant in Swantistex, on the south
coast of the mainland of Orkney, about halfway
between Kirkwall and Stromness. The first was
taken on the 12th of August, and several were seen
on succeeding nights. M r. Boswell caught ten speci-
mens, hovering over the honeysuckle and single
pheasant's-eye pinks. They were all in fine con-
dition, and there seems to have been no doubt they
were bred in Orkney, but the writer is doubtful
as to what the larva fed upon, as no species of
convolvulus grows in the island.

Teeth or Ely— The slide labelled "Teeth of a
Ely " is not inaccurately named. It is a portion of
the fly's proboscis, in the region of the oral aper-
ture ; the so-called teeth, which would be more
properly named] scrapers, are bifurcate rods, ar-
ranged in three rows (see figure in Monthly Micro-
scopical Journal, vol. i. pi. 16, fig. 4). Their
function is that of scraping and grinding hard sub-
stances. The writer has examined specimens of
hard amorphous sugar (caraway comfits), after flies
have fed upon it, and found the surface covered
with parallel scratches corresponding exactly with
the distance of the so-called teeth. (See also Lowne
" On the Blow-Ely," p. 48.)— W. T. Suffolk.

Eauna and Elora of Hastings and St. Leon-
ards and the Neighbourhood.— The Hastings
and St. Leonards Philosophical Society are desirous
of obtaining accurate lists of the animals and
plants of the district, and invite the co-operation of
all who take an interest in the natural productions
of the neighbourhood. The district to which the
list is proposed to be confined may be stated roughly
as including Bexhill, Battle, and Rye ; but as it is
able to fix definite boundaries, the district is
proposed to be limited as follows : — Starting from
the coast beyond Bye, the boundary of the county
to be followed as far as the spot where the road from
Hawkhurst to Hurstgreeu meets the boundary ;
thence by this road to Etchingham, Burwash, the
east side of Heathfield-park, Cade-street, Turner's-
green, Dallington, Wood's-corner, Pont's-green,
Ashburnham to the west of the Park, Ninfield,
Hooe-common, south of High-wood, Little-com-
mon, to Martello-tower, No. 49, on the coast. This
district comprises portions of the two districts called
by Mr. Helmsley " Cuckmere " and " East Bother."
The dividing-line would be Dallington, Nether-
field-green, thence to Battle by the high road
dividing High-wood from Battle, between Beauport

and Crowhurst parks, and through Hollington by
the London road, St. Leonards, to the sea. The
portion of the district to the east and north of this
line may be called " Lower East Bother," and that
to the west of the line " East Cuckmere." It would
be desirable to notice in which of these divisions
(which may be easily traced on the ordnance map)
any animal or plant is met with. Any persons able
to assist will much oblige if they will kindly com-
municate with A. L. Ward, 4, St. Paul's-place, St.
Leonards, or Philip Cole, 1, Linton-terrace, Hast-
ings, Hon. Secretaries.

Self-acting Air-can for Eresh-water and
Marine Animals. — In answer to " G. S." and
other querists, I have much pleasure in giving the
sketch and details of my self-acting air-can for
aquatic animals.

Fig-. 62. Self-acting air-can for aquatic animals.

?fb

Fig;. 63. Section of ditto.

A is the cover of the can ; b the socket to fit
the cover; c the body of the can; dd, plate with
perforated raised zinc, showing the water forcing
itself into the chamber f, and then going back into
the can again ; g, the top of the cover, which rests
on line h, sinking down 1 in. below upper rim, so
that water forcing its way through the upper cover-
plate, also goes back into the can again through the
holes, as marked in cover on the under drawing, ii.
j shows the hollow, and how it is fastened to the
left side by a leathern strap k k passing over the
head to risht shoulder. It can thus be worn when

116

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSir.

riding or walking. LLis the cover of the can closed
down into the socket ; m m, tin loops to pass the
leathern strap through ; n n, pillars to hold the under
plate of cover ; thej plate not to go below o.—
A. T. B. Sclater.

BOTANY.

Folk-names of Plants, &c— I fancy " R.W."
must be slightly mistaken in the local name he gives
for Bistort {Polygonum Bistorta), as it is generally
known here as " Easterman giants," of which Easter
raagianty must be a corruption, and the leaves are
much used in "yarb" (herb) puddings. In some
parts of Westmoreland, I believe it is called
"Easter ledger." The Earth-nut {Bunium fiex-
uosum) I know as " Yowe yornut " and Jacky
jurnal." The scientific names are from Hooker's
"British Flora." " Yellow yorlin" was a common
name among schoolboys for the Yellow-hammer
(Ember iza citrenella) . — W.B., Carlisle.

The Floral Glands or Parnassia palustris.
— M. Heckel has recently published some remarks
on this interesting subject in the Comptes Bend us.
As is well known, these floral glands have long
occupied considerable attention as to their functions.
M. Heckel devoted two months last year to the
observation of these glands. He says : "The most
important fact which struck me at the outset, and
the observation of which has led me to doubt the
reality of the part ascribed to the floral glands when
they are regarded as destined to attract the insects
which are the agents of fecundation, is the follow-
ing : The product of secretion, which is always
limpid, and does not contain the pollen fallen from
the extrorse anthers, far from being comparable to
that of most nectaries, is not saccharine, has no
peculiar odour, is sticky, and shows an acid reaction
with litmus paper. A very simple experiment
showed me that these glands are not indispensable
to fecundation, and that, notwithstanding the de-
fective arrangement [of the anthers, this act is
accomplished normally when the floral glands have
been removed from the bud before arriving at their
full development. Lastly, a capital fact results from
prolonged observation : I have seen no insect
penetrate into the perfect flowers except a few little
Diptera, which, being perhaps attracted by the pro-
duct of the secretion of the glands forming a barrier
round the andrsecium, are immediately stuck fast
by this viscous liquid. As in the Droserte I have
remarked that, under the influence of the irritation
produced by the presence of insects, the liquid
became more abundant ; the animal soon died, and
was broken up into its constituent parts. In order
to appreciate better the action of this liquid, I
applied to the largest of these glands very small

pieces of raw flesh, which were at last dissolved
and disappeared, in the same way as in the case of
the leaves of Pinguicula vulgaris" Would the fact
here indicated, and which led M. Heckel to see in
the floral glands of the Grass of Parnassus a car-
nivorous organ, be an exception in the life of the
plant ? M. Heckel asks whether we must see in it
evidence of ancient habits which at a certain epoch
characterized a whole series of plants which are
unknown to us, and of which the Parnassia palustris
would only be an isolated term ?

The Potato Disease.— M. J. Berkeley writes as
follows to the Gardeners' Chronicle : — " Since the
meeting of the Linnean Society, of which a report
was given in the Gardeners' Chronicle, March 25,
1876, Mr. Smith has forwarded to me several slides
containing specimens of the organisms he found at
Chiswick in 1875. Having examined them very
carefully, I think it but justice to state what I have
observed. 1. The oogonia seated on thick, often
flexuous threads, with a septum beneath the
oogonium, which is sometimes carried far down the
thread. 2. Many instances in which the oogonium
is produced in the middle of the thread, with a sep-
tum at either end, calling to mind the figure of
Montague's Artotrogus. In several instances a
process terminated the oogonia, as if the thread was
to be produced so as to leave the oogonium in the
centre. 3. In one oogonium I found an echinulate
body, quite as strongly echinulate as in the best
specimens of Artotrogus. 4. The so-called anthe-
ridia produced on delicate threads, quite distinct
from those of the oogonia, and not separated by a
septum. The form of the antheridia is exactly
what Smith has figured. 5. The antheridia in con-
tact with the oogonia, in one instance the wall of
the oogonium being perforated, as if by the act of
impregnation. I cannot, however, speak more posi-
tively on this point. 6. Abundant Peronospora;
threads and spores mixed with the oogonia and
antheridia. Of course Mr. Smith's interpretation
of what he has seen is subject to criticism, but his
good faith is so far confirmed by his specimens that
criticism should be very guarded and gentle. If I
may express my own opinion, I believe that all
these objects belong to one category ; and if so, I
should be ready to receive De Bary's Phytophthora
(plant-pestilence) as a good genus, differing in
several respects from Peronospora."

GEOLOGY.

The Progress of Geology.— We have received
the sixth part of the fourth volume of the " Pro-
ceedings of the Geologists' Association," containing
a capital paper by Mr. D. C. Davies, F.G.S., on
" Some of the Causes which have helped to shape

HAIIDWICKE'S SCIENCE. GOSSIP.

117

the Land on the North Wales Border"; and a long
and thoroughly exhaustive paper by Mr. W. H.
Hudleston, F.G.S., on "The Yorkshire Oolites."
The second part of the fourteenth volume of the
Manchester Geological Society's Transactions is
also to hand, containing articles by Mr. John
Aitkin, E.G.S., on the Drift Deposits on the
Western Pennine Slopes of the upper Drainage of
the rivers Calder and Irwell, with some suggestions
as to the cause of the partial absence of drift on the
eastern slopes. Mr. John Plant, E.G.S., has a
paper describing the submerged forest near Holm-
firth.

Carbonic Acid in the Atmosphere. — I have
often met with the assertion that the absence of
air-breathing animals from the palaeontology of
periods below the Carboniferous, supposing the
record to be sufficiently perfect for us to be satis-
fied as to the fact, is to be accounted for by the
consideration that before the vast amounts of
carbon which we find in the coal deposits of the
globe were thus fixed (if you will allow me to use a
term of the old alchemists which seems aptly to
express my meaning), it must have existed, at least
in great measure, in the atmosphere in the form of
carbonic acid gas, rendering this atmosphere quite
unfit for the breathing of animals furnished with
lungs. It occurs to me that, however slowly, the
agency of man is yet surely deoxidizing this carbon
as we consume our supply of coal, sending forth
into the air around us vast volumes of carbonic
acid gas, besides what we also send forth set free
from the various limestones that are continually
undergoing decomposition in our various industrial
operations ; and I should be glad if some of the
readers of Science-Gossip, furnished with the
needed experimental and practical knowledge, would
inform us whether all these agencies of man are, in
any appreciable manner, however minute, altering
the average amount of carbonic acid gas found
normally in atmospheric air ? Whether with our
very limited grasp of the powers of compensation of
nature, and of the resources of the Creator, it is
safe for us to look back to any geological period,
and say that our globe was surrounded by an atmo-
sphere materially differing in composition from that
which we now breathe ? Whether, looking forward
to a time— far distant, I hope, but which some
have speculated about— when, having burnt up all
our available coal, we shall have rendered the air
unfit for the brpathing of animals furnished with
lungs ? Because, if so, we need scarcely speculate
upon what fuel will be patented to answer man's
various necessities now supplied by our " black
diamonds."—/. G, Halliday (Colonel).

"The Occurrence of the Bhaetic Beds
near Leicester."— This is the title of a paper
read before Jhe Geological Society by Mr. W. J.

Harrison, F.G.S. The sections described are shown
in brick-pits in the Spinney Hills, forming the
eastern boundary of the town of Leicester, and in
the Crown Hill on the eastern side of a valley exca-
vated by the Willow Brook. In the latter locality
they are capped by Lower Lias. They have a
slight dip to the south-east. The brick-pits show a
thickness of about 30 feet of Rhaetic beds above the
Triassic red marl, to which their stratification is
parallel. The lowest bed is a light-coloured sandy
marl about 17 feet thick, traversed by three or four
courses of harder, whiter stone, and containing
crystals of selenite, pseudomorphs of salt, and
numerous small fish-scales. A single insect -wing
was obtained from it. This bed extends across the
valley of the Willow Brook, and forms the base of
Crown Hill. Above it comes the Bone-bed, from
2 to 3 inches thick, containing numerous small
teeth, bones, and scales of fishes and Saurians,
including large vertebra? of Ichthyosaurus, ribs pro-
bably of Plesiosaurus, and some bones of Labyrin.
thodont character. Two species of Axinus also
occur. The Bone-bed is followed by about 2± feet
of coarse black shales, overlain by a very thin band
of hard reddish sandstone, with casts of Axinus, and
this by about 2 feet of finely laminated black shales,
containing Cardium rhaticum, Avicula contorta, and
a starfish (Ophiolepis Damesii). Above these come
about 5 feet of shales with sandy partings, the
lower foot rather dark and containing Avicula con~
torta, Cardium rhceticum, Ostrea liassica, and a new
Pholidophorus ; the remainder light-coloured, but
with the same shells. The topmost bed in the
section is a band of nodular limestone 6 inches
thick. The same sequence is observed in Crown
Hill. There are indications of the existence of a
second nodular limestone and of beds of light-
coloured clay and sand, but obscured by drift, in
which, however, blocks of limestone occur with
Monotis decussata and Anoplophora musculoides.
The author indicates other localities where traces of
the Bhaetic beds are to be seen, and states that
wherever the true junction of thej Trias and Lias
is exposed the Rhaetics appear to be invariably
present.

Extinct Mammals.— Professor Flower, F.R.S.,
in a lecture at the Boyal Institution, gave an ac-
count of the discoveries recently made of a vast
number of fossil remains of animals which lived in
North America during the Tertiary period, espe-
cially those found in the Eocene strata of Wyoming,
Colorado, and New Mexico, only explored since
1869, chiefly by the United States geological survey
of the territories under Dr. F. V. Hayden. Of the
remains particularly selected for description, many
are of animals unlike any now existing, or found
fossil elsewhere, and many constitute connectiag
links between living forms now widely separated

118

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

There are also many, the relations of which have
not yet been satisfactorily determined. Among the
most remarkable of these animals are a number of
gigantic species, to the first-discovered of which the
name TJintathereum was applied— from the Uintah
mountains, uear which .it was found— in form and
size somewhat intermediate between the elephant
and the rhinoceros, but differing in some respects
from both, and having three pairs of great horn-like
projections on the top of the head, and huge tren-
chant canine tusks. These animals, which were
entirely unknown five years ago, have been found in
such abundance that the museum of Yale College
alone now contains remains of more than a hundred
individuals, some of them in excellent preservation.
There are also large rhinoceros-like animals with a
pair of horns side by side on the nose, and various
new kinds of carnivora, rodents, and lemurs. Many
new forms of the Horse and of the Camel family have
also been found, some of which we have already
referred to in Science- Gossip.

Columnar, Eissile, and Spheroidal Struc-
ture op Igneous Rocks. — The Rev. T. G. Bonney,
M.A., E.G.S., has recently read a paper on this sub-
ject before the Geological Society of London.
Some of the above structures have recently been
discussed by Mr. Mallet and Professor J. Thomson.
Both these authors agree in attributing columnar
structure to contraction due to loss of heat while
cooling, but differ in their explanation of cross joint-
ing and spheroidal structure. Mr. Bonney showed
that the principle proved by Mr. Mallet to be the
explanation of the columnar structure is capable of
a wider application. After a brief notice of some
instances of columnar structure, he described cases
of a fissile structure seen in certain igneous rocks
(especially in the Auvergne phonolites), closely re-
sembling true cleavage, and often mistaken for it ;
also the tabular jointing of rocks : a peculiar form
of this, where most of the segments are of a flat-
tened convexo-concave form ; spheroidal structure
and cup-and-ball structure. He showed by ex-
amples that Professor Thomson's explanation of
spheroidal structure was inadequate, and gave
reasons for considering all these structures to be
due to contraction. He also discussed more par-
ticularly the cup-and-ball structure, giving reasons
for thinking that the spheroidal and the horizontal
fissures were often to some extent independent
of each other.

NOTES AND CtUERIES.

American Birds' Eggs. — Would any of your
numerous American readers kindly furnish me
(through Science-Gossip) with the address of any
naturalist, or any one resident in America, from
whom 1 can purchase American birds' eggs?—?1. W.
Deal)/, 142, Clara?ice- street, SIteffield.

Eritillaria Meleagris.— Can any of your
correspondents inform me of a locality for this
beautiful flower? It is stated by Bentham that it
occurs in some of the southern and eastern counties
in a wild state ; but I do not believe it is to be
found throughout Hampshire. I should esteem it
a favour if any one would send me a plant, and
would gladly pay postage for it. — Joseph Anderson,
juii., Chichester, Sussex.

Notes on Natural History at Pomeroy, Co.
Tyrone.— Jan. 25th, Song Thrush commenced to
sing. March 1st, Erogs spawning. The saying
common in this neighbourhood is: "Blackbird or
Thrush which sings before Candlemas will be sure
to mourn many days afterwards." — SI. Arthur
Brenan, CIA., Cloughban.

Eolk-lore of Plants.— " Culverkeys and
Gander - grass." — Johnson, in his Dictionary,
gives another quotation from "The Compleat
Angler," which will, perhaps, help us. "Looking
down the meadow, I could see a girl cropping cow-
slips and culverkeys to make garlands." Culver-
keys, then, is evidently a spring flower, growing in
low meadows, and of a blue colour. There is but
one British plant which corresponds with this, and
that is the Hyacinthus non-scriptus. Would E.
Edwards kindly say if the couplet identifying cul-
verkeys with pigeon peas is now to be heard, or is
it copied from some book ? Culver is, undoubt-
edly, the dove, but key means, beyond its usual
sense, the fruit of the ash, and, formerly, the
principal claw of a hawk's foot. If it means a seed-
vessel, it is not necessary to look for a fruit that
resembles a key, but for a fruit that resembles a
dove. I think the more probable meaning is that of
dove's claws. On the strength of this meaning the
Culverkey has been identified with the Colum-
bine, to which it would be certainly applicable ;
the chief difficulty being that it is generally a wood
plant. The lines quoted by Mrs. Edwards make a
difficulty in accepting the Hyacinth as the Cul-
verkey, as only two lines before, "the Red Hya-
cinth " is mentioned. In Awbrey's Wilts, the
Culverkey is mentioned, which, I suppose, is the
same. Gander-grass can hardly be identified
as Goose-grass, for I that plant is a summer in-
habitant of hedges, and its flowers are surely not
sufficiently conspicuous to make it a companion of
the red Hyacinth and yellow Daffodil. "Purple
Narcissus like the morning rays." Has any one, by
the bye, ever seen geese eating the Galium Aparine ?
And the same with Goose-tansy (Potentillaanserina).
I must admit I can produce no better explanation
of Gander-grass. Perhaps some other casual
note in "The Compleat Angler" may throw some
light on it. The Nettle. — 1 heard the other day of
a curious use to which the nettle is put in Guern-
sey. An infusion of the fresh plant is used to
make ginger-beer instead of water. It makes the
ginger-beer very refreshing, aud gives it a peculiar
pleasant flavour. Is Nettle-thread still used in any
part of Europe ? Local and old names of Plants. —
In an old dictionary I possess, by Phillips, the
nephew of Milton, occurs the following : " Gander-
gosses: an herb." What herb can this be? In
Wright and Halliwell's "Provincial Dictionary,"
Gandergoose is given as equivalent to Ragwort.
This can hardly be the same as_ Gander-grass,
but may be Gandergosses. In Wright and Halli-
well's Dictionary the name Bat-in-water is given
as equivalent to Water-mint. In a manuscript
list of names, lent me by one of your corre-

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

119

spondents, the same name occurs in the writing of
the Rev. Gillett, late of Runham. He was also a
correspondent of Wright's, and, we may assume,
that he is the authority for the name. He was a
good botanist aud philologist ; so the authority is
unimpeachable. Has any one ever met with this
name in use, or can any one explain it? In Guern-
sey and, I suppose, in the Channel Isles generally,
the Galium Apocrine is called Lakoo ; the a as in
pack, and the oo as in food. The children have a
particular day for gathering the plant and sticking
it on the dresses of their elders. My informant,
how ever, could not tell me what was the day. In
the Isle of Wight it is called Chivers. Can any
one explain Lakoo, or adduce any name resembling
it P— W. G. Piper.

Brown Toad. — One day, on Tooting Common, 1
observed a fine light-brown (with a shade of light
liver-colour) toad, of about 3i inches in length.
Could any one give me evidence as to its being
common to find toads of rthis colour I should be
much obliged.—/. E. B. Brooke.

Spiders : Do They utter Sounds ?— On going
into a lumber-room in the eveuiug and lighting the
gas I hear a curious sound emitted at short intervals,
which I can only represent by Tchiuk. It is not
like mice, crickets, or beetles, and appears to pro-
ceed from some dusty shelves on which are some
dirty webs with the large hairy house-spider ; the
noise, in fact, appears to proceed from them. Is this
likely to be the case ? — H. F., Junr.

Eresh-water Tortoise. — In August last I was
told a small tortoise had been seen basking on a
large stone standing in a pond in the garden ; a day
or so after I saw it there myself; it was about three
inches over, and very handsome, with bright golden
spots on its neck. I watched it off aud on all that
day ; it dropped into the water when any one came in
sight, but was up again on the stone in about twenty
minutes. As the stone was very steep and the sea-
son dry, the pond getting'lower every day, I thought
it would soon be unable to scramble up: so next day
1 got a large flat stone and laid it slanting next the
old stone, aud made a shingle beach so that it might
come out at all times in comfort ; but this inter-
ference seems to have disgusted it, as it has never
been seen since. In trying to account for its comiug
there I recollected that some years ago (I forget
how many) I bought two small (I think they called
them scarce) tortoises, one about the size of a crown-
piece, the other a little larger, and put them into a
pool in a greenhouse fernery about 130 ft. from this
pond : one soon died and the other disappeared ; so
I presume it must be the present visitor. I should
like to know if any reader of Science-Gossip has
had experience of tortoises living out of doors
in this climate. This one must have done so for
some years, and it shows how strange things may
frequent places under your very nose without being
observed. The pond is swarming with sticklebacks
and water-snails, so there is plenty of food for him.
— H. F., Jtmr.

W The Juniper. — In that popular little work en-
titled "Our Woodlands, Heath, and Hedges," by
W. S, Coleman, it is stated " the juniper {Juuipenis
communis) in its wild state is a low shrub seldom
more than three feet high, but when planted in a
very favourable soil it will often rise to the dimen-
sions of a tree. At Wardour Castle, in Wiltshire,
is one (the largest in England) thirty feet in height."

Is this tree now living? Perhaps some of the readers
of Science-Gossip can tell — F. S.

Cochineal. — A number of dark spots may often
be found on the young bark of the ash-tree about
the size of a pin's head. If these be carefully re-
moved, a number of eggs of a scarlet colour will be
found iu them. They belong to a small species of
cochineal insect, but very much smaller than the
insect of commerce. Is it known by name ? —
E. T. Scott.

Crocus. — As I was the first to refer to the change
of colour of the crocus to yellow from blue or purple,
I perhaps may be again excused if I say, with re-
ference to Dr. Morton's article, that mine were not
mixed in planting, and that one year is not a suffi-
cient time for the seeds to grow and blossom. One
year they were blue, the next all yellow, with hardly
an exception. They are in the ground just as they
were, and 1 shall soon see if any further alteration
takes place. I am glad Mr. Thirkel could corro-
borate me— £ T. Scott.

Silkworms. — Would any reader kindly iuform
me how to manage silkworms ? I have a quantity of
eggs, and am anxious to know what treatment they
require. — Inquirer.

Leucojum iESTivuM. — That rare plant the
Leucojum eestivum is said to grow on the Kentish
shore, somewhere near Greenwich. I have sought
it carefully, more than one season, without success.
If any of your numerous correspondents would tell
me the exact locality, I should feel truly obliged.
If I were communicated with privately, I would
engage not to abuse the confidence, either in taking
much or making the locality known. — II. E. Wil-
kinson, A tier ley, S. E.

Boat-flies. — I should be glad if any of your
readers have remarked and can explain the peculiar
sound made by boat-flies {Notonecta) at this season
of the year. I have several in a fresh-water aqua-
rium, and notice that by a peculiar movement of the
anterior feet,— I have thought by rasping them on a
series of plates at the point of the proboscis, — they
emit a sound like crik-kick-kick, continuing for
about twenty seconds. This stridulation can be
heard several feet from the aquarium, and is only
made, as far as I have observed, while the fly is at
rest. — Tom Workman.

Juniper Bushes. — "T. G," who has seen a
number of juniper bushes on the downs near
Steyning,'asks whether they exist in a wild state
elsewhere in Sussex. It is a curious fact that this
shrub is exceedingly rare eastward of Brighton ; but
it is abundant on some parts of the downs in West
Sussex— at West Stokes, for instance, on the downs
above Kingley Vale ; it is associated with yew,
holly, and stunted oak. I know only of a few
solitary bushes eastward of Brighton. — W. B.
Hemsley, Richmond.

Voracity of Eish. — Some fish are notoriously
voracious. Is the haddock generally included in the
list ? Dpon one being opened the other day, pre-
paratory to cooking, much surprise was occasioned
by its being found to contain a nearly full-grown
herring. I thought subsequently to obtain some
further particulars, but the two fish having been
meanwhile placed outside the house, I only came in
time to see a cat licking its jaws and one fish gone.
I dare say the other soon followed suit.— W. J.
Horn.

120

HARDWICKE'S SC 1EN CE- GO SSIP.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

To Correspondents and Exchangers. — As we now
publish Scik.vck-Gossip at least a week earlier than hereto-
fore, we cannot possibly insert in the following number any
communications which reach us later than the 8th of each
month. ^__^_

W. Tarrow. — The specimen found in copse was the
"Wood Forget-me-not" (Myosotis sytvaticum).

A. M. C. — Get Gould's " Mammals of Australia," published,
we believe, by Van Voorst. You may see it at the Library of
the British Museum.

A. L. P. H.— The shells in the quill, called "Rice Shells,"
are Oliva oryza ; the white ones are a species of Marginella.

C. W. A. — Your Palmipes with six rays is, undoubtedly, a
monstrosity of P. membranaceux. Pinnotheres pisum differs
from P. veterum in that the front of the male of the former
projects. The female pisum has the abdomen broader than
long', whilst that of veterum is longer than broad. In the
male of veterum the carapace is subquadrate, rounded, and
the front slightly etnarginate. The carapace of the female
pisum is uniformly rounded at the anterior margin.

J. W. Mee. — The best way to preserve your wood will be
to creosote it.

Cephas. — Wood's " Insects Abroad " is published at 16s.
by Longmans & Co. " Out and About " is by Hain Friswell,
and published by Groombridge at 3s. 6d. Huxley's " Lessons
in Elementary Physiology" is published by Macmillan at
4s. 6d. We should think you could obtain a frog's skeleton
from any natural history dealer in London.

Dubins. — The objects you mention embedded in the peel of
orange are the pupa-cases of Ceratites citriperda.

H. W. Hollenburgh. — Copaline or Copalite, the fossil
resin found in the London clay, might be obtained, we should
think, from Tennant's shop, 149, Strand, London.

E. Halse. — Article will appear shortly.

F. T. P. — We do not know of anything that will prevent
mice eating crocus-bulbs. Perhaps some of our readers may,
and will communicate with us concerning it.

A. S. — Melicerta signifies the " Honey Floscularia." The
book you name has not much value as a scientific work.
You had better see Carpenter's " Animal Physiology," or
Rhymer Jones's " General Structure of theAnimal Kingdom."

T. Rogers.— Your specimen is a form of Sphagnum acuti-
fiilium.

3. Maxwell. — Your mosses are as follows :— 1. Sphagnum
cymbifulium ; 2. Dicranella lieteromalla ; 3. Trichocolea
tnmentella; 4. Thamnium alopecurum ; 5. Pogonatum aloi-
des ; 6. Mnium punetatum. — R. B.

E. Edwards.— Many thanks for the early Daffodils, which
came safely and welcomely to hand.

Errata. — By some means, at the last moment of going to
press with the April number, the blocks illustrating Mr.
Bridgman's articie on "Ringing Slides" were transposed.
Fig. 34 ought to read " Cell and slide seen edgeways, show-
ing the shape of foundation"; fig. 35, "34 in section'';
fig. 36, " Section of cell complete" ; and fig. 37, " Section
of cell with too large a cover, showing the weakness of its
attachment."

Editorial. — Absence on the Continent has prevented the
Editor inserting many of the later communications sent to
him this month. Indeed, the amount of literary correspond-
ence he now receives is such as to suggest the necessity of
permanently enlarging Scienck-Gossip to an additional one-
half its present size, with additional illustrations, &c. This
would, of course, oblige the Publisher to issue it at 6d.
instead of 4d. per month, as hitherto. Before committing
ourselves to so important a change, we should be glad of the
opinion of our numerous and oldest contributors and sub-
scribers for and against.

EXCHANGES.

Rare Birds' Eggs for others not in collection. Also live
Star-fish, Hermit Crabs, and Molluscs, for Birds' Eggs, Min-
erals, Lepidoptera, or Shells.— J. T. T. Reed, Ryhope, Sun-
derland.

Larvae of H. dominula, P. chrysorrhcea, and P. auriflua
in exchange for British marine, and land and fresh-water
Shells, and Birds' Eggs.— Address, Sidney Smith, Castle-
street, Walmer, Kent.

Elytra of foreign Diamond Beetles, and many species of
British Lepidoptera for good mounted objects. — Joseph
Anderson, jun., Stockbridge-road, Chichester, Sussex.

I have about 50 species of British Birds' Eggs to offer in
exchange to American collectors (and could furnish more, if
necessary), for same number of American Eggs; common
species will do, even the commonest. Many of my Eggs are
rare, and all well blown. List sent on application. All
letters answered.— T. W, Dealy, 142, Clarence-street, Sheffield.

The whole of this Journal, and the whole of the " Monthlv
Microscopical Journal " for Object-glasses.— Address, W.
Forgan, 3, Warriston-crescent, Edinburgh.

Wanted, one or two Specimens of Doris tubercvlata and
Synapta. Many things to offer, in exchange, in mounted or
unmounted objects.— M. Fowler, 20, Burn-row, Slamannan,
near Falkirk.

Wanted, Wood's " Insects at Home" and other Entomo-
logical Books for Good Slides, material, &c, &c. Send par-
ticulars.—Wm. Tylar, 165, Well-street, Birmingham.

Wanted, perfect Specimens of the Fructification of Mosses
(named), in exchange for Mounted Slides, Foraminifera, Dia-
toms, &c. ; lists exchanged.— T. L. Mason, The Esplanade,
Deal.

Rich cleaned gatherings of Formainifera, &c , from Turkish
Sand, in exchange for Mounted Objects of interest. — H.
Dashwood, 10, King-street, St. James's, S.W.

Nos. 122, 183, 201, 217, 860, 912, 1014, 1198, 1362, 1412,
1551, and others ; and some rare Mosses. T. E. L. C. ; list
exchanged. — L. T., 19, Radcliffe's-street, Oldham.

The " Micrographical Dictionary " Wanted,— exchange or
cash.— Thomas Lisle, Villiers- street, Wolverhampton.

Polished Sections Ivy-wood (10—20 years old) for ditto
other British woods. — VV. G. Piper, Bank Plain, Norwich.

A first-rate Photographic double dark Slide, new, for dry
plates 6J x 4$, for mounted Micro Object-slides. — Send priced
list to A. J. Adams, Blackburn, Rotherham.

Primula elatior, Veronica triphyllos, Veronica verna, for
other local Plants. — W. Jordan, Cockfield, Sudbury, Suffolk.

Eggs of Black Kite, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whiskered Tern,
Schinz's Sandpiper, Crested Grebe, and Red-legged Partridge,
for equally good specimens. (Date and locality given). —
C. Dixon, 6o, Albert-road, Heeley, near Sheffield.

British examples of Zonites radiatulus, Helix caperafa,
var. alba (pure white variety), Helix fusca, and many others,
for other good forms of British Conchology. — Address, Lister
Peace, Hebble-terrace, Bradford-road, Huddersfield.

Wanted, a few dozen specimens of Emarginula reticulata
or Fissurella reticulata for south-coast Marine Shells Dead
shells not objected to.— Miss Colson, Swanage, Dorset.

Eggs of C. Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, and others, for other
good Eggs. — H. Turner, 90, Albert-road, Heeley, Sheffield.

Jointed Hairfrom crown of Tree Fern (Cibotiumprinceps),
mounted, for exchange ; also some unmounted. — E. Lovett,
Holly Mount, Croydon.

Wanted, a good Microscopic Cabinet, to hold 300 or 400
slides, or good Works on Natural History, in exchange for a
Carter's bronzed Reading Easel, on Castors, quite new. —
G.N.W., 10, Edinburgh-place, Weston-super-Mare.

Slides of Licmophora and other Diatoms, parasitic on
Sphacellaria, pure Sponge Foraminifera, Spicules Alcyonium
and Sponges, Wood Sections, Hairs, Sphseraphides of Cactus,
&c, all well mounted, in exchange for Geological, Injected,
or other first-class Slides.— A. Durrand, 37, Cheltenham -
street, Barrow-in-Furness.

BOOKS, &c, RECEIVED.

" On Fermentation." By P. Schutzenberger. London :
H. S. King & Co.

" Geology for Students and General Readers." By Prof.
A. H. Green. London : Daldy, Isbister, & Co.

" Botanical Names for English Readers." By R. H. Alcock.
London : L. Reeve & Co.

" Examination of the Arguments for and against Darwin-
ism." By J. Maclaren. London : E. Bumpus.

" Handbook to the Geology of Derbyshire." By the Rev.
J. M. Mills, F.G.S. London : Bemrose & Sons.

" The Moon and the Earth." By T. M. Reade. London :
Hardwicke & Bogue, 192, Piccadilly.

" Report of Manchester Field Naturalists' Club for 1875."

"American Naturalist." March.

" Chemical News." April.

" Land and Water." April.

" Monthly Microscopical Journal." April.

"Potter's American Journal." April.

" Ben Brierley's Journal." April.

"Journal of Applied Science." April.

" Boston Journal of Chemistry." April.
&c. &c.

Communications up to 7th ult. Received prom :— F. K.
—J. M. M.— R. G.— E. L.— F. J. A.— H. M. J. U.— A. J. R. S.
_W. W.-J. H. G.— F. J. P.-A. G. W.— H. W. H.-Col.
J. G. H.-W. J. H.-H. C. C. M.-E. M. B.-E. F. G.—
H. G. B. P.— C. P. H.-E. S.-W. D.-J. R. S. C— T. Mc G.
—Dr. P. Q. G.-C. B.— E. E — \. S.— F. C— J. B. B.— W. B.
— W. K. B.-F. A. A.-H. D— W. H.— C. W. A.-H. F.—
T. G M.— J. T. R.-F. G. E.— S. A. B.-W. P.— H. P. M.—
W. T.— H. E. W.— A. W. L.— C. W.-W. C. H. B. J.-W. F.
— H. E. F.-W. G. P.— E. T. N.— G. D. B.— W. G. S.—
J. T. T. R— S.S.— W. F.-H. J.— J.L. C— J. H. M.— W. E. S.
&c, &c.

HAEDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

121

THE MICROSCOPE AND MICROSCOPIC WORK

No. VI.-By F. KITTON.

HE unsatisfactory
performance of the
instruments in use
in the seventeenth
and eighteenth cen-
turies is evinced
by the numerous
forms of micro-
scopes constantly
"invented" by the
opticians of the period. Fifteen
years after Martin had in-
vented his Universal Micro-
scope, an optician of the name
of Ayscough introduced ano-
ther " Universal Microscope,"
of which a description appears
in the Universal Magazine for
April, 1753, "Sent us by our
Old Correspondent Amico-Ma-
thematicus." This is written
in the sententious style so
common in the eighteenth
century. We give the follow-
ing extracts from his paper : —
" The microscope has been the source of an
infinite number of discoveries, and consequently
given us new motives to adore and be sensible
of the hand of the Creator. This instrument
has by ocular demonstration confuted all those
empty formations which have falsely been attributed
to matter, and unveiled to our eyes the immediate
operation or action of a wisdom which daily
produces everything, or from one day to another
unfolds what in the beginning was created in
miniature, that it might again produce and per-
petuate itself through all ages.

"The microscope shows us all those insects burst-
ing from the eggs that contained them. There are
at present no plants whose seed it does not discover
to us. The very mushroom has its own ; and the
dung which may very well nourish it can no longer
be supposed to generate it."
No. 138.

This instrument appears to have been very
portable, and could be used either as a simple,
or compound, or double (as they were then called)
microscope: the focal adjustment appears to have
been made by sliding the stage up or down.

The Gentleman's Magazine, vol. xxiv., 1754,
contains some figures of microscopic objects, and a
description of them by A. Y., accompanied by the
following letter •. —

Mr. Urban, —

Having observed that in the cuts which
accompany your most useful Magazine, the very
spaces between the larger objects are filled up with
something pleasing and instructive, for a future
supply of such, when they may be wanted, I have
sent you a few exact representations of micro-
scopical objects, beginning at first with the more
simple ones, for even such afford no small amuse-
ment to the curious. If I find you think them
worthy a place, I may perhaps furnish you with
others yet more entertaining.— Yours, &c,

Aug. 6. A. Y.

The following is a list of these "amusing and
instructive objects" :—l. A few grains of Sand. 2.
A drop of Salted Water grown dry. 3. A drop ot
Water wherein hay, straw, &c, have been soaked.

4. A drop of Vinegar, which has been exposed to
the air in mild weather. It exhibits lively animals
nearly resembling little eels, and seldom any other.

5. Nitre. G. Sugar, which the describer says forms
globules. 7. A drop of Oyster liquor, kept 3
or 4 clays in a drinking-glass. " We are by no
means to imagine that the little eels in the vinegar
or the animalcules in the infusions are the offspring
of putrefaction. Experience informs us that if the
vessels be close-stopped nothing will be produced.
We ought, then, to conclude that when they are
open, the females floating in the air come thither
and deposit their eggs or spawn in a place which
may favour their hatching, and supply them with
food."

In the [November part of the same volume these

G

12-2

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

microscopic wonders are continued, and the author '
gives us four figures of infusorial animalcules. One
of these represents a remarkable instance of evolu-
tion, and, no doubt, if Darwin had only come across
a similar instance, he would have traced man to this
animalcule, rather than to a larva form of an
ascidian. (See fig. 64, on page 124.)

In addition to the copy of the figure, we give
the discoverer's description of it : — "But of all the
objects, that represented by figure 5 is the most
bizarre ; it was found in an infusion of the royal
anemony, in common water, kept eight days; 'he whole
body is covered with a mark representing an human
face, with six radii or claws, and a tail crowned at
top with a kind of heart. Its motion was but dull,
yet sufficient to show, beyond all doubt, that it was
of the animalcular kind."

About this time, Mr. Henry Baker, E.R.S.,
F.S.A.,' published the result of his microscopic in-
vestigations. These observations were made with
an instrument constructed for him by Mr. Cutf, and
of which he speaks very highly. Having once
possessed one of these microscopes, we can speak
favourably of the mechanical part'of it ; the lenses
were double-convex, and probably neither better
nor worse than those made by other opticians years
before. The subsidiary apparatus weer perhaps more
numerous than usual. In the year 1747 Mr. Cuff
invented an eye-piece micrometer, of which a de-
tailed account was given by the first President
(under the Royal Charter) of the Royal Society,
Martin Folkes, Esq.*

" This Micrometer only consists of a Lattice of
fine Silver Wire, distant from each other one-fiftieth
of an inch, intersecting at right Angles and so
placed in the focus of the Eye Glass as to divide
the whole visible Area of the Microscope into
Squares, whose Sides are each ^ of an Inch."

The plan adopted to ascertain the true magnitude
of an object was similar to that now used when
the modern eye-piece micrometer is employed;
instead, however, of a stage micrometer, the
diagonal scale was used, and when this was not
practicable, a minute object was measured under
a low power, and this was again employed as a unit
of measure for the higher power.

The usual number of objectives sold with the
instrument was six, the following table shows their
magnifying powers : —

No. 1. 189 diameters.

2. 161 „

3. 84 „

4. 49

5. 28

6. 17i

* This gentleman presided eleven years at the meetings of
the Society, and would have probably been elected for the
twelfth time had not paralysis compelled him to decline the
honour.

Mr. Baker had, he tells us, an extra lens made
particularly for him, and which had the extraor-
dinary magnifying power of 320 diameters.

Our No. 1 was so dark, as to be virtually useless ;
what the above glass was, it is difficult to imagine.
The diameter of the lens in No. 1 was about the
eighth of an inch ; this was dropped into a little
brass cell, with an aperture of not more than the ^V
of an inch; this was the only means then known of
counteracting the chromatic and spherical aber-
rations of single lenses. The microscope seems to
have been a popular scientific instrument in the
middle and latter part of the last century, if we
may judge by the demand for works relating thereto.
Baker published three editions of the " Microscope
made Easy," and only one year elapsed between the
publication of the second and third editions. This
work was also translated into French, German, and
Dutch. In 1753, nine years after the publication
of the third edition of the "Microscope made
Easy," appeared the first edition of his "Employ-
ment for the Microscope," Svo., pp. 466, plates 17;
a second edition was published with an additional
plate in 1764. In 1785 the two works just named
were published, under the title " Of Microscopes,
and the Discoveries made thereby." Vol. I. "The
Microscope made Easy," 8vo., pp. 324, plates 15.
Vol. II. "Employment for the Microscope,"
pp. 452, plates 15. Baker also published "An
Attempt towards a Natural History of the Polype,"
Svo., pp. 222, plate 1, and also illustrated with
woodcuts : London, 1743. This was translated into
French under the title of an " Essai sur l'Histoire
naturelle du Polype Insecte, traduit de l'Anglois
par P. Dumours," Svo., pp. 359, plates 22, Paris,
1744. It seems that M. Dumours "bearbeitet" (as
the Germans would say) as well as translated Baker's
work. "Trembley'sMemoires pour servir a l'Histoire
d'un genre de Polypes d'eau douce," did not appear
until 1744.

In the "Employment for the Microscope" are
given directions for the preparation of objects for
the microscope. The title-page gives a good idea
of the character of the work. The following is a
copy of that appended to the 2nd edition : —

"EMPLOYMENT

FOR THE

MICROSCOPE.

In TWO PARTS.

I. Au Examination of Salts and Saline Sub-
stances, their amazing Configurations and Crystals as
formed under the eye of the Observer,

WITH

Plain directions how to prepare such Substances
and preserve them in constant Readiness for In-
spection, whereby the Curious may always be fur-

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

123

nished with numberless Objects hitherto little 1

Known :

ALSO

Occasional Considerations on Gems, Poisons, the
Feyetation of Metals, the Resuscitation of Plants,
the Formation of Amber, Corals, and many other
Subjects.

II. An Account of various animalcules never
before described, and of many other Microscopical

DISCOVERIES,

With OBSERVATIONS and REMARKS;

LIKEWISE

A Description of the Microscope used in the Ex-
periments, and of a new Micrometer, serving to
show the size of magnified Objects,

Together with
Instructions for printing off any Meial or Coin,

Illustrated with Seventeen copper plates.
By Henry Baker, Fellow of the Royal Society, and
Member of the Society of Antiquaries, London.
Rerum Natura nusquam magis quam in Minimis
tola est.

Plin. Hist. Nat., Lib. si. cap. 2.
London : —

Printed for R. Dodsley, at Tally's Head in Pall
Mall, ami sold by M. Cooper, in Pater noster Row,
and J. Cuff, Optician, in Fleet-street, 1753."

"The author says that he spent ten years in mak-
ing "Experiments on a great, variety of saline Bodies
Mineral, Vegetable, and Animal, as well as many
other Substances" (one would like to know what
those other substances were) " both simple and com-
pound, whose parts cau be dissolved in Fluids, after
a method which has never hitherto been described
by any Author, or practised before myself by any-
body that I have heard of."

"That particular Notice wherewith the Royal
Society was pleased to honour these Experiments,
encouraged me to prosecute them with all the Care
in my Power, to minute down every remarkable Cir-
cumstance in the Process, and to make faithful
Drawings of each Configuration." In a note ap-
pended to this paragraph we are informed that
"After many repeated Examinations of Salts and
Saline Substances by the Help of Glasses, in the
winter of the year 1743 1 had the Honour twice of
entertaining the Royal Society with a view of
their Configurations, which were then thought so
extraordinary, that very many of that illustrious
Body came often afterwards to see them more at
Leisure at my Lodgings, and in the Year 1744, Sir
Hans Sloane, Bart., late Piesidentof that Society,
was pleased et the recommendation of his worthy
Successor Martin Folkes, Esq., and of the Council
of the said Society, to bestow on me the Medal of
Gold, annually presented (as the Donation of Sir

Godfrey Copley, Bart., of which Sir Hans is the
only surviving Trustee), to whomsoever of their
Members shall be deemed to have produced the most
extraordinary Discovery during the whole Year."

In the second chapter, he describes his
method of preparing the various saline solutions
for his experiments with a minuteness almost
ludicrous ; these solutions, he says, mus' be made
with river or rain water, and that the water should
be saturated with the salt, so as always to be certain
of producing the same result : — "The Solution being
thus prepared, a drop of it is to be taken up with
a goose quill cut in fashion of a Scoop, and placed
on a flat Slip of Glass of about | of an inch in
width, and between 3 and 4 inches long. The slide
is to be warmed and placed on the stage of the
microscope, and the crystalization watched as
evaporation proceeds."

Chapter III. deserves quoting in extenso, as it
shows the amount of chemical knowledge possessed
by a Gold Medallist of the Royal Society in 1743:—

"It seems necessary, in order to make the
Matter in Hand understood the better, that some
Account should be given of what is meant by Salts
and Saline Substances, with some short Explana-
tion of the Dissolution of such Substances, and
their Crystalization afterwards, whereby the Differ-
ence between my Experiments and those of others
may become more evident.

"Few will, I presume, imagine that Imean by Salts
such substances only as afford what is called a Salt
Taste, for Salts are of all Tastes, and Sugar itself
is no other than a Salt extracted from the Sugar
Cane. But we understand by Salts all Substances
whatsoever that are dissolvable in Water, or whose
Parts become so separated thereby as to disappear
therein, which notwithstanding the Water being
evaporated, shew themselves again combined in
some sort of angular Forms, with a Degree of
Transparency, and to the Taste are more or less
pungent.

"To this may be added that they are fusible by-
Fire.

" Salt, thus understood,is one of the first Principles
of the Chemists, and indeed has good Reason to be
esteemed so, as it enters into the Composition of
all Bodies. It is everywhere and in everything, for
if any Stone, Plant, or Animal be burnt a Salt
remains in the Ashes, which may be extracted by
Water and separated from the Caput Mortuum.

" It is the nutriment of Animals, Vegetables, and
Minerals, insomuch that Herbs, Roots, Bread, &e.,
deprived of their Salts can neither sustain, nourish,
or increase the Bodies of Animals, and the Earth,
when divested of it, becomes absolutely barren.

" Vegetables and Animals, whilst flourishing and
alive, discharge, by Perspiration and other more
sensible Evacuations the Excess and Recrements
only of the Salts whereby they are preserved ; but

g 2

124

HARDWICKE'S SCIEN CE- GOSSIP.

when they perish the Chain whereby the Parts arc
kept together becomes broken, the Salts regain
their Liberty by Putrefaction, some fly away into
the Air, and the rest remain in a condition to enrich
and render fertile that lean and hungry Earth
which is destitute of such Salt.

"Tastes, Smells, and most other Effects of Bodies
on one another, seem occasioned by the Action of
Salts, which, by striking on our Organs, produce
Sensations correspondent to their figures, and by
the same means affect all other Bodies.

" Being transparent, and having a strong attrac-
tive Power, they probably supply both Matter, Con-
sistence, and Eorm to Spars, Crystals, Diamonds,
and all other pellucid angularly-figured Eossils.
When combined and at Rest, they are perhaps the
Basis of Cohesion and Solidity in most Bodies, the

Fig. 64. Infusorial Animalcule as described in 1754.
(.See p. 122.)

Pegs and Nails that hold the Parts of other Matter
together ; but when put in Motion by the Separa-
tion of their component Particles, and their repul-
sive Force (which is no less vigorous than their
attractive Power) becomes exerted, they are the
most active Principles in Nature, like Knives or
Launcets, cut their Way through everything, and
produce the most surprizing Changes.

" Whence the Chemists say that in the Sun and in
Salt are all Nature's Productions, and that he who
knows not Salts will never perform anything in
Art.

"The Distinction of Salts into acid and alkaline,
into volatile, fixt, and essential, I shall leave the
Reader to consult chemical writers about."

After this dissertation on salts, he gives minute
instructions for making a cabinet and preparing
solutions of various salts ; he also recommends
experimenting with mixtures of the various salts,
by which means new and wonderful configurations
may be discovered. Mr. Baker asserts the proba-
bility of the existence of a "Universal, volatile, acid
Spirit, and it is produced by] the continual Per-
spiration of growing Vegetables, the Putrefaction
and Dissolution of those that perish over the Face
of the whole Earth, all of which abound with vola-

tile acid Salts, these, combined with Vapours from
Seas, Lakes, Rivers, and other Waters, the Steams
and Vapours from Metals and other Substances, all
these compose together the volatile acid Spirit
wherewith the Air is filled, and which probably is
the active Principle that gives the Figure and sup-
plies Part of the Matter to Crystals, Snow, and
Nitre."

The following is the list of salts figured :— " Sal
Gemma, or Rock Salt, Sea Salt, Spring ditto, Niter
or Salt Peter, Bleu Vitriol, White ditto, Green
ditto, Verdigrease distilled, Alum, Borax, Salt Am-
moniac, Salt of Lead, Salt of Tin, Ens Veneris."

As the author was much struck with the beauty
of the last-named crystals, we quote his remarks : —
"Ens Veneris is a Sublimation of Green Vitriol
with Sal Ammoniac, and therefore might be called
Ens Martis with better Reason. It must, however,
be acknowledged that blue Vitriol was employed
formerly instead of Salt of Steel, and that, being
impregnated with Copper, rendered the Name less
improper : but the Ens Veneris our Shops afford at
present has nothing of Copper in it.

" It dissolves readily in Water, and gives to a So-
lution sated with it a Colour resembling that of
Mountain Wine, which Colour its Crystals likewise
retaining, appear like the most beautiful Chrysolites
or Topazes, seemingly cut with the greatest elegance.

But the Singularity of this preparation

is, that in some part or other of the drop, you will
seldom fail to find a very regular and well-fashioned
two-edged Sword of Crystal."

Flowers of Antimony, Salt of Amber, Scarborough
Salt, Cheltenham ditto, Epsom ditto, Glauber ditto,
Sal Polychrestum.

The above list is sufficient to show the kind of
salts he experimented with, and it will, therefore, be
unnecessary to give the names of all the salts
examined. Some of them it is difficult to under-
stand how they were prepared, as, for example, Salt
of Coral, Salt of Fennel, Salt of Thistle, and salts of
various other plants.

Chapter LIII. part I., describes his investigations
"Concerning the Vegetation of Metals." He
gives very minute directions for the preparation of
Akbor Diante, or the Silver Tree, Arbor Martis,
or the Iron Tree, and Arbor Veneris, or the
Copper Tree.

The following is his formula (or, rather, Monsieur
Hernberg's, whom he quotes) :— " Make four Drams
of fine Silver into an Amalgama without heat, with
two Drams of Quicksilver. Dissolve this Amalgama
in four ounces of Aqua Fort is, pour the Solution
into 12 Paris Pints (about three Gallons) of common
Water. Stir it well together and keep it in a Glass
Vessel well stop'd. To about an Ounce of this
Water in a small Phial put the Quantity of a small
Pea of the Common Amalgama of Gold or Silver,
which should be as soft as Butter. Let the Phial

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

125

stand a few minutes, and you will see small Threads
or Filaments rising perpendicularly from the little
Bulb of Amalgama, and thrusting out from their
Sides little Branches in the form of a Tree."

The "Iron Tree" can be made thus :— "Dissolve
Iron Filings in Spirit of Nitre, pour on Oil of Tartar
per deliquium, and a sort of Branches will be formed
and adhere to the Surface of the glass representing
Leaves and Flowers."

The Arbor Veneris is supposed to be an entirely
new discovery, and the author affirms, from his own
experience, that it "is extremely wonderful and
pretty, and made with little Trouble.

"In half an Ounce of Aqua Fort Is let a bright Half-
penny, or some, small piece of pure clean Copper
remain for about twelve Hours, and then take it
out. Dissolve a little Quicksilver in as small a
Quantity as you can of the same, or stronger Aqua
Fortis. The Solution will be white and like Flour
and Water, at which Instant it must be put into the
first Liquor, which will immediately become of a
lovely blue, and throw down something of a white
Sediment, but have very little Body or Consistence.
Have ready some Salt Ammoniac finely powdered,
whereof put in a very little at a time, stirring it
about until it dissolves, makes the mixture of a
blueish white, and gives it a Consistence of Starch,
which condition shews it to be fit for your
Purpose."

A drop of this is to be placed on a piece of glass,
upon which a small piece of bright iron wire has
been previously laid, and in the course of a short
time " Bamifications of the purest Copper" will take
place. The cnly source of failure appears to be the
quality of the aquafortis.

Another plan " was discovered accidentally by
the very ingenious Mrs. Colembine, of the City of
Norwich, in her search after new Colours from
Copper for painting in Miniature. The Scarlet
Dyers use in their Business Aqua Fortis saturated
with Tin, and make no secret of it ; but one of the
trade, who is thought to excel in the richness of his
Scarlet, prepares his Aqua Fortis after a manner
known only to himself. In some of this Mrs.
Colembine dissolved Copper, and happening to leave
a Piece of Iron in the mixture, she was surprised
with the Branchings from it, and shewed them to
my very ingenious Friend and Correspondent Mr.
William Arderon, F.R.S., who, by her Desire, sent
an Account thereof to me."

The first part concludes with a notice " that those
who wish to keep the Solutions of Salts in Readi-
ness for Examination can be supplied with boxes,
Phials, and Slips of glass by Mr. Cuff, Optician,
against Serjeants Inn Gate in Fleet-Street. This i
may be an Ease to them, and 'tis hoped will prove
of some Advantage to him."

FERTILIZATION IN CYPRIPED1UM.

{Lady's Slipper.)

rT!HE genus Cypripedium, according to the
J- arrangement of Lindley, constitutes the seventh
and last tribe of Orchidacese— viz. Cypripedia ; also
thus arranged in Hooker's translation from the
Frenclf of Le Maout and Decainee, in which the tribe
includes two other genera beside Cypripedium ; viz.
Uropedium and Selenipedium. The characteristics
of the tribe, as described in the latter book, are thus :
—"Anthers 2, lateral, both fertile, the intermediate
one petaloid ; pollen granular, softening during ferti-
lization ; stigma divided into 3 areolae, opposite to
the stamens." We at once perceive, by placing this
tribe by the side of the other tribes of Orchidacea;,

a great difference in some of the

(To he continued?)

that there is
characters.

Having then just glanced at the general characters
of the tribe, we will examine the individual parts of
the flower more closely, and try and make ourselves
acquainted with its structure, noticing as we pro-
ceed the difference between them and the analogous
parts of the flowers of other orchids.

The perianth is superior and petaloid, composed
of two rows, the outer consisting of two parts
(sepals), one very large at the top, the other much
smaller below; the large one is really two which
have become united, as three is the normal type in
the outer row of the perianth in orchids ; the inner
row contains three divisions (petals); the two lateral
ones alternate with the sepals; the lower one,
termed the lip or labellum, is opposite the lower
sepal. The labellum is large and slipper-shaped,
—hence the common name "Lady's Slipper," with
three openings into the large cavity. One, the
largest, in the front, separated from the two lateral
ones by the inflexed edges of the labellum pressing
against the column ; these two lateral passages are
much smaller than the front one. The labellum is
without a nectar-sac or tube, so differing from most
orchids ; but there are slender hairs inside, lining
especially the basal part, bedewed with little shining
drops of liquid, apparently like nectar, but in which
Mr. Darwin could find no trace of crystallization
when dried. This is so much like nectar that it
would easily attract insects. The central body,
termed the column or gymnostegium, is rather short
and is not terminated by the anther as in other
orchids, but the anther is supplemented by a large
shield-like body, slightly notched at the top, and
with a larger notch at the bottom, dividing it into
two ear-like appendages. This is very prominent,
standing in front of the lateral passages, and partly
over the stigma. Anthers two, one on each side of
the style, behind the shield-like body, and midway
in the space occupied by the lateral passages.
Pollen granular, covered with a viscid substance
which is so sticky that it will pull into threads.

120

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

There is a great difference between this pollen
and the pollen of other orchids, in its not being
bound together into masses. The anthers belong to
an inner row, and approach the third row in other
monocotyledonous flowers. Rostellum absent.
Stigmas three, two confluent, rounded on the stig-
matic surface which faces the basal part of the
labellum, presenting the dorsal part to the anthers
immediately above : thus the whole (or nearly so)
part of the stigma capable of being fertilized is
turned directly from the fertilizing agent. The
stigma of other orchids is waxy or glutinous, but in
this case it is simply moistened and roughened,
resembling a rasp on a very fine scale. We can
easily perceive then that the stigma cannot be
fertilized without some foreign agency. Supposing
the pollen to fall, it would only lie on the dorsal
surface of the stigma and there perish; but as far
as we have observed, — and that has been a good
many observations, the pollen does not move of
itself, but remains in its place and perishes with the
flower.

We have drawn the description out longer thau
we intended, but perhaps we shall now more easily
understand the method of fertilization.

Mr. Darwin (whose name is so well known in
connection with this subject, and whose wonderful
investigations have opened our eyes to many import-
ant facts) thought that the fertilization might be
effected by the agency of some insect inserting its
proboscis into one of the lateral passages, and in the
act detaching some or all of the pollen, and iu sending
its proboscis farther down might bring the pollen
against the rounded edge of the stigma ; or if it
went to the front of the flower or another flower, it
might be more easily accomplished by the entrance
to the stigma through the notch in the shield-like
body. This process Mr. Darwin accomplished with
a bristle, and, as he (Mr. Darwin) suggested, it
could be done much more efficiently by an insect.
But if it is possible, we think there is a more
exquisite and simple method than that for securing
either self or cross-fertilization. This method was,
we believe, first predicted by Dr. Gray, and has in
many instances since been confirmed.

It is brought about by the agency of flies or such-
like insects, which are attracted by the apparently
enticing nectar mentioned above. We will then
suppose a fly to alight on the labellum, and, catch-
ing sight of the bedewed hairs, to at once descend
into the labellum by the front entrance, for the pur-
pose of obtaining a free luncheon. Wrhetherit finds
anything satisfactory or not we cannot say ; but,
owing to the curious arrangement, the return may
not be so easy, and the hairs being especially be-
dewed towards the hinder part of the labellum, and
daylight coming in through the two lateral passages,
urges the fly to push its way forward under the
stigma which forms the roof of the passage, to escape

by either of the lateral passages. Thus, scaling the
side of the labellum, the back of its head comes
directly in contact with the anther, and easily
detaches the whole or part of the pollen, which
remains fastened to its head, and away it flies to
another flower (can we imagine the fly would
enter the same flower again ?), entering the same
way ; but in passing the stigma this time, the pollen
comes in contact with its roughened surface, and part
or all of it is left ; thus securing fertilization, uncon-
scious no doubt of the great good done to Cypripe-
dium ; the fly passes out again only to get another
dose of pollen to convey to the stigma of some other
flower; and so on. And we can easily imagine how
self-fertilization may be effected by the insect enter-
ing either of the lateral passages and carrying the
pollen in that way to the stigma. This exquisite
method can be very easily performed by any who
may have the opportunity of doing so, by detaching
the pollen with a finely-sharped pencil and passing
the pencil under the stigma by the front entrance,
leaving the pollen on the stigma. Can there be a
more simple and efficient arrangement imagined?

J. T. Hiches.

AFTER CORMORANTS.

(Phalacrocorax graculus, or cristatus.)

nnHE gentle readers will, I hope, understand that
-*- neither I, nor the young friends whom I am
about to introduce to them, are professed fowlers ;
far from it : we consider it a sin to take away the
life of one of the feathered tribe unnecessarily, con-
tenting ourselves commonly with levelling at them
our binocular. If we occasionally commit the petty
larceny of abstracting an eg? or two from the lot iu
a nest, it is in the cause of science ; or if we have
incited our lithe young friends to scale the rocks
after cormorants and herons, it has only been in
order to enrich the Loamshire Museum. This must
be our excuse— at least mine — on the present occa-
sion. All young men, like my friends P., C, and
A., are either fowlers, fishers, or huntsmen by nature,
and are not commonly put upon their defence for
such matters ; that is if they do not break the law.

There are two islands called Mona in the Irish
Sea, and on the north-east shore of one of them is a
bold promontory stretching out into the sea and
forming the southern shore of a bay, on which is
situated a little town, backed somewhat to the left
by a fine dome-shaped hill, or rather mountain.
Pleasant is the scene when you approach by sea, on
a summer evening, — the sun about to set behind the
high ground. The promontory is then a beautiful
object, corn fields at the top,then a mixture of rocks
and of bright verdure, and below picturesque and
pillared rocks or stacks ; those situated on the south

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GO S SIP

127

•side of the headland being the scene of the follow-
ing narrative : —

Since you ask me for it, I send you an account of
our expedition after Cormorants. There were three
of us. We decided to go ou Thursday, January 14,
which proved a bright frosty moonlight night, with
a slight inshore wind : the moon rose about S p.m.,
and at that hour we started.

We knew the rocks well, and took the most direct
course to a spot immediately above where the birds
roosted. Here we sat down and made our arrange-
ments. We had brought a long stick, somewhat
stronger than a fishing-rod, and to the end of this
we fastened an ordinary noose of fine brass wire. I
had brought a lantern also, that we might examine
any caves and holes in the rocks, into which the
light from the moon could not penetrate. As it
turned out, this lantern proved very troublesome
and of no use whatever ; indeed, I wished more than
once that I had left it at home. When all was ready,
we crept cautiously to the edge of the rocks and
looked over. At first we could see nothing. Pre-
sently, however, A. made a sign and took hold of
his stick : slowly he let it down ; then a sudden jerk
and an old cormorant dropped silently off his ledge
and lazily flew away, looking like an evil spirit, as
his dusky form crossed the bright moonlight track
on the water — then vanished. We were disappointed,
but spoke not a word as we silently picked up our
sticks and quickly and quietly crept away.

We soon came to our next station. A., staff in
hand, leant over the rocks, keeping tight hold of C.
I held C. securely by his other hand, clutched a
bunch of heather that was growing just above me,
and planted my feet firmly in the soft ground.
Slowly again the rod descended, then a piece of the
rock appeared to peel off as a dark form dropped
down and disappeared into the darkness beyond ;
this was followed by another ; then another, and yet
another. The stick was drawn up, and A. explained
in a hurried whisper that he could not see the end
of it. We tore a strip off a white handkerchief
and bound up the under part of the noose ; then he
began again, for so silently had the others departed
that the bird he was trying for still slept undis-
turbed. The rod was now lowered for the third
time ; I clutched C, he tightened his grip on A.,
and there we lay, stretched on the grass, scarce
daring to breathe, with the stars overhead blinking
in astonishment, and the pale moon staring with all
her might, wondering, no doubt, what mad pranks
we were after iu such a strange place at such
a strange time. Suddenly a dab — another, and
a wild swoop in the air after the escaping cor-
morant. Evidently this noose dodge wouldn't
answer. As the bird slept with its head tacked
under its wing, there was nothing to slip the noose
round — besides, the knot wouldn't slip !

We got up now and moved to another spot. We

scrambled down to a ledge of rock, and crawled
along the slippery grass, peering cautiously over the
edge every now and again. At length we caught
sight of a bird on a narrow ledge immediately below
us. We stopped a moment. I wedged myself into
a hole, feeling, like an old hermit crab, with my
hands for claws, gripping C. by his left wrist, as he
with his right hand gripped his brother. Then A.,
in stocking feet, let himself down, and crept cau-
tiously towards the sleeping cormorants. As he
stooped low down, we had all to stretch our utmost,
and I nearly burst out laughing to think of C.'s
uncomfortable position in the middle, with A.'s full
weight on one side, and mine to serve as balance on
the other. At that moment, however, A. made a
sudden grab on the bird nearest him. Then was
heard a heavy flapping motion, as two dark objects
dropped out of the shadow, crossed the silvery
track of the moon, and disappeared again into
deeper shadows beyond ; but there was more
flapping of wings to less purpose, as a third was
held up by its long neck, for A. had succeeded at
last. We got it up, and took care in the first place
to secure its beak by twisting some brass wire
round it. Then C. made a hole in the lining of his
jacket, and we stuffed the beast in head first. It
gave an unearthly croak, which made us laugh.

We sat down now to rest, and A. put on his
boots again.

The descent had not been easy as that of Avernus,
but to regain the top of the rocks certainly was a
toil and a labour. However, we got up somehow,
and moved to another spot, taking with us the stick,
which, however, we didn't intend to use, as it didn't
seem to answer our purpose.

We came at last to a place where the grass grew
to within 12 or 15 Jeet of high water-mark. Here
we went down, and leaving our boots, the lantern,
and the stick, carefully scrambled over the rocks
for some distance. Presently we came to a square
table of rock, over which we peeped, and saw
shining in the cold light of the moon the glossy
black feathers of a dozen or more cormorants.
There they squatted on bits of ledges, not crowding
one another, but sitting two or three on a ledge,
some with their heads buried beneath their wings,
some with outstretched necks swaying slowly to
and fro, their little emerald eyes sparkling in the
light of the moon, and the white streak on their
beaks looking like " a mocking grin." They might
have been spirits of departed sinners brooding over
their lost opportunities of doing ill. They made
one think of Satan, when he

" on the tree of life

Sat like a Cormorant— devising death
To them that lived."

Do cormoranfe perch on trees ? If so, how can
they hold on, having no hind toe ?
While I had been dreamily contemplating their

128

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

fiendish appearance, A. had been looking out for
a good means of approach, and was now making
anxious signs for us to follow him. We formed our
chain once more, and were again successful. The
modus operandi was simply this: — A. would get as
close as possible to the sleeping bird, and stretching
his hand cautiously over it, would seize it by the neck,
the nearer the head the better, to prevent its turn-
ing and biting. This was a much finer bird than
the other, and had a crest which at the time we
thought was merely the feathers that had been dis-
turbed. We had some difficulty in getting the wire

escape, but we did not intend to let him off so
easily, so bound him up again, and tucking him under
my arm we turned our faces homewards, well
pleased with our success.

We put them in an old meat-safe for the night,
and left them, hoarsely expostulating.

Next morning they were croaking loudly. "We
had some difficulty in taking them out of their cage
without hurt to ourselves, as we had taken the
wire off their beaks, and they snapped most savagely
with hideous croaks.

We did get them out, however/and let them run

-,.. -

Fig. 65. Common Cormorant (Phalacrocorai: enrbo).

round its bill, and C. got severely bitten in the
attempt. We hastened back now to the grass and
put on our boots, first securing our last catch,
by wrapping him up in a handkerchief, and tying
his legs ; we then laid him on [his back in a hole in
the rocks and sat around. We stirred up the other,
which was a hen, to see if she were comfortable, and
whether she could breathe with her beak fastened,
and wrapped as she was in a coat. She gave a
strange guttural croaking when disturbed, which
might mean anything. We took it to mean that she
was comfortable and only wished to be left alone.
We laughed and squatted down to enjoy reflection.

Our bird having got its wings free, attempted to

on the lawn with a string to one leg. They did not
attempt to fly, — I suppose they could not get
started off the level plane, — they seemed not a
bit afraid, though they had numerous spectators
around. I tried to feed them with raw meat, but
had to stuff it down their throats ; getting a bite
for my pains. They did not swallow it, but seemed
to put it in a little bag beneath their bills, which I
had not observed before ; when this was full, they
threw it all up again. I gave them a bath, but had
to put them in, and they got out at once ; perhaps
the tub was too shallow for them to dive in ; then
placing them close together, side by side, we upset
the tub of water clean over them ; but, even that
did not seem to please them ; so, letting them first get

HARDWICKE'S SC I ENCE- GOSSIP.

129

dry in the sun, we wrapped them up each in a towel,

bound their beaks, and carried them off. The cock

we gave to a friend who was anxious to tame it : he

managed to feed it on fish and raw meat, and kept

it for a week. Unfortunately, a dog got hold of it

one day and so hurt it that the poor beast died,

for which we were all very sorry. I believe they

are easily tamed, but they eat such a lot — twice

their own weight in a day — and they smell so

strong that they do not make the pbasante of

pets.

The hen we took down to the rocks ; we fastened

one end of a long fishing-line to her leg. We

wanted her to catch us some fish ; but she did not

seem to understand ; at all events she would not

catch any ; finally, we let her go. She knew directly

that she was free, and took a long dive, swimming

straight out to sea. We soon lost sight of her, and

no doubt she found her way back to her old roosting-

place, "a sadder but a wiser " bird.

-« * * * *

These birds were not the common Cormorant, but
the Green Cormorant or Crested Shag(P/ialacrocorr/.v
graculus or P. cristatiis), a smaller bird, but easily
distinguishable by that and its prevailing green
colour. My friends called them scarts, which I
suppose is the Scotch name. We measured them,
and found them to be from the tip of the beak
to the extremity of the tail, 2 ft. 4 in., and across
the wings from tip to tip, 3 ft. 6 in. ; they weighed
about 4 lb.

The bill was hooked at the point of the upper
mandible; the nostrils were slits, running up the
beak. When feeding them, I observed a bare place
under the lower mandible, which seemed to hold the
food, but which was not noticeable except when full
The tail, comprised of twelve feathers, was long and
very stiff ; in both birds the feathers had.the appear-
ance of having been worn round, as though they used
their tails for props when sitting; perhaps, also,
they make use of them in climbing the rocks. The
legs, placed well back, were short and strong ; the
feet webbed; the four toes united by a single
membrane ; the claw of the middle toe serrated,
like that of the Heron, apparently in order that
it may be used in trimming the plumage. The cock
was a glossy green, the wings being beautifully
mottled with brown. The feathers on their backs
had the appearance of fine hair, very close. There
was no white about them, except the curious line on
their beaks. Their eyes were like emeralds, and
when they were angry there were red rings round
them, which made them look very One. Their legs
and feet were dark, those of the cock being almost
black. The hen was browner and coarser-looking
ban the cock. The cock had a fine crest. As this
was in January, it is evidently a mistake to suppose
they are crested only in the breeding season.

Feb. 22nd. — Again to the rocks, but it was too

fine a night ; the water that trickled down there was
frozen, and the frost was so hard that we could not
pass through the grass without making a rustling
noise ; another drawback lay in the tide being low,
the birds being on the low, barnacled rocks, we
could not get at them by land. They seemed wide
awake, as we could hear them fighting and diving
into the water, which was like a sheet of glass,
reflecting myriads of stars. Is it about their
breeding time, that they were so restless ? When
we found the shags " no go," we went after the
herons, and seeing one asleep, we got to within a
couple of yards of it, when some absurd instinct
caused it to untuck its head, though it could not
have heard us ; it must have wakened up by the
merest fluke. Of course it was gone in a moment;
but to our astonishment it was followed by five
others, which we had not seen. One was a magnifi-
cent cock, and A. shot it the following morning, and
the stuffer said it was the finest specimen he had
ever seen. They are up the river now.

March 10M. — We were out again last Saturday,
and caught one of the large cormorants (P. carbo).
It had an abominally strong smell, far worse than
the little green ones, and its plumage was not so
handsome ; the feathers on its back were blue on
the face of them, brown underneath, and a sort of
dirty white where they reached the skin ; I mean
the hair-like covering of its back and breast. It
was fully twice the size of the green shag.

lit/i.— We found the ravens had built their nest,
and lined it with wool. They were flying about all
the time we were there, perching now and then on
an edge of rock, not many yards from us. We have
been watching the falcons (peregrine) lately, and
can form a good idea where they are likely to build;
one place we could easily get at. There are but
two pairs of ravens about here, one at the Head, and
the other at the D — ; and a pair of peregrines at
each place.

April &/i. — A. visited our ravens about a week
ago, and took one egg (there were three, and we
expected that one would be laid afterwards). I
went there a few days ago and there was a stone in
the nest, a piece of rock which had peeled off from
above, and partly crushed one of the eggs The
ravens have built again, and are now sitting. A.
lays traps baited with egg-shells to catch a red-
legged crow, but they have declined to be caught,
so far ; though we have the chance of a " Grip " like
Barnaby lludge's, which loved to cry " No
Popery."

[Since the last addendum was penned (on Good
Friday), one of the young men who took part in the
hunt " After Cormorants," Mr. Alfred Rudd, lost
his life whilst seeking for birds' nests in company
with the writer of the present article. The latter
gentleman had fallen from a height of 120 feet into
the water, and is still lying ill from the effects.

130

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

Mr. Rudd had gone for assistance, and seems to
Lave fallen down a cliff 150 feet high, at [the foot
of which he was picked up dead. Doubtless our
readers saw a notice of this sad event in the public
papers. — Ed. S.-GJ]

THE ORIGIN OP THE PLANT NAMES
OP THE WARREN.

THE following paper was read a short time ago
by the Rev. J. G. Mills, M.A., before the
Polkstone Natural History Society.

The preparation of this subject does not require
that one should be skilled in the science of Botany.
It would have been presumption on my part, after
the brief attention which I have given to its study,
to have attempted to deal with that which requires
long and patient research and labour. 1 have con-
fined myself to the study of words, in the hope of
being able to show that beyond their minute struc-
ture, growth, and organization, flowers possess an
interest even in their names, and thus give additional
charm to our botanical studies. The scientific
study of Botany becomes then blended with other
subjects, such as Philology, History, and Heathen
Mythology ; for when the eye is watering with its
long-continued investigation of the component parts
of the plant, and the patience has been sorely tried
by the perversity and obstinacy of those parts which
refuse to be separated exactly as we wish, a plea-
sant interval might be spent in meditating on the
history or legend connected with the flower ; after
which one might return in a better and a calmer
frame of mind to a renewed scientific investigation.
Of course it will be understood that we do not
touch upon "The Language of Flowers."

Plants have been variously named — some from
the country or locality in which they grow ; as the
Arabis (Rock Cress) from Arabia, the native country
of various species; Iberis (Candy Tuft) from Iberia
(Spain), where many species grow ; Tamarisk, from
the river Tamaris in Spain, upon the banks of which
it grows in profusion ; — others after the name of the
discoverer of the plant ; as, Roemeria, after Roemer,
a German botanist ; Matthiola (Stock), after
Matthiolas, an Italian physician ; Teesdalia, after
Robert Teesdale, a Yorkshire botanist ; and Lobelia,
after Mathias Lobel, a Flemish botanist ; — others
are named from their appearance, as Galanthus
(snowdrop), the milk-flower; Chrysanthemum, from
the golden flowers ; Stellaria and Aster, from the
star-like flowers ; andTrifolium, because of the three
leaflets ;— others are named on account of some pro-
perty which they possess, whether beneficial or
destructive ; as Tussilago, from its use as a cough
medicine ; and Althaea, from its healing, and Deadly
Nightshade from its poisonous properties ;— others

are named on account of their historial association,
as the Pleur-de-lis ; and others on account of their
mythical association, as Daphne, Adonis, and
Dianthus.

I will ask you now to pay several visits with me
in fancy at different periods of the year, to the
happy hunting-ground of the Folkstone botanist,
the Warren, and there to make collections of
flowers. Those flowers which I have already men-
tioned are not all Warren flora. They have been
used by me simply to illustrate the various modes
of nomenclature, and by their non-appearance, with
the exception of the Pleur-de-lis, in the remaining
part of the paper, useless repetition will be avoided.
I have divided the etymology into two parts, His-
torical and Legendary. Under the title " History
of the Names," I shall include those names which
represent the country or locality, the discoverer's
name, appearance, properties, and historical associa-
tions ; and under the title, " Legends of Names,"
those names which are connected with heathen
mythology. Whether this be a correct division or
not will perhaps be decided in the discussion which
will follow.

Let us then first take .the order Ranunculacese.
This order is named from the Ranunculus, one of
the very large family belonging to this order.
Derived from a Latin word ranunculus, a diminutive
of rana, a frog, this order is that of the little frogs.
The name was given to the Ranunculus because it
grew in marshy places, the habitation of the frog ;
but this distinction is not enjoyed by the Ranun-
culus alone; for Cicero, in his "Epistolas ad
Familiares," humorously calls the inhabitants of
Ulubrse, who lived in the vicinity of the Pontine
Marshes, Ranunculi, or the little frogs. He says : —
" Ex qua jam audieram fremitum clientium meorum,
quos quidem tu mihi conciliasti. Nam Ulubris
honoris mei causa vim maxirnam ranunculorum se
commosse constabat. — From which (villa) had I
now heard the shouting of my clients, whom indeed
thou hast won over to me. For at Ulubra, ;for
the sake of my honour, it was clear that they had
stirred up the greatest force or power of the little
frogs." Dr. Ogilvie (editor of the Imperial and
Comprehensive Dictionaries) derives the word from
rana, a frog, and ungula, a claw, from unguis, a
nail ; and gives as its meaning, Frog's Foot or Crow-
foot, a plant and flower. Dr. Prior says it is called
crowfoot from being supposed, from the shape of
its leaf, to be the coronopus or crowfoot of Dios-
corides, who was physician to Antony and Cleopotra,
and who wrote a book upon medicinal herbs.
Clematis is a Greek name, and is derived from the
word klema, a vine twig. It is named because of its
twining leaf-stalks. One common name of Clematis
Vital ba, Traveller's Joy, is very appropriate. It
was given by Gerarde, from " its decking and adorn-
ing waies and hedges where people travel." It

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

131

possesses, however, many other common names,
being known as Virgin's Bower, Lady's Bower,
Old Man's Beard, Hedge Vine, and 'others. With
regard to the name Virgin's Bower there is some
difference of opinion. Eor instance, in Hard-
wicke's Science-Gossip of February, 1SG9, a
writer says, " Virgin's Bower undoubtedly refers to
the Blessed Virgin, and points to the Assumption,"
whilst Dr. Prior, in his "Popular Names of British
Plants," says : " So named by Gerarde, as fitting to
be a bower for maidens, and with allusion perhaps
to Queen Elizabeth, but not, as we might be
tempted to imagine, to the Virgin Mary in a resting
scene on the way to Egypt, the frequent subject of
pictures." I am inclined to agree with the writer
of the article, because the plant is also called
Lady's Bower, and this name, Dr. Prior himself
admits, refers to the Blessed Virgin. The plant
is called Old Man's Beard, from its long feathery
awns, and Smoke Wood, from boys smoking its
porous stalks. The other names, Bind-with, Hedge
Vine, &C-, are self-interpreting.

The Papaveraeese are so called from the Latin
word papaver, a poppy. Papaver rlxeas, the com-
mon Red Poppy, is named from the Greek verb
rheo, to flow or fall, on account of the speedy falling
off of the petals. Papaver sommferum (While
Poppy) is the sleep-bearing or sleep-producing
poppy, so called from its narcotic properties. An-
other of the Papaveracece is Glaucium, of which Glau-
cium luteum (the Yellow-horned Poppy), grows in the
Warren. The word glaukioiii according to Liddell
and Scott, who quote from. Dioscorides, meant the
juice of a plant, like the Horned Poppy. It is
derived from glankos, meaning pale blue or grey.
Dr. Hooker; in his " Student's Flora of the British
Islands," says that the plant was named Glaucium
(blue) from the hue of the plants, the flowers of
which are purple or yellow ; whilst Miss Pratt says
that it is so named from the glaucous or sea-green
hue of its foliage. I should be inclined to think
that the etymology given by Dr. Hooker is the
correct one.

(To be continued?)

THE FLYING SQUIRREL.

(Pteromys rolucella.)

"TXTHEN the last rays of the departing sun gild
» " the leafy tree-tops, or later, it may be, when
Night lets her sable curtain down, and pins it with
a star, out from some hidden hollow in the trees
there comes with a joyous bound our merry-hearted
pet, and reaching the outermost branch of his
home-tree, he literally spreads his wings, and sails
through the quiet air until another tree is reached,
and so, on and on, through the depths of the
forest.

But not alone is he, when thus on his nightly
travels ; another and another of his kin come from
the same retreat, and young and old traverse in like
manner some well-known path, seeking while absent
for their daily food, and then, often late in the
night, coming back by the same route, chattering
like school-girls, as they dart, with marvellous
celerity, from bough to bough.

But they do not now retire for the remainder of
the night ; far from it, for the little tramp they have
had seems only to have stretched their limbs ; and
now, their frolicking among the upper branches of
the trees is really indescribable. It would be hard
enough to give the details of their movements, if
plainly seen in broad day. Such a chance seldom or
never happens, and my own knowledge of what they
can do is derived solely from glimpses of them
during moonlight nights.

When disturbed during the day, they are as stupid
as owls, for a little while ; when, realizing the situa-
tion, off they scamper, with an awkward gait, if on
the ground ; but using their " wings " to good
advantage, if in a tree among trees. From observa-
tions made in this way, I have satisGed myself that
this "flight power" of the Squirrel enables it to
preserve a horizontal position for several feet, before
the downward glide commences ; but the membrane
once expanded, is not moved, I think, until the
animal draws in its feet, to seize the branch it has
reached. A word more concerning this habit of
flying. I have twice met with individuals of this
species that were apparently reversions to the
ancestral non-flying squirrel. The membrane ex-
tending from the fore limbs to the hind limbs, that
acts as " wings," was not developed, and the fore limbs
were somewhat stouter than in the normal condition.
In their movements, these squirrels were more like
the true Sciwiiee; but, being associated with their
own kind, they tried to fly, aud, in reality, executed a
very graceful dive. These two non-flying squirrels
were both adults when captured, and died in a few
days after being caged.

Years of familiar acquaintance with these squirrel s
has not enabled me to detect much in their habits
indicative of intelligence, and it is for this principally
that I look in studying animal life. I feel sorry to
have so poor an account to give of these beautiful
animals, but I am compelled to say it of them — they
are not "smart." Notwithstanding all their vivacity,
when in their native haunts, or in cages, they do
not exhibit by their movements, so far as I could
ever detect, any trace of sociality ; but each, on the
contrary, jumps, runs, flies, and spreads himself in
the air, holding to some small twig by his hind feet,
solely on his own account, quite irrespective of the
movements of his fellows, and apparently unconsciou s
of their proximity. Their utterances, too, are quite
as frequent when they are alone as when asso-
ciated with their own kind ; thus robbing these of

132

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

every trace of similarity to true language, which
the ordinary cries and calls of many mammals and
all birds, I believe, really are. On the other hand,
as already stated, the family keep together for a
year, which seems to contradict the preceding re-
marks; but it must be borne in mind, that as these
animals arc nocturnal in their habits, it is very
difficult to accurately and unquestionably determine
what precisely is the routine of their daily life. I
have long noticed, however, that while associated

Like true squirrels, these too gather up a goodly
store of acorns and small nuts, which they hide in
the hollow of some tall tree, always, for their winter
use. Occasionally, during the winter, they bestir
themselves, and enjoy a meal, and sometimes ven-
ture more, even with the ground covered with snow,
for I have caught more than one in box traps set
for rabbits.

Except that occasionally they stray into stables
and other out-buildings, their home is in the high

Fig. tti. Flying Squirrel [Pteromys voluce'h).

they act wholly independently, and when a pair is
caged, the survivor shows no indication of sorrow
at the death of his mate. The very opposite of
all this is the case with both the common chip-
muck (see Science-Gossip for February, 1S75)
and our grey squirrel, and I am told, also with the
little red squirrel (Sciurus hudsonius).

When the night is well-nigh gone, these tireless
flying squirrels cease their incessant exercisings, as
their movements seem to have been, and seeking
their nest, one by one they disappear, and roll them-
selves into balls at the bottom of the nest, making
use of their tails for both coverlid and pillow. Thus
stowed away to their satisfaction, they pass from
twelve to sixteen hours in profound slumber.

woods, and there alone they truly are at home.
Unlike our grey squirrel, they are not content to
put up with saplings and tangled under-brush, when
once the " primitive growth " is cut off. That gone,
and our pretty, active, but " dull " flying squirrels,
too, are gone.

Charles C. Abbott, M.D.
Prospect Hill, Trenton, New Jersey.

"The task which geologists Lave to perform is
not unlike that of writing the history of a forgotten
nation from fragmentay inscriptions in an unknown
character and language, and it has to be done in
somewhat the same \ix$"—Bonney's " Manual of
Elementary Geology"

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

133

AMONGST THE CLEARW1NGS.

rpHOSE British moths, known popularly by the
•*■ name of " Clearwings," and belonging to the
section of the Lepidoptera called the Sesidse,
constitute a distinct, singular, and for several
reasons, a highly-interesting group. In their
general appearance they bear a marked resem-
blance to bees, wasps, or flics, belonging to +he

Fig. 67. Fiery Clear wing
(Sesia chrysidiformis).

fie-. fi8. Orange-tailed Clear,
wing (Sesia andremfurmis) .

orders Hymenoptera, or Diptera ; though not, in
all cases, like those we should expect from a
consideration of the scientific or vernacular name,
which occasionally indicates a fanciful imagination

Fig. 69. Currant Clearwing
(Sesia tipulifurmis).

Fig. 71). Yellow-legged Clear-
wing (Sesia cynipi/ormis).

on the part of the giver. But each and all, without
exception, are unmoth-like externally ; it is only by
a closer investigation and the knowledge of their real
structure and actual transformations, that we can

Fij. 71. Welsh Clearwing Fig. 72. Large Red-belted Clear-
(Sesta scutiiefunitis). wing (Sesia culicformis) .

rank them amongst the moths ; forming part,
according to Linnseus, of the genus Sphinx, and
included by him amongst the twilight-fliers,
though that is far from being their general charac-
teristic. Now, by more recent entomological
authors, these transparent-winged moths are
massed together, with a host of species most
different in size, contour, and habit, in the large
division named Noctumi, thanks to M. Guenee,
who, if he has, in verification of the old proverb,
failed to get due honour in his own land, has
certainly had an abundant share of it here.
I scarcely suppose that the most ardent advocate

of rapid evolution, as a means of the production
of species, would be inclined to assert that these
moths took their origin from aberrant individuals
of the respective bees or flies they may be held
to represent, or vice versa. It would be conceded
that there must have been many steps or stages

Fig. 73. Six-belted Clearwing
(Sesia irhneuriionifurmis).

Fig. 74. White-barred Clear-
wing (Sesia sphegifurmis).

between the two ; and, therefore, even on the
Darwinian hypothesis, we have not much help
given us towards the explanation of the circum-
stance, that species belonging to such very different

Fig. 75. Kefl-belted Clearwing
(Sesia myopcefurmis).

Fig. 76. Red-tipped Clear,
wing (Sesia formicceformis.

orders appear so nearly alike. Some may say —
some have said — that in this resemblance there
is nothing worthy of being noted; it is but a freak
of nature, a fanciful imitation of as little conse-

Fig. 77. Hornet Clearwing of the Poplar (Sesia apiformis).

Fig. 78. Hornet Clearwing of the Osier (Sesia bembeciformis).

quence as, for example, the likeness discernible
in the pattern on the wings of some butterflies
to the tracery in the flowers of the fritillary lily.
But I hardly venture to speak with positiveness ;
there is a slight plausibility in the theory pro-

134

HARDWICKE'S SC1E N CE-GO SS 1 P.

pounded by others, who think that, in some cases
at least, the resemblance may be protective, that
is to say, the Hornet Clearwing may escape certain
of its foes because it looks like the real hornet,
a dangerous insect to tackle. True, on the other
side, it might also be urged that the resemblance
might be a helpful resemblance to the carnivorous
hornet ; enabling that insect to steal upon other
insects as in the guise of a harmless moth ! And
with regard to the Clearwings, which so nearly
approximate in appearance to flies, it can scarcely
be averred that the moths are not in as much clanger
of being snapped up by a bird or insect foe when
thus resembling flies, as if they assumed the general
aspect of their brethren. That one may be mistaken
for the other on the wing I have abundant evidence,
as I have noticed a fly, a species of Asilus, I pre-
sume, that is particularly busy in gardens just at
the period when the Currant Clearwing {S. tipuli-
formis) comes forth, and which in appearance and
flight is similar, so as to deceive the observer.
Probably, the exceeding rarity of several of the
Clearwings is due to this ; they are passed as flies
by the entomologist, and some of them are scarcely
ever seen to alight, for when on the wing they pass
quickly from flower to [flower, and when they do
settle, it is in a place of concealment. The species
above named, and one or two others, are less timid,
and will settle on leaves in full view.

" Nocturni," so far as these species are con-
cerned, is not a happy designation, for though
specimens have now and tben been taken at sugar
or flowers in the twilight, or later, their natural
time of flight is the day, aud they prefer sunshine
to dulness. Some species evidently are of sluggish
habit; our Hyde Park friend, S. cynipiformis, is
one not given to aerial excursions, aud I do not
believe the floral displays made in other parts of
the park succeed in tempting the insect from
its rather quiet habitat on the banks of the
Serpentine. June and July, it should be noted,
seem the months for the emergence of the perfect
insects of all the British Clearwings, and the flight,
as perceivable in the case of the commoner species,
lasts about a fortnight. Not that, as I think,
individuals live as long as that, but they appear
to come out in succession. Years ago (and it may
be so still) there used to be a keen competition
amongst the lads belonging to some dealers in
insects, who would be first on the spot to " collar "
the species referred to above, for the moths had
a fancy to quit the pupa at early morn, and as soon
as their wings were dry they very judiciously crept
down, and hid in the long grass. Hence this
species may often be sought and not found, though
you may feel sure it is about ; and even more hope-
less often is the search for S.formica>formis in an
osier plantation ; where you may beat, and beat, and
beat in vain. Collectors, wise in their generation,
carefully seek for the full-grown larva} of these and

other species in April or May, and for the pupa;
a little farther on, and take Iheir chance of rearing
them. The duration of the caterpillar state is
variable ; in some of the species there is no doubt
that .the larva;, hatched in one autumn, live through
the next winter, and the one succeeding, so that the
round of existence occupies two years. Several
entomologists have observed this fact in the instance .
of S. apiformis ; and I have myself found, in the
early autumn, larva? of S. tipuliformis, of such pro-
portions as to preclude the idea that they had been
hatched during that summer. What is thus ascer-
tained about one gives us a clue to the history of
its allies ; but yet it is possible, that even in a
single species the economy varies from year to
year, and that in some seasons a part, or the whole
of a brocd, may come out in the next year after the
larvae hatched out. We arc still much in want of
information as to how mining larva; are affected by
changes of temperature, and by dry or damp seasons.
But, however, we may venture on the general con-
clusion, that what is conducive to the vigour of the
plant an insect makes its habitat, that is also help-
ful to the insect.

All these larva;, as I have hinted, live unseen,
and therefore they are best known by their results ;
when reaching the pupa condition, in some cases
the insect is exposed to view, owing to its coming
to the surface of the substance in which it has been
reared, though usually the pupa contrives to have
a slight protective film of wood or bark. Hence, a
moiety of them are doubtless picked up by hungry
birds, always on the outlook for anything in insect
shape on the trunks or branches of trees that has
not the power of runniug away. Yet these pupa;
have the ability to move to some extent, as they
can wriggle up aud down the mines or passages
which the larva; have made, by the help of a series
of recurved hooks or points runniug along the
segments. From their mode of life, it is obvious
that these larva; — which in their maggot-like form
and hue do not remind us of lepidopterous larva?
— must be considered, on the whole, no friends to
vegetation. Of S. apifonnis, it has been strenu-
ously asserted that it only attacks poplars that are
in an unhealthy condition, therefore it may be
called a scavenger rather than a destroyer ; and
possibly this may be true of the species akin to
that which feeds in the osier (S. bembeciformis),
and of one or two more, certainly not of the majo-
rity. There have been those who have endeavoured
to show that the Currant and the Bed-belted Clear-
wings do no harm to currant-bushes, or to apple
and pear-trees, and I grant that occasionally there
may be an increase aud not a diminution in the
quantity of fruit borne. But as in the case of
stimuli resorted to by the human subject, the ulti-
mate result of these efforts to keep up the vitality
is a marked depression, and the issue of the

HARD WICK E'S SCIENCE- COS SIP.

135

operations of these internal enemies is the death
of the branches or shoots attacked, or even that of
the shrub, as seen not uniVequently in the currant
of our gardens.

There are fourteen British species of the genus,
and it is noteworthy that no less than nine either
have been or are now taken near the metropolis, or
in those counties approximating to London, and
hence furnishing favourite spots to London col-
lectors. This fact suggests that were the whole
of Britain as well worked by the entomologist as
are the home counties, fresh species would turn up.
Though not to be compared in size with others of
the Sphinx tribe, the Hornet Clearwings appear
amongst their brother Sesire like giants in the midst
of pigmies. Of the two, S. apijormis is the com-
moner, and it is remarkable for making choice, in
some instances, of very small twigs of the poplar.
S. bemieniformis mixes in the stems of osiers and
the solid wood of willows and sallows, and it has
occurred on some of the aits or islets of the Thames
near London. Mr. Stainton calls the flight of these
species sluggish ; bat if the day is brilliant, they will
proceed with some rapidity, though not with the
sound the hornet is said to make usually. The
Currant Clearwing (S. tipuliformis) is only too
plentiful about London suburbs and in many other
districts; the Red-belted Clearwing (S. mnopm-
formis), rather less frequent, is found north and
south of the metropolis, and has sometimes swarmed
in the orchai'ds of Surrey, near Putney and Barnes.
The Hyde Parker (S. cynipiformis) has already been
referred to ; it is also taken in Kent and Essex. By
their diligent researches into the birch and alder
stumps in the hope of obtaining the large Red-
belted (S. culiciformis), and the White-barred
Clearwing (S. sphegiformis), collectors often awaken
the wrath of the keepers ; rarely, however, are they
rewarded by the discovery of the latter insect. The
former is not uncommon in several woods near
London where birches abound. The Orange-tailed
Clearwing (S. andreniformis), a very pretty and
striking species, the transformations of which are
unknown, has been taken in places as remote as
Greenhithe, in Kent, and Market Harborough, but
only singly. The larva of the Six-belted Clearwing
(S. ichneumoniformis) lives in the stems of the
Stinking Hellebore (FI. fcetidus), and was at one
time taken tolerably freely in sandpits at Charlton,
until the destruction of the food-plants extin-
guished the insects, and the species must now be
sought further a-field, being necessarily limited
by the range of its peculiar pabulum. The Fiery
Clearwing (S. chrysidiformis) had been captured in
the imago state some years at Folkstone before
the larvae were discovered there at the " Warren,"
feeding on the roots of dock and sorrel ; nor is any
other locality known to produce it. In osier and
willow beds the larva of the Red-tipped Clear-

wing (S.formicteformis) is sometimes plentiful where
it occurs, and also associated with various places
near London. It need only be added that the re-
maining three species are of great rarity ; namely,
S. scoliceformis, asiliformis, and muscceformis .- the
first and last have been taken in Wales, the other
once or twice in the vicinity of London.

MICROSCOPY.

Buttek, Globules in Milk. — It is probable
that many amateur microscopists are not aware that
butter globules can be seen in milk immediately
on its leaving the cow. A drop of milk examined
with a pretty high power shows many thousands of
the globules floating about in the fluid. These are
rather lighter than the fluid itself, and they gradu-
ally rise to the top, forming cream. After being
clashed against each other for a time (or churned, as
the term is), they adhere together, and we have
butter. An attempt was once made to puzzle me
by an incredulous hearer of mine by bringing me
buttermilk as milk for examination. I immediately
detected the fraud, and declared the true name of
the fluid. The fact was that nearly all the butter
globules were absent. I have lately succeeded in'
mounting these globules as dry objects, and the
operation is very simple. I place on some ten or
twelve slides drops of milk, and cover them with
thin glass covers, as if for examination, and I leave
them for a few days to dry. By this time the fluid
has evaporated and left the butter globules behind,
and out of the lot I have found about three slides
sufficiently good for permanent use, sometimes even
more. — /. Brittain.

Parasitical Vorticellje on Cyclops. — As the
above appears to be a very rare, if not quite un-
equalled phenomenon, it may perhaps interest some
of your microscopical readers to hear more about it.
I was intending to mount in glycerine jelly a speci-
men of Cyclops quadricornis, and preparatory to
doing so, had placed one with a very small quantity
of water upon a glass slide, when, to my great
astonishment, I perceived attached to one of its
antennas a bunch of small objects, which at a second
glance proved to be vortieella). There were about
fourteen individual vorticellae, all of which appeared
to spring from about the same point, although each
bell possessed a separate stalk. Although in many
respects this resembles the Vortieella nebulifera
(described by Dr. Carpenter, p. 477, fig. 196), it is
evidently an entirely different species, as it does not
possess the characteristic contractile stalk. In spite
of this, however, the animals appeared to be living
very hpppily together, creating wonderful currents
in the water, and treating with apparent indifference
the extraordinary movements of their living host.
Can any of your readers tell me if I am right in

136

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIT.

believing this to be the Epistylis parasitica ? to which
belief I am led by its close resemblance to E. pit-
catilis, of which a plate may be found in Ann. $r
Mag. Nat. Hist., s.4, vol. ix. pi. 16, fig. L—H.E.P.,
Long Eaton.

A New Oblique Light Illuminator. — The
utility of a more or less oblique pencil of light has
long been recognized by those who use the higher
power of the microscope. The instruments con-
trived for obtaining this have been various,
and many of them very complicated and expen-
sive, and, so far as my owu experience goes, none
of them have produced a more effective oblique ray
than can be obtained by a mirror on a separate
stand, or the lamp placed at an angle with the axis
of the microscope. The Rev. J. Bramhall, of
Lynn, has called my attention to the following
arrangment, and asks if it is new, which, so far as I
am aware, it is. The subjoined diagram will enable

Fig. 79. The Bramhall Oblique Illuminator.

any one possessing the slightest mechanical ability
to manufacture one of these illuminators without
difficulty, a is a piece of wood 3? inches in length,
1J inch in breadth, and -^ of an inch thick; the
central perforation b is | of an inch in diameter, in
which is placed a silvered disk of glass or metal, c,
the face of which should be not less than § of an
inch below the upper surface of the wood, d, a ledge
for the slide to rest against. We will now describe
the method of using it, premising that a light of
considerable obliquity is required. The wooden
stage, with its mirror, is placed on the stage of the
microscope, and the lamp elevated some 3 or -1
inches above it, and a beam of light condensed upon
the mirror by means of a "bull's-eye." I need
scarcely observe that the obliquity of the reflected
beam depends upon the angle at which the ray
impinges on the mirror. The objectives with which
the illuminator was tested were a J of Baker's,
made many years ago, but a very good glass, and a
"Beneche No. 7," using the following objects as
tests •—Navicula rhomboides, N. cuspidata, N. pere-
grina, N. rosiellum, Synedra robusta, Nitzschia
sigmoidea, N. sigma (the finely-marked variety called
by Moller N. curvula), and Lepidocyrtis curvicollis.
The I resolved the transverse striae of N. rhom-
boides, which it had not done before ; the longitu-
dinal strise on N. cuspidata shown very sharp and
distinct, as were also the transverse striae on

r costae of N. peregrina and S. robusta. The
beautiful curved striae on N. rostellum wee better
shown than I have ever before seen them. N.
sigmoidea. — The striae resolved with as much ease
as those on Pleurosigmaa angulatum. with a \.
N. sigma as difficult as N. rhomboides. The
" Beneche " resolved N. sigmoidea, N. rostellum,
N. peregrina, and S. robusta. The podura scale
was shown well, but not better than by a less
oblique ray. The mirror would probably be more
effective if mounted so as to slide up or down in
the substage tube;* but this, of course, would be
more expensive. It is desirable that the cover
should not be attached to the slide with the usual
black varnish, but with " dammar," or some similar
transparent cement. Mr. Baker, of 244, High Hol-
born, London, has undertaken to supply both kinds
of the " Bramhall oblique illuminator."—^. K.

SOIREE OF THE ROYAL MICROSCOPICAL SoCIETJT.

—On Eriday, April 21st, a large soiree was given in
the apartments of King's College, by the President
of the Royal Microscopical Society, to the Eellows.
Invitations were issued for above 1,500, including
the whole of the Eellows of the Royal Microscopical
Society, and all the distinguished foreigners now in
London as Commissioners from the various Foreign
Governments to the Exhibition of Scientific Appa-
ratus at South Kensington. After having been
received by the President (Mr. Sorby), the visitors
passed into the various rooms of the College, in which
were exhibited many objects connected with micro-
scopical science. Amongst the new instruments may
be mentioned Mr. Sorby 's arrangement for accurately
measuring the wave-length of the centre of absorp-
tion-bands in spectra ; a new form of Stephenson's
erecting binocular microscope, by Mr. Bevington,
and another by Mr. Browning, of somewhat different
construction. Mr. Browning also exhibited his new
portable microscope, which is soconstructed that the
body can be turned on one side, and reversed in such
a manner as to reduce the height to about one-half.
The President also exhibited a large series of speci-
mens illustrating his own special subjects, shown by
means of fifty microscopes, lent to him by four of
the principal makers in London (Becks, Browning,
Crouch, and Ross) ; and about 150 first-rate instru-
ments and objects were contributed by the fellows
of the society and other friends. These were so
distributed over the large apartments of the College
as to avoid crowding in any part. Almost every
branch of science to which the microscope has been
applied was represented. Many very interesting
living objects were sent direct from the Brighton

* Further experiments prove this to be the case. Atecond
and smaller bull's-eje, placed as close as practicable to the
stage, in order to further condense the light, is desirable.
With sunlight the resolving power of the objective is greatly
increased.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GO SSIP.

137

Aquarium and elsewhere. In the lecture theatre
were exhibited Dr. Hudson's drawings of micro-
scopic objects shown in a new manner as transpa-
rencies ; Mr. Spottiswoode's splendid polarizing
apparatus, and various objects shown with the
oxyhydrogen microscope by How & Co. One of
the most satisfactory results of the soiree is the
great impression produced by it on the foreign
scientific men, who appear to have been greatly
surprised at the extent and nature of the gathering.

Markings ox Suiurella Gemmae. — Would
any correspondent, of yours inform me how to treat
a slide of Surirella Gemma (dry-mounted for a ■S1T),
so as to bring out the markings given in Dr. Car-
penter's book on the Microscope, fifth ed. p. 214?
I have failed with Beck's T'5 imm., but suspect
that the failure arises rather from a defective mode
of illumination than from want of magnifying power.
— Isabella L. Bird.

Varnish for Glycerine Mounts.— I should
feel greatly obliged if some microscopical reader of
SciENCE-GossiPcould tell me of some trusty varnish
for finishing off slides mounted in glycerine. I know
of several, but they would have to be made at home,
and 1 want to buy ready-made at a shop, so that it
could be applied at once. Many valuable slides in
my cabinet have been destroyed through the varnish
I have used in finishing having " run in." — Charles
William*, RecHand.

ZOOLOGY.

Hatching Silkworms' Eggs. — The silkworm
{Bombyx mori) is a native of China. Like other
Lepidoptera, the silkworm lays eggs (which are
nearly round, and rather less than a mustard-
seed), and exists in the three usual states. In
April the eggs should be exposed to the heat of the
sun, and they will begin to hatch ; they should be
placed in cardboard boxes, covered over at the top
with a net. At birth, the larva is about one-third
of an inch in length. Its colour for the first ten
days is generally a bluish- black, afterwards a bluish-
white, and when ready to spin, a semi-transparent
yellow colour, like a ripe white grape. The time
occupied during the larva state is about thirty days,
or may be extended to forty-five by varying the
temperature of the cocoonery. As soon as hatched,
they should be fed on lettuce-leaves until they begin
to get large, when they must be fed entirely on
mulberry-leaves. When ready to spin, they raise
their heads, and a portion of their bodies, moving
them about as if in search of something, until they
find a suitable place for the construction of the
cocoon. This they perform by attaching the slender
silk filament at various points ; and, then by a
rotary motion of the head, spinning the silky thread

around them, until completely hidden from view.
Count Dandolo estimated the length of this thrtad
at about six hundred and twenty yards. In two or
three days, the cocoon will be completed, and the
insect will have undergone its first metamorphosis,
and entered the chrysalis state ; in eight days the
cocoons may be gathered. The chrysalis, when not
destroyed, requires a period of from fifteen to
twenty days before undergoing the second meta-
morphosis, when the moth makes its appearance,
forcing its way through the cocoon, breaking the
slender threads of silk ; thus diminishing, if not
destroying its value. The males first appear, and
are readily recognized, as they are smaller than the
females, move about more briskly, keeping their
wings in a continual flutter without flying. The
moths eat nothing, and live but a few days, during
which time the female deposits her eggs, to the
number of about five hundred, which should be put
into a dry drawer, until the following spring, when
they will require the same attention as before. —
Joseph G. Henderson.

The Silvery Hair-tail {Trichiurus lepturus)
found in the Moray Eirth at Banff. — On
April 3rd a mutilated specimen of the above rare
fish was found by some boys in the sea amongst the
rocks near our harbour. When taken out of the
water, the tail and a portion of that part of the body
was found to be wanting, and the dorsal fin, except
a few of the rays, was completely gone, as also the
pectorals. The head likewise was considerably
damaged. In length, although thus broken, it
measured IO5 feet ; in breadth, about the middle,
about 1 foot; and in thickness from 2 to 2j inches.
When entire, this example must have been over 12
feet in length. Its appearance, notwithstanding
that it had been dead and tossed about some time,
was like that of a long sheet of highly-burnished
silver. — Thomas Edwards, Banff.

Capture of Cynthia Huntera in England.
— Mr. Lovek in's inquiry in your Eebruary number
in reference to the reported capture of this species
in England, induces me to inquire whether there is
any record of its capture there at anytime previous?
The close resemblance of Huntera to Cardui may
easily mislead any one not acquainted with both so-
called species. My opinion is that they are mere
varieties, Huntera being the more common of the
two in this vicinity. Large eye-spots near the
margin of the underside of the secondaries is the
distinctive mark of Huntera, those in Cardui being
small : but a large series of Huntera would show
spcts of many different sizes. Some year or two
since I obtained from Ohio a very remarkable
variety of Huntera, differing from the type, inas-
much as that the primaries were of a very dark
brown, nearly black, with the exception of a rather
large discal patch of the ordinary orange-colour, a

133

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

black conical spot projecting from the costal margin
to near the inner angle of the discal cell. I hope
to see this remarkable variety figured in Strecker's
admirable work now in course of publication. I
shall be glad to send Huntera to auy of your readers
who may wish to verify that species. — W. V. An-
drews, Brooklyn, New York.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE NATURALISTS' SOCIETY AND

Eield Club. — A long-felt want has at length been
remedied by the formation of the above society,
under the presidency of Lord Lilford, Mr. C. Jecks
secretary, and a committee consisting of the Rev.
S. J. W. Sanders, Rev. G. Nicholson, Rev. R. S.
Holmes, and Messrs. S. Dadford, G. C. Druce, E.
Durham, — Storey, and G. Osborne. During the
four summer months as many field excursions will be
made, and a monthly meeting during the remainder
of the year will be devoted to the reading of papers
and exhibition of objects and specimens. Already
the society has about seventy members, and the
opening meeting, when Lord Lilford delivered the
inaugural address, was held on April 21, 1S76. It
is trusted that the natural history of Northampton-
shire, which has for a long time been neglected,
will by the help of this society be thoroughly ex-
plored.

"Collecting and Preserving." — Our position
with reference to this attractive-looking little
volume prevents us doing other than drawing atten-
tion to the fact that it has just been published by
Hardwicke & Bogue, 192, Piccadilly. It consists of
a collection of articles by experts on the collecting
and preserving of all kinds of natural-history objects,
and we hope it will prove of that value to young
students it was originally intended the articles
should have.

A Rare Eoreigner. — At a recent meeting of
the Zoological Society of London, Mr. G. Dawson
Rowley exhibited and made remarks on a specimen
of Machcerirhynchus nigripectus, a New Guinea bird,
which is believed to be the first specimen that has
yet reached this country. At the same meeting
Mr. Osbert Salvin exhibited and made some remarks
on a piece of a trunk of a pine, from Guatemala,
which had been perforated by a woodpecker {Melon-
erpes formicivorus), for the purpose of storing
acorns.

Lankester's " Practical Physiology."— This
most useful and trustworthy little book, published
at 192, Piccadilly, has now reached the sixth edition.
We should be glad to see it reach the sixtieth, in
order that the knowledge of the human frame and
functions therein so simply described might be in
the. possession of every man and woman in Great
Britain.

BOTANY.

Veronica Buxbatjmii, Ten., has been so pro-
minent before me during the whole of the incle-
ment winter that I cannot resist sending you a few
notes upon it. My whole farm is full of it, and its
grand bright blue flowers have shone forth with the
sunshine on every bright day all through the winter.
It principally affects our arable fields, in which the
V. agrestis is a comparatively rare form ; but it seldom
occurs in the gardens, where, however, the V. agres-
tis is much more frequent. There is also met with
here what I might term a modified form- of V. Bux-
baumii with larger flowers and foliage than the
agrestis, and yet not so large as the Buxbaum's
Speedwell, as figured so well in the new edition of
"English Botany." It is possible that this is a
hybrid between the two. It seems clear to me that
the introduction of the newer agrarian weed is
gradually driving out the older one. The V. Bux-
baumii is not mentioned in Sir J. E. Smith's second
edition of the "English Mora," and now it is found
tracking artificial pasturage everywhere, being
doubtless introduced in foreign agricultural seeds. —
/. Buckman, Bradford Abbas.

Oldham Microscopical Society and Eield
Club. — Mr. J. Nield brought to a close the winter
series of the papers of this vigorous society by
reading his " Notes of a Highland Tour in Quest
of Alpine Plants." A number of Alpine plants
— cryptogamic and phsenogamic — were laid on the
table. These plants are of great interest for
their bearing on the geologic history of the country,
being the remains of a flora which, in the remote
past, was more generelly diffused over the land.
They are, more strictly speaking, the outliers of the
flora of Scandinavia than that of the British isles.
Mr. Nield and his companions left home on Satur-
day, July 12th. Eor the first few days they made
their home at the head of Loch Tay, afterwards
removing to the foot of Ben Lawers, and about
eight miles from Killin, on the Kenmore road.
From these'points the principal mountains of the
Breadalbaue group — Maei Ghyrdie, Craig Challiach,
the Tarmichan, Craig na Gower, and Ben Lawers —
were climbed in succession, and some of the rarest
plants in Great Britain were gathered. The follow-
ing is a list of the plants collected on the Ben
Lawers group of mountains: — Flowering Plants:
Myrica gale, Viola amoena, Habenaria bifolia, H.
chlorautha, H. albida, Gymnadenia conopsea,
Veronica scutellata, V. saxatilis, V. humifusa,
Gentiana nivalis, G. campestris, Saussuria alpina,
Epilobium alpinum, E. alsinifolium, . Potentilla
alpestris, Saxifraga nivalis, S. stellaris, S. opposi-
tifolia, S. cernua, S. azoides, Gnaphalium supinum,
Tofieldia palustris, Thalictrum alpinum, Draba
incana, D. rupestris, Csrastium alpinum, Vicia

IIARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

V.\{)

sylvatica, Salix herbacea, S. reticulata, Arenaria
verna, A. rubella, Dryas octopetala, Vaccinium
uliginosum, Myosotis alpestris, Sibbaldia pro-
cumbens, Sedum villosum, Cherleria sedoides,
Alchemilla alpina. — Grasses: Sesleria cserulea,
Poa alpina. — Cariccs : Carex fulva, C. palesceus,
C. curta, C. rigida, C. pauciflora, C. capillaris,
C. ampulacea, Kobresia caricina. — Rushes .• Juncus
triglumis, G. trilidus, Luzula spicata.— Ferns :
Asplenium tricbomanes, A. viride, Aspidium
Loncbitis, Woodsia byperborea. — Mosses : Grimmia
maritiina, G. torta, G. spiralis, Ortbotricburu
Drummondii, O. Brucbii, O. stramineum, O.
Ludwigii, 0. crispum, O. Lyellii, Hypuum splen-
dens, H. loreum, H. crista-castrensis, H. anuulo-
sum, H. falcatum, II. sarmentosum, H. pulcbellum,
Bryurn alpinum, 13. elongatum, B. Zierii, B.
san<mineum,01igofrichum bercynicum, Pterigonium
filiforme, Arctoa fulvella, Conostomum boreale,
Diphyscium foliosum, Physeomitrium ericitorium,
Dicranum Stark ii, D. Blythii, D. fulcatum, Aulo-
comnium palustris, Splachnum vasculosum, Tetra-
plodon mnioides, Zygodon laponnicus, Stylostigium
csespiticium, Blindia acuta, Racomitrium lanu-
ginosum.

'■* Botany op the Black Country.— It is
generally supposed that tbe "black country" is
a dark, dreary district, with nothing but coal-
pits, forges, snnoke, and chimney-stacks, and
botanically, a place without interest. The follow-
ing imperfect sketch of its flora may not, therefore,
be uninteresting to some of your roaders. Of all
places hereabout, Dudley Castle and the Wren's
Nest Hill are perhaps the most pleasantly situated
and most interesting, more particularly from a
geological point of view, as they are abundantly
rich in trilobites and other Silurian fossils. Botani-
cally, they are not rich in rare specimens, but have,
nevertheless, an abundance and variety of vegeta-
tion, the old ruins being covered with tbe common
wall-flower {Cheiranthus Cheiri), with here and there
a specimen of Echium vulgare, and on the castle
tower the graceful Linaria Cymbal aria (no doubt
originally introduced), which has been very plentiful,
although decimated of late by visitors. On various
parts of the hills may be found the pretty little
Poly gala vulgaris, Sanicula europaa, Cornus
sanguinea, Picris hiemcioides, Tussilago Petasites,
Lactuca muralis, Atrcpa Belladonna, Arum macula-
turn, Carex acuta; beneath the trees a great pro-
fusion of Mercurialis perennis, and a fewrspecimens
of Lathrcea squamaria ; besides several plants
peculiar to, or more frequent in, limestone districts ;
as Carlina vulgaris, Carduus eriophorus, C. nutans,
and Plantago media, in considerable numbers. The
pit-banks and "swags" caused by mining, which
present so dreary and deserted an aspect to the
casual observer, are to the botanist very interesting,

being rich in vegetable life ;*the hanks producing
Sisymbrium officinale, Reseda luteola, Genista
tinctoria, Potentilla procumhens, Conium maculatum,
Matricaria Chamomilla, Erigeron acris, various
Senecios, Linaria vulgaris, Arctium Lappa, and many
other species of Crucifers, Cloveworts, and
Composites : and tbe " swags," Ranunculus
aquatilis, R. sceleratus, and R. Flammula, Pota-
mogeton nutans, P. crispus, and P. pectinatus,
Barbarea vulgaris, Nasturtium palustre, Myrio-
phyllnm, llel osciadium nodiflorum, Bidens cernua,
and B. tripartita, Ceratophyllum demersum, tbe
common water-pest Anacharis alsinastrum, several
varieties of Juncus, Carex, and Scirpus, Sparganium
ramosum, Equisetum, and Chara ; and are full of
interest for the microscopist, being loaded with
Diatoms, Desmids, Rotifers, &c. If we stroll the
semi-country lanes, we see here the hedgerows
covered with the stems of Hunmlus lupulus,
Bryonia clioica, and Convolvulus septum, or black
with the leaves of Tamus communis, and the ditches
filled with Caltha palustris, Senecio erucifolius, and
S. aquaticus, Inula dysenterica, and /. Conyza,
Mentha aquatica, Dipsacus pilosus, and Polygonum
Bislorta, aud redolent with the odour of Spiraea;
there the banks bright with the flowers of Galium
Mollugo , and other Stellates, Lactuca muralis,
Solanum nigrum, Verbascum Thapsus, and with the
graceful leaves of Sanguisorba, or the corn-fields
studded with Thlaspi arvense, Cameiina sativa,
jEthusa Cynapium, Chrysanthemum segetum, Cicho-
rium Intybns, and other weeds of cultivation. In
the woods and dells we have the pretty Lysi-
machia nemorum for a carpet, with Hypericum
dubium, &c, Adoxa moschatellind, Lamium galeob-
dolon, and Convolvulus minor ; aid in and near
the streams Nuphar lutea, Nasturtium amphibium,
Eupatorium cannabinum, and Sagiiiaria sagittifolia.
This short sketch gives an idea of the number of
species to be found in tbe district. There is still
a wide field for research, and ample scope for the
student. — W. Bradley, Dudley.

Gagea lutea and other Plants in North-
amptonshire. — Some three years ago I was
shown a plant of Gagea lutea which had been
gathered in the county, but which, after diligent
search, I was unable to find. Last year I was
rewarded by finding the leaf, and this year the
plant itself, though rather past flowering. It
occurs but very sparingly on an old shady hedge-
bank, where it is almost choked by a rank growth
of Mercurialis, hyacinth, and little adoxa. The
Gagea, though rather widely distributed, is, I think,
a plant seldom found in England. From tbe great
length of Northamptonshire, nearly seventy miles,
a thorough investigation by one individual is almost
out of the question ; but by the aid of our newly-
started Naturalist Society we hope to make a

140

HABDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

pretty complete list. I have personally found
about 620 plants in the county, and there exist
notices relative to the occurrence of about ninety
others, many of which I am afraid are now extinct.
Among the most interesting plants may be men-
tioned the Cotyledon umbilicus, which still covers in
great profusion every wall in and about Litch-
borough ; Atropa Belladonna, which may be found
quite wild in Bedford Purlieus ; where also may be
gathered Convallaria majalis, Euphorbia amygda-
hides, Lamium galeobdolon (a not unfrequent plant
on stiff soil throughout the county), and Aquilegia
vulgaris. On Fotheringhay Castle moat sides grow
Ranunculus parviflorus, Hyoscyamus niger, and Ono-
pordon acanthium, called by the. villagers "Queen
Mary's Thistle." In Harleston Eirs occur Juncus
supinus, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Hypericum calycinum
quite naturalized, H. humifusum, Ophioglossum vuU
gatum, Blechnum boreale, Lastrea spinulosa, dilata,
A. aculeatum, A. Filixfcemina, A. ruta-muraria, and
Adiantum nigrum, Rosa spinosissima, and Pedicu-
laris sylvatica. In Salcey Forest may be gathered
Lathyrwi sylvestris, Neottia nidus-avis, and Serra-
tula tinctoria. In the old Forest of Whittlewood,
wherever the underwood is cleared, a number of
specimens of Epipactis latifolius spring up. Ver-
bascum Thapsus and Nepeta Cataria are very common,
and Juncus compressus is not unfrequent near the
forest. On cultivated ground may be gathered the
pretty Anagallis ccerulea, Linaria elatine and spu-
ria ; the latter, in 1875, showing the peloria growth
almost as frequent as the ordinary flower. Inula
eonyza and Helminthia echioides are also frequent.
Near Northampton may be found Crepis taraxaci-
folia, Carex paludosa,v. spadicea, Spirea filipendula,
Polygonum bistorta, Rumex pulcher, and Artemisia
absinthium ; while in Yardles Chase, Paris quadri-
folia, Carex strigosa, Helleborus fcetidus, and Daphne
laureola, are not uncommon. Peterborough district
would well repay working, and also that portion of
the county drained by the Avon and Welland.
Henslow found the Spider Orchis at Southorpe ;
and Watson, in his " Cybele," mentions the occur-
rence of Ajuga chamcepitys, Cynoglossum montanum,
Teucrium scordium, and Euphorbia platyphylla in the
northern division of the county. — G. C. Bruce.

The Effect of the Past Winter on Ever-
greens.— I have not heard how evergreens have
fared in other parts of the country, but at Brighton
their appearance has been such as to strike every
one with surprise and regret. The bay -trees
(Laurus nobilis) have still their leaves, but these,
with some few exceptions, are perfectly brown ; and
the Euonymus, the great ornament of Brighton in
the winter, for the most part have their leaves white
or light brown instead of green ; the evergreen oak
also, and the pretty evergreen Medicago arborea,
have suffered greatly. They will recover as summer

approaches, but their growth may have been con-
siderably checked. Horticulturists differ in opinion
as to the cause of the injury. I do not remember
when the Euonymus, of which there are tens of
thousands at Brighton, was affected by the frosts
or the strongest winds, and the bay-tree and ever-
green oak have rarely suffered. Some are of opinion
that the mischief has been caused by the unusually
frequent variation from frost to rain, accompanied
by the most violent winds from the sea ; while
others think it was caused by the salt spray from
the sea during the storms ; but although the air, no
doubt during such storms, is filled with briny vapour
to a considerable distance, the spray itself could not
reach so many hundred yards. Others, again, con-
sider it was caused by the severe frost (ten degrees
below freezing) in the esrly part of March, followed
by a warm sun, when the sap was beginning to rise ;
but the plants were certainly very much cut at an
earlier period. It is singular that when growing
against a house or a wall the evergreens generally
have not been injured, apparently because the frosty
winds could not pass through the shrubs, although
the frost itself was equally severe. With but few
exceptions the young aud old plants of Euonymus
have suffered, but I have invariably observed that
the principal injury has appeared on the windward
side (south-west). Upon the whole, I am induced
to think that the first above-mentioned cause is the
correct one, though in many cases near the sea the
spray and briny liquid may have had much to do
with it. I fear it is hopeless to expect that any
precautions can guard against a recurrence of the
mischief in another such a winter as the past. It is
a curious fact that many of the plants of the Euony-
mus which have escaped have had their young
shoots actually growing with a spring-like appear-
ance during nearly all the winter, even very near
the sea, not at all affected, although in places most
exposed to the spray and winds. — T. B. W., Brigh-
ton, April, 1876.

" Botanical Names for English Readers."—
It is with great pleasure that we draw the attention
of Ihe less scientific of our readers to this valuable
book. The author, Mr. Randal H. Alcock, is a
well-known Lancashire botanist, and comes from a
family of naturalists. He fully knows the difficulties
which artisan naturalists have t6 contend with in not
knowing the Latin and Greek languages, and he
has set himself, in a most praiseworthy spirit, to
the task of making things clear to them in this
respect. Latin and Greek arc not botany, nor
zoology, nor geology ; although we have seen many
a man smiled at for making a false accentuation of
words from these languages, when he was describing
natural phenomena with which he was intimately
acquainted. We are much pleased with the kindly
notice which the Journal of Botany gave to this

KABDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

141

little book in its last number ; the writer evidently
sympathized with Mr. Alcock's well- carried-out
intention. Mr. Alcock has simplified and explained
the Latin and Greek words very ably, and has
further given the right mode of pronouncing them.
A capital sketch of the history of botanical nomen-
clature, &c, is also given. The book is published
by L. Beeve & Co.

The Sphagnace.e of Europe and North
America. — We are glad to learn that Dr. Braith-
waite has arranged to publish, as a monograph, the
twenty-six beautiful plates which appeared in the
Monthly Microscopical Journal, and to append to
them a full account of the literature and anatomy of
the order. Dr. Braithwaite has also in preparation
a volume of Sphagnacea; Britannicce Exsiccata;, to
embrace, on fifty sheets imperial quarto, the choicest
dried specimens of all the forms. The difficulty in
obtaining full sets of these will necessarily limit the
issue, which we believe is to be confined to fifty-
two subscribers.

GEOLOGY.

The Physical History of the Dee, Wales.—
This was the title of a most interesting paper re-
cently read before the Geological Society by Prof.
A. C. Bamsay. The author stated that he regarded
the valley of the Dee as mainly preglacial through-
out, and sketched the physical history of the region
through which it runs. The Silurian rocks were
much disturbed and denuded before and during the
Carboniferous period, and the carboniferous lime-
stone was deposited very uncomformably on the
upturned edges of both lower and upper Silurian
strata, and once spread all over the region, probably
overlain by the millstone grit and coal-measures, as
now in the east of Denbighshire and Flintshire.
The region was again disturbed and elevated during
the formation of the Permian deposits, and then by
subaerial denudation a great part of the carboni-
ferous series was removed down to the old plain of
denudation" of the Silurian rocks, the surface of
which thus probably stood higher than it does at
present, being in the midst of a broad continental
area. Erom a consideration of the conditions of
deposition of the mesozoic and tertiary formations,
the author concluded that, from the beginning of
the Permian to that of the Glacial epoch, the higher
ground of Wales was land well raised above the
sea, except perhaps during the deposition of the
chalk, and that during all this period it was'exposed
to the influence of subaerial agents of denudation.
He indicated the conditions of elevation of the old
table-land of carboniferous rocks, and showed that
it had probably a slope towards the east and north-
cast to the extent of about 23 feet in a mile. The

1 drainage of this land then flowed in an easterly snd
north-easterly direction along the earliest channel
of the Dee, which would be at an elevation from
1,300 to 1,400 feet higher than the present channel.
During the Glacial epoch ice-action deepened, and
more or less modified the existing channel, and
scooped out the basin of Bala Lake, which was not
previously in existence. The general results of this
investigation are as follows : — After the last im-
portant disturbance of the pre-permian rocks, North
Wales was carved slowly and by subaerial agencies
into its present mountainous form, chiefly between
permian and preglacial times. The work of the
glaciers of the latter period somewhat deepened,
widened, smoothed, and striated the minor outlines
of the mountains and valleys, and excavated many
rock-bound lake-basins, but did not effect any great
changes in the contours of the country. A minor
submergence of part of Britain during part of the
Glacial epoch produced no important effects on
the large outlines of the rocky scenery ; and the
effects of subaerial waste subsequent to the Glacial
epoch have been comparatively small.

Organic Bemains in the Metamorfhic Bocks
of Harris. — Prof. Nicholson and Mr. James
Thomson, E.G.S., announce that that they have
recently discovered evidence of life in the so-called
"Laurentian Bocks" of Harris, in the Hebrides.
The specimens are clearly organic in their structure,
and are well and minutely preserved. Messrs.
Nicholson and Thomson are now engaged on a
microscopical examination of the specimens ; but
they have first very properly drawn attention to
the interesting fact that unequivocal organic bodies
occur in such ancient deposits as the lowest meta-
morphic rocks of Harris. The skeletons of the
fossils discovered are little altered, and are believed
to be calcareous. It is suggested that a full know-
ledge of these ancient structures will materially
assist in settling the Eozoon controversy.

"On some Fossiliferous Cambrian Shales
near Carnarvon." — Messrs. J. E. Marr and Henry
Hicks, E.G.S., read a paper before the Geological
Society, on March 8th, on the above subject. The
shales described extend from about three miles S.W.
of Carnarvon to Bangor, running nearly parallel to
the Menai Straits. They are faulted against Lower
Cambrian to the east, and disappear against a dyke
on the west. The shales vary from greyish-black to
bluish-black in colour, and are generally sandy and
micaceous, but in places chiefly clayey. Fossils were
obtained from three places on the banks of the
Seiont ; namely, Point Seiont (where the beds are
concretionary in structure), along the whole tram-
way from Carnarvon to Wanttle, and near Pelbig
Bridge. The first-named locality is richest in fossils ;
and here there is a greenstone dyke parallel to the
bedding of the rock, and altering the shales for

142

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

a distance of about four yards from the edge of the
dyke. The fossils seem to indicate that the deposit
belongs to the upper part of the Arenig group. Mr.
Hicks pointed out that the fauna clearly showed
that these beds belong to the Arenig group, many
of the species being identical with those found in
the upper part of that group at St. David's Shelve,
and in Cumberland. The new species found by
Mr. Marr are a Canjocaris (C. Man-is) and an
fflglina {/E. Hughesii). The other fossils 'were
Didymograptus indent us, D. bifidus, D. Murchisonii,
and the var. furcillatus. The rock in its general
character is extremely like that at the same horizon
in the succession at St. David's Shelve, and in
Cumberland, and indicates, therefore, the preva-
lence of similar physical conditions when deposited.
The rock is such as would be formed over au even
sea-bottom at some considerable distance from land
and in moderately deep water. Mr. Hicks looked
upon this discovery as of considerable importance,
since it clearly proved the position of beds hitherto
imperfectly known, and moreover shows that similar
conditions prevailed over extensive areas at the
time these^beds were deposited. It also furnished
further evidence in support of Mr. Hicks's opinion
that no break occurs anywhere in the Welsh area
between the Cambrian and Lower Silurian rocks.

The Bone-caves of Greswell Ckags. — This
was the title of another paper read before the Geo-
logical Society, by the Rev. J. M. Mello, M.A.,
E.G.S. The author gives an account of the con-
tinuation of his researches upon the contents of the
caves in Creswell Crags, Derbyshire. The further
exploration of the Pin Hole cave described in his
former paper, furnishes a few bones of reindeer,
Rhinoceros tichorhinus, and other animals, but no
more remains of the Arctic fox, which were par-
ticularly sought for. Operations in this cave were
stopped because the red sand in which the bones
were found towards the entrance, became filled with
limestone fragments, and almost barren of organic
remains. The author then commenced the examina-
tion of a chambered cave called Robin Hood's Cave,
situated a little lower down the ravine on the same
side. The section of the contents of this cave
showed a small thickness of dark surface-soil, con-
taining fragments of Roman and mediaeval pottery,
a human incisor, and bones of sheep and other
recent animals ; over a considerable portion a hard
limestone breccia, varying in thickness from a kw
inches to about 3 feet ; beneath this a deposit of
light-coloured cave-earth, varying in thickness
inversely to the breccia, overlying a dark red sand
about 3 feet thick, like lhat of the Pin Hole, but
with patches of laminated red clay near the base,
and containing scattered nodules of black oxide of
manganese, and some quartzite and other pebbles,
which rested upon a bed of lighter-coloured sands

J containing blocks of limestone, probably forming
I part of the original floor of the cavern. The hard
j stalagmitic breccia contained a great many bones,
: chiefly of small animals, but with some of reindeer,
and teeth of Rhinoceros tichorhinus, hyama, horse,
water-vole, and numerous flint flakes and chips, and
a few cores. Some of the flakes were of superior
workmanship. A few quartzite implements were
also found in the breccia. The cave-earth contained
a few flint implements, but most of the human
relics found in it were of quartzite, and of decidedly
palaeolithic aspect. There was also an implement
of claj-ironstoue. The animal remains chiefly found
in the cave-earth were teeth of horse, Rhinoceros
tichorhinus, and hyaena, and fragments of both jaws
of the last-mentioned animal. Bones and teeth of
reindeer, and teeth of cave-lion and bear also oc-
curred. The red sand underlying the cave-earth
contained but few bones, except in one place, where
antlers and bones of reindeer aud bones of bison
and hyaena occurred. At another part a small molar
of Elephas primigenius was found. A large pro-
portion of the bones had been gnawed by hyaenas,
to whose agency the author ascribed the presence
of most of the animal remains found ; but he re-
marked that no coprolites of hyaenas had been met
with. The following is a list of the animals whose
remains occurred in this cavern : — Felis leo (var.
spelcea), Hyccna crocutu (var. spelata), Ursus arctos,
U. ferox, Cards familiar is, C. lupus, C. vulpes, Ele-
phas primigenius, Equus caballus, Rhinoceros ticho-
rhinus, Bos bison, var. priscus, Bos longifrons, Gapra
hircus, Sus scrofa, domesticus, and ferox, Cervus
megaceros, C. tarandus, Arvicola amphibius, and
Lepus timidus. Professor Dawkins afterwards read
some notes on the Mammalia and Traces of Man
found in the Robin Hood Cave, and noticed the
various species of animals discovered by Mr. Mello,
and drew certain conclusions, from their mode of
occurrence, as to the history of Robin Hood's Cave.
He considered that the cave was occupied by
hyaenas during the formation of the lowest and
middle deposits, and that the great majority of the
other animals whose remains occur in the cave were
dragged into it by the hyaenas. That tney served
as food for the latter is shown by the condition of
mauy of the bones. During this period the red sand
and clay of the lowest stratum was deposited by
occasional floods. The red loam or cave-earth
forming the middle stratum was probably intro-
duced during heavy rains. The occupation of the
cave by hyaenas still continued, but it was disturbed
by the visits of the Palaeolithic hunters. The
remains found in the breccia indicate that the cave
was inhabited by man, and less frequently visited
by hyaenas than before. The presence of vertebrae
of the hare in the breccia would imply that the
hunters who occupied the cave had not the dog as
a domestic animal. After a discussion of the rela-

HAHDWTCKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

143

tions of the animals forming the fauna of the cave,
the author proceeded to describe the traces of man
found in it, which consist of fragments of charcoal,
and implements made of antler and mammoth
tooth, quartzite, ironstone, greenstone, and Hint.
The distribution of these implements in the cave
represents three distinct stages. In the cave-earth
the existence of man is indicated by the quartzite
implements, which are far ruder than those gene-
rally formed of the more easily-fashioned flint. Out
of 91 worked quartzite pebbles only 3 occurred in
the breccia, while of 267 worked flints only 8 were
met with in the cave-earth. The ruder implements
were thus evidently the older, corresponding in
general form with those assigned by De Mortillet
to "the age of Moustier and St. Acheul," repre-
sented in England by the ruder implements of the
lower breccia in Kent's Hole. The newer or flint
series includes some highly-finished implements,
such as are referred by De Mortillet to " the age of
Solutre," and are found in England in the cave-
earth of Kent's Hole and Wookey Hole. The
discovery of these implements considerably extends
the range of the Palaeolithic hunters to the north
and west, and at the same time establishes a direct
relation in point of time between the ruder types of
implements below and the more highly-finished ones
above.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

The British Museum. — Would you kindly
allow me a small space to call attention to a subject
of great importance to such of your readers as are
dwellers in London ? I refer to the hours of closing
the British Museum, and speak on behalf of work-
ing men who, wishing to take up the study of
Natural Science, and lacking the means wherewith
to purchase costly works upon the subject, in order
to become acquainted with the varied and beautiful
forms of the animal kingdom. They usually leave
their employment on the Saturday afternoon at
two o'clock. The class of workman that would
visit the Museum for purposes of study would desire
to go clean and well-dressed. If so, he cannot
arrive there before four o'clock. If this happen
between the beginning of November and the end of
February, he will have to return without entering
the Museum; if in March, April, September, or
October, he may stay till five o'clock, but this hour
is of very little use to him. " But," I shall be
answered, "from May to August it is open on
Saturday until eight o'clock." True, but during
that period naturalists wish to pursue their studies
in the Held, where they can gain more knowledge in
a day thau the Museum could afford in a month.
It is in the winter that we wish chiefly to visit the
Museum, in order to determine the species and place
of our summer's captures. I would suggest, to
remedy this evil, that the Field Clubs, Natural
History Societies, &c, in the metropolis should
send a memorial to the trustees of the British
Museum, praying that it may be open to the pubiic,
like South Kensington Museum, from ten a.m. to
teu p.m. Hoping that the importance of the sub-

ject will be deemed excuse sufficient for thus intrud-
ing on your space. — Edward Step, St. Mary Lam-
beth Field Club.

Housr Cricket.— In answer to Mr. J. P.
J5lackett's query regarding the manner in which the
chirruping sound is produced by the House Cricket,
he will find that it is made by the apparatus con-
sisting of the tympanum or drum, which is a space
on each of the upper wings, scarcely traversed by
veins, but bounded externally by a large dark vein,
with three or four longitudinal ridges ; and of the
file or bow which is a transverse horny ridge in
front cf the tympanum, having numerous teeth ;
the sound is produced by the rubbing of the two
bows across each other, the tympanum acting as a
sound-board. 1 shall be pleased to show Mr.
Blackest nature's violin, if he feels inclined to pay
me a visit. — B. W. Fried.

Fritillaria heleagris, inquired for in last
Science-Gossip, was found by me five years
aso in large quantities in the woods surrounding
Warley Lodge, Brentwood, Essex. Nettle-thread,
viz., a stuff made of nettle-thread, was bought by
me two years ago in Offenbach, Landau, Germany.
— Blanche}

Fritillary. — Your correspondent Joseph An-
derson, jun., Chichester, asks for the habitat of
Fritillaria meleagris. I know of one place where it
grows, viz. on the borders of three counties, Hamp-
shire, Surrey, and Sussex ; I mean at the point where
these three counties converge near Haslemere. I
will try and get a specimen if your correspondent
will send his full address. — T. W.

[This plant is now growing so abundantly in some
of the Suffolk meadows as to be a complete pest. —
Eh. &'-£]

Heronries.— I think that Mr. Arnold, whose
query respecting Sussex heronries appeared in
Science-Gossip for April, would be interested to
heai of two large and old-established colonies near
Hastings. The oue, said to be one of the largest in
England, is at Brede, north of Fairlight, situated in
a small lonely wood, near Broad Oak. The other is
at Windmill Hill, near Hurst-Monceaux, where the
heronry is accompanied by a large rookery. The
two, rook and heron, occasionally nesting in the
same tree.— St. T. H.

Brown Toabs. — In answrer to J. H. B. Brooke,
I have in my possession a fine toad of a light red-
brown colour. I obtained it about two years since
on Wimbledon Common. It is the only one I have
seen of so ruddy a hue, but I have got specimens of
various tints from dirty brown to dark grey. These
latter tints harmonize beautifully with the soils upon
which they are most commonly found, and it might
be worth the trouble to ascertain if the hue- of
these brown and red toads is not dependent in some
way on the hue of their native soil. I obtained my
red toad from a giavel-pit.— E. Step.

Early Appearance of Swallows. — It is
rather an unusual circumstance to see swallows
in London, or in the London parks. On Good
Friday, April 16th, after the snow-storm, and
when there was an intensely cold north wind
blowing, L observed from fifteen to twenty swal-
lows flying backwards and forwards over the
Serpentine. They were evidently in search of
food, of which 1 fear they found but little. I
looked for them since, but none appeared for
some time aficrwards. — T. E.

144

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Notes on the Diptera.— Erratum.— In the fifth line from
the bottom of page 103, for the second "transverse" read
"transparent." Thus: " Its wings are dark brown, with
three transverse bands of transparent spots," &e.

J. H. Bloom.— There is no book on the British Diptera
that we are acquainted with corresponding: to Wood's shilling-
series. There would be no "market" for the issue of such
works at present. Perhaps some of our readers will answer
Mr. Bloom's query as to whether there is any method of pre-
serving the eggs of reptiles.

A. H. Searlbs. — Bell's " British Reptiles " is published at
(we think) 12s. by Van Voorst, London. We do Dot know of
any work on the Jersey Lizard. The latter, we imagine,
must be the Lacerta viridis, or one of its many varieties, as
this is so common on the Continent, and not infrequent on
the southern coasts of England. In answer to your last
query, get Professor Nicholson's " Advanced Text-book of
Zoology.''

W. T. E. — There is no examination required for admission
to the Linnean Society. You must be proposed by three
Fellows " from a knowledge of your works or writings," and
then be balloted for.

E. J. R.— You will find all you ask for in the second edition
of Taylor's " Half-hours in the Green Lanes." London :
Hardwicke & Bogue.

Nemo. — Consult Mrs. Lankester's " Wildflowers Worth
Notice." It is just the book for you. Masters's " Botany for
Beginners " is one that will give you the idea you seek as to
structural botany.

James Whitton. — The zoophytes are very common forms,
such as you may name lor yourself if you get Landsborough s
" British Zoophytes." No. 1 is Sertularia abietina, No. 2
Sertularia operculut i, and No. 3 Sertularia falcata.

Query. — The specimens sent are: — 1. Curex paludosa, 2.
C. teretiuseula, var. genuina.

W. L. W. E.— The egg is that of the Missel Thrush (Turdus
viscivora).

R. O. M. — The plants sent are : — No. 1. Vulerianella oli-
toria, or Common Lamb's Lettuce ; 2. Erndium ctcutarium,
or Stork's-bill ; 3. Asperula odorata, or Common Woodruff ;
4. Iris faetidissima, or Stinking Iris; and 5. Druba verna (in
flower).

G. K. Redgrave. — The specimen of wallflower sent is very
singular, and «e don't remember having noticed such a kind
of malformation before. It is due to the suppression of the
petals in Borne of the flowers, and a partial suppression of the
sepals in others. Some of the sepals have evidently been
converted into leaves (phyllody).

Fritii.laria Meleagris.— This plant occurs abundantly
on the Kennet. above Reading, the white variety being there
almost as common as the red. It was found sparingly on the
Mole by the Epsom College Natural History Society some
years ago. It is abundant in the "Lammas Meads;" at
Oaksey, near Cirencester. Gloucestershire, on the Swill
Brook, another tributary of the Thames ; but here the white
form is less abundant.— G. S. Buulger.

Leucojum ^estivum. — H. E. Wilkinson will find the habi-
tat of Leucojum <e*tivum described in the Pliytologist for
October, I860.— T. W.

A. C. — Your insect is the male of the common Cuckoo-bee
{Melecta urmuta). It is parasitic on that stout black bee
which looks like a small bumble-bee, with reddish-yellow
hind legs, and is commonly found at the red nettle during
April and May. The female stings sharply. — J. B. B.

R. R. R. (Birmingham).— From the tiny fragment you
inclose, it is difficult to decide with any degree of certainty ;
still we believe you will find the supposed willow to be the
Balsam Poplar (Pnpulus bahan.ifera), a tree which answers
to your accurate description, and which yields a rich balsamic
perfume, especially in the evening. It is also most conspicu-
ous when the buds are expanding.

J. W. B. (Liverpool).— Your zoophytes are a9 follows: —
No. 1 , Sertularia lendiyera ; No. 2, Plumuluria cristuta ; No. 3,
Sertiduria pumdu ; No. 4, Sertularia abietina; Nos. 5 and 8,
Sertularia argentea ; No. 6, Plumuluria falcata ; No. 7, Plu-
mtil 'aria falcata covered with Membranipora pilosa .

Tub Microscope —By an oversight, in our notice of Mr.
Phin's excellent little work, published in America, on the
Microscope, we spoke of it as " Half-hours with the Micro-
scope." This title belongs to the book written by the late
Dr. Lankestet. and the last edition of which had an extra
chapter on " Polarization," by Mr. F. Kitton, of Norwich.
We are sorry we gave a wrong title to Mr. Phin's book, as it
made it appear as if he were using Dr Lankester's, when
>uch was not the case. The full title of Mr Plan's work was
" Practical Hints on the Use of the Microscope." We gladly
make this voluntary confession because Mr. Phin's little
manual is too good to be supposed to sail under false
colours.

F. H. C. — Your moss is Aid acomnium andrugynum (young).

B. C. L. — You had best apply to John Tym, Castleton ,
Derbyshire, who has long studied the geology and mineralogy
of the district, and has an excellent museum, where nearly
all the catalogued fossils may be obtained.

M. W. — 'i our specimens are, — 1 and 10, Weissia verticillata ;
2, Grimmia trichophylla ; 3, Hyp. molluscum, var. croceum f
4, Fissidens adiantoides ; 5, Bryum pseudotriquetrum ; 6,
Hyp. molluscum; 7. Hyp. cupresziforme, var. ericetorum ;
8, Campylopus polytrichoides ; 9. Trichostomum mutabile.

M.S. — Your mosses are :— I, Tortula unguiculata ; 2 and
4, Funaria hygrometrica ; 5, Tortula? 1<b vipila ; 3, Hyp.
rutabulum ; 6, Bryum carneum ; 7. Bryum alpinum ; 8,
Hyp. serpens; 10, Aulucomnium androgynum ; 11, Hyp.
sylvaticum ; 12, Campylopus flexuosus. — R. B.

EXCHANGES.

Duplicates — Machaon and Carpini, discrata, Versicolor,
Quercifolia, Fagi, Dispar, Ocellatus, Porcellus, Elpenor, and
many others. — H. Wiglesworth, Chilton Lodge, Rotherham.

Wanted, Stone Implements of Europe, in exchange for
similar specimens of America. — Address, A. F. Berlin, Read-
ing, Pennsylvania, U. S. A.

Eggs of Kingfisher, Water-rail, Starline:, Moor-fowl, Corn-
crake, and others. Lists exchanged. What offers? — W.J.
Houston, Cullybackey, co. Antrim, Ireland.

Muscari racemonum and other Cambridgeshire Plants
offered for Rare Plants of other counties.— H. L. J., Caius
College, Cambridge.

For Slide of Arborescent Silver send a Well-mounted
Object to W. A. Hyslop, 22, Palmerston-place, Edinburgh.

Silene italica, Pers., for any of the following Nos. Lon.
Cat. :— 106, 293, 349. 389, 457, 472, 623, 710, 9/1, 1,035, 1,089,
1,121, 1,247, 1,312, 1,484, 1,632.— A. B., 107, High-street,
Croydon.

I have Larva: of Fascelline for exchange, and am open to
offers.— 20, Bedford- street, Unthanks-road, Norwich.

Conchology. — Zonites radiatulus, var. viridiscentia-alba,
for Limncea stagnalis, var. albida, or good Vertigos. — Lister
Peace, Hebble-terrace, Bradford-road, Huildersfield.

A first-class No. 2 Eye-piece in exchange for a good
Section-cutter, or a firm double or triple Object-glass Nose-
piece, or equivalent in Good Objects. — H.G., 45, St. George's-
road, Peckham.

Mosses. — .inomodon viticulosum, Bartramia ithyphylla
(both in fruit), &c, are offered in exchange for any Rare
Moss, by E. J., 24, Queen street, Ulverston, Lancashire.

For specimens of Puccinia Smyrnii on " Alexanders,"
send stamped envelope to J. H. A. Jenner, 4, East-street,
Lewes. No exchange required, but, other Micro-fungi accept-
able.

BOOKS, &C, RECEIVED.

" Lankester's Practical Physiology." Sixth Edition. Lon-
don : Hardwicke & Bogue.

" Food Chart." By R. Locke Johnston. London : Hard-
wicke & Bogue.

"Monthly Microscopical Journal. '' May.

" Ben Brierley's Journal." May.

" Land and Water." May.

"Journal of Applied Science." May.

" Potter's American Journal." April.

"American Naturalist." April.

"Canadian Entomologist." April.

"The Laboratory." April.

" Boston Journal of Chemistry." April.

"Chambers's Journal." May.

"Journal of Wesc Riding Consolidated Naturalists' So-
ciety."

" The Argonaut." May.

Communications up to 8th ui.t. Rbceived feom : — F. K.
— J. N.-E. E— W. H. P.-H. G. G.— J. L. C— A. G. W.—
J. R. S. C— F. A A.— H. L— W. K. B.— T. E.-J. J. R.—
G. C. D — C. W.- W. V. A.— A. H. B.— C. F.— S. H— R. G.—
A. D.— J. H. G.— T. S. C.-R. N. V.— T. P.-R. M. D. P.—
S. M. P.- A. J. A.-W. J. -J. E. S.-C. D.— L. P.— J. C—
H. T.— T. L. B.— R. S. T— T. B.— H. E. P.— T. E.— J. H. B.
_j. p _w. G. P.— E. L.— J. B.— P. F.— H. G. G.— S. W. U.

— W. H. N.— A. F. B— E. S.— M. B. A.-J. G. H.— G. W.,
jun.— F. J. A.-M. S.— F. H. C.-R. J. 8.— H. M. J. U. -
J. B.— H. L.— H. W. H. J. T.-R. R. R.-Dr. E. T. N.—
W. A. H.-T. W.— C. W.— J. R. R.-H. L. J.— C. W. W.—
E. E.-A. C— S. J. B.— G. C. D.— A. J.J. B.— W. J. H.—
I. L. B.— W. T. E.— R. G.-T. B. W— Dr. C. C. A.-J. H. B.

— R. N. V.— W. G. P.— J. W. B.— F. J. A— F. B.— T. G. B -
J. 15- R. C— F. H. A.— J. H. A. J.-G. S. B.— E. D. M —
A. E.-G. S — E J.— A C— H. G.— A. E. O.— M. W.— L. P.

— H. L.— A. B— W. L. W. E.-J. P. S.— A. H. S.-R. R. K.
—J. R. R.— F. H. C— Dr, T. O. W.-Dr. E. T. N.— W. T. r,.
&c. &c.

HA.RDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP

145

HOW TO CUT SECTIONS OF ALG.fi

By Mrs. MERRIFIELD, BRIGHTON.

HAVE been
asked bow to cut
sections of algae,
and thinking tbat
some of your
readers may also
like to know bow
to perform tins
' simple operation,
so indispensable to the stu-
dents of algae, I beg to send
the following communication
on the subject for insertion
in Science-Gossip.

Materials. 1. Some
pieces of clear glass, about
3 inches by 1 or 1§ inch.

2. A piece of thin, smooth
cork, about 2 inches diameter:
a good smooth bung will do.

3. A piece of white card-
board (not glazed), about 2 inches by 1£ or 2
inches, with square corners.

4. Two pointed instruments for arranging the
sections, &c. Convenient tools for this purpose are
made by inserting the heads of large needles into
the pith of pieces of elder, about 4 inches long, and
as thick as a lead pencil. When dry, the elder
twigs form good handles.

5. A pair of tine-pointed scissors.

G. A cutting instrument. Dr. Harvey recom-
mended for this purpose a razor set in a firm
handle, so as not to close ; or, a child's gum-lancet,
also set in a firm handle. The razor may do for
cutting sections of laminaria, &c, but I found it
very clumsy for small weeds. I obtained from a
cutler, to whom I explained what I wanted, a very
thin knife-blade, about the size of a penknife, set
in a firm handle, with a sheath to protect it when
not in use. This answers the purpose very well.
Cost Is. 6d.

7. A

No.

few
139.

1 Naturalist's pockets " of paper, for

putting away small scraps of algae, which you wish
to preserve.

8. A good drawing-pencil, and india-rubber.

9. Some pieces of white paper to make enlarged
drawings of sections, small branches, fruit, &c.

10. Some oblong pieces of clear talc, on which
specimens of fruit and small branchlets may be
preserved for after- examination by the microscope.

11. A small bottle with glass stopper, containing
dilute muriatic acid.

12. The stick of a lucifer match.

13. A moderate-sized hair pencil ; some pieces
of rag.

14. A box to hold all these objects.

15. A glass of clean water.

To make a cross-section of an alga :— If you
can get fresh plants from which to cut sections, so
much the better. They must not, however, be too
wet, for in this case the pressure of the knife
would crush them, so that you could not cut a
clean section, or understand the structure. If the
plant to be examined be wet, cut off a convenient
piece, and lay it in a cloth, when it will soon
be dry enough for the purpose. Select for cutting
a portion which is a fair sample of the plant, bear-
ing in mind that the lower parts of the stem are
often of denser structure than the upper. For this
reason it is sometimes necessary to make cuttings
from both upper and lower branches across the
frond. A piece of the plant about the fourth of
an inch in length will be enough. If the plant
from which you are cutting be too dry, the sections
will scatter away and be lost. To avoid this, wet
the fragment, and let it dry sufficiently in a cloth.
When it is ready, place the cardboard on the cork,
and the piece of alga on the cardboard, the surface
of which is yielding, and not so likely to blunt the
knife as the harder surfaces of wood or metal, and
being white, you can see the sections as they are cut.
Bring forward the forefinger of the left hand, lay
your nail on the alga, so that you can only just see
the edge of it beyond your nail. Then take the

146

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GO SSIP.

thin knife, lay the blade against your finger-nail,
and cut gently and cautiously down to the paste-
board, lest the sections should be jerked away.
The thinner the slices are cut, the better. They
cannot be too thin. It, is better to cut eight or ten
slices, because they afford more scope for observa-
tion, and it is as easy to cut a dozen as to cut one,
by moving the finger-nail gently backward between
each cutting.

If great care be not taken in cutting the sections,
the central part, often of very lax texture, may be
torn, or even displaced, so that the frond appears to
be hollow. This appearance is always to be dis-
trusted. And now will be found the advantage of
having cut many sections. Close observation of all
these will seldom fail to discover, not only traces of
the central stratum, but probably a good section of it,
from which the structure of the frond may be
ascertained. If all the sections fail in showing the
central stratum in perfect condition, other sections
must be cut until this object is attained. A little
practice will render this operation easy.

"When you have cut as many sections as you wish,
tilt the cardboard gently on to one of the pieces of
glass, using the knife or needle to remove the
sections if necessary. Add a small drop of water.
If you put too much water, the pieces of alga
will float about. Superfluous water may be removed
with a piece of rag or dry hair pencil. Perhaps it
may be found more convenient to put the water on
the glass, and then remove the sections on to the
wet part of the glass ; they arc then less likely
to scatter and be lost. Place the glass on the fieid
of the microscope, not using too high a power,
as you require a large field. The needles may now
be useful to place the sections conveniently near
together, or to turn them into a horizontal position,
as they are very apt to lie on their edges. It
is very beautiful to see the sections expand, which
they do in some alga} more quickly thau in others.
Some require a few minutes only for this purpose,
others an hour or two. In the latter case, put
a watch-glass or inverted wine-glass over the
sections (having previously removed the glass on
which they are from the microscope), to prevent
evaporation. If the sections do not open properly,
add a drop of the muriatic acid, which will generally
cause the sections to open, though it will deprive
them of colour. The best way to apply the acid, is
to dip the end of the stick of the match into the
bottle, so as to take up a very small quantity only.
Then cork the bottle carefully. If you use the
microscope in a sloping position, the sections with
the water and acid should be placed on a glass
with a hollow sunk in it, to avoid injuring the brass
work of the microscope. It is generally an advan-
tage to place another glass on that which holds the
sections.
Longitudinal sections of small plauts are more

I

difficult to make thau transverse sections. The
best plan, as the late Mrs. Gatty used to say, is to
choose a forked branch, that you may have some-
thing to hold. Sometimes an oblique section will
be easier to hold and cut than a longitudinal one.

Of fruit, when large enough, sections may
be cut both horizontally and vertically. When
making a vertical section of the fruit,, the best plan
is, to cut through the frond as well as the fruit. It
will then be seen exactly how one part is attached
to the other. In many cases'it is preferable, instead
of cutting sections, or in addition to so doing, to
press the fruit gently between two pieces of glass,
and you will then see the structure of the receptacle,
and the shape of the spores and tetraspores which
exude under the pressure.

Having completed your examination of the
sections and fruit, you should now make careful
drawings of both. These drawings should be put
away with the specimens. They will be useful not
only in identifying the plant, but also for future
reference.

It may be as well to mention, before I conclude,
that I have tried an instrument used by micro-
scopists for cutting sections, and found it not nearly
so well adapted for algai as the more simple plan I
have just described. Patience and practice will
enable you to cut clean and thin sections; but
when you have accomplished this object, a greater
difficulty still remains to be overcome, namely,
to understand the structure which the microscope
has revealed, and to refer the plant under examina-
tion to its proper order, genus, and species.

THE DOUBTFUL PLANTS OF GREAT
BRITAIN.

TT has often been a matter of surprise to me, and
J- no doubt to many besides myself, that no one
has attempted to throw any light on the history of
those plants which are considered doubtful natives
of the British Isles. When a plant is said to have
been introduced, is it impossible to discover when,
where, and by whom it was first brought into
Britain, so as to give some solid reason for its not
being admitted into the list of our indigenous
plants ? How is it that no one has endeavoured
to throw some light on this disputed point? The
longer such an investigation is postponed the
more difficult it will be to arrive at anything like
a satisfactory solution.

When we recollect that a century ago the facili-
ties of travelling were comparatively few, that
many parts of the kingdom were almost isolated,
and therefore but rarely visited, it seems highly
probable that plants might be flourishing in various
secluded spots in our islands that no botanist ever
found. In more recent days the deep cuttings of

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

147

many of our railways may bring buried seeds to
the surface, which there vegetate and produce
plants that were not known in that locality
previously.

There is on this subject much difference of
opinion among botanists, for some plants are ac-
cepted as indigenous by some, and questioned by
others. That "doctors will disagree" is a proverb
that no doubt will be true to the end of time, but
if a plant be admitted into one of our older floras,
and rejected from a more modern one, it would be
more satisfactory to know the reason for such an
omission.

There are not a few examples of this diversity of
opinion. I will select a few from the 7th edition
of the "London Catalogue," which we may suppose
has been compiled with great care, and may be con-
sidered almost an authority on such doubtful
matters.

Teucrium botrys is admitted as a native, in the
7th edition of the "London Catalogue," yet it was
not discovered more than a generation since, and is
confined, I believe to two localities, both very near
each other. It is not mentioned by either Wither-
ing or Smith, and Arnott considers it doubtful.
Yet another plant of this same genus, the T.
chamcedrys in this 7th edition of the " London Cata-
logue " is marked doubtful, and is also considered
such by Smith. This plant has been known in
England for a very considerable period, and is
fcund in many different places. I gathered it last
autumn on the ruined walls of Winchelsea Castle,
in a solitary, barren spot, far from any house or
garden ; the idea of its being only a naturalized
stranger appeared almost ridiculous. What are the
reasons for admitting T. botrys, of such recent dis-
covery, and considering an old inhabitant like T.
chamcedrys a mere interloper ?

Leucojum astivum was discovered by Curtis in the
immediate vicinity of London, and one might
imagine fifty reasons why it may have been intro-
duced, yet it is admitted at once by Withering and
Smith. Arnott considers it a doubtful native, but
it is admitted in the 7th edition of the "London
Catalogue." This plant, though extremely
rare, and of comparatively recent discovery, is ad-
mitted as indigenous, almost without being
challenged.

Setaria viridis is admitted as a native in the 7th
edition of the " London Catalogue," whilst the
Echiuochlora Crus-galli {Panicum of Withering and
Smith) is marked as doubtful. Arnott rejects both
the genera of Setaria and Panicum from our list of
native grasses. Both the S. viridis and Echino-
chlora Crus-galli have at different times sprung up in
my garden, which some twenty years ago was a
common, and I attribute their appearance to the
ground having been dug deep, and consequently the
seeds were brought nearer the surface.

Narcissus biflorus is admitted as indigenous both
by Withering and Smith, but Arnott considers it
doubtful, and also in 7th edit. "London Cat." Yet
it is found in many localities, and I have gathered it
in a remote and secluded part in the Isle of Wight,
where I found it in great profusion, and where,
judging by common sense only, it could not be
otherwise than " wild."

Examples might be mentioned which would
render my observations to an inordinate length.
One more must suffice.

Liliummartagon finds uo place in Smith, and both
Withering and Arnott consider it doubtful, as also
7th edit."Lond. Cat." Without venturing an opinion
on the matter, I would just say this plant has been
found near Box-hill, for a very considerable time
past, not half a mile from the spot, where the
newly- discovered but admitted Teucrium botrys
grows, for I am conversant with them both. I was
told a short time ago by a gentleman that he has
more than once found the Martagon on an island in
the river Eden, Cumberland, and also in other
places in that locality. The seeds have no pappus,
and could not be taken there by the wind. How
did the plant get there ?

Plants, not indigenous, do not, as a rule, spread
extensively ; they may now and then be found, but
they have no tendency to perpetuate themselves.
For example, when once mignonette, eschscholtzia,
erysimum, anil the more ordinary annuals, are once
in a garden, they frequently spring up of them-
selves ; but when do we see these plants growing
by the roadside spontaneously, though nothing
would seem more likely than that stray seeds should
be scattered about in an inhabited district ? Is it
not because they are not indigenous, and do not
accommodate themselves to uncultivated ground,
as do our native plants ? From what I have said
before, it does not seem any cogent reason to sup-
pose a flower not indigenous because Bay or Dil-
lenius do not speak of it; not a few have been
added to the list of our native plants since their
time, to say nothing of unintentional omissions being
made by the most accurate observers. Neither of
these two great botanists mentions Galanthus nivalis,
though it is found in such abundance and in so
many places as almost to leave no room for doubt,
but the recently-discovered Leucojum is at once
admitted ! These are but crude remarks, but they
may tend to elicit some information on the subject
from those who have investigated the matter
thoroughly. H. E. Wilkinson.

A lady living at the seaside, and particularly
fond of horses, will be really thankful if any gentle-
man will inform her of effective means to prevent
horses being tormented by flies in the stable.—

Address, Editor, Science-Gossip.

h 2

148

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-G0SS1P.

THE DOINGS OE A PAIR OE WATER-HENS.

i^iNE is so accustomed to look upon the Water-
^ hens much as we do the thrushes and black-
birds in our gardens, that any peculiarities in them
become on that account the more noticeable even
to casual observers of nature ; and therefore I
venture to send the following facts about a pair
of Water-hens which live under our own windows.
In front of the house, not more than 50 yards away,
is a piece of water bounded on one side by, and fully
exposed to, the road, and a small piece at the top of
this pond is fenced off with wire netting. Eor some
two or three years Water-hens have been scin

to time flying up from the water and dropping
again some distance away. On several occasions
the Water-hens have been heard crying out at
night, and what was attributed to the fox, we
suppose was nothing more than a "row" between
the swans and Water-hens, in which the latter
always came off scatheless, for the morning found
them none the worse. In due time the eggs were
hatched, and the cares of a family devolved on the
two small but plucky birds, which soon found
out that it was one thing to take care of a nest
and eggs, but a far different duty to keep a large
brood out of harm's way ; so the young birds were
taken thr-u »h the corner of the wire fence into the

Fig. 80. Water or Moor Hen {Gallinula chloropus).

here, and this year a pair have taken possession
again, and made their nest in the bank adjoining the
road. Eor some time after making the nest, things
went on very well, and the birds had undisputed
possession ; but, ere long, two swans which live on
the same piece of water (only last year's birds)
found out the nest, and seldom ceased doing all
they could to annoy the Water-hen when she was
sitting, by going up to the nest and trying to turn
her out vi et armis ; they were, however, outmatched,
and on several occasions had to beat a retreat ;
sometimes the Water-hen would spring into the
water and swim away, keeping just out of reach
of the two swans that were following, by from time

part of the pond out of the reach of the swans, and
another nest was made for them, where the Water-
hen has been seen sitting, and from her shape the
young birds were evidently being kept warm under-
neath her wings. This interesting family are now
flourishing, and may be seen any day, or, if not seen
the well-known call may frequently be heard ; they
are also very fond of bread, which disappears very
shortly after being thrown near their new home.
The birds must be now (May 26) quite three weeks
old, and by the appearance of a new nest in another
part of the pond, quite open to the attacks of the
swans, the Water-hens seem to be not the least
daunted by their experience ; but, perhaps, they

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GO S SI P.

149

rely on the assistance of the first brood to lighten
their cares when some new brothers and sisters
appear. H. H. C.

A GOSSIP ABOUT NEW BOOKS.
rpHE dulness of the last few months of the pub-

JL

lishing season has been relieved by the issue

of a two-volumed work which cannot fail to mark
an epoch in the rapid progress of Natural
History. No other living man than the author was
so fit for the difficult task he has so admirably at-
tempted. And, although there are weak places in
the work, where the hypothesis seems scantily sup-
ported by facts, we must remember that in an
undertaking of this kind, extending over such a
wide area, such a liability is certain. We allude to
"The Geographical Distribution of Animals," by
Alfred Russel Wallace (London : Macmillan & Co.).
This well-known author, famous for hitting upon
the theory of Natural Selection at the same time
as Darwin, and honoured for the chivalric way in
which he withdrew his claim to priority in favour of
that great naturalist, has here given us the most
important work of his life. The amount of re-
search contained in the two bulky volumes before
us is as marvellous as the methodical clearness with
which the material is arranged. The present distri-
bution of animals — one of the most fascinating of
the many collateral branches of natural history —
is here considered in relation to both living and
extinct faunas, so as to elucidate the past geo-
logical changes which have been rung over the
earth's surface. The work is illustrated by nume-
rous specially-composed maps, and also by many
admirable full-page plates, showing characteristic
groups of living animals, set in a framework of
equally characteristic scenery. The main idea of
the present book was hinted at by the author six-
teen years ago. What he then did for the Malayan
Archipelago he has now attempted for the whole
earth. As one reads chapter after chapter, and
perceives how the organic changes, which have
differentiated animals into species, have been fre-
quently accompanied by physical, geographical, or
climatal changes in the surroundings, we cannot
but be impressed with the magnitude of the modern
views which the new school of natural history and
geology has given to the world. With Mr.
Wallace's style of writing, those who have
read his "Malayan Archipelago" will be ac-
quainted ; and no more can be said in praise of the
literary composition of the present work than that
it is equally attractive with the former. There is
a quiet earnestness pervading every page, which
does not allow of a single wasted or empty sen-
tence. It is indeed a grand book ; and although we
are somewhat disappointed the author has not said
anything about the distribution of Man, perhaps

the large space which that alone would have re-
quired rendered it impossible.

The second edition of " Animals and Plants under
Domestication," by Charles Darwin (London:
John Murray), has just made its appearance in two
volumes, uniform in size and appearance with the
recent works of this distinguished author. Here
is placed on record such a carefully-arranged cyclo-
paedia of facts relating to natural and artificial
selection, that no man can be said to be even ac-
quainted with the Darwinian theory who has not read
this work. In this edition a good many additional
facts are recorded, so that this important book is
now of greater use than ever as a work of reference.

" Geology for Students and General Headers,"
by Professor A. H. Green (London: Daldy,
Isbister, & Co.), is one of the most original
and generally exhaustive in treatment of any
manual that has been issued for many years past.
The present volume only deals with Physical
Geology, which, however, fills up a large book.
We are sorry the author thought it necessary to
give an outline of mineralogy, as it could only be
done in a very sketchy and unsatisfactory manner,
and ought now to be discussed, on the principle of
" division of labour," as subject-matter for a sepa-
rate work. Professor Green's illustrations and dia-
grams are nearly all original, and are very effective,
notably that on " How a mountain - chain is
not formed." No other geological work so
thoroughly treats on atmospherical denudation-
The portion of the work devoted to volcanoes is too-
brief, and ought [to be expanded. Por a student
who wishes to be something more than a book
geologist, who wants to be able to interpret natural
phenomena for himself, this is just the book to study.

"The Rudiments of Geology," by Samuel Sharp,.
F.G.S., &c. (London : Edward Stanford & Co.), is
a well-printed, nicely got-up little manual on
elementary geology, which we can conscientiously
recommend for its trustworthy and well-arranged

material. "Physical Geography," by W. D..

Cooley (London: Dulau & Co.), is a large and
important book, in which the author treats tha
subject from a point of view not usually discussed-
Physical geography is too often regarded as an
adjunct to, or even department of, geology ;
but Mr. Cooley studies it as the department of
science; which embraces the course of physics
reigning on the earth's surface, and of which
geography is a function. The various chapters
are fully worked out, and the student will here
find many subjects exhaustively treated, about
which it would be difficult to find general authori-
ties elsewhere. The astronomical relations of the
earth come in for their full share of description, and
the physics of the sea and air, as well as the
magnetic and electric phenomena which affect our
planet, are very ably and carefully worked out. We

150

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

think the author should have been more intimately
acquainted with geology ; and then he would have
been preserved from several scientific heresies, such
as those contained in the last chapter, as to the
original non-liquidity of the earth, denudation, and
particularly as to volcanic action, about which the
little that is said is mostly wrong.

Here is a singular book — " A Critical Examina-
tion of some of the principal Arguments for and
against Darwinism," by James Maclaren, M.A.
(London: Edward Bumpus). The author is a
barrister, and avows himself a non-scientiQc man
(a needless avowal), who endeavours to "state a
case." We must say that he has done so with
more than usual legal cleverness, and this rather
large book would, indeed, have been a valuable
contribution to the literature of Darwinism, if
the author had only understood his subject ! "We
will give an example of the manner in which the
important question of evolution is here discussed.
" Mr. Herbert Spencer says that organic matter
is built up of molecules so extremely mobile that
the slightest variation in their surrounding condi-
tions destroys their equilibrium and causes them to
assume altered structures; and he refers to the effects
of heat and light, and more especially of chemical
affinity as shown in the process of animal nutrition
and fermentation." Then follows a quotation from
Herbert Spencer, in which that author shows how
nitrogenous compounds are extremely unstable
(dynamite, for instance), and explode on the
slightest incentive, and that it is in those parts
of the bodies of animals which are nitrogenous that
all the active functions are carried on, whilst the
fatty parts are inert. Mr. Maclaren then pronounces
on these well-known facts as follows :— "The varia-
tions which Mr. Darwin has taught us to look for
in organisms are apparently very different from
explosions (!), or from anything like sudden move-
ments, which .would seem to be the natural mode
of action of these nitrogenous compounds." After
this general style of review, we hardly need say
that Mr. Maclaren sums up against Darwinism !

The welcome volumes of the "International
Series" still continue to be issued. Among the
most recent is that " On Eermentation," by P.
Schiitzenberger (London : H. S. King& Co.). This
is unquestionably one of the ablest of the series.
It is an admirable digest of all that is at present
known on the subject. In addition to the re-
searches of Liebig, and the German school of
chemists, it gives a full account of the discoveries
of Pasteur. Altogether, we regard it as one of
the most comprehensive works of its kind in our

language. " The Eive Senses of Man," by Julius

Bernstein (London : H. S. King & Co.), is the last
issued, and fully sustains the general character of
the " Library." The student will find here all the
newest and most important facts and deductions,

with reference to the organs of the " five senses."
The illustrations are numerous and good, and the
literary style of treatment in both the above
volumes of an excellent kind.

"Sketches of British Insect " by the Rev. W.
Houghton (London : Groombridge & Sons), is a
capitally-written and attractively got-up book,
by a well-known writer. The coloured illustrations
are much better executed than usual, and as the
style is very cheerful and extremely interesting, this
little volume would form a charming gift-book, for
the young especially. Equally well got-up is " The
Dwellers in our Gardens," by Sara Wood (London :
Groombridge & Sons). The title will give a good
idea of the subject-matter, which we are glad to
say is both accurate and well written. The wood-
cuts and coloured illustrations give to the pages a
very attractive appearance.

"Myths and Songs from the South Pacific," by
the Rev. W. "W. Gill, B. A. (London: H. S. King
& Co.), is not occupied with a subject we usually
discuss in these columns. But it is not without
its scientific value, for the author, as a missionary,
has diligently collected the myths, songs, and
traditions of the various Polynesian tribes among
whom he has lived, and which will soon be for-
gotten. Many of these are strangely suggestive,
on account of their similarity to myths and tradi-
tions of the old world. This work is really valu-
able to the philologist and ethnologist, and the
praise which the author has universally received for
its production is well and truly deserved.

The "Eood Chart," by R. Locke Johnson (Lon-
don : Hardwicke & Bogue), is a most valuable and
compendious production, which ought to be con-
spicuously placed in every public institution. It
gives the names, classification, composition, ali-
mentary value, rates of digestibility, adulterations,
tests, &c, of all the alimentary substances in
general use, as well as the composition and analysis
of all animal and vegetable substances used as food.
The "list of adulterations " in the food and condi-
ments we eat is a compliment to our powers of
digestion, and the hardihood with which we can
stand wholesale and determinate poisoning. The
chart is folded, so as to be placed on the shelves of
the library as a book.

THE MICROSCOPE AND MICROSCOPIC
WORK.

No. VII.— Br E. Kitton.

NOTHING, perhaps, brings more to mind the
old saying, that "familiarity breeds contempt,"
than the perusal of the writings of the early micro-
scopic observers. Objects which the modern
"Microscopist" thinks scarcely worth a passing
glance, were viewed with rapturous delight by
Leeuwenhoek, Baker, and others. The microscope

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

151

had opened to their view a new world, the zoology
and botany of which they were never tired of
exploring.

Baker's fecoud part of the "Employment for the
Microscope " treats on the various minute forms of
animal and vegetable life, and he is much struck
with their beauty of form and elegance of "work-
manship." He says in his Introduction that
" Though everything is alike easy to an Infinite and
Almighty being, yet, according to human Compre-
hension, it appears wonderful that we find almost
without Exception in those Specks of Life, whose
Minuteness renders them almost imperceptible to
the Eye of Man a greater Number of Members to
be put in Motion, more "Wheels and Pullies to be
kept going, a greater Variety of Machinery, an
Apparatus more Complex and Curious, a Plan
seemingly of deeper Contrivance, in short more
Elegance and Workmanship (if the Term may be
excused) in the Composition, more Beauty and
Ornament in the Finishing, than are seen in the
enormous Bulk of the Elephant, the Crocodile, and
the Whale, compared with which, one would think
them no less the Effect of a more exquisite and
superior Art than the Movements of a Watch
appear to be on Comparison with the Wheels of a
Coach or Waggon. These Truths need no Proof
to such as are acquainted with the Microscope,
however incredible they may seem to others."

Baker, in common with other observers, con-
cluded that those minute forms of life possessed a
more complex organization than those which we
now call the higher. forms of life. This error was
pardonable, as nothing was known of the minute
structure of the larger plants and animals; he is
more correct in his supposition that though
"Glasses discover to us numberless Kinds of
living Creatures whose Minuteness renders them
absolutely undiscernible by our naked Eyes, and
God alone knows how many thousand kinds there
may be, still decreasing in Size, which it is im-
possible for us to see by any Help whatever. . . .
The smallest living Creatures our Instruments can
show are those that inhabit the Waters, for though
possibly Animalcules no less minute may fly in the
Air, or creep upon the Earth, it is scarce possible
to bring such to our Examination. . . . And As
Names are of the utmost Service to make People
understand each other, I hope to be indulged the
Liberty of giving such to these hitherto unnoticed
Animalcules, as correspond in some manner to
their Appearance, even though I may not always
have chosen the most proper."

But, unlike the gardener of Crabbe, he does not
call them by high-sounding names : —

"High-sounding words our worthy gardener gets,
And at his club to wondering swains repeats :
He then of Rhus and Rhododendron speaks,
And Allium calls his onions and his leeks.

Where Cuckoo-pints and Dandelions sprung
(Gross names had they our plainer sires among),
There Arums, there Leontoduns we view,
And Artemisia grows where Wormwood grew."

The first chapter is devoted to the description
" Of the Hair-Like Insect " ■ —

" The wonderful Animalcule I am going to describe
was, I believe, first taken Notice of by my curious
Eriend, Mr. William Arderon, of the City of
Norwich* who kindly sent me an Account thereof,
together with many thousands of the Creatures
themselves, which came to me alive in a Vessel of
the same Water they were found in, and lived with
me several weeks.

"This little Animal is extremely slender, and not
uncommonly one hundred and fifty times longer
than broad. Its Resemblance to an Hair has
induced me to eall it the Hair-like Insect. The
Body or Middle Part which is nearly strait in
some is composed of such parallel Rings as the
Windpipe of Land Animals consists of, but seems
iu others scaled or rather made up of Pings that
obliquely cross each other. Its two Ends are bent
or hooked pretty nearly in the same Degree, but in
a Direction contrary to each other, and as no Eyes
can be discerned, 'tis difficult to judge which is the
Head or Tail. Its progressive Motion differs from
that of all Animals besides hitherto described, for
notwithstanding the Body is composed of many
Pings and Joints, it seems unable to bend at all, or
move directly forwards, but when it is inclinable to
change its Quarters it can move from Right to Left,
or Left to Right, and proceed at the same time
backwards and forwards obliquely. It has neither
Eeet, nor Eins, nor Hairs, but appear perfectly
smooth and transparent, with the Head bending one
way, and the Tail another, so as to be like a long
Italian /, nor is any internal Motion or particularly
opake Part to be perceived which may determine
one to suppose it the Stomach or other of the
Intestines.

" These Creatures are so small that Millions of
Millions might be contained in an Inch Square.
They are exceedingly transparent, and of a lively
green, but when numbers are brought together they
become opake, and lose their green Colour in pro-

* William Arderon was not a native of Norwich, but
came from Yorkshire in the capacity of an officer of excise ;
his natural ability soon discovered itself, and introduced him
to several Norwich savans, who, it is supposed, in order to
retain amongst them so valuable an auxiliary in their pursuits
obtained for him the situation of managing clerk at the
"New Mills"; through these gentlemen he was introduced
to Mr. Baker : he was the author of numerous papers on
" Natural History,'' many of which will be found in the
Transactions of the Royal Society. The late Dawson Turner,
of Yarmouth (who was in possession of his correspondence
with Mr. Baker), considered him a remarkable man, and,
considering the difficulties he had to struggle with, certainly
superior to Gilbert White, of Selborne. He died on the
25th of November, 1767, after a long and painful illness, in
the sixty-eighth year of his age.

152

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

portion as the Quantity increases, till at last they
appear entirely black.

"They were first discovered in a Ditch at Norwich.
The length of the Ditch is at least an hundred
yards, and its Breadth nine, the Bottom for more
than a Eoot in Depth is covered with a blackish
green substance in Appearance like Mud, made up
wholly of these and other Insects."

Figr. 81. a, b, Arderon's
" Hair-like Insects."

Fig. 82. Glass jar containing
" Hair-like Insect."

Our "ingenious Friend" Mr. Arderon placed a
large spoonful of this dark green matter into a glass
jar, which he filled with water, and the next day
when he came to examine what had happened
■amongst these " Myriads of little Animals, he found
that a Multitude of them had as it were by Agree-
ment place themselves on the Side of the Jar, and
appeared marching upward in Bows .... A small
quantity of this Matter having one day been put
into a Jar of Water it so happened that one part
thereof went down immediately to the Bottom,
whilst the other Part continued floating upon the
Top. All Things remained a good while in this
condition, until at last each of these Swarms of
Animalcules grew weary of its Situation, and had
a Mind to change its Quarters. Both Armies in
Short began their March at the same time against
the side of the Jar, and as one proceeded upwards
and the other downwards, after some Hours they
were near meeting about Midway .... The De-
sire of knowing in what manner they would be-
have on this Occasion, engaged the Observer to
watch them with a careful Eye, and as they ap-
proached still nearer he beheld to his great Surprize
the Army that was marching upwards open to the
Bight and Left, and leave a convenient Space for
the Army that was marching downwards to
pass between its Wings. Thus without Confusion
or Intermixture each held on its Way."

The writer proceeds to express his admiration of
the sagacity of these creatures, which enabled them
to act unanimously for the benefit of the com-
munity.

The reader will probably have been able from
the above description to identify this "Hair-like
Insect " with what we now know as one of the
commonest of the freshwater Algse, Oscillatoria

nigra or limosa ; the sigmoid form of the filaments,
however, does not agree with those of oscillatoria,
and we can only suppose that Baker was mistaken
in this respect : his friend Arderon says nothing of
their shape excepting that they were hair-like, and
he had mistaken them at first for the roots of some
water-plant.

Oat Animals. — The identification of this form
is by no means so easy as that of the one just de-
scribed; it was found in the same ditch-water from
Norwich as the preceding, and seems to have been
first! detected by Mr. Arderon. The following is
Baker's description : — " This Creature is so very
small that no true Judgment can be made of it un-
less it be looked'at through the greater magnifier,
nor even then without considerable attention. I
commonly found two or three of them in a
Drop of the Sediment amongst Multitudes of the
Hair-like Insect lying at the bottom of the water
without any visible Motion or Appearance of Life :
being enclosed in a Bivalve-shell which the animal
can open or shut as it is inclined, but which con-
stantly shuts upon being disturbed, nor opens again
until after having been quiet for some time. . . .
The two ends of the Shell can open whilst the
middle Part remains closed, and in that- Condition it
is like the Pholas and some Species of the Chama,
but differs from them in being able to shut both
Ends, and alter the Figure of its Shell, which they
cannot do. When these Ends are open the Crea-
ture frequently thrusts out at each a cylindrical
fleshy Part (fig. 83 c), which may be supposed the
Head and Tail, but their minuteness renders it
hardly possible to discover any difference between
them. In this Posture it is probable the Creature
feeds on that Provision the Water brings, though
it depends not on such accidence, for it can change
its place by Jerks or Leaps, which it makes by the
Action of some strong muscles in the two protruded
parts whose Spring throws it to the distance at
least of its own Shell's Length every time they are
exerted. These Leaps, however, have long Intervals
between, and. are never made till the Animal is per-
fectly undisturbed."

Fig. 83. " Oat Insects."

Fig. 81. "The Satyr."

This is probably some species of Navicula, and
the opening and closing of the shell, and the fleshy
parts, purely imaginary on the part of the describer,
and if this surmise is correct it is probable that
this is the first diatom ever detected.

HARDWICKE'S SC IENCE- GOSSIP.

153

Eels in Paste. — Viviparous.

This discovery appears to have been made by
a "Mr. James Sherwood, an ingenious young
Surgeon," who, whilst separating one of these
small eels accidentally wounded it in the belly;
he took notice that a long slender tube, doubled
like an intestine, proceeded from the wound, of
which, informing Mr. Needham, it excited their
curiosity to cut in two another eel near its middle,
when they discovered a number of living young
ones, each enclosed in its proper membrane, issuing
from what now plainly showed itself to be the Uterus.
The author gives minute directions as to how the
experiment is to be performed, but we will not
tempt our readers to become vivisectionists,
although Mr. Baker says : "1 scarce know a
more entertaining Experiment, and you'll very
seldom be disappointed, for they seem like Earth-
worms to be all prolific, and unless by Accident
you cut one that has already brought forth all its
young before or make your Trials when the Paste
has been kept a long time (in which case I have
found them sometimes unfruitful), you will not
fail of being diverted after the Manner above
described." The discovery of the viviparous
nature of the Anguillce was not in accordance
with the preconceived notion that they were the
larvae of some kind of fly that was in the habit
of depositing its eggs on the paste. Erom the
examination of the Paste Eels, he proceeded to
examine those found in blighted wheat, and which
be considers to be distinct from those found in
paste.

One of the papers addressed to the Royal
Microscopical Society, consisted of a minute de-
scription of the "Wheeler," or Wheel Animal
{Rotifer vulgaris), illustrated by twelve figures,
showing the Wheel Animal in its several postures.
The rotation of the "Wheels" puzzled him con-
siderably, and although some " gentlemen imagined
there might be a Deception in the Case, and that
they do not really turn round, though they seem to
do so. The Doubt of these Gentlemen arises from
the Difficulty they find in conceiving how, or in
what Manner, a Wheel or any other Eorm, as part
of a living animal, can possibly turn upon an Axis
supposed to be another part of the same living
animal, since the Wheel must be a Part absolutely
distinct and separate from the Axis whereon it
turns ; and then they say how can this living Wheel
be nourished, as there cannot be any Vessels of
communication and the Part it goes round upon, and
which it must be separate and distinct from ? "
Baker was not inclined to admit that the revolution
of the " Wheels " was an illusion. He says : —
"Place the Object in whatever Light or Manner
you please, when the Wheels are fully protruded
they never fail to shew all the visible Marks
imaginable of a regular turning round, which 1 think

no less difficult to account for if they do not really
do so." His industrious friend, Mr. Arderon, sends
him what he caMs the Bell Flower Animal, and
which was afterwards described by Mr. Trembley,
under the name of the Polypea Pannache or the
Plumed Po'ype ; this is, doubtless, the form now
known as Alcyonella dagnorum, and was not un-
common in the Swan pond belonging to St. Helen's
Hospital in Norwich, from whence, probably, Mr.
Arderon obtained his specimens.

The figure following, Mr. Baker supposes, is the
true representation of this curious animacule,
of which a drawing is given in our last paper
(fig. 64) : he says, "it is brisk and vigorous, swim-
ming sometimes with great swiftness through the
Water, at other times it creeps along at the
Bottom of the Drop, and now and then skips
nimbly like a Elea.

"Monsieur Joblot * (whose Imagination has
frequently exaggerated the figures- of Animalcules
found in Water), tells us that he once discovered
in an Infusion of the Anemony, an Animalcule,
having on its back a Mask, or exact Representation
of a Satyr's Face, and gives a Picture suitable to
that idea. But making a considerable allowance
for the Truthfulness of his, or the Painter's Eancy,
I think it not unlikely that the Subject we are
treating of might have been the little Animal he
saw ; for the two btack Spots, with the part of the
Bowels that comes between them, have some
Resemblance of a Nose and Eyes; the two Points
which terminate the Shell at the Tail-end appear
something like a piqued Beard; the distance be-
tween them might pass for a Mouth ; and the Whole
put together might, by a true Lover of the Wonder-
ful, be worked up to the extravagant Likeness of a
Satyr's Face. But this is mentioned only, by the
bye, and as a Reason why I give it the name of
Satyr."

This animal is probably one of the Entomostraca.

In the month of July, 1745, Mr. Baker received
from his correspondent, Mr. Joseph Greenleafe, of
Yarmouth, three Phials containing several kinds
of Animalcules which were new to him ; one kind
was exactly globular in form, and had no appear-
ance of head, tail, or fins. His friend Mr.
Arderon had also observed this form in a drop
of Norwich water. The figure of this form is
that of Volvox globator. As may be imagined, the
luminosity of the sea attracted the attention of
those who used microscopes, and the principal
cause of this phenomenon was soon discovered.
Mr. Baker says, "that a curious enquirer into
Nature, f dwelling at Wells, upon the Coast of
Norfolk, affirms from his own Observations that
the Sparkling of Sea Water is occasioned by

* This is no doubt the A Y. who sent the drawing1 and
description to the " Gentleman's Magazine.''
t Mr. Joseph Sparshall.

154

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

Insects, aud he sends him some specimens and a
description of these Insects. Placing one of these
Animalcules before a good Microscope, an exceed-
ing minute Worm may be discovered hanging with
its Tail fixed to an opake Spot in a kind of Bladder,
which it has certainly the Power of contracting or
distending, and thereby of being suspended at the
Surface, or at any Depth it pleases in the Water."
This description, although erroneous and imperfect,
clearly points to the Noctiluca miliaris.

We have now given our readers a fair specimen
of Microscopic Work in the middle of the
eighteenth century; work done by men who held
no mean position in the scientific world, and
although some of their deductions may cause a
smile, we must admit that, considering the in-
struments they had to work with, and that the
organisms which, revealed themselves to their
astonished gaze were imperfectly understood,
they did their work well. Everything examined
by the " double microscopes," and the higher
powers used at that time, were seen as " through
a glass darkly," and these simple forms of life were
stated to possess fins, feet, eyes, stomachs, &c,
organs which existed only in the observer's imagi-
nation.

{To be continued.')

THE HISTORY OP CULTIVATED VEGE-
TABLES.

No. XVIII— The Tomato, or " Love Apple."
( Lycopersicum, esculentum.)

THE Tomato, or Love Apple, is the fruit of a
herbaceous plant, haviug a hairy stem and
rank smell ; belonging to the Nightshade aud Potato
family, nat. or. Solanacecc. It is a native of South
America, whence it was early introduced by the
Spaniards into Europe, and used as a vegetable.
The editor of the "Bon Jardinier" (pour l'an
1818) describes the Tomato as coming originally
from Mexico, but Mr. Sabine, in a paper he read on
this plant, before the Horticultural Society in 1S19.
said^that there is no authorit y for this statement,
for though Hernandez, in his History of Mexico,
mentions it, he does not particularly distinguish it
as a native of that country. South America being
the native country of this vegetable, it was of
course unknown to the ancient Greeks and Romans ;
still, the name Lycopersicum is stated to have
originated with Galen, the celebrated physician, who
lived about A.D. 131, but it has not been ascer-
tained to what plant it was given. The name is
derived from lykos, a wolf, and persicon, a peach,
implying that the fruit was of such inferior quality
as to be fit ouly for the use of that animal. Gesner,
an eminent physician and naturalist of Zurich, born
in 1516, entered into some investigations of Galen's

on the subject, but they did not lead to a certainty,
and his opinions are criticized by John Bauhin.
Anguillara, an Italian, in a work published in 1561,
conjectures that the Lycopersicum of Galen was
the Tomato, aud ou this authority it is said to have
acquired in after-times the name of Lycopersicum
Galeni. In the "Adversaria" of Pena and L'Obel,
published iu 1570, it is called Poma amoris, Pomum
aureum, and Lycopersicum quorundam, in con-
formity with Anguillara's conjecture.

In the "Elemens de Botanique" of Tournefort.
1691, we find he adopted Lycopersicum as the name
of the genus iu which he placed the particular plant
now treated of. Dodoens, a Dutch botanist, de-
scribes this plant as grown in his time in the Con-
tinental gardens (see his "Pemptades," published
at Antwerp, T5S3), and that the fruit was eaten,
dressed with pepper, vinegar, and oil. It appears
by the "Hortus Keweusis" to have been cultivated
in England in the year 1596, but it must have been
introduced some years previously to that date, as
Gerard mentions it in the early part of his volu-
minous "Herbal" (published in 1597), which must
have taken some years in compiling and printing : —
"This author calls the Tomato Pomum amoris,
and says Apples of Love do grow in Spain, Italy,
aud such hot countries, from whence myself have
received seeds for my garden, where they do increase
and prosper." He also tells us that "there hath
happeued unto my hands another sort very notable
with the former, only the fruit thereof is of a yellow
colour." Parkinson, in his " Paradiseis," pub-
lished 1656, says "that the Tomato grows naturally
in the hot couutries of Barbary and Ethiopia, yet
some report them to be first brought from Peru, a
province of the West Indies. We only have them
for curiosity in our gardens, and for the amorous
aspect or beauty of the fruit." There is no record
when this vegetable was first employed as an escu-
lent in this country, but Miller, in his " Gardener's
Dictionary," published in 1/52, after describing
them, says they were much used in soups in his
time. Being a native of hot climates, the crop very
much depends on the season in this country; when
it is favourable, large quantities are produced in the
open air. As far back as ISIS, being a very fine
summer, the growth of this vegetable round
London exceeded the demand. Mr. John Wilmot,
of Isleworth, states that from a crop of 600 plants
that season, he gathered 100 half-sieves. The fruit
on several single plants probably weighed -10 lb. ;
some of the apples were of an extraordinary size,
exceeding 12 inches iu circumference, and weighing
12 ounces each.

It is stated that this vegetable, medicinally con-
sidered, is an excellent substitute for calomel, and
can be taken when that valuable medicine cannot,
and with less injury to the constitution (see Mcin-
tosh's "Book of the Garden"). In Prance and

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

155

Italy whole fields of this plant are cultivated; so
great is the demand in some parts of the latter
country, that there is scarcely a dinner served up in
which it does not in some way or other form a part.
In England, the plant is more cultivated than for-
merly, and there has been of late an importation of
this vegetable from the United States, preserved in
tins. In a course of an extensive series of chemical
experiments on plants by E. Solby, he found that
the leaves and stems of the Tomato contained nitric
acid. It is stated in the " Gardener's Magazine "
vol. x. (1834), that Tomato buds may be grafted on
potatoes, and plants thus treated produce good
crops of both vegetables.

The old European botanists wrote the name of
this plant Tumatle. The Spaniards and Portuguese
call them Tomates, which appears to be the original
Peruvian appellation; and in Mexico this and several
plants of the Solatium genus are called Tomatles.

There are several varieties of Tomatoes known by
the form and colour of their fruit. Duval, in his
"Natural History of the Soianum," notices their
distinctive characteristics, and describes each as a
distinct species ; but it is believed that they can all
be referred to a common type, viz., the large To-
mato, with deeply-divided, rough, hairy leaves and
clusters of yellow flowers, succeeded by large lobed
fruit of an orange red or scarlet colour when ripe.
Dr. B. Seemann, in his " Plora Vitiensis," or the
description of plants in the Fiji Islands, mentions
Solarium anthropophagorum (the cannabaPs Toma-
to), called Bogo-dina, being one of the plants which
Fijians cultivate very near Bure-ni-sa, or stranger's
house, where the bodies of the slain iu battle are
always taken to be feasted with the fruit of this
plant, and from which it appears that savages some-
times require a relish with their disgusting food.

H. G. Glasspoole.

NOTES ON THE DIPTERA.
V. — The Asiltdm.

O INCE one of the objects of these papers is to
^ call attention to certain flies just at the sea-
son when one may expect to find them, the families
described are necessarily taken out of their natural
position. Thus the Asllidce have but little connec-
tion with the Muscidce, though they have points of
resemblance to the Bombylidce and Tabanidce, pre-
viously described. They diverge from the ordinary
types of British diptera, and the connecting links
are found only in hot climates. They are the
largest of all the diptera except the Midasidce,
and any oiie visiting the British Museum
may obtain an idea of the largeness and ferocious
appearance of some of the exotic species from a few
specimens which are there exhibited.
The Asilidce may be at once recognized by their

mouths, which will be presently described. Five
genera occur in this country. Two of these, being
uncommon, are not likely to be met with : the other
three, Asilus, Leptogaster, and Dioctria, may be
distinguished as follows : — The feet of Leptogaster
have no onychia {i.e. pads), while the other two
genera have them well developed. In the wings of
the genus Asilus the sub- costal and radial veins
unite just before meeting the margin of the wing.
(See so and r, fig. 87.) In these two genera the
antennae are small, but in the genus Dioctria they
are unusually large, as fig. 93 will show.

The first genus, Asilus, is the type genus of the
family. Its finest species, A. crabroniformis, is
much the strongest of the British diptera, and,
except one or two Tabani, the largest. The male
is fully an inch long, and the female, of which a
drawing is given at lig. 85, is about one-tenth of an
inch longer. The breadth across the expanded
wings varies from one inch and a half to one inch
and three-quarters. Though not very common,
where it is to be found it often occurs in large
numbers. Uncultivated tracts of land, such as
mountain-sides, heaths, and forests, are its favourite
haunts. It is commonly called the Great Hornet-
fly, and its specific name too refers to its supposed
likeness to a hornet. But the name is little appli-
cable, for it requires a stretch of the imagination to
see the resemblance. As it comes tumbling along
with its lumbering flight and unmusical buzz, it
looks more like a greatly overgrown dung-fly than
a hornet. In richness of colouring it exceeds, not
only all our other diptera, but also most of the
other orders, and approaches the lepidoptera in
the tone of its colour. It seems, in fact, more like
a tropical than au English insect, so different is its
style from that of the insects to which we are
accustomed. The eyes are bronze green, and are
set off by fringes of orange hair on the face and
under-side of the head. The thorax is orange-
brown in colour, with a dark stripe down the mid-
dle, on each side of which is a patch of silvery grey.
The hinder half of it is thinly armed with long pale
brown bristles. The abdomen is covered with lus-
trous down, finer than the finest velvet, which is of
an intense black over the three basal segments, and
of a rich orange-brown over the remaining six in
the male ; in the female the last two segments are
black, and quite smooth and shiny. There are tufts
of black and white hairs at the edges of the three
basal segments. The legs are bright brown and
very hairy. But the most uniquely coloured parts
are the wings. The veins are ruddy (the paint called
burnt sienna would nearly match the colour), and
the membrane yellow (raw sienna), except along
the hind border, where each areolet is shadeci witn
grey.

Quite a contrast in colouring is another species,
A. cestivus, which is a brownish-black fly clothed

156

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIT.

with grey hairs. Its shape is similar, but it is
smaller, varying from \ inch to S inch in length. It
is rather a " horrid " creature, having the strength
and fierceness of A. crabroniformis without its
beauty. Its antennae and maxillary palpi are black,
and are furnished with long black hairs. The veins
of the wings are black, and the membrane trans-
parent and colourless, except along the hind border,

Fig. 85. Asilus crabroniformis, female, x 2 diam.

where each areolet is slightly shaded with grey as
in A. crabroniformis. A. cestivus chooses the same
kind of localities as the previous species, but is

Fig. 86. Foot of Asilus crahroniformis, x 40 diam.

said to be less frequent : we, however, have found
it in larger numbers, especially on the Mendip
Hills.

There are several other species, none of them at
all common. One, which is now and then found in
company with A. eestivus, and may be confounded
with it, is called A. cristatus. It is somewhat simi-
lar in colour, but browner; also shorter, thicker,
and perhaps one may say uglier. The feature which
distinguishes it from all the other species, and to
which its name refers, is that the thorax is covered
with long hair from front to back, whereas
in the other species the bristles are on the
hind part only. The wings are different,
being smaller in proportion, much weaker, of
a faint brown tinge, and very transparent,
with light brown veins. .Fig. 87 is a drawing
of one.

It will be seen from the mouth of A.
cestivus (fig. 88) that the mouths of the
Asllidce are very different from those of the
other flies which we have described ; indeed
they have no parallel among our other
diptera. Their chief peculiarities are an ex-
tremely large lingua or tongue (/, fig. 88),
and a curious metamorphosis of the labium
or lower lip (la, fig. 88) into an organ which
strongly reminds one of the labium of a
hemipterous insect, .even to its possessing two
little pads of hairs at the tip, one on each side,
which are commonly called "organs of taste"
in bugs. These pads of hairs are the sole repre-
sentatives of the lobes, which in all other flies
have the wonderful capillary channels on their

Fig. 87. Wing of Asilus cristatus, x 7 diam. Names of
veins: co, costal; sc, sub-costal; m, mediastinal; r, radial;
cu cu, cubital ; pr pr, praebrachial (the end part is sometimes
called "sub-apical"); em, externo-medial (two veins);
po po, postbrachial ; an, anal ; d, the discoidal areolet ; axl,
axillary lobe; at, alula.

inner surfaces. The lingua is triangular, like the
modern bayonet, having one edge downwards. The
other two edges are each furnished with a row
of stiff hairs, which are set in a backward
direction. It ends in a sharp, firm point. The
labrum (Ibr) is short, and not unlike the labrum of
a hemipteron. The maxilla; are long, and much
stouter than is usual among diptera, but, except
for this, they and their palpi are of the ordinary
dipterous type, and not at all like the corresponding
organs in the mouth of a bug. The mouths of the
other Asllidce are formed on the same pattern, but
of course they have generic and specific differences.
But the resemblances are greater than the differ-
ences, and the general form is so striking that by the

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

157

mouth alone, as mentioned before, it may be deter-
mined whether or no a fly belongs to the family
Asilidce.

Besides the joining of the sub-costal and
radial veins already noticed, there is in the
wings of the genus Asilus another and con-
spicuous feature by which an asilus may be
known almost at a glance, namely, that one
of the externo-medial veins {em, fig. 87)
instead of going straight to the margin,
turns backwards and joins the post-brachial
(po).

The legs of all the AsUidce are extremely Fi&- 9°

caught. Except in the genus Leptogaster, the pads
are largely developed. The tenent hairs

are

Antennae : a of L. cylindricus, and//, of A. sestivus, x 50 diam.
Side view (seen from above the third of each is thin).

long and straight; and if any one
still doubts whether in walking the
pads of a fly's foot adhere by suction
or by means of a viscous secretion,

Fig. 88. Mouth of Asilus <pstivus, x 45 diams. Ibr, labrum ; I, lingua ;
la, labium ; mx, maxillae. The maxillary palpi are not lettered.

Fig. 91, Tarsus of Zeptogaster cylindricus,
x 16 diam.

he may be convinced that the latter is
the case, both by a microscopical'exa-
mination of the tenent hairs on the
pads of A. crabroniformis, and by
applying a needle to the foot of a
freshly - killed specimen, when they

Fig.:

Leptogaster cylindricus, male, clinging to a
stem. Magnified 2j diameters.

Fig. 92. Head of Dioctria rufipes, x 14 diams. a, side view ;
b, top view j e, great eyes ; oc, ocelli.

stout and muscular, being adapted for the seizure of
prey. They are covered with stiff bristles, probably for
the purpose of giving a firm hold of the prey when

will immediately adhere. Suction would require a
muscular effort, which could not occur after death.
Asili, in fact if not in appearance, have three pads,

158

HARDVv'lCKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

for the central one, though narrow where seen
between the two large pads, yet on the under-side
of the last joint of the tarsus, where it arises, is
broad and furnished with tenent hairs. Besides
these, there are tenent hairs on the under-sides of
the last two joints of the tarsus, which may be

Fig. 93. Wing of D. rufipes, x 7 diams. For names of the veins see
flg. 87. Tt differs from the wing of asilus as follows : the radial vein, r,
does not join the sub-costal, sc, before entering the costal ; nor does
the externo-medial, em, join the front fork of the uost-brachial, po; nor
the bind fork of the post-brachial join the anal, an.

called " auxiliary pads," and also a regular brush
of hairs, not tenent but ordinary, on the first joint.
Add to this the two stiff claws, as sharp as needles,
and numerous hairs and bristles all along the leg,
and a more effectual piece of mechanism for grasp-
ing, than the foot of an asilus, can hardly be con-
ceived.

We now come to the genus Leptogaster (\sTrr6g,
slender, and yaoriip, belly) of which our only re-
presentative, L. cylindricus, is the commonest of
our native Asllidce. It is so named from the cylin-
drical shape of its abdomen, which is extremely
long and slender. Au idea of the strange appear-
ance of the fly may be obtained from fig. 89, which
shows 'it in the position that it usually assumes
when at rest. This fly is the very opposite to a
bombylius, or humble-bee fly, which is short and
broad, whereas the leptogaster is long and thin.
The former spends the greater part of its life on the
wing, but the latter scarcely ever flies ; and, as one
might expect, the wings of the one and the feet of
the other are greatly developed, so that the bom-
bylius has large wings and slender legs, and the
leptogaster has tiny wings and stout legs. A foot
is shown at fig. 91. The claws are unusually large,
and are set almost at right angles to the foot, so
that they nearly turn back underneath it. The two
outside pads are altogether absent, but the middle
pad although not broad is very strong — like a third
claw (e, fig. 89). The only substitutes for the ordi-
nary onychia are the auxiliary pads (p, fig. 89),
similar to those mentioned in the description of
the foot of asilus, but they are not so large, even
comparatively, as in that fly. This peculiar form
of feet, adapted, like those of the animal known as
"the sloth," for a climbing life, renders walking on
a flat surface almost an impossibility to a lepto-
gaster; in fact, the creature may be said to be "at

sea" when it gets on the ground, where it is in a
worse plight than the proverbial " cat in walnut-
shells."

The colouring of L. cylindricus is simple, but
pretty. Its integument is black, but is wholly
concealed by a very fine brownish gray pubescence.
The eyes are bronze green, the face
golden yellow, and clothed with long
yellow hairs. The legs are yellow, with
black markings. The antenna? and
mouth are minute: an outline of one of
the former is given at fig. 90 a.

The size of the fly is very variable, it
being sometimes as much as § inch, and
sometimes as little as ■$ inch, in length.
Although it is such a slender insect, it is
by no means a weak one, its frame being
tough and muscular ; and, no doubt, it is
just as fierce as its brethren, so that any
unhappy little insect getting within reach
of its talons would have but a slight
chance of escape. The most likely places in which
to find leptogaster are barren spots overgrown with
thistles and coarse grass, where they may be often
found in hundreds. Specimens can generally be
obtained by sweeping with the net in ripe mowing-
grass.

It is most probable that those who are not ac-
quainted with the Dioctrice, often pass them by as
ichneumon flies, for, in outline, colour, and manner
of flight, they have a certain resemblance to this
family of the hymenoptera. But, if one be caught
and examined, it will be seen that it is a dipterous
insect, which may at first be mistaken for another
species of Leptogaster. It will be found to differ,
however, from a leptogaster, in the form of the
antennse, feet, and other parts. Dioctrice are more
elegant in form than many of our other As'uidce, and
surpass most of them in beauty of colour.

They live chiefly in hedges and low bushes, and
have a great liking for stinging-nettles : they are
also found in the same places as the previous genus.
Dioctria rufipes is a fly about -^ inch long and
about 1 inch across the expanded wings. The body
is black, the front of the head gold-coloured and
shining, and the eyes bronze green. The first and
second pair of legs are red, and the hinder pair
black. The wings are colourless or tinged with
broWn, with black veins, the halteres light yellow,
and very conspicuous. The antennse, as may be
seen in fig. 92, are much larger than those of the
other insects described in this paper, being almost
the largest antennae possessed by any of theBracky-
cera, or short-horned diptera, in the British Isles.
They are also of a different character, being hairy,
and having the olfactory capsules smaller. It seems
probable that they are used as feelers, for their
length, flexibility, and the possession of hairs,
would fit them for that purpose.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

159

The wing is similar in most respects to that of
Leptogaster, but is broader and stouter, and has the
discoidal areolet {d, fig. 93) more symmetrical, like
that of a Tabanus, figured in Science-Gossip, July,
1875, page 148. The feet are like those of the
genus Asilus. When treated with caustic potash,
and mounted in glycerine, or glycerine jelly, they
make excellent polariscope objects.

There is another species a little less common than
D. rnfipes, which is similar to it in many respects,
but may be distinguished by the wings, which are of
a most beautiful purple-brown colour. Its name is
D. celandica. The other species are much less
common ; the only one, therefore, which we shall
mention is D.flavipes, a fly which might be con-
founded with D. rnfipes, but differs from it in being
much smaller, and having a brownish body, and by
all its legs being yellow.

The Asilidce all feed on other insects, from which
they suck the juices by means of their powerful
mouth apparatus. It is noticeable that in them
what are presumably the hearing organs (seated in
the halteres, and in the wings near their bases,) are
well developed ; but in the antennae, the capsules
generally considered to be the smelling organs, are
small, and few in number. This, we think, favours
the supposition that these senses are so situated :
for the sense of hearing would seem likely to be the
more useful to them, on account of its being able to
warn them of the approach of their prey long before
it comes within reach of the sense of smell ; aud
afterwards, when the prey is near enough to be
seized, it is not smell, but sight, that must guide
them in pouncing upon it. The supposition is
further favoured by the fact that in the Tabanidce
and Muscidm (which, from their different mode of
obtaining food, would require the sense of smell
rather than that of hearing,) the relative develop-
ment of these organs is reversed.

Of the three genera above described, the Dioctria
are the earliest, appearing from May to July, the
Leptogaster appears about a month later, and the
Asili are found from June to September. The
larvae of the Asilidce live in the ground, except
those of one of the rare genera, which feed on the
decaying branches of trees.

Frank J. Allen and H. M. J. Underbill.

MICROSCOPY.

The Bramhall Oblique Illuminator. — Mr.
Kitton, one of our first authorities on all that con-
cerns diatoms, has been pleased to express his ap-
probation of this invention, and to name it after its
inventor. I can confirm all that he has said of its
resolving power. Whatever an object-glass is ca-
pable of doing, I believe it will enable it to do. In
addition to the tests named by Mr. Kitton, I may

add, that with a Siebert's No. 7 immersion, and the
A eyepiece, I have by the aid of the Illuminator
resolved the following, which I consider the most
difficult tests in their class. Pleurosigma Macrum,
Navicula Crassinervis, Frustulia Suxonica, and
Amphipleura Pellucida. The only test that has so
far beaten me is Stauroneis Spicula, and of that I
have "glimpsed" the markings. Before I found
out this method of illuminating, I could never
really resolve any of the more difficult tests, not
even Navicula Rhomboides, in spite of achromatic
condenser, spot lens, prisms, and stops of various
kinds, but by its aid, that old difficulty N. Rhom-
boides, dry or in balsam, is as easy as P. Angulatum
was of old. The illuminator is made in two forms.
The one, represented in Mr. Kitton' s paper, does
for such microscopes as have no sub-stage ; the
other, and the best, fits the sub-stage, rising and
falling by aid of the rackwork. I use a silvered
glass mirror of J-inch in diameter, and a polished
metal disc of about an inch, which fit the same
holder. On the whole, I prefer the metal ; the
chief merits of the invention are its simplicity,
efficiency, and cheapness. I use only sunlight or
clear daylight, but believe it will work equally well
with the lamp. Nothing can be more easy than its
use. Throw the light on to the object more or less
obliquely, as that particular object requires, and
regulate the reflector beneath, as experience alone
can determine. I hope my brother microscopists
will have as much success in the use of this illumi-
nator as I have had, and I am sure they will be
satisfied. — John Bramhall, St. John's Vicarage, near
Lynn.

Surirella Gemma. — The resolution of this
diatom is not so much a matter of magnification as
one of illumination ; whether the oV in- of your
correspondent will show the markings depends
upon its quality, its correction, and upon the illu-
mination used. A good •§■ in., ■+$ in-, rs ln-> or
TVin. will show these markings beautifully, but it is
quite possible that the ¥V in. will not do so, although
it ought. I have, for instance, not resolved the
lines into heads yet with my ■£$ in., whilst my Boss's
yo in. shows them splendidly. I use the narrow
side of the flame of a paraffin lamp, place a bull's-eye
condenser with its convex side next to it, and
obr,ain thus parallel rays on the mirror or on the
rectangular prism. I always interpolate a blue
light modifier. Very oblique rays being essential
for the resolution of Surirella gemma, a large dark
ground spot or rectangular stop of the condenser
must be employed, and the latter, of course, must
be racked up rather high. I have, however, ob-
tained the best results by the use of one of Wen-
ham's paraboloids. I put the darkground stop flush
with its apex, and place this about i in. below
the object. By changing the position of the mirror

160

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

or rectangular prism slightly, the true appear-
ance as well as Hartnack's false ones, which Dr.
Carpenter has figured, are easily obtained. If the
lamp is placed in front of the microscope and the
light passed through a bull's-eye condenser directly
in the condenser or the paraboloid, the definition is
still further improved. The use of monochromatic
sunlight facilitates the resolution greatly. Owing
to the shape of Surirella gemma only a portion of the
frustule can be resolved at one time without alter-
ing the focus.— Adolf Schidze.

Markings on Surirella Gemma.— The trans-
verse markings on S. gemma (not gemmae) can be
easily seen with a i objective and moderately
oblique light ; the resolution of these lines into
dots requires a higher power and a very oblique ray.
I have seen them very distinctly with a Beck im-
mersion ^ and the " Bramhall Illuminator," even
when the specimens are mounted in balsam. The
valve must be at right angles to the illuminating ray,
and the objective very carefully adjusted— F. K.

ZOOLOGY.

Provincial Natural History Progress.—
It is always refreshing and encouraging for us to
receive the reports, transactions, proceedings, or by
whatsoever name our provincial fellow-naturalists
like to dub their work. Among the many signifi-
cant "signs of the times" is the establishment of
natural history clubs in connection with our public
schools. We have received the second annual
report of the University School Naturalists' Eield
Club for 1875-6, published at Hastings, and giving
a well-written account of their doings, both in the
library and the field. The digests and abstracted
reports of the papers and meetings are well done,
and we wish this unpretending but useful club
" God speed ! " The sixth annual report of the
Wellington College Natural Science Society is also
to hand, containing abstracts of the minutes of the
meetings and of the papers read, which latter em-
brace a very wide and suggestive series of subjects.
Some of them, especially that by Mr. J. Niven, on
"The Conservation of Energy," and another by the
Rev. P. H. Kempthorne, on " The Formation of
Volcanic Islands," cannot fail to have made lasting
impressions. What we are most pleased to see,
however, in connection with this society, is the
"Zoological Report" for 1875, in which the prac-
tical observation of the members of the society has
acquired a scientific value in recording observations
as to the fauna and flora of the district. The
" Annual Report of the Belfast Field Naturalists'
Club for 1874r-5 " is, as usual, welcome, for this
club numbers some well-known and enthusiastic
naturalists and geologists among its members. We
are sorry to see, however, that the President (the

Rev. Dr. Macilwaine) thought it necessary to
refute, in the presidential address, what the
reverend gentleman considered the " atheism " of
Professor Tyndall during the Belfast meeting of the
British Association. Professor Tyndall's theological
inferences at that time did much less harm than his
opponents are in the habit of supposing ! One of
the most interesting papers in the present report is
that of Mr. Mann Harbison, on "The Origin of
Eskers." Mr. William Gray's paper on " Rudely-
worked Flints," contains some suggestive remarks
by a most accurate observer. The report of the
Manchester Field Naturalists' Society for 1875
impresses us with that wonderful appetite for work
which many of our North-countrymen exhibit. Here
is a most formidable array of excursions, papers,
conversazioni, lectures, &c, all taking place in one
year, and admirably condensed into a paper-covered
"Report" of fifty-four pages. This club has long
been the nursery for Manchester naturalists, and
we hope it will long live to fulfil both that function
and the still higher one of recording such original
observations and remarks as are here so tersely
summarised.

Return of the " Challenger."— As 'our
readers will have seen in the public papers, this
vessel has returned safely to our shores, laden with
scientific material, which it will take months if not
years to explain, even to Science. No doubt, the
utmost expedition will be taken to lay the results
before the expectant world. During her voyage
the Challenger has traversed nearly seventy thousand
miles, and made observations at three hundred and
sixty-two places, at all of which soundings have
been made and the sea bottom examined. Perhaps
the most remarkable "find" in the history of the
expedition was that which we noticed at the time,
of a gigantic hydrozoan polyp off the Japanese
coasts. °This measured nine inches across the non-
retractile tentacled cup, and had a stem more than
seven feet in length, with a diameter of half an
inch ! This wonderful polyp was found again, in
dredging off Honolulu. Living encrinites of new
but dwarfed species ; " Venus's flower-baskets,"
or old-world types of siliceous sponges ; strange-
looking and unknown crustaceans ; polyzoa sug-
gesting affinities to Cambrian fossils ; these, and a
host of other interesting materials, were collected,
and will before long be described by Professor
Wyville-Thomson, who has his notes well m hand,
on the history of this famous expedition. The
results are promised us in a published volume in
October.

Trophies of the " Challenger."— Among
the wealth of zoological specimens the Chal-
lenger has brought home are two large living
tortoises, -one forty years old and the other a
hundred. The large tortoise can walk quite as

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

161

fast with two men standing on its back Jas when
only carrying its own weight.

Insect Collections. — The influence of different
colours of glass on collections of insects has been
investigated by M. Capronnier, of the Entomologi-
cal Society of Belgium, the object being to preserve
collections from the decolouration which the green
and carmine parts especially undergo iu daylight.
He operated with four tints of glass— yellow,
violet, green, and blue ; also with uncoloured glass.
It was found that yellow is the best preservative ;
after ninety days it was the only colour which left
carmine nearly quite intact. It is not an absolute
preservative, for at the end of this time the tint was
slightly altered. It seems that the only way, known
at present, of keeping collections absolutely intact
is to keep them in darkness.

A Rich Collecting Ground foe Mollusca. —
During the month of April last, on a patch of ground
not more than two yards by six, in Roydhouse
Wood, on the Yorkshire estate of the Earl of
Dartmouth, situated about three miles from
Huddersfield, a friend and I collected living speci-
mens of the following species of mollusca, amongst
which will be seen that some are considered both
local and rare, viz., Vitrina pellucida, Zonites
cellarius, Zonites alliarius, Zonites alliarius var.
viridula, Zonites nitidulus, Zonites nitidulus var.
nitens, Zonites purus, Zonites purus var. margari-
tacea, Zonites radiatulus, Zonites radiatulus var.
viridescenta-alba, Zonites excavatus, Zonites crystal-
linus, Zonites fulvus, Helix lamellata, Helix aculeata,
Helix fusca, Helix rotundata, Helix pygmeea, Vertigo
pygmcea, Vertigo edentula, Cochlicopa lubrica,
Carychium minimum, and Acme lineata. In addi-
tion to the above list, we also find several of the
Slug family ; but I have yet not paid sufficient at-
tention to the orders of Arion and Limax to enable
me to include them in the foregoing list, for fear of
misnaming them. I shall be glad if any other
amateur conchologist could furnish present locali-
ties where Helix lamellata is found. — Lister Peace.

Snake eating Snake. — Happening to read an
article in your May number of last year, on this
subject, and also on page 160, in the year 1873, it
has been suggested to me by one of your sub*
scribers that the following incident may be of
interest. I am in a position to affirm that snakes
not only devour their young, or their own species,
when in a state of confinement, but that the same
thing also happens when they are at large. It was
a little after midsummer, that is about the month of
January, during some of our hottest weather, ther-
mometer standing at about 110° Fahr. in the shade,
I was working in a patch of sweet potatoes on the
clearing, when I saw a " whip-snake," about 3 feet
in length, close to my foot ; of course, I instantly

turned, and struck it with a hoe, which I had in my
hand, but it did not appear very lively, or show
fight. On looking at it, it appeared to have a tail at
each end, but, on closer examination, I found the
tail of a second snake protruding from the mouth
of the first, whose body as far down as the stomach
reaches appeared considerably distended. I placed
my right foot on the tail of the living snake, and,
seizing the protruding tail with my left hand, I
pulled till I had drawn a second entire snake from
the mouth of the living one, it having been
swallowed head first. The second snake being as
near as possible the same length as the first one, it
was unable to contain it all at one time, the head
was already partly digested, and, no doubt, as
digestion went on and made more room, the re-
mainder would have been drawn in, and in its turn
also digested. This was at a time when there was
plenty of food of every description for snakes to be
found close by. We all know that the poison of a
snake is contained in a small bag under the fang in
each jaw, but does not the fact that one snake
can digest the head of another, containing this
poison-bag, go far to prove that the poison can pass
harmlessly through the stomach, and that the only
danger is when the poison is mixed directly with
the blood? These snakes are a very favourite food
of our aborigines, but they are very careful to
decapitate them directly they are caught, and they
will never eat a snake unless they have killed it
themselves, and are sure that in its death struggle,
it did not turn and bite itself, which often happens.
— A. J. A., Brisbane.

BOTANY.

Tiie Origin of Common Plant-names.— I
think I can give your correspondent in the May
number of this journal, Mr. W. G. Piper, the in-
formation he desires respecting the Guernsey local
name of the common Goosegrass or Bedstraw
{Galium aparine). The word "Lakoo" exactly
represents in English the sound of the name, but it
is incorrectly spelt,— if 1 may be allowed to say so,
of a word which forms part of an unwritten patois.
This peculiar dialect, of which the principal in-
gredient is old Norman Trench, is ungoverned by
any rules of grammar or pronunciation, and many of
the words are so distorted as to be totally unin-
telligible to any one but a native; for the patois of
the adjacent islands, Jersey, Alderney, and Sark, all
differ more or less one from another. The French
word queue, a tail, is locally pronounced quoue (or
koo), and La quoue, the name of the common Bed-
straw, simply means " the tail." Let me endeavour
to explain how this curious appellation has been
given. On the 1st of April in each year the
Guernsey children divert themselves by pinning or

162

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

hooking strips of cotton rags or paper to the dress
of any unwary person who can be got at, the
" April fools " who thus unconsciously " drag their
tails behind them " causing much merriment. In
the country parishes, however, 67. aparine being
abundantly provided with hooklets, affords a ready
substitute for "tails" of manufactured material.
Immediately a sprig of the plant is thrown on and
attached to a person's clothes, the cry of La quoue,
la quoue / (a tail, a tail ! ) is raised, and continued
till the victim of the harmless joke discovers the
cause of the sudden outcry. As in some instances
in this country, the plant takes its name from the
use to which it is applied. It is also known by
another local name, which is derived from a word
signifying to scratch.— E. D. 3Iarquand, Brocken-
hurst.

Nectaries op Hellebortjs.— Dr. Masters has
discovered that the small cup-shaped petals which
form the nectaries of Helleborus are gifted with
the same power of absorbing and digesting nitro-
genous substances as the leaves of the Venus's Ply-
trap and the Sundew.

A Botanical Trip to the Scilly Islands.—
Being one of a party who lately paid a visit to
these islands, so famed for their botanical treasures,
I thought a slight notice thereon might be accept-
able to the readers of Science- Gossip. Of course,
our foremost object was to procure the rare Orni-
thopus ebracteatus: this we first gathered at Tresco
Island, on slopes facing and near the coast. We
afterwards found it on both the islands of St.
Agnes and Bryer. We obtained— near the mill—
Trifolium suffocatum and Viola Curtisii — the latter
in fruit, coming on it rather late in the season.
These both grow on sandy banks near the shore.
On St. Mary's, we fell in with Trifolium glomera-
turn on hedge-banks, Reseda svffruticulosa in plenty,
Inula Helenium, Scrophularia scorodonia on road-
side hedges, and on walls in Hugh Town, the
beautiful Alyssum maritimum. Thousands of Tri-
folium subterraneum and Trigonella ornithopodioides
may be seen almost everywhere. Lotus angustissi-
mus and hispidus in many places. A broad form of
Zostera marina occurs here. This appears rare in
fruit,— a few specimens only in that state being
washed up. Had the tides permitted, I might have
got a supply from its marine bed : I found the
narrow form last season at the same spot rather
plentiful. The Water Ranunculi are represented
here by some two or three species, and exceedingly
fine and beautiful specimens may be gathered. We
collected many, nearly two feet long, and in great
perfection, but cannot give their names, but would
be glad to send samples to any one interested in
this tribe of plants to identify. Potamogeton pec-
t mains— probably a variety— was very fine, pro-

ducing its flowers in rich abundance. Scirpus pan-
ciflorus and S. multicaulis were both plentiful at
Higher Bog. I cannot conclude without saying a
word respecting that beautiful lichen Sticta aurata
occurring on the islands of Bryer and St. Agnes.
The richness of its appearance is beyond descrip-
tion, clinging to the stunted heath for protection
against the high wind, like rich gems of gold, the
sight of which producing a sensation not easy to
describe.— W. Curnow, Penzance.

Ornithopus ebracteatus. — I visited the Scilly
Isles at the end of May last, in company with
Messrs. Ralfs and Curnow, to search for the above-
named rare plant. We were fortunate in finding it
in some quantity in the islands of Tresco and St.
Agnes. The specimens were mostly small, owing
to the dry season. We consider it to be decidedly
native. — James Cunnack, Helslon, Cornwall.

The Northen Holy-grass. — As several notes
have appeared in your pages during the past year
on Hierochloe borealis, " I am rather surprised that
no one has quoted Dr. Parnell's " Grasses of Great
Britain." He says of it : " It grows from twelve to
eighteen inches high. The root is perennial, creep-
ing ... a prominent, broad, obtuse ligule. Leaves
short, broad, lanceolate. Although this is one of
the earliest of our flowering grasses, it cannot be
recommended with advantage to the notice of
agriculturists, as its powerful creeping root, and
its great deficiency of spring foliage, are disadvan-
tages which are not compensated by any merits the
grass possesses. It is a native of Lapland, Norway,
Sweden, Germany, Prance, Italy, Kamtchatka, and
Alaska. Plowers early in May, and ripens its seed
in June. In Prussia, this grass is strewed before the
doors of churches on festival days, and in Sweden
it is sold^to be suspended over beds to induce sleep."
Dr. Hooker says much the same in his " Students
Plora." We have it growing here in the grass-garden,
and it had sent up its flower-stalks on April 22ud,
even in this by no means early season, and in a
bleak situation. Its stigmas were mature by the
27th, and I cannot but think Mrs. Edwards wrong-
in saying that stamens and stigmas are mature
simultaneously. The plant is truly hermaphrodite,
but not, I think synacmic, but protogynous. Its
foliage is scanty, but the stalk has a strong, sweet
taste. — 67. S. Boulger, Professor of Natural History,
Ag. Col., Cirencester.

Sudden Appearance of Plants.— On this
subject I see Mr. Edwin Lees, of Worcester, has
written to you at some length, in page ]99 in the
year 1S74, and he accounts for the appearance
of plants by " the ground having been disturbed."
I would ask Mr. Lees through the means of
your paper, whether he could assign any cause
for the appearance of plants when the ground has

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

163

not been disturbed, and not only not disturbed, but
subjected to such intense heat from fire, that one
would suppose, that any life, some inches below
the surface, must become extinct. It is the custom
for farmers to take up small selections of land, con-
sisting partly of lightly-timbered forest land, and
partly of " scrub land," which any Australian will
know to mean land thickly covered with gigantic
trees, between which grow up numerous smaller
trees, under which again is a luxurious growth of
underwood, the whole bouud together with a great
variety of creepers, varying from the size of a
small cane to the thickness of a man's body, which
grow up the largest trees and down again to the
ground, forming altogether so dense a mass that it
is impossible to enter it an arm's length without
cutting one's way. From the dropping of the
leaves of many centuries the soil becomes very
rich, and the farmer will prefer to go to the trouble
of cutting down this jungle, and cultivating the
rich land, to cultivating the comparatively open
forest land, which is very inferior in quality. When
the trees are all felled the branches lie over the
entire surface of the ground in a mass several feet
high, which, when well dried by the heat of the sun,
is fired on the windward side : the fire rages during
a whole day, and on some parts considerably longer,
till all the smaller wood is entirely consumed, and
only the stumps and the largest trunks of the trees
remain blackened and charred. As soon as the
ground has sufficiently cooled, the farmer goes
amongst the logs, and without any breaking up
of the soil, which is quite loose and friable,
makes holes at short distances with a stick called
" a dibber," and drops into each hole three or four
grains of maize, which, after the first shower of
rain, immediately spring up; but also from the
mass of charcoal and ashes there springs up a large
crop of wild flowers and plants, of which we do not
know the names, but amongst which we find
very abundant the tomato bush, which is in a
few weeks covered with the beautiful rich ripe
red fruit of the plain round species, which may be
gathered by the hundredweight; also the well-known
Cape gooseberry-bush, which bears a large crop of
its sweet fruit, resembling a cherry without a
stone, and each berry enveloped in a neat little
husk of something very like whitey-brown paper.
Besides these a very sweet-scented white lily, about
a foot high, grows in great profusion ; with a great
number of other plants, and very pretty flowers,
which grow so freely that we have to cut them
down, or they would interfere with the growth
of the maize. Now, previously to burning the scrub,
there had not been the least appearance of any of these
plants here or for many miles around ; they continue
to grow, aud do not, as your former correspondent
observes in the case he mentions, become extinct ;
but, on the contrary, they increase year by year,

where we do not destroy them ; nor do we ever
find a similar sudden appearance at any spot which
has not been subjected to the fire. This is a fact
of every-day occurrence in the bush. I might also
mention that the open forest laud is generally
covered with grass, which grows in little separate
plants or tufts ; but if from burning off timber we
have frequently had a fire at one place, we in-
variably find that the tuft grass does not reappear,
its place being speedily taken by the couch grass.—
A. J. A., Brisbane.

Pleohorphism.— I cannot see the connection,
which Mr. Duffy seems to indicate the existence
of, between the facts that certain chemical sub-
stances alter in their properties when under
different conditions without losing their chemical
identity; that one stage in the reproduction of
lowly-organised cellular plants resembles organisms
considered to be lowly-organised animals ; that
fungi not only produce buds, but also sexual
organs ; and that there are two distinct varieties
of the primrose which cross freely. To commit
oneself to the parallelism of .the two first cases,
would be to countenance all the fallacies of
Heterogenesis. If the existence of a vegetative
and a reproductive system be " Pleomorphism,"
then all organic beings except the Protista are
so. The two varieties of the primrose occur not
only not on the same blossom under different
conditions, which would be allotropic, but not
even on the same plant. The dimorphism is
dieecious. Does Mr. Duffy merely mean to point
out that there are both resemblances and differences
between the " three kingdoms," between varieties
of one species, individuals of one variety, and even
the characters of individuals under different condi-
tions ?— &. S. Boulger.

GEOLOGY.

Living Ceratodus. — Professor Gervais an-
nounces that he has received from the Erench
Consul at Melbourne, an intimation of a new form
of fish allied to the Ceratodus, in the river Eitzroy.
It has all the characters of Ceratodus Fosteri, but
differs from it sufficiently to be regarded as a
distinct genus, to which the name of Neoceratodus
Blanchardi has been given.

Thb Old Glaciers oe the Northern Slope
of the Swiss Alps.— This was the title of a paper
recently read before the Geological Society of
London, by Professor Alphonse Eavre. The
author illustrated his remarks by a map on a scale
0f xs&fst, showing the space occupied by the old
Swiss glaciers at the time of their greatest extension,
and founded in part upon evidence obtained since
1867, when he, in conjunction with Prof. Studer

164

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

and M. L. Soret, issued an " Appel aux Suisses "
for the preservation of erratic blocks. He said
that in existing glaciers two parts may be recog-
nized—an upper one, the reservoir or feeding
glacier, and a lower one, the flowing glacier.
Applying this division to the old glaciers, it appears
that in the glaciers of the Rhone and Rhine the
flowing glacier which occupied the plain had a
surface nearly equal to that of the feeding glacier
which was situated in the mountains. By means
of several tables M. Eavre showed the height
attained by these glaciers, their thickness, the
slope of their upper surface, &c, at various points
in the Alps, the Jura, and Swabia, and deduced as
the result of the comparison of these numbers : —

1. that the Rhone glacier passed over several of the
chains of the Jura, and that the ice covering these,
far from being an obstacle to the extension of the
glaciers of the Alps, actually reinforced them, and
served them as relays, the glaciers of the Jura
having carried far on the Alpine erratic blocks;

2. that the slopes of the upper surface were
variable, and were null, or nearly so, over consider-
able spaces. At the Calanda, near Coire, there are
erratics which seem to be at a higher level than that
attained by the glacier. This may be explained by
the formation in the glacier of a sort of eddy, which
would elevate the ice to a certain amount over
a limited space. During their greatest extension
the Swiss glaciers came in contact with those of
central Erance near Lyons ; they united with those
of the'Jura, the Black Forest, and the Austrian and
Italian Alps ; they stretched from the plain of the
Po to that of the "Danube ; and further, for distances
of 50 or 100 kilometres they nearly approached
horizontality. Hence they resembled the glaciers
of the interior of Greenland and Spitsbergen, so far
as can be judged from the descriptions.

Evolution of the Mammalia. — Professor
Huxley, in the course of a lecture recently given
on the Genealogy of the Horse, said the evidence
proved that the existing species of horse had arrived
at its present form by evolution, that is, by the
gradual modification of a lower and less specialised
form. "This case, moreover," he continued, "is
not isolated. Every new investigation into the ter-
tiary mammalian fauna brings fresh evidence tend-
ing to show how the rhinoceros, the pigs, the
ruminants, have come about. Similar light is being
thrown on the origin of the carnivora, and also, in a
less degree, on that of all the other groups of mam-
mals. It may well be asked why such clear evi-
dence should be obtainable as to the origin of mam-
mals, while in the case of many other groups —
fish, for instance— all the evidence seems to point
the other way? This question cannot be satis-
factorily answered at present, but the fact is pro-
bably connected with the great uniformity of con-

ditions to which the lower animals are exposed ;
for it is invariably the case that the higher the
position of any given animal in the scale of being,
the more complex are the conditions acting on it.
The accurate information obtained in this depart-
ment of science has put the fact of evolution
beyond a doubt. Formerly the great reproach to
the theory was, that no support was lent to it by
the geological history of living things ; now, what-
ever happens, the fact remains that the hypothesis
s founded on the firm basis of palseontological
evidence."

The Geology of Derbyshire. — We have re-
ceived a nicely got-up handbook to the geology of
this most interesting county, written by the Rev.
J. M. Meilo, F.G.S., and published by Bembrose &
Sons, London, at a cheap price. It contains a
geological map and sections, and is indispensable to
the geological tourist. Mr. Mello's name is quite a
sufficient guarantee for its scientific accuracy, as
well as for its literary composition.

NOTES AND QUERIES-

Brick Burning.— Can any of your readers
inform me how it is that a clay burnt in an open
kiln will burn bricks red, and the same kind of clay
burnt in the new kiln (Hoffman's and others), will
burn them a whitey colour ? — John Smith.

Anatomical Preparations.— I have no doubt
many of your readers who are fond of investigating
the structure of the smaller vertebrata and the
invertebrata will, with me, be very glad^of some
practical instructions as to the mode of " putting
up" and preserving anatomical preparations for
future study and reference. None of ihe books to
which I have access contain any directions under
this head; even Professor Rolleston's classical
"Forms of Animal Life," which is mainly occupied
with descriptions of specimens in the Oxford
Museum, gives no hints as to the way in which they
may be imitated; nor does Huxley & Martin's,
more recent work, " Elementary Biology," supply
the void. It is not very encouraging to the amateur
anatomist, after having spent some hours in dissect-
ing and carefully pinnirg out the organs ot a beetle
or°slug, to be obliged to throw away the marvellous
structure in default of some method of preserving
the dissection so as to exhibit the parts in situ ;
and I cannot-but think some notes on the subject
would be welcomed in Science-Gossip. In the
biological section of the " Loan Collection of Scien-
tific Apparatus," now on view at South Kensington,
is a series of beautiful preparations of the frog
exhibited by Prof. Huxley, which should be seen by
all who take any interest in the subject, as they are
perfect models of what such specimens should be.
Of course these preparations owe great part of their
charming appearance to the skill of the dissector,
but no young anatomist can examine them without,
wishin? to learn how to imitate such beautiful and
instructive objects, even in a very humble manner.
These preparations are pinned out on slabs of
wax (?) and immersed in a fluid (spirit ?) contained

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

165

in a very peculiar form of flat-sided bottle without
neck. Where can such bottles be obtained ?—

w. a

Silkworms (Science-Gossip [1876], pp. 119,
137).— I should like to inform "Inquirer" that it
is not a sine qua non, as Mr. J. G. Henderson inti-
mates, that silkworms must at any time " be fed
entirely on mulberry leaves." Some years ago I
kept silkworms for two or three seasons following
entirely without mulberry leaves, feeding them on
lettuces only, and have at the present time some
good skeins of silk which I wound off them. It is
important that this should be known, as mulberry
leaves may not be always obtainable, and the suppo-
sition that they are necessary might deter some from
keeping the worms. I have been told also that
silkworms have been successfully reared on dande-
lion and other leaves, but cannot vouch for the fact
from my own experience. Instead of boxes, as
suggested by Mr. Henderson, I kept my caterpillars
in paper trays (newspaper doubled and having the
edges turned up and pinned at the corners), and
did not find them wandering beyond the precincts of
their " home." These frays can be renewed as soon
as dirty, and it is best that this should be done once
a day, when the fresh leaves are given. The chief
requisite, in addition to sufficient food, is cleanli-
ness. If the stale leaves and excrements of the
worms are allowed to remain, the silkworms will
become diseased and die. They should not be
meddled with too much, especially when changing
their skin, which they do five or six times, nor
taken up with the fingers when small. The best
means of moving the small larva? is a small camel-
hair brush. They should, of course, be kept in a
dry and moderately warm place. — F. A. Edwards.

Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly {Vanessa
urticee). — Can any of your correspoudenfs tell me
the difference of the markings between the males
and females of the Vrticce ?—E. A. Edwards.

British Clearwings. — In a catalogue of the
zoology of the neighbourhood of Bath appended to
the Rev. G. N. Wright's " Historic Guide to Bath "
(Bath, 1S64) two species of Sesia are enumerated,
which are not mentioned in the article " Amongst
the Clearwings" (Science-Gossip, p. 133), namely,
Sesia fusiformis (the Broad-bordered Bee Hawk
Moth), and S. bombyliformis (the Narrow-bordered
Bee Hawk Moth). Both are said to be rare. This
would raise the number of English Clearwings to
sixteen. The list referred to contains only three
species of the Sesiida (the spelling of this word
with only one i on p. 133 is, I think, incorrect), the
remaining one being Macroglossa slellatarum (the
Humming Bird Moth). — F. A. Edwards.

Nettle Beer (p. 118). — If Mr. Piper had been
amative of Lancashire or Cheshire, he would scarcely
have regarded the infusion of the nettle for the
purpose of making the above (or a similar) bever-
age as a curious {i.e., uncommon) use of the plant.
In the counties named, and probably elsewhere,
Nettle Beer is almost as extensively sold as Ginger
Beer, except in the large towns, where the difficulty
of obtaining nettles somewhat restricts the produc-
tion. Such notices as "Prime Pop and Nettle
Beer, plenty of it sold here," are very frequently to
be seen over cottage-doors in the country districts.
— George H. Hankinson.

Anodon Cygneus.— In the April number (p. 96)
Correspondent asks why "Gwyn Jeffreys, and

other conchological authorities say nothing about
the existence of any structural differences in the
sexes of the Anodonta." The following short ex-
tract from Turton's " Land and Fresh Water Shells
of the British Islands," by Dr. Gray, 1857, p. 273,
affords a complete answer to the question : — " Some
authors have believed them [the Anodons] to be
unisexual ; but their anatomy proves that they are
hermaphrodite and sufficient for themselves." —
George H. Hankinson.

Ornithological Visitors near Shrewsbury.
— It may interest some of the readers of Science-
Gossip to hear that on the evening of May the
31st I saw eighteen seagulls flying over Shrewsbury,
in the same direction as the wind which was then
blowing from the west so that they must have
travelled over forty miles, since leaving the sea.
They flew so near and low that I could distinctly
see that they were specimens of the common
gull {Larus canus). I have frequently beard of
solitary gulls being seen and sometimes shot, near
here, but never such a large number as eighteen,
and cannot imagine what could have induced them
to fly so far inland. I may also mention that at
the beginning of the present year a specimen of
the very rare little gull {Larus minutus) was shot
near Atcham bridge, Shrewsbury, while hovering
over the river Tern, which joins the Severn at that
point. And that a pair of common terns {Sterna
hirundd) were shot some time ago by a farmer, as
they were fishing in Berrington pool, Shrewsbury.
About the same time a pair of grey phalaropes
{Phalaropus lobatus) were shot on a farm near
Hadnall, Salop, where they had been observed for
several days running about among the puddles,
seeking for worms and slugs. I do not think they
were ever seen swimming, although there was a
duck-pond close by. — H. E. Forrest.

Birds' Eggs. — Early in May this year I found,
lying upon the bare ground, at the foot of a tree,
near the entrance of a small wood, in the western
part of Sussex, a solitary egg, of a uniform greenish
blue colour, somewhat resembling that of a starling's
egg, only much paler. In shape it is nearly round,
being about one inch in length by seven -
eighths of an inch in breadth. The shell is rather
rough and very hard for its size. I have referred
to Morris's " British Birds' Eggs," and the only
representation that at all resembles mine is that
of the American or yellow-billed Cuckoo : in shape
and colour they exactly correspond, but in size,
I should think that mine is rather the smaller.
But they differ essentially in two respects, viz., that
this rare bird builds a nest, and that it lays from
three to five eggs. It may be that the female
of some bird had been driven from the nest whilst
in the act of laying, and had deposited its egg where
I found it, and by a curious coincidence it was
deformed. The latter opinion I am rather inclined
to adopt. I should be very glad if any of the readers
of Science-Gossip would kindly aid me in ascer-
taining the name of the egg, and in solving the
problem of which I am now in utter ignorance. —
E. B. T.

Parasitic Vorticell^e. — Your correspondent,
" H. E. P.," of Long Eaton, in his article on " Para-
sitic Vorticellse ou Cyclops" asks for further in-
formation on this subject. I think he is quite right
in naming the object mentioned, Epistylis parasitica,
but regret (knowing what a pleasant thing it is to
make a discovery) that I cannot agree with him as

166

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

to its rarity I have witnessed the same many times
both on Cyclops and water-snails, from my own
aquarium, on various parts of their bodies. In the
latter, when the mollusk retracts itself within the
shell, the vorticella is drawn in with it. This small
vorticella seems much to enjoy a ride on its host,
after the fashion of the Anemone and Hermit Crab ;
if fixed on any immovable object, the shortness of
its pedicle would greatly limit its range in search of
food. In Vorticella microstoma, which is fixed,
the length of pedicle compensates for the want of
unlimited range. I consider the pedicle of Epistylis
contractile, as the animal appears and disappears by
jerks, but not spirally so, neither does it contract
or expand one-fiftieth part so much as the common
vorticella. For more information, let me refer
"H. E. P." to the " Micrographic Dictionary," 1375,
page 214, art. " Cyclops," last two lines ; also art.
" Epistylis," page 286. I enclose engraving from
Hall's Encyclopsedia, figure 16, and letter-press
eighty-eight years ago, which is a representation' of
the same infusoria, there named Vorticella digi-
talis; lastly, to Cooke's "1,000 Objects for the
Microscope," page 100, No. 790, named by him,
Foxglove epistylis. — J. S. Johnson.

The Swallow-tailed Butterfly.— Can any of
your readers inform me of a place in Kent where
this insect is to be found ? — Henry Lamb, Maidstone.

Flume. — In the April number, p. 209, the word
"flume" is queried. It is quite a common Western
word, meaning a water-channel, and usually would
be written " flumen." See photos of Pacific Railway
and Californian scenery, such as sluicing and gold-
washing by powerful jets by flumens. — P. France.

Popular Notions on Irish Natural His-
tory.— " P. M.," writing on Mistletoe and Holly
in the April number, says, "it is said never
to grow in Ireland" ; and coupling this remark with
the statement respecting Devonshire, I infer it
is meant that mistletoe will not grow in Ireland.
As far as I know, it is not indigenous here, but
it will grow if the berry is put on the trees ; this
1 have proved in my own garden, where I have
it growing very luxuriantly on apple-trees, pro-
ducing flowers and berries in abundance. I also have
it in a young state on thorns, laburnum, and beech :
1 am trying it on others. There are many places in
the North of Ireland where it grows, having been
introduced. Some years ago there was a very fine
plant on an apple-tree in the Botanic Gardens,
Belfast. There does not seem anything unfavour-
able to its growth in Ireland. My observations
being made on plants artificially propagated, I
should be glad if "R. M." could give another
paper on the mode by which the berries are carried
from one tree to another; if they pass through the
intestines of birds in an undigested state, and are
capable of growing when dropped on the brunches.
Also the agency at work to carry the pollen from
the staminiferous to the pistiliferous flowers, these
being on different plants sometimes a long way
apart, and the pistil not being prominent, as in
flowers fertilized by action of the wind. I have not
observed bees or other insects frequenting the
plants. Another popular error is, that toads will
not live in Ireland. 1 can refute this, as I have had
them in my fernery for years, and had them
breed, and go through all their transformations. If
any naturalists in England would send me toad
spawn, I should be much obliged, and could experi-

ment more fully than I have done, and would put
them where enemies would be few. — W.H. Phillips,
Holywood, County Down, Ireland .

A Curious Coincidence.— Sir John Lubbock,
in his work on " Pre-historic Times," and other
writers, have lately shown us how well the habits
of primeval man may be illustrated by the manners
and customs of modern savages, and I have met
with an interesting fact of a similar nature. In
chapter viii., p. 279, of "Pre-historic Times,", there
is an interesting quotation from a paper in the
Transactions of the Academv of Science of St.
Louis (Ohio), 1857, p. .61, by a Dr. A. C. Koch,
who describes the remains of a mastodon fouud in
Gasconade county, which bad apparently been
stoned to death by the Indians, and then partially
consumed by fire. The fire, he says, was evidently
"not an accidental one; but, on the contrary, it
had been kindled by human agency, and, according to
all appearance, with the design of killing the huge
creature which had been found mired in the mud in
an entirely helpless condition." The bones were
found standing up in the clay, and only those above
the surface were charred. There were also broken
pieces of rock, from the river near, and pebbles,
none of which were in situ in the clay, but appa-
rently fetched from the river-banks, where there was
a layer of them. Mingled with the ashts, bones, and
rocks, were arrow-heads, stone spear-heads and
axes ; and a stone arrow-head was found under the
thigh-bone of the skeleton, actually in contact with
it. Curiously enough, in G. W. Earl's work on
"The Papuans" (Balliere, London), p. 151, we
read the following, respecting the Lemangs, a
degraded Negritto race, supposed to be the abori-
gines of the Malayan peninsula, extracted from the
fourth volume of the " Journal of the Indian
Archipelago." "The rhinoceros they obtain with
even less difficulty. This animal which, is of solitary
habits, is found frequently in marshy places, with
its whole body immersed in the mud, and part of the
head only visible. The Malays call the animal
'Badak Tapa,' or the recluse rhinoceros. Towards
the close of the rainy season, they are said to bury
themselves in this manner in different places ; and
upon the dry weather setting in, and from the
powerful effects of a vertical suu, the mud becomes
hard and crusted, and the rhinoceros cannot effect
its escape without considerable difficulty and
exertion. The Lemangs prepare themselves with
large quantifies of combustible materials, with
which the quietly approach the animal, who is
aroused ft >m his reverie by an immense fire over
him, which being kept well supplied by the Lemangs
with fresh fuel, soon completes his destruction and
renders him in a fit, state to make a meal of." It is
curious to find that a method employed by existing
savage tribes, to master the rhinoceros, should have
been applied in prehistoric times to the vast
Mastodon.— F. A. A.

Geese and Herds.— At page US, I observe you
ask this question : — Has any one ever seen geese
eating the Galium aparine? I have not, but
there is a grass (Bromus mollis), which in this neigh-
bourhood is called goo?e-grass, which I bave seen
them devour rather greedily. It is an early grass,
with a large woolly stem and head, but, not of much
value to the agriculturist. I have never seen
geese eat the Potentilla anserina, but in places
where geese are kept I have seen them eating the
short grass, Bromus mollis being one, between the

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOS SIP.

J 67

Potentilla plants. It does not seem to be a great
step between goose-grass and gander-grass. The
Galium aparine here is called Hariff, cleavers,
goose-^rass, and the seed which is not liked in the
corn samples bv the farmer is called Clites. — John
Branenden, F.G.S., Cirencester.

The Cuckoo's Eggs. — Can any of the readers of
Science-Gossip give me their opinions as to
whether the cuckoo ever hatches her own eggs, as I
have been informed by some persons that it, never
does, while, on the contrary, others assert, and a hook
in my possession also affirms, that she does sometimes
both hatch and rear her brood? Hoping to see some
of your correspondents giving their opinions on the
subject. — Joseph G. Henderson.

Popular Names of Orchids. — The children
here call the Orchis metadata, "Skeet-legs." I
am unable to account for the name ; perhaps some
of your numerous correspondents may be able to
solve the difficulty. — H. J. Taylor, Folkestone.

Silkworms.— In answer to " Inquirer," I can
tell him the way I manage my silkworms, but I do
not pretend that it is the best way by any means.
I procure two or three trays, about 14 inches by 10
inches, and 1 inch deep ; oid chocolate-boxes will do
very well. In one of these I place my eggs, and as
soon as they begin to hatch, I remove them with a
camel's-hair pencil slightly damped on to a young
leaf of lettuce : great care must be taken in re-
moving them, as when so young they are exceedingly
liable to damage. As soon as the leaf is eaten or
dries up, the silkworms must be removed with the
camel's-hair pencil to other leaves. When they
have changed their skin for the first time, I begin to
feed them on mulberry ; it is best to divide them
now into two or more batches, which will prevent
overcrowding. When full-grown, I make a number
of spiral coils of paper, similar to those made by
grocers, for sugar, &c. In each of these I place
one silkworm. As soon as it has changed, the silk
can be wound off and the pupa placed on a layer of
sawdust or bran. The boxes in which the worms are
kept had better not be covered, as they will never
attempt to escape as long as they have plenty of
food. — H. Wiglesworth, Chilton Lodge, Botherham.

Water-Rat. — As I was trout fishing on the
18th April, in a stream at Albourne, I saw a very
large water-rat moving about among the lower
branches of a whitethorn hanging over the water,
and I distinctly observed it nibbling and eating the
young green leaves of the bush. This was so un-
usual a sight to me that I watched it for some time.
Is this a fact in natural history that is commonly
known? — Arthur H. Borrer.

Dogs eating Wasps.— I am much obliged to
"D. R." for replying to my query on this subject,
and beg to say that the terrier of which I spoke was
stung by a wasp when quite a puppy, which confirms
his opinion that it is vengeance that prompts his
enmity to the insect ; but still I am puzzled to know
how it is that the dog is not stuug when eating a
wasp he has recently killed, or when swallowing one
alive. I know people are often stung by dead
wasps ; I shall be glad to be enlightened about
this.— # M.P.

Phosphorescence. — A few evenings aso, upon
retiring to rest, L saw a large centipede upon the
ceiling. Not liking such an insect as a companion
during my nocturnal slumbers, I killed it, but was

[ surprised to see a long streak of pale blue phospho-
rescent light. To make sure that it was so, I put
out my light, the phosphorescence gradually faded
away, lasting about a minute. I shall be glad to
know if it is the nature of these insects to emit this
light when killed— J". # S.

Teeth of a Ely. — I am much obliged to the
gentlemen who have so kindly answered my query
on this point, and will try to verify by actual obser-
vation the information they give. I would point out
to Messrs. R. and J. Beale, that I did not say their
preparation did not show the teeth as now de-
scribed, but rather that the mere fact of their name
being on the slide was sufficient to prove that such
organs must exist. I fancy, however, that Mr.
Ford's version of the quest ion is correct, viz., that
the preparer has been mistaken in considering the
false tracheae as teeth. I have not at present been
able to re-examine the slide I first saw, to say with
certainty whether this is so or not, but hope to do
so before long, and will communicate the result of
my examination, especially if I find I have made a
mistake. — T. J. B.

Juniperus communis. — The finest exhibition of
this shrub which I have ever noticed is on the
Cot.teswold Hills, Inferior Oolite, between Birdlip
Hill and Painswick, where I have seen on Pain? wick
Hill, which is very exposed, short stumpy plants
only a few inches high, but in Cranham Wood
examples occur of over twelve feet high, which
before now I have seen covered with berries, which
used to be "picked," as the children said, " by them
for the doctor." — /. Buchman, Bradford Abbas.

Hawflxch. — It is undoubtedly a rare occurrence
to find the nest of this bird in Somersetshire, as it
is a rare and casual visitant. There is no instance
recorded of its having bred in the North of England,
although some have been takeu there. Selby states
in his Catalogue that a few years ago he saw one at
Alnwick Castle, which was killed at Hulue Abbey,
and that two specimens were some time ago shot
near Stockton-upou-Tees. Mr. John Hannock, of
Newcastle, the eminent naturalist, has three speci-
mens in his collection, which were shot in Streatham
Park — two of them, a male and female — in the
winter of 1837. Several specimens were seen near
Belsay Castle in 1860 and 1862. — Dipton Bum.

BOOKS, &c, RECEIVED.

" Notes on Collecting' and Preserving' Natural History
Objects." Edited by J. E. Taylor, F. L. S., &c. London :
Hardwicke & Bogue, 192, Piccadilly.

"Monthly Microscopical Journal.'' June.

"Journal of Applied Science." June.

" Land and Water." June.

" Ben Brierley's Journal." June.

" Canadian Entomologist.'' May.

"Botanische Zeitung." June.
&c. &c. &c.

Communications Received from : — G. H. K. — F. K. —
H. G. G.-E. E.— R. J. W— J. P.— J. R. B.--A. P.- J. S.—
S. S.— H. S. J. U.— F. A A.-J. S. H.— F. H. A. -A. J. R. S.
— W. C— S. H.— J. H. B.— L. P — C W. W.— Rev W. W. S.
(Tasmania).— C. H. M.— H. J. S.-J. H C — M. D.— T E. M.
— H. E. F.— Dr. G. D B.— W. H. N.— G C D. -A. K. L,.—
W. S.— W. H.— F. M. H — H. E. P.— A. M. J. C S.— J. B —
A. S.— W. K. M — E. F.— A. G— A. F. G — E. B. T.-J H. G.

— C. F. & W. H.C.— C.U.— H. L.— W. P.— C D.—Dr. C. C A.

— G. H. H.— E. W.— E. D.— F. A. E.— J. S. J.-E J.-T. H. P.
— M. F.— F. 8.— R. J. M— J C— H. D.— H. H. C G. G.—
L. R— B. M. O.-R. H. P.-E. D. M— B. B. W.-G. M. D.
— W. E S.— G. J. P.— J. P. S — J. F. R.— F. H. A.— S. J. B.
—A. J. A. — H. E. W.— J. H. B.— C W. W.— W. C— E. B. F.
— D. B.- C. C. H.— C. F. G.— &c, &c.

168

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Editorial.— We are glad to have received so many replies
favourable to the enlargement of Science-Gossip, and in-
creasing the monthly price to sixpence. We should now
like to hear the other side, and shall be extremely glad if any
of our old correspondents or contributors who think it is
best " to let well alone" will give us their reasons for not
altering the character of a magazine which for so many years,
we are glad to say, has been most successful. Audi alteram
partem must be our motto.

%* Would our lady contributors deem it an ungracious
request if we desired them not to underline, as well as place
in inverted commas, so many of their contributions ? It
only means pen and pencil work for the Editor to undo,
solemnly and painfully, what so many of our fair contribu-
tors have been at equal pains to originate.

R. J. W.— The fungus sent i3 the delicious Morel {Mor-
chella esculenta). When dried it is used for flavouring soups,
chops, &c. To that use the specimen sent has already been
put !

James P. (Birmingham).— Apply to Hardwicke & Bogue,
192, Piccadilly, who will send you any of the volumes of
Swainson's "Naturalists' Library" you may require at the
price specified in their advertisement.

Nemo.— See answer in last month relative to the Linnean
Society.

J. R. Barker. — The geological specimens from the clay-
bed you mention are undoubtedly from the "Drift" or
Glacial formation. They are all of them fossils derived from
older rocks, washed out, re-sorted, and re-deposited. No. 1
is a Belemnite ; No. 2, the fragment of an Ammonite.

R. Manning. — We should like to see a specimen of the
" red rain " before deciding as to what it is. Please send us
a slide.

W. Curnow.— Many thanks for the botanical rarities for-
warded to us.

H. J. Savory.— Your specimens of moths are . — 1. Cramhus
selasellus, and 2 is a Crambites. You should get Newman's
"Moths."

T. E. Mason.— Your "larva" is a millepede, lulus com-
munis.

H. E. Forrest.— Your egg was so utterly smashed, owing
to its being enclosed in a light pill-box, and that again en-
closed in your letter, that it was quite unrecognizable.

A. K. L" — Your plant is a Canadian weed, which has spread
greatly in England during the last few years, and is called
Claytonia perfoliata. The leaves make an excellent salad.

E. Duprev. — No charge is made for inserting "Ex-
changes " unless they run to more than three or four lines.

J. H. Campbell (Londonderry). — It is not usual for us to
return specimens sent us to be named. The expense of post-
age, and the time required, in addition to having the speci-
mens named, is very great. Your moths are as follow : —
1. Orthosia suspecta ; 2. Epunda lutulenta (female) ; 3. Miselia
oxyacanlhcE ; 4. Carabrinu cubicularis ; 5. Cerastis spadicea ;
6. Tteniocampa populeti. You had best obtain Newman's
"Moths," published by Hardwicke & Bogue, 192, Piccadilly,
whose illustrations and descriptions will enable you to iden-
tify all the British species for yourself. Such an engagement
would give you a better knowledge of the insects than any
number of specimens named for you.

W, E. Sharp.— For information in reference to the New
Forest, see Wise's "New Forest: Its History and Scenery,"
published by Smith, Elder, & Co. Also consult chapters in
"Out of Doors," bythe Rev. J. G. Wood.

EXCHANGES.

Wanted, Fossil Bones and Teeth, or portions of the same,
for section-cutting. Offer in exchange well-mounted Micro-
scopic Slides.— M. D., 116, Esplanade, Deal.

Wanted, Slides of Anip/iipleura pellucida which can be
resolved with a j6 in., or a good clean gathering of this dia-
tom against well-mounted slides of butterfly scales covered,
for the jgin. or other Micro Objects. — Adolf Schulze, Glas-
gow.

Wanted, Oblique Sections of Exogenous Woods, mounted
or unmounted, in either or all of the following directions,
viz. : — Transverse and radial, transverse and tangential,
radial and tangential. Must be exceptionally good, and
accurately named. Exchange or otherwise.— J. C. S., 18,
Loraine-road, Holloway, London, N.

Mounted Slides of Foraminifera to exchange for Un-
mounted Objects of any kind. — Alexander Mackie, 41, Thorn-
hill-ri ad, London, N.

Sekds of Eriwis nlpinus (a pretty wall or rock plant, rare)
for Fi ssils, or Specimens of Basalt, Greenstone, Syenite,
Serpi rtine, Talc, Hornblende, Mica, Felspars, or any Schists,
labeled. — Rev. W. Stocks, Downham Parsonage, Clitberoe.

For JEcidium cofnpositarum, v. Tussilaginis (really good
specimen), send other Microscopic Fungi to H. E. Perry, The
Bank, Long Eaton, Derbyshire.

Unio tumidus, var. ovalis, offered for either of the following
species : — IAmnea palustris. var. albida ; Limnea auricularia,
var. acuta at albida; large specimens of Limnea peregra, var.
ovata ; Limnea Burnetti ; or any rare species of British
Marine Shells.— Address, Miss F. M. Hele, Fairlight, Elm-
grove-road, Cotham, Bristol.

Duplicates. — JEgeria, Magtera, Tithonus, Pamphilus,
Argiotus, Dinpar, B. Quercus, Nupta, Vinula, lilice, &c. —
W. Harper, Norfolk Park Cottage, Maidenhead.

Astragalus hypoglottis for other Plants. — G. C. Druce,
Northampton.

Helix pisana (British) to exchange for Helix aperta, Palu-
dina achatina, Conovulus denticulatus, C.uidentutug, or other
rare British Shells. — C. Upton, 17, Eldridge-road, Rouel-
road, Bermondsey, S.E.

Sections of Foreign and other Woods, cut to TJ^ of an
inch, exchanged for Unmounted Palates, Foraminifera, Poly-
cistina, and Zoophytes. — H. L., 6, Upper Phillimore-gardens,
Kensington, London, W.

For exchange well-blown Eggs of Dipper, Black Redstart,
C. Redstart, L. Redpole, Gannet, Crested Grebe, C. Bunting,
Ring Ousel, ChifTchaff, Tree Sparrow, Quail, Whinchat, and
many others. Lists exchanged.— W. Petch, Heeley, Shef-
field.

I am in want of a number of good specimens of Jackdaws'
Eggs (one side-hole). Will give a few rare specimens of
other Eggs for same locality wanted.— C. Dixon, 60, Albert-
road, Heeley, near Sheffield.

Well-mounted Slides, chiefly entomological or marine, in
exchange for Wood's " Insects Abroad," or for other good
Slides or Unmounted Material. — G. N. W., 10, Edinburgh-
place, Weston-super-Mare.

A pew Rissoa lactea and R. striatula, found living in Jer-
sey, offered for good specimens of rare British Marine Shells.
— E. Duprey, Queen-street, 15, Jersey.

A sample of Diatomaceous Deposit, containing several
rare forms, in exchange for a well-mounted selected Diatom
Slide.— T. Powell, 7, Poultry, E.G.

Wanted to loan, the number of Phytologist, first volume,
containing Mr. Notcult's notice of plants growing round
Daventry. All expenses paid. — G. C. Druce, Secretary, North-
ampton Naturalists' Society.

One Hundred Slides for exchange. Diatomaces, Ento-
mology, Spicules, Scales, &c. &c. Send lists to M. Fowler,
20, Bum-row, Slamannan, near Falkirk, N.B.

Fossilized Pine, showing glandular ducts. Send stamped
and addressed envelope to L. Ratcliffe, Southfleld House,
Mytholmroyd, near Manchester.

Wanted, Rubbings of Monumental Brasses in exchange
for Fossils from Chalk, Seaweeds, Ferns, or Rubbings from
this district. — Address, Frederick Stanley, 6, Clifton- gardens,
Margate, Kent.

Send well-mounted Slide, in exchange for Transverse
Section of Hairs from Tail of Elephant, mounted in balsam :
a beautiful object when polarized.— G. Garrett, Harland
House, Wherstead-road, Ipswich.

Specimens of Ornithopus ebracteatus, Trifolium suffocatum,
and Sticta aurata, in exchange for other rarities.— W. Cur-
now, Pembroke Cottage, Newlyn Cliff, Penzance.

Labv;e of Plantaginis for other Larva?, Pupae, or Ova. —
A. Sickard, Wolsingham, Darlington.

Two Thousand specimens of polished Slabs of Madrepore,
collected in Devonshire. Wdl exchange for Slabs from other
counties, or for Trilobites or other very good Fossils. — Three
Thousand British Shells. Will exchange for other British
Shells. Also Fossils and Minerals to exchange. — Direct,
A. J. R. Sclater, 9, Bank-street, Teignmouth, Devon.

Mounted Slides of interest for Unmounted Materials.
Soundings and objects connected with the sea preferred. —
Send list to C. P. Ogilvie, Sizewell House, Leiston, Suffolk.

Lepidoptera in exchange for British Sea-birds' Eggs.
Should also like to exchange for Works on Entomology,
Ornithology, and Concnology. — W. K. Mann, Granby House,
Clifton, Bristol.

Fossils named and localized for Foreign Shells.— Address,
M. M., Post-office, Faversham.

Good Skin of Purple Heron for British Birds' Eggs, Rap-
tores, or Grallatores.— C. C. Hanson, Greetland, Halifax,
Yorkshire.

Botanical Exchanges.— Offered Nos. 334, 353 ; wanted,
Nos. 101b, 148, 154b, lf8b, 159, l6lc, 164b, 166b, 200c, 200d,
202b, 202C, 207b, 215, 220b, 222b, 232b, 232c, 273b, 273C, 285b,
309, 395, 401, 457b, 473b, 522a, 522b, 536, 545, 546, 535a b C,
598, 632a, 670 a b c d, 691b, 705b, 720, 721. 722b, 730, 747b,
753b, 846b, 949b, 956 b c, 977a b, 997. 1.016b, 1,017b, 1,020,
1,033, 1,035, 1,050, 1,059a C, 1,073a, 1,079b, 1,088, 1,105,
1,115, 1,139b, 1,149b, 1,194, 1,195, 1,196, 1,204b, 1,219c,
1,222, 1,223, 1,227a, 1,228, 1,237b, 1,247, 1,262, 1,266, 1,207,
1,270, 1,271, 1,286, 1,299, 1,300, 1,386b, 1,410, 1,425b, 1,434b,
1,437, 1,468b, 1,472b, 1,553, 7th Edition London Cat.— James
Cunrack, Helston, Cornwall.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOS SI P.

169

HOLIDAY EAMBLES IN THE WEST OF IRELAND.

THE PLANTS OE THE BURREN..
By G. H. Kixahax, M.R.I.A.

9 H E unique and
beautiful assem-
blage of plants in
the barony of Bur-
ren \anglice, a rock,
or rocky district],
co. Clare, is a rich
treat to the botan-
ist. They, how-
ever, cannot all be
studied, unless the observer
spend at least a year in the
country, as some are only
found in the spring-, others
in the summer, while some
appear in the autumn,
others in the winter. Some
years ago my old friend and
colleague, the late F. J.
Foot, Esq., M.A., made a
careful examination of the
district, and in a paper read
before the Royal Irish
Academy he gave a list and
description of all the charac-
teristic and rare plants, while a map that accom-
panied the paper pointed out the localities where
they were found.*

Mr. Foot's map is an advantage, and at the same
time a disadvantage, to the botanist, as some bar-
barians, since its publication, have visited the
country, and by its help found out the localities of
some of the rarest plants and taken them all away,
thus obliterating them from the list. From Mr.
Foot's paper I have extracted the following names
of the characteristic and rarer plants : —

List of the Characteristic and Rare Plants of the
Barony of Bun-en. — Arabis hirsuta, Arenaria verna,
Cerastium arvense, Geranium sanguineum, Euony-

* "Trans. Royal Irish Academy," vol. xxiv. p. 142.

No. 140.

mus Europseus, Geum rivale, Rubus saxatilis, Agri-
monia eupatoria, Sedum acre, Saxifraga hypnoides,
Sanicula Europtea, Rubia peregrina, Galium pusil-
lum, Asperula cynanchier, Valeriana officinalis, V.
rubra, Gnaphalium dioicum, Chlora perfoliata, Juni-
perus nana, Taxus baccata, Triglochlin palustre,.
Listera ovata, Orchis pyramidalis, Ceterach officina-
rum,Gymnadeniaconopsea, Polystichum aculeatum,
P. lobatum, P. lobatum var. Lonchitidoides, Asple-
nium ruta muraria, A. trichomanes, Scolopendrium
vulgare, Thalictrum majus, T. minus, Helianthe-
mum canum, Spiraea filipendula, Dryas octopetala,
Sedum rhodiola, Arbutus uva ursi, Pyrola media,
Gentiana verna, Orobanche rubra, Epipactis ovalis,
Habenaria viridis, Asplenium marinum, Cystopteris
fragilis, Osmunda regalis, Potentilla fructicosa,
Adiantum capillus veneris, Rhamnus catharticus,
Potentilla comarum, Sedum telephium, Sambucus
ebulus, Galium boreale, Ajuga pyramidalis (very
rare), Statice spathulata, Orchis pyramidalis var.
Floriplena, Habenaria albida, Ophrys apifera, and
Botrychium lunaria.

Some of these are most beautiful, their flowers
decking the sides of the hill and crags in their re-
spective seasons.

To the general visitors, however, the ferns seem
to be the great attraction, the species and varieties
being most numerous and luxuriant. As might be
expected, those that come to the greatest perfection
are the ferns which require a limy soil or rocks, such
as the Asplenium ruta muraria, A. trichomanes,
A. adiantum nigrum, Ceterach officinarum, Sco-
lopendrium vulgare, Cystopteris fragilis, and
Ophioglossum vulgatum. Besides these, others-
that should be specially mentioned are the Adian-
tum capillus veneris, Asplenium marinum, Os-
munda regalis, and Botrychium lunaria. The
varieties of both A. ruta muraria and A. adiantum
nigrum are extremely numerous. On one hand,
the fronds are stunted with ovate pinnae, while
on the other they are most luxuriant, the pinns-

I

170

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

being excessively acute. These, by some, would be
considered different species ; as, for instance, the
ovate A. adiantum nigrum has been called A.
obtusum, while the acute variety goes by the name
of A. acutum. Here, however, in both the Ruta
muraria and in the Adiantum nigrum, every grada-
tion between the obtuse and the acute forms are
found, but the normal form of the country for both
species is the semi-acute. The obtuse varieties
seem to be most uncommon, growing on open
crags and cliffs that have a south aspect ; while the
typical acute forms seem to affect north aspects ; and
in places looking S.E., E., and N.E. are found the
intermediate forms. C. officinarum also has'many
varieties ; a handsome one having a very luxuriant
foliage, the pinnae being so large and close that they
overlap one another, and if their margins are serrated
the plant is very handsome. A peculiar variety, in
places not uncommon, has marked intervals, between
small pinnse, the latter being deeply serrated. One
variety of A. trichomanes has its pinnse so deeply
cut that it might nearly be mistaken for A. fon-
tanum ; while of S. vulgare there is a lanceolate
variety that has a conspicuous marginal rib, the edge
outside which is serrated. This] last variety grows
well, and greatly improves when cultivated. A.
capillus veneris, although liking a limy soil, is one
of the marine ferns, and usually only occurs in the
immediate vicinity of the sea. Mr. Foot, however,
found it growing inland in two places, in one of
which, although the plants were neither numerous
nor very luxuriant, yet the pinnse were very large,
some being the size of a florin-piece. In the deep
open joints of the limestone crags adjoining the sea
it is wonderful to find the length to which the
fronds of A. marinum grow, all being between 2 ft.
and 3 ft. long, and as fine as any to be got at
Madeira. Here it should be pointed out that a
peculiarity of the ferns of the Burreu is the great
length of their stipes, some of the A. adiantum
nigrum having fronds over 2 ft. long, many of those
of the C. officinarum being from 9 in. to 12 in., while
the fronds of others are in proportion. The
Osmunda regalis, Mr. Eoot states, is only found on
some patches of coal-measures that cap the carboni-
ferous limestone. V. lobatum var. Lonchitidoides
is very fine and abundant, and might easily be mis-
taken for Polystichum lonchitis.1

THE ORIGIN OP GREENS AN DS.l

TV/TR. S. A. STEWART does not appear satisfied
^*- with my comments on his remarks concerning
"the Greensand and its Origin." In Science-
Gossip" for April (No. 13G), he quotes the para-
graph from my article, and offers to bury his
tomahawk if I consent to read " cannot be " for the
words "have not yet been" m the first sentence. I

am quite willing to make the alteration he suggests,
but nevertheless I entirely fail to see how that
would bring his opinions into greater accord
with mine. I am ready to admit that the Irish
Geeensands are not composed of foraminiferal
casts ; but the admission only seems to me to widen
the divergence between our expressed opinions. Mr.
Stewart considers that it is necessary for Dr. Car-
penter's argument "that all greensands should be
constituted of glauconitic casts of foraminifera,"
and consequently that one exception would be fatal
to his theory. Now, I have already stated that I
regard this as an unwarranted assumption ; on this
point, therefore, I think we can only agree to differ.

I may be allowed, however, to explain what Mr.
Stewart terms my errors. In the first place, he
considers that no one can be misled by Dr.
Carpenter's expression, " the Greensand deposit of
the Cretaceous Epoch." Mr. Stewart states this
to be "a definite term, referring not to a greensand
bed, but to the Greensand formation as a whole.'
It would have been more satisfactory had he
explained what he intended to convey by the term
" Greensand Formation." No such formation is
acknowledged in recent manuals of Geology. An
Upper Greensand is known, and [a Lower Green-
sand formation is known ; but these are separated
by 100 to 300 feet of Gault, and it is certainly not
usual to unite all these beds under the name of
the " Greensand Formation " ; nay, the very line of
division between the Upper and Lower Cretaceous
systems is drawn at present between the Gault and
Lower Greensand, and Mr. Stewart will surely not
ignore this fact.

The truth is that the terms " Lower Greensand "
or "Greensand Formation" are, like all other litho-
logical names, very unsuitable appellations for
periods of geological time, and I am sure I echo
the wish of most geologists when I say that the
sooner they are discarded the better.

Mr. Stewart next remarks that it has been pretty
well established, and is indeed admitted by me, that
the casts of shells occurring in the Cambridge
Greensand are derived from an older bed. Now, if
this fact had been established before the year 1875,
I should certainly not have written, and the Geo-
logical Society would probably not have printed,
fifty pages as an attempt to prove it. I am cer-
tainly likely to admit a proposition which I have
endeavoured to maintain in a publication, the
authority of which Mr. Stewart wisely esteems
superior to mine.

He thinks that I must have read his first commu-
nication in a hasty manner, otherwise I could not
have imagined that he considered the fact of the
absence of certain fossils from the Antrim Green-
sand proved the non-existence of these fossils in any
other locality. Perhaps he will allow me to quote
his own words, from Science-Gossip, 1875, p. 243,

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

171

in support of my imagination : — " The assumption
that the Greensand is formed of the casts of Eora-
minifera should be rejected for the following
reasons: — 1st.. 2nd.. 3rd, and conclusive. The
grains of glauconite in the Irish Greensand, when
examined under the microscope, show no real
resemblance to Eoraminifera."

Mr. Stewart now says that he never met with an
Irish naturalist who was capable of such an assump-
tion, but I am afraid his friends can hardly make
the same observation. Lastly, with regard to the
" authorities," my reference to which has inspired
more than half of Mr. Stewart's letter, 1 beg to
assure him that the word is not used by me in any
peculiar sense of my own, and I am at a loss to
understand why he should not suppose that I used
it in precisely the same sense as he did himself in
the paragraph I quoted at the end of my letter. I
did not intend the word to have any other signifi-
cation more or less than that which he there meant
it to convey, and I gladly take an opportunity to be
in accord with him, at any rate, on one point. This
affords us, moreover, a fitting occasion to close our
tilting. Mr. Stewart will see, with me, I think, that
there is little likelihood of our settling the questions
which beset the origin of greensands by any further
correspondence.

Cambridge. A. J. Jukes Browne.

NOTES ON THE DIPTERA.

VI.— CoNOriDiE.

T?VERY entomologist must be aware that the
•*-* two best-known families of the Diptera — the
Muscidez and the Syrphidae, are closely connected
one with the other ; but he is not so likely to know
that there are other families besides the Syrphidae,
whose resemblance to the Muscidae is so great that
it is difficult to decide whether or no they should
be reckoned as separate. Such are the Conopidae,
the subject of this paper. They are a group of flies
on the classification of which authorities cannot
agree ; since some would range certain genera under
the Muscidae, which others place with the Conopidae
proper. We shall include in the family the three
British genera Conops, Zodion, and Myopa,
following the arrangement of Professor Westwood,
although Walker, in his " Insecta Britannica," is
almost inclined to class the two latter with the
Muscidae.

The three families, Syrphidae, Muscidae, and Cono-
pidae seem to be all linked together by a family of
small insects called Pipunculidce, which are so
much like each of them that they might almost be
classed with either.

The Conopidae are not common insects, or at least
are not commonly seen ; but the entomologist in
search of other diptera is sure to meet with speci-

mens now and then. They may, however, be
commoner than they seem to be, and the rarity of
their appearance may be due to their habits. At
any rate, they are widely distributed, for the very
same species may be found not only in all parts of
the British Isles, but also over the greater part of
Europe. Their life-history is peculiar, and not too
well understood. We ourselves have not been able
to trace it ; but we have gathered a little informa-
tion from various books treating of the Diptera.
All of them appear to be parasitic upon Hymeno-
ptera, for they are always found in places where bees
and wasps are abundaut. Conops quadrifasciata is
well known to be a parasite living within the bodies
of large humble-bees, since specimens have at times
been reared which have made their escape from the
abdomen of a bee after it has arrived at the imago
state. It is astonishing that a humble-bee can live
with so large an insect as a Conops within its body-

Of the transformations of the other genera
hardly anything is known : Walker merely says that
"the species are probably parasites of other in-
sects." Will not some entomologist, living in the
country and having plenty of leisure, devote him-
self to tracing out the life-history of these curious
flies? It will probably prove as interesting as
that of the beetle Sitaris, related in Sir John
Lubbock's " Metamorphoses of Insects " as in-
vestigated by M. Fabre. (In relation to the larva
of this beetle, we would remark that this year we
have found it clinging to Bombylii, or humble-bee
flies. This is " circumstantial evidence" that Bom-
bylii frequent the nests of Anthophorae (a genus
of bees) to lay their eggs, since Sitaris itself, from
its manner of life, cannot be the parasite of a fly,
but only of a bee.)

The three genera Conops, Zodion, and Myopa
are distinguished as follows : — The antennae of the
first genus, Conops, have no bristle ; i.e., the joints
which in its relatives are prolonged into a slender
filament, are quite short and thick ; they are situated
at the tip of the antennae, and not on the upper
surface (compare figs. 96 and 100), but the antennae
of the second and third genera, Zodion and Myopa,
are like the antennae of a muscid, save that the
bristle is shorter and thicker in proportion to the
other joints (see fig. 100). Myopa may be dis-
tinguished from Zodion by its mouth, which is
jointed, instead of being straight like the mouth of
a Conops (compare figs. 99 and 100).

Conops. — The Greeks applied'the word "conops"
(Kwvwip) to biting flies of the Gnat kind, and there-
fore it is difficult to understand the reasons which
prompted the entomologist, who first gave it to this
genus ; perhaps he did it on the logical principle
of "lucus a non lucendo," since the Conopes are
but very distantly related to gnats, and do not bite
at all. Conopes only appear during the hottest part
of the warmest days of July and August. They

I 2

172

HABDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GO S SIP.

frequent flowers — chiefly composite and umbelli-
ferae, — but they are not particular, as long as there
are plenty of bees on the spot. Their manner of
flight is very like that of the Hymenoptera : the
commonest species, 0. quadrifasciata, has almost
exactly the same colours as a wasp, and, when fly-
ing, it looks so like one of those insects, that it
might be called the " Wasp-fly " par excellence, were

Fig. 94. Cunups riiji/ies, male, x 4 diam.

not the name already appropriated by several
Syrphidae. But the resemblance to a wasp ceases
in some measure when the fly is at rest; for although
it is about the same length (4 inch), the shape of
the.abdomen is different, being thicker at the end

Fig. 95. Wing of Cono/is quadrifasciata, x " diams. Names
of the veins: — co, costal; sc, sub- costal ; m, mediastinal;
*, point where sub-costal joins the mediastinal ; r, radial ;
cu, cubital ; pr, pr, pra?brachial ; em, externo-medial; po,
post-brachial ; an, anal ; d, the discoidal areolet ; axl,
axillary lobe; al, alula.

long and thin. The colour of the antennae is black';
they are of considerable length, and from their
being carried during flight in the same position as a
wasp carries its antennae, the resemblance of the
fly to one of those insects is greatly enhanced.
Were it not for this, the likeness would not be great.
The thorax, is black, with a bright yellow spot on
each shoulder; the abdomen is yellow, banded with

Fig. 96. Antenna of Conops quadrifusciatus. d, line
showing shape of third joint.

than at the base, instead of being thick at the base
and tapering to a point, as in a wasp. The abdomen
of the male is longer, more slender, and has its
black bands broader, than the abdomen of the
female. The head is rather flat and broad — broader
than any other part of the body, and the mouth is

3s^'''

Fig. 9". Myopa testacea, male, x 4 diam.

black ; and the legs are yellowish brown, with dark
feet. The wings are nearly transparent, but the
membrane becomes darker towards the fore border.
A magnified drawing is given at fig. 95. On com-
paring it vein by vein with the wing of a Myopa,

Fig. 98. Wing of Myopa ferruginea, x 8 diam.
of veins see fig. 95.

For names

shown at fig. 93, it will be noticed that the veins are
almost identical, but that the general form is rather
different : it is longer, more pointed, and far more
elegant. The shape of the areolets also differs.
The wing of a Conops varies towards the Syrphid
type, that of a Myopa towards the Muscid. Both
have the joining of the postbrachial and anal veins
(po and an), a characteristic of the Syrphidae and
Pipunculidae, which is not found among the Mus-
cidae. In the wing of the Conops, the mediastinal
vein (m) near its end unites with the subcostal (sc)
in a very curious manner, as at the mark*. We have
never noticed this in any other fly. In the Conops,
the cubital vein (cu) is joined by the praebrachial
(pr) before it enters the margin of the wing ; the
areolet thus formed is identical in shape with the

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

173

corresponding areolet in the Syrphidse : in the
Myopa, this joining does not occur; aud the areolet
becomes like that of a Muscid.

Eig. 96 is a drawing of the antenna of C. quadri-
fasciatm. Although it has such a curious shape, it

second joint ; thirdly, a shorter, broader, and,
smoother third joint ; and lastly, a bristle, consisting
of three small joints, which are short and thick
in the Conops, but very slender in the other flies.
(Through a little error in the woodcut, the Sepe-

Fig. 99. Mouth of Conops quadrifasciata, x 20diams. Ibr, labrum; /, lingua; la, labium; nut, maxillae; mp, maxillary palpi;
phph, pharynx; sd, salivary duct; o.its valve; ex, exsertor muscles of the mouth ; re re' , retractor muscle ; pm.pharyn.
geal muscle ; dm, depressor of the maxilla? or labrum ; el, elevator of the labrum ; tl, transverse muscles of the labrum.

Fig. 100. Head of Myopa utra, x 40 diam.

is really nothing more than a modification of the
type found in the Muscidae. This will be best
understood by comparing it with the antenna of
Sepedon sphegeus on page 105, in the May number
of this magazine ; and, at the same time it will
be well to compare that of Myopa (fig. 100). All
three of them will be seen to consist of :— firstly,
a short basal joint; secondly, a long and hirsute

don's antenna seems to have but two joints in the
bristle : the second joint ought to have been divided
into two at a distance of -& inch from its base.)
The antennae of a Conops are broad, but very
thin. When viewed from above, they appear about
half as wide as they do sideways.

Fig. 94 is an enlarged drawing of another species
of Conops, C. rufpes, which, not so frequent a*

174

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

the species just described, is yet likely to be met
with. Although not so handsome as the former, it
is more remarkable, its head being broader and
flatter, its abdomen more slender, and its wings very
prettily marked. The general colour of the insect
is black, but the face is bright yellow, and the eyes
reddish brown. The first and second segments of
the abdomen, which are reddish brown in colour,
are lengthened into a kind of footstalk. The re-
maining segments form, as it were, the head of a
club, of which the first two are the handle; their
colour is black, but the edge of each one has a fringe
of yellow hairs. The wings have brown patches on
them as shown in the figure, and the halteres are
yellow and rather conspicuous.

Fig. 101. Foot of Myopa. testaceu, x SO diam.

The mouth of C. quadrifasciata is showu at fig. 99.
It will be instructive to compare the drawing with
figs. 29 and 53, representing the mouths of Stomoxys
calcitrans and Tetanocera Hieracii. The most
striking peculiarity is its length and thinness. The
labrum [Ibr) is short, and the lingua {I) is longer than
the labrum. The maxillae appear to be intermediate
between those of the Syrphidse, which are very
long and of the Museidae, which are not found
externally at all, for in the Conops they just project
beyond the skin. It is doubtful, however, whether
any internal organ can be properly called a maxilla,
since the primary form of a maxilla, as is well
known, is an external limb.

Zodion. — Flies of this genus are rare, and as we
have never. found any specimens we do not stop to
describe them. They may be known from Myopae
by the peculiarity of the mouth before mentioned,
and also by the prsebrachial vein joining the cubital
before entering the margin of the wing, just as in
the genus;Conops.

Myopa. — This genus is the commonest of the
family, and as the student is likely to find any one
of the five species, we give a table, which will
render the identification an easy matter : —

Body rust-coloured and! M.fern/ginea,
wings transparent ...J M.faseiata.

Wings spotted M. testacea, M. luccata.

Body all black M. atra.

M. fasciata may be'distinguished from M, fernc-
ginea by its having a black abdomen ; and M.
testacea from M. buccata by its having the trans-
verse veins of the wings clouded with brown, which
in the other are plain.

The first species named, M. ferruginea, is likest
to a Conops, but it may easily be distinguished
therefrom by the variations before mentioned. As
its name implies, its general colour is that of rust,
which indeed is the prevailing tint among Myopae.
In size and shape it is somewhat variable, being
sometimes more than half an inch long, although
generally less ; but on the thorax there are always
three longitudinal black stripes, which alone would
serve to specify it. Its face is yellow, and not so
protuberant as in the species next to be described.
Its wings are nearly transparent. One is drawn
at fig. 93, and its peculiarities have already been
noticed when comparing it with the wing of
Conops.

The most ridiculous of all our flies is Myopa
testacea, which looks as if it were afflicted with
violent toothache and rheumatism, for its face is
swollen to a great size, and its abdomen and legs
have most unexpected curves and twists in them.
In colour it is rusty, but of a brighter tint than
the preceding fly, and it is spotted in various places
with a darker brown. The face is white, and the
mouth projects from its swollen cheeks like a
slender, jointed filament. An idea of the fly may
be obtained from fig. 97, but it is only in a living
specimen that its funniness can be appreciated ; for
its capricious movements contribute greatly to its
oddity. It is far more active than Myopa ferruginea,
which is so sluggish that it often allows itself to be
caught with the fingers. Nothing of the sort may
be expected from M. testacea, which will escape
from the net if care be not taken to secure it. It
varies greatly as to size, some specimens being only
inch long, while others reach the length of

_s_

1 0

1
i

inch.

The feet of both the genera Conops and Myopa
are much alike, so one description will serve for the
two. Eig.101 shows a foot of If. testacea sideways,
and just turned up enough to see the underside of
the pads. It is not uulike the foot of an Asilus,
for the pads arc both long and square, and have
large, perfectly straight tenent hairs. But there
are no auxiliary pads as in an Asilus, and the bristle
between the two hrge pads has no tenent hairs.
The claws are long, well developed, and sharp, but
the bristles on the tarsus are mostly slender.

The next species, M. atra, is much smaller than
the other two, being not more thau £ inch long. It
bears a strong resemblance to Cordylura pubera,
drawn at page Gl of this year's Science-Gossip, a
fly which we stated was not very distantly related
to the Conopidce ; it is, however, different in the
mouth and wings. The specific name of this

HAEDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

375

Myopa (afra) is not a false one, for, with the excep-
tion of the face, which is whitish, and the brick-red
eyes, it is all black, or at least a very dark brown.
The whole body is smooth and shining, and has
fewer hairs than the other species. The wings are
transparent, and the halteres white. Eig. 100 repre-
sents the head of this species, and by it may be seen
how the antennae and mouth differ from those of
Conops. The mouth, besides having a joint in it,
is pointed at the tip. The capillary channels of the
lobes of the labium are five or six in number on
each side. There are about the same number in
the labium of a Conops. The maxillae of Myopa do
not project from the integument like those of
Conops, but are quite internal, as in the Muscidse.
The maxillary palpi are very short, although not
quite so minute as the palpi of Conops.

This and the other two species of Myopa are not
so common as the two described first. M. atra we
have found occasionally at Oxford, but 31. fasciata
and M. buccata we have never yet met with.

We are aware that these papers are very imper-
fect, especially in the matter of " life-histories " ;
but, as explained in the first paper, they are only
intended as " Notes " ; and if we may be so vain as
to expect it, we hope that others may be induced
by our remarks to take up the Diptera as a study,
instead of traversing again the well-worn tracks of
Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. A few more papers
on orders generally neglected by amateur entomolo-
gists— the Diptera, Hymenoptera, or Orthoptera,
for instance — would be a pleasing variety in what
is generally known as " Entomology," and possibly
more interesting than those " records of captures "
of rare butterflies, of which enthusiastic " Lepi-
dopterists " contribute so many to the pages of our
entomological magazines.

E. J. Allen & H. M. J. Undekhill.

THE "ELOWEES OP THE EOREST."

rnHE New Eorest is not very full of wild flowers,
-*- the reason being that the herds of ponies and
cattle eat down everything they can get at. But
they do nothing to what the deer did in former
days. A deer would eat a young fir-tree off close
to the ground, besides keeping down all the herbage
it came near.

May is the month in which really to enjoy the
New Eorest ; the colours are so varied, the air so
fresh, and the troublesome forest flies not yet come
out. It is true, May this year has been very cold,
and a bitter east wind has kept the foliage back.
We had driven southwards in our pony-trap, from
the borders of Hertfordshire, in hopes of finding
warmer weather, and near Lyndhurst the sun was
warm enough for wandering in the forest to be
very pleasant.

The beeches were out in fullest and freshest leaf,
the oaks scarcely in leaf at all. The way in which
the hollies grow is beautiful ; they have none of the
stiffness and formality we are apt to associate with
them, and do not look prickly. They climb across
the beech stems, and, growing up between their
strong arms, throw out long graceful trails amongst
the young green of the beech leaves. Some hollies
that I saw grew actually from out of the trunk of
the beech tree, and formed part of it. My com-
panion cut several capital walking-sticks from
upright shoots of hollies.

The ferns had scarcely begun to unfold, but there
were beds of wood-sorrel growing thinly over the
dead leaves. I found some that had a bright pink
blossom with darker lines.

The mosses in the bogs were brilliant in vivid
shades of green, set with ruby patches of sun-dew
(Drosera rotundifolia) not yet in blossom. The sun-
dew's hairy little leaves were at work catching
flies. I brought a specimen home, in which the
poor fly struggled in gummy toils until its death.

Wild moorland tracts were bright with gorse.
Nowhere before had I seen this blossom in such
splendid masses of colour; where there was no
gorse the moor was somewhat dull and brown with
last year's heather, but much enlivened by the red
catkins of " sweet gale," not yet in leaf, and the
little creeping willow. There were beds of water
ranunculus in the streams, and many water-lily
leaves in quiet corners.

The bilberry, with its pretty pink blossoms and
very light leaves, grew thickly under the trees
nearly everywhere in the forest. The may was
scarcely out, but crab-apple bushes were in full
blossom, and looked specially bright upon the
bleak commons. One of the gayest " Elowers of
the Eorest" was Pedicular is sylvatica, whose Eng-
lish name is so ugly; we found it all through the
Eorest and in the marshes, often looking "eaten
down," but always cheerful, gladdening us with
rose-colour where no other flowers seemed to grow.

One of our pleasantest botanical finds was on a
bare tract of country on our way from Beaulieu to
Boldre. There was nothing to enliven apparent
desolation except gravel-pits, which had filled with
water and were covered with the leaves of aquatic
plants. As we drove quickly along we caught
sight of a shallow pond covered with a light-
coloured erect blossom. It proved to be the buck-
bean {Menyanthes trifoliata), with trefoil leaves and
spikes of lilac flowers growing out of the water.

In the woods near Minstead were beds of lilies
of the valley in full blossom, which seemed to be
growing wild ; but we found they had been intro-
duced by some one at the Mansion-house.

One morning we spent at Beaulieu ; and although
the tide was low, leaving a wide expanse of mud,
we could still enjoy the beauty of the place. We

176

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

rested in a copse by the river side, of which the
underwood was all broom in blossom. One of the
•commonest flowers about Beaulieu is the dark blue
lithosperm, which grew in profusion in the woods
and hedges. Inside Beaulieu Abbey is a space of
smooth green turf, surrounded by the remains of
cloisters and conventual walls. This space is
carefully kept as a pleasure garden, and the old
buildings honoured and preserved as much as pos-
sible. A number of loose pieces of carving and
stones have been collected together and made into a
low wide heap. This has been planted with many
kinds of rock plants and bright spring flowers.
Daphne nemorum looked charming, and many alpine
plants grew freely. This rock garden and the
flowers which were encouraged to grow in the
ruined corners and walls were as pretty a sight as
any in Beaulieu.

We were not fortunate in finding orchids. There
were Orchis mascula and Orchis morio ; also we
found one specimen of Listera ovata, but half of it
had been bitten off by a cow.

Primroses and dog violets, anemones, and hya-
cinths grew in the forest, but not profusely, except
in some of the smaller enclosures.

Although not conducive to botany, the ponies
with pretty little foals beside them, and the quiet,
contented cattle wandering out of the thickets and
across the heaths, were very amusing, and added
much to the life of the forest scene. Even the
black pigs, with their large families, were pleasant
to see ; they were quite clean and nice-looking, with
no superfluous fat about them.

On our road home we found the meadow saxifrage
{Saxifraga granulata) by the roadside, near Whit-
church; and at Kingsclere, Solomon's seal in
blossom was growing thickly in the woods and
ditches, and very beautiful it looked. Golden saxi-
frage {Chrysospleninm oppositifolium) grew here
also.

Stopping on our last day to rest at Maidenhead
Bridge, I happened to turn for amusement to a
number of the Graphic which lay in the hotel.
There was a great deal about the month of May,
and a string of verses which set forth how a charm-
ing young lady in a " Dolly Varden " hat, looked
into somebody else's eyes " that morning in May-
time," when " pale primroses peeped from the green
of the hedges, and poppies flamed red in the
ripening wheat." Very pretty, no doubt, but the
writer can hardly, I fear, have consulted "Ben-
tham" as to when poppies bloom and wheat ripens.

Pinner Bill. M. A. Tooke.

" Let the warfare of Science be changed. Let
it be a warfare in which Religion and Science shall
stand together as allies, not against each other as
.enemies."— White's " Warfare of Science."

THE HEDGEHOG.

(Erinaceus Europteus.)

THE Hedgehog— one of our commonest and
most familiar wild animals— belongs to the
order Insectivora, which order iucludes three groups
of common British animals : the Talp'dm, or moles ;
the Soricidee, shrews ; and Erinaceidce, to which last
the Hedgehog belongs, being the sole representa-
tive of the family, as is the mole of the British Tal-
pidee, while the shrews have a large and wide-
spread representation, including natives of all the
Old World and of North America.

The habits of the Hedgehog are nocturnal, sleep-
ing during the day in the stump of a tree, in the
rubbish at the foot of a hedge, or in some similar
place where it can nestle amongst dry leaves and
moss. It, towards night, when it is growing dusk,
leaves its hiding-place, and rambles along the damp
meadows in search of its food, consisting chiefly of
snails, beetles, and any other insects it may dis-
cover, hunting by scent— a sense which, in the
Hedgehog, is well developed. Its food, I have
said, consists chiefly of insects ; but I think that
there is no doubt of the carnivorous habits of the
Hedgehog, both from the observation of other sub-
scribers to Science-Gossip, and from those I have
made myself. Gamekeepers say that it will destroy
the eggs of game, and that it will even surprise the
young when first hatched, and therefore no mercy
is shown when it is accidentally snared or trapped.
Hedgehogs that I have kept have always preferred
raw meat to bread and milk, though they would eat
but sparingly of cooked meat, and preferred snails
or worms to either.

The teeth of the Hedgehog are admirably formed
for crushing the shells or elytra of its insect prey.
The incisors are sharp, with a slight outward incli-
nation, which increases in old subjects ; the molars
are short and strong, and surmounted by sharply-
pointed projections, or cusps, which, of course,
prevent true mastication, the food being crushed
and swallowed in jerks in the case of slugs or
worms, while with larger insects the paws are used
to steady the mass while morsels are torn off and
disposed of.

The structure of the spines is noticeable, affording
an instance of the same arrangement of material to
form a tube, which is to combine strength with
extreme lightness, as we see employed in the
structure of iron spars and pillars. If a transverse
section of a spine be made, we shall see a hard exte-
rior ring of a quill-like substance, to which projec-
tions of the same material, radiating from the
centre, are attached. The interstices are filled in
with a porous pith-like mass, forming an elastic
cushion. Exteriorly the spine is shaped like the
yard of a ship, and tapers to a sharp point at the

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

177

unattached end. The root is formed by a slightly-
knobbed'projection, which passes through the skin,
and is inserted into the fascia of a broad, flat
muscle, forming! a band extending beneath the
whole spine-covered surface, and by means of
which the spines can be simultaneously raised, and
kept stiff and unyielding when the animal curls
itself into its characteristic defensive attitude-
These spines are possessed by the young from
birth, though for a short time they have more the
character of thick coarse hair, which gradually
hardens to the consistence of spines. At three
weeks old the young, generally three to five in
number, and born in July or August, are'quite able

and sometimes is fastened to the pole of a carriage
to prevent the horses rubbing against it ; but these
are the only uses to which the Hedgehog is put iu
England, though I believe it is eaten in some
countries by the poor, and perhaps in our own by
the gipsies.

This is but a very short and bare summary of the
natural history of the Hedgehog, but it may prove
interesting to some few of those contributors to
Science-Gossip who have lately been inquiring
about the habits of the animal, and fiom whose
answers I have gathered several new facts in rela-
tion to its life history.

Chas. W. Whistler.

Fig. 102. Common Hedge-hog {Erinaceus Europwus\

to follow the wanderings of their parents, of whom
they are exact miniatures in every respect, and
are quite as well protected. How long the life
of a Hedgehog lasts is not, I think, determined.
Those which are kept in captivity seldom live for
long, perhaps because unnaturally deprived of the
long period of winter dormancy by the warmth of
the kitchens iu which they are generally kept to
destroy the beetles.

la common with the other British Insectivora the
" Urchin" has been the object of several mistaken
notions, among which is the idea that it robbed the
cows of their milk whilst sleeping. This is still
believed in some parts of the country, and may be
classed with the superstitious dread of the shrew>
and the old belief in its hurtful touch. The skin is
used sometimes as a muzzle when weaning a calf,

THE MICROSCOPE AND MICROSCOPIC
WORK.

No. VIII.— By F. Kittox, F.R.M.S. '

IN the previous number it was suggested that the
correspondent "A. Y." of the Gentleman's
Magazine might be identical with the M. Joblot
mentioned by Mr. Baker. This we are now inclined
to think is not the case.

M. Joblot published in 1718 his "Descriptions
et Usages de plusieurs nouveaux Microscopes tant
simples que composes, avec dcnouvelles Observations
faites sur une Multitude innombrable d'Insectes,"
&c. 4to. pp. 171, plates U. Thirty-six years after ap-
peared the " Observations d'Histoire naturelle faites
avec le Microscope sur un grand Nombre d'Insectes
et sur les Animalcules qui se trouvent dans les

178

KARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

Liqueurs preparees et dans celles qui ne sont pas/'
&c. 4to. pp. 267, plates 53.

It is scarcely probable that two observers should
have detected the "Satyr." We may therefore
conclude that "A. Y." palmed off on Mr. Urban a
copy of M. Joblot's animalcule as his own, a trick
not unknown even to the editor of Science-Gossip.

Dr. Lardner, in his work on the Microscope,
gives a figure of the Satyr, copied from a drawing
of Dr. Young, differing but little from Mr. Baker's,
and says it is the " amymone satyr of Miiller."

In 1754 a small work made its appearance, which
promised to give an abridgment of all that had
been written by the best authors concerning the
more curious objects, with the precautions neces-
sary to be taken to make the observations success-
ful. This book was written in French, and called
"L'Exercise du Microscope." The author, how-
ever, was an English optician of the name of Wat-
kins, living at Charing Cross, London.

The author describes the usual microscopic
objects, and, like most of the " microscopists" of the
period, he was opposed to the theory of spontaneous
generation. As a specimen of his style, we quote
the following passage from his chapter " De la
Generation des Insectes 3f des Vegetaux ." — •

"C'est sur le sujet de la generation des Insectes
& des Vegetaux, que ies Homines se sont trouvez
embroillez dans un Chaos de Tenebres & de Con-
fusion duquel on n'auroit jamais pu se debarasser
sans le secours du Microscope. We faut-il pas en
effet etre plonge dans lTguorance la plus grossiere
& la plus absurde que de s'imaginer que la Putre-
faction & l'Ordure avec l'Aide du Hazard pou-
voient produire des Millions de Creatures vivantes
de diverses Especes & former toutes les Parties
necessaires pour les Fonctions de la Vie & leur
donner l'lntelligence de chercher la Nourriture
propre pour continuer leur Existence ? Cependant
quelque etrange qu'une telle Opinion nous paroisse
a present, le Tems a ete quand ces Idees, toutes
absurdes quelles sont etoient etablies & receues
non seulment des Gens sans Lettres mais aussi des
Philosophes les plus savans & les plus eclairez
des Siecles passez."

A little further on we find the following remarks
on Spermatozoa : —

" On a decouvert par 1' Assistance des Verres que
le Semen masculinum des Animaux est rempli d'un
Nombre infini de petites Animalcules, pleines de
Vie & Vigueur, quoiqu'elles soient d'une Petitesse
si extreme, quetrois milles Millions n'egalement pas
la Grosseur d'un seul Grain de Sable. On trouve
ces Animalcules a peu pres de la meme Forme dans
toutes les differentes Especes d' Animaux ayant le
Corps d'une Figure ovale & la Queue tres longue
en Comparison du Corps. ... II est tres facile de
decouvrir ces Animalcules dans la Laite d'unPoisson,
on n'a qu'a presser le Poisson tant soit peu vers

le Ventre & il en sortira de la Laite dont la
Grosseur de la Tete d'un Epingle suffira."

In the following year (1754) was published " An
Account of Some New Microscopical Discoveries."
This book was dedicated to the President (Martin
Folkes) and Fellows of the Royal Society by the
author, T.N. (Turberville Needham).

In this work, he propounds this theory, that
" a Drop of Water the Diameter of which exceeds
not a line may be a Sea not only as daily experience
shews in the Capacity which it has of containing
and affording Sustenance to Millions of Animals, but
also in the Similitude which these very Animals
may bear to several known Species in that part of
the Creation which is the Object of our naked Eyes.
A microscopical Animal may therefore in Shape and
relative Magnitude be to numberless Inferiors what
an Elephant, Ostrich, or Whale is in the several

Kingdoms of Beasts, Birds, or Fish Some

general Reflections of this nature succeeding to
those late Wonderful Discoveries of the Properties
of the Fresh- water Polype, for which the world is
obliged to the ingenious Mr. Trembley, induced
me to examine if no Species of Fish could be found
in the Sea, which, bearing a near Resemblance to it,
might be almost in Large what this is in Miniature,
and serve by Induction to clear up those Phenomena
at least which escape our Apprehension upon
account of the Minuteness of the Object."

Mr. Needham devotes 59 pages to a description
of the Calamary. A very good figure is given of
the lingual baud. He describes the teeth upon it
as follows : — "A curious Arrangement of new
Rows of Teeth invests in a manner the whole
Expansion on one side of a thin transparent Mem-
brane to which they adhere. The Area of this
Membrane, tho' it be so minute in a Calamary
of the largest size as not to exceed half an Inch in
Length and one Tenth of an Inch in Breadth, yet
affords sufficient space to contain without confusion
five hundred and four Teeth of several Shapes, each
Row being composed of fifty-six."

The chapter on the Farina fozcundans (Pollen) is
very interesting, and reminds the reader of the
painstaking investigations of Leeuwenhoek. The
author's dissections and microscopic examinations
soon satisfied him that the explanations of M.
Tournefort and others respecting the use of the
stamina in flowers was incorrect. Their theory was
that the stamens were a kind of excretory ducts,
and that the pollen was the excrement of the food
of the fruit or embryo plant discharged by filtration.

This theory was, however, opposed by Mr. Mor-
land, M. Geoffroy, and others, who " found a nobler
use for it, and were of an Opinion which appears
to be the most agreeable to Truth, that it is this
Dust which, falling on the Pistil, impregnates and
fecundities the Grain or Fruit inclosed therein and
hence it is called Farina fcecundans."

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

179

In chapter XII. is an inquiry as to the nature
of the supposed embryo sole found upon a species
of shrimp.

"It is generally believed upon the coasts of
England and France, that Soles are produced by
means of a certain Species of Shrimp or Prawn,
which differs from the ordinary Sole, being of a
lighter Colour and much more transparent. I find
the same Opinion current among the Fishermen in
Portugal, where this kind is known by the name of
the Sole-bearing Shrimp."

Mr. Needham does not, however, believe in the
truth of this assertion, although M. Deslandes, in
1he Memoirs of the Royal Academy of Sciences,
1722, says that he took a considerable quantity of
these shrimps and preserved them alive in a quan-
tity of sea-water, where, after the space of twelve
or thirteen days he found eight or ten little soles.
He repeated the experiment several times, always
with the same success. He could never succeed in
obtaining young soles from the spawn deposited in
the vessel in which he had kept some soles a con-
siderable time ; from whence he concludes that the
spawn of the Sole requires the assistance of the
Shrimp to hatch it. The author's figure of the
supposed sole embryo represents a maggot-like
organism, consisting of nine segments, one of
which (representing, probably, the head) is about
one-third of the length of the whole form; the
remaining eight are equidistant, and apparently
armed with a short spine or claw on each side.
The author says they are legs, and that the size of
the insect is about that of a grain of coarse sand.

Contemporary with Baker and Needham was
George Adams, senior, the author of " Micrographia
Illustrata; or, the Knowledge of the Microscope
explained, with a Translation of M. Joblot's
Observations on the Animalcula found in many
Infusions, and an Account of the Fresh-water
Polype, translated from the Treatise of Mr.
Trembley. 4to, pp. 263, plates 65. London :

1747."

Twenty-four years afterwards, the fourth edition
of the above-named work was published. This was
an 8vo. of 325 pages and 71 plates.

In 1787, George Adams, junior, produced his
Essays on the Microscope, containing a practical
description of the most improved microscopes,
with a general history of insects. 4to, pp. 720,
plates 26. A second^ edition of the Essays, with
considerable additions and improvements by F.
Kaumacher, appear jl in 179 The considerable
additions consisted of four extra pages and six
plates.

Mr. Roper, in his valuable Catalogue of Works
on the Microscope, says that "the earliest work
I have been able to meet with on microscopical
subjects is Petrus Borellus : ' De vero Telescopii
Inventore, cum brevi omnium Conspiciliorum

Historia; accessit etiam Centuria Observationem
Microscopicarum.' Small 4to. pp. 188, woodcuts.
Hague, 1665—1656."

But as Borellus dates the invention of the
Microscope as early as 1590, it is probable some
of the discoveries made with it were published
previously to the appearance of Borellus's book.
According to the Catalogue just quoted, 115 works
on the microscope and microscopic works were
published between 1656 and 1799, several of them
reaching to third and fourth editions.

The discoveries of most value were those made
by the simple microscope. The observations made
by its means were not liable to the errors which
the " double " instrument almost always caused the
user to fall into. This is very clearly shown in the
work done by Leeuwenhoek.

We append his epitaph, which a correspondent
communicated to Notes and Queries (p. 292, vol. iv.,
series iv.) : —

"Pise et set. Mem. Antonii A. Leeuwenhoek
Reg. Angl. Societ. Membri, qui Naturae penetralia
es physices arcana Microscopiis ab ipso inventis et
mirabile arte fabricatis, assiduo studio et perscru-
tatione delegenda et idiomate Belgico describenda
de toto terrarum orbe optime meruit. Nat. Delph.
xxiv. Oct. a mvi°xxxij. Ibidemque Denat. xxvj.
Augusti a mvijcxxiij. Patri charissimo hoc monu-
mentum filia Maria A. Leeuwenhoek moerens P." *

{To be continued^)

THE RESTING-SPORES OF THE POTATO-
DISEASE FUNGUS.

By Wokxhington G. Smith, F.L.S.

IT is with much pleasure that we lay before our
readers the following important paper by Mr-
W. G. Smith, copied from the Gardeners' Chronicle.

"The resting-spores found by me in the dis-
eased Chiswick potatoes last July have now, after
nearly a whole year's rest, germinated and repro-
duced the fungus which causes the Potato disease.
I propose to publish my observations, with illustra-
tions, but before doing so, it may be well to briefly
glance at the diverse opinions expressed in different
quarters as to the possible nature of the much-
discussed bodies referred by me last year to the
resting-spores of the Potato fungus.

" My judges, though numerous, have been the
reverse of unanimous, but they have nearly all been
friendly and just. Had my critics been unanimous
in considering my resting-spores as belonging to
some other known fungus distinct from Peronospora
infestans, I should have looked on my first observa-
tions with great distrust. Strangely enough, how-

* Leeuwenhoek is buried in the old church at Delft.

ISO

.'HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

ever, not only did many botanists at once differ from
my interpretation of the meaning of the bodies
found in diseased Potato plants, but the same
botanists differed from each other quite as much as
they differed from me. This fact, if it proved
nothing else, at least proved that the bodies under
discussion were new and unfamiliar.

"My first published illustrations of the secondary
condition of the Potato fungus were printed in the
Gardeners' Chronicle for July 17, 3875, pp. 6S and
09, and (making allowance for the very slight and
insufficient material then at my command) these
figures may be taken in the main as fairly correct
representations of the early state of the resting-
spores. My illustrations bear a certain resemblance
to fig. 101, which represents a fungus named provision-
ally Pythium incertum by Mr. Renny. My plant
was, however (setting aside the anatomical differ-
ences), uniformly about one-third larger in all its
parts.

Fig. 103. Condition of resting-spores from the isri potato-
leaves in April, 18/6. Enlarged 400 diameters.

" Fig. 103 represents the condition of my Potato
resting-spores whilst still at rest, and before any
germination had taken place, drawn in the month of
-April last.

Fig. 104. Pythium incertum, Renny. a, oogonium discharging
its undifferentiated protoplasm; b, oogonium discharging
its protoplasm in the form of zoospores ; c, zoospore free.
From the original materials. Enlarged 400 diameters.

"Eig. 104 is Mr. Renny's Pythium Incertum. It
more or less agrees (as do all the other species of
Pythiiim here described) in its anatomical character,
with P. equiseti described and illustrated in the
Gardeners' Chronicle for May 27 last. Mr. Renny
some time since expressed an opinion that this
plant and mine were identical, but P. incertum is
smaller in all its parts, has non-septate instead of
septate (jointed) threads, and, as far as was seen.
P. incertum carried no male organs (antheridia).
Moreover, P. incertum produced no resting-spore,
but continually broke up into zoospores, and so
reproduced itself. It did not grow upon potatoes.

" Eig. 105 is the famous Pythium equiseti of Dr.
Sadebeck, said to be found upon potatoes and
equisetum. This species was at first considered as
possibly identical with the bodies discovered by me,
and the original figure is here reproduced to show
the septate threads and other characters. The
upper figure, a, is remarkably like Artotroffus ; the
figures B, c, d have antheridia ' in local, but not in
anatomical relation with each other ' ; whilst at e
and F may be seen oogonia and antheridia ' free in
the surrounding space.' De Bary, in criticising a
similar figure of mine, says, 'These phenomena
entirely disagree with all that is yet known of
Peronosporete and Saproleguiecs' ; yet Dr. Sadebeck
and myself have seen and figured exactly identically
the same 'phenomena.' P. equiseti has been
proved to be different from my organisms.

Fig. 105. Pythium equiseti, Sadebeck. From Dr. Sadebeck's
original illustration. Enlarged 400 diameters.

" Pig. 106 is the new (?) Pythium vexans, found by De
Bary in collapsed potatoes. It is described by the
author as a new species, because it differs from all
similar organisms known to De Bary in its small
size and in the peculiar insertion of the oogonium
and antheridium. My readers will see at a glance
that this fungus is no smaller in any of its parts
than the two last described ; and as for the pecu-
liarity of the insertion of its oogonium and antheri-
dium, a, B, in De Bary's fig. 10G, do not differ from
r, g, ir, in Dr. Sadebeck's fig. 101. P. vexans (fig.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

1S1

106) has produced no hybernating resting-spore. An
opinion has been expressed that there is no differ-
ence between De Bary's P. vexans and the organisms
described by me ; but De Bary himself says, in
criticising me, that I have described ' two forms of
fungus — both different from the Potato fungus, and

\ D

Fig. 106. Pythium vexans, De Bary. a, a, oogonia; b, b,
antheridia ; c, oogonium discharging its contents in the
form of zoospores ; d, oospore germinating by sending out
mycelium. Enlarged 400 diameters. From De Bary's
illustration and slide No. 8.

possibly also from each other,' and that my resting-
spores may rather be compared with the 'thin-
walled oospores of Peronospora vilicola,' than
P. armaria, to which I compared them.

Fig. 107. Peronospora in/estans. Conidiophores, repi'oduced
from the Gardeners' Chrunh-le, July 24, 18/5. Enlarged
250 diameters.

" Pythium proliferum* De Bary, is reproduced
from De Bary's original plate, because Max
Cornu, on examining my preparations, wrote
me that he had seen very similar resting-spores
with mine in P. proliferum. This latter plant
is more like my organisms than either of the
others just described, but it differs totally in its
general habit and non-septate threads. Max Cornu
wrote me that my oogonia also reminded him of
those found in the genus Myzocytium of Schenk.

* A large figure of this fungus appeared in the G'irdeners'
Chronicle.

" Dr. Wittmack, together with Professor Kny, Dr.
Oscar Brefeld, and Dr. Magnus, all of Berlin, have
examined my preparations, and write of the resting-
spore -. 'We all don't venture to say what it is. It
looks so much like a Pythium, and has also so many
resemblances of [to] Peronospora, that without
studying the whole evolution, it is too difficult to
decide the matter. Most oospores of Peronospora
are a little larger , yet I find those of P. pygmcea
of the same size nearly as on your slide.' Unlike
my other critics, De Bary will not accept my obser-
vations; he even prints 'oogonia' and 'antheri-
dia" in inverted commas ; he says no botanist could
accept the mycelium of Peronospora as I show it ;

Fig. 108. Peronospora infestuns. Conidiophore, from De
Bary, " Ann. des Sc. Nat.," ser. 4, vol. xx. pi. 5, fig. 2.
Enlarged 250 diameters.

that it is better to leave my figures out of con-
sideration, and that I do not even accurately know
the conidiophores (threads which support the
spores). In support of the latter statement, he
refers to the Gardeners' Chronicle, July 24, 1875»
fig. 19, and says the conidiophores ' present an
important difference from those of the real P. in-
festans.' The conidiophores from that figure arc
here reproduced (fig. 107). A momentary view will
show that I never intended to illustrate typical
fruiting branches of the fungus, but just any such
accidental ill-grown pieces as happened to be on the
preparation. But if these two outlines are to con-
clusively show my ignorance of the conidiophores
of the Potato fungus, what are we to say to De
Bary's own figure— also here reproduced, fig. 108, and
taken from the 'Annalesdes Sciences Naturelles,'
series i, vol. xx. plate 5, fig. 2 ? If one figure is
correct, the 'important difference ' of the other is
not very apparent, especially when the conidio-
phores were not described by me at all, but a refer-
ence was merely made to the secondary condition of
the Peronospora.

182

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

"When I wrote my original description of the
resting-spores of Peronospora infestans for the
Gardeners' Chronicle I stated distinctly how I
obtained my results. Mr. C. Edmund Broome,
M.A., F.L.S., of Batheaston, last autumn repeated
my experiments with diseased Potato leaves, and he
obtained results exactly the same with mine. Erom
.ast July till now Mr. Broome and myself have
fortunately been able to keep these hybernating
resting-spores alive."

EERN COLLECTING ON CHURCHES.

THE notes which are here presented, and which
perhaps will be interesting to the readers of
Science-Gossip (especially to those young natural-
ists who are wondering where they could best spend
■the time they have for rambling this season), were
made during a ramble along part of the Norfolk
coast from Burnham to Cromer. This coast, as is
well known, is not so attractive as other parts of
the country, but, like every other part, there are
many objects of attraction, which a lover of nature
could not fail to be pleased with ; some of which,
perhaps, we shall hint at in passing.

Making Burnham the starting-point, naturally
enough the old town church was the first to come
under the eye. After a very little trouble the Rue-
fern {Asplenium ruta-muraria) was taken in an
excellent condition ; proceeding then down a lane,
known as Eriars-lane, the old church of Burn-
ham Norton was inspected, and there grew abun-
dantly the Rue-fern, also several of the black
Spleenwort {Asplenium adiantum nigrum), some of
which were taken. Going back again by Eriars-lane
to Burnham Overy church, where the Rue-fern was
growing very copiously, we rambled then from the
church to the beach, and were not a little interested
in collecting the numerous species of shells left by
the tide, which we scarcely dare attempt to name,
unless it were such common types as {Cypraa
europaa, or Nassa reticulata), and now and then
finding geological curiosities in the form of a piece
of jet, or, what seemed more rare, amber. Just inside
the large range of sand-banks are abundance of the
common "cockle" {Cardium edulis), which in its
season is collected in large quantities. Whelks
are also plentiful, and those peculiar creatures
known as star-nsh. One peculiar use to which the
star-fish is put in that neighbourhood is to pierce
a hole through the body, and place the stem of a
young plant, such as a cabbage, through, and plant
the cabbage surrounded by the animal, which seems
to be sufficient manure to produce what is desired.

There is one thing worth noting in connection
with this part of the coast, to observe how the sea
at one time has left the land : it was found by per-
sonal observation that in less than twelve months,

vegetation {Carex arenaria) had approached seven
yards nearer the sea. At Hunstanton, about twelve
miles westwards from this point the sea encroaches ;
so much so, that the fall of cliff a few years since
was estimated at two thousand tons weight.

Passing on to the famed Holkham, with its mag-
nificent Park, inside which the church is pleasantly
situated, it was gratifying to take specimens of the
Rue-fern. At Wells, we could find none. At
Warham, about two miles farther east, the Rue-fern
and a few plants of the common Harts-tongue {Scolo-
pendrium vulgare) were abundant enough. Going
on still in the same direction to Stiffkey, and alone
upon the church the common Polypod {Polypodium
vulgare) was collected. At Morston, we collected
Polypodium vulgare and Scolopendrium vulgare.
Through some cause Blakeney church was missed,
and no more were collected, until the fine old ruins
(a part of which forms the present worshipping
place) of Cley, where the Rue-fern only appeared.
It now happened that night was mastering us, and
not being able to obtain lodging at Salthouse, we
had to walk ontoWeybourne; and well we remember
what a rough and strange country it was. Our guide
map was of no service whatever, as it was too dark.
However, we reached the place and obtained lodg-
ing, scarcely thinking on the following morning of
the previous evening's walk. Some fine old ruins
were visited here covered with ivy, and in a rather
bare place were a great abundance of wall-flowers
in blossom. A few plants of Scolopendrium, vulgare
were found upon the ruins.

The morning was exceedingly fine, and we were
drawn again to the sea-side, and found ourselves
upon the top of the cliffs at Lower Sheringham,
and descending to the beach, it was an easy matter
to go with the boats and take crabs, for which
the place is noted. It is strange to notice the beach
covered with black pebbles uniform in size, and
upon which strange pedestrians find no small
amount of difficulty in walking. It is easy to
imagine what a sound is produced by the breakers
when the tide is coming in.

Being so interested, we passed the church, and,
almost before being aware of it, found ourselves
at Beeston ; visited some old ruins known as the
Priory, covered with ivy, of which j there was a
gigantic specimen. Upon the church the Rue-fern
and a few specimens of Asplenium adiantum
nigrum were growing. At Runton, farther on, the
Rue-fern, Asplenium adiantum nigrum, and Poly-
podium vulgare were growing abundantly.

Passing along by the sea-side to Cromer, which
was made the centre from which parts of the sur-
rounding neighbourhood were visited, the black
pebbles had entirely disappeared, and the beach
consists of sand and small stones, searching amongst
which we were rewarded by finding some very nice
cornelians, which are still with us in a polished

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

183

state ; and it was interesting to spend a few hours
in search of lobsters only a short distance from the
land. These lobsters are said to be found, among
other places, in the remains of the church of ancient
Cromer, now completely submerged. Upon the
present church, part of which is in ruins, the Rue-
fern seemed very happy.

In going from Cromer to Overstrand by the cliffs
there is study for the young geologist ; and along
the beach there are what are known as " sinking "
or " slip " sands, which iu some cases have proved
fatal. About the time we wrote, an unfortunate
young lady sank in the sand, and was extricated
only at the cost of life ; the old lighthouse was
entirely swallowed by the same agency. Upon the
church and ruins at Overstrand abundance of
Polypodium vulgare and Scolopendrium vulgare were
found; at Northrepps the same two, and two or
three plants of Asplenium Irichomanes, as well as
the Rue-fern; at Antingham the Harts -tongue
only appeared ; and farther on, at North Walsham,
the favourite Rue-fern was plentiful enough on the
church. This, with the exception of a short stay
at Holt, finished our rambles. Not a single speci-
men of the common Ceterach ox Asplenium marinum
was found, and only about three specimens of
Asplenium trichomanes. But in all the instances
named above was that charming little Rue-fern,
usually growing on the side of the church towards
the north or east.

And after observing the habitats of this fern it
might be suggested that in growing it— which often
puzzles fern collectors— old mortar-rubbish and
broken bricks might be advantageously used.

J. T. R.

MICROSCOPY.

The Nicaragtian Ants and their Food.— At
a recent meeting of the Linnean Society, Mr.
Francis Darwin read an account of some researches
of his on glandular bodies on Acacia sphcerocephala
and Cecropia peltata, serving as food for ants. The
structures in question were discovered by Mr. Belt
(Nicaragua), and mentioned by him in his " Natu-
ralist in Nicaragua," and subsequently further
observations made by Fritz Miiller (Brazil), while
Mr. Darwin has more particularly entered into their
minute composition. In Acacia, they are of two
kinds: (a) nectar-secreting glands situate at the
base of the petiole ; (b) small, somewhat flattened,
pear-shaped bodies, which tip six or seven of the
lowermost leaflets of the bipinnate leaves. In
Cecropia cylindrical bodies are developed in flat
cushions at the base of the leaf-stalk. Mr. Darwin
shows the microscopical structure of all of these to
be homologous in kind, — cellular protoplasm, and

containing oil-globules. He infers, moreover, they
bear a relation to the serration-glands of Reinke, in
certain cases afterwards being converted into stores
of nutriment, which undoubtedly the ants live on,
and in their turn protect the trees from the ravages
of the leaf- cutting ants.

The Quekett Microscopical Club have just
issued their thirty-first number, containing valuable
papers by Mr. James Fullagar, "On Aclinophrys
Sol," a continuation of the article contributed to
Science-Gossip in May, 1875 ; " On a Larval
Cirripede," by Mr. H. Davis ; " On the Metamor-
phosis of the Crane-fly and Blow-fly," by Mr. A.
Hammond, whose papers and illustrations of these
and collateral subjects will be well remembered by
readers of our own journal, as having frequently
appeared in it; "On a New Aulacodiscus," by
A. Cottam; "On a New Method of cutting
fresh-frozen Tissues," by R. P. Williams; "On
a new Stage Arrangement," by N. E. Green ; and
last, but not by any means least in point of import-
ance, a paper by Mr. M. H. Johnson " On Silicified
Structure in Pyritized Wood."

The Royal Microscopical SociETy.— This
well-known society have done themselves credit, in
conferring an honorary fellowship upon Mr.
Frederick Kitton, whose able articles on the
" History of the Microscope " are now appearing
in Science-Gossip. Mr. Kitton is known among
microscopists all the world over as an authority on
the Diatomacece and unicellular algse generally.

The Lowest Forms oe Plant-life. — The
formation of cheese has lately engaged the attention
of Prof. Ferd. Cohn in connection with his re-
searches on the lowest forms of plant-life ; and he
has made personal observations on the manufacture,
as carried on in Switzerland. The phenomena
accompanying the process are thus described : — The
rennet contains a liquid ferment which causes
coagulation of the milk; also ferment-organisms
{Bacillus), which probably bring on butyric-acid
fermentation, and cause the slow maturing of the
cheese. It is their resting-spores that, enclosed by
the dry cheese substance, resist boiling heat for
a long time, and, in a suitable nutritive liquid,
may afterwards develop to bacillus rods. One of
Dr. Bastian's results is in this way explained.

The Origin op Life. — In an important paper
recently read before the Royal Society by Dr.
Bastian, giving an account of some further re-
searches "illustrative of the Physico-chemical
Theory of Fermentation and the Condition favouring
Archebiosis in previously-boiled Liquids," the
author sums up as follows :— " The experiments in
which liquor potassa? is added to urine in definite
proportions before and after it has been boiled with

181

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

the result of inducing fermentation in the otherwise
barren fluids, as well as those in which unaltered
urine ferments under the influence of the high
generating temperature of 122° E. (50° C), all
alike point to the same conclusion. They
show, as other experiments have done, that an
exclusive germ-theory of fermentation is untenable ;
and they show further that living matter may and
does originate independently during the progress of
fermentation in previously germless fluids. As a
result of the fermentative changes taking place in
boiled urine or other complex organic solutions,
many ' new chemical compounds are produced.
Gases are given off, or these, with other soluble
products, mix imperceptibly with the changing and
quickening mother-liquid, in all parts of which
certain insoluble products also make their appear-
ance. Such insoluble products reveal themselves
to us as specks of protoplasm, that is, of 'living'
matter. They gradually emerge into the region of
the visible, and speedily assume the well-known
forms of one or other variety of Bacteria. These
insoluble particles would thus in their own persons
serve to bridge the narrow gulf between certain
kinds of 'living' and of 'dead' matter, and thereby
afford a long sought-for illustration of the transition
from chemical to so-called 'vital' combinations."

ZOOLOGY.

The British Association Meeting at Glas-
gow.— The meeting at Glasgow, commencing on
the Gth of September, is expected to be a very good
one. The guarantee fund is the largest yet sub"
scribed, amounting to nearly £7,000. The " Chal-
lenger " naturalists will be present, and undoubtedly
many of their discoveries will be discussed, as Sir
"Wyville Thomson is to deliver one of the two
usual " Discourses " to the members. Lieut.
Cameron will, no doubt, be the " lion " of the
popular Geographical Section. The following places
have been secured for the use of the Association : —
The University, where, as at present arranged, all
the sections, except the Geographical and Ethno-
logical Section (Section E), will meet, Section E
meeting in the large upper hall of the Queen's
Rooms. At the "University also .will be the re-
ception and refreshment, rooms. Kelvin-grove
Museum. — This will be the receptacle for the exhi-
bitions of machinery, of chemicals, and textile
fabrics. Queen's llooms. — Here will be held an
exhibition of the zoological and botanical collections
of the district, and here also the meetings of Sec-
tion E will take place. The upper Corporation
Galleries will be lilled with a geological exhibition,
there being no room in the museum at the University
to accommodate more than the Archaeological
Section, in addition to the permaneut and temporary

exhibits already arranged there. The City Hall
and the Botanic Garden Palace have also been
secured for the use of the Association. The Cham-
bers of the Association, where all inquiries may
be made, will be found at 135, Buchanan-street. A
great many of the citizens have indicated their
wrish to receive guests, and a list is being drawn up
of expected visitors, from which guests may be
selected. It has been arranged that excursions will
take place on Saturday, the 9 th, and Thursday, the
14th of September, to the following, among other
places: — Arran, Lochlomond, Loch Eyne, and the
Holy Loch, Coatbridge, and Paisley. Mr. A. B.
Stewart has placed his yacht at the disposal of the
Association, as has also Mr. Duncan, of Benmore,
for dredging expeditions. It is intended that there
will be at least one dredging excursion to the Pirth
of Clyde, or other suitable place. Mr. Duncan will
also receive at Benmore a party of 100, who go the
round by Loch Eyne, for whom he has arranged a
delightful excursion. Mr. Martin, of Auchendennan,
will receive a party at dinner there, and Mr. Camp-
bell, of Tulliechewan, and Mr. Matheson, of
Cordale, have also intimated their desire to show
hospitality to members of the Association visiting
Dumbartonshire. Mr. Ellis will entertain a party
at luncheon at Coatbridge after inspection of the
North British Wireworks, and Sir Peter and Mr.
Thomas Coates are expected to do the same at
Paisley.

The "Challenger" Spoils. — According to
Nature, Prof. Wyville Thomson had not set foot
long in England before presenting in person a pre-
liminary quota of his results to the learned bodies.
Two papers read by him at the Linnean Society on
June 1, embodied observations on Echinodermata,
a group to which, as is well known, he previously
had paid much attention. One of the communi-
cations described some new living Crinoids belonging
to the Apiocrinidje. Of deep-sea forms the stalked
crinoids are extremely rare, and have a special
interest on account of their palacontological rela-
tions ; it was therefore with satisfaction that near
St. Paul's Bocks, at 1,850 fathoms, the trawl brought
up, among other things, an entire specimen of a
new crinoid, Bathjcrinus Aldricldanus, and frag-
ments of another, Hyocrinus bethcllianus. At other
stations and on different occasions, were obtained
another species of Bathjcrinus (B. gracilis) and an
undetermined beautiful little species of Hyocrinus,
besides examples of the Rhizocrinus lofotensis of
Sars ; all of these being referable to the Apio-
crinidaj. In pointing out their structural pecu-
liarities and alluding to Bathjcrinus, he mentioned
that the stem barely enlarges at its junction with
the cup, the ring formed by the basals is very small,
and the first radials are free from the basals and
often free from one another, while the oral plates

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

18c

are absent. This genus appears to possess an
assemblage of characters in some respects inter-
mediate between RMzocrinus and the pentacrinoid
stage of Antedon. Hyocrinus bethellianus has much
the appearance, and in some prominent particulars
it seems to have very much the structure of the
palaeozoic genus Platycrimis or its sub-genus
Dichocriuns. The stem is much more rigid than
that of Bathycrimis ; the cup consists of two tiers
of plates only; the lower is to be regarded as a ring
of basals, and the upper consists of fine spade-
shaped radials. There are five arms, which are
pinnulated. The proximal pinnules are very long,
running on nearly to the end of the arm, and the
succeeding pinnules are gradually shorter, all of
them, however, running out to the end of the arm.
Distally the ends of the five arms, and the ends of
all the pinnules meet nearly on a level. This arrange-
ment is unknown in recent crinoids, although we
have something close to it in species of the fossil
genera Poteriocrinus and Cyathocrinus ; with this,
however, their resemblances end. RMzocrinus finds
its ally in the cretaceous genus Bourguetierinus ;
Bathycrimis and Hyocrinus are evidently related to
the former, but the characters of the Apiocrinidse
are nevertheless obscure in the two latter. In his
second paper Prof. Wyville Thomson drew atten-
tion to peculiarities in the mode of propagation of
certain Echino'derms of the Southern Sea. He
passed in review examples of the Sea- cucumbers
(Holothuroids), Sea Urchins (the circular Cidatoids,
and heart-shaped Spatanffoids), Star-fish (Asteroids),
and the Brittle Stars (Ophhtroids). In allusion to
their phases of development, he stated the majority
of these pass from the egg without the intervention
of a locomotive pseudembryo. Among other data
in support of this view he said, that while in warm
and temperate seas "plutei" and "bipinnari"
were constantly taken in the surface-net ; yet
during the southern cruise between the Cape of
Good Hope and Australia, only one form of Echi-
noderm pseudembryo occurred, and which was
considered with some little doubt as the larva of
Chirodota from the presence of dermal, calcareous,
wheel-shaped spicules. Furthermore Prof. Wyville
Thomson described in detail, among the majority
of the foregoing groups, the almost constant occur-
rence of a curious receptacular pouch wherein the
young are carried until arriving at a certain matu-
rity. This marsupium is situated on the dorsal
portion of the body, and is composed of a series of
plates which meet centrally and permit of the
young creeping about and returning to it for
shelter. The young derive no nutriment from the
parent while contained in the "nursery," other
than it may be a mucous secretion.

The "Challenger" Expedition.— Our readers
will be pleased to see another proof of the attention

which Science is forcing for itself in high places, in
the fact that Prof. Wyville Thomson, chief of the
scientific staff of the Challenger expedition, has just,
been knighted by Her Majesty, and is now, there-
fore, Sir Charles Wyville Thomson. The honour thus
worthily conferred will be appreciated as a graceful
tribute to modern science.

Dredging off Teignmouth.— In the spring of
the year, dredging over the oyster-bed about a mile
and a half off Teignmouth, we hauled in a large
Venus islandica, with four Pleurobranchus mem-
branaceus, one of them a very large one. The shell
was beautifully clean, and looked as if the mollusk
had recently been taken out of it. Can any one of
the readers of Science-Gossip inform me what
food the latter mollusk consumes?—^./. R. Sclater,
Teignmouth.

The late Mr. Edward Newman, F.L.S.—
All naturalists will be sorry to hear of the death of
this hard-working naturalist. He has done more
than many men of higher-sounding honours to
bring fresh workers into the fields of eutomological
and botanical science, and the influence of his
labours will be felt for many years to come. As
editor of the Zoologist, he continued to the last to
labour among the subjects he loved so well. He
will be missed by many to whom he was always
ready to give advice based on a life- long experience ;
and scientific literature has lost a useful and
vigorous pen in its cause.

" Popular Science Review."— The quarterly
number for July of this useful periodical is one of
the best we have ever seen. Prof. Mivart's article
on " What are Bats ? " is alone worth the price of
the number, as giving a clear outline of the struc-
ture and relations of the least-known of the mam-
malia. Mr. W. A. Lloyd has also a capital article
on " Aquaria : their Present, Past, and Future " ;
and Prof. Flower's paper on " The Extinct Animals
of North America" will be read with keen zest by
all naturalists and geologists interested in the
"Missing Links" which the geological record is
every day giving up.

Provincial Natural History Societies.—
Chief amoug the many "Reports" and "Pro-
ceedings " published by local naturalists are those
of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society.
Among several of the objects which this well-known
club has for its object, is one we should like to see
carried out by all similar associations throughout
the country—" the discouragement of the practice
of destroying the rarer species of birds that occa-
sionally visit the country, and of exterminating
rare plants in their native localities." Besides the
address by the president (Mr. J. B. Bridgman),
this number is valuable to all English naturalists

186

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

for containing the extracts of the Journal of f
Robert Marsham, giving an account of the severe
winter of 1739-40 ; and also the correspondence of
that naturalist with Gilbert White (not before pub-
lished). The latter paper makes above CO pages.
The Proceedings of the Liverpool Naturalists'
Eield Club show us that this society continues' the
very doubtful plan of offering prizes for plants, &c.
The address of the president (Rev. H. Higgins) is
exceedingly valuable, beiDg devoted to the ety-
mology of plant-names. The present number also
gives an account of the excursions of the year.
The Chichester and West Sussex Natural History
and Microscopical Society's report shows us that in
the South amateur naturalists are doing good work.
The Lewes and East Sussex have also just issued
their twelfth annual report, containing extracts of
some valuable papers.

BOTANY.

Pittosporum: Tobira. — Many years back I was
struck with the beauty of the Pittosporum Tobira,
an evergreen abundant at Jersey. I have since
urged nurserymen at Brighton to introduce it
there ; but there was a strong impression that the
cUmate was too severe. In Paxton's "Botanical
Dictionary" it is said, "P. Tobira will succeed
against a soutli wall, with the protection of a mat
in severe weather ; and in the Heatherside " Nur-
sery Manual " it is spoken of as " not hardy, and
the more the pity, as the flowers are very fragrant."
I have, therefore, been not a little surprised to find
it growing freely and flourishing at Eolkestone,
where the shrubs are from twelve to twenty years
old, six feet and more in height, and as many in
breadth, exposed to the very severe easterly and
south-easterly winds in front of the sea, on the
highest part of the west cliff, as well as in other
parts of the borough (in one place it is more than
ten feet high, and wide in proportion), and never
against a wall. It is now (June) in full flower ;
the leaves are verticitate, shining, thick, aud tough,
with umbels of very abundant white flowers, which
have a powerfully fragrant odour of the orange -
flower and jasmine. If it succeeds so well at
Eolkestone, where it is so exposed, and without
protection, why should it not do so at Brighton and
elsewhere? I find another very pretty evergreen
flowering-shrub abundant at Folkestone in shrub-
beries and gardens in the most exposed spots, viz.
Lonicera Ledebourii, which a Eolkestone nursery-
man tells me is as hardy as the common laurel. It
bears very pretty orange and red flowers, with
large crimson bracts, is four feet high, and altoge-
ther a desirable addition to the shrubbery. I do
not remember to have seen it at Brighton, where it
certainly should be cultivated in the Pavilion and

other gardens. The same may be said of the P.
Tobira. The bay-trees at Eolkestone have all had
their leaves destroyed during the late severe winter,
but the two evergreens above mentioned have not
suffered in the slightest degree.— T. B. W., Folke-
stone.

Decay of the Trees in Hyde Park. — In
Science-Gossip for May, 1S73, is a memoir on
raphides and other plant- crystals by Professor Gul-
liver, E.R.S., illustrated by numerous woodcuts ;
and he has subsequently given descriptions, with a
plate, of the short-crystal prisms in various plants,
more especially of the order Leguminosse, in the
Monthly Microscopical Journal, Dec, 1873. As to
the use of raphides and other plant-crystals, he
regards them as valuable manure, to be restored at
the fall of the leaf to the earth for the nutriment of
the parent plant ; and besides to afford at other
times important botanical characters, in which
respect true raphides are very significant. The
report of the June meeting, 1876, of the East Kent
Natural History Society contains some applica-
tions of these facts to the sad state of the trees in
Hyde Park, so much deplored of late in the news-
papers and elsewhere. As if'to remove the natural
food of these trees, their fallen leaves aud fruit
have for many years been carefully swept away, and
no suitable manure substituted. These leaves and
fruit are very rich in sphseraphides and short pris-
matic crystals, consisting chiefly of phosphate or
oxalate of lime, the very food required for the
preservation of the plant. And indeed every gar-
dener well knows the excellence of leaf-mould as
manure ; but in no work on botany or horticulture
or arboriculture has the main cause of that excel-
lence been explained or even recognized. But now
we see how the fall of the leaf is a provision of
nature for the welfare of the plant. In such a soil
as that of Hyde Park the calcareous salts are
especially needed for the preservation of the trees.
No wonder, then, when so long and regularly de-
prived of the fallen leaves and other parts, these
trees should show signs of decay, just as beasts
would pine and waste away if their natural food
were taken from them. Had the old forests been
always cleared of the fallen leaves, there would long
since have been a decay of that noble vegetation
which still excites the admiration of the traveller.
Rich and deep soils may afford for long periods a
sufficiency of calcareous salts for the preservation
of the plants, but not so shallow and poor soils.
The quantity of saline matter annually taken up
even by a single tree from the soil, and appearing
as microscopic crystals in the plant, is prodigious ;.
and unless this saline material be returned to the
earth, exhaustion thereof must sooner or later occur.
The Legumens, too, are very rich in short prismatic
crystals, and these no doubt in such plants as the

HABDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

187

trefoils, which are so greedily devoured by cattle, <
afford an important supply of the calcareous or
other salts which are essential in the animal eco-
nomy. Has any agricultural chemist ever estimated
the quantity, by weight, of the short prismatic
crystals in a truss of clover ? They present in the
clovers and other trefoils lovely microscopic objects,
suggestive, too, of utility. Nor are such observa-
tions alone in proving the high value of the micro-
scope in explaining or directing practical operations
in the cultivation of useful plants.

Floral Estivations.— At the meeting of the
Linnean Society, held on June 1st, the -Rev. G.
Henslow read a paper on floral aestivations, in
which, after giving the eight kinds, viz., distichous,
tristichous, pentastichous, half-imbricate, imbricate
proper, convolute, valvate, and open, he explained
their origin, and specially dwelt upon the new
term " half-imbricate," which he applied to a very
large number of cases ranging from perfect regu-
larity to extremely irregular and zygomorphic flowers
of the pea and snap-dragon. The author then
showed how that, as well as the fifth and sixth
kinds were successively deducible from the third or
psntastichous (quincuncial) by merely shifting one
edge of the second part under the adjacent edge of
•the fourth part. The author added a note on a new
theory of the cruciferous flower, based on a quinary
type, and which, by symmetrical reduction (i. e. the
fifth part of each whorl would be suppressed) the
remaiuing fours would, by further arrest, due to
adaptations to insect agency, form the normal
flower. He also disputed the teuability of Chorisis
in the pairs of long stamens, regarding their occa-
sional union as indicative of evolutionary advance
and not retrogression ; as cohesion is a subsequent
stage to freedom, except in the rare cases of atavism
indicated by solution and dialysis. The author
■called in question the justness of Pfeffer's view of
the corolla of Primula, being an outgrowth of the
andracium, by showing (a) the position of the
stamens to be explained by the staminodia of Samo-
fas, (b) that the corolla appearing subsequent to
the stamens is no anomaly, (c) that the fibro-
vascular bundles are ten in number, of which five
are intermediate, and (d) that phyllotactical {estiva-
tion were those of true leaves ; so that all these
facts conspired to render the theory unteuable.

GEOLOGY.

Fossil Carboniferous Plants. — Professor
W. C. Williamson, of Owen's College, Manchester,
has just contributed the eighth of his valuable
memoirs on the above subject to the Royal Society.
After describing in it a peculiar stem of a new
species of fern, he proceeded fully to notice the
stems and seeds of Gynmosperms. Of the former,

various modifications of the Sterubergian Dadoxy-
lons are described, and shown to correspond very
nearly to many recent conifers, though with distinc-
tive features of their own, especially in the struc-
ture of their woody fibres, and in the leaf-bundles
of some species being given off in pairs. The
author still excludes the Sigillariae from the Gym-
nospermous group. The most important novelties
are the Gymnospermons seeds, exhibiting their in-
ternal organization, found in France by M. Grand-
Eury, and by the author in this country. Of these
he describes a number of new genera aud species
in addition to the Trigonocarpons previously
described by Mr. Binney and Dr. Hooker. The
most remarkable of these is one designated Lageno-
stoma ovoides, in which a large flask-shaped cavity,
inclosed within a crenulated canopy, occupies the
apical end of the seed, between the apex of the
endosperm and the exostome. Brongniart believed,
with reason, that such cavities have originated in
the absorption of the apex of the nucleus, leaving
the corresponding part of the nucular membrane to
form the cavity or " lagenostome." In this lageno-
stome large pollen-grains are found in many cases.
Brongniart designates it the " cavite pollenique."
Examples of several other seeds presenting generic
and specific modifications of the same type, as well
as several species of the well-known genus Cardio-
carpum and of Trigonocarpum. In all these the
primary nucleus seems to have been absorbed, being
now only represented by the investing nucular mem-
brane. Within this is an inner structureless bag,
which, in some of the Cardiocarpa, is filled with
parenchyma, and which appears to represent the
secondary perispermic membrane, or what is really
the endospermic membrane, or primary embryo-sac
of the Gymnosperms. The intimate structure of
Trigonocarpum agrees with Dr. Hooker's descrip-
tion of it so far as the longitudinal sections are
concerned, save that here also a "cavite pollenique"
exists. Transverse sectious show that the well-
known sandstone casts of Trigonocarpum do not
represent the external form of these fruits, but are
casts of the interior of the hard endotesta. This
latter was not trigonous externally, like the common
specimens, but had twelve longitudinal ridges, three
of which, corresponding with those of the sand-
stone casts, were more prominent than the rest.
The endotesta was iu vested by a delicate paren-
chymatous sarcotesta. All these seeds appear to
have cycadean rather than coniferous affinities.
One winged seed alone (Polypterospermum), from
the uppermost coal-measures at Ardwick, resembles
a true conifer. In conclusion, the author calls atten-
tion to the number of yet unknown stems and
leaves of Phanerogams, which must have belonged
to the numerous seeds now known to exist in the
coal-measures of England, France, and North
America.

188

HARDWICKE'S science-gossip.

Traces of an American Authochthon.— A
capital article on this subject appeared in the
American Naturalist for June last, by an old sub-
scriber of Science- Gossip, Dr. C. C. Abbott, of
Trenton, New Jersey. Dr. Abbott writes pleasantly
and earnestly of his hunts after the relics of the
American stone ages, and particularly describes
some he found in strata of river-drift, which he
believes to be the forerunners of the later series.
The ancient American people, he believes, were dis-
placed by the race of new comers who fabricated
the more modern relics, the former living as long
ago as the close of the Glacial epoch, when the river
in whose strata their remains are found flowed at
an elevation of at least fifty feet higher than it does
now. It is singular to find that even the savage
Red Indians are related to a stone-implement people
j ust as we are.

A Bone-bed in the Lower Coal-measures. —
Mr. J. W. Davis, E.L.S., has just laid before the
Geological Society of London an important dis-
covery of the remains of a large number of car-
boniferous fishes. They occur in a thin bed, which
is composed almost entirely of the remains of fishes,
and rests immediately upon the "Better-bed Coal "
of the Lower Coal-measures in Yorkshire. The
bed varies from a quarter to five-eighths of an inch
in thickness, and is overlaid by a thick bed of blue
argillaceous shale, containing remains of plants.
The author described the order of the deposits both
above and below the " Bone-bed," and gave a list of
the organisms of which remains are found in the
latter, including species of Gyracanthus, Ctenacan-
thus, Lepr acanthus, AcaMhodes, Pleur acanthus,
Orthacanthus, Piplodus, Pteurodus, Helodus, Cla-
dodus, Pcecilodus, Petalodus, Harpacodus, Cteno-
ptychius, Megalichthys, Iloloptychius, Strepsodus,
Acrolepis, Plalysomus, AcantJiodopsis, Amphicen-
trum, Rhizodopsis, Cycloptychius, Gyrolepis, Palceo-
niscus, Ccelacanthus, and Ctenodus. The author
also described spines which he regarded as indica-
ting two new genera of Elasmobranchs, one pro-
bably allied to Pleuracanthus, and the other {Hop-
lonchus) allied to Onchus and Tlomacanthus. Bones
belonging to the Labyrinthodont genus Loxomma
are met with, rarely, in the deposit.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

Woodlice.— I should be obliged if any of the
readers of Science-Gossip would inform me of the
best means of getting rid of woodlice. Our
garden is swarming with them.— Querist.

Crocus. — In early spring I had a basket of
crocuses sent me in flower. Some were a deep
purple, some paler, but none yellow. 1 planted
them in pots, and placed them in my office, under
a skylight, where the sun does not shine at all.
The first flowers kept fresh for more than a fort-

night, and fresh ones sprang up beside them ; but
the fresh ones were all yellow ! Even before the
first flowers had drooped, the yellow ones sprang
from the same root. I attribute the change to the
absence of sunshine. It would appear that yellow
is the original colour. — A. E., Worcester.

How to Test Fungi. — The following extract is
from the " Peoples Friend " :— " The following is
said to be an infallible test for knowing the qualities
of mushrooms : Before peeling the mushrooms, pass
a gold ring backwards and forwards over the skin.
Should the bruise thus caused turn yellow or orange-
colour, it is poisonous ; but otherwise it is quite
safe. Every married woman has a gold ring to test
the mushroom thus; or a sovereign rubbed on it
will have the desired effect." Would some of our
experienced fungiologists say if there be any truth
in the above test, and, if so, whether any other
metal will answer as well as gold ? If an accurate
test, it cannot be too widely known ; and if erro-
neous, the sooner it is confuted the better. — J. P.
Soulter.

Growth of the Willow, &c. — At the conclusion
of his paper " On the Growth of the Willow," in
Science-Gossip for May, Mr. Edwin Lees refers
to the fact of elms being occasionally resuscitated
in the peculiar way that he had already mentioned
in the ense of willows. Some of your readers may
be glad to be introduced to a good example of this
within easy reach of many of them. In St. James's
Park, about sixty yards or so to the S.E. of the Sus-
pension Bridge, and close to the pathway, stand the
wrecks of two fine elms, broken down some twelve
feet from the ground. Near the top of one of these
trunks a branch has thrown down roots along the
old stem to the ground precisely in the manner
mentioned by Mr. Lees. _ I have often pointed this
out to friends, in walking from the St. James's
Park Station of the District Railway. — G. J. P.

Brown Toad. — With regard to the colour of <
toad or frog, all depeuds on the weather. In
Herefordshire, some forty years ago, they were
called the "Poor Man's Weather-glass." I have
myself, when a child, often heard it said, on seeing
a yellow frog hop across the path, " We shall have
fine weather," or some such remark ; or, on seeing
a dark-coloured one, "There will be rain." I have
seen some toads nearly black in a very wet season,
as also a bright yellow in a dry and warm summer
day. In my garden, fifteen years ago, a toad
appeared to make its home in a hole under the
root of a large pear-tree, and was not at all timid,
but used to sit at its door while my children were
playing on the lawn close by. I have often noticed
this one changed colour, but whether before or
after a change in the weather I never observed, and
have now no garden, and no opportunity of watching
these interesting creatures. — A. E., Worcester.

Toads.— J. H. B. Brooke will find that these
reptiles, like our newta and frogs, are much darker
just before, and much lighter directly after, changing
their skins than at any other time. At least, 1 have
found this to be the case with all those I have ever
kept. — B. B. Woodward.

The Cuckoo. — In Mr. Taylor's interesting
volume, " Half-hours in the Green Lanes," he makes
a statement respecting the Cuckoo which my expe-
rience does not confirm. It is this: " We know
it builds no nest of its own, but drops its eggs
in that of other birds, nature appearing to have

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP

1S9

■endowed every hen cuckoo with the power of laying
eugs similar in colour to those of the species n
whose nest she lays, in order that they may not he
detected by the foster-parents." This is the first
time I ever saw it stated that the cuckoo (or any
•other bird) possessed a power by which it could
regulate the colour of its eggs ; and all the cases I
have had under my notice certainly do not bear it
out. In the first place, I do not give the birds
upon whom the deception is practised credit for
such perception as this power would imply they
must have to make it needful. In the second
place, all the eggs which I have seen have been of
the same colour, with very little variation. And
again, they are of such a colour as would seem least
striking against any of those which they have been
found in contact with. And, thirdly, the Cuckoo
generally, after laying her egg, turns out those pre-
viously in the nest, which I cannot harmonize with
the marvellous power which Mr. Taylor credits it
with. For 1 should certainly think it runs much
greater risk of detection by leaving only a single egg
in place of the three or four, than by laying an
additional egg, the colour of which might differ a
little from those of the rightful occupant of the
nest. One peculiarity of the Cuckoo's egg is its
smallness, it being only about one-fourth the size
one would expect from the size of the bird. This,
Mr. Selby suggests, may be accounted for by the
fact that if it were larger it would require to be laid
in a larger nest, the occupants of which might be
able successfully to resist the encroachment. But
in this case the Cuckoo need possess no special
faculties to account satisfactorily for the circum-
stance. Among the birds whose nests it generally
usurps are the following :— The hedge-sparrow, the
robin, the titlark, the wagtail, the redstart, the
whitethroat, the willow-warbler, the rock- lark, the
skylark, the reed-warbler, the reed-bunting, the
sedge- warbler, the willow-wren, the yellow-bunting,
the blackbird, the wren, the thrush, the whinchat,
the greenfinch, the grasshopper-warbler, the chaf-
finch, and the red-backed shrike. The eggs of
many of the birds here mentioned vary much more
than those of the Cuckoo in my experience, and if
I give these birds credit for such perception of
colour as would make this special gift of the Cuckoo
(necessary, I should imagine them sometimes getting
into greater trouble in the recognition of their own
esgs when they vary, as they do in the case of the
robins, from a dark shade to pure white, than they
would with those of the Cuckoo. My conclusion is,
therefore, that the colour of the eggs does not vary,
and certainly cannot be varied at the will of the
bird ; and that the only peculiarity noticeable in the
Cuckoo beyond its parasitic habit, is that it should
lay in the nests of birds much smaller than itself,
aud that its eggs should be only one-fourth their
proportionate size, apparently to suit the size of the
eggs of those nests. If any of your readers can
■confirm Mr. Taylor's opinion, 1 should be glad of
their experience, and hold myself open to any cor-
rection capable of proof; but if his statement is
•erroneous, as I hold it to be, then I think it should not
be allowed to remain, to convey a wrong impression
in a book otherwise calculated to be so instructive
•to all students of science.—/. L. Cvpeman.

The Cuckoo's Eggs.— All, or almost all, the mis-
takes about the Cuckoo hatching her own eggs and
rearing her own young have arisen from confounding
the nest of other birds for that ot the Cuckoo. The
latter never lays more than one egg in the same
nest, and that is always in the nest of another bird :

it never makes a nest. The young of the Nightjar
have often been mistaken for the young of the
Cuckoo, the latter being very unlike the full-grown
bird. In "The Architecture of Birds " (Library of
Entertaining Knowledge), there is much upon this
point. To it I beg to refer your correspondent
J. G. Henderson.—/. S. Wesley.

Water-rat.— The Water-rat, or more correctly
Water-vole, for it is not of the same genus as the
common brown rat, is entirely a vegetable-feeder.
Professor Bell's words (see his book) are — "Food,
which we have every reason to believe consists
exclusively of vegetable substances." — /. S. Wesley.

Boat-flies. — I have kept many specimens of
Notonecta, and have always found that the sound
noticed by Tom Workman was produced by the
determined attempts of some one individual to
propel himself through the glass sides of the aqua-
rium. If the latter happens to be a bell-glass, or
glass jar, it can be heard several feet off. As T. W.
mentions having several in his aquarium, it is pos-
sible that his attention has been fixed on the wrong
individual. — B. B. Woodward.

Management of Silkworms.— In Science-
Gossip for May, "Inquirer " begs for information on
the treatment of silkworms. In our climate it is gene-
rally better to retard their development by keeping
the eggs in a cool dry place, because if the hatching
is hastened, their natural food, the mulberry, is not
in leaf. They can be fed upon lettuce, cherry, or
black-currant leaves if necessary, but the former
fade quickly, and therefore become unwholesome.
It is important to remove all dead and decaying
matter as quickly as possible, cleanliness being of
the greatest consequence. It is said the "worm
mother " abroad puts on clean clothes every time
she enters the room. The worms may be kept in
paper trays, and supplied with fresh leaves at least
twice a day, — the oftener the better. Gently remove
them from the old remains, and put them on the
fresh. The difficult operation of changing the skin
is performed four times, when they require special
care, and sometimes a little assistance, to get rid of
the old skin, or they sometimes die in the struggle.
When they begin to spin, put them in conical paper
cases, pinned against the wall or some support. The
silk may be wound off by a little hand-machine, the
cocoon being put in a little warm gum-and-water to
prevent the thread breaking: winding should be done
before the moth eats through the cocoon, but not
until the chrysalis is fully matured, which will
usually be in two or three weeks' time, and may be
ascertained by gently shakiug the cocoon, and
hearing it rattle inside. It is better to put the
chrysalis in bran, and then leave the moths in open
boxes to deposit their eggs for next year. _ When
fresh mulberry-leaves cannot be gathered daily, they
can be kept laid singly in layers, folded in a damp
cloth, and put in a damp cellar or cool place. The
deeply indented mulberry-leaves are best ; many
other serrated leaves are also considered wholesome.
Sericulture is of growing importance, not only
because some consider it might afford a suitable and
remunerative occupation for ladies, even in England,
but especially since the mysterious development of
the silkworm disease on the Continent has tended
to check the supply of a useful article, and ruin the
many poor people whose occupation it is to cultivate
it. Good silk always commands a good price. Mrs.
Bladen Neill, a lady from Melbourne, Australia,
showed some very fine cocoons from that place,
where she has been the means of establishing a

190

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

company of women for silk- culture, which answers
well so far. She read an enthusiastic naper on the
subject at the British Association in Bristol. 1S75,
and showed that by carrying the egg, or " seed" (as
they are technically termed) from one continent to
the other, and giving them two winters in one year,
— one in the hills of Australia and the other in
Switzerland, — she could stamp out the disease that
had baffled the growers and men of science. A pure
and healthy race of worms were thus produced ; and
she said that Australian seed, from a new and
good stock must be of value in Europe to super-
sede the degenerated, impoverished, and almost
useless race, and that it must be worth while to cul-
tivate them in England for this purpose alone, inde-
pendently of the silken garments that might be
spun and woven by the ladies themselves. She also
begs that old mulberry-trees may be carefully pre-
served to supply slips for new, and considers that
the cultivation of young mulberries would be a good
investment for shipment elsewhere, especially to
our colonies ; and lastly, that ladies might profit-
ably and usefully supply good seed when wanted,
spin their own silk into strong and useful fabrics, of
various degrees of goodness and beauty, and thus
supply a means of self-support to a class who in-
creasingly want it. Mrs. Neill's London address
was 27,Prince's-gardens, S.W., whence further
information might possibly be had ; or, if required,
the Australian seed might be procured from her
other address. — G. S.

The Snowdrop. — I doubt whether many bota-
nists consider the Snowdrop as indigenous. It is
never seen except where there is strong reason for
suspecting it to have been planted, or else an out-
cast from cultivation. It is hardly likely that Ray
would have omitted it if it were then, to use Mr.
Wilkinson's words, "in such abundance and in so
many places as almost to leave no room for doubt."
Bentham says, " Probably not indigenous."—/. S.
Wesley.

Parasitic Vorticell.e on Cyclops. — In
Slack's "Marvels of Pond Life" is a notice of
Bpistylis digitalis occurring as a parasite on Cy-
clops. I have myself found them adhering to
Cyclops, and less often to Daphnia. Last April I
captured two of the former in water from Hamp-
stead Heath, which were more than usually clothed
with Epistylis; so much so in fact, as to present a
"fluffy" appearance to the naked eye. Several
examinations were made at intervals of a few days.
Every part, except the antermai was thickly covered
with the parasite, and though, when the animal
struggled, the lively little bells collapsed suddenly,
yet the instant the commotion ceased, their stalks
again extended, and the bells recommenced the
formation of their innumerable whirlpools with
intense energy. The last time I examined one of
these creatures, a few dozens only of the bells re-
mained, but the host was still covered with such a
mat of the stems as to completely obscure its out-
line, though it did not appear to be inconvenienced
by their presence. — Micros.

_ Woollen Moths.— Will any of your subscribers
kindly inform me through the medium of Science-
Gossip, the most sure aud successful way of de-
stroying that destructive little moth which infests
woollen substances? — William Bean.

To Keep away Flies.— A pot of musk will
always keep a room free from flies. A lady tells me
that friends of hers living in the country have tried

1 this, and find it answer : they keep musk in dairv.
larder, aud kitchen, with great success.— Helen K
Watneij.

Flies in Rooms.— Some time ago a correspond-
ent of the Field asserted that geraniums or cal-
ceolarias in a window-sill kept flies out of a room.
Perhaps this might be worth trying, if feasible, by
the lady who complains of flies in her stable. The
existing flies should be first smoked out. The
result, if successful, would be interesting to publish
in your paper. — H. B. Lindsay.

Flies in Stable. — I only give my own plan for
preventing flies in summer-time teasing man or
horse out of doors. I take, when flies are very
troublesome,_ a handful of elder-leaves and just
bruise them in the hand and rub my face and hat.
And so when riding I used to rub them over the
pony's head and body. If this be properly done,
the flies will not settle, neither will they come much
in the neighbourhood of an elder-tree : and I think
if the dung were removed to a farther distance from
the stable and an elder-tree planted close to the
window and the leaves applied as above, great
benefit would be found.— B. T. Scott.

Wisterias and Clothes Moths.— When stay-
ing with some friends lately who live on Clapham
Common, they informed me that they had applied
to their landlord for leave to cut down a large
" Wisteria " that grows over the front of their
residence. Seeing, I suppose, by my face that I
thought it a pity to do so, they gave as their reason
for doing it that the tree "harboured clothes-
moths " to a serious extent, which, of course, forced
their way into the house, and whose damages had
already put them to considerable expense. The
experience of friends of theirs was similar, and their
own gardener assured them he had remarked num-
bers of the moths harbouring behind the leaves and
on the stems close to the brickwork. It occurred
to me then that when we ourselves were living at
Barnes three years ago we were much troubled with
the clothes - moth, and that a "Wisteria" also
climbed up the front of our house there. This con-
nection between the tree and the insect being new
to me, and a fact worth knowing, I therefore put
you in possession of it, to act as a warning to those
of your readers who may intend to plant " Wisterias"'
against their houses. — Windsor Hambrough.

Bird Pets. — Having for some months kepi;
different pets, ten months ago I purchased a pair of
Java sparrows, or " Orange-cheeks." In the begin-
ning of this winter the hen died, as I supposed
from cold. At first, I feared the cock would die of
grief, but to my surprise he seemed happier and
more contented than before ; three or four months
after, I noticed the bird became dull and mopy, and
in a few days the perches were marked with blood.
On closer examination, 1 observed the bird had
eaten off one claw, and before night, all were gone,
except one. The bird appeared well in itself, but
continued to peck at its foot. Not being able to
get any information, even from bird-fauciers, I write
to you, hoping that you will have my letter inserted'
in the Magazine as soon as possible, so that I may
receive advice from those who know more about
birds than I do, as I am anxious to save his life. —
Sibbie Home.

Revival op an Old Story.— Can any of the
readers of Science-Gossip throw any light upon
the following passage, which is taken from Dr.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

191

Schliemann's interesting work on " Troy and its
Remains," published last year ? " Among the huge
blocks of stone at a depth of from 12 to 10 metres,
I found two toads ; and, at a depth of '69h feet, a
small but very poisonous snake, with a scutiform
head. The snake may have found its way down
from above, but this is an impossibility in the case
of the large toads, they must have spent 3,000 years
in these depths. It is very interesting to find in the
ruins of Troy living creatures from the times of
Hector and Andromache, even though these crea-
tures are but toads." I have often before seen
somewhat similar statements, vouched for as facts
by some, and as confidently declared impossible by
others : if true, how do these toads manage to get
inclosed alive in such places ? I presume they are not
bricked up in them for misconduct by their brother-
toads, as used to be done to poor nuns who broke
their vows (see "Marmion"). And how do they
live on, even if torpid, for so long without air,
breathing not oxygen, but carbonic acid ? I confess
I am much puzzled, and would thankfully be en-
lightened in some way. — G, N. W.

Natural History Notes. — Mj friend, TV. Col-
lier James, of Plymouth, was fishing in a Dartmoor
stream recently, when he observed a snake {Natrix
torquattts), having the corolla of a primrose round
its neck, which the flower still encircled, wheu en-
tering its hole. Accident rather than selection
must have given the reptile this floral necklace,
which fairly entitles it to the epithet of torquatus.
I have sometimes urged my observant friend, or his
brothers, to record some of their piscatory ex-
periences in the pages of Science-Gossip. One
day he saw the head of an eel with widely-opened
jaws, whilst a stone concealed its body. Some little
fishes were swimming in the small pool before it.
One fish after another entered the fatal portal, and
were found in the stomach of the eel, which he
caught. A well-known otter has often interfered
with their fishing for salmon. Lying concealed
near a little fall in the river, and listening to hear
the splash made by the fish on leaping, he seemed
almost iustantly ou the spot to seize his prey, some-
times of many pounds in weight. A young relative
of mine (H. Tregelles), residing at Santiago, and
recently travelling in a railway train in that vicinity,
whilst passing a flock of seven ostriches {Rhea
americand) shot one which weighed about 40 lb. —
C. Fox, Trebah.

Puljionaria officinaiis. — The other day,
whilst walking along one of the lanes which are
still left to us for botanical research, I picked a
specimen of the common Lungwort (Pulmonaria
offici?ialis)_ in full bloom, the peculiarity of which
consisted in it being, if I may so call it, variegated.
There were in the same cluster white, pink, and
violet-blue flowers ; some of these blue flowers
were spotted with white and pink alternately. All
your readers are no doubt aware that the buds are
of a pink colour ; but I should much like to know
if this special form is what seems to me a freak of
nature, occasioned by insects, &c, which we are
sure influence the varieties of plants, and so cause
many curious changes. I was sorry that I did not
get the root and put it in my garden, but suppose
my hasty enthusiasm is to blame. — Thos. Palmer.

Local Names of Plants. — Although a Cum-
brian, I never heard the Polygonum Bistorta called
" Easter Magianty " ; but more than half a century
ago I invariably heard old people in the district
where I resided speak of it as " Easter man-giant "

(Easter-eating, French mangeant) ; consequently we
may suppose that this has been the popular name of
that plant for at least a century or a century and a
half,and how long previously itis perhaps difficult to
say. Now the French word mangeant sounds very
like man-giant, and the common people would very
naturally substitute tbe latter name for the former.
With respect to tbe word " yorlin," I have no idea
of its origin, but it was not always confined to the
earth-nut, as I recollect very well when a youth of
hearing it often applied to the Yellow-hammer as
Yellow -yorlin. This bird, at that period, was
always known to us boys by the name either of the
"yellow" or the " yellow-yorlin." On a recent
inquiry I found that it was also known by the latter
name in Northumberland. — Dipton Bum.

In answer to Alfred Bridon's question (in
March number of Gossip) about the occurrence of
the Hawfinch [Coccothraustes vulgaris) as far west
as Somersetshire, would you allow me to put it to
him whether he is not doing his best, by the taking
of the nest and eggs, to render a rare occurrence
still more rare ? I see he uses the word find, and
it may be that he has observed the nest without
destroying it ; but I must add one more to the many
protests that you have printed against the destruc-
tion of rare birds, rare insects, rare plants, by the
zeal of collectors.—/. G. Halliday, Colonel, Devon.

Volvox Globator — Will you kindly ask this
question in Science-Gossip ? Is it usual to find
the Volvox Globator only during about a fortnight
in June, and then for it quite to disappear ? I have
found it the case for the last few years here. In
the ponds only the water was thick with them ; and
most beautiful specimens ; they lasted about a fort-
night, and after that not one could be found. I
have heard that the rotifera are very fond of eating
them, but I do not think this quite accounts for it.
I have found portions of them often, but never in
perfection, except at this time. I also want to
know if caddis worms, kept in an aquarium only
for microscopic purposes, are injurious to the
rotifera and other small fry, in the way of feeding
on them.

The Large Tiger Moth {Arctia caja).— The
following information may be useful and interesting
to some of our young collectors. Last August I took
a female moth of the large Tiger. I kept it in a box,
where she laid a batch of eggs. The eggs remained
a fortnight, when they became hatched. The larva
continued feeding until the beginning of October,
when they ceased feeding all the winter, until the
middle of March, at which time they commenced
again. They continued growing until the begin-
ning of June, when they finished feeding for
the last time. When these caterpillars have done
feeding they spin a loose kind of silken ham-
mock, and, after throwing off their larval skin, lie
in the pupa state until July, when the beautiful moth
appears, and continues through August and the
early part of September, or even later. — IF. H.
Narracott, Torquay.

Vanessa Urtic.e is the same as to markings in
both sexes ; at least, I never could learn or read of
any distinction. Newman, in his elaborate descrip-
tions, gives none. The insect is, as is well known,
subject to much variation in colour and size. If
Mr. Edwards wants to be certain as to the sexes of
his specimens, he had better breed a lot (easily
done), and he will then have no difficulty, I should
think.—/. S. Wesley.

192

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE. GOSSIP.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

G. C. Pkarce. — The plant sent is a species of Chara, or
" Brittle-worts," one of the Alga?.

Jas. Ropee.— The flower-head is that of the Flowering
Rush (Butomus umbellatus). It is abundant in the dykes in
Suffolk and Norfolk.

R. C. N.— See the chapter on "Flowering Plants" in
" Notes on Collecting and Preserving Natural History
Objects," just published at 192, Piccadilly.

T. McGas n. — We had received neither parcel nor " ex-
change," until the latter came in the note stating a parcel
had been sent.

Mns. G.— The " clubbing " of cabbage plants is due to the
cohesion of the rootlets in growing. We should think that
mixing the soil with a little gravel or coarse earth, which
would admit air freely, might arrest the evil. Perhaps your
soil is too fine, and impervious to water and air.

W.S.— The following books will be useful to you in easily
identifying our common plants : — Mrs. Lankester's " Wild
Flowers worth Notice " ; Spencer Thompson's " Walks and
Wild Flowers " ; and better still, only more advanced, and
therefore requiring a little more trouble, Dr. Hooker's
" Students* Flora of the British Island8."

T. Ropkr.— The "brassy-looking" object is iron sulphite,
or pyrites. It is abundant on the surface of the joints in
some kinds of coal, as a thin film, similar to that in your
specimen.

Miss B.— Your plants are:— No. 1. Orchis morio (Meadow
Orchis); 2. Geranium sanguineum (Bloody Crane's-bill);
3. Hipjiuris vulgaris (Mare's-tail) ; 4. Stellaria graminea;
5. Corydalis lutea; 6. Evidently a portion of a species of
Galeobdolon, perhaps album; but the plant is intoobada
state to correctly identify.

H. P. Dubrant. — Your geological specimens are far from
uncommon, being portions of the stems of encrinites, em-
bedded in " chert," and having the outside calcareous matter
naturally dissolved away, so as to leave the spaces between
the joints filled in with cherty matter. In this condition they
resemble the screwed end of an iron bolt: and, in Derby-
shire (where they are very common in the carboniferous
limestone), the people call them " Screw-stones."

H. T.— Your mosses, Sec, have unfortunately been mislaid.
Please send us others.

H. G. Dunn.— Your minute specimens in the clay iron-
stone are either the internal casts of a fossil species of Rissoa,
or Foraminifera. We incline to think they are the former,
but will see to them further.

C. W. HotcATE. — Your specimen is Vicia tetrasperma.

E. Lamb. — Your specimens are: — 1. Orchis pyramidalis ;
2. Lychnis githago; 3. Trifolium prvetwnbens ; 4. Latfft/rus
pratensis.

R. Goffe.— See Mr. James Britten's articles in " Notes on
Collecting and Preserving Natural History Objects," just
published.

T. B. B. (Glasgow). — Our correspondent does not say the
character of the soundings. Assuming them to be calcareous,
the best plan is to give them a boil in a weak solution of
caustic potash, wash well with distilled water, and mount in
Canada balsam. Supposing them to contain silicious or-
ganism, the calcareous matter must be got rid of by means
of hydrochloric acid, and then boiled in nitric acid. Mount
in Canada balsam or dammar.— F. K.

R. Kinsr.iv (Stirling) .— L abarraque's solution is the Liquor
Sodae Chlorinata of the British Pharmacopoeia. It may be
purchased of any respectable chemist under the latter name.
Its price is trifling. ^___^

EXCHANGES.

Shells. — Pair of Pelican's-foot Shells (Aporrhiiis pes-
pelicani), for neatly-mounted Slides of Marine Objects. —
C. P. Ogilvie, Sizewell House, Leiston, Suffolk.

Four Lizards, about 2 in. long, in exchange for Lepi-
doptera or offers.— G. Pearson.

Two Slides will be given for one Geological Section
(mounted), or for one Geological Slide {named). — S., 63, High-
street, Warrington.

Alopecurus bulbosus and Carex dinisa offered. Wanted,
1,421, 1,422, 1,437, 1,445, 1,499, 1,505,1,519, 1,521, 1,545, 1,554,
l>5/7.— Rev. F. H. Arnold, Fishbourne, Chichester.

A collection of Birds' Eggs, 75 species ; 132 in collection
and 72 duplicates, for Books. — H. G. Webb, Mentmore,
Leighton Buzzard.

For exchange, a great variety of local 'Diatoms, for well-
mounted Slides of interest. — W. J. Dickson, M.D., Falkland,
Fifeshire.

Silene ennica, Hippophae rhamnoides, offered for other rare
Plants. Scotch Plants preterred.— H. W. J., Cains College,
Cambridge.

Specimens wanted in exchange : Fusus antiquus, F. Nor.
vegicum, F. Islandicus, F. gracilis, F. propinquus, F. bacci-
nutus, F. berniciensis, F. feriestratus, and all the other
varieties. Two good British Shells will be given, if in stock,
for each one of the above.— A. J. R. Sclater, 9, Bank-street,
Teignmouth.

Wanted, Specimens of Morpho Menelaus, Plusia chrysitis,
and Zygoma, for well-mounted Slides.— M. Fowler, 20, Burn-
row, Slamannan, near Falkirk.

Zannichellia brachystemon, Gay, in exchange for other
Plants.— John Wm. Burton, 35, Hemans-street, Liverpool.

Will give 47 Parts of Morris's "Book of Birds" (Is.
each), coloured plates, for a second-hand copy of Williamson
or Carpenter on the Foraminifera— Recent, and Study of —
G. R. V., Hill Top, Attercliffe, near Sheffield.

British Mosses for Foreign Alga;.— M., 2, Dorset-gardens,
Brighton.

Microscopic Slides, of highest class and diatomaceous,
and other material, offered for a quarter-plate bellows Camera!
with two double Plate-holders, with or without lens.—
Capt. Perry, 42, Spellow-lane, Liverpool.

Microscopic Slides and Material also offered for Magic-
Lantern Slides of good quality.— Capt. Perry, 42, Spellow-
lane, Liverpool.

Carex elongnta in exchange for C. Davalliana, C. Bux-
baumii, C. hordeiformis, C. incurva, C. ph&ostachys, C. punc-
tata, C. tomentosa, C. ustulata, or C. leporina, or send
stamped and directed covering for specimen of same addressed
to James Percival, 67, Fermoy- street, Higher Broughton,
Manchester.

Some good foraminiferous Sand for well-mounted Slides. —

C. P. Ogilvie, Sizewell House, Leiston, Suffolk.

To correspond with some Palaeontologist, in each of the
Vertebrate-beating formations in Great Britain, who desires
to exchange these fossils for those from the Cincinnati
Group, Lower Silurian, U.S.A.— David W. De Beck, 65, West
Fourth-street, Cincinnati, O., U.S.

Desiderata :— specimens of Lepidoptera from the North,
as for example, F. carbonaria, F. pinetaria, L. purpuraria,

D. filigrummaria, L. cmsiata, L. ruficinclata, &c. ; Dupli-
cate Lepidoptera, Birds' Eggs, and other objects of Natural
History. — W. K. Mann, Granby House, Clifton, Bristol.

An interesting gathering of Marine Material for distri-
bution, including Foraminifera from twenty-five places,
Sertularians, Algae in fruit, and with Diatoms in situ, Mol-
lusca Palates, Sponge Spicula, Holothuria, &c, &c. Full
particulars on receipt of stamped address.— T. McGann,
Bunin, Oranmore, Ireland.

Lepidoptera. — Fine-bred specimens of F. conspicuata, for
other local species.— H. Miller, jun., Ipswich.

BOOKS, &c, RECEIVED.

" Geological Stories." By J. E. Taylor. 3rd edition. Lon-
don: Hardwicke & Bogoe.

" Half Hours in the Green Lanes." By J. E. Taylor. 3rd
edition. London : Hardwicke & Bogue.

" Half Hours at the Sea-side." By J. E. Taylor. 3rd edition.
London : Hardwicke & Bogue.

" Annual Record of Scientific Industry for 1875." London :
Triibner & Co.

"Blue and Sun-lights." By Gen. A. J. Pleasanton.
London : Triibner & Co.

" Popular Science Review." July.

"Monthly Microscopical Journal.'' July.

" Land and Water." July.

" Les Mondes." July.

" Botanische Zeitung." July.

*' American Naturalist." June.

"Canadian Entomologist.'' June.

" Boston Journal of Chemistry." June.

" Potter's American Monthly." June.

"Transactions Norfolk and Norwich Natural History
Society."

" Transactions Bristol Natural History Society."
&c. &c. &c.

Communications up to 10th ult. Received from: —

F. K.-G. H. K.— T. G. B-G. H.-J. F.-G. G.-E. E.—
J. R. S C.-Dr. C. C. A.— Dr. G. B.— F. H A.-Dr. C. S. V.—
— D. W. D. B.-M. P. M.— J. C— T. H.-M. A. T.— E. S.—
J. L. M.-J. S. W.-H. P. M.-J. T. R— W. S— T. F.—

G. W. L.— T. B. B.— G. C. P.— J. P. — H. P.— J. A. P.—
G. H. K.-F. A. A.-H. M. J. U.-F. K.-S. U.-A. P.—
J. W. B.-J. P.— H. E. W.-E. L.-J. E. E.-R. F.— E. E.—
-F. H. A.— Dr. E. F. N.— C. H. S— C. W. H.— H. G. D.-~
— G R. V.— H B L.— W. L.— W. Z.— E. T. S.-T B. W.—
H. K.— M. F.— W. 8.-C. P. O.— Dr. W. J. D.— H. G. W.—
A. J. R. 8— Dr. G. S.W.— H. L. J.-W. B.— H. C.-J. S., jun.
— G. P.— H. T.— R. R. T.— R. K.— E. M. P.— J. G.-R. L. J.
— T. McG.-ic, &c.

HABDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

193

THE GEOLOGY OF GLASGOW AND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.

B y B . L. JACK, E. G. S. (of the Geological Survey).

N the present day
"the neighbour-
hood of Glas-
gow" is a very
flexible expres-
sion. Eor our
purpose, how-
ever, it may be
to restrict the
of the term to
such localities as would by
preference be visited from
Glasgow rather than from
Edinburgh, or Perth, or any
other place where a stranger
would be likely to settle.

In and around the city
itself there is more to
interest the geologist than
would at first be expected.
Hardly a day passes when
the common device " Street under repair" does not
meet the eye in some crowded thoroughfare. There
is a fascination, which hardly the busiest can resist,
impelling meu to look into holes. But the average
bystander departs gravely aud sadly, as from a
problem solved, after satisfying himself as to the
object of the excavation. Beside such holes in
Glasgow, however, the geologist sometimes lingers
with a nobler curiosity, for every spadeful thrown
up furnishes him with food for reflection. Occa-
sionally a "glaciated rock-surface is laid bare, or the
outcrop of a coal-seam greets the eye. But it is
generally on recent and post-tertiary geology that
light is thrown by street-cuttings.

Within the last half-century some half a dozen
canoes have been dug up within the limits of the
city.* As it is a treat rarely accessible to see such
relics of our savage predecessors in situ, one of the

* The precise localities are marked on the Geological Sur-
vey Map, Sheet 6, Lanark.

No. 141.

canoes may be visited in the Andersonian Univer-
sity. They prove (taken together with other finds)
that men, using stone implements and fire to hollow
out their boats from thp, trunks of trees, inhabited
the shores of an estuary before the last slight ele-
vation of the land converted the estuary into the
site of a city.

Next in order of age are deposits representing
different stages in the Glacial period. Striated
rock-surfaces are abundant in the neighbourhood
of Glasgow, and mark the passage of a debris-laden.
sheet of land ice from the highland mountains over
the lowland plains and hill-tops. The striae corre-
spond in direction (except in cases of deflection
caused by local obstacles) with the sources indicated
by the proportions of the stones included in the
overlying till or boulder clay. The main ice-sheet
bore down upon Glasgow from the north-west,
crossing in its passage the by no means inconsider-
able hill- range of Kilpatrick, which forms the
extensiou of the Campsie Eells westward from
Strathblane to Dumbarton. Many visitors to
Glasgow may not have had elsewhere so good an
opportunity of seeing glacial striae as is afforded
here, and it may be well to note a few places
where characteristic examples are, or at least till
recently were, to be met with. Among them are
the Possil and Woodside Quarries and the Necro-
polis Hill.* Within an hour by rail beautiful ex-
amples may be seen on the Kilpatrick aud Strath-
blane hills ;f on the sandstones of Craigend Muir,
near Campsie ; on Dumbarton Bock ; in the Town
Quarry, Paisley ; on the Braes of Glenifl'er ; on the
sandstones skirting the northern slope of the Braes ;
or still better at Barmufflock Dam, near Bridge of
Weir. A capital idea of the general direction of
ice-flow may be gathered from a map in Mr. J.
Geikie's work, "The Great Ice Age," showing all
the striae hitherto mapped.

• See the Geological Survey Map, Sheets 1 and 6, Lanark,
t Geol. Survey, Sheets 23, Dumbarton; and 27, Stirling.

K

194

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOS SIP.

On the outskirts of Glasgow, especially to the
west and south, a stranger will be struck by the
number of smooth-backed hills, shaped like eggs,
lying on their sides, and half- buried. These
hills rise to the height of one or two hundred feet.
They are the drums or drumlins of Celtic geolo-
gists, and are formed of boulder clay, resulting from
the passage of great sheets of ice. Sauchiehall-
street lies between two drums. On the occasion
of the last meeting of the British Association in
Glasgow, the late Professor Agassiz found in one
of these drums, then laid bare for building opera-
tions, the key to the geology of the Ice age. Similar
sections will be found at present where new streets
are rising on the sides of the Great Western road .

The drums form the shores of, or islands in, an
immense deposit of stratified fine mud and clay,
which rises to a height of 100 feet above the sea.
It contains great quantities of marine and estuarine
shells, frequently of species now living only in
Arctic seas. This interglacial sea corresponded in
extent with the triangular flat which may be
called the Paisley basin, and which is, roughly
speaking, bounded on the -south by the Johnstone
Canal, on the west by a line from Johnstone north-
ward to Bishopton, and on the north-east by a Hue
parallel to and about a mile north of the Clyde,
between Old Kilpatrick and Partick. It must have
communicated with the ocean by one or perhaps by
two straits, the one at Kilburnie and the other at
Erskine Ferry. It has been suggested, with some
probability, that glaciers may from time to time
have pushed down the Loch Lomond valley, and so
dammed up the northern or present outlet of the
inland sea. In that case the sole outlet for the
inland sea, fed by all the drainage of the Upper
Clyde, would be down the valley of the Garnock to
Irvine. The bottom of the clay deposits is in many
places below the present sea-level, so that the
inland sea filled up a rock basin nearly forty square
miles in extent.

The clay deposits of the Paisley basin rest, as has
been indicated, on boulder clay. Their interglacial
character is settled not less by their fossil contents
than by the direct superposition {teste llev. Win,
Eraser and others), at Paisley and elsewhere, of a
true boulder chiy. It is not surprising, considering
their date and their nature, that they have suffered
much denudation during and since the gradual
uplifting of the laud. Several pauses in the eleva-
tion lasted long enough to admit of the erosion of
marine terraces, notably one at 50 feet above the
present sea-level, and local hollows have been filled
up with post-glacial sea-deposits, which it is a
matter of the greatest difficulty to separate from
the interglacial, as they occur in the same flat and
at the same level, and are made up of precisely
similar material. Besides the marine deposits, the
Clyde and the Black and White Cart have covered

large portions of the flats with their alluvia. To
the north of the Glasgow and South- Western Rail-
way, from Ibrox Station to Johnstone, a succession
of clay-pits for brick and tile manufacture affords
an inexhaustible field for collectors of glacial
and post-glacial shells. Many valuable papers and
lists by Messrs. Geikie, Crosskey, Robertson, Young,
Burns, Bennie, Coutts, and others, will be found
in the " Transactions of the Glasgow Geological
Society." Some of the members of the society
possess unequalled collections of glacial shells.

Ofkaims or eskars the immediate neighbourhood
of Glasgow furnishes few and not very striking ex-
amples. A railway journey of less than an hour,
however, will take one to Ealkirk or Polmont, where
for several miles a characteristic kaim runs parallel
with the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway. One
of the highest in Scotlaud, reaching 1,280 feet
above the sea, and therefore indicating a depres-
sion of the land to that extent at least during part
of the Glacial epoch, will be found crossing the
valley of Earl's Burn in the Campsie Hills, about
six miles south-west of Stirling.

Of stratified tertiary deposits no vestige is known
to remain between the Grampians and the Southern
Uplands. But within easy reach of Glasgow are to be
seen many of those persistent dykes of basalt rock,
which, as Professor Geikie has shown, were con-
nected with the outbursts of volcanic activity, which
in Miocene times furnished the basaltic lavas of Mull,
Eigg, and the Giant's Causeway. In the region
with which we are concerned they run from east to
west. One of them has been traced with slight
intervals from the Firth of Clyde, near Helensburgh^
to the Firth of Forth, near Grangemouth. Faults
cross it at every angle without deflecting its course,
and it pays no regard to the direction or degree of
dip of the stratified rocks. It crosses the Lower Old
Red sandstone, and all the subdivisions of the car-
boniferous formation represented in Scotland, in-
cluding the enormous thickness of porphyritic
lavas interbedded with the cement-stones below the
carboniferous limestone series. It may be followed
(with the Geological Survey Maps, Sheets 27, 28,
29, and 23, Stirling, in hand) across the Campsie
Fells, by starting at Ballewan farm-house, near
Blanefield station, Strathblane, and walking to
jjennv. a route affording in clear weather a mag-
nificent view over Glasgow, the mouth ot the Clyde,
Edinburgh, and the " black country" of Coatbridge
and Airdrie, as well as glimpses of the lovely
valleys of the Blane, and the "dark winding
Carron." The enormity of the strain that cleft
a passage for the molten rock, so direct, so long
(40 miles at least), so wide (sometimes 200 feet),
and through formations of every degree of tenacity,
may excite the admiration of even the mo^t blase
of geologists. Similar dykes may be traced from
Mugdock Castle, through the Loch Katnue

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

19c

aqueduct by the north side of Craigmaddie
reservoir to the middle of Blairskaith Muir. Two
others run from the Clyde, at Raskielee, near
Erskine Park, diverging slightly as they go west-
ward. Another runs along the north side of the
railway tunnel west of Dumbarton.

The district accessible from Glasgow is a perfect
blank, in so far as regards any record of the secon-
dary age. Scotland probably kept her head above
the water for most of the time, while Triassic
birds and Labyrinthodons, Liassic and Oolitic
Ammonites, the Plesiosaurus, and the teeming life
of the Chalk period flourished in English and con-
tinental seas.

Stripped of the superficial deposits, Glasgow lies
immediately on palaeozoic rocks. The ancient
village doubtless owed its origin to the facilities
afforded by the lowest possible bridge over the
Clyde, admitting of a passage between the settled
districts of Carrick and Lennox. But the importance
of the modern city results directly from its geological
position in the midst of the coal-measures and car-
boniferous limestone. If Mauchline be considered in
the neighbourhood of Glasgow (and it is less than two
hours distant by rail), igneous and sedimentary rocks
of Permian age may be seen overlying the coal-
measures.* The Permian red sandstone of Mauch-
line is a notable building- stone. The great quarries
of Mauchline may be visited together with the
romantic scenery on the river Ayr at Ballochmyle.

Returning to Glasgow, we find ourselves at the
western end of the great basiu of the coal-mea-
sures, which occupies a large portion of the counties
of Lanark and Linlithgow, and stretches northward
across the Pirth of Porth to the base of the Ochils
in Clackmannanshire. In spite of undulations of
the strata, and fracture by innumerable faults, this
great coal-field is fundamentally a long trough,
varying from six to fifteen miles in breadth, with an
axis running from S. W. to N. E. through Hamilton
and Grangemouth. The thickness of the coal-
measure strata here has been estimated by Mr.
James Geikief at 2,100 feet, with eighteen workable
coal-seams, amounting to from 40 to 70 feet in
aggregate thickness. But important as the coal-
seams are, Glasgow could never have reached its
present position except by the aid of the blackband
ironstones, so liberally scattered throughout the
coal- measures. A visit to the Govan Colliery, on
the south side of Glasgow, or to the ironstone
workings of Wishaw or Coatbridge, will amply
repay the visitor, whether his object be fossil-
collecting or the study of the processes by which
the mineral wealth of Glasgow is made available.
Where every quarry and every " blaes "-heap at

* See Geological Survey, Sheet 14, Scotland (1-inch), and
explanation by Prof. Geikie.
t "Journal of the rron and Steel Institute," 18"2.

every pit-mouth is eloquent with the story, it would
be useless to point out special localities for the
study of the physical geography and life of the
Coal period.*

The millstone grit, underlying and consequently
coming to the surface in a belt surrounding the
coal-measures, presents few features of interest,
with the exception of the fireclays extensively
mined at Garnkirk. The series is, at least in the
neighbourhood of Glasgow, entirely wanting in the
boldly-marked subdivisions characteristic of the
millstone grit of England.

The west end of Glasgow is built on the carboni-
ferous limestone series. This series, in Scotland,
is well known to differ vastly from the English
type, the uninterrupted marine conditions prevailing
in England during the period having given place to
repeated alternations of land and sea north of the
Scottish border. Hence, while in England the
whole period is represented by limestones, in Scot-
land only a few thin beds of limestone are inter-
calated among subaerial and purely sedimentary
beds. There is around Glasgow quite enough of
limestone for building and agricultural purposes ;
and besides, the coal and ironstone seams of carboni-
ferous limestone age are not far behind those of the
coal-measures in number and value. The top of the
series dips beneath the millstone grit, along a
crooked line, from Glasgow to [Kirkintilloch, while
its base is marked by the Campsie, Kilpatrick, and
Renfrewshire hills, and the Braes of Gleniffer and
Cathkin. Erom these trappean heights the carboni-
ferous limestone series is frequently separated by
faults ; but its true relations may be seen at Craigend
Muir, alongside of the turnpike road from Miln-
gavie to Strathblane;t at Douglas Muir, west of
Milngavie ; % at Elliston, near Howood ; § and else-
where. In these places the lowest beds of the series
rest on beds of porphyrites or melaphyres (old lavas),
or of volcanic ashes, which mark the last efforts of
an immense period of volcanic activity.

Besides limestones, coals, and ironstones, the
Carboniferous limestone series near Glasgow
yields large quantities of sandstone for building
purposes, oil-shales, and alum. The latter impreg-
nates a shale between the main limestone of
Campsie and Hurlet, and its underlying coal.
Oil-shales are extensively worked at Linnwood,
near Johnstone. A great thickness of an
admirably pure and durable white sandstone
overlies the " Rough," or " Cowglen," or " Index"
limestone, and is ouarried extensively at Bishop-
briggs and Giffnock. The spacious galleries and

* Sheet 23, Scotland (l-inch). of the Geological Survey
Map, contains in great detail the part of the Lanarkshire
coalfield to the south of Motherwell.
' t Geological Survey (6-inch), Sheet 27, Stirling.

% Ibid., Sheet 23, Dumbarton.

§ Ibid., Sheet 11, Renfrew.

K 2

196

HARDWICKE'S SCTENCE-GOSSIP.

arches of the Giffnock quarries rank among the
most interesting sights of Glasgow.

The Carboniferous limestone series of the west
of Scotland is very rich in fossils. No limestone
need be searched in vain, and every blaes-heap is
full of organic remains. Perhaps, of all the lime-
stones, that of Broadstone, near Beith, has yielded
the greatest quantities. Its polished surfaces, fan-
tastically marked with encrinites, corals, and shells,
cut at every possible angle, form a " marble " once
in great request for ornamental purposes. In the
older houses of the better class, one lights every
now and then on a mantelpiece of this material,
which is quite a little museum of carboniferous
limestone fossils.*

We are now coming upon rocks which are at
once more ancient and more distant from the city,
which we regard as our starting-point. Glasgow
stands geologically, as has already been remarked,
in the centre of a basin, and therefore the lower
formations may be reached, either by boring verti-
cally for a few thousands of feet, or by walking a
horizontal distance of a few miles. We could find
the base of the carboniferous limestone series by
sinking five thousand feet below Glasgow (the thick-
ness of the millstone grit and carboniferous lime-
stone), or by walking till we found the subjacent
beds rising to the surface. This they do at a dis-
tance varying from five to twelve miles.

The formation thus reached is composed of alter-
nate beds of volcanic lavas and ashes, and builds up
the fine trappean ranges of Campsie, Kilpatrick,
and Renfrewshire. These lavas (porphyrites and
melaphyres) and ashes dip, as the Kilpatrick Hills,
under the carboniferous limestone series, re-emerge
and again disappear to the south of Glasgow as the
Cathkin Braes, and rise once more in the Muirland,
at the heads of the Avon and Irvine. A few sedi-
mentary beds, other than ashes, intervene between
the lava-flows in the Kilpatrick Hills. The whole
range is famous among mineralogists for beautiful
specimens of zeolites. The extreme fragility of
most of these minerals makes it desirable to resort
for specimens to newly-opened quarries. Some
characteristic specimens of Prehnite are, however,
still to be had in the rubbish excavated from the
Bishopton tunnel on the Greenock Railway.

The base of the volcanic series may be seen rest-
ing on sedimentary rocks of Lower Carboniferous
age at Fintry, Strathblane.f Overton, near Bowling,
Ardrossan.J and the island of Little Cumbrae, in
the Firth of Clyde, as well as in Bute. On re-
emerging on the eastern side of the Lanarkshire

* For lists of carboniferous limestone fossils see Armstrong,
Young, Craig, and others, in "Trans. Geol. Soc. Glasgow."
Also R. Etheridge. Jun., in Explanations of Sheets 14, 22,
and 23, Geological Survey.

t See Geological Survey, Sheet 27, Stirling.

t Ibid., Sheet 22, Scotland (1-inch).

coalSeld as the Garlton Hills, the volcanic series is
found to have dwindled away to a fraction of its
thickness on the western side, while a great series
of sandstones, cement-stones, and shales, including
oil-shales, has largely taken its place. The mean-
ing of this is, that while the volcanos on the east
had ceased to be active, and the quiet deposition of
sediment (for the most part in lakes) was going on,
those on the west still vomited lavas and ashes. A
considerable thickness of cement-stones and shales
does indeed underlie the trappean series on the
west side— notably at Strathblane ; but the upper
portion of the series, containing the oil-shales of
Mid Calder, is not represented.

By far the most interesting record still remaining
of the volcanic activity of this period, affording, as
they do, views of the internal structure of volcanos,
are the " necks " or " pipes," which along a line
from Ardrossan to Fintry, pierce the older rocks
where these emerge from beneath the bedded traps
and ashes. The necks are isolated dome-shaped
hills of coarse volcanic agglomerate, or of mela-
phyre, or both. They are not the original cones
from which the lavas and ashes were thrown out,
for these, of course, towered above the deposits,
which they spread around their bases, and have dis-
appeared bodily, their sites having been probably at
one time deeply buried under deposits of Car-
boniferous Limestone age. The necks then are the
plugged-up vents of the volcanos, originally deep-
seated, but now standing up boldly as hills, as they
have yielded more slowly to the wasting power of
denudation than the softer rocks through which
they pierce. Fine examples (especially the two
last-named), are Diamond Hill, near Fairlie ; Knock
Hill, near Largs; Dumbarton Castle Rock; Dum-
buck, near Bowling ; and Dumgoyn, in Strathblane.

Still receding from Glasgow westward, the red
sandstones appear, which form the lower sub-
division of the calciferous sandstone series. They
extend over Dumbarton Muir, and the eastern
shore of the Firth of Clyde, from Greenock to
Ardrossan. They also bulk largely in the composi-
tion of Bute and the Cumbraes. They are supposed
to be lake-deposits, and, at least in the neighbourhood
of Glasgow, are almost destitute of fossils, even the
cornstones and limestones of the series having been
searched in vain. Elsewhere, these sandstones are
called Upper Old Red. They lie on the lower old
red sandstone, unconformably, that is to say, the
deposition of the lower old red sandstone ceased in
the area in question, the lake-bottom became dry
land, and the rocks deposited in the lake-bottom
suffered atmospheric denudation before another
depression admitted of the superposition of the
upper old red sandstones.

The lower old red sandstone may be seen in the
course of a day's excursion around Glasgow,
although the unravelling of its structure may be

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

107

the task of years. Except land-plants, no fossils
have been discovered iu the formation nearer than
Bridge of Allan. Further north, as everybody
knows from the writings of the late Hugh Miller
and others, the remains of a wonderful series of
armour-plated fishes are abundantly present. The
grey flagstones, containing] the plant-remains, are
best seen in the quarries in Cameron "Wood, near
the foot of Loch Lomond. The lake steamer from
Balloch to Balmaha takes the passenger close by
the islands of Inch Murriu, Torrinch, ^and Inch
Cailloch, giving him a good view of the great con-
glomerate near the base of the old red sandstone.
This conglomerate may be more closely inspected at
the pass of Balmaha, and may be followed inland
in a straight line, as its beds crop out nearly on
end, through Aberfoyle to the lower end of Loch
Venachar. In the Menteiih Hills it forms a very
striking feature of the landscape. Volcanic rocks
of this age occur in the Ochils, and in the neigh-
bourhood of Crieff and Comrie.*

The Scottish old red sandstone is now generally
admitted to be a fresh-water formation, contem-
poraneous with the Devonian marine formation of
England and Belgium. Along a line from Balmaha
to Stonehaven, on the east coast, a fault whose
downthrow must amount to four or five miles,
separates the old red sandstone from the " primary
rocks" of the early geologists.

We have now reached a minimum distance of 20
miles from Glasgow, and have passed over the
edges of strata whose total thickness is greater
than would be believed, and which, therefore, we
refrain from mentioning. The Highlands are
mainly composed of the so-called "primary"
rocks, whose structure is a subject much too wide
for the present sketch. Suffice it to say that they
are older than the old red sandstone, have been
crumpled into folds, metamorphosed, upheaved,
denuded, and to a large extent covered over with
newer, but still enormously ancient accumulations.
Within the last few years they have been recog-
nized through Mr. C. W. Peach's discovery of
fossils, as belonging, for the most part, to the
Silurian age, some Cambrian and Laurentian rocks
underlying the Silurian in the far North-western
Highlands. A general idea of the Silurian area may
be gathered in the course of a sail up Loch Long
and down Loch Lomond, or at Dunoon or Arran.

It only remains to be added that a geological
excursion should never be undertaken without an
accurate map. It is astonishing how easily the
grand operations] of nature may be misinter-
preted for want of this simple corrective. The

* A report of a lecture, by Prof. Geikie, to the Glasgow
Geological Society, published in Nature, vol. xiii. p. 389, will
enable the reader to appreciate the importance of the old red
sandstone as a sedimentary formation.

contoured maps of the Ordnance Survey * are ob-
tainable at a trifling cost, contain a fund of infor-
mation regarding roads, levels, &c, and render the
traveller independent of the " intelligent native."
Putting one's geological observations on accurate
maps is excellent practice, and the habit, if culti-
vated, would

" From many a blunder free us,
And foolish notion."

THE MICROSCOPE AND MICROSCOPIC
WORK.

No. IX -By P. Kitton.

"IT^ITH the close of the last century the Micro-
scope seems in some measure to have fallen
into disuse. Very few works, either on its con-
struction or on the work done by it, seem to have
been published. Opticians were unable to produce
any better instruments, so far as the optical part
was concerned, than those used by Leeuwenhoek,
Baker, and others, whose labours we have been
reviewing. Attempts were made by M. Charles,
of the Institute, to construct a chromatic objective,
but these attempts were unsuccessful. Iu 1S12 Sir
David Brewster proposed to make both single and
compound microscopes achromatic in the following
manner : A drop of fluid of greater dispersive power
than the convex lens which formed the objective
was placed on the object about to be examined.
The lens was then immersed in the fluid, thus
forming a plain concave lens below the convex one.
This plan improved the performance both of double
and single instruments ; but, as may be imagined,
this method was very troublesome. He afterwards
contrived a more permanent form of achromatic
object-glass by placing some " butter of antimony "
(sesqui-chloride of antimony) between a meniscus
and a plano-convex lens. This was capable of being
renewed when necessary.

The grand desideratum was, however, a compound
objective which should be aplanatic, and Professor
Amici, of Modena, made many experiments to
improve the achromatic objective, but with very
moderate success. He therefore turned his atten-
tion to the reflecting microscope, and with this he
was so successful that he gave up the refracting
instrument for several years.

With these instruments many test-objects were
resolved, but the loss of light from so many reflec-
tions must have been very considerable. The follow-
ing diagrams will enable the reader to understand
the structure of the reflecting microscope. Pig. 109
represents Amici's plan: a is a concave speculum,
upon which the image of the object, c, is reflected

* For Glasgow, Sheets 22, 23, 30, and 31, on the scale of
1 inch to the mile, are sufficient.

198

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

by the little plane mirror, b, and brought to a focus
at d. Eg. 110 shows the arrangement adopted by
Mr. Tulley ; the object, c, is magnified by the specu-
lum, a, and thrown upon the plane reflector, b,
and from this reflector towards the eye-piece.

These diagrams represent the reflectors about
the actual size, and were screwed in or on to the
body like the modern objective.

<7 .,-—

c^3

Fig. 109. Reflecting Arrangement of Amici.

The original dimensions of Araici's Engiscope
were as under —Elliptic metal 1 inch aperture,
and 2V% inches focus ; diameter of diagonal mirror,
i inch ; length of tube, 1 foot.

Dr. Young also turned his attention to the im-
provement of the reflecting microscope. The
following is his description of the structure of one
of these instruments, or, as they were then called,
Engiscopes.

" Mr. Cuthbert and myself became the parents
of the instrument in its most effective form, as
follows. Mr. Cuthbert had devoted a very large
portion of his time to the making of metals for
dumpy Gregorian Telescopes, frequently having
an aperture of 3 inches to a focus of only 5 ; he
was, therefore, exactly cut out for a maker of
Eng'iscopes. I had chanced to be introduced to
him when lie had just made a microscopy on
Amici's principle, having an aperture of an inch
and a half to a focus of three inches, with a body
one foot in length. Just about this period I had
discovered the properties of the feathers and scales
of insects as test-objects ; we tried the instrument
with them ; but though the figures of its metals were
excellent, we found its performance unsatisfactory.
I therefore recommended Mr. Cuthbert to construct
a pair of metals of which the concave should be only
half an inch focus, and to shorten the body to four
or five inches. He accordingly succeeded in making
a pair of 0 of an inch focus and "3 of aperture
which gave a delightful foretaste of what might, be
expected from reflecting engiscopes when perfected.
Its body was inserted into the cleft socket of the
stand of a small spy-glass, Mr. Cuthbert happened
to have by him, and I lent him the stem of a single
microscope, made by Samuel Yarley, to attach as a
dependent bar to the objective end of the body,
which happened to suit it very well, and this ar-
rangement constituted the original pattern of the

instrument I also particularly explained to

him a method by wh.ch a metai of an unlimited

angle of aperture might be made to act on trans-
parent bodies without increasing the size of the
small metal*

" In relating these anecdotes I am afraid I shall be
justly accused of egotism, but I am sure that by-
and-by, when the invention shall have obtained
a venerable beard of due length, they will be read
with pleasure." Dr. Goring and Mr. Pritchard

m

Fig. 110. Reflecting Arrangement of Mr. Tulley.

afterwards made this form of instrument with
further improvements, or, as Dr. Goring puts it,
" with fiual improvements, which my worthy
coadjutor Mr. Pritchard and myself, by clubbing
our wise noddles together (as we imagine), effected
in it."

He then proceeds to describe the instrument,
beginning with the " foundation," that is to say, the
stand or pillar, on which he gives his reasons for
preferring a cruciform foot to a triangular one ; at
"the same time he admits that, if wanted to fold
up together, in order to pack up in small compass,
the tripod is the preferable coustructiou, for the
cruciform must be made in one piece. Mr. P.,
of course, makes them to suit the fancy of pur-
chasers. I have no doubt he would, to oblige a
good customer, mount an instrument on a mop-
stick, or the top of an old brass candlestick, as
Sir I. Newton did the original of his telescope."

The manufacture of reflecting microscopes re-
ceived a severe check, at least in this country,
" Mr. Cuthbert's eyesight having decayed, so that
he can only work metals of small angular aperture,
and no other artist being- as yet capable of sup-
plying his place." The solar focus and angle of
aperture of the metals supplied with the rellectiug
engiscope were as follows : —

Solar Focus.

No.l

2
3
4
5
6

Angle of
Aperture.

2 inches 13^°

1 inch ISr

-frof an inch 274°

36-r

4H°
55°

in

* " Vide my paper in the Quarterly Journal of Science of the
Royal Institution, vol. xxi. p. 34, and pi. 1. In this tract
will he found the fir-t description ot the aquatic live-box,
which like all other good things, is claimed by half a dozen
fathers, while a bad thing is sure t,> have only one, or to be
i.ke a bastard without any father at all."

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

199

The angle of aperture of these reflectors was not
much inferior to that of second-quality refracting
lenses, but their performance was very far below
that of the commoner achromatic combinations of
the present day. This arose from several causes,
the following being the principal : — .First : The
figure of the concave metal. This should be a true
ellipse, a figure very difficult to attain. Second :
the plane mirror must be perfectly flat. This is
even of more difficult attainment, and can only be
procured by working three metallic surfaces suc-
cessively against each other. And supposing these
difficulties overcome, there remains the adjustment
of the two metals. In addition to these hindrances,
the great loss of light arising from so many reflec-
tions of course has seriously injured the perform-
ance of the reflecting engiscope.

The reader will, no doubt, be curious to learn the
cost of these instruments. According to Mr.
Pritchard's catalogue, " the improved American
engiscope, as described in ' Micrographia,' " ranged
from £18 to £35.

This catalogue was published in 1837, the re-
flecting microscope holding its ground even after
achromatic lenses had been successfully constructed.

In 1823, MM. Selligues and Chevalier in Prance,
Prauenhofer in Germany, Anna in Italy, and Dr.
Young and Mr. Tulley in London, turned their
attention to the construction of achromatic objec-
tives. M. Selligues was the first to make them of
four compound achromatic lenses. The focal length
of each combination was 18 lines (= H inch) ; the
diameter, 6 lines; the thickness in the centre, 6
lines; and the aperture, 1 line. This objective
could be used in combination or separate.

Mr. Tulley at the same time constructed an
objective of -^ of an inch, and an angle of aperture
of 18°. This was probably the first English achro-
matic objective. Mr. Tulley afterwards added
another combination, increasing the angle of aper-
ture to 38°, To meet the requirements of the new
glass, the old form of stand had to be very much
modiGed. The construction of the new stand was
undertaken by Mr. James Smith, the optician. This
instrument had a mechanical stage, the first, it is
stated, ever made in England.

(To be continued?)

THE GLAUCOUS AND THE GREAT
BLACK-BACKED GULLS.

By P. Q. Keegan, LL.D.

A MONG the objects of interest which greet the
-*-•*- explorer of the Arctic Seas, there is none
more interesting than the magnificent sea-birds
whose names stand at the head of this paper.
Several of our Arctic voyagers bear testimony to
the freauent occurrence of the Glaucous Gull

among the cliffs, headlands, or low-lying rocks
adjacent to various parts of the Polar seas. Prince
Regent's inlet, Baffin's Bay, and Davis' Straits
are especially mentioned as favourite localities for
the resort of this species. Away upon the loftiest
pinnacles of the icebergs which tower above the
surface of these sequestered seas, the bird may
frequently be discerned ; and invariably the trepi-
dation induced by the approach of a ship occasions
it to abandon its seat.

The flight of the Glaucous Gull is regarded by
ornithologists as more buoyant than that of any
other species of gull. When its volatile apparatus
is completely expanded, it is observed to be lengthy,
powerful, and eminently competent to battle effec-
tively with the air. Its progress on the wing is
remarkably slow and stately, as if the bird was
under the influence of grave and solemn feelings.

Owing to the character of its habits, the gull
now under review has been styled "the Burgo-
master of the Seas." Amid the dark atmosphere
of the northern climes, the spectacle of this bird
swooping down with tremendous emphasis and
impetuosity upon some unfortunate possessor of a
tempting edible morsel, is eminently calculated to
inspire a feeling of awe. The desolate solitude and
solemn silence of these regions, too, is frequently
disturbed by the fluttering wings and shrill, piercing
cries of this beautiful sea-bird. As may have been
anticipated, from the enlarged size, powerful build,
and predatory proclivities of this noble bird, the
quantity of food necessary to satiate its appetite is
by no means inconsiderable. Its voracity has been
frequently observed and commented upon by several
of our Arctic voyagers. The excessively cold re-
gions which it inhabits doubtless impart a tone and
sharpness to its appetite which birds dwelling in a
more temperate zone can never experience. In an
old work on Arctic zoology it is related, that the
Glaucous Gull "preys on dead whales, attends the
walruses in order to feed on their excrements, and
will even destroy and eat the young of the Razor-
bills. It aiso feeds on fish, and does not despise the
berries of the Empetrum nigrum." Dr. Richardson
also testifies to the fact, that one specimen killed on
Captain Ross's expedition disgorged an auk when
it was struck, and proved, on dissection, to have
another in its stomach. The bird now under review,
unlike the Divers, Guillemot, Gannet, &c, is firmly
and evenly seated upon its legs, thereby being
enabled to walk steadily and well. This circum-
stance is probably connected with its predatory,
carrion-devouring habits. By maintaining a firm
standing posture, it is capacitated to grasp, dissect,
and devour the flesh from the bones of a carcase
more effectually than it could possibly do if, like
some of the aforesaid birds, it were compelled,
whilst on shore to crawl along on its breast.

The snecinc characteristics of the Glaucous Gull

200

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

(Larus glaucus) maybe delineated as follows : — The
bill in the adult state is of a yellowish-white colour,
except the inferior angle of the lower mandible,
which is reddish-orange ; the irides are of a straw-
colour ; all the plumage is nearly white, but there is
a tinge of light slaty-blue over the back and wing-
coverts ; the legs and feet are of a yellowish-brown
tint. The total length is from about 27 in. in some
specimens to about 32 in. in others.

Co-equal in respect of dimensions, robustness of
constitution, and imperious demeanour, with the
sea-bird described in the preceding lines, the Great
Black-backed Gull now comes under review.
Whether soaring high above the waveless ocean, or

desolate solitude of cliffs and headlands, where
some mother-bird has planted her nest in apparent
security, and assiduously attends to her breeding
duties, the gigantic figure of this tyrant gull stalks
abroad like a destroying demon, and ruthlessly
swooping down upon some of the eggs, consumes
them with immense relish.

In our latitudes, indeed, in low estuaries, or
standing upon the muddy banks of some shallow
bay far removed from human habitation, this bird
may frequently be discerned in the cool, quiet air of
the evening. He is surrounded by a company of
minor gulls, &c, and appears heedless of prey, and
completely immersed in the sedative pleasures of

illi

Fig. 111. Great Black-backed Gull (Larus murinvs,.

skimming nigh unto the billowy waters, the appear-
ance and deportment of this magnificent bird claim
our highest admiration. Though not nearly so
handsome as the Glaucous Gull, yet he is equally
endowed with qualities to which the epithet
"noble" may be fairly applied. Like that bird,
too, his appetite is apparently insatiable, and he
perpetually hovers about the localities where in-
stinct or experience has taught him to seek what-
ever may satisfy his incessant cravings. He is
unable to dive, and his swimming apparatus is not
of the highest order; but the immense power and
sweep of his wings amply compensate for these
defects, and suffice to strike terror into the breast
of many a minor gull or tern. Away amid the

quiet contemplation. Perhaps he is reposing after
his labours, or mayhap he is placidly awaiting the
turn of the tide to yield unto his capacious jaws
some dainty morsel of greasy offal, &c, which has
floated downwards from the neighbouring city. He
seems to have a special predilection for fatty or
oily food ; for, when he is out upon the deep, where
the carcase of some dead whale or fish lies gleaming
in the sun, he is observed to carefully alight thereon,
and frequently to absolutely incapacitate himself
for further exertion by reason of the immense
quantity of carrion he lias consumed.

The bird we are noticing is found around our
coasts throughout the year. It is also frequently
noticed on the Irish coast in the vicinity of bays,

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

201

harbours, &c. I remember seeing two or three
specimens of this gull standing in conjunction with
a small flock of herring gulls upon a sandbank in
one of these inlets of the sea ; while at a respectful
distance away two or three solitary black cor-
morants appeared preening their wings in the full
blaze of the evening sun. Several of its breeding-
places have also been discovered, as at Lundy
Island, Bass Rock, Hearn Head, &c, and the
feathered inhabitants of the Orkney and Shetland
Islands are not freed from the undesirable visits of
this imperious bird. It is not so frequently dis-
cerned in the Arctic regions as the Glaucous Gull,
as our Arctic voyagers do not often mention it in

of reddish-white on .the wing-coverts). The bill is
whitish-yellow, except the angle of the lower
mandible, which is bright red. The iris is yellow,
with some brown markings intermingled. The feet
are dirty white. The- total length of the bird is
about 27 inches.

Two principal points present themselves for
elucidation upon the contemplation of some of the
habits and peculiarities of this sea-bird. In the
first place, we may indulge in a little speculation
regarding the reason of the excessive vigilance and
shyness of the approach of man manifested by it.
While in the adult condition, fowlers find it very
difficult to shoot, owing to the impossibility of

Fig. 112. Glaucous Gull (Larus glaucus).

their journals, but it is tolerably common along the
seaboard of Labrador and Newfoundland. In
general anatomical conformation, size, and pre-
datory endowments, it so strongly resembles the
Glaucous Gull, as to suggest the notion that they
were descended from a common ancestor. The
specific characters of the Great Black-backed Gull
(Larus marinus) may be briefly indicated as fol-
lows : — The feathers of the crown of the head, about
the eyes, and the nape of the neck, are white, with
a longitudinal stripe of bright brown in the middle ;
the front, throat, neck, all the lower parts, back
and tail, are pure white ; top of the back, scapulars,
and the whole wing, are of a deep black shaded'with
bluish colour (in the young state there are .bands

bringing it within range, although it has been
frequently remarked, that the immature bird is not
nearly so cautious. Now, we know that several
European naturalists who have visited desert islands
and other localities comparatively uninhabited by
man, have found the birds there exceedingly tame,
and apparently destitute of any fear of human
beings. Even the descendants of these birds,
although familiar with man, still exhibit very little
of this species of fear ; therein furnishing a contrast
to those which haunt localities where they have
been persecuted by the human race for ages past.
Physiologists, therefore, have arrived at the con-
clusion that this protracted experience of the dread
consequences of the presence of humanity gradu-

202

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

ally becomes embodied, as it were, in the constitution
of the bird, a peculiarity which they transmit to
their descendants, who thereby exhibit a species of
immediate or intuitive apprehension, which their
progenitors required years of experience in order to
build up. The question is started, why does the
Great Black-backed Gull (a large and powerful
bird) exhibit such indubitable symptoms of dread
at the sight of mankind, while other species (such
as the Common and the Herring Gulls) fly and
hover about, with apparent unconcern, localities
where the congregation of human beings seems
most dense and formidable? The latter species,
indeed, do commonly, as is well known, keep at a
respectful distance, for they fly much lower on
Sundays than on week-days ; thereby manifesting a
degree of respectful awe in the presence of the
lords of the creation. Now the fact that the
immature Great Black-backed Gull does not exhibit
symptoms of trepidation in the situation now indi-
cated, would seem to be inconsistent with this
doctrine of the hereditary transmission of acquired
psychical aptitudes. But if we take into account
the well-known foolhardiness of youth, and the
insatiable voracity exhibited by this gull as con-
nected with its corporeal or mental development,
perhaps a sufficiently adequate and satisfactory
explanation of this exceptional phenomenon will be
furnished.

Another peculiarity worthy of special comment
with regard to the bird now under review, is that it
associates with members of other species, thereby
giving rise to a hybrid brood. One consequence of
this proceeding is that it frequently baffles the
efforts of a naturalist who is trying to discover
the genus and species of a particular bird that has
just fallen under his gun. Indeed, the two gulls
which we have dealt with in this paper have been
considered to be the same species, or at least mere
varieties of the same species, and thus have been
frequently confounded together. As they are both
noble specimens of bird life, they may, however,
surely be permitted to associate with other less
robust, less developed individuals, in order, if pos-
sible, to impart to their offspring some of their
noble qualities. In the more diminutive or less
developed forms of swimming birds, we do not
observe such an intermixture of different species,
or such a confounding of fundamentally different
forms ; and taking this fact into consideration, we
may feel constrained to regard this phenomenon in
the case of the Great Black- backed Gull as a happy
provision of Nature designed to improve and elevate
the corporeal character of some of the nobler forms
of Natatores.

Good Red Crag Fossils for Upper Siluriau
ditto— J. T., 192, Piccadilly, London.

THE POTATO FUNGUS.

Germination of the Resting -spores,
by worthington g. smith, p.l.s.

THE following is Mr. Smith's account of this
most important discovery, communicated to
the Gardeners' Chronicle : —

Before describing the germination of the resting-
spores of the fungus which causes the Potato
disease, it will be well to briefly state how these
resting-spores were obtained, and how preserved
alive in a state of hybernation for so long a period
as a whole year. I last July obtained the oospores
or resting-spores by keeping potato -leaves and
tubers continually moist. Por many years past
moisture has been well known to be capable of
greatly exciting the growth of Peronospora infestans,
and De Bary, in his recent essay, classes the Potato
fungus with " other water fungi." Mr. C. Edmund
Broome, of Batheaston, who is known as one of
the first cryptogamic botanists of this country,
repeated my experiments in the following manner:
He selected potato-leaves badly infected with Pero-
nospora, partly crushed them, and placed them in a
saucer of water under a bell-glass. The saucer was
kept in a sloping position, so that the leaves (being
partly submerged) were allowed to absorb the
water naturally. The result was that he obtained
an enormous number of resting-spores in all parts of
the leaves, many being within the spiral vessels and
hairs. These resting-spores were in every way
identical with mine, and they could only belong to
the Peronosporese or Saprolegniese, because similar
bodies are unknown in other families of fungi. The
first-named family has jointed threads, the second
bears threads without joints. Now as the threads
seen by me, and last year illustrated in connection
with the resting-spores, had jointed threads, they
must belong to Peronospora, and not to Saprolegnia.
As there is no other Peronospora than P. infestans
known to grow upon the Potato plant, it is clear
that the resting-spores cannot rationally be referred
to auy other than the Potato fungus. Added to
this I last year saw the secondary bodies clearly
growing from the Peronospora threads. I attach
great importance to the jointed threads, because
De Bary, when he figures Artotrogus from " Mon-
tagne's original specimen" (" Researches," p. 258),
shows the threads with many septa. From the
first I have said that Montague's Artotrogus and
the bodies discovered by me are the same. That
both belong to Peronospora the sequel will prove.
Iiwasof the highest importance that theseresting-
spores should be preserved alive till the time arrived
for their renewed activity, and with this purpose in
view I preserved the material in which the resting-
spores were present in sealed bottles, each bottle
containing more or less pure water or expressed

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE -GOSSIP.

203

juice of horse- dung diluted with water. As I wi s
quite in the dark as to the habits of these resting-
spores, of course I did not know what to do for the
best, or what the result of my experiments would
be. I have already described how these resting-
spores at first floated on the surface of the water,
how they at length deposited themselves in the
sediment at the bottom, and how, on opening one
of the bottles at the last meeting of botanists at
Hereford, the resting-spores were found still intact
and apparently alive. Happily for me, nearly all
my spores retained their vitality. Mr. Broome,
being equally uncertain with myself, trusted to
chance, aud chance so far favoured him that all his
resting-spores in the slanting saucer of water well
retained their life. It might have been (and even
was) said that possibly some fungus foreign to the
Potato fungus had got into my material ; but if so,
it must be regarded as a coincidence in the highest
degree extraordinary that Mr. Broome should also
get the same new and foreign fungus in his Pero-
nospora material,— a body so puzzling in its nature
as to be referred to no less than eight different
species of fungi.

All who have studied the habits of the lower
fungi know the extreme difficulty of preserving the
specimens alive. This difficulty almost amounts to
an impossibility. The fungi under study may be
present one day and all gone the next ; a few drops
of extra moisture or a slight current of dry air is
sufficient to destroy or collapse the whole lot. Be-
sides this, myriads of other parasitic fungi, and
whole tribes of infusoria, commonly make their
appearance, and prey upon the material that is
desired to be preserved.

Now one of the most extraordinary facts about
the recent Potato investigations in this country is
this. These other fungi and infusoria have not to
any damaging extent appeared. Since I opened
my sealed bottles last April, I have kept the
material under a bell-glass, and there has been no
offensive odour, and to no appreciable extent have
there been any moulds, infusoria, or parasites
except Peronospora infestans itself, and the other
fungus, which is equally destructive to potatoes, and
known under Fusisporium Solani. In investigating
the Potato disease, it was almost as important to
discover the entire life-history of the Fusisporium
as the Peronospora, and fortunately the materials
preserved gave a perfect clue to the entire life-
history of both. Mr. Broome's material has in the
same manner been free from an excessive number
of other fungi and infusoria.

The germination of the resting-spores was
awaited with the greatest anxiety, and as 1 never
knew from one day to another whether or not these
bodies might all collapse and perish, I was under
the necessity of dividing the material, and keeping
a constant look-out for results under different con-

d itions. With this object in view, therefore, I kept
some of the bodies moist in pure water, others in
dduted expressed juice of horse- dung, others in
expressed juice of fresh potato-leaves, others upon
extremely thin slices of potato and on crushed
potato-mash, others in saccharine fluid, others in
nitrogen gas, some between pieces of glass kept
constantly moist, some upon broken tile (also kept
constantly moist), and some upon potato-leaves as
they grew upon the living plant. Besides this I
have had a quarter of a hundred of slides kept
damp, and under examination every day (almost
night and day) for the last three months. All these
preparations I have kept constantly and uniformly
moist under darkened bell-glasses, for darkness in-
variably assists the growth of spores of all sorts.

The first new fact worthy of note is this : many
of the resting-spores grew in size during nine
months of their rest to twice their original diameter,
or about four times their original bulk, and their
aspect gradually changed from almost smooth, semi-
transparent bladders to brown, more or less rough
and warted or echinulate spheres. These latter
brown, mature bodies were quite the same in cha-
racter with those so sparingly seen last June and
July. How they arose last year no one saw, but
probably the wet weather of the early summer
caused their appearance. It does not follow,
because the resting-spores have taken a year to
artificially mature with me, that therefore they
always take a year to ripen; it is quite possible
that, in a state of nature and under different con-
ditions, they may mature rapidly. At any rate, two
sorts of bodies were seen together last year, trans-
parent smooth bodies and rough brown ones. I
considered them to be different states of the same
resting-spores, and subsequent facts have proved
my supposition to be quite correct.

The top row of illustrations on fig. 113 shows cha-
racteristic conditions of the almost mature repro-
ductive bodies as drawn in April last. At A is seen
the oospore (or resting-spore) within the oogonium
(bladder which holds the resting-spore) ; at b may
be seen two resting-spores within one oogonium, and
at c three resting-spores within one oogonium;
whiist at d is shown a double oogonium — two oo-
gonia coalesced, and each oogonium containing a
resting-spore.

At the end of April and beginning of May last I
began to see the first signs of germination, and at
this time many of the oospores proved effete ; the
oogonium cracked at e, or became broken into
atoms, as at r, discharging a bladder, as at a, which
perished in fine dust, as at H.

As the month of May progressed, many of the
resting-spores became dense and dark, with the
oospore occupying the whole of the oogonium, &z
at I : this condition is different from that of the
body A, for in this the resting-spore, being not quite
mature, does not yet occupy all the oogonium, but

204

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIT.

floats within from side to side, as the object hap-
pens to be moved under the microscope. J shows
the contents of oospore being broken up into zoo-
spores; k. shows the zoospores within still more
clearly, and where they are giving an echinulate

.0,

H

Fig. 113. Various stages in the Development of the Resting Spore of Potato Fungus

appearance to the bladder within (an appearance
adverted to lately by Mr. Berkeley) ; l shows the
bladder from within the oospore being discharged
from the oogonium after the manner of Cystopus,

with the contained zoospores: this bladder fre-
quently breaks up into dust, as at m, setting the
zoospores which are at present quiescent free, as
at N ; two tails shortly appear on these latter bodies,
and at a certain period of their growth the anterior

cilium, or tail, is pushed
straight out, as seen at 0;
the posterior tail then
quivers with an undulatory
movement, and the zoo-
spores sail out of the field
of the microscope. How
long the zoospores live it is
difficult to say, but probably
somewhere between twelve
hours and a week ; at length
they come to rest, as at p,
when the tails fall into fine
dust. Some zoospores burst
and at once perish, as at q,
whilst others throw out
threads of mycelium, k,
which threads are destined
at length to bear the
conidiophores of the Potato
fungus in its new genera-
tion. The zoospores thus
obtained were planted on
the foliage, and upon thin
slices of potato supplied
from a frame by Mr. Alfred
Smee. On these materials
they at once produced
mycelium and small coni-
diophores, which, without
doubt, belonged to Perono-
spora ; but as better results
were afterwards obtained
from resting-spores similar
to 1, fig. 113, the figures are
not here engraved.

The Rev. J. E. Vize, Eor-
den Vicarage, Welshpool, a
gentleman who has made a
special study of microscopic
fungi, has had some of my
living material under exami-
nation during the past win-
ter and spring, and when the
first signs of germination
showed themselves in my
oospores, I wrote him to
keep a good look-out for
results. He wrote me as
follows, under date of April
21 :— " My idea certainly is that the oospores are ger-
minating : bottle No. 1 had a thin film on it which
developed into a lot of mycelium and threads of Pero-
nospora." I, too, observed the same fact in London.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

205

Throughout May the habit of the oospores ap-
peared to remarkably change, for instead of pro-
ducing zoospores they protruded a thick and
generally jointed thread, this thread agreeing
exactly in size with average Peronospora infestans
threads. On May 13th I
observed on the prepara-
tions treated with ex-
pressed juice of horse-
dung threads similar to the
very long branched thread
shown at s, s, s, fig. 114 ;
these threads were so long
that they traversed the
entire slide, and I could
only detect a single septum
or joint, and frequently
none, t, tj, v are charac-
teristic : the latter shows
two septa, which is a
common condition at this
stage of growth ; and all
three figures show the pro-
toplasm of the oospore
coiled up within the walls
of the latter, w shows an
oospore germinating with
the antheridium (a)
attached to the oogonium,
and still upon its last year's
thread ; x is a germinating
oospore with a thread
showing the first septum ;
and Y shows two germi-
nating oospores emerging
from one oogonium, each
thread showing the first
•septum ; the old male
•organ (antheridium) is still
attached to w, x, and y.
The figure at z, drawn on
May 12, is characteristic,
and shows three septa ; the
specimen was sent on to
the Rev. M. J. Berkeley,
who feplied: "I found
the germinating oospore
exactly as you figure it.
There can be no doubt
about the matter." Mr.
Broome, who was examin-
ing similar material of his
own, wrote on May 4 : "It
only remains now ap-
parently to see the Perono-
spora arising from the threads which proceed from
the oogonia to prove the identity " ; and again on
May 20 : "I do not see any attached conidia, but
the space between the sections of potato is covered

with long threads resembling the conidiophorous
threads, but I could not see any with the spores on
them." It may be said here that no other known
fungus has conidiophorous threads similar to those
of the Potato fungus.

Fig. 114. Development of Resting-spores of Potato Fungus. (For details see text.)

At the beginning of May, whilst observing the
habit of Pusisporium and its resting state, I ob-
served typical Peronospora infestans growing upon
the drier parts of the previous year's crushed and

206

HAPDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

decayed leaves. This observation was confirmed by
Mr. Vize, who wrote on May 22 : " According to
my examination, the Peronospora grows on the drier
parts of the magma. I do not observe it growing
on the very wet."

Fig. 115. Resting- spores of Potato Fungus before and after Germination (see text)

On fig. 115 may be seen a collection of resting-
spcres before and in the act of germination, toge-
ther with a nnmber of Peronospora threads taken
from potato-leaves and tubers previously infected

with the oospores. A, B, c, and d show oospores in
which the protoplasm which is destined to produce
the new plant is coiled up within. At e this coil is
seen just emerging. This convolute mass is really
contained within a thin bladder, and sometimes

the bladder is expelled, as
in Cvstopus, from the oogo-
nium before the coil un-
winds, as at f, g. The
thread then emerges as
shown at H, I, and j, some-
times leaving the bladder
free but broken, as at k, l.
It is rare to see the thread
of the new plant in con-
nection with the oogo-
nium, as at m, n, though
I have so seen it, together
with the septa many times.
The first mycelium or
spawn of the new plant
is seen at o, o, o, and
from this the Peronospora
springs direct, and (when
artificially grown) almost
invariably in a terminal
manner. The conidia are
not mature in any of the
specimens here figured ;
doubtless this is because
all the plants are more or
less abnormal from being
grown artificially ; but still
the threads are charac-
teristic of Peronospora in-
festans, and no known
fungus but the one which
causes the Potato disease
has vesicular swellings such
as are shown at p.

Mr. Charles B. Plowright
(.surgeon, of King's Lynn),
a gentleman who has long
studied fungi, has patiently
examined some of the living
material with which I have
been working this spring
and early summer, and he
writes me on May 19 to say:
"I find plenty of branch-
ing, nodose conidiophores,
especially among the drier
portions of the substance
sent. I also see living
conidia. I have seen many
conidiophores with convoluted bases, but in the
vast majority of cases long ere the conidia come
the oospore is gone ; I see the granular protoplasm
distinctly ascending the base of the conidiophore."

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP,

207 >

As regards the first coil of mycelium, Mr. Plowright
writes : " I distinctly saw this curved in two
oospores, and I believe the mycelium comes out
with a curl." The same gentleman, under date
May 19, writes : " I saw a great many conidiophores
both with conidia in situ
and not ; most conidia had
fallen off; latterly I saw
plenty of convoluted bases.'
The evidence of identity
appears complete, and many
of the figures here pub-
lished, and others not pub-
lished, have been confirmed
by Messrs. Yize and Plow-
right.

At q on fig. 11G may be
seen Peronospora mycelium
with a young plant (q1)
growing from amongst the
starch of the Potato tuber,
the dark background show-
ing the cell-wall corroded
by the fungus, and at r a
similar fragment of myce-
lium upon the cuticle of a
potato-leaf : it is very com-
mon to see one cell of the
cuticle thus discoloured by
the corrosive mycelium, the
corrosion of the cell being
caused by the mycelium
passing over and upon
it. Both threads here
shown come direct from
last year's resting - spores.
At s is engraved a branch
of the Potato fungus, show-
ing the numerous parti-
tions with which the
threads are at times fur-
nished, and at t is a typical
well -grown branch of the
fungus, with a full-grown
conidium at the apex ;
this conidium may either
discharge zoospores, as at
v, or an irregular mass of
protoplasm, as at v, from
either of which a new plant
may spring, and in this

habit the conidium agrees
well with the resting-
spore : the branch in this
figure is shown as con-
tinuous, and though furnished with the vesicular
swellings, no partitions are present ; the branches
are frequently so seen. At w is illustrated a small
weak plant, giving rise to a branch, which branch

is developing into a large and strong plant : such a
phenomenon is by no means uncommon, and shows
how the fungus increases itself in every possible
way. I have frequently seen this secondary thread
branched.

Fig. 116. Development of Resting-spores of Potato Fungus (see text).

During the last hours of completing this, the last
engraving (fig. 116) illustrative of the Potato fungus,
a new and curious fact came to light. On examin-
ing the oospores in saccharine fluid, I observed some

208

HARDWICKE'S SC IENCE- GO SSIP.

of the discharged bladders to be carrying from two
to four secondary bladders inside (x) ; these secon-
dary bodies were in their turn expelled, and grew
and produced mycelium as at y, t, y, whilst a few
of the same secondary bladders burst and produced
from three to six very small zoospores, generally
only three. It is a most singular fact that these
secondary bladders and zoospores are exactly the
same in size with De Bary's Pythium vexans, and
about one-sixth or eighth of the bulk of the resting-
spores from which they were discharged. With
this exception there has not been the slightest
approach in any of my material to organisms which
might be referred to Pythium. Mr. Plowright
writes: "None of my oospores ever burst and
produced Pythium or Pythium-like spores."

My material has contained a large number of
dead mites and aphides and a few nematoid
worms ; the oogonia and threads were to be
seen in all parts of the dead insects, but not in
the worms.

De Bary, in reviewing my observations, says : —
"Even if the often-mentioned warty bodies were
hybernating oospores of Phytophthora (Perono-
spora), like the similar oospores of P. arenariaa,
which resemble them, we should not gain much
information bearing upon these questions, since
their occurrence is, at the best, extraordinarily rare."
This sentence is very erroneous ; for although the
bodies were apparently rare when 'I first recorded
their discovery, they were not necessarily so in a
state of nature ; for on continuing the experiments
after my first essay was written, the resting-spores
were produceed in myriads, and that, too, within the
tissues of a comparatively few leaves. During the
present spring I have sent mounted preparations of
the mature (or almost mature) resting-spores to
many of the foremost cryptogamic botanists of
Europe, but not one has denied their possible
identity with Peronospora infestans.

Por more than thirty years our Potato crops have
been systematically destroyed by two virulent fungi,
viz., Peronospora infestans and Fuslsporlum Solani.
These two parasites almost invariably work iu com-
pany with each other ; they suddenly appear for a
few weeks, destroy our crops, and vanish for ten or
twelve months, then reappear and repeat the work
of destruction. I claim for my work that it is new,
and that it has proved how both these fungi hide
and sleep through eleven months of the year. As
I have kept the resting-spores of both parasites
alive artificially in decayed potato-leaves in water,
in moist air, and in expressed diluted juice of horse-
dung, it conclusively proves to me that the resting-
spores hybernate naturally in the same manner.
The seat of danger from both parasites is clearly
in dung-heaps, ditch sides, and decaying Potato
plants.
Any method of destroying the resting-spores of

these pests, or of warding off or mitigating their
attacks, obviously depends in a great measure upon
a full knowledge of their life-history. That life-
history I have endeavoured to the best of my ability
to watch and describe, and I am content to let the
observations stand on their own merits. Sensibly
conducted and extensive field experiments might
probably teach some valuable lessons; but it is
difficult, if not impossible, for any single individual,
whether farmer or botanist, to institute and carry
out such experiments.

With these notes I am only too glad to bring the
whole subject (as far as regards my work upon it)
to an end. Any one who feels so disposed, and has
the time and patience to go over all the experiments
and observations again through another entire year
can do so.

MICROSCOPY.

Ec-RM- ELEMENTS IN WOODY STRUCTURES. — M.

Moller has recently described some new form-
elements in woody substances. In a cross-section
of Avicennia africana, e.g., he finds bright con-
centric circular lines, which the microscope shows
to consist of regular parallelopipedal stone cells.
Spiral thickening he finds in the libriform of Protect
ericoides, Hort.; so it is not confined exclusively, as
Sanio says, to vascular formation. The same natu-
ralist has also described some peculiar arrangement
of the parenchymatous elements of Aquillaria
Agallocha, Reb.

Volvox globator, &c. — In answer to the ques-
tion in last month's Gossip, whether it is usual for
the Volvox globator to disappear in a fortnight
from its first appearance, I beg to say that it is
not. I have found them in a pond in June, and
have been able to procure them from the same pond
as late as November 13th : this was in 1871. In
the same pond, this year, I again found them in
June, and they are very numerous at the present
time (August 7th). I believe they serve as food for
some of the animalculse. As to the other question,
Whether caddis- worms are injurious to Rotifers,
&c, I am fully persuaded that they are ; and I
always carefully exclude them and the various larvae
of gnats and dragon-flies, tadpoles of frogs and toads,
&c, from the glasses in which mine are kept for
observation ; as Melicerta ringens, Floscularia, &c.
Most of the larvae and tadpoles, &c, have a knack
of travelling up the stems of plants, and nibbling
everything that may be growing on them; so that if
they do not eat them, they certainly injure aud
destroy them.— James Fidlagar.

The " Sear " Lami*.— Since the construction of
my microscope lamp, illustrations of which appeared
in your impression of 1st May last, I have added to

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

209

the convenience of the instrument by the adapta-
tion of a steam or water-jacket drying-closet, shown
in the annexed illustration, for the purpose of dry-

Fig. 117. Drying- closet for Slides.

ing such specimens, sections, spines, &c, as require
to be put up dry in balsam, damar, or any of the
resinous cements ; and by the addition of a portable

Fig. 118. The " Sear " Microscope Lamp.

rack, which holds twelve slides of the ordinary
3x1 size, and which can be slid in and out of the
oven or case, facilities are obtained for dispersing
air-bubbles, hardening off and finishing slides so

mounted at a rate much faster than by the ordinary
method of leaving them to dry in a drawer, while
the tray-form of the top offers conveniences for
keeping gelatinous media, glycerine jelly, Deane's
cement, or even old balsam, in a fluid state, and this
without any trouble, and with very little attention,
on the part of the operator. The water-jacket has
a door on each side — one only can be shown in the
perspective, — and works, interchangeably with the
hemispherical bath, in the ring shown as carrying
the latter, its stability being assured by means of a
bayonet-joint, rendering the whole perfectly steady
and firm. The Silberlight Company, Limited, who
are makers of the lamp, will also 'supply the steam-
jacket and rack complete as shown; but I have no
pecuniary interest whatever in the invention, which
is offered with diffidence to the notice of micro-
scopists as the only lamp that meets all the require-
ments of the practical working student of the
microscope. — W. Lane Sear.

ZOOLOGY.

Provincial Societies. — We have received
part 4 of vol. i. of the " Transactions of the Wat-
ford Natural History Society," containing a lecture,
by Professor Moiris, on "The Physical Structure
of the London Basin considered in its relation to
the Geology of the neighbourhood of Watford"; a
paper by Mr. Pi. A. Pryor on "The Supposed Chaly-
beate Spring at Watford, and on the Medicinal
Waters in Herts," as well as the rainfall in 1875,

and miscellaneous notes and observations. The

East Kent Natural History Society held a soiree in
St. George's Hall recently, which was very success-
ful, the members contributing in every department
of natural history. The President (Mr. Dowker,
F.G.S.) and Mr. Saunders, gave elaborate addresses
on topics connected with the philosophy of modern
research.

Pleurobkanchus membranaceus — In reply to
Mr. A. J. P. Sclater's inquiry as to the food of
Pleurobranclms membranaceus, I think there is no
reason to doubt that this mollusk feeds entirely on
a vegetable diet. I have had six specimens sent to
me from four distinct localities, which I have care-
fully examined, also taken out the palates and giz-
zards for microscopic objects, and I therein saw no
substance I could term animal tissue in the stomachs,
&c, with a § objective. Judging from the uniform
green appearance of the pulpy mass found in the
stomach, I am inclined to conclude it was some kind
of fucus. I have not once found in Pleurobranchus
any vestige of animal tissue of any kind, even the
most indigestible fragment ; otherwise I have occa-
sionally found such; say, a palate, or part of a
palate, of the animal eaten in the stomach or gizzard

210

HARDWICKE'S SCIEN CE -GO SSIP.

of the animal-eating mollusks ; I therefore conclude
the Pleurobranch is a vegetarian ; yet I should like
to join my request to Mr. Sclater's, to see the
opinion on this subject, of some one of more exten-
sive experience, if there is still a doubt on the
question, in Science-Gossip. I do not care to have
extracts from books, but practical experience, and
for some reasons I have in reference to this same
Pleurobranch,— e.g., I was partly led on to examine
this mollusk and extract its palate through reading
the interesting book "On Objects for the Micro-
scope," by L. L. Clarke, wherein I read his descrip-
tion of the palate of the Pleurobranch, which, so
arrested my notice that I became exceedingly in-
terested in it, and, after prolonged effort to obtain
one, I was amazed to find the author had described
the gizzard for the palate ; and, consequently, the
palate really was not noticed. I presume he was
misled by a slide mounted by some other person
than himself, and then misled his readers through
its being wrongly named. — /. Turner.

BOTANY.

The Botany and Geology of West York-
shire.—Dr. P. A. Lees, and J. W. Davis, F.L.S.,
are engaged upon a complete description of the
Geology, Botany, Physical Geography, &c, of the
West Riding of Yorkshire, and the book (which
will be a large one, and limited in impressions) will
shortly be published.

Symphytum: tuberosum. — This is a common
plant in the vicinity of Edinburgh, and S. officinale
is also found, but in less abundance. Now I wish
to point out what appears to be a mistake about
the time when these two plants are in flower. Many
of our Floras give May and June as the flowering
season of S. officinale, and June and July as that of
tuberosum. But my own observation of t he plants
leads me to consider this a mistake. During the
present season S. tuberosum was in flower from
about the middle of May till the middle of June.
But officinale did not begin to flower till about the
middle of June, and continued flowering till August.
Perhaps some of the readers of Science-Gossip
may have observed which of the species is first in
other localities. — D. Douglas.

Direction of Plant-growth. — The direction
of plant-growth, it is known, is determined both by
light and by gravity. The geotropism, or action of
gravity exclusive of light, has before been examined ;
and recently M. Mullcr, of Thurgau, has en
deavoured to study the converse fact of heliotro-
pism, by excluding the influence of gravity as far as
possible. He grew his plants in a cylinder rotating
about its horizontal axis. The apparatus was so

arranged that the light, coming through an aperture
in the shutter of a dark room, fell parallel to the
axis ; the bendings observed were thus purely
heliotropical. Among other results he found that
only those zones which were not fully grown out,
showed heliotropic bendings ; that the most
strongly growing parts of the stem were most
sensitive to one-sided illumination ; that the bend-
ing takes some (variable) time to manifest itself
and continues some time after removal of the cause ;
that the rate of bending is at first slow, gradually
increases to a maximum, and thereafter diminishes ;
that the bending is greater the intenser the light*
&c.

Germination of Seeds. — It has recently been
proved that several kinds of seeds will germinate
between pieces of ice. A full investigation of the
lowest limit of temperature at which plants may
germinate has just been made by M. Haberlandt.
The experiments were upon wheat, rye, barley, red
beet, rape, lucern, poppy, and mauy other seeds.
Several hundred seeds were ''employed of each
species, and every fourteen days the seeds were
taken out of the ice-chest, whose temperature was
kept constant between 0° and 1°, and examined in a
space whose temperature was under freezing-point.
In forty-five days a decided beginning of germina-
tion was observable in eight different species. In
four months it had continued to progress in a
minority of these ; the rest had stopped. In
fourteen species there was no germination.
M. Haberlandt is of opinion that those seeds
which can germinate at a lower temperature than
others of the same species, will give plants that
require a less amount of heat for their complete
development than the others, and thus by artificial
sowing in cold spaces a means is to hand of obtain-
ing species soon ripe and needing little heat. Of
all the seeds which had remained for four months
in the ice-case, only a few were found capable of
development when brought into a warmer tempera-
ture of 16° C.

Maianthemum rifolium, D. C. (Smilacina
bifolia, Dest'.). — Will you give an old reader of
Science-Gossip room in your pages to state his
claim to the discovery of Maianthemum in the only
locality where it is really indigenous ? I have no
doubt the account will be interestingto your readers ;
but my chief reason for giving it is that the true
history of the plant seems but little known, so little
indeed that at a late meeting of the Leeds Natu-
ralists' Society a paper was read in which it was
stated that Mr. W. C. Backhouse, of York, was the
discoverer. Of this I was informed by one of the
presidents who knew my connection with the plant.
The history of its discovery is as follows : — In June,
1SG0, 1, accompanied by a friend, Mr. P. Reynolds
(then living at Ayton, near Scarborough), a field

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

211

botanist, was searching for plants through the sides
of Fcrge Valley, near Scarborough, and, winding
our way through the most unfrequented parts, I
came upon Maianthemum spread along the brow of
the hill on one side of the valley, growing in peat
soil, quite undisturbed, and shaded by oak-trees»
nearly a mile from any house or garden, and far
from any road. I called my friend to the dis-
covery, and we both took away specimens.
I immediately wrote to Mr. Mitten, the botanist,
and sent him a specimen of the plant. Mr.
Mitten sent the specimen to Mr. Borrer, who
was then the patriarch of British botanists, with an
account of its discovery. Mr. Borrer immediately
communicated the discovery to Dr. Walker Arnott.
Dr. Arnott at once wrote to me for particulars.
Just at that time the eighth edition of Hooker and
Arnott's "British Flora" was passing through the
press, and Dr. Arnott delayed the printiug-off uuti
I had satisfied him that the plant I had discovered
was truly British. I have before me now a letter
dated 5th July, 1360, from Mr. Borrer, in reply to
Mr. Mitten's communication, kindly sent me by
Mr. Mitten. He writes :— " Thank you for the
extremely interesting communication of Mr. Braby's
discovery. .... I visited the reported place in
Northumberland, and found it scarcely outside of a
garden, and the plant entirely carried away by
curious visitors. The place where I have seen it in
Caen-wood is dubious — oue large spot near a maze
walk in a wood. Perhaps Mr. Braby would pruden-
^ially conceal the name of the place where he found
his plant ; but I should like to know whether it is
beyond suspicion of escape from a garden." I
have also before me the second letter I received
from Dr. Arnott, dated 23rd July, 1860. He writes :
" The packet of Maianthemum, and also your letter,
reached me safely this forenoon. I have in conse-
quence modified somewhat the observations (in the
"British Flora") I have made on the locality, the
only one that has any pretensions to be considered
genuine. I have said, ' west-side of Forge Valley,
near Hackness,' instead of Hackness only, &c." It
will be seen th&t Mdianihentumbi/olmmwas unknown
as an indigenous British plant, until June, 1S60, when
it was discovered by me, and inserted by Dr. Arnott
without any doubtful mark as a genuine British
plant in the eighth edition of Hooker and Arnott's
" British Flora" ; its first appearance in any standard
work in that character. I may add that at Dr.
Arnott's request I sent him some roots of the plant,
which he informed me he had planted in the Botanic
Gardens, Glasgow. I have a letter from an ac-
quaintance then living at Scarborough, to this effect :
that some considerable time after the plant was
discovered, he saw Mr. Backhouse on a visit to the
locality. That visit I believe forms the whole of his
connection with the discovery of the plant. — J.
Braby.

Varieties of Colour in Wild Plants. — The
following varieties have been noticed by myself at
various times on the soils mentioned in each case : —
Varying from Purple to Pink and White : Campa-
nula rocundifolia, white, Chalk-downs, Worthing,
Sussex ; Trifolium prateuse, white, chalk and gravel,
Brighton and St. Alban's (does T. medium ever
vary ?) ; Viola cauina, pink and white, chalk,
Worthing; Viola odorata, pink and white, chalk,
gravel, &c., Worthing; Bartsia odontites, one speci-
men, white, chalk, Worthing; Prunella vulgaris,
white, gravel, Cambridge ; Erica tetralix, and
cinerea, white (I believe from Balcombe, Sussex,
sand) ; Calluna vulgaris, white (also, I believe, from
Balcombe, Sussex) ; Malva sylvestris, one specimen,
white, chalk, Steyning, Sussex ; Malva moschata,
white, gravel and clay, St. Alban's, Herts ; Centaurea
scabiosa, white, gravel (?), Ingatestone, Essex, —
chalk, Worthing ; Stachys palustris, white, gravel,
St. Alban's, — chalk, Worthing ; Stachys arvensis,
white, river alluvium, Cambridge ; Cardamine
pratensis, white, river alluvium, Cambridge ;
Erythraea Centaurium, Horsham, Sussex (soil?);
Hyacinthus nonscriptus, gravel, St. Alban's ; Poly-
gala vulgaris, pink and white, chalk, Worthing ;
Achillea Millefolium, varying from deep pink to
white everywhere. Varying from Yelloto or Red to
White: Primula vulgaris, white, chalk, Worthing ;
Papaver Rhoeas, pure white, ballast on railway,
Cambridge, one petal nearly entirely white, Brigh-
ton, chalk. I have found a double variety of Car-
damine pratensis fairly common near Worthing
(between Clapham and Finden), also Ranunculus
repens, with a double corolla, at Cambridge. I
heard my first chiffchaff this year on Sunday,
April 2, and swallow April 4, in St. John's College
grounds, Cambridge. In 1873 I was staying near
Brighton during the autumn, and I used to see a
pair of martins every sunny day till December 15.
On December 5 I saw a swallow ; it was a cold
day, and it could scarcely fly at all. I unfortunately
did not stay during the spring, so that I could not
tell if they hybernated. The year before last a
linnet bred in a gentleman's garden at Cambridge,
in November. I do not know if Sthey brought off
the young birds, but as the weather became very
cold soon after 1 heard of it, I suppose they did not.
I have twice found humble bees impaled on thorns
near a butcher-bird's nest, both times near Worth-
ing. On one bush there were three or four. Last
September I found two S. convolvuli near St.
Alban's, and the year before one very bad specimen
was brought me also from St. Alban's. I saw Edusa
aud Hyale also there last autumn. I think I saw a
request for a receipt for a cement fit for natural
history purposes. Isinglass dissolved in warm
vinegar or acetic acid answers very well, and is, I
believe, the same as the cement called Coaguline.
It needs warming before use.— A. F. G.

212

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GO SSIP.

GEOLOGY.

Carboniferous Laud-shells. — Dr. Dawson
has described the occurrence of a large number of
a carboniferous land-shell {Pupa vetusta) in South
Loggias, Nova Scotia, inside an erect Sigillaria
trunk, above two thousand feet above the stratum
where this shell was first met with. Two other
carboniferous laud-shells, Pupa vermilionensis and
Bawsonella MeeJci, have also been found in the coal-
field of Illinois.

"Missing Links."— Professor Marsh is now
arranging the vast collection of animal remains
found in the West, and announces two additional
fossil birds possessing teeth implanted in sockets.
One is a new species of the first division, Hesperor-
nis, and the other forms the type of a new genus,
Lestornis (Z. crassipes), the remains of which indi-
cated a large swimming bird, fully six feet in length
from the bill to the end of the toes.

" The Metamorphic Rocks surrounding the
Land's-End mass of Granite" is the title of a
recently-published paper by S. Allport, Esq., F.G.S.
The author described the results of a microscopic
examination of certain metamorphic rocks surround-
ing the Land's-End granite, indicating the changes
produced by the intrusion of the latter upon clay-
slate and upon certain igneous rocks. The slates
in contact with granite become converted into tour-
maline and mica-schists, and are found to contain
crystalline quartz, tourmaline, and three distinct
varieties of mica, with occasionally tremolite, mag-
netite (and andalusite?), and in some localities
felspar. Their structure is also changed, the most
remarkable changes being foliation with every
gradation from nearly straight parallel lines to the
most complicated contortions, and concretionary
structure by segregation of quartz and mica, the
result being a spotted schist. The strata near the
granite contain far more quartz than those at a
distance ; and the author thought that there could
be no doubt that much of the quartz has been
derived directly from the intruded rock. He referred
particularly to the fluid-cavities contained in the
quartz of the granite, schorl-rock, and altered slates ;
and from his observations upon them, stated that
he was compelled to dissent from the views of Mr.
Sorby, inasmuch as he found no uniformity to pre-
vail in the relative sizes of the bubbles and fluid-
cavities in the quartz crystals belonging to pre-
cisely the same portion of rock, or even in the same
crystals. Hence he regarded it as impossible to
arrive at even an approximate estimate of either
the temperature or the pressure under which a
given rock was formed, from a consideration of such
characters. The author next described the charac-
ters and mode of occurrence of tourmaline both in
the granite and in the schorl-rock, and inferred that

at the separation of the latter from the former the
whole mass was in a plastic state, and that then the
tourmaline and quartz became crystallized in an
order varying in accordance with varying conditions.
He also noticed the alteration of tourmaline pro-
ducing pseudomorphs of that mineral ; and stated
that while all the three varieties of mica found dis-
tinctly furnish the red lithium line when treated
spectroscopically, this is most strongly marked and
persistent in the white variety, which is probably a
typical lepidolite. The altered dolerites and basalts
described by the author in the remainder of his
paper are marked as " Greenstones " on the map of
the Geological Survey. They were stated to vary
in colour from dark bluish-green to dark brownish-
green, and in texture from coarsely crystalline
rocks, not fissile in any direction, to fine-grained or
compact rocks with an imperfect slaty cleavage.
The coarsely crystalline rocks are regarded by the
author as altered dolerites, and some, if not all, of
the more compact varieties as originating from fine-
grained basaltic portions of the same rocks. The
author was unable to decide whether these masses
are contemporaneous and interbedded or intrusive
sheets ; — both may be present, but in any case they
are older than the granite. He described in some
detail the structure of specimens of these altered
rocks from many localities, the microscopic exami-
nation of which shows that the pyroxenic mineral,
whether augite or diallage, has frequently been con-
verted into a hornblendic substance, and that
actinolite is found filling cavities and fissures in
precisely the same manner as other products of
alteration. The imperfect cleavage of the more
compact varieties is regarded by the author as in
accordance with the facts observed in typical slates.
The metamorphism of the dolerites is regarded by
him as different in kind from that of the slates, and
caused rather by a decomposition and rearrange-
ment of mineral substances in situ than by an intro-
duction of new material. In many cases the process
of alteration may be followed step by step ; and
from the evidence it would appear that two rocks
of similar origin and composition may follow two
different lines of metamorphosis, and thus become
converted into two totally different substances ; and
again many of the metamorphic rocks have under-
gone a second series of changes, brought about
chiefly by chemical forces, and indicated by the
occurrence of micaceous and chloritic pseudomorphs
after tourmaline and an alteration (hydration) of
the mica. With regard to the origin of the granite
of Cornwall, the author said that neither observa-
tion in the field nor microscopical study lends any
support to the notion that it is a metamorphic
rock ; but, on the contrary, that there is the clearest
evidence of former deep-seated volcanic action, in
the disturbance and alteration described in his
paper, and in the enormous number of granitic and

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GO SSI P.

213

felsitic dykes intersecting the country for miles.
The mode of occurrence of granite in other localities
also seems to him to furnish evidence in the same
direction.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

The Polecat. — It was with great interest and
amusement that I perused the graphically described
yet ludicrous account of your correspondent, W.
Hambrough, in Science-Gossip, of an encounter
with that pugnacious little animal the Polecat. I
can corroborate his statement with regard to the
ferocity, irritability, and daring disposition of its
nature. In fact, it was lucky for his person that he
thought discretion the better part of valour, and
made at once a precipitate retreat, although it was
on the site where ancient deeds of valour were per-
formed, or else he would have had as tough a fight as
ever Roman and Briton had in mortal combat. I
was once staying at a house where they kept a pole-
cat (the last animal I should like to own). What with
the obnoxious odours that issued from its place of
confinement, and its rancorous inclination, it was a
task of considerable difficulty to approach within a
respectable distance of the animal, and still more so
to feed it, at which time it would stick up its back
in a curved position, making its fur almost stand on
end, at the same time hissing and spitting in a most
terrific manner ; and I often noticed, instead of
taking the food at once, it would make a desperate
snap at the leg or arm of the person who fed it.
After fruitless attempts to try and tame this wretched
beast, the owner was going to give it away, when
one day it made its escape and was never seen after.
I also remember being told some years ago by a
scientific gentleman, whom I happened to know at
the time, of a labourer being attacked by a polecat,
which in this case jumped upon his chest and clung
there, damaging his neck considerably, with the
dogged obstinacy of a bull-dog. He was not able
to extricate himself, till, with a well-aimed blow of
his stick, he felled the contumacious beast to the
earth— C. P. Hall, Woolwich.

The Newt. — There seems to be a little uncer-
tainty in the minds of some of the contributors to
Science-Gossip with regard to the manner in which
the Newt lays her eggs. I can confirm " G. S.'s "
statement that they are laid singly. I have reared
large numbers of this amphibian from the ova, and
they have been invariably laid separately on the
leaves of Anacharis alsinastrum, the leaf being
folded round the egg to protect it, I should imagine,
from the sharp eyes of a hungry fish. At the present
time I have in the garden several females of the
Smooth Newt, who have, for the last two years and
a half, roamed about a fernery there, resolutely
declining to remain with their relatives in the
aquarium, although it is well stocked, I having for
several years adopted the plan (recommended by
" G. S." in your last) of never changing the water.
I should like to know if any of your readers have
experienced the same repugnance to an aquatic life
in this reptile. So far as my observation has ex-
tended, the habit is confined to the female; and in
ihose individuals that have pursued a terrestrial life
for some time the skin has a soft velvety appear-
ance. Have any of your readers observed any ten-
dency to cannibalism in the Newts ? Of those born
in my aquarium a large number were from time to

time divested of their caudal appendages by their
adult kindred, and this, in most cases, resulted in
death. — E. Step, Southicark.

Notes on the Aquarium. — " G. S." wishes me
to tell him whether I change the water in my
aquarium, and says that " most probably this very
change of water is one of the primary causes of
fatality" amongst fish and tadpoles. In answer to
this I can confidently state that the water had not
been changed since the aquarium was filled in
February, 1876. I certainly did occasionally take
about one quart of water out and replace it with
fresh, but I did this more for the purpose of getting
the dust off the surface of the water than for any-
thing else. I have never had any rock-work in my
aquarium, and I shall be glad if " G. S." will tell me
how I ought to arrange it, as I intend to put some
in. The statement which I made in reference to
the appearance of frog spawn a week earlier than
usual last year, was made upon the authority of an
acquaintance of mine, who saw some in a pond while
out botanizing on the 2nd or 3rd of April, 1876, 1
am not quite sure which of the two days it was. I
have not read " The Common Frog" through, but,
from what I did read during the short time 1 had it
in my possession, I can confidently recommend it
to all who take an interest in the study of our
British reptiles, and to young students especially. —

h. a a m.

Variety of the House Sparrow. — The follow-
ing extract from Mr. Cordeaux's "Birds of the
Humber District " (Van Voorst) will be of interest
to " C. H." and other readers of Science-Gossip :—
" Mr. Boulton, in Zoologist for 1865, page 9531,
speaks of a breed of black sparrows at Leven, in
Holderness, the males deep blackish brown, so
black as to be only distinguished from that colour
when in hand ; the females are a shade lighter,
young covered with slaty-black down. White and
party-coloured varieties also occasionally occur. A
common form is with more or less of the primaries
white."— W.G.B. P., Hull.

The Clouded Yellow Butterfly (Colias
Edusa). — This elegant butterfly seems certainly to
be becoming commoner than formerly in the South
of England, an agreeable exception to what is
generally prevalent amongst British butterflies, the
rarer species of which have undergone a sad reduc-
tion these late years. In many fields about North
Kent it was pretty plentiful this summer, occasion-
ally appearing in company with the scarcer C. Hyale.
I do not know that there is now an increased produc-
tion of clover, else that might account for the
butterfly's thriving. Some specimens I saw on the
wing by a roadside on the last day of September
flew to languidly that I caught two with my fingers,
their demeanour being strangely in contrast with
the usual celerity of the species. It has been much
debated whether C. Edusa hybernates or dies off ere
the winter sets in. Ttie dilapidated appearance,
however, of late individuals rather suggests that they
had not vitality to carry them on to another season.

—j. r.s. a

Enormous Puff-balls.— Although the puff-ball
I described in the December number of Science-
Gossip seemed to me very large, I have since read a
description of some puff-balls of such a size that in
comparison with them my specimen was almost in-
significant. The description of them may be found
in the Zoologist for October, 1875, communicated by
John Sclater, Castle Eden, Durham. He says that

214

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

he found nineteen of these puff-balls in a field bor-
dering the Dene, and that by bringing home one of
medium size he found the average size would be—
circumference, 3 ft. G in. ; height, 1\ in. ; weight, 5
pounds. These would thus be six times as large as
mine. The editor of the Zoologist, Mr. E. Newman,
appends a note saying that Lycoperdon giganteum
has been found measuring49 inches in circumlerence,
which is yet 7 inches more than these. 1 am much
obliged to Martin (Jardiner for giving me the light
name of this species, L. bovista, or L. giganteum. I
can readily believe that it would make a most palat-
able dish, for its smell is as fresh and inviting as
that of the nicest mushroom ; and not only in smell
is it attractive, but also in appearance, the interior
being of the purest white imaginable. My specimen
was not of the shape of an inverted cone, as described
by Badham, but was an imperfect prolate spheroid,
like a vegetable marrow, larger at one end than at
the other, with a footstalk at the side, not at the
end ; and, from the dimensions given by Mr. Sclater,
I should judge that his were somewhat similar. —
Frank J. Allen, Shepton Mallet.

Aquilegia. — " R. W." appears to me to be mis-
taken when saying that " the latter half of the word
is left out altogether," in the derivation of aquilegia
from aquila, tor I find the following in Dr. Thorn-
ton's "British Flora": — "Aquilegia, from aquila,
an eagle, and lego, to collect — a nest of eagles."
And he also says : " Or from the talons bent in, as
with birds of prey," the idea of resemblance to a
bird being evidently the prevailing one.—/. B.
Bradley.

Query about Gold-pish.— Can and will any of
your numerous correspondents tell me the reason of
the following fact ? Last November I bought some
small gold-fish for a tank wherein I have some
Valisneria growing. Nothing could have gone on
better till about last February, when 1 remarked
that their tails and fins were getting ragged, and
now they are gradually becoming "small by degrees
and beautifully less." The water is above suspicion
as to purity, the shingle and sand at bottom per-
fectly sweet, but the fish are lethargic and keep to
the top of the water. A tench and two minnows in
the tank do not suffer from the above ailment. —
Windsor Hambrough.

Birds' Eggs. — As an egg-collector, I wish to
make a few observations on the egg which has
puzzled "E. B.T." When an egg is found away from
a nest, as in the manner described, it is sometimes
difficult to correctly name it, as all birds' eggs vary
in size, shape, and markings. From the description,
1 should imagine the egg to be that of the Song-
thrush, Tardus musicus. I have had song-thrushes'
eggs exactly the same as that described by " E. B. T."
They are slightly smaller than the average of
thrushes' eggs, nearly round, and of a "uniform
greenish-blue colour," entirely destitute of spots.
There were four eggs in the nest, all the same size
and colour. If your correspondent will again refer
to Morris's "British Birds' Eggs," he will iind this
variety of the Thrush's egg described. I have often
noticed great variations in the size, shape, and
markings of the eggs of the Song-thrush. In my
collection I have about twenty thrush eggs from
districts widely apart,— Kent, Scotland, and North-
east Lancashire. Not two of these eggs are alike
in size, shape, or markings. Some are profusely
blotched in blaek spots, especially at the thick end ;
others are more sparely dotted, while the two re-

ferred to are entirely devoid of spots. " E. B. T.'s "
eggs could scarcely have been those of the American
yellow-billed cuckoo, a bird, so far as I am aware,
never yet observed in this country. Solitary eggs
found apart from the nest speedily become weathered.
Some time ago I picked up a starling's egg in a
field ; the egg, though perfectly fresh, was a pure
dead white, and for some time I was rather puzzled,
as to what it really was. This season I found a
very large blackbird's egg amongst the grass in a
wood. It was a remarkably large specimen ; but
how it got there it is difficult to surmise. In this
locality, nearly 1,000 feet above the level of the sea,
the eggs of the birds which breed here are generally
of a much darker colour than those of their kind in
low-lying and more sheltered localities. This I
attribute to climatic influences and to the kind of
food. This season I found a blackbird's nest high
up on the moors in a heather bush : the eggs were
as nearly black as possible. At first I thought the
nest was that of the Ring- ouzel (Turdus torquatus),
which breeds plentifully in the neighbourhood ; but
on a second visit I saw the hen blackbird go off the
nest. If the nest of the ring-ouzel and that of the
blackbird were placed side by side, and the eggs
removed, it would puzzle an experienced orni-
thologist to determine " which was which." From
" E. B. T.'s " description I feel certain his egg is
that of the common Song-thrush.— 8. II. Kerr,
Bacup, Lancashire.

The Cuckoo's Eggs. — In answer to Mr. J. G.
Henderson's query (Science-Gossip for Inly 1st,
p. 167), the following may show that the Cuckoo
does not hatch her own eggs. Mr. Taylor says
("Half-hours in the Green Lanes") : " We know
it builds no nest of its own, but drops its eggs in
that of other birds, Nature appearing to have
endowed every hen cuckoo with the power of laying
eggs similar in colour to those of the species in
whose nest she lays, in order that they may not be
detected by the foster-parents." Gilbert White
says : " M. Herissant, a French anatomist, seems
persuaded that he has discovered the reason why
cuckoos do not hatch their own eggs. The impedi-
ment, he supposes, arises from the internal structure
of their parts, which incapacitates them for incuba-
tion. According to this gentleman, the crop, or
craw, of a cuckoo does not lie before the sternum
at the bottom of the neck, as in the Gal'inse,
Columbge, &c, but immediately behind it, on and
over the bowels, so as to make a large protuberance
in the belly.* Induced by this assertion, we pro-
cured a cuckoo, and, cutting open the breastbone,
and exposing the intestines to sight, found the crop
lying as mentioned above. This stomach was large
and round, and stuffed hard, like a pincushion, with
food, which, upon nice examination, we found to
consist of various insects, such as small scarabs,
spiders, and dragon-flies, the last of which we have
seen cuckoos catching ou the wing as ttiey were
just emerging out of the aurelia state. Among this
farrago also were to be seen maggots and many
seeds, which belonged either to gooseberries, cur-
rants, cranberries, or some such fruit ; so that, these
birds apparently subsist on insects and fruit ; nor
was there the least appearance of bones, feathers,
or fur to support the idle notion of their being
birds of prev. It must be allowed, as this anato-
mist observes, that the crop, placed just upon the
bowels, must, especially when full, be in a very

* " Histoire de PAcaic-mie Royale," 1/5*.

HABDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOS SIP.

215

uneasy situation during the business of incubation.
Yet the test will be to examine whether birds that
are actually known. to sit for certain are not formed
in a similar manner." — W. 0. B. Page, Hull.

The Cuckoo. — I read with interest Mr. J. L.
Copemau's notes on the habits of the Cuckoo, and
think that, on the whole, his arguments are correct.
I was always an enthusiastic collector of eggs, and
it was my good fortune to find several cuckoo's
eggs, uniform in colour and size, conveying to my
mind a certain resemblance to the egg of the house-
sparrow. I believe it is an open question how the
egg is deposited in the nest. Mr. Copeman uses
the word "lay" in the common acceptation of the
term ; but I think this does not invariably hold good,
as a friend of mine, an experienced naturalist, in-
forms me that he has found a cuckoo's egg in a nest
so placed that the egg could not have got there
otherwise than through the medium of the bird's
bill. I myself believe that this is the general
method which the Cuckoo adopts for placing her
egg in the nests of other birds. It would be in-
consistent to suppose that she " dropped" them in,
as Mr. Taylor asserts, as in this way they would
stand a chance of being fractured through collision
with the other eggs in the nest ; and besides, the
small size of some of the nests does not admit of
her placing: herself in the ordinary attitude of incu-
bation. To conclude, 1 may state that all are
agreed about the parasitic habits of the Cuculidse ;
that the volition of the Cuckoo with regard to the
variation of its eggs is questionable ; that in a great
majority of cases it lays its eggs in some suitable
spot, and then conveys them to a nest previously
fixed upon. I think that these observations will
meet with the approval of most of your readers ; but
if any of them have any suggestions to offer, I
should be most happy to receive them. — Frank
Richardson, Rhayader.

Re Cuckoo's Eggs. — The Cuckoo invariably lays
one egg, and that of a shape and coloration suffi-
ciently characteristic to render its recognition easy
to those previously acquainted with it. More
young cuckoos are, probably, hatched by the hedge-
sparrow than by all the other birds together. I have
watched the Cuckoo's pioceedings dozens of times
in an orchard in Staffordshire, and had as many as
three young cuckoos to visit at one time. I
always succeeded in making them very tame, and
they never wandered far away until their final migra-
tion. The foster-mother manifested considerable
mistrust in her attempts to satisfy the demands of
her usurper's capacious throat; and appeared to
observe precautions, lest she should be swallowed
herself. I have no doubt the Cuckoo's e^g varies a
little in coloration, but do not believe in the exist-
ence of any special provision for voluntary pigmen-
tation in the act of extrusion, as suggested by
Mr. Taylor. The usual custom of the Cuckoo is to
suck the eggs existing in the nest, and then to
deposit therein one of her own, to which may sub-
sequently be added one or more of the proper pro-
prietors. After the hatching is completed, the
young monster soon effects the destruction of his
puny associates by appropriating the lion's share of
the food — by trampling them to death— or by
ousting them bodily ; and so remains sole possessor
of a home, which he quickly outgrows, and tyran-
nically maintains.— E. Holland, M.D.

Nettle Beek. — It may not be generally known
to your readers that the ironworkers, puddlers,
and colliers of Monmouthshire drink a quantity of

the above-named beverage ; in fact, it is so common
to them, that, every woman is supposed to know how
to make nettle beer as readily as she makes tea.
The men say they can work better on it than malt
liquors, and the women put faith in it as being
" good for the blood." I cannot express any
therapeutical opinion on it ; I can only say that it
is very pleasant to drink, and I should think, if
carefully made, it would be better to "work on"
than public-house beer. This is the formula given
to me by a housewife who makes two gallons
weekly : — Boil in two gallons of water a few hand-
fnls of nettles, ditto of dandelion, about a handful
of wood sage, two ounces of bruised ginger, and a
few handfuls of hairough, or what is called in some
parts cleavers ; these should be boiled together for
about half an hour, strained, and worked by placing
some toasted bread into it with a little yeast on.
This operation being over, one ounce of cream of
tartar is added to the whole, which should be
bottled, tightly corked, and laid upon its side, and
after a few days will be ready for use. — S. B.
Mason.

Clothes Moths. — If William Bean will put a
bit or two of common dip candle, rolled in paper,
with his woollen tie, he will see no more moths.
This has been thoroughly tested. — 31. A. L.

Sagacity of Birds. — During this dry summer,
thrushes and other birds seem to have a difficulty
in securing the kind of food required, partly because
worms seldom are seen at the surface of the ground
in very dry weather. This morning, on my lawn,
I found thrushes had been busy at work, at the two
back feet of an iron seat; where during the night
they had carried a number of snails, chiefly large,
and broken their shells against the iron-work, to
the 'extent of at least thirty-two, which 1 counted
from the larger fragments strewing the grass. They
had evidently been holding high feast there, from
the manner in which the grass was padded, and
smeared with the slimy secretion of the snails. —
Horace Pearce, F.G.S.

Fatal Bite op an Adder. — Can the following
paragraph, which has been going the round of the
papers, be verified ?— " On Thursday afternoon, a
young man named George Thompson, who was on
a walking tour with a friend through Surrey and
Sussex, was ascending the celebrated elevation of
Leith Hill, when he accidentally trod upou a black
adder. Thompson, who was wearing knickerbockers,
was bitten by the reptile in the calf of the leg.
Apprehending no danger, he continued his ascent,
and had reached a small village on the other side,
when he was taken ill. He was assisted to the inn,
aud a medical man was sent for. The virus from
the bite, however, had so impregnated his system
that, despite every attention, he died on Saturday."
-T. P. B.

Do Spiders make a Noise?— Yes; the one I
saw and heard was black and hairy, the body about
the size of a sweet pea, legs short ; it was hanging
head downwards half an inch, and vibrated, butjl
could not see how the tick or chick was produced. —
F.S.

Yellow Bunting.— In addition to Cumberland
and Northumberland (referred to in last month's
Science-Gossip under " Local Names of Plants "),
the Yellowhammer is known amongst boys, both in
Berwick aud Roxburghshire, as the Yellow-yorhu.
It is also sometimes called the Yite and Yellow-yite
in these counties. — A. B., Kelso.

216

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

To Correspondents and Exchangers.— As we now
publiBh Science-Gossip at least a week earlier than hereto-
fore, we cannot possibly insert in the following number any
communications which reach us later than the 8th of each
month. __^_

E. Lovett.— Many thanks for the slide.

E. W. A. — Either some joke or some mistake has been per-
petrated, for the flowers, " all from this neighbourhood,"
consisted of wheat, oats, roses, geraniums, and maiden-hair
ferns !

H. A. S.— The "minute black spots" on the chalk sur-
rounding flints are filmy deposits of oxide of manganese.

James W. R. (Manchester).— Get Lankester's" Half-Hours
with the Microscope," with chapter on Polarization by
F. Kitton.

S. A. B.— The galls on the hawthorn are produced by the
puncturing of the bark by a species of Cynips.

H. R. M.— Smee's " My Garden"; Burbidge's "Domestic
Floriculture " ; and Hensley's " Hand-book of Trees, Shrubs,
and Herbaceous Plants," will, any of them, give you the
information you seek.

A. B.— Thanks for the interesting specimen of a mon-
strosity in Medicago.

G. R. Vine.— The specimens of macrospores of Lepido-
dendron are thankfully accepted, as would be any other
similar objects. We never heard of their being found under
such conditions before. Send us a short account of them.

M. Mudie. — Your fungi arrived in such a state of decom-
position that it was impossible to identify them. A new
edition of Cooke's " British Fungi," with coloured plates,
will shortly be published by Hardwicke & Bogue, iy2,
Piccadilly.

Enquirer. — We are not aware of the existence of any
special scientific book club. The best work is Nicholson's
"Manual of Palaeontology," published by Blackwood.

R. Booty. — The specimens are: 1. Cardium echinatum;
2. Pecten dubius ; 3. Hydrobia ; 4. Cyprea Europeu ; and, 5.
a species of Bulla.

Permian.— Among the best books on Geology are Lyell's
" Student's Manual ";Geikie's edition of Juke's "Manual";
Green's " Manual '' (1st vol. on Physical Geology only) ; and
Tate's edition of Portlock's " Manual." The best work on
Palaeontology is Prof. Nicholson's "Manual.'' The only
special work on the Permian formation is in German, by
Prof. Geinitz, on the " Dyas." The book by Lyell you men-
tion is so |largely added to in the later editions, that it is
hardly worth while putting it in the hands of a student who
wants to gain time.

H. M. C. A.— The plant will be named in our next issue.

W. A. C— Your tern is a young specimen of Polystichum
lonchitis.

M. F. — The specimens are : Corallina officinalis (a sea-weed
which secretes lime, and is usually of a pinky-white colour),
and a dried specimen of a zoophyte {Tubularia indivisa).

J. J. V. — The flower is that of the Soap-wort (Sapunaria
officinalis) .

EXCHANGES.

15a, 512, 776, 990, 1,101, 1,226, 1,287, 1,445, 1,513, 1,566,
Medicago lappacea, Veronica peregrina. Euphorbia dulcis,
Poa suUetica, &c, offered for 14rf, 32, 101, 106, 119, 194, 241,
255, 471, 474, 500, 564, 598, 631, 698, 720, 721, 828, 851, 1,060,
1,089, 1,105, 1,137, 1,305, 1,451, 1,453, 1,513, 1,553, 1,554,
"L. C.," 7th ed. Also Lowland for Alpine Willows. —
A. Brotherston, Shedden- Park- road, Kelso, N.B.

Silene nutans in exchange for Meldotus arvensis or other
plants. — G. C. Druce, Northampton.

Two good Slides of named Foraminifera for each fair
specimen of Salicornaria, Retepora, Cellularia, and Lepralia ;
and Foraminifera for Fossil PolyzoaorBrachiopoda.— G. R.V.,
Hill Top, Attercliffe, near Sheffield.

Vegetable Sections, double stained, showing vascular
tissue in red, and cellular tissue in blue, in exchange for other
well-mounted Slides.— W. G. C, 103, Warren-avenue, Bos-
ton, U.S.A.

Wanted. — Rubbings of Monumental Brasses in exchange
for Fossils from Chalk, Seaweeds, Ferns, &c, or Rubbings
from this district.— Address, Frederick Stanley, 6, Clifton-
gardens, Cliftonville, Margate, Kent.

Offered.- 191. 6696, 757c, 1,121, 1,494, 1,506, &c, " Lon.
Cat.," 7th ed., for other Plants.— D. Douglas, 13, McNeil
Hall, Leith-walk, Leith.

Wood Sections, Soundings, Zoophytes, Diatoms, and. Ferns,
given in exchange for other Unmounted Material. — A.,
Rugham Farm, Rotherfield, Sussex.

Devon Algae, mounted and named, for Northern Spe-
cimens.— P., 3, Fern Cottages, Torquay.

Duplicates. — Paphia, Adippe, Selene, Euphrosyne, Arte-
mis, Lucina, Sibylla, Galathea, Corydon, Alsus, Humuli, and
Lupulinus. — R. J. Stent, 70, Queen-street, Portsea, Hants.

Eggs for Exchange, blown with one hole — Oyster-catcher,
Tern, Dunlin, Dipper, Redshank, Red Grouse, Golden Plover,
Ring Plover, Curlew, &c. Wanted : Owls, Nightjar, King-
fisher, Heron, &c. Unaccepted offers not answered. —
J. Lancaster, 24, Prince's. street, Carlisle.

Pup-ffi: of Jacobece; Imagos of Adippe, Euphrosyne, Selene,
Polychloros, X. dispar, &c. : also a few Larvae of Bombyz
Cynthia ; offered for Sinapis, Edusa, Betula>, Aglaia, Cardui,
Blandina, &c., or other silk-producing species. — R. Laddiman,
3, Cossey-terrace, Upper Hellesdon, Norwich.

Free distribution, upon receipt of small box and return
postage. I shall be glad to send to any conchologist spe-
cimens of Zonites glaber and C. rugosa, var. dubia, from the
neighbourhood of Malham, Yorkshire. — Lister Peace,
Hebble-terrace, Bradford-road, Huddersfield.

Unmounted Microscopic Material wanted in exchange
for British and Foreign Zoophytes. Write first. No ferns
wanted. — E. C. J., 46, Gensing-road, St. Leonard's-on-Sea.

A bich and interesting Diatomaceous Deposit (mounted)
to exchange for any good Slide illustrating Marine Life, —
Echinodermata or Crustacea preferred. — Ed. Lovett, Holly
Mount, Croydon.

Nos. 1155, 121, 122, 127, 140, 533, 542, 724, 912, 1,041, 1,198,
1,4416, 1,478,1,506, "Lon. Cat.,'' offered for Nos. 74, 184,312,
334, 348, 353, 377. 598, 855, 1,133, 1,248.— G. Horn, 57, Bell-
street, Calton, Glasgow.

Wanted. — Slides of Stauroneis spicula and Schizo7iema
cruciger, in exchange for well mounted Slides of Diatoms
from Subpeat, Troy, New Hampshire, U.S.A.— John Bram-
hall, St. John's Vicarage, King's Lynn.

Saponaria officinalis, var. puberula, Syme, and Catabraa
aquatica, var. littoralis, Pam., in exchange for other good
Plants. — John Wm. Burton, 35, Hemans-street, Liverpool.

Goody era repens, given in exchange for any of the following :
Ophrys apifera, O. arachnites, 0. aranifera, O. muacifera,
O. spiralis. — Miss H. Joss, invergordon, N.B.

BOOKS, &c, RECEIVED.

"The Crimea and Transcaucasia." 2 vols. By J. B.
Telfer, R.N. London: H. S. King & Co.

"Annual Record of Science and Industry." 1876. London:
Trilbner.

" Rambles of a Naturalist." By J. H. Gurney, jun.
London : Jarrold & Sons.

" Carpenter's Mental Physiology." 4th Edition. London :
H. S. King & Co.

" Weather Charts and Storm Warnings." B y R. H. Scott,
F.R.S. London : H. S. King & Co.

"Monthly Microscopical Journal." August.

" American Naturalist." July.

" Boston Journal of Chemistry." July.

" Potter's American Monthly." July.

" Canadian Entomologist." July.

"LesMondes." July.

" Land and Water." August.

" The Argonaut." August.

"Chemical News." August.

" Journal of Education." August.

" Annual Report of Entomological Society of Ontario."
&c. &c. &c.

Communications Received up to 9th ult. from: —
G. H. K.— F. K.— G. W. jun.— S. W. U.— E. E.— H. E. W.—
A. P.— T. W. D.-Dr. P. Q. K.— M. A. B.— F. H A.— H. J —
— R. R. T.-G. P.— J. A. jun.— W. H.-G. E. B— M. A. T—
F. C.-J. H. G.-R. D.-H. I. T— S. C— Dr. G. D. B.—
H. H. C— W. G. B. P.— S. B. M.— C. B. P.— J. F.— J. B.—
Dr. E. T. N.— T. P. B.— M. M.— R. J. S.— H. C. D.— H. R. M.—
W. W.-J. L.— J. T.-H. E. W.-G. E. L— S. D. T.— H. C—
-H. M. C. A— H. P.— Dr. F. G. C. D.— J. T. A.— W. G. C—
—J. J.V.— Dr. E. H.— G. U— G. D.-F. S.-D. D.— A. H. B.—
W. L. S.— Dr. J. S. W.— M. F— F. J. R.— M. A. L.— J. G. H.
— G. C. R.— W. A. C.-S. P.-Dr. F. A. L.— E. W. B.— L. P.—
-E. C. J.— F. L. C. R— A. B.-G. V. R.— T. W.— J. B.—
S. B— S. A. B.— S. A. J.— F. J. R— J. T. A.- A. H. B.—
E. W. A —J. V. L.— H. A. S — T. W. T.— J. B.-H. E. W.—
D. E. J.— J. W. B.— D. B.-H. J.— M. G. C. H.-&C, &c.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

217

HOW TO DISCEIMINATE BETWEEN EDIBLE AND

POISONOUS FUNGI.

By C. B. PLOWRIGHT.

'D^^3 HE glorious au-
tumn is fast
approaching,
with its loaded
orchards, its
■well-filled
barns, its cool,
refreshing days,
and its rich, mellow twilights.
What a change from the over-
powering sultriness and dust of
July and August ! With au-
tumn comes the great mass of
mushrooms and toadstools, —
good, bad, and indifferent ; of
all colours, shapes, and sizes;
which, to the oi 77-0W01, repre-
sent the whole mycologic king-
dom. Our country, as being
highly favoured for the fungo-
logist, has long been known ; but, during the last
few years, many and rich additions have been made
to its flora, especially by Scotch botanists. Por
some considerable time past, attempts have been
made to introduce and popularize the Continental
fungus-eating customs; but, up to the present,
these attempts have not been crowned with any
special degree of success. In spite of our precon-
ceived notions of Prench cooks and Parisian cuisine,
it must be admitted much comes to table, and is
eaten with considerable gusto abroad, that our less
highly educated tastes reject as unpalatable. This
is equally true of fungus-eating. A friend of ours,
a keen naturalist, frequently resides for some
months in the year in the South of France, and
although he enjoys Prench fare as well as most
people, he speaks of the cooked fungi as being insipid
to a degree. The method of procedure with these
articles of diet seems to be that the fresh fungi,
when gathered, are cut into small pieces and dried
No. 142.

in the sun, and are preserved for winter use. Before
being cooked, they undergo a series of continued
washings in water, until literally all the remaining
flavour is washed out of them. By this process it
is extremely probable many species are rendered
not only innoxious, but perfectly wholesome, which
would otherwise produce most serious, if not fatal
symptoms ; and from being useless waste products,
become material for the formation of unexceptional
protoplasm. Many analyses of fungi have been
published, but a real knowledge of their chemistry
remains a desideratum : their ultimate composition
has been more or less worked at ; but our knowledge
of their proximate constituents is very meagre.
We learn from Dr. Badham, that in Rome the com-
mon mushroom is classed with poisonous fungi, and
not allowed to be sold in the public market. It is
highly improbable this would have been the case
without there being some good and substantial
reason for it, for Italy is a country where numerous
species of fungi are largely consumed, and no fear
of these plants as a class exists. It would seem as
if there were something special in the climate of the
districts from which the Roman market is supplied
that renders the mushrooms grown in it poisonous.
We know how powerful is the influence of surround-
ing circumstances upon flowering plants. For
example, the exclusion of light from potato tubers
or celery plants considerably modifies their proper-
ties. Every now and then we hear of people being
poisoned (not necessarily fatally) in this country by
eating mushrooms, and, when this happens, it is
almost always attributed to the wrong kind having
been gathered, and not to the nature of the plant
being modified by special circumstances. Upon
more than one occasion such cases have come under
my notice personally, in which people who knew
what was a mushroom and what was not, have been
made seriously ill by their repast. What the pre-
cise difference in the composition of the plant is,

218

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GO SSIP.

which causes the unpleasant effects, is at present
unknown, and is one of those points which have to
be worked out. As a rule, however, the wholesonie-
ness of the mushroom is well-nigh cosmopolitan.
Several years ago the late Mr. Thomas Baines, who
had travelled much in Australia and Africa, told me
mushrooms were always eaten when found in his
expeditions. Popular credence points to the un-
wholesomeness of those specimens grown under
trees or in woods, but this is in no way substantiated
by my experience. The possibility of distinguishing
an edible from a poisonous fungus by bruising with
a piece of gold or silver, has been repeated time
after time in all kinds of books, so that it is no way
surprisiug that a correspondent should ask, in a
recent number of Science- Gossip, whether there
be any truth in it or not. Many an excellent mush-
room has been rejected by the credulous housewife
because, when rubbed with salt and a silver spoon,
it has turned yellow ! The vast majority of mush-
rooms grown in my]district, upon the salt marshes
and elsewhere, turn most distinctly yellow when cut
or bruised ; but this is simply because they are speci-
mens of Agaricus arvensis, Shceff., the horse-mush-
room, and not A. campesiris, Linn. Eries, in his
" Hymenomycetes Europfei," p. 279, says of A. ar-
vensis, " caro alba, immutabilis "; but Mr. Berkeley,
in the " English Flora," says it may be known from
A. campesiris by its almost white gills when young,
and yellow stains when bruised. Most British fun-
gologists regard this change of colour as one of its
specific characteristics ; and thus it is really a proof
of the wholesomeness of the fungus. At the pre-
sent moment we do not remember any fungus which
changes colour in at all a similar manner ; in fact,
excepting one or two of the Lactarii, this particular
change is a very uncommon one. Agaricus arvensis,
the so-called horse-mushroom, is by far the most
generally eaten fungus in this country : it occurs
far more commonly, is much more abundant, and
attains a considerably larger size than A. campesiris,
the so-called true mushroom. They are equally
nice in flavour, and equally wholesome.

In several books certain general rules are given
for ascertaining offhand whether a fungus may be
eaten or not : they are so absurd, however, that
botanists simply smile and never think of refuting
them. Who originally drew up this code I do not
know ; but subsequent writers have copied it more
or less implicitly. It is not exactly easy to see
whether these rules are intended for the discrimina-
tion of the mushroom from other fungi, or edible
from poisonous species generally. Perhaps the
most important of these canons is, that edible
species never change colour when cut or bruised.
We have seen how A. arvensis comports itself
under such conditions ! But there is a variety of
A. campesiris (var. rufescens, Berk.) which becomes
brilliantly piuk at the seat of injury ; and this]plant

is one of the most savoury forms of the mushroom
we know. A. rubescens, P., assumes, as its name
implies, a rufous tint, especially where it has been
injured by insects. Lactarius deliciosus, Er., turns
from bright orange to a dirty green, and this alone
is sufficient to distinguish it from all its compeers.
The mere fact of a fungus changing colour to blue
cannot be regarded as an absolute proof of its toxic
qualities, for a friend of ours has eaten Boletus
chrysenteron, Fr., before he knew accurately B.
edulis, Bull. ; and during my noviciate I several
times partook of B. badius, Er., without any ill
effects whatever accruing.

Another rule very commonly relied on is, that if
a fungus be pleasant to the taste, and its odour not
offensive, it may be eaten. But this is not only
a fallacious but an exceedingly dangerous guide.
It is quite true some fungi are intensely acrid, and
are irritant poisons ; but, upon the other hand,
Lactarius deliciosus, one of the very best of our
British species, as its name implies, when eaten
raw causes a very unpleasant amount of tingling of
the mouth and tongue. Ear more important, how-
ever, is it to remember that a fungus may have a
pleasant odour and taste, and yet be most virulently
poisonous. Mr. W. G. Smith was poisoned by
eating less than a quarter of an ounce of A.fertilis,
P., which had anything but a disagreeable taste.
Again, A. muscarius, L., has no acridity, neither
has A. phalloides, Fr., or A. Mappa, Batsch ; and
whatever may be the character of the two latter,
the poisonous properties of the former are well
known. It must be remembered that fungi may
be irritant, narcotic, or narcoto-irritant poisons,
and while it is possible to recognize an irritant
by the taste, a narcotic may be nearly tasteless.

There is one way, and only one, by which edible
fungi can be discriminated from poisonous ones
with absolute certainty, and that is by a knowledge
of the individual species. As well might a code of
rules be laid down for the discrimination of whole-
some from poisonous fruits or vegetables, as for
fungi. People do occasionally mistake aconite-
roots for horseradish, or fool's-parsley for parsley
proper ; but we have no general rules drawn up iu
this case, neither do people become panic-stricken
and eschew the whole race of condiments because
of these unfortunate accidents. But if any mis-
adventure occurs from eating fungi, the whole race
are scouted and branded as the harbingers of death.
In this country fungus-eating is reserved for the
few ; but it by no means follows these few are ex-
perimentalists, far from it ; for the species they eat
have been known to be edible, and have been eaten,
by the initiated from time immemorial, in other
lands if not in this. Like other kinds of food, they
vary much in flavour, in the facility with which
they can be digested, and' in their nutritious
qualities. Certain excellent species cannot be too

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

219

widely known, and every housewife should be able
to discriminate them, especially as they have all well-
marked characters. Amongst these may be men-
tioned— Agaricus procerus, Scop. ; A. gambosus, Er. ;
A.nebularis, Batsch'; Lactaiius deliciosus, Er.; Copri-
nus comatas,~Ei\; Cantharellus cibarius, Er. ; Hydnum
repcuulum, L. ; Boletus edulis, Bui. ; Lycoperdon
giganteum, Batsch ; and Fistulina hepatica, Er.*
Occasionally wc hear vegetarians say they live upon
some fabulously small sum, — a few pence per diem ;
and although very few people, indeed, would care
to debar themselves of wholesome nutritious food
for the sake of a mere] theory; yet, it cannot
be overlooked, that the continued and continuing
increase of the population will eventually demand
a full development of the resources of the country.
There cannot be a doubt that the esculent species
of fungi will, in the future, occupy a most import-
ant place in the dietary of the nation, not simply
because of their cheapness, but rather by reason of
their nutritious qualities and the large proportion of
nitrogenous compounds they contain.

.THE MICROSCOPY OE STARCH.

rpHERE is, perhaps, no substance in the vege-
-*- table economy so important as starch, entering
as it does largely into the composition of all classes
of the Vegetable Kingdom, with the exception of the
Eungi and a few of the Algse and Lichens. And its
still greater importance as forming a large propor-
tion of the food of man, two-thirds of the human
race subsisting on starch, alone renders it worthy of
more careful study at the hands of microscopists
and histologists than it has hitherto received.

Before going into its structure, let us look a little
at the special function of starch as regards vegetable
existence. Starch may be said to be to plants what
fat is to animals — a reserve fund for the purposes of
nutrition.

Plants produce by assimilation a larger quantity
of formative organizable matter than they can re-
quire or employ at the time for cell growth ; this is
stored up in cells for future use as protoplasm, and
in a much larger quantity as starch.

Starch always appears in an organized form as
solid, rounded, or angular transparent granules,
having stratified structure ; their earliest appearance
being as small bodies in the protoplasm, from which

* Any one desirous of learning how to recognize edible
and poisonous species should get Mr. W. G. Smith's " Mush-
rooms and Toadstools " (R. Harrtwicke), and with" a little
care and ordinary attention no difficulty will be experienced in
obtaining the necessary information. It is best to bejiiu with
some easily-recognized species, as A. procerus, L. deliciosus,
or, best of all, the Giant Putf-ball. Should any one be really
desirous to be^in fungiis-eating, but lack the necessary
courage for the first attempt, from a fear lest he may
have mistaken the species, if he were to send a specimen
post-paid to the writer, or to almost any fungus-eater, he
would most likely get a post-card stating the nature of the
specimen by the next post.

they receive growth and nourishment. And though
the actual chemical nature of the formative material
is still unknown, it is probable, as pointed out by
Sach, that it is formed by chemical or physical
changes from the sugar contained in the protoplasm.
The next period in the life-history (if such a phrase
be applicable) of starch is its assimilation as it
develops and increases in size. It is well known
that assimilation, being a process of deoxidation,
can, with little exception, only take place in those
organs that contain chlorophyl, and under the in-
fluence of sunlight.

Thus, starch is a carbon hydrate formed in chloro-
phyl by the decomposition of carbon dioxide and
water under the influence of sunlight, or, as is now
known, by the red, orange, and yellow rays of the
solar spectrum with a little of the green, for it has
been ascertained that the blue, indigo, and violet
rays possess little or no assimilating power. In a
paper recently contributed by Mons. Boehm to the
Vienna Academy, it is stated that ,s the intensity of
light which renders green plants capable of decom-
position of carbonic acid, causes also a passage
of the starch from the stem into the chlorophyl
granules," so, according to this authority, it is
" incorrect to say that all the starch that makes its
appearance in starchless chlorophyl granules, when
exposed to full daylight, is an immediate assimila-
tion of carbonic acid." Later on, in the same
paper, however, the same writer says, " By cutting
starchless primordial leaves of the scarlet-runner in
direct sunlight, and in an atmosphere containing
8 per cent, of carbonic acid, a demonstrable quantity
of starch is formed within ten to fifteen minutes,
while in leaves that were agitated in free air this
only happened in three-quarters of an hour. " It is
not improbable," the same observer sums up, " that
the carbon of the decomposed carbonic acid unites
immediately with water to form starch."

After undergoing assimilation in the leaves,
starch undergoes a variety of chemical metamor-
phoses as it passes through the various tissues of the
plant. Thus, in the potato it passes through the
tissues of the stem in the soluble form of glucose,
being again deposited in the tubers as starch
granules. Glucose or grape sugar is in reality
simply a combination of starch with the elements
of water, as seen from its formula, starch being
CV2 H20 O10, and glucose C12 Ho4"Or2.

Having described the general functions of starch
and its mode of formation, we will turn our atten-
tion to the granules themselves. These vary in
form and size from the -^hy to the ^^0 °f an
inch in different plants. In the centre of each
granule or at its side or end is a nucleus, or hilum,
as it is usually termed, from the old mistaken idea
that the granule was by it attached to the cell-wall.
Round the nucleus as a common centre are a
number of granuiar layers intervened with water
and sometimes air, the nucleus being the softest

L 2

220

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

and most delicate part of the granule, and contain-
ing matter of the most recent formation. In the
process of drying the nucleus cracks, and being
filled with air, frequently appears as dark lines
under the microscope. The concentric or eccentric
rings, as the case may be, were formerly supposed
to be markings on the external membrane, but it is
now known that they denote a system of lamina-
tion of cellulose.

Fig. 119. Section of Potato, showing starch-grains in situ.

The mode by which starch granules increase in
size has long been a problem, and even now con-
tinues to be a disputed point among microscopists ;
one party, including Henfrey and Griffith even in
the last edition of the " Micrographic Dictionary,"
asserting that the granules increase by the superpo-
sition of external layers from within, so that the
outermost layers would be the youngest, while
another party, including such eminent authorities as
Sach and Nagelli, assert that the layers are formed
internally, the older ones expanding to make room
for the younger. The latter theory, or growth by
intussusception, seems most in accord with the
most critical investigations on the subject ; for if
the external layers were added by deposition, the
outer layer would be the least dense, whereas it is
the densest part of the granule, and the nucleus
the softest. Again, when two nuclei occur in one
granule, a not uncommon circumstance, the strongest
growth always takes place in a line where the nuclei
meet ; whereas, growth by addition to the exterior
would probably tend to make the union of the
nuclei closer.

The supposed mode by which growth through
intussusception is brought about was first de-
scribed by Nagelli. He supposes that the cellulose
layer of a starch granule is composed of isolated
solid molecules of various sizes held together by
the force of cohesion and mutual attraction, be-
tween which water penetrates — the molecules them-
selves, as we might expect, being quite invisible
even with the highest powers of the microscope.
The gradual increase in size of the granule is thus
due to the absorption of water and formative mate-
rial to the nucleus when it undergoes chemical

transformation. Then its formation into granular
and new cellular layers causes a swelling of the
external cellulose by the pushing further apart of
its molecules. If contraction take place, it is
through the withdrawal of water from the inter-
stices.

Fig. 120. Potato Starch {polarized).

We will now pass on to the more practical ex-
amination of starch granules. Probably every
beginner at the use of the microscope has examined
a thin section of a potato, than which nothing can
better show the various sizes, shape, and position of
starch granules, as they appear in their natural
position in the cell.

(cy,

/<&>£,

(tf3\ OW

Fig. 121. Starch Grams of Natal Arrowroot, Bermuda Arrow-
root, and Wheat (latter concentric lamination).

The eccentric lamination is with a little care, as -
to light and focussing, easily seen and examined, as
the granules roll about and over one another if a
drop of water be placed on the slide. Now, though
it would be difficult, and perhaps impossible, to>
state with certainty that any given granule was-
potato starch and no other, yet, examined collec-
tively, and with regard to measurement of size, it
would be impossible to mistake it for any other.

You might pick out, say half a dozen granules of
Tous-les-Mois starch, and half a dozen of potato,
and perhaps the difference would be indistinguish-
able; but examine any samples of each separately,
and Tous-les-Mois will be found to be uniformly of
a larger size, irrespective of other differences.

The importance of this branch of the subject in-

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

221

the present (lay in connection with the recent
Adulteration Act is very great, and with the
aiicroscope it would be easy to go through dozens
of different kinds of starches and And differences
between almost every kind, even much greater than
between the Tous-lcs-Mois and potato. About
fifty different kinds of starches have recently come
under my examination, many of which I have
sketched with the aid of camera lucida to an exact
scale of measurement.

Fig. 122. Tous-les-Mois (polarizeJ).

The chief characteristics to be noted in making
an examination are : 1. Size and shape of granules,
using micrometer scale. 2. Position, size and
shape of nucleus, noting concentring or eccentricity
of lamination. 3. Effect of polarization with or with-
out selenite.

Fig. 123. Starch grains of Yam. Rice, and Maize,
250 cliain. x 6.

f With regard to the size of the granule, though a
single cell of any vegetable substance will contain
granules according to progress of development,
from the very smallest size upwards, yet few
varieties of starches will be found to average the
same size. Thus, a single cell of potato will
contain granules from the toW to the ^o of an
inch ; arrowroot will vary between the toVo and
s£o of an inch ; wheat. rarely exceeds the xoVo ;
and rice will not exceed the soV'tt, being usually
about the ^ of an inch.

The shape of the granules, though more uniform
than the size in a given starch, is variable. Potato

starch might be described as ovate, but individual
granules may be rounded or mussel-shaped.

Pice starch is usually angular, but many of its
granules are round.

Yam starch approaches nearly to the triangular
form.

So that both as to form and size, though it would
be rash in most cases to pronounce with certainty
the name from a single granule, yet we should be
quite justified in doing so from the form and size of
any sample.

The position and shape of the nucleus taken in
connection with the lamination afford a valuable
means of distinguishing starches. In lenticular
grains, as in wheat, the layers grow in connective
circles with central lenticular nucleus. But if as in
potato starch the growth is in one direction, the
layers with the exception of the one nearest the
nucleus are eccentric to the nucleus, which is itself
usually globular.

Fig. 124. Potato- granules,
250 diam. x 6 (eccentric
lamination).

Fig. 125. Starch of French
Lentils (concentric lami-
nation).

In the starch of Indian corn the nucleus is
usually very distinct, and the lamination in this and
several other kinds so indistinct that it is only with
the aid of high powers and the use of magenta
solution that they can be at all distinguished.

On the other hand, Natal arrowroot can be
readily distinguished even from other arrowroots by
the special clearness of its lamination. Erom this
fact, it has been frequently mistaken for potato
starch, though it never need be, for apart from the
wide difference in size, the granule being only two-
thirds that of the potato, and the difference in shape
of nucleus, the fact that the nucleus in the potato
granule is usually at the smaller end, and that of
arrowroot at the broader end, is sufficiently charac-
teristic to prevent any confusion.

The characteristic markings produced by the
polarization of starch are familiar to all micro-
scopists, usually assuming the form of a cross or
the letter X, the nucleus being the point from
which radiation proceeds. The effect produced by
polarization naturally varies considerably, according
to the form of granule and other causes. Some
specimens of the same kind polarize much more
than others— a fact which has led to much error.
Thus almost all authorities state that wheat and
rice starches do>otTpolarize at all, the fact being

222

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

tbat many granules, and perhaps entire samples, of
wheat do not, except with a very high power, and
even then its polarization is much less distinct than
that of other kinds.

Rice I have found uniformly to polarize, and in
its case the error has probably arisen solely from a
neglect of employing a sufficiently high power
necessary for its examination. It appears to be a
popular error that the polariscope cannot be advan-
tageously used with the higher powers of the micro-
scope ; but my own experience is that many starches
cannot be properly examined with a lower power
than the ■£$, and the polariscope can be just as
easily and correctly used with it as with any lower
power objective. The interposition of a selenite
produces not only a pretty effect, but often shows
up peculiarities of form in the granule, and it is
well to examine an object under all aspects.

The well-known and beautiful effect produced
upon starch by iodine is of the greatest value to
the microscopist. The application of a very weak
solution of iodine in iodide of potassium, part of a
drop of which is allowed to run (if from the aper-
ture of a Highley's microscopic test-bottle, so
much the easier to manipulate) under the thin
cover of the suspected substance while under ex-
amination in the microscope, will at once detect
with certainty the presence or absence of starch by
the blue colour imparted to the granules, even
when the granules are so minute that the unaided
eye cannot perceive the colour, and where the
transparency of the granules would prevent their
being noticed by the microscope alone.

The value of this easily-applied test, in conjunc-
tion with the microscope, for the detection of food
adulteration, as of butter, mustard, pepper, and a
host of other of the commonest articles of daily
onsumptioD, cannot be too well known.

Much might be said about the varied effects of
temperature on starches if it came within our pre-
sent province. Starch is usually said to be in-
soluble in cold water, and for the most part truly,
though it probably applies to the cellulose only ;
for if the granules be ground up with fine sand in
cold water the cellulose membrane is ruptured, and
the solubility of the granulose shown by its expan-
siveness.

In conclusion, just a word as to the mounting
and preservation of starches as microscopic objects.
Whether any known process of mounting will
render them permanent is disputed. My own
limited experience on this point is that if the
granules be dried without heat they can be well
preserved in balsam, after the mixing putting in
turpentine ; they have kept good in this way for
twelve months, and without any appearance of
their becoming impaired in any way.

Glycerine in any form is unsuitable, from its
solvent properties. If others can attest to the

permanency of starches mounted in balsam, or by
other means, a lasting collection of a very interest-
ing kind can be made in a useful field of micro-
scopical study, and one but little explained.

I. C. Thompson.

HOLIDAY RAMBLES IN THE WEST.OF
IRELAND.

The Plants and Rocks of Aran,
by g. h. kinahan, m.k.i.a.

f\ N these islands the geology and botany are very
^ similar to those in the Burren, co. Clare.
Most of the surface of the islands is bare lime-
stone-crags, that rise in huge steps from the east
and N.E. shores ; while the western coasts are
perpendicular cliffs cut by the tidal waves of the
Atlantic. The surface of the islands is thus de-
scribed by O'Flahertie : — " The soile is almost
paved over with stones, soe as, in some places
nothing is to be seen but large stones with wide
openings between them, where cattle break their
legs. Among these stones is very sweet pasture ;
so that beefe, veal, mutton are better and earlyer
in season here then elsewhere." The islands are
still famous for their good and fat cattle. In the
coves, bays, and strands vast quantities of seaweed
are cut in May and November, the latter crop being
principally used for manure, while the May crop is
dried and burned into kelp. To save the seaweed,
the Aranites have to keep a number of ponies.
These, however, after the May weed is all drawn
up, are shipped to Hiarconnaught, where they
grass during the summer, except on Sundays, when
the Hiarconnaughtites collect them, at least the
best of them, from the mountains, and run races
with them.

Erom the following list it will be seen the rare
plants are very similar to those in parts of the
Burren : —

Bare Plants in Aran. — Ajuga pyramidalis, As-
tragalus hypoglottis, Helianthemum canum (Rock
Rose), Viola hirta (Hairy Violet), Cornus sangui-
nea, Arundo epigejos, Lavatera arborea (Tree
Mallow), Matthiola sinuata (Sea Stock, Straw
Island), Arabis ciliata, Cerastium arvense (Field
Mousear), Alsine verna, Geranium sanguineum
(Bloody Cranesbill), Pimpinella magna, Asperula
cynanchica, Rubia peregrina (Wild Madder), Adi-
antum (Maidenhair Fern).

In parts of the islands there are acres of the
Adiantum ; while in the neighbourhood of the
ecclesiastical settlements are colonies of introduced
plants, many of which are herbs or have medical
qualities.

Among the limestone, which is a marked differ-
ence between it and that of Burren, there are thin
beds of shales, clays, and clunch. These are most

HABDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

223

important, and add greatly to the fertility and value t
of the islands, as they stop the water from percola-
ting downwards through the limestone, and bring it
out in lines of beautiful clear springs, usually at the
base of the cliffs or steps, the clayey beds having
in a great measure induced the former denudation.

An interesting feature to be observed in these
islands is the marine denudation by the Atlantic on
the western sides of the islands, as there the sea
yearly quarries large blocks and hurls them up on
to the surface of the cliffs, forming a rampart that
has been called by Prof. King, of the Queen's Col-
lege, Galway, " the Block Beach." This beach in
one place, in Inishmaan, is on a cliff 170 feet high,
and the largest block moved by the sea that was
measured was 30 by 15 by 4- feet. On the south-
east coast of Inishmaan, the block beach is pecu-
liar; for while elsewhere the blocks in the beach are
yearly rolled and tossed about, here for years they
have not been disturbed ; showing that since the
beach was piled up, the set of the tide and waves
has altered. In connection with the cliff of the
west coast are " puffing-holes." These are due to

Fig. 126. Puffing-hole.

the sea-quarry-cut caves along dykes of fault-rock,
while subsequently loose portions of the roofs fall
in, leaving a funnel (a, fig. 126), When a huge wave
comes in, it compresses the air into the extremity
of the cave {b), which acts as an elastic cushion and
forces the water up through the funnel, often to a
considerable height.

On Inishmore we have an example how the drift
of the wind changes. Ages ago the tract south of
Killeany Bay was cultivated and inhabited, while
subsequently all traces of its former inhabitants
were buried by iEolian sands. Now, of late years,
the drift of the sands is to the south-west into
Gregory's Sound, and the old houses and field are
being again exposed, as recorded by the Rev. W.
Kilbride. Formerly Gregory's Sound was so rocky
and rough, that it was impossible to fish in it ; now
this is not the case, as it has a deep sandy bottom.

Scattered over the surface of the crags of Aran,
but especially on Inishmore, are numerous erratic
blocks, many of them carboniferous sandstone,
evidently the remains of the sheet of boulder-clay
drift that once covered most, if not all, of the

island. These blocks stand on short pedestals, as
they have preserved the rock under tbem, while
the surrounding surface has been more or less
weathered away. As no carboniferous sandstone can
be found in the neighbourhood of Galway Bay (al-
though probably it formerly existed as shore-beds
of the carboniferous sea bounding the granitic rocks
of Hiarconnaught), they are called "Connemara
stones," and have given rise to the following legend.
On the hills called Slieve Moidaun, in Hiarcon-
naught, lived a giant, from whom they have received
their present name, while a second, whose name is
now forgotten, lived on Inishmore. They for a long
time were on friendly terms, but at last they fell
out, and amused themselves by pelting one another
with stones, the Aranite throwing Aran stones into
Hiarconnaught, and the Hiarconnaughtite returning
in their place stones from his country. Unfor-
tunately for the veracity of the legend, there are no
carboniferous sandstones in this portion of Hiar-
connaught, neither are the boulders of limestone*
said to have been hurled into it, to be found. The
pedestals under the erratics are accounted for by
the giant and his family using the blocks as seats,
and wearing away the rock around them with their
feet.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.

BoATFLIES.

I HAVE often noticed on former occasions the
so und made by Notonecta knocking against the
sides of aquariums, and this sound was quite dif-
ferent, answering more nearly to the stridulation
made by grasshoppers or crickets. My aquarium
is a heavy wooden one with thick plate-glass sides,
and has no ring in it like a bell-glass. I also noticed
that the boatfly only emitted the sound when at
rest, and the sound only commenced when the
insect began to work its anterior feet across its
proboscis, and ceased when it stopped that motion.
On many occasions the boatfly was one or two
inches from the glass side.

Capuella Acanthifera.

I dredged two, male and female, of these very
strange crustaceans for the first time lately, and
should be glad for a little more information about
their life-history than is given in Bate and West-
wood. Their movements are very remarkable.
Holding firmly on by its hinder legs to a frond of
seaweed, the Caprella waves its antennae to and
fro with a sort of bowing motion, similar to the
Mantis, and presumably for the same purpose. The
male is bright in colour, yellowish streaked with
scarlet, while the female is of a dirty white, the
only colour being a little red in rings on the
antennae.

224

HARDWICKE'S SC IEN CE- GO SSIP.

• The female gave birth to ten young ones one
night, but I am sorry to say all were dead in the morn-
ing, probably from having been put in unclean
water. The young are pure white, and have no
tubercles on the back,' but have the strange lobes

Fig. 127. Caprella acanthi/era (female), mag-.

on the sides, and the antennae are not so long but
thick. The large spine on the second foot is but
half-grown. The male I unfortunately destroyed
while under the microscope, but the female and
young I have preserved in spirits of wine.

Paljemon Squilia.

In drawing one of these crustaceans from life, I
notice that there is an error in Professor Bell's
sketch in his "British Stalk-eyed Crustacea,"
though I suppose I am but killing the slain, and
that this has often been pointed out before. Still

//

Kig. 128. Palcemnn gquilla.

it might mislead a novice on comparing the animal
with the engraving. The swimmerets, or swimming
feet, are all turned the wrong way, backwards
instead of forwards. I think probably several of
the delineations of other species have the same
error. This Palacmon has just cast its shell, all in
one piece to the very points of its long antennae.

Tom Workman.

" I have often seen a cuttle completely spoil, in a
few seconds, all the water in a tank, containing one
thousand gallons."— Henry Lee on the " Octopus ." ,<£

PROCESSIONARY CATERPILLARS.

TN a letter received, 25th March last, from a
J- friend staying in the south of Erance
(Mentone), some interesting observations upon
a species of the Processionary Caterpillar are
recorded, which may be interesting to the readers
of Science-Gossip. She writes—

" While out for a walk the other day we came
across a curious incident iuj[natural history. At
Cap Martin, about two miles from Mentone, our
attention was attracted by something by the road-
side which looked, at a little distance, like a long
thin serpent. At first we thought it best not to go
very near, but curiosity prevailed, and upon closer
inspection we found it was a long line, consisting of
99 caterpillars, crawling in single file close after one
another. Our curiosity led us to remove one from
the middle, a little distance from the others, and we
found his place was soon filled up; but he crawled
back to them and edged his way into the line again.
Then we removed the leader : this brought them for
a time to a standstill. After a little while they began
to move on, and then we put the original leader in
his proper place, but this brought them again to a
standstill ; and from the way they moved their
heads from side to side, a great deal of talking
seemed to be going on, and they decided their
original leader was not fit to lead, and they chose
another, while he had to make his way into the line
lower down. A little further on we saw [another
line of 44 coming up in the opposite direction, and
we were curious to see what would happen when
they met,imagining they might perhaps have a fight ;
but such was not the case : they joined the others
by degrees, and so made a much longer line and
marched on.

" We have since heard they climb some particu-
lar kind of trees, and make their nests in thenii
which has a very injurious effect and often kills
the trees, unless the branches are cut off which hold
the nests."

In an interesting little work 011 "Insect Archi-
tecture," published; in 1S30, mention is made of
these social caterpillars, the construction of their
nests, and their processionary habits. The writer
says:— "Ic is remarkable that, however far they
may ramble from their nest, they never fail to find
their way back, when a shower of rain or nightfall
renders shelter necessary. It requires no great
shrewdness to discover how they effect this ; for
by looking closely at their track it will be found
that it is carpeted with silk, no individual moving
an inch without constructing such a pathway both
for the use of his companions and to facilitate his
own return. All these caterpillars, therefore, move
more or less in processional order, each following
the road which the first chance traveller has marked
out with his strip of silk carpeting." Eurther re-

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

225

marks are made of two species " more remarkable |
than others in the regularity of their processional '
marchings." " These are found in the south of
Europe, but are not indigenous in Britain. The
one named by Reaumur the Processionary {Cnetho-
campa processioned) feeds upon the oak; a brood
dividing, when newly hatched, into one or more
parties of several hundred individuals, which after-
wards unite in constructing a common nest, nearly
two feet long and from four to six inches in
diameter. It is not divided into chambers, but
consists of one large hall, so that it is not necessary
that there should be more openings than one; and
accordingly, when an individual goes out and carpets
a path, the whole colony instinctively follow in the
same track, though, from the immense population
they are often compelled to march in parallel files
from two to six deep. The procession is always
headed by a single caterpillar ; sometimes the leader
is immediately followed by one or two in single file,
and sometimes by two abreast. A similar pro-
cedure is followed by a species of social caterpillar
which feeds on the pine in Savoy and Languedoc,
and their nests are not half the size of the preceding ;
they are more worthy of notice from the strong and
excellent quality of their silk, which Reaumur was
of opinion might be advantageously manufactured.
Their nests consist of more chambers than one,
but are furnished with, a main entrance, through
which the colonists conduct their foraging proces-
sions."

The lady whose remarks are recorded above has
since written that the species she observed feeds
upon the pine-trees in the neighbourhood of
Mentone. S. W. U.

THE MICROSCOPE AND MICROSCOPIC
WORK.

No. X.— By E. Kitton.

THE term Engiscope was used by Dr. Goring to
distinguish those instruments by which the
image of an object was exhibited magnified by an
eyepiece. The image might be produced either by
reflectors or refractors (compound microscopes).
He considered that those instruments with which we
look at the object itself should be called micro-
scopes, and as the magnifier might be a doublet or
triplet, it could not then be called a simple micro-
scope, but was in reality a compound one. The
name, however, never became popular, and the term
microscope is now generally understood to mean a
compound instrument. The term aplanatic (without
error) ought to be used instead of achromatic ; a
lens might be achromatic (that is, free from coloured
aberration) and yet be a very imperfect one, unless
its spherical aberration was also corrected.

Having briefly described the microscopes of fifty
years ago, we will endeavour to give some idea of
the work they were capable of performing, and
perhaps we cannot do better than glance at the
work done by Messrs. Goring and Pritchard. We
will suppose, to quote Dr. Goring, that " the engi-
scope is set up and prepared for action ; and ob-
serve, gentle reader, that here you may set up your
staff, and proceed no farther unless you like . . .
Now, mind what I say, this instrument is like the
Irishman's crooked gun, which used to shoot round
a corner." (This of course alludes to the object
being at right angles to the line of vision.) The
Doctor then goes on in his quaint way to direct the
student how he is to place the object, bring it into
focus, &c, in all of which directions he is very
explicit. He concludes with the following advice : —
"Now, if you should not happen to succeed in
getting everything to go exactly to your mind at
first, do not curse the instrument by your gods, and
throw your wig behind the fire, and then dance up
and down the room like a maniac, as I once saw a
Erenchman do; but have a little patience, read my
directions over again, weigh well the import of every
sentence, and try your luck over again."

The Doctor gives a humorous dialogue which is
supposed to take place between an old naturalist
who swears by the simple microscope. " If the
reader must know the names of the parties, they are
Tobias Oldbuck, Esq., the naturalist, and Mr.
William Putty, the optician. Lest I should be
accused of putting nonsense into the former gen-
tleman's mouth, I must state that he only expresses
opinions current among observers of this enlightened
age, and which I have frequently encountered in
society."

" I must positively introduce my personages to
the reader. Mr. Oldbuck is an old bachelor of
about sixty (a descendant of Oldbucks of Monk-
barns). He always wears a very natty wig made
by an eminent artist ; his clothes are of the hue
scientific brown study colour ; he has not altered
the cut of them, or the model of his hat, or any of
his opinions on any subject, and declares he never
will, thinking it beneath his dignity either to learn
or unlearn anything at his time of life. Having
described his costume, that outward and visible
sign of a man's character, I do not think it neces-
sary to say anything more about him, except at one
period of his life he was far gone and most intently
engaged in constructing object glasses for micro-
scopes, which, however, he abandoned as an imprac-
ticable job. When another person afterwards
succeeded in producing them, Mr. Oldbuck's pride
was wounded in the tenderest place, for he con-
sidered himself a perfect giant in all sorts of micro-
scopic science : in consequence the sight of an
engiscope ever after turned his stomach.

"Mr. William Putty is an enthusiastic young

226

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

optician, whose talents are of the first order, and
thinks we live in the golden age of these matters.
His character the reader will find is a complete
contrast to that of Mr. Oldbuck. Now it came to pass
that one wet day Mr. Oldbuck was walking up and
down in his study, occasionally surveying his wig in
a mirror, and somewhat ruffled in temper by the
impertinence of the junior members of a learned
body to which he belonged, who worried him till
(much against his will) he was forced to look into
a very fine achromatic ^engiscope, which showed
objects too well to please him. To vent his spleen
he was indulging himself in the following soliloquy:
' What occasion have I or any man for any other
microscopes than single ones ? Was there ever any-
thing so ludicrously preposterous as forming the image
of an object and viewing by a species of microscope
called an eye-glass, instead of looking at the object
itself with an eye-glass ? Are we not content with
seeing Nature herself ? Would any rational being
rather behold a picture of a beautiful woman or
landscape than see the reality ? Away, then, with
this nonsensical trumpery, and let me alone with
my good old tried, staunch microscopes.' "

Mr. Putty is now introduced, and a long argu-
ment ensues, Mr. Oldbuck sticking up for his single
lenses, and the former for his engiscopes. Mr.
Oldbuck is even unwilling to admit that any other
substance can be superior to glass, Mr. Putty
having asserted that by making lenses of other
substances of higher refractive and lower dispersive
power, they would be greatly improved.

To which Mr. Oldbuck replies, that he could
never see any better through lenses made of dia-
monds or other precious stones than those made of
glass, and brings forward one of -£$ of an inch focal
length and 55° angle of aperture, using as a test
the scales of the diamond beetle, which, from their
brilliancy, would " ' show the aberration of the lens
if it had any ; but you see the scales perfectly clear
and distinct.' "

Mr. Putty admits that the vision is clear and
satisfactory, but that the lines are not well made
out, and says he could show them much better with
an engiscope — " ' though I grant that I do not show
you the lines themselves, but only a picture of

them, — so exact, however, that '

" ' It will not impose upon me. I do not choose
to trust to pictures, especially when I am exploring
unknown objects. Your engiscope (as you call it)
may do vastly well to exhibit known ones to a
parcel of women and children.' "

Mr. Oldbuck continues to fight the ground
inch by inch ; and is asked if he will admit the
superiority of doublets and triplets over single
lenses, if he is shown something with them in a
decisive manner which he would scarcely be able to
see at all with one single lens out of twenty, and
then only in a very imperfect manner. But Mr.

Oldbuck is not going to throw up the champion-
ship of the single lenses so readily, and tells his
antagonist, that

" ' If you were to show me anything with another
instrument which I cannot see with them (single
lenses), I should be disposed to set it down as aa
illusion of some sort or otlier ; and if you were to
show me anything in a different manner from what
they show, I should be very much inclined to think
that they were right notwithstanding.'" (How
very thankful we ought to be that no such preju-
dice in favour of certain objectives exists in the
present day !) " ' Well, what is the wonder you are
going to show me ? I suppose it will turn out to be
the oblique lines on the brassica you are always
making such a fuss about— an isolated instance,
supposing the said lines to actually exist. I cer-
tainly have seen a few of the lines you allude to
with a doublet of about ^V of an inch focus.

" Mr. Putty : ' Have you seen as much with any
of your adorable single magnifiers ? '

"'I have seen them occasionally when they have
been of very superior quality, and exquisitely set
with large aperture, but I freely own not with
sufficient distinctness to convince me of their ex-
istence. The appearance somewhat resembles the
tissue of a coarse piece of canvas, with the fibres
running diagonally, when it is placed too far off
from the eye to allow us to see the threads dis-
tinctly. The doublet makes this difference, that a
thread here and there seems stronger than the rest,
and therefore more distinct, but, as I have already
observed, I am strongly disposed to think the whole
an illusion produced by oblique light.'

"'Have you seen the French brassica? The traces
on it are still more difficult to exhibit, or fainter
at least than those on the English variety, particu-
larly on that kind which is of the form of a heart,
or like the head and tail of the other kind, joined
together with the intervening parts on.' "

Mr. Oldbuck is willing to admit for sake of argu-
ment that something can be said in favour of com-
pound magnifiers; he also agrees with Mr. Putty,[that
an instrument capable of resolving some difficult test
with a^low power is preferable to one requiring high
powers. Mr. Putty then introduces a new doublet
made upon truly scientific principles, being a com-
pound aplanatic lens of one kind of glass of Sir J.
Herschel : its focus is & of an inch.

" ' Compound magnifiers, I believe, are at present
far from that state of perfection to which they are
capable of being brought, because the makers of
them are generally pleased to vie with each other
in trying who can insult science the most grossly
in the principles which they adopt, though I grant
that they work excellently well, according to them.
Kow, with this magnifier I think you will see tests
which cannot be discerned with any sort of single
lens, nor with this either, if you choose .to reverse

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

227

it or turn either of the glasses the wrong way, so
as to subvert the principle on which it is made.3

"'I like this sort of test better than the diagonal
lines on the brassica. The name of Herschel carries
with it weight and authority, but I must give full
loose to my scepticism in the meantime, and assert
that microscopes may be very good, and perfectly
to be depended upon for making discoveries in all
the ordinary branches of natural history and micro-
scopic research, which will hardly show any of
these precious things you have set up as tests, a
plague upon them ! Are we to be eternally bored
to death with the dust of butterflies' wings and the
scales of beetles ? For my part, I don't value them
a rope's end ! ' "

Mr. Putty politely tells him that he ought to be
made to appreciate the uses and properties of a
rope's end at their full value— — " 'nevertheless I
myself will so far agree with you that I consider the
whole family of lined tests as very exclusive sort of
objects. It is very difficult to find others requiring
the same penetrating and defining power. I think
hardly any reasonable person can refuse to admit as
proper tests for all microscopes, of what nature or
kind soever they may be, the researches in which they
are to be employed : such are the minutiae of a fly's
foot, the serratures on a human hair, the little pits
on a mouse's hair, the tissue of the moss Hypnum ;
and to these must be certainly added the eyes of
several animalcules. If an instrument cannot show
these you would reject it as unworthy of confi-
dence?'

"'My dear sir, you now begin to talk like a rational
being. I cordially agree with you : all these things
single lenses will show in perfection. Do you know
I had such satisfaction the other day in showing a
young puppy the eyes of a wheel animalcule with a
single equi-convex lens. He thought, forsooth, to
have come over me with his thingamy, his hang-his-
scope, as I think he called it.'"

All Mr. Putty's arguments are of no avail ; and
as a last resource he asks him to look at a podura
scale in the engiscope, if he is not afraid.

" 'Afraid, indeed, a likely joke !'

"'Can you say you have seen this object as well
in your single, or I will say in your compound
magnifiers ? Say, on your honour ! ' "

" 'I cannot say upon my honour that I have seen
the lines so dark and so decidedly made out ; but
the circumstance is easily accounted for by the
superior darkness of the engiscope. But I told you
before, engiscopes cannot be trusted for exploring
unknown objects or making discoveries : the whole
is an illusion. I see your patience is nearly worn
out: I will not plague you any more, except to
view the diagonal lines on the brassica in the in-
strument which discovered them — the reflector of
Amici. i They are shown so decisively in this
instrument that it would be as reasonable to doubt

their existence as that of ruled lines in a copy
book. Doublets and achromatics sometimes show
them, sometimes not ; but the reflectors never con-
ceal the truth. Moreover, observe the perfectness
of the longitudinal lines. No dots /' "

Mr. Oldbuck says that it would naturally show
them darker, the reflecting being still darker than
the refracting engiscope.

After this, Mr. Putty found it would be no use
to make any further attempt to convince Mr. Old-
buck of the superiority of the engiscope over his
favourite single lenses.

We have given these extracts from Dr. Goring's
amusiug chapter on trying microscopes and engi-
scopes, as it very accurately represents the capa-
bilities of microscopes forty years ago, and the kind
of objects that were considered as tests for the
resolving powers of refracting and reflecting objec-
tives. We are enabled to see what the achromatic
microscope could do in its infancy, on objects that
would now be considered useless as tests for even
the cheapest achromatic of the present day.
{To be continued.)

THE LEPIDOPTEBA OF
NEW FOREST.

THE

IN the December number of Science-Gossip, an
inquiry was made for a good work on the New
Forest. I would advise your correspondent to pro-
cure " The New Forest Handbook, Historical and
Descriptive," by C. J. Phillips (Southampton,
Gilbert).* There are chapters on the botany and
ornithology, and an extremely interesting one on
the entomology, of the district, by my friend Mr.
Corbin. There is also a capital map designed by
Mr. J. H. Roberts, one of the Forest surveyors,
especially for the work. The price is nominal, viz.
Is. 6d.

The few remarks following are written with the
hope that entomologists will be induced to con-
tribute notes on the Lepidoptera, &c, of other
celebrated localities, such as Epping, for the pur-
pose of comparison. I am indebted for the number
of the species to J. R. Wise's admirable book on
the New Forest.

Out of our short list of seventy species of Diurni,
forty-six have been taken here, and it is one of the
very few spots where that glorious variety of the
female Paphia, Valezina, is to be obtained ; boasting
also such local insects as Aporia cratagi, Hesperia
paniscus, and Leucophasia sinapis, of which my
brother and I have taken there a goodly series.

In the Heterocera we find, in the Nocturni over
seventy species, in the Geometers more than one
hundred and eighty, and in the Noctua; nearly two

May be had also of G. B. Corbin, Ringrwood.

228

HA RDWICKE'S " SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

hundred, [some of them almost peculiar to the
locality. Here it was that the new burnet, Zy-
gana Meliloti, about whicli so much discussion has
arisen, was first discovered ; and here we seek too,
for two of the finest of the Lithosias— Quadra and

Fig. I2g. Valezina variety of female Paphia.

Fig. 130. Black-veined White ( iporia. crata-gi

Fig. 131. Chequered Skipper {Hesperia puniscus).

Fig. 132. Male of Woodwhite (Leucophatia sinapis).

Cribrum. I was not aware that the former came
to "sugar," till one night rewarded with a pair of
fine males. It is a rather extraordinary fact, that
the majority of those bred turn out females. The
rare little Acidalia emutaria is another Eorest in-
sect, not to be taken, however, without much trouble
and discomfort. It flies in the evening over bogs,
and to get it you must, as Mr. Tugwell, who is well

up to this work, jocosely expresses it, "go bog-trot-
ting," not minding an occasional immersion in black
slushy mud. This is the home of those handsome
Catocalas, Sponsa and Promissa. In 1872, both
of these absolutely swarmed, and the late Mr

Fig. 133. Male of Four-spotted Footman (lithosia quadra).

Fig. 134. Female of Four-spotted Footman.

Fig. 135. Speckled Footman (Ealepia cribrum).

Fig. 136. True Lover's Knot (Agrntis porphyrea).

Fig. 137. Rednecked Footman (Litliosia rubricollis).

Fig. 138. Light Crimson Underwing (Catocata promissj).

Davis, the discoverer of Phi/cis Davisellits, told me
there was little need of "sugaring" the trees, spe-
cimens coming in numbers to the old sugar-spots

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

229

long before the sun set. Alas ! it is very different
now, and what else could be expected, seeing the
wanton destruction indulged in, one collector boast-
ing that he had himself taken several hundreds, and
another more than he could " set " ?

Fig. 139. Light Crimson Umlerwing {Cutocala promissa).

leaves ; and next, the pertinacious attacks of two
most bloodthirsty flies — Heematopa pluvialis and
Chrysopis ccecutiens, to bear which will require a
skin as tough as leather and the patience of Job.
I well remember one hot sultry day in July, the
year before last, when after Valezina, my
brother, a friend, and myself were so beset
by these torments, that we gave up collecting
Lepidoptera in despair, and turned our atten-
tion for the while to Diptera. Swinging the

c; a

Fig. 141. Rosy Wave (Acidalia emutaria)a

nets ' to and fro, we caught scores of these
flies ; then getting them into one corner of
the net, we wrung the net, and at the same
time their necks, if flies have necks, and
turned them out into little heaps, as a warn-
ing, we hoped to others ; but of no avail,
" the cry is still they come," so we were fain
to beat a precipitate retreat.

Chichester. Joseph Anderson, Jun.

Fig. 140. Dark Crimson Underwing (Catocala sponsa).

As might be imagined, where the different kinds
of Ericaceae, grow so luxuriantly, heath-feeding
species turn up pretty commonly ; such as B. rubi,
Porphyria, and more rarely Agathina. There are
but two drawbacks of which I know to the plea-
sure of the collector in the New Eorest. First and
foremost, the water is vile, at least about Brocken-
hurst, tasting like a decoction of the rottenest

AIR-BUBBLES" AND
IN FLUID.

MOUNTING

W

HERE do they come from ? is a ques-
tion that has been often asked, but
never answered. It is no uncommon cir-
cumstance to find a slide, after it has been
mounted only a very short time, showing one
or more air-bubbles, although, to all appear-
ance, perfectly free from them when first
done. This has always been looked upon as
a great mystery ; yet, if we " infer the un-
known from the known," as suggested by
Faraday, we shall not be long in discovering
the truth.

Being one of the earliest workers at the
"Electrotype," as it was then termed, we
were, at first, greatly annoyed by the newly-
formed metal being occasionally inseparably
united with the metallic mould upon which
it had been deposited ; but it was soon
discovered that the cause of separation
was due to a film of air being adherent to the surface
of the metal, and serving to prevent their adhesion.
On the other hand, when the metallic moulds had
been washed in hot water, or were immersed in the
fluid while warm, this film of air had been driven
off, and the metals adhered together as the conse-
quence.
If we drop a portion of water upon a glass slide,

230

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

the two will be separated by this film of air until it
be got rid of by rubbing or heating.

Place a drop of Canada balsam upon a cold slide,
and then hold it over a flame, when it will soon
become filled with minute air-bubbles, which are
generally attributed to the balsam boiling, but are
in reality ouly this air-film separated from the sur-
face. But make the slide hot in the first instance,
and then let the balsam fall upon it, when it will
instantly spread itself "as clear as crystal," without
the slightest , trace of an air-bubble making its
appearance unnecessarily, unless made hot. \

By the same rule, when a cold cell is filled with
fluid, this air-film lines the whole surface of the
interior ; but after a short time the liquid, by gra-
vitation, insinuates itself beneath it, and it then
becomes detached and accumulates as an air-
bubble.

Now there are two ways of combating this evil.
Either, means may be taken to get rid of the air-
film first, either by wetting or warming, or it may
be left to the ordinary course, and the cover put on
only temporarily until the bubble has formed, when
it may be got rid of, and the mounting completed
without a like result being repeated. § Iu fixing
down the cover permanently upon a cell containing
fluid there are certain precautions indispensable to
success. In the first place, the cement must be of
a nature not to be softened by the fluid inside. In
the next place, its composition must be such that it
will harden throughout, and not mere'y on the
outer surface, while it remains soft and tacky
within. But in addition to these it is essential
that the surface of the glass should be perfectly
clean and free from grease, through being handled, as
well as devoid of the separating air-film. If these
points be strictly attended to, there need be then no
fear of subsequent imperfections.

Eor almost every other description of fluid except
spirit there is no better material for securing the
covers with than good shellac dissolved in wood-
naphtha : this makes a cement which is very adhe-
sive, and remains tough for some considerable
period, and has but little tendency to crack or
separate from the glass ; but then, like Ackland's
asphalt,'"' it must be remembered that it is not a
finishing varnish, but is to be considered only as a
fastening -down agent for putting on covers, and
making thin cells, and keeping tbem tight, and to
be covered over with some external protective of
greater lasting toughness.

Having filled the cell/ and got rid of the air-

* When newly-made, this cement was found to be disposed
to become lumpy on being thinned with benzole, but by age
and keeping sufficiently thin it has quite lost that tendency,
and now works as freely as can be desired. At present, I
believe, this cement is only to be obtained at Home and
Thornthwaite's, in the Strand ; but as it is a most undoubted
boon to the mounter and can hardly be spoken too highly of, it
to be hoped that ere long it will be obtainable at every
micro dep6t in the kingdom.

bubble, the next point will be to keep the cover
from shifting whilst cleaning off the superfluous
liquid. Take a piece of fine sewing-cotton, about
three or four times the length of a slide, wet it, and
then bind it over the middle of the cover and aroutd
under the slide, making four or five turns, and
securing the ends by twisting them together.
Now clean off the fluid roughly from the surface,
either by blotting-paper or fine rag, and then put a
minute portion of the lac solution iu the angle at
the edge of the cover at four equidistant points, and
a minute or two afterwards remove the thread and
leave the slide for a few hours to dry. After this
the surface may be more thoroughly cleansed, and
the ring of cement completed on the turn-table. It
is not sufficient that the cement be only suffered to
flow over the surface of the glass merely; but a
small quantity should be first well rubbed down, so
as to get rid of the air-film, and secure a perfect
contact with the glass ; and hence it is that a sable-
brush is better than a camel-hair pencil, on account
of its being stiffer and more elastic ; after which
more cement maybe added until the required thick-
ness has been attained. Eor obtaining a really
clean surface there is nothing equal to the plan of
dusting it over with fiuely-powdered whiting — or
" creta prseparata " of the shops is best, — and polish-
ing this off with a clean soft cloth. The lac varnish
will be greatly improved both in appearance and in
quality by having two or three crystals of magenta
added to each ounce of the solution, in which
it readily becomes dissolved ; but as it is not always
easy to form a neat narrow ring without the cement
spreading further than desired upon the glass slip,
this need not be heeded at the time, but should be
trimmed off on the turn-table afterwards. It should
be kept in mind that if the slide be expected to have
a neat and perfect finish when completed, care must
be taken with the first layers to have them smooth
and even, otherwise it will be almost impossible
afterwards to obtain a good shape and surface upon
a rough foundation.

With glycerine and castor-oil it is thought to be
a difficult matter to secure the cells from leaking ;
but it may be set down to be entirely a matter of
care and perfect manipulation as against sloven-
liness and insufficient attention to cleanliness of
surface. As all fluids expand and contract by
difference of temperature, it is needful to have a
good body of cement over the cover's edge to resist
the strain, and, as an external coating, the engine -
maker's putty (white lead, red lead, and litharge,
with drying-oil) is probably the strongest and best-
holding material that can be used. This is some-
times made up with japanners' gold size, and in this
case there is no objection to the latter material,
because both red lead and litharge are powerful
" driers," and soon convert the whole into a hard
and solid mass : it is only when no driers are made

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GO S SI P.

231

use of, as in the case of asphalt and gold size, that
its objectionable quality of spreading and running
in is so prominent ; but here again this defect is
yery commonly made more active by its being used
in too great a proportion, instead of only just suffi-
cient to destroy the brittleness of the asphalt ;
although even then, if it be used over a layer of the
lac varnish, it will scarcely be possible for it to do
mischief in any way.

,TV. Kencely Bridgman.

MICROSCOPY.

New Medium for Mounting.— I am desirous
of directing the attention of your readers who are
working with the microscope, to make trial of a
new medium for preserving objects. I
have not been able to give it much trial,
but I think it promises to work well, and
therefore I request some space in your
columns. I have for a long time desired
to obtain a medium which will receive
without disturbance a specimen which
has been subjected to the action of gly-
cerine, or perhaps carbolic acid, the
medium being one which does not remain
fluid, but will set. I think I can propose
one which is worth trial, or may lead to
the formation of a better. I, however,
think it needful to any who may be disposed to try
it, to institute a few easy experiments before fully
following out the trial of the medium I propose. I
employ chloral hydrate as a basis. This chemical
compound will dissolve and unite perfectly with
many substances, and from some of its combina-
tions we may obtain mediums which may vary
from a fluid to a jelly-like or gum-like consis-
tence. Chloral hydrate, besides uniting with gum
and resins, also unites with alkaloids; as salicinine,
quinine, and cinchonine. Place a small portion of
chloral on a glass slide, add a little portion of water,
and a nearly equal bulk of either of the above ; gently
heat over a flame, mixing the two materials with a
needle or glass rod : these will unite, and when
cooled be found to be viscid and clear. To such a
mixture camphor can be added or glycerine. If a
number of such experiments be conducted, the
operator will soon find out what he is likely to obtain,
and thus contrive a new medium suited to some
objects. I propose the following : — Make a nearly
saturated solution of chloral in water; filter, and then
add sulphate of cinchonine to near saturation. A
portion of this combination is placed on a slide,
heated slightly and allowed to cool. The object is
then placed in it and the cover applied, which,
however, requires to be cemented with gum solu-
tion, and then Bell's cement or Canada balsam. To
this " artificial balsam," as I am inclined to call it,

I have added a little dextrine, so as to render it
more solid. .Your workers can make trial, and
report on it. Glycerine and dextrine together
boiled, and then chloral hydrate added, make a clear
solution, which, I think, may be tried also. —
Thomas Shearman Ralph, Assoc. Linn. Soc. Load.,
Kew, Melbourne.

Polabiscope Apparatus. — Presuming others
would be glad of simple additions to the micro-
scope, I have ventured to send you a full-sized sketch
of apparatus I have made for use with the polari-
scope. A, a disk of talc (probably selenite would
do better) fitted in the end of a pin, so that it may
be revolved and placed at any angle with the object.
The effect produced is very beautiful, the ground
colour changing with the slightest variation of the

Fig. 142. Polariscope Apparatus.

Fig. 143. Disk of Talc fitted in Pin.

S^_

.J

Fig. 144. Fitting for revolving Stage.

position of the disk, giving blue, green, purple,
orange, violet, &c. It will be found necessary to
revolve the prisms or stage, as sometimes, after
altering the angle of the disk, no colour appears ;
but the slightest movement of the revolving stage
of the microscope gives the ground colour. B is
the fitting for it : the bottom part fits into the object-
holder on the stage. C is a small spring to keep
the object in position.— George leggett, Norwich.

The Bramhall Oblique Illuminator.— In my
last communication about my Oblique Illuminator,

232

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

I said I had found only one test which I could not
resolve, viz. Stauroneis spicula. I have lately suc-
ceeded in obtaining a very fair view of the lines by
using the greatest possible obliquity of light (sun-
light from the left), and bringing the valve just
within the field on the opposite side to the light.
My glass may not be equal to more (Siebert's
No. 7). The Illuminator professes simply to bring
out in a cheap and easy manner the actual powers
of the glass, be they what they may. Professor
H. S. Smith, of the United States, tells Mr. Kitton
he has long known of this plan of illumination,
having used a piece of looking-glass with a ledge.
He must have thought little of its utility, or kept
it to himself, for I do not know any one on this
side the Atlantic who has heard of it. I certainly
had not. — John Bramhall.

ZOOLOGY.

Notes from the British Association.— This
year's meeting will long be memorable for the com-
prehensive, philosophical, and eloquent addresses of
Mr. A. R. Wallace, and Professor Newton. The
former touched lightly but suggestively on all the
topics which have been raised since the publication
of the "Origin of Species," and we would strongly
advise all our readers who can, to peruse the address.
Professor Andrews, the President of the Associa-
tion, in his inaugural address, also dwelt upon
various zoological questions. Speaking on the
ravages of insects, he said they have ever been the
terror of the agriculturist, and the injury they
inflict is often incalculable. An enemy of this class
carried over from America, threatened lately with
ruin some of the finest vine districts in the south of
Prance. The occasion has called forth a chemist
of high renown ; and in a classical memoir recently
published, M. Dumas appears to have resolved the
difficult problem. His method, although imme-
diately applied to the Phylloxera of the vine, is a
general one, and will no doubt be found serviceable
in other cases. In the apterous state the Phylloxera
attacks the roots of the plant ; and the most effica-
cious method hitherto known of destroying it has
been to inundate the vineyard. After a long and
patient investigation, M. Dumas has discovered
that the sulphocarbonate of potassium, in dilute
solution, fulfils every condition required from an
insecticide, destroying the insect without injuring
the plant. The process requires time and patience ;
but the trials in the vineyard have fully confirmed
the experiments of the laboratory. We recommend
this specific to such of our readers who have been
asking various questions in our columns as to how
insecticide can be effectively carried on. Sir
Wyville Thomson's discourse on the results of
the Challenger expedition was listened to by

upwards of two thousand people, but it is too
extensive for us to do more than allude to it here,
especially as we endeavoured to keep our readers
posted iu the most important discoveries made
during its progress. A good deal of Sir Wyville's
discourse turned on the physical geography of. the
sea, and the origin of currents. One of the most
powerful agents he evoked was the excess of pre-
cipitation over evaporation in the northern hemi-
sphere, and the contrary in the southern. Mr.
Murray, one of the naturalists on board the Chal-
lenger, read a long paper on " Ocean Deposits
and their Origin," in which he showed the kind of
work being done by lowly-organized animals in the
deep seas. Another important paper was that by
Mr. G. J. Romanes on the " Nervous System of
Medusa;," in which he showed from experiments
that along the margin of the disks of Medusae there
was situated an intensely localized system of centres
of spontaneity, or ganglia, to which the contractions
of the disk were due, so that he considered he had
finally settled the long-vexed question as to the
nervous system in these animals. He further
showed that there was no other instance in' the
animal kingdom of so great a disproportion between
the mass of central nerve-substance and that of the
system it was capable of animating, as there was
between the mass of the margin and that of the
bell of a large Medusa ; in one case this proportion
being only that of 1 to 30,000,000. This year's
meeting was noted for the presence of a great many
foreign naturalists of high repute ; such as Prof.
Hteckel, Prof. Cohn, Prof. Grube, and others. Prof.
Ha;ckel read a paper on the Lowest Porms of
Sponges, in which he stated that in all animals above
the rank of protozoa, there existed at an early stage
of development two distinct cell-layers ; one from
which all the organs of animal life were developed,
the other those of vegetating life. All animals
might then be divided into two classes,— those in
which there was no internal body-cavity— the Pro-
tozoa ; and those in which such a cavity existed—
the Metazoa. Prom these latter were developed, on
the one hand, echinodermata and ccelenterata, and
on the other vermes ; through which latter again
all the other groups of both invertebrates and ver-
tebrates were developed. The zoologists were
enabled, by the kindness of Mr. Duncan and Mr.
A. B. Stewart, to have several days' dredging in the
Kyles of Bute and the adjacent lochs. Of these
we say nothing now, except that they were days
long to be remembered for the spoils captured, as
we intend relating some of our experiences thereon
at length in an early number of Science-Gossip.

Gold-fish Breeding.— Iu reply to many queries
respecting gold-fish breeding that have appeared in
Science-Gossip, it may be interesting to readers
to know that they can be successfully bred in an

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

233

aquarium. I have twenty strong healthy fish from
ova deposited in my tank. The young fry are not
more than a month old, and vary from three-quarters
to an inch in length. Already I feed them with
quantities of gnat larvse every day, and have not
had a single death amongst them yet. Unfor-
tunately the parents were removed from the aqua-
rium too soon, or I might have had a great many
more, having obtained nearly a tablespoonful .of
spawn from the female afterwards, which I tried to
vivify with the male by mixiug the milt with it,
but failed. It did not show any sign of hatching
excepting a cloudy nucleus. — IF. Elliott.

BOTANY.

Notes from the British Association Meet-
ing.— There was a striking absence of botanists
from this year's meeting, although Dr. Hooker,
Mr. George Bentham, Prof. Cohn, Prof. Balfour,
Prof. MacNab, and others were present. We have
seldom seen botanical papers in such weak force.
Mr. A. R. Wallace's remarks on the relation be-
tween the colours and perfumes of flowers and
insects added new light to this important subject,
for he showed that certain sun-birds and humming-
birds fulfilled botanical functions in this respect.
One of the most promising young botanists of the
present day, Dr. J. B. Balfour (son of the venerable
Professor of that name), read a series of notes on
" Mascarene Species of Pandani." The Mascarene
Islands are in the Indian Ocean, some distance from
the Mauritius, and these islands are characterized
by very peculiar genera of plants. Of twenty-two
species of Pandanus found in the islands, twenty
were peculiar to them. Mr. George Bentham,
speaking on this paper, said the Pandanus was a
plant in which they had very great interest, because
it was known to be one of the Pandani representa-
tive of some of the oldest types of vegetation, and,
like all old types of vegetation, it was distinguished
by endemic species, confined generally to very
limited areas of territory. Very little was known
about the plant ; indeed, a great number of the
species were almost unknown to botanists. Another
important paper was one by Prof. Cohn, well known
to English botanists, not only for his paper on
Volvox globator, but for his general researches in
Algae. The Professor, in good English, discoursed
on some experiments on the formation and mode of
growth of artificial silica-cells, and performed some
of them before the company, in order to throw
light on the structure of diatoms, &c. Prof.
Burdon-Sanderson gave us an account of further
researches on the leaves of the Ply-trap (Dionea
muscipula). He exhibited a fine specimen of the
Ply-trap, and described the formation of the plant,
how the leaves closed when a fly lighted on them,

and how the insect was held by the hairs which
crossed each other in triangular form, and which
were so jointed that, when the leaves closed, they
were not broken. He next gave the result of ex-
periments made on the plant with an electrical
apparatus. At the Bradford meeting he had brought
forward certain new facts relating to the electrical
changes which took place in the leaf of the Ply-
trap in consequence of mechanical irritation. These
changes were of such a nature as to show, first, that
the leaf, when in the normal state, was electro-
motive; and, secondly, that when excited, either
mechanically or electrically, it became the seat of
electrical changes of a very remarkable kind. He
drew a most interesting parallel, which he then, and
still, thought justifiable between these changes and
those which occurred in animal muscle, and in the
excitable tissues of animals in the process of exci-
tation.

Destruction of Rare Plants. — In the hope
that others will take up the note, and sound an
alarm far louder than I can do, I wish to direct the
attention of all real botanists, all true lovers of the
science, to the pitiless destruction that is every-
where going on among our rarer indigenous plants.
It is not necessary for me to enter into full details,
for to many the fact will be only too patent ; but I
will simply speak of what I personally can vouch
for. Only a few days ago a relative of mine went
to pay a visit in one of the secluded parts of
Surrey, with the hope of making some valuable
additions to his herbarium, as the locality is famous ;
but on inquiring of a botanical friend who resides
near, he was told, that on account of the rapacity of
collectors, they had nearly all disappeared ! Last
year I was at Cheddar, a place where several rather
uncommon ferns are to be found, and I was told
that in the season large quantities are grubbed up,
and sent off by railway. The rage for ferns is now
so universal that, if it long continues, the rarer and
prettier kinds will almost disappear. I was in-
formed a short time ago by a gentleman who knows
what is going on in the botanical world, that some
one has a commission to gather five hundred speci-
mens of each of our rare plants to send to America !
It would be difficult, in such a case, for many of
our rarities to escape complete extirpation. What
is , to be done ? Two things may at least be
observed ; one is, whoever is collecting specimens,
ought to be particularly careful not to gather more
than is necessary, not to uproot a plant, and, if
possible, to leave ripe seeds. Many do great harm
from thoughtlessness rather than greediness. Also,
one must be most careful not to divulge the locality
of any rare plant without knowing something of the
person who applies, and in return a promise of
absolute secrecy should be required. I am in pos-
session of the knowledge of several localities of

234

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE - GO SSIP.

uncommon plants, for which I gave my word not to
divulge the place to any one, and I would not break
it on any account, as I look upon it as sacred. In
one case I refused information to a well-known
botanist, who was very wishful to know where I
gathered a certain specimen, having promised not
to divulge the locality. I kept my honour, and
also satisfied him by giving him a duplicate of the
plant required. I hope these few hints may be the
means of calling attention to this serious matter —
IT. E. Wilkinson, Anerley, S.E.

Testing Fungi.— Being practically acquainted
almost from childhood with most of our common
edible fungi, allow me to assure your readers gene-
rally, and " J. P. Soulter " in particular, that the test
he quotes for ascertaining the wholesomeness or
otherwise of mushrooms is not only fallacious, but
likely, if relied upon, to lead to mischief. As a
matter of fact, whether bruised with a gold ring or
with the finger, or in any other way, most fungi
would show a change of colour. The only mush-
room I remember which would turn yellow when
bruised is the St. George's Mushroom (Agaricus
gambosus), one of the earliest of the true mush-
rooms ; aud therefore, though it is perfectly whole-
some, it would be condemned by the gold-ring test.
The Ox Mushroom {Agaricus bovinus), another
edible variety of the common mushroom, properly
so called, would turn of a dull red colour. I sus-
pect (though I have never actually tested it) that
many of the poisonous fungi would fail to show a
yellow tinge when bruised. Some, as the poisonous
boleti, would turn green, purple, or blue, and others
would doubtless show little or no sign of yellow.
The safest guide to the edible kinds is a careful
study of one of the good books now published on
the subject ; and no one should attempt to eat fungi
unless he has first assured himself of their whole-
someness by this means, or by the practical teaching
of some one who knows what they really are.—
Martin Gardner, Leyton.

Yolvox Globator — In answer to the inquiry in
a recent number (August) as to the Volvox only
being met with in June, in my experience I have
met with them this year in May, and every month
up to the present, and last year I certainly met with
them in September. With respect to the Rotifers
in Volvox, they are mostly found in the latter
months. 1 have seen specimens almost daily the
last three weeks, and not only Rotifers, but Roti-
fers in the egg, showing movement of the cilia and
of the gizzard, and also eggs not so far developed.
In one Yolvox which I examined last night I saw
three active Rotifers, two eggs showing movement,
four eggs similar but quiescent, and four green
spheres ; thirteen in all. There is, in my opinion,
no question that some Rotifers are developed in the

Yolvox. The study of the Volvox at this particu-
lar time is well worthy of the attention of the
microscopist — 0. F. Chardrell, Hon. Sec. M. S. of
Liverpool.

White and Scarlet Thorn.— At Desercreight
Rectory, Tullyhogue, co. Tyrone, there is a scarlet
thorn budded on a white species, which bears
flowers alternately white, scarlet, and pink. This,
I think, proves that the sap affects the colouring of
the florescence, as in the case of the Cytisus budded
on the Laburnum, which produces racemes of yellow
and purple flowers alternately— & A. Brenan.

Peculiar Horse-chestnut.— A horse-chestnut
at Ardbraccan Palace, co. Meath, covers nearly a
quarter of an acre, having the peculiarity of the
banyan-tree, the branches falling and taking root
again.— S. A. Brenan.

Botany op the Isle of Wight.— Having been
for some weeks this summer at Niton, in the Isle
of Wight, I can state, for the information of
botanists, that Cyperus longus is still growing
plentifully in its old station near St. Catherine's
Point, as discovered by the late Dr. Bromfield.
Near it grow Mentha rotandifolia and Astragalus
glycyphyllos, the latter in the rocky fields adjoining.
Sambucus ebulus is to be found near the lighthouse,
and Carex distans in its old station by the side of a
brook at Rocken End, along the banks of which
Hypnum commutatum is ab undant, but I could not
find any fruit at all. In the sandy districts of the
interior there is found Agrostis setacea, that very
beautiful grass, and I once found another equally
beautiful about a couple of miles in the interior,
viz. Gastridium lendigerum. In some of the
swamps by the Medina Lastrcea thelypteris is in
great profusion, and in the bogs Comarum palustre,
Menyanihes trifoliata, and Sphagnum in fruit.
Geranium lucidum is plentiful in the lanes, and
on the top of the cliff about nalfway towards
St. Lawrence (from which, by the way, a most mag-
nificent view is to be obtained), Carduus marianus,
and Caucalis daucoides, and among the trees, at the
foot of the cliff in the same place, Cryphora
heteromalla. As stated in the " Phytologist,"
Rocella tinctoria, var. Phycopsis, covers half of the
church at Godshill. Among the algse Maugeria
sanguinea, Ealurus equisetifolius, and Davya
coccinea are plentiful. Mr. Grattan, in his inte-
resting book on the sea-weeds, states that he finds
Davya coccinea most plentiful in the coves west of
Yentnor, and I can fully corroborate this. It is
singular that, though I searched carefully, I did
not find one single specimen of any one of the
mtophylla so common at Dover and Folkestone.—
T. IF.

Ferns found at Sopley, and Neighbour-
hood, Hants— Thinking it might interest some

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

23;

readers of Science-Gossip to know, should they
be visiting this place, what ferns are to be found
here, I append the following list. Among the
most common are, Lastrea filix-mas, Polystichitm
annulare, Pteris aqidliua, and Asplenium adiantum-
nigrum ; the latter fern growing thickly in every
hedgerow. There are plenty of Athjr'mm filial-
fosmina, and an entire lane lined on either side
with Scolopendt'mm mlga/re. Asplenium Buta-muraria
grows on the old church at Sopley, where it thrives
well. Osmuuda regalls is to be found in a hedge
near Heme station, about two miles from Sopley.
Poly podium vulgare and Blechium spicant are also
plentifully distributed throughout. Ophioglossu.n
vulgalum is said to be found in the meadows near
Christ Church Priory, three miles from Sopley,
though I was never fortunate enough myself to
obtain a specimen. — F. B., Shepherd's Bush, IF.

GEOLOGY.

Notes from the British Association. — The
section devoted to geology was very ably presided
over by Professor Young. Among the specimens ex-
hibited were Dr. Sliinon's tine collection of the great
Silurian crustacean named Slimonia. There were
several so-called species of this creature ; and when
Dr. Slimon had exhibited them, Mr. J. E. Taylor
suggested the species might be only larval stages in
the life-history of the huger forms. The Duke of
Argyll's paper on the Physical Geology of the
Highlands was very popular and interesting. Mr.
James Thomson's magnificent collection of Laby-
rinthodont remains, as well as his prepared sections
of Carboniferous Corals, illustrated every stage in
the life-history of each species, and, showing how
even so-called genera shaded off into each
other, were most interesting, and proved a " nut "
for the evolutionists. Not less interesting were the
Labyrinthodont remains brought by Dr. Fritsch
from Bohemia, and about which he read a paper.
These Labyrinthodonts are supposed to be of
Permian age, and are so abundant and well pre-
served that they will throw great light on an
obscure but important group of animals. Dr.
Roemer sent some specimens of fossils found
in the carboniferous limestone of Sumatra, which
were striking like those met with in this country.
Mr. Charles W. Peach exhibited fine specimens
of Sphenopleris offinis, showing the complete cir-
culate vernation from the earliest to the latest
stages. It was proved that several so-called species
had been manufactured from one or another of these
transitory stages. Dr. Leith Adam's paper on
gigantic Tortoises and Elephant remains from the
Maltese caverns excited great interest. Some of the
fossil elephants, of Miocene age, were not bigger
than large dogs, whilst the tortoises were gigantic

as compared to the present forms. Dr. J. E.
Taylor, F.G.S., read a paper on the "Age, Fauna,
and Mode of Occurrence of the Phosphate Deposits
in the South of France," in which he described the
physical geology of the departments of Lot and
Aveyron. The deposits occur on the oolitic lime-
stone in pockets. These pockets, he contended,
were open caverns during the early Tertiary epoch,
and the phosphates of lime were deposited as
stalactites and stalagmites along the walls and
floors of the caverns ; the rest was filled in with
red cave-earth, in which were numerous bones and
teeth of eocene and miocene animals, sometimes in
great abundance. These, he contended, stamped
the age of the deposits, and he thought the phos-
phates were due to organic agencies. In these
deposits a great many " missing links " had been
found, especially those of Lemuridse, and when the
animal remains had been thoroughly worked out
they would greatly increase our knowledge of the
early tertiary animals. Dr. James Croll's paper on
the Age of the Earth, as made out from the tidal
retardation, was listened to with much atten-
tion. Dr. Croll showed that there was a tendency
from subaerial denudation to lower the dry land
surface at the equator one foot in six thousand
years.

The Discovery of Plants in the Lower Old
Red Sandstone of the Neighbourhood of
Callander. — This is the title of a paper recently
read before the Geological Society, by R. L. Jack,
Esq., F.G.S., and R. Etheridge, Jun., Esq., F.G.S.,
of the Geological Survey of Scotland. The authors
give an abstract of the various previous references
to the existence of remains of land- plants in de-
posits of Old Red Sandstone age, and mention the
following localities in Scotland, in which such re-
mains have recently been discovered by them : —
1. Buchanan Castle Quarry, near Drymen ; 2. Old
Quarry at small reservoir at Kilmahew ; 3. Green
Burn, Keltie Water; 4. Keltie Water, above
Chapelrock; 5. Keltie Water, below Bracklaud
Linns; G. Quarry at Kames Farm, near Callander;
7. Quarry at Easterhill, near Gartmore ; 8. Quarry
in Cameron plantation, near Alexandria ; 9. Turn-
pike road at Overballoch, Loch Lomond ;— and the
localities from which the specimens noticed in this
paper were obtained; namely, a quarry 2i miles from
Braendam House, and the south-west corner of
Muir plantation, near Callander. The plant-remains
are described as being of a very fragmentary nature,
and as occurring in the two last-named localities in
a deposit consisting of greenish-grey flags and thin-
bedded sandstones about 500 feet in thickness, the
best specimens being in the sandstone. They
present the appearance of elongated flattened stems,
about 1 inch wide on the average, sometimes repre-
sented only by casts, sometimes by black carbon-

236

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSir.

aceous films. They are ornamented with a series of
pucker-like depressions when seen from theiuterior,
or with a number of wart-like eminences when
viewed externally. The latter are the scars of the
points of issue of the vascular bundles passing to the
leaves. Along the margins are seen spines or thorn-
like projections, which may be the leaves or their
bases ; these are apparently arranged in spiral rows.
Some stems appear to show dichotomous branching.
The authors discuss the relationships of these re-
mains with other described Devonian forms, and
regard them as most nearly allied to Psilophyton
princeps, Dawson. They describe the plant with
doubt as a species of Psilophyton.

"Notes on the Diamond Eields, &c, of
South Africa." By E. J. Dunn, Esq.— These
notes are intended to serve as additions and cor-
rections to the author's paper read in 1S73.
Further mining operations at De Beer's show that
the "pipes" are more recent than the sheet of
dolerite and other intrusive rocks surrounding them.
At this mine the only instauce of a dyke traversing
the " pipe " occurs. Though the rock composing
it was too much decomposed to be determined, it
was still quite distinct. As the mines are worked
out they disclose a form less circular than at first
supposed. The first effect of the disruptive force
was to cause a rent in the rocks, the sides of which
were afterwards torn away in the weaker parts by
the intrusive rock until the present form resulted.
The " cores or pipes " have decomposed downwards,
being darker coloured and less decomposed at 80
or 100 feet from the surface and towards the centres.
Several small freshwater shells were discovered in
Kimberley Mine, in an apparently undisturbed
deposit. Gold is mined for at Leydenburg and
Eersteliug, in the Transvaal Republic. The rocks
in which it occurs are generally barren-looking, and
vary very much in strike. The alluvial gold at
Leydenburg has doubtless been supplied from two
distinct sources ; it is coarse and nuggety as a rule,
well rounded, and generally coated with oxide of
iron. Lumps up to 10 lb. weight have been found ;
it is of good quality, worth from 76 fr. to SO fr.
per oz. The auriferous rocks at Ecrsteling are
steatitic and chloritic schist resting on gneiss, and
overlain by rocks which at Leydenburg are auri-
ferous. Cobalt is found near Oliphant River, in
fine-grained felsite rocks. It does not occur in
lodes, but in small threads and lenticular veins,
running parallel to a dyke of fine-grained dolerite.
The widest vein of ore was 8 inches thick. More
than 100 tons of ore have been sent to London.

"The crystalline lens of the eye, which is soft in
quadrupeds and cartilaginous in fishes, is very solid
in the cephalopoda."

NOTES AND QUERIES-

A Tame Cuckoo. — A fortnight ago a friend sent
me a young cuckoo, which he said would be from
two to three months old. It appeared very healthy,
and fully feathered, with the exception of the tail,
which was short. I kept it in a cage several days,
and then sent it by my brother-in-law right
away into the country to be liberated. The farm-
house where he resides stands alone in the fields,
having a small wood about 150 jrards distant.
Directly he arrived at home, he at once went to the
wood and liberated the bird, and then returned to
the house ; but in less than half an hour afterwards,
to the surpriseof all, the bird flew through the
open doorway into the kitchen, and would not
leave. It fed itself by picking up crumbs or any-
thing that fell in its way, and finished by giving up
the ghost on the fourth day. — </. B. P.

The Cuckoo's Eggs. — Mr. Taylor is not singular
in the opinion that the cuckoo has the power of
laying eggs similar in colour to those of the species
in whose nest she_ lays. In 1S53, Dr. Baldamus
published a paper, in which he maintained that the
eggs of the cuckoo partake of the colour of the
foster parents. However, this opinion has not been
confirmed by subsequent investigation, and it has
been found that the eggs of the cuckoo vary less in
colour than those of most other birds of passage.
Birds have little discrimination as to the colour
or character of their eggs, and ^he barn-door fowl
will sit on chalk eggs, duck eggs, pheasant, par-
tridge, guinea fowl, or even goose eggs, as I have
seen the latter frequently hatched by a hen. I
dare say the same will apply to any other fowls.
Many years ago I observed a magpie's nest in an
ash-tree; I removed her eggs, and substituted those
of a barn-door fowl, which were duly hatched by
the magpie, and the chicks were afterwards removed
by me, and reared without difficulty. Although the
eggs of the cuckoo may be deposited in the nests of
all the kinds mentioned by Mr. J. S. Copeman,
yet the nest of the Meadow Pipit appears to be
its favourite, at least in the north of England, as
more than half the number of the eggs are found in
the nest of this species. Some of the nests in which
the eggs of the cuckoo are deposited are so small
that it is impossible for it to enter ; for instance,
that of the Willow Wren whose nest, is domed, and
the entrance at the side so small as to be just
of sufficient size to permit the wren to pass in and
out. Dr. Jenner mentions a case, in Montagu's
" Ornithological Dictionary," of a cuckoo's egg
being found in a Wagtail's nest, in a hole under the
eaves of a cottage, in which the difficulty is just as
great as in the case of the eggs in the Willow Wren's
nest. Now, the question arises how are the
cuckoo's eggs deposited in nests where it is quite
impossible for that bird to enter ? The naturalist
Vaillant obtained pretty satisfactory evidence that
one at least of the African cuckoos carries the eggs
in her bill. It is therefore evident that such must
be the case with our European species. When the
egg of the cuckoo is deposited in the nest of another
bird, it always happens that the young of the foster
parents are thrown out a day or two after they are
hatched ; and the cuckoo being at that period quite
naked and without even down upon it, one would
naturally suppose that it had not the power to
accomplish such a feat. Yet such appears to be the
case. Dr. Jenner published an account of this per-

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

237

formauce in the "Philosophical Transactions" for
1788, and this] has been recently confirmed by a
letter in Nature on the 14th of May, 1872, by J. B.,
author of " Caw, Caw," who witnessed the transac-
tion. This has been still further confirmed by Mr.
John Hancock, of Newcastle, who says, "On the
6th of June, 1S64, I observed a nest of the Hedge
Accentor, which contained five eggs, four belonging
to this bird and one to the cuckoo. I visited the
nest again on the Sth of June, and found three
young accentors and the cuckoo hatched, one of
the hedge accentor's eggs having disappeared ; the
three young hedge accentors lay on one side of the
nest, the other, the cuckoo, by itself. On the morn-
ing of the following day, I once more went to the
nest ; the three accentors were gone, and the
cuckoo was the sole occupant. One of the accent-
ors lay dead on the ground below the nest. On the
10th of June I saw the foster parents feeding the
cuckoo." — Dipt on Burn.

Cuckoos and their Eggs.— Mr. Copeman will
find, on further investigation, that Dr. J. E. Taylor's
account of the various colour of cuckoos' eggs,
given in his most interesting "Half-hours in the
Green Lanes," is home out by other naturalists of
high repute. If he will tuni to Chambers's Journal
for May, he will there meet with the following para-
graph : — " In 1853 Dr. Baldamus, of Stuttgart,
published a series of interesting observations on the
egg-lajing peculiarities of this singular bird. He
attempts to prove, and with considerable success,
that the egg of the cuckoo agrees in colour with
those amongst which it is placed. That she can
voluntarily influence the colour of her eggs. He
enumerates the nests of thirty-seven species — to
which list the editor of the Ibis has added fifteen —
frequented by the cuckoo. There is certainly a very
marked resemblance in many instances between the
egg of the cuckoo and those of the species whose
nest is selected, though there are notable exceptions,
such as that, of the hedge-sparrow, whose blue-green
eggs bear no resemblance to the colour of any egg
laid by the cuckoo. In this case, however, it may
be that the hedge-sparrow is one of those species
more easily duped than others, so that the deception
of colour is not necessary." — James Rogers, Bolton.

Cuckoos' Eggs.— Mr. Copeman will find an
article in Science-Gossip for May, 1870, written
by Mr. J. E. Harting, on the cuckoo, in which Mr.
Harting refers to a discovery by Dr. Baldamus, that
hen cuckoos are endowed with the faculty of laying
eggs similar in colour to those of the species in
whose nests she lays, in order that they may be less
detected by the foster-parents. This is corrobora-
tive of the statement made by Mr. Taylor in his
" Half-hours in the Green Lanes."— R. Christie.

How to destroy Clothes-Moths.— In reply
to the query of W. Benn in a recent number, I beg
to recommend him the following plan for the de-
struction of the larvae of moths infesting woollen
goods. Take a coarse towel or cloth, and wet it
thoroughly ; fold it to three or four thicknesses, and
lay it on the part suspected, and pass over it a very
hot iron. The steam generated kills the larvse and
cooks the eggs. I have tried it on a couch and
carpet that were much infested with entire success,
and have not found it damage either the carpet or
the green wool rep cover of the couch.—/. S. L.

Decay of Trees. — Some remarks in Science-
Gossip for August call attention to the decay of

trees in Hyde Park, and it is stated there how the
leaves and fruits of these trees have been carefully
swept away from year to year without substituting
any manures in their place. What suicidal policy !
for by this means the very food of the plant has
been taken away from it. It might have occurred
to some one before that each tree must naturally
drain up all the available nutrition in a given area
if no more were added, and that supplied by nature
were persistently swept away as it fell. As an
evidence of how much nutrition there is in the
decaying leaves, &c, I will quote the tables of
Professor Wolff, and give a few of his analyses.
Eirst, then, in "fruits and seeds of trees " :—

.^ 6

.

s)

U frf

j=

o •—

E £

a
o

CO

OS

o

a,

a)
•o

O
W

a)

01

S

as

3^

■S.S

3"E
M1-1

in

Horse-chestnut ....

58-9

0-5

11-6

22-4

1'4

0-2

6-4

Ditto, green husk. .

764, ..

]•(»

100

6-3

P4

06

5-6

645 0-7

5-4
11-6

70

24-5

16-2
20-8

2'8

2- a

1-1

>*

17
05

22 8

10-0

Also the following leaves

! *

.2 «5

o .

6

x:

en
n! i v

o

O-S

= 3

eS

a

cd

■a s
o Sn>

s

" 1-

ft c

o

0*

CO ; CD

_1

go.

3 ■-

x1-

CO

O

Horse-chest. (Spring)

38-8

.. 3-9

21 '3

23-4

6-0

29

3-8

Ditto (Autumn

19-6

.. 7-S

40-5

8-2

17

13-9

4-1

Beech (Summer) ....

18-5

1-8 8-6

3t)-5

7-8

3'1

152

1-2

Ditto (Autumn) ....

5-2

0-6 6-0

44-9

4-2

37

33-9

0-4

33-1

.. 13-5

261

12-2

27

4 4

o-i

Ditto (Autumn) ....

35

06 4-0

48b

8-1

4-4

30-9

Scotch Fir (Autumn)

10-1

.. 99

114

16.4

44

13-1

4-4

Spruce ditto

1-5

23

15-2

8'2

2-8

77-1

•-

It is obvious from these tables what a constant
supply of nutritious material there is in fallen leaves
and fruits, which are as beneficial as a manure ; for
these decaying and liberating their salts, which
become dissolved in the water of the soil, become
a constant source of nutrition for the plant. So
that whether in the form of raphides or sphse-
raphides (as Science-Gossip says), it does not
matter very much, whether as double phosphates of
calcium and magnesium (as in globoids), or as
calcium carbonate (as in cystoliths), still the ulti-
mate analysis of the leaves shows us how much real
food there is contained in them, and how essential
it is to allow them to decay on the ground, or else
supply their place by suitable manure. We have
only need tojpoint to the luxuriant vegetation found
in woods where the leaves are thick on the ground
as a proof of this. Every one of your readers will
have some recollection of a beautiful, damp, moist
glen or dell, inches thick in decaying and decayed
leaves, and in which cryptogamic vegetation is
luxuriant, and the large trees are always green and
healthy ; and evidently this is because Nature sup-
plies her own manure, and the broom of civilization
is not there to sweep it away, and make clean at
the expense of life. I may add that these tables
are quoted from Professor Johnson's "How Crops
Grow."— R. N. W.

Density of Sea Water. — Perhaps some of
your readers can enlighten me in regard to the
following: in Professor (now Sir) Wyville Thom-
son's "Depths of the Sea," on page 304 is the
following statement :—" It has been shown by

238

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GO SSIP.

M. Despretz, as the result of a series of carefully-
conducted experiments, which have since been fre-
quently repeated and verified, that sea water, as a
saline solution, contracts and increases steadily in
density down to its freezing-point, which is, when
kept perfectly still, about 3° 67' C. (25° 4' Fall.),
and when agitated, 2° 55' C." From this latter
statement it appears that it takes less cold to freeze
water when agitated than when perfectly still. I
nad always supposed the reverse to be the case. —
/. F. James, Cincinnati, 0., U.S.A.

Local Names. — Since you are opening your
columns to the derivations of local names, may 1
ask that of " Clevel "—as a clevel of wheat ? The
word is well known in this part of the country, as
meaning the corn itself, but I can find no mention
of it in books of reference, so suppose it is a local
term. If any of your numerous readers can tell
me its origin I shall feel much obliged. — Brian
Rigden, Canterbury.

Colias Edusa. — With reference to what
"J. R. S. C." says respecting this insect, I have my-
self noticed how common it is some seasons in
certain localities ; and I remember with what plea-
sure I once came across a lucerne field in Wiltshire
over which numbers of this beautiful insect were
Hying ; they were, in fact, commoner in this spot than
any other butterfly, and from what I have noticed I
should say that they decidedly do not hybernate,
but may be met with (generally very much worn)
as late or later in the autumn than any other of
our butterflies. — Ed. Lovett.

Crawfish. — I have just had some of these
fresh-water Crustacea? brought me from Wiltshire,
where they are caught in great numbers in some
seasons by means of small nets stretched on iron
hoops and baited with a piece of liver, or even a
minnow. As I wished to preserve some of them,
and thinking to keep them alive a short time, I put
them into water, but in a few hours they nearly all
died : so I placed the survivors in a dry vessel, with
stinging-nettles, which, I have heard, keeps them
alive, and, strange to say, although 1 have had
them now over a week, they are as fresh and lively
as when first caught : how is this to be accounted
for?— Ed. Lovett.

Herring Gull. — A herring gull belonging to
Miss Ross, Limavady, was taken from the nest in
1832, which makes the bird 44 years old, — a rather
patriarchal age for a gull. — S. A. Brenan, Cloughban,
Pomeroy.

A Group of Answers. — I have ventured to
answer a few queries which I observed in Science-
Gossip, the answers to which have not yet appeared.
I should have done so before, but thought some of
your older correspondents would do so. First,
then, " A. J. A.," writing from Brisbane, mentions
a very interesting example of the sudden appear-
ance of plants, at page 162. No doubt, Mr. Lees is
quite capable of taking his own part, but to me the
following seems to be an explanation of the facts.
In speaking of the soil, he says it is formed " from
the dropping of the leaves of many centuries." Now
the explanation appears to be this : — The (ire having
burnt the semi-decayed leaves, leaves the subsoil,
rich in seeds, exposed to heat, light, and moisture ;
these seeds being thus placed under circumstances
favourable for germination, vegetate and produce
plants, whose seeds may have been buried for years.
2. On page 118 there is a query as to whether

geese ever eat Galium, Aparine. A letter on
page 166 throws no light on it. Now, although I
have never seen geese eat it from choice, yet in this
part of Surrey, in confinement, they are commonly
fed with it, and they take to it readily ; but this
may be a local custom, and, if so, would scarcely
account for the widespread use of the name " goose
grass." 3. On page 167 is a letter concerning the
phosphorescence of centipedes. I have several
times seen them leave a long trail of phosphorescent
light behind them, themselves appearing luminous
at the time ; but as I never killed them, I cannot
say whether they would continue to do so after
death. The fact of their emitting a light seems
well established. At page 509 of Kirby and
Spence's " Entomology " is a description of the
light emitted from Geophilus electricus, and un-
doubtedly the myriapod in question was of that
species. 4. At page 167 is a letter relating to the
scarcity of the Hawfinch. It must be that it is not
so scarce here as in other parts, for I generally see
one or more every year in my immediate neigh-
bourhood. On Horsley downs, and about Clauden,
I have known four and five to be shot in a day,
many of which have been sent to me ; and it is not
uncommon about here to see one in cases of stuffed
birds. A neighbour of mine also kept one for many
years iu his aviary. — W. H. Gaze.

Double Eggs. — I had a very remarkable speci-
men of a double egg of the Hedge Accentor (A.
modular is) brought to me in May last. I have
called it a double egg, but in reality it was two
eggs joined together transversely, with no internal
connection between the two. Each egg contained
the yolk and albumen. The query is as to whether
the bird had laid the two eggs in that state, the
eggs being quite firmly joined, or whether the eggs
had been laid in the nest in a soft state and after-
wards united ? I should be pleased to know if any
of your readers have met with similar specimens,
and how they can be accounted for ?— C. D. Wol-
stenholme.

Deer and Snakes. — A friend of mine living in
the country, a keen observer in natural history,
noticed a number of deer in the Park at Castle
Howard following each other in single file in a
circle, aud on coming to a particular place they in
turns jumped. After watching them a few minutes,
and wondering at their unusual movements, he
went up and found a large snake (Coluber natrix),
quite dead and perfectly flattened, having been
jumped upon by all the animals in turn, who had
evidently killed it knowing it to be an enemy. —
C. D. Wolstenholme.

Midges. — What are midges ? Iu what division
of the insect world are they classified? Are they
the same as what are sometimes called thunderflies ?
During the late sultry weather (notably on the 7th
and 8th August) there was an irruption of them
iu the south-east of Kent. — C. H.

Drying Ferns, &c. — There is a method of
drying leaves and ferns (so as to retain their natural
appearance) in blotting-paper. What chemical is
used on the blotting-paper, and what varnish ? —
E. M. P.

The Swallow-tailed Butterfly.— This butter-
fly need not be looked for in Kent. Newman, in
his work, says " Kent." At p. 159 of the fourth
volume of the " Entomologist," Mr. W. C. Ham-
mond writes thus in October, 1868 : — "A young lady

HAFiDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

230

a near neighbour of mine, this summer took Machaon
in a clover field. I believe the chrysalis of Macliaon
was put down in some numbers experimentally a
few years back. These marshes are some eight
miles off. Is it possible this was one ? A single
specimen was taken thirty years ago by my brother."
— /. S. Wesley.

Woodlice. — I would inform " Querist," that the
best mode of exterminating woodlice is to sprinkle
chloride of lime over the parts infested with them.
—B. N. IF.

Skeletonizing of Starfish.— Can any of your
readers give me some definite rules as to the mode
to be adopted to skeletonize the common Five-finger,
or the Solaster or Sun-star ? I have repeatedly
tried, and only once have I been successful ; yet I
could never discover the reason of my success in the
one case or my failure in the others. The method
I used was to soak the starfish in a solution of liq.
potassse and water, and then wash away in clear
water the parts which bad been destroyed by the
potassa ; but sometimes the starfish crumbled to
pieces after a very short immersion, and at another
it would lesist for a much longer period the action
of the solution of potassa. Sometimes all would
seem to be going on quite nicely, and then the
washing away of the last piece of destroyed skin
would reduce the whole to a mass of fragments.
What I want to know is the strength of the solu-
tion of potassa and water I ought to use, the time
of immersion, and the means I ought to adopt to
cleanse the specimen. Perhaps Mr. Sharpe, who
used to be a contributor, and who, I know, has had
experience in the matter, would kindly give me the
result of his experience. — Frederick Stanley, Mar-
gate.

Fuchsias. — "While selecting plants for an annual
flower-show in the district of St. Barnabas, I met
with a magnificent fuchsia over 5 feet high and 3
wide, with some of tbe leaves 3 and 2>\ inches
across. The owner is a most respectable man, and
known to me for years. I can therefore vouch for
his truthfulness. He tells me that his fuchsia has
never been watered since he had it as a cutting
with anything but cold tea, and that now it has
half a pint of good cold tea regularly every day.
Inquiring in other rooms, I found that several
people had taken the bint, and watered their plants
also with cold tea, and all said to be so watered
were extremely good. Our judges were two gar-
deners, and they awarded the first prize to the
fuchsia described above. Will you allow this to
be inserted in Science-Gossip, with the inquiry
among your scientific readers as to what are the
properties of tea that make it suit fuchsias and
geraniums so well, and also if its use is generally
known ?— -Emily W. Hutch.

Sparrowhawk and Crow. — One morning, on
coming down-stairs, I noticed that the pigeons which
live in a hole in the spire of the church were flying
about in a very frightened manner. On going up to
the churchyard gate, I found the cause of the com-
motion to be a large sparrowhawk, which was
clinging to the spire. It hung for some time, until
at last an unwary pigeon came near, at which it
dashed, but which by some accident it missed ; it
retired to the spire again, where it stayed for some
time, but as the pigeons would not come near, it
made several long and unsuccessful dashes at them.
During one of these dashes a crow (Corvus corone)
appeared on the scene, which, in its turn, dashed at

the sparrowhawk, pulled some feathers out of its
back, and drove it off to a large tree, upon which
they both sat for some moments. Suddenly the
sparrowhawk made a dash at one of the pigeons,
which was sitting on the church roof, but missed it,
and then flew away at a great pace, followed by the
crow, which did not leave it as long as they were in
sight. A few days after, the same hawk again
visited the church in the middle of the day, but
as the pigeons were out in the fields feeding, it
sailed round three or four times and departed. The
only thing noticeable about the sparrowhawk was
its small size. I told our gardener what I had seen,
and he told me the following anecdote about a
sparrowhawk and weasel (Mustela vulgaris). One.
day, as he was walking through a field just cleared
of stacks of corn, he saw a sparrowhawk fighting
with some creature ; he ran towards the spot, upon
which the hawk rose high up into the air, carrying:
a weasel with it, which it let fall when a great height
up. On picking up the weasel, he found it was quite
dead, with its back broken, and the sparrowhawk,
which had been slowly flying away, suddenly reeled,
and fell "stone" dead. The sparrowhawk must
have pounced upon the weasel by mistake, which
must, in its turn, have bitten and sucked it. The
man did not notice if the bird was much injured by
the conflict, but it must have been, or it would not
have fallen. What do the readers of Science-
Gossip think of these facts ? — A. P.

Spiders uttering Sound. — lean inform "H. F."
Jun. that I have heard spiders emit the peculiar
sounds which he describes. Some years ago I kept
a number of garden spiders in a large bottle for
several days, feeding them on house-flies. Whilst in
confinement, I repeatedly heard them make a kind of
ticking sound, very similar to that of a watch, but
at irregular and much longer intervals. Though I
examined them very minutely whilst uttering this
sound, I observed nothing which could indicate how
they produced it.— 67. At. Doe, Torrington.

BOOKS, &c, received.

"Field Geology." By W. H. Penning. London. Bail-
liere & Co.

" Sound in its Relation to Music." By Prof. Blaserna.
London : H. S. King: & Co.

" Resources : a Treatise on Water and Springs." Written
by Bernard Palissy. Brighton : W. J. Smith.

" The Sanitary Record." September.

"Monthly MicroscopicalJournal." September.

" Land and Water." September.

" Ben Brierley's Journal." September.

"American Naturalist." August.

"Canadian Entomologist." August.

" Botanische Zeitung." August.

" Les Mondes." August.

&c. &c. &c.

Communications Rbceivkd up to 12th inst. prom: —
C. B. P.-J. F. J.— F. C— M. M.— J. B.~ T. S. R.— W. K. M.
— G. T. C.-F. J. R.— C D. W.— Mrs. G.— W. E.— W. H. G.

— R. N. W.— W. J.— C W. B— J. B. P.— D. B.— M. G.—
H. E. W.— C H.— G. L.-R. B.— H. L.— W. L.— R. J. S —
J. S. L.— J. R. S. C— G. 0. D.— J. S. W.— J. G. H.— G. E. L.
— H. E. W.— E. E.— R. D.- J. H. G.— W. H.— R. T.— Dr. T.
— E. F. G.— E. W. W.-S. A. B.— F. J. R.— T. W.— A. P.—
H. G. G.— G. P.— Dr. P. Q. K.— J. H. B.— J. T.— E. M. M.—
W. H. G.— W. W. S.— G. W.— F. R.— E. L.— R. R.— B. R.—
G. D.-G. R. V.— R. H. M.— W. R. W.-E. G. H.-I. C T.—
M. F.-H. B.-C. W. C— Dr. T.-T. B. L.— T. E. W.— H. L.

— H. J Mc G.— W. T.— Prof. L.— G. R. V.— J. O.— S. B. jun.
— R. E. L.— W. H. D.— J. H. L.— E. L— W. L— F. H. A.—
G. W. C.-G. H. P.— C. W. C— J. L. C— J. W. P.— H.C.C.
— W. F.-H. W.— C. V. G.— Prof. G. S. B.— A. G.— J. B.—
G. N.-T. D. R.— J. B. B.— W. J. H.-W. K— W. M. R.—
E. B. T.— J. R.— Dr. W. J. D.— A. H— C. H. S.— Dr. H. W.L.

— P/of. B.— Y. Z.— F. L. C. R.— W. A. H.— R. N. jun.— J. L.
— C. V. S.— W. A.— T. Mc G— J. W.— A. B.— &c, &c.

240

HARDWICKE'S SCIEN CE -GO SSIP.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

To Correspondents.— It is necessary for us to request
some of our correspondents, who use this and the Exchange
column, to favour us with as clear and distinct handwriting
as possible. Many mistakes are constantly occurring, and
no end of trouble is given, by the hurried and careless pen-
manship of some of our correspondents.

N. N. H. — The foci of the lenses in the Huyghe.nian eye-
piece are, as near as possible, the same as those in Ross's
C. ucular ; the aperture of the diaphragm is exactly fi of an
inch ; the eye lens is flush with the aperture on the cap.

F. C. — The work you mention has no value as a Natural
History, except to those who like to trace the advances which
have been made in that science since the publication of your
book. You can obtain through a bookseller the information
you require respecting the book you name.

C. W. Bingham. — The insect was an Ichneumon, but we
cannot, from the description sent, identify the species.

Onkida. — The larger leaf is very curious : they are most
likely perforated by the larva of some insect, but what it is
impossible to say.

J. H. Green. — Do not know of any other than Walker's:
why not go regularly in for this neglected order? The diffi-
culty of the technicalities soon disappears, and workers are
sadly wanted.

E. G. Hebbkrt. — Your specimens from Keswick are the
seedlings of the Maiden-hair Spleenwort fern {Asplenium
trichomanes),

Forkigw Beetles. — We cannot undertake to name foreign
beetles or other insects.

Double Staising Vegetable Tissues. — In the last
paper by Dr. Beatty on this interesting subject, the following
errata occurred :— Page 98, "to absolute alcohol for ten
hours," should lead " two " hours; page 99, 2nd column, six
lines from top, for "rapidly" read "slowly"; page
100, should read "the blade is 7£in. long by l^in.wide."
Perhaps the magazines and journals which copied Dr. Beatty's
paper verbatim, without acknowledging its source, will
kindly note the above corrections.

Dr. T.— The insect is the Great Saw-fly (Sirex gigas). See
" Half-Hours in the Green Lanes," page 201.

J. B. Bradley. — Your specimens are Salvia verbenaca,
or " Clary " ; and Lotus corniculatus, or " Bird's-foot Trefoil."
Dr. W. J. D. — Please send us male and female specimens
of the "Tape-worm" for identification. Shall be glad of
any notes anent " Illumination." Send slides to 192,
Piccadilly.

A Subscriber from the First.— Get Morris's " British
Birds." Yarrell's will soon be out, edited by Prof. Newton.

W. Narracott and Others. — We do not undertake to
return rejected MSS. Part of W. N.'s communication ap-
peared two months ago.

W. F. (Olney).— No. 1 is the Bur Marigold {Bidens cernua);
No. 2 is the Biting Persicaria (Polygonum Persicaria).
J. Butterworth. — Thanks for the slides.
T. B. L. — By all means procure Llewellyn Jewitt's " Half-
Hours with Antiquities," which will shortly be published at
192, Piccadilly. For details as to archaeology, churches, &c,
consult the "Dictionary of Terms of Art, &c," published as
one of Weale's series.

G. R. Vive. — Your excellent slides of sections of Coal
Plants safely to hand. Accept our best thanks for them.
Article temporarily deferred for want of space.

S. B., jun. — Cut your thistles down early in the year,
before they flower and seed.

Mjddleton. — A correspondent from this place sends us
an exchange, but does not give his name.

Dr. E. F. T. — The fungus was undoubtedly that causing
the dry-rot in wood.

H. J. McGill.— Your specimen appears to be a variety of
Polygonum avicutare, but there was not enough of it to
decide from.

W. James. — For instructions as to making sections of ccal,
see Science-Gossip for 1872, page 87.5

W. James (Whitby). — The fungus on the leaf is Stegia
ilicis ; that on grasses Nos. 1 & 2 is Tricfiobasis rubigo-vera.
The specimens are too minute fragments to send for identi-
fication, especially when the fungi are so common that half
a dozen leaves might have been sent.

R. D. (Newcastle-on-Tyne). — Your grass is a dwarfed
example of Kmleria cistatu, Pers.

G. Horn. — No. 1 is Carex curttt, Good. ; No. 2, Car ex
dioica; No. 3, Caltha palustris : we never met with so small
a specimen of this species : it may probably arise from the
locality; No. 4, Sagina saxntilis (marked No. 1); No. 5,
Sagina nivalis, Lind. : the latter is a very great rarity, and
has been found by very few British botanists; we believe
Prof. Balfour was the first who detected it in Britain, only
about five years since.

F. H. A. (Chichester). — Your specimen is, we believe,
Ranunculus trichophyllus, Chaix : in the absence of fruit, it
in difficult to form an opinion. R. diversifoliutt included what
we now credit as nearly a dozen distinct species.

T. H. (Bridport).— Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana, L.).

D. E. J. (St. David's).— The plants are: No. 1, a young
Sedum, too young to determine; No. 2, Wall Pepper (Sedum
acre, L.), a common though elegant species; No. 3, Sun
Spurge (.Euphorbia helioscopia, L.) ; No. 4, Male Fern
(Lustrea Filixmas). Our correspondent should always send
perfect specimens. _____

EXCHANGES.
Wanted in exchange for good Microscopic Slides, one or
two dried specimens of Hierochloe borealis (the Holy-grass)
for herbarium. Will send list of slides to select from. — G.
Garrett, Harland House, Wherstead-road, Ipswich.

Duplicates. — H. nectus, E. Jacobaea, S. dispar, D. gono-
stigma, D. potatoria, U. sambucata, T. crepuscularia, P.
cytisaria, H. thyinaria, A. aversata, Ulmata, M. ocellata,
M. subtristata, C. silacettta, E. Cat. Desiderata:— Larvae,
Pupae, and Imagos.— W. K. Mann, Granby House, Clifton,
Bristol.

Hypnum nitens in fruit, and other Mosses, in exchange
for Mosses. Plants, &x.— Robert Renton, Threeburnford,
Lauder, N.B.

Rare British Plants, for Butterflies or the larger Moths.

— L. R. H., 4, Ellesmere Villas, Devonshire-road, Forest Hill.

Wanted. — Specimens of Glyphipteryx thrusonella, G.

equitella, P. Paris, for Good Slides. — M. Fowler, 20 Burn-row,

Slamannan, N.B.

For prepared Scales of Rack Fish, send a stamped directed
envelope to W. H. Gomm, Somerton, Somerset.

Duplicates. — Sibylla, Paphia, Adlppe, Artemis, Selene,
Lucina, Aegon, Alsus, Corydon, Tages, Alveolus, Galathea,
Phleas, and Jacobce (pupae). — R. J. Stent, 70, Queen-street,
Portsea, Hants.

Mounted Sections of Fossil Vegetable Tissues from the
Lancashire coal-measures in exchange for good Mounted
Objects. — J. Butterworth, Goats Shaw, Oldham.

Foreign Butterflies and Seeds from Peru, Madagascar,
and the West Indies, for Micro-slides or Useful Offers. — A.G.,
18, Elgin-road, St. Peter's Park, London, W.

Wanted, Rock Specimens (in quantity) from known lo-
calities. Good exchange given in British or Foreign Recent
Shells, Fossils, Minerals, Crustacea, &c. — Thos. D. Russell,
48, Essex-street, Strand, London, W.C.

Wanted, slightly-injured Specimens of Exotic Lepidoptera
for microscope dissection. Will give in exchange Micro-
scope Slides. — W. A. Hyslop, 22,Palmerston-place,Edinburgh.
Black Rats (English), neatly preserved in the skins, for
Rare Birds' Skins or Mamma's' Skulls. — R. Morton Middle-
ton, jun., Fountain House, West Hartlepool.

Aglaia, Atalanta, Artaxerxes, Alsus, Hectus, Velleda,
Humuli, Fuliginosa, Piniaria, Choerophyllata, Bucephala,
and Iota, for other Insects. — John Rae, Hanover-street,
Aberdeen.

Pleistocene Shells from Erith and Crayford in exchange
for Tertiary Fossils, either English or foreign. — Robert
Nuttall, jun., 14, Westbourne-park-terrace, Harrow-road,
London.

Hairs of Rat and Mouse and Pollen of Common Club-
moss in exchange for other Objects of Interest. — Jos. Laing,
126, West-street, Crewe.

Wanted, Living Desmids in exchange for Mounted Speci-
mens which will retain their colour. Any genera except
Closterium. — Communicate with Charles Vance-Smith, Old
Chapel Parsonage, Dukinfield, near Manchester.

Slides of Amphipleura pellacida in exchange for other
Well-mounted Test-slides. — W. J. Dickson, M.D., Canon-
bury, Falkland, Fiteshire.

Duplicates of Irish Marine Algae, including Bryopsis
hypnoides, fruited Grffithisias, and other interesting Herba-
rium Specimens. Wanted, other Rarities, or first-class
Slides, or anything good. — T. McGann, Burren, co. Clare.

Duplicates. — Edusa, Galathea, T. W. album, Cred. Jo,
Adonis, Corydon, Agrestis, Tages, H. cornua, and .4. Sonicere.
Desiderata. — Pupae of Maclmon, Imagos Crategi, Sinapis,
Blondina, Davus, Cinxia, and Egasoii, — Joseph Ovenden,
42, Temple-street, Strood, Kent.

A few foreign Fern Fronds for other species. — Mr. Cox,
92, Denmark-street, Camberwell, S.E.

Nos. 82, 132, 135, 140, 150, 163.. 259, 363, 578, 66S, 729, 893,
974, 1,043, 1,253, 1,257, 1,268, 1,296, Lon. Cat., 7th edit.,
offered lor Nos. 2, 10, 45, 81, 92, 122. 123, 133, 253, 255, 261,
304,325, 334, 388, P96, 575, 577.— J. W. Pickering, the'Cottage,
Sparkbrook, Birmingham.

Polygonum Raii, Sclerochloa foliacea, Triticum pungent,
&c, tor other species. — J. Harbord Lewis, 180, Mill-street,
Liverpool, S.

Offhred. — Utricularia neglecta in flower for Utricularia
intermedia or Zanichellia polycarpa, either living or dry, or
living plants only of Myriophyllum verticillutum or Hippurus
vulgaris. — W. Curnon, Pembroke College, Newly Cliff,
Penzance.

Offered.— 865, 576, 558, 829, 831, and others, in exchange
for Rare British Plants.— W. J. Hannan, 6, Tatton-street ,
Ashton-under-Lyne.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

241

A GOSSIP ABOUT NEW BOOKS.

N spite of the
" dulness"
which has cha-
racterized the
book world for
the last few
months, we can-
not complain of
sterility. Several scientific
works have been issued, and
others will be shortly forth-
coming, which will make
their mark and help on still
further the progress of natu-
ral science. The " Kambles
of a Naturalist in Egypt
and other Countries," by
J. H. Gurney, jun. (Lon-
don: Jarrold & Sons), is the
production of a genuine,
ardent naturalist, theworthy
-«on of a worthy sire. It is almost a pity that the
title of this attractive and interesting volume is the
same as that of Quatrefages, translated by Dr.
Lawson, and given to the English reading world
many years ago with the same title that Mr. Gurney
has now adopted. This is the only fault we have to
find with the present work. The narrative part is
related with a vivacity which shows what a vivid
impression the scenes amid which the author passed
made on his mind. The style is simple, picturesque,
and terse. The detailed account of his six. months'
bird-collecting will prove valuable to every orni-
thologist, as noting the geographical distribution of
many forms familiar to English students. The book
also contains a clever analysis of the claims of
certain foreign birds to be considered British. The
material contained in it has taken six years to col-
lect, and the author expresses a hope that his book
may help to render ornithology more popular. We
. are of opinion that this modest hope will be abun-
No. 143.

dantly satisfied, and that its young but accom-
plished author will receive all the credit he so richly
deserves.

"Field Geology," by W. H. Penning, F.G.S.
(London : Bailliere & Co.), is a book that fills up a
gap. We have no lack of general and popular
geological manuals, which give full and accurate
theoretical outlines of the stony science ; but here
is a book fresh from the field, written by a field-
geologist, which tells the student how to do out-
door work, such as mapping strata, taking sections
determining the kinds of rocks, &c. It is profusely
illustrated with the diagrams necessary to make this
understandable ; whilst its value as a practical work
is enhanced by the chapters on " Palaeontology " by
Mr. A. J. Jukes-Brown, in which the student will
find drawn up lists of the characteristic fossils of
each formation, and of the important subdivisions of
formations. The fullest details are given concerning
field geology and the way to proceed in discovering
the various kinds of rocks. Mr. Penning has
placed all real students of field geology under a great
obligation.

At this juncture, when " spiritualism " is making
such claims to be considered as a science without
submitting to the treatment which genuine sciences
gladly undergo, the publication of the fourth edition
of Dr. Carpenter's " Principles of Mental Phy-
siology" (London: H. S. King & Co.) is exceed-
ingly timely. Undoubtedly many of the phenomena
which spiritualism claims as peculiarly its own,
such as clairvoyance, mesmerism, and the like,
belong to the domain of mental physiology ; and the
student who desires to study them after the induc-
tive method, will be both satisfied and delighted
with the manner in which Dr. Carpenter has dis-
cussed them in this most readable volume.

From the same active firm (Messrs. H. S. King
& Co.), we have also received Mr. R. H. Scott's
" Weather Charts and Storm Warnings," and Dr.
Blasema's "Theory of Sound in its relation to

M

242

HARDWICKE'S SC IENCE- GO SSIP.

Music' The former is the work of the best
meteorologist of our day, and may be regarded
as a modern manual of the weather system."
Now that our daily newspapers give " weather
charts" as part of their information, a work
which explains them cannot fail to be accept-
able. Moreover, as Mr. Scott remarks, the con-
ceptions and principles on which the science of
weather-study is based are apparently quite new
to the majority of ordinary readers. We regard
this little book as a synopsis of weather knowledge.
It is profusely illustrated with charts, &c, and it is
hoped it may partly remove our great ignorance of
the meteorological laws which affect the main topic
of an Englishman's conversation— the weather !
Dr. Blasema's book is one of the well-known " In-
ternational Scientific Series." In it the author
endeavours to bring together two subjects, "sound"
and " music," which are usually treated of sepa-
rately. So far, therefore, it is a boon to the general
reader, for students of physics do not usually enter
into that of musical arrangements, and on the other
hand, musicians rarely even understand the im-
portance of the physical laws of sound. To lovers
of science as well as lovers of musical art, therefore,
this volume will be welcome.

"The Crimea and Trans-Caucasia," by Com-
mander J. Buchan Telfer (London : H. S. King &
Co.), is a well-got-up, attractive, illustrated work,
in two volumes, narrating the author's journey in
the Kourban, Gouria, Georgia, Armenia, Ossetz,
Imeritia, Swannetz, and Mingrelia, in the .Tauric
range. Now that public interest is directed towards
a quarter of the globe where our Crimean campaign
was carried on,, an extra interest surrounds this
book. The historical aud archaeological descriptions
of places visited by the author are well written,
and a new area of travel is opened up to those who
have done the whole distance from Dan to Beer-
sheba. It is a most interesting and vivacious work,
and the best praise we can award the author is
that he was fully equal to the important task he set
himself to do. We are not surprised, therefore,
that as a book of travels in a country at no great
travelling distance from our shores, it has been so
favourably received.

"The Annual Record of Science and Industry for
1875," is edited by Mr. Spencer E. Baird, and pub-
lished in England by Trubnef & Co. Although
giving full place to all the notable discoveries, and
principal papers, &c, read on science in Great
Britain and Europe generally during the year 1S75,
this volume will be chiefly acceptable to English
men of science for the fuller outlines of similar
work done in the United States. In this respect
its value is very great. We have our own " Zoo-
logical" and "Geological Records," and in some
sense the volume before us undertakes the same
kind of work more broadly and popularly— perhaps

more after the style of the late Mr. Timbs's " Year
Books." The classification is good, the index
ample, and the work undertaken by the editor and
his associates well carried out.

ON THE SUDDEN RE-APPEARANCE OF
PLANTS ON CLEARED WOODLAND
GROUND.

By Edwin Lees, E.L.S., E.G.S.

[" OBSE1WE that the correspondent who dates
-*- from Brisbane, Australia, in a former number
of Science-Gossip, wishes me to assign a cause
"for the appearance of plants when the ground has
not only not been disturbed, but subjected to such
intense heat from fire, that one would suppose that
any life some inches below the surface must become
extinct." Now one good observation is worth a
dozen theories, and supposition amounts to nothing.
The writer referred to then mentions how the forest
ground (in Australia) covered for many centuries by
the largest trees and shrubs, has made a dense
jungle with a thick layer of dropped leaves, which,
after the trees and shrubs are burned, is set fire to,
and "the smaller wood is entirely consumed." The
result is, that no breaking-up of the soil is neces-
sary, for it has become — no doubt by the action of
the fire — " quite loose and friable." This it could
not have been before the fire, and surely it cannot
be truly said that here is no disturbance of the
ground. The account given by " A. J. A." of the
appearance of a " large crop of wild flowers and
plants" on this freshly-exposed ground is very
interesting, and I only wish that he had enumerated
all the plants that presented themselves to view ; for
although he says that similar plants were not ap-
parent for many miles around, he does not say that
any were foreign to the country, and therefore I
presume they were all indigenous plants.

As woods are not usually burned down in Eng-
land, I cannot say what would be the result of a
conflagration on British forest-ground; but if a
thick layer of leaves covered the soil, I should
think that seeds that had lain deep in the soil for
many years would not be destroyed thereby. But,
at all events, it appears very clear, from numerous
instances both iu Europe and America, that the
growth of a dense forest chokes the plants that
once adorned the ground, and their seeds lie dor-
mant in the soil while the shade prevails and the
sun is excluded. But as soon as the wood is de-
stroyed and the light let in, then the former vegeta-
tion that had long lain dormant re-appears. This is
shown on a grand scale in North America aud
Australia ; and, what is more curious still, it has
been many times stated that, in the densely-wooded
parts of the United States, when a pine forest has

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

243

been cut down and the stumps of the trees burned,
a race of deciduous trees succeeded to the
pines. I may instance what M'Gregor has stated
in his " British America," that wherever the original
forest is destroyed in America, and the land left un-
cultivated, trees of a different species spring up to
what were there before. This is likewise observed
where lands have heen laid waste by fire. The first
year tall weeds and raspberry and bramble bushes
shoot up ; then cherry-trees, white birch, silver firs,
and white poplars appear, but seldom any tree of
the genus previously growing on the space laid open
by the fire. Sir Alexander Mackenzie also observes
that the banks of the Slave Lake, in Labrador,
formerly covered over wholly with spruce-fir and
birch, having heen laid waste by fire, "produced
subsequently nothing but poplars." These records
of plants and trees springing up on the ground
after woods have been burned down, and the soil
undoubtedly subjected to great heat, proves that
seeds buried probably some inches deep are not de-
stroyed by the high temperature, and the thick
layer of dead leaves would offer some protection,
even though the leaves were reduced to ashes.

Some plants rejoice in a high temperature, and it
has been stated that after the Great Eire of London
in 1666, Sisymbrium Irio sprang up abundantly
among the ruins, though it is now so rarely to be
found that it is considered by Watson as only a
" denizen " in Britain.

It may not be inappropriate to notice a few
instances of the reappearance of plants in woodland
ground after the felling of timber that had shadowed
the ground so continuously for many years as
utterly to have prevented their growth. White
mentions in his " History of Selborne," that part of
a steep wood in that parish had been called, tra-
ditionally, the " Strawberry Hanger," although no
persons then living remembered gathering straw-
berries there, and no plants were apparent ; but, on
the wood being cut down, strawberry plants re-
appeared in the greatest profusion, justifying the
name of the Hanger. A Shropshire friend has
mentioned to me a wood in that county closely
shadowed by oaks ; and when these were felled
numbers of raspberries (Rubies ideeus) quickly
occupied the ground, though none had previously
been observed in the wood. Mr. Jesse, also, in his
" Gleanings of Natural History," relates that after
a coppice in Devonshire had been felled, the ground
it occupied became covered with the blue-flowered
columbine, not before known as existing near the
spot. I, not long since, noticed the ground of a
felled coppice to appear at a little distance as red
as blood from a crowded growth of the Lychnis
diuma, where previously only a stray plant had
been noticed on the edge of the coppice. Bare
orchids, growing in woody places, often disappear
when the foliage of the wood becomes very dense,

and the following instance came under my own
notice. In Minnery Wood, near Worcester, some
years since, a considerable quantity of Epipactis
media was growing ; but as the foiiage of the trees
became thicker, and the shade darker, the plants
became less in number every year, till at last none
at all could be found. But they will probably re-
appear when in the course of time the wood is cut
down. These and similar instances go to prove
that seeds deposited in the soil can maintain their
vitality for a long period, although when preserved
above ground old seeds, as experiments have shown,
become unproductive with age. The famous case
in which raspberry seeds that were taken out of
an ancient Briton's stomach, buried for centuries
in a barrow, and which, when sown in a garden,
vegetated, has had doubts thrown upon it ; but a
similar case is mentioned by Gaertner, as having
happened in Germany, where seeds taken from the
graves of ancient Gauls, buried, as it was thought,
in the fourth century, produced Heliotropium
vulgare, Centaurea cyanus, and Trifolium minimum.
But the testimony of the late Dr. Lindley may be
deemed the most reliable. He has stated that the
seeds of the atriplex or orach " will lie in the
ground for centuries without perishing." A few
years since a layer of seeds was found in Scotland
below a considerable bed of sand; they must,
therefore, have been buried a great number of years.
A portion of the seed was sent to Dr. Lindley, and
on being set in the Horticultural Garden they pro-
duced the spreading orach. When the first railway
was made at Worcester, I noticed an enormous
quantity of Atriplex hortensis and Beta maritima
springing up in the excavation made across Shrub
Hill. It is possible that an old garden had been
there, but even if so the seeds of the plants must
have remained many years under ground.

Burnt soil does not appear to be uncongenial to
some forms of vegetable life, but rather the contrary.
I have often noticed that the spots where charcoal
had been burned in Wire Eorest soon get covered
with a close growth of Marchatitia polymorpha, and
an excessive quantity of the hygrometric moss
(Funaria hygrometrica). Elowering plants of dif-
ferent species quickly follow, while, as might be
expected, fungi revel in that peculiar pabulum, as
Polyporus perennis, and Agaricus carbonarius, as
well as the scarlet patches of Thelephora carbonaria,
always following the track of fire.

RAMBLES AFTER FOSSIL PLANTS.

IN one of my rambles during our recent holidays
in search of coal plants in the neighbourhood
of Halifax, Yorkshire, I met with a nodule of
the same character as those found near here, and
which I have described in a former number of

M 2

211

HaKDWICKE'S science-gossip.

Science-Gossip ; these nodules are called by the
coal miners of the locality " coal balls," and are
found right in the middle of the coal-seam, and are
composed of all kinds of vegetable tissues, seeds,
spores, sporules, &c, which would have been coal
had they not been calcified, and thus prevented from
becoming bituminized.

The above nodule of which I am speaking was
full of macrospores ; I have often found detached
macrospores in these nodules before, but never in
juch a large quantity : I should say it contains some
thousands. These nodules are met with in what is
called in the locality the " hard bed," because another
seam of coal is often worked from the same pit-
shaft, but a little below the above seam, called the
'soft bed." This soft bed is the one Professor Huxley
speaks of, in a recent lecture on coal, as being very
highly charged with macrospores. These macrospores
when found in the coal are almost invariably flat-
tened, and do not appear to show any structure

x 20

\IfJ X 200
Fig. 145. Microspore.

Fig. 146. Macrospore.

when the coal is cut into transparent sections. This
is not the case with those found in the nodules
above alluded to. The one I am speaking of was
surrounded, to the depth of half an inch, with iron
pyrites, and in every fragment I break are one or
more of these detached macrospores to be seen,
their dark outline showing beauti£ully against the
bright, sparkling character of the pyrites. Some
individual spores show the caudate appendages, as
at Pig. 147, but the capitate character of the
appendages in the figure are only shown under
favourable circumstances. I have seen them in
transparent sections cut from these nodules, but
under no other condition. When the macrospores
are laid bare, so as to show the base, they have a
triangular form, as shown at Pig. 147; the sides of
the spores seem to be drawn inward on three sides,
which gives the whole spore a slight triangular
|orm. This triangular base is continued downwards,
to form a sort of footstalk, by which the spore is
attached to the bract of the fruit on which it rests,
as seen at Fig. US, and they are found resting on the
bracts, sometimes in double and sometimes in
treble rows. Pig. US is a rough sketch of one side
of the middle part of this compound fruit, and
shows two fruitful bracts at the part where the
macrospores leave off, and the microspores begin,
one of which is shown at Pig. 115. This fruit be-
longed to a species of Lepidodendron, the macro-
spores being situated at the lower part, and the
microspores at the upper part, in this respect it
bears a close analogy to our Selaginella. Brong-

niart, of Paris, was the first in 186S to draw the
attention of the botanical world to this old illustra-
tion of recent botany ; his opinion is that the micro-
spores produced antherozoids, which became fecun-
dating organs, and that the macrospores germinated
after being fecundated. Since Brongniart described
this fruit, Mr. Einney, of Manchester, has described
a very beautiful series of casts of this fruit from
the Ironstone shales of Scotland, which show the
fruit as they lay in the shale, with the bracts laid'
bare, and the microspores in position on the
upper part of the fruit, and the macrospores in
position at the lower part, with a portion of
the fruit-stalk, by which it had been attached
to the branch of the tree. I believe that Mr.
BiDney has a prior claim over Brongniart to
the discovery of this fruit, but he neglected to
describe it. I remember very well Mr. Binney
showing me the speci-
men I have described
above, about twelve
years ago, but he did
not describe it till
1S70. Some little
idea of the profuse-
ness of these spores
may be gathered from
the fact that one or

Fig. 147. Macrospore with
caudate appendage.

Fig. 148. Section of fruit

showing spores enclosed

in bracts.

two seams of coal have been almost entirely-
made up of them. I have sections of a bit of
coal from a Leicestershire coal-seam that are
full of them, and I have found them in the
under-clay that lies beneath most of our coal-
seams. I hope the short description 1 have given
of this peculiar fruit will be interesting to the
readers of Science-Gossip, and will be one more
hint as to the important part the microscope can
take in the investigation of various sciences, and
not least, in that of Geology.

I shall have a number of these macrospores to
distribute among the readers of Science-Gossip
in a short time.

John Butterwortii.

Goafs Shaw, Oldham.

Our readers will be glad to learn, that the Loan
Collection of Scientific Instruments will be con-
tinued on exhibition for some time, on account of
its success.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

THE MICROSCOPE AND MICROSCOPIC J
WORK.

No. XL— By E. Kitton, E.R.M.S.

THE comparatively low refractive power of glass
induced Dr. Goring to suggest the use of
•ewels in place of glass for the construction of
lenses for single microscopes, hoping to make that
form of instrument as perfect as reflecting or re-
fracting engiscopes ; " for single microscopes natur-
ally aplauatic, or, at least, sufficiently so for prac-
tical purposes, possess an incontestable superiority
over all others, and must be recognized as verging
oward the ultimatum of perfection in magnifiers.
The advantages obtained by the more improved
engiscopes resolve themselves into the attainment
of vision without aberration, and with considerable
angles of aperture ; but, against this must be set the
never-to-be-forgotten fact that they only show us a
picture of an object instead of nature itself. It re-
quires little knowledge of optics to be convinced
that this simple unadulterated view of an object
must enable us to penetrate further into its real
texture than we can hope to do by any artificial
arrangement whatever; it is like seeing an action
performed instead of a scenic representation of it."
The above passage shows what an imperfect instru-
ment the compound microscope, whether refracting
or reflecting, really was ; and Mr. Oldbuck was not
far wrong when he said that, its revelations were
not to be depended upon. The endeavours to form
lenses of a diamond were not successful. The
first diamond Mr. Pritchard operated upon was
lost, before he had quite finished it, and he says,
" my only consolation was to discover that, had it
been completed, its thickness and enormous refrac-
tive power would probably have caused the focus to
fall within the substance of the stone." His next
attempt was with a rose-diamond : this he deter-
mined to make into a plano-convex lens, and on
the 1st of December, 1824, he had the pleasure of
first looking through a diamond-microscope. Mr.
Pritchard goes on to say that " after I had polished
it sufficiently to put it into the hands of Dr. Goring,
who tried its performance on various objects, both
as a single microscope and as the objective of a
compound, he stated in a letter to me, dated the
'3rd of January, 1825, that 'it had shown the
most difficult transparent objects I have submitted
to it,' and again ' I can clearly perceive the amazing
superiority it willpossess when completely finished.' "
(It ought to be mentioned that at that time the
scales of the Podura were unknown as test objects.)
The lens was, however, never finished, as on further
polishing, several flaws were detected. After a
year's delay, he resumed his attempt to make a
perfect diamond lens, and succeeded in obtaining

one without a flaw ; but another obstacle to its
correct performance now made its appearance, — it
proved to be doubly refractive, giving two images,
instead of one.

Mr. Pritchard was, however, enabled to over-
come this difficulty, and at last succeeded in com-
pleting two perfect plano-convex lenses, one of the
twentieth of an inch and the thirteenth of an inch
focus ; of these the Duke of Buckingham became
the possessor. He afterwards made lenses of
sapphires, rubies, and garnets. Eig. 149 is given
by Mr. Pritchard to illustrate the longitudinal
aberration of glass and diamond lenses of the same
foci.

Fig. 149. Diagram showing lon-
gitudinal aberration of glass
and diamond lenses.

Fig. 150. Diagram showing
respective curvatures of a
sapphire and glass lens.

G represents the section of a semi-lens of glass ;
D, one of diamond. They are so placed that the
principal focus, E, in each of them shall fall on the
same point. The marginal rays will intersect the
axis at d in the diamond and g in the glass, and the
breadth of the space from (/ to E will be the longi-
tudinal aberration of the diamond lens, and the
space from g to E the longitudinal aberration of
the glass lens.

The refractive indices of the diamond, garnet,
ruby, and sapphire, and glass, are respectively
2-5, 1-8, and 1*5.

Great increase of magnifying power is, of course,
obtained by the great refractive properties of
jewels. A diamond ground to the same curves
as would be required to form a glass lens of ¥V
of an inch focus equal to 800 diameters would
magnify 2,133 diameters, and would be equal to

a glass lens of

of an inch focal length. A

sapphire or ruby lens, with the same curvatures,
would amplify 1,333 diameters, and be equal to a
glass lens of rhj of an inch focal length. Eig,
150 represents the respective curvatures of a
sapphire and glass lens, the upper half repre-
senting the sapphire, and the lower the glass lens,
E being the focus. Lenses formed of gems possess
a still further advantage, viz., their imperishability,
the surface of glass lenses becoming oxidized in the
course of time ; but with all these advantages the
jewel lens is a thing of the past, although, from its
high refractive and low dispersive power, it was
more nearly aplanatic than; one of glass, it can

246

HAItDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

never equal even a moderately good compound ob-
jective of modern manufacture. The severest test
objects of fifty years ago were the scales of insects,
particularly those of Lepisma and Podura. Mr.
Pritchard cautions observers to be sure of
the kind of scale they are about to use as a test,
as he truly observes some scales of Lepisma or
Podura are easily revolved, while others tax the
powers of the best objectives ; this caution applies
equally well to the present time. An objective
may be guaranteed to resolve, say, Pleurosigma
angulatum, but unless we know whether it is
the robust form, such as those mounted by Moller,
or the commoner and more delicate form we find on
our own coast, we are still in ignorance of its resol-
ving power. The following is a list of objects used
as tests for jewelled microscopes and engiscopes.
Eor penetration, first section (easy), scales of Petro-
bins maritimus, Lepisma saccharina ; second section
(standard), " Feathers " oiMorpJw menelaus, Alucita
pentadactyla, A. Jiexadactyla (from body), Lyccena
ctrgus, Tinea vestianella (from under-side of the
wing); third section (difficult), "Feathers" of
Pieris brassica, scales of Podura plumbea. For
definition, hair of Mouse, ditto of Bat, leaf of
Hypnum species, spotted scales of Lyctena argus.

The Lepisma scale seems to have been very fairly
shown, judging from the figure given of it. The
scale of Morpho menelaus, a somewhat more difficult
test, displayed two sets of markings.

The appearance of the scales of Alucita, or plumed
moths, is thus described : — " The scales should be
taken from the body of the insect, and not from the
plumes ; their breadth is generally greater than their
length, and their form is never symmetrical. They
are transparent, and about y^ of an inch in length.
The scale is often partially covered by a delicate,
uneven membraneous film, which obliterates the lines
on those parts. The longitudinal lines are not dif-
ficult to resolve, but their proximity is such that
they require a considerable power, and careful
illumination to separate them distinctly. They are
elegant microscopic objects, but rather scarce."

The favourite test appears to have been the
tufted scale of the cabbage-butterfly, Pieris brassica.
The genuine test scale is of a pale-yellow colour,
and very transparent. This object requires the
light to be more oblique than any other of the lined
kind, and was seldom to be made out, excepting
when the magnifier was much out of the axis of the
perforation. . " I [Mr. Pritchardj have seen them
with a single jewel lens of only TV of an inch
focus." Other markings were thought to be dis-
tinguishable on the scales, viz., a series of oblique
lines running in opposite directions. " They are
always fainter than the others, and both sets are
never seen together. I have seldom seen them by
daylight, and even with artificial light they are
not easily resolved." ti

These lines have no real existence, as a reference
to more modern figures will show. Quekett gives
a very good figure ( x 500 diameters) of this scale
in his "Practical Treatise on the Microscope,"
1848, plate 6, fig. 2. We come now to a test
which still puzzles the observer, and even with
the best objectives and most perfect appliances
the real nature of the markings has not yet been
satisfactorily demonstrated. The Podura scale
was the ne plus ultra of tests for the objectives of
engiscopes aud jewel lenses, and, as a description of
what the microscopes of fifty years ago would do in
this object, we will quote Mr. Pritchard's account
of the appearance of the markiugs as seen under
one of the best instruments of the period: — "I
have before remarked that on the discovery of any
more difficult object than what is already known,
an improvement of the microscope has soon fol-
lowed. This was strikingly exemplified in the
discovery of the lines on the scales of this insect.
They were observed accidentally by the late
Thomas Carpenter, Esq., of Tottenham, while
making some experiments with a plano-convex
jewel lens, employed as the objective of an engis-
cope, having a Huyghenian eye-piece. They were
then submitted to various instruments, and from the
difficulty with which they exhibited the lines even
on the larger dark specimens, this object became of
great consequence to the microscopist, and some of
them were immediately transported, that our neigh-
bours the French might try their hands upon
them."

" I have never been able to see the lines on them
with a power much below 350. It is also proper to
observe that single magnifiers will resolve them, but
not without considerable attention is paid to their
illumination; but they are most easily made out by
the simple light of acandle in the aplanatic engiscope,
if .it possesses an angle of 50 degrees, exhibiting all
their delicate minutiae with precision. The size of
these scales varies from -^ to ,-go of an inch in
length, and they decrease in length as they become
more transparent. Under a microscope not having
sufficient penetration, the tissue appears devoid of
markiugs ; but, when placed in a superior one, and
the illumination properly made, they show a series
of lines or cords on their surface, and present a
much greater variety in their arrangement than the
scales of any other species of insect. Some have
the lines straight (the figure represents the scale
with fine longitudinal continuous lines), and have
two sets of oblique lines upon them ; others are
waved or curved (these lines in the figure are dis-
tant, transverse, and irregularly undulate). I must
not omit to notice that the cords on these scales are
easily rubbed off in mounting."

We need scarcely observe that these descriptions
are erroneous. We now know that there are neither
oblique nor transverse lines ; that the longitudina1

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

217

lines are not continuous; that the markings cannot
be detached without destroying the scale ; and that
those scales that had the appearance of being
rubbed were impregnated with some oily or fatty
matter, probably exuded from 'the body of the
insect. AVe have found the following to be the best
plan for detaching the scales. After the insect has
died and become perfectly dry, double a piece of
smooth paper, place the insect close to the double,
fold it over and rub the paper with the finger-nail ;
open the paper, remove the insect, place the part to
which the scales are adhering on a thin cover, and
again rub it ; the scales will now be transferred to
the cover, and will be found free from oil or mois-
ture, and not injured by the process. This will also
be found the most effective way of detaching the
scales from the wings of butterflies ; by this means the
outer surface is placed uppermost, and the scales
from the upper and under surfaces of the wing will
occupy opposite halves of the cover.

In a note to the chapter on Test Objects, Mr.
Pritchard makes the following remarks : —

" When it is considered that these lines (those
on Podura and Pieris) are less than the twenty-
thousandth of an inch distant, it must be allowed
there is some difficulty in accurately determining
their construction.

" The Morpho menelaus and Lepisma saccharina
are of sufficient size to distinctly perceive they are
composed of two delicate tissues with longitudinal
cords (probably tubular) disposed between them ;
but in the two delicate ones, the subject of these
remarks, we perceive other systems of lines dis-
posed obliquely, and as they are extremely delicate,
it becomes a question whether they actually exist,
or whether they are appearances produced under
certain modifications of the illumination. To
determine this point, it became necessary to ascer-
tain the cause which would produce such an effect ;
and it immediately occurred to me that these
oblique lines were occasioned by the disposition and
pressure of the superincumbent scales, in the same
manner as the watery or wavy appearance is
communicated to corded silks and moreens by
the pressure of two pieces passed between
rollers."

(To be continued.)

ON THE DISCOVERY OE MACROSPORES
I IN CARBONIEEROUS SANDSTONE.

MACROSPORES of the Lepidodendroid plants,
or trees, have been described both by Mr.
Salter and also by Professor W. C. Williamson, of
Owens College, Manchester. The figures given by
each somewhat differ iu outline, but agree generally
in the rounded figure which the " spores " present

in perspective. When the macrospores are flattene d
vertically, a triangular ridge appears in their centres —
" The flattened remnant of the angle resulting from
four spherical spores mutually compressing each
other so as to form a common spherical map, in the
centre of which all the four spores are in mutual
contact." *

These macrospores have hitherto been found in
great abundance in the coal ; and whenever a verti-
cal section of coal has been cut, these "spores,"
very much depressed, have formed a microscopic
slide very instructive to study. According to Wil-
liamson, their existence was pointed out by Henry
Witham more than half a century since, though he
was ignorant of their nature.

On the 16th of April last, I paid a casual visit to
a carboniferous sandstone-quarry, worked for build-
ing purposes, in Wincobank Hill, Old Grimesthorp,
Sheffield. The sandstone is above the Parkgate
and Silkstoue seams of coal, which crop out below
the sandstone a short distance from the quarry on
the northern side. The sandstone is from eighty to
ninety feet in thickness, of variable texture, and
dips towards the east at an angle of about 40°.
Immense quantities of drifted calamite stems are
found lying in different directions in the quarry,
some of these varying in diameter from an inch to
ten inches, with lengths likewise variable from three
yards to two and three inches. Eor something like
seven years I have visited the quarry off and on,
securing specimens of the various species of caia-
mites as they turned up, but during the whole of
this time I have only secured two very indifferent
specimens of Lepidodendron. On the above date
1 was with a friend, trying to give his mind a geo-
logical turn by giving him a geological lesson.
When describing, in the lowest part of the quarry,
the action of the water-flow by the- position of the
calamite stems, my eye fell upon a most unusual
fracture in the stone. On examination, I found the
fracture, about three inches in length, filled with a
soft carbonaceous sandy material, which to me was
quite new. I scraped the whole into a paper, and took
a rough sketch of the spot until I could examine
the mixture at home. When the whole was washed
under running water and dried, I picked out from
the mass about 200 of the macrospores, some of
which I mounted and sent to you. Previously to
this I sent some to a friend at Morpeth, and, at his
request, some to W. Carruthers, Esq., F.R.S. I
have now a few more for distribution, if any one
interested in botanical studies desires a slide.
Quoting from the letter I received from my friend,
he says,—" As the woody nature has been in part
preserved in these spores, you might possibly secure
some stems that would reveal structure from the
same spot." Acting upon this suggestion, I paid, a

* W. C.Williamson, F.R.S.

218

HARDWICKE'S SCIEN CE -GO S SIP.

few days after my discovery, a second visit to the
quarry, but, by the removal of the stone, all trace
beyond my sketch of the spot was lost. I found in
its immediate vicinity abundance of stems of cala-
mites, but no trace of Lepidodendroid plants ; but
when conversing with the quarrymen, they told me
that the " scaly specimens " were scarce, but that
near to this spot they found a few during the month
previously to my first visit.

From the position of the stems, and also of the
" spores," I inferred at the time that these must
have been drifted from some carboniferous forest to
the west of these beds. I will draw the attention
of your readers to H. C. Sorby's paper in the
" Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society," and
also your own extract from that paper in Science-
Gossip.* The fossil forest in the coal measures
described by him is directly west of Wincobank
Hill, and being well acquainted with both places, I
am satisfied that the current which drifted the waste
wood, &c, into Wincobank Hill district flowed
from the west.

Attercliffe, Sheffield. G. 11. Vine.

SECTION AND SECTION CUTTING.

TTAVING read with much interest Mrs. Merri-
-*■-*- field's remarks on cutting sections of algae,
it occurs to me that a few notes on cutting sections
of vegetable structures in general
may prove not uninteresting to some
of your readers.

Mrs. Merrifieid must, I think, have
been unfortunate in her experience of
section machines if she discarded them
for the more primitive method de-
scribed in her paper, inasmuch as I
have fouud the machine advertised
in this journal as the " Science-
Gossip Section Machine " all that
can be desired, and the price (7s. Cd.)
is very reasonable.

The needful appliances for all ordinary sections
are : —

A " Science-Gossip " or other section machine.

A keen-edged razor.

Sundry slips of glass, 3 in. by 1 in., and their

glass covers, either round or square.
A pair of needles set in wooden handles (those

used for camel-hair pencils will do).
A couple of small china saucers (those supplied

in the cheaper descriptions of paint-boxes

are, perhaps, best).
A camel-hair pencil.
A carrot.

* No. 128, p. 1S8.

The Science-Gossip machine, to which I give
preference, as I am much better acquainted with it
than with any other, consists of two long narrow
inclined planes of nearly equal inclination, some
12 or 14 inches in length, the upper sliding in a
groove in the lower. Over the middle is a small
bridge of wood faced at the top with a level plate
of brass, and pierced with a cylindrical hole about
f in. in diameter. In this hole is a piston, the rod
of which rests on the upper plane. The object
of which it is desired to cut a section is placed
in the hole on the piston. It is evident that, if
one plane be slid over the other, it will urge
the piston upwards ; but, as the inclination of
the planes is nearly equal, the vertical motion will
be very small as compared with the horizontal
motion.

The mode of use will be best explained by an
example. Suppose we desire to obtain a transverse
section of a leaf. Draw out the two planes to
almost their fullest extent ; press down the piston
till its rod is resting on the upper plane. A piece
of hard wood is usually interposed to prevent
injury to the plane. Next, cut a piece of carrot to
fit the hole stiffly and come, when resting 'on the
piston, nearly level with the brass top of the bridge.
Now cut the carrot nearly through vertically ; place
the leaf to be cut between the two halves, which,
when, placed in the hole, will support it firmly.
Having fixed it in the hole, with a razor, thoroughly

Fig. 151. " Sciknce-Gossip Section Machine."— A B, C D, two inclined planes
of nearly the same inclination, C D sliding: over A B ; E F, bridge faced with
brass, and pierced with a cylindrical hole, G, in which is a plunger, which
urges upwards the object to be cut, which is placed in it supported by pith,
carrot, &c, when C D is moved in the direction of the arrow. A small
piece of hard wood is placed between the rod of the plunger and the plane,
CD, to prevent injury to the latter.

wet, cut the carrot and contained leaf exactly level
with the brass ; then push forward the upper plane
say g in., and make a second cut level with the
brass, This will give you a very thin slice of the
carrot and of the leaf along with it. With the
mounted needles carefully push the slice altogether
into the little saucer previously filled with water ;
move it about a little, when it will part from the
leaf, which may be picked up on the point of a
needle, or with the camel-hair brush if it be very
delicate, and placed on a glass slip in a drop of
water. Cover with a bit of thin glass, and place
under the microscope. In this way, with a little
practice, it will be found that the only limit to the
thinness of the section is the sharpness of the
razor ; a thickness of only ^v or -^ is readily

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

249

obtainable. Carrot appears to be the best sup-
porting material ; turnips are too coarse, and
potatoes are full of starch grains, which are very
hard to get rid of. Elder pith is also, I believe, a
good bedding material, but 1 Lave had no personal
experience of it.

To give a list of the objects most interesting for
section cutting would be a vast undertaking, as
almost every vegetable object is worth cutting, and
without such dissections it is impossible to obtain a
correct knowledge of plant anatomy. Still a few
may be named such as prothallia of ferns, various
leaves, especially glandular or hairy ones, stems,
stamens (anthers), ovaries, and seed-vessels of
flowering plants, male and female, inflorescence of
mosses (longitudinal sections), capsules of mosses,
sporangia of ferns, &c.

Should it be desirable to keep a section for more
careful examination than can be done at the time,
remove the thin glass and the greater part of the
water with a fine-pointed glass tube, or a piece of
blotting-paper. Put a drop of pure glycerine, and
replace the thin glass. Glycerine has the property
of not drying up for a very long time, and does not
affect vegetable tissues to any appreciable extent.
Objects thus temporarily mounted in glycerine
should of course be kept out of the way of dust.
For mounting a section permanently the handiest
medium is that known as " Dean's Gelatine," which
js a stiff jelly, and is sold in small bottles Is. each.
Place the bottle in hot water till the jelly becomes
fluid, put a drop on the section, and cover with the
thin glass, cautiously pressing out as much of the
jelly as will run out. It will set in a few minutes,
and after a few hours the superfluous gelatine may
be cleaned away with a knife, and a rag moistened
with warm water when the mount is complete. A
ring or two of coloured varnish improves the ap-
pearance and adds to its stability. This gelatine
medium has two valuable qualities, viz., that being
almost of the same density as sap and water, it does
not alter the tissues mounted in it ; and also, that it
preserves the colour of the chlorophyll remarkably
well.

In cutting sections in carrot or similar material,
always see that the razor is well wetted, as it makes
ir, cut much more easily, but it is better dry if pith
be used. To explain the structures seen in the
various sections no book is better than Sach's,
which can be obtained in most good libraries, in
either German, Prench, or English, the last French
edition being perhaps the best.

Cutting sections of animal tissues I have wholly
passed over, as so many involve hardening and pre-
parations in various ways, that few but medical
students who have recourse to a suitable laboratory
are likely to pay much attention to this branch,
albeit a most interesting and important one.

Greenwood Pim.

THE ORIGIN OE THE PLANT NAMES
OF THE WARREN*

WE pass on now to the Cruciferae or Cruciform
order, named on account of the petals being
in the shape of a cross. Of this order there have
been found in the Warren, Thlaspi arvense, Capsella
Bursa-pastoris, Cardamine pratensis, Nasturtium
sylvestre, and Sisymbrium officinale. Thlaspi
arvense (Field Penny Cress) is a mixture of Latin
and Greek, thlaspi coming from the Greek verb
thlao, to crush or to bruise, and arvense from the
Latin arvum, a field. The plant was so named be-
cause the seed was bruised and used like mustard.
Others say that the word is derived from the Greek
verb thlao to flatten, and that Pliny mentions that
the whole genus was named on account of the large
flat seed-vessels ; but the Greek word means to
crush or bruise, although the idea of flattening may
be implied in that of crushing. The name Cress is
probably connected with the Latin cresco, to in-
crease, and is used of this and similar plants which
grow or increase rapidly. Penny Cress derives its
name from the large flat seed-vessels around the
upper part of its stem, which are about the size of
silver pennies. Capsella Bursa-pastoris (common
Shepherd's Purse)derives its name from the shape of
its flat seed-pouch, which resembles a rustic purse.
Capsella is a diminutive of capsa acase. Cardamine
pratensis (Cuckoo Flower) is a mixture of Greek
and Latin. Cardamine, according to Miss Pratt, is
compounded of kardia, the heart, and damao, to
fortify ; which is altogether wrong, for the word
damao does not mean to fortify, but to tame, to sub-
due, to overcome ; nor can I think that the word
has any connection whatever with kardia, the heart.
There are three words in Greek, kardamon, karda-
mis, kardamine. Mr. Johnstone, with whom I have
corresponded about this word, says that Cardamine
is one of this triplet, the first, kardamon, being now
taken as representing nasturtium, and the other
two forms applying to some kindred genus of Cruci-
ferae or Cress worts, possibly Lepidium. Pratensis,
is from the Latin prat urn, a meadow. One common
name of this plant is Cuckoo Flower. It is thus
explained by Gerarde : — " It doth flower in April
and Maie, when the cuckoo doth begin to sing her
pleasant notes without stammering." Another
common name is Lady's Smock, " given," says Dr.
Prior, "on account of the resemblance of its white
flowers to little smocks hung out to dry, as they
used to be once a year, at that season especially."
The next plant, Nasturtium, has an amusing etymo-
logy, viz., nasus tortus, a distorted nose, on account
of the pungent properties of the plant, which pro-
duce violent sneezing, and therefore a temporary
distortion of the nose. Sylvestre means woody,
from the Latin sylva, a wood, a forest. Sisymbrium

* Continued from p. 131.

250

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

(Hedge Mustard) is the Greek name. Mustard is
compounded of two Latin words, — mustum,new wine,
which is said to be used in preparing it, and ardens,
burning ; it is, " burning must."

Let us pass on now to the Hypericaceaj. This
order derives its name from the Greek word huper-
eikos, the Greek name for St. John's Wort. It is
compounded of two Greek words, — hupo, under, and
ereike, heath, heather. The word therefore means
under heath, under heather. The common name,
St. John's Wort, was, according to Dr. Prior, given
to the plant, " because it was gathered on the eve
of St. John the Baptist's Day (June 24), to be hung
up at windows as a preservative against thunder
and evil spirits." The word " wort " is the old
Saxon " wyrt," a herb, a plant. The plants belong-
ing to the order HypericaceEe, which are found in
the warren, are Hypericum androscemum and Hype-
ricum hirsutum. The former, the common name of
which is Common Tutsan, is named Androssemum.
from the Greek word androsaimon, which is com-
pounded of cmdros, man's, and haima, blood. It is
so called because of its blood-red juice, or because
of the blood-stain left on the fingers after rubbing
the flower, or because of an unguent made from it.
Gerarde says : — " The leves, flowers, and seeds
stamped, and put into a glass with olive oile, and
set in the sunne for certaine weekes, doth make an
oile the colour of blood, which is a most, pretious
remedy for deep wounds, and those that are thorow
the body." The common name Tutsan is a corrup-
tion of the French Toute Saine, All-wholesome,
All-heal, a name given to the plant on account of
its healing properties. Hypericum hirsutum is the
hairy St. John's Wort, and is so called because of
the downy nature of its leaves.

Whilst every one has heard of, seen, and admired
the Geranium, how few there are who know
that the order Geraniacese has anything to do with
that well-known bird, the Crane. The geranium,
from which flower the order is called, derives its
name from the Greek word geraniou, crane's-bill,
which is formed from the word geranos, a crane.
The seed-vessel is said to bear a resemblance to the
beak of the crane, and hence the name of the plant.

We pass on now to that very large order llosa-
cese, which derives its name from the Latin rosa,
a rose. I shall only, deal with two or three plants
of this order. One, the Briar, we shall speak of
afterwards in connection with the " Legends of
Names." Let us take now (Jiattcgus oxyacantha
(Hawthorn or May), cmtagus derives its name
from the '.Greek word kratos, strength, because of
the hardness of the wood ; oxyacantha is the Greek
oxuukantha, meaning sharp thorn, being com-
pounded of oxus, sharp, akantha, a 'thorn. The
common name Hawthorn is generally supposed to
be derived from the red fruit which is called
" Haws," but the word " Haw," derived from the

Anglo-Saxon, means hedge. It is connected with
the German hagedom. It is, as Dr. Prior well
observes, " an interesting word as being a testi-
mony to the use of hedges, and the appropriation
of plots of land from a very early period in the
history of the Germanic races." The reason that
the fruit is called " haws " is easy of explanation.
From the fence or hedge the name would in course
of time be applied to the shrub of which the hedge
is composed, and then to the fruit itself of the shrub.
The etymology of the name May is evident, being
given on account of its time of flowering.

The order Grossulariaceae is not unrepresented
in the Warren, Ribes grossularia having been
found there. This order is that of the Goose-
berries. The name is evidently connected with the
French groseille. " The name rides," says Dr.
Hooker, "is an Arabic word wrongly applied to this
genus. The common name, gooseberry, is probably
a corruption of crossberry, grossberry, or gorseberry,
from gorse, furze." If this be the true derivation,
it must be so named from the prickly nature of the
shrub, or from the hairs on the fruit. Another
explanation of the term " crossberry " is, that it
refers to the triple spine, which often presents the
shape of a cross.

The order Orchidacese receives its name from
the Orchis, which is named from the shape of its
roots, orchis being the Greek word for that parti-
cular shape. The names Bee Orchis, Spider
Orchis, &c, speak for themselves, and require no
explanation.

In connection with the Iridacese we have some
French history. The Fleur-de-lis is not, as is
often supposed, a lily, but an iris, the common
name of which is Flower de Luce, or Fleur de
Louis. "It was assumed," says Dr. Prior, "by
Louis VII. of France as his device. The flower
that he chose seems to have been a white one, for
Chaucer says —

" His nekke was white as is the flour de lis ; "

and there is a legend that a shield charged with
these flowers was brought to Clovis from Heaven
while engaged in a battle against the Saracens. It
had already been used by the other French kings,
and by the Emperors of Constantinople, but it is a
question what it was intended in the first place to
represent. Some say a flower, some a halbert-head,
some a toad. Fleur de Louis has been changed to
Fleur de Luce, Fleur de Lys, and Fleur-de-lis."

Wemustuowbid adieu to the "History of Names "
and come to the second division, the " Legends of
Names," which will occupy but a very short time,
as there are but few plants in the Warren, the
names of which are connected with the Heathen
Mythology.

Papavcr somniferum (sleep-bearing poppy) at once
suggests to us the God of Sleep, Morpheus, who

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

251

used to be represented as reclining on its flowers,
and also holding them in his hauds.

What a world of legendary lore is opened up by
the common name Briar ! It was given to the
plant on account of its many thorns after the giant
Briareus, who is related to have possessed one
hundred hands and fifty heads. His name is derived
from briaros, strong. There is a reference to
him in Homer's " Iliad," book i., v. 403. Achilles,
addressing Thetis, says :—

"But thou, O goddess, bavins' come, didst free him indeed
from his chains, having quickly summoned to lofty Olympus
the hundred-handed one, whom the gods called Briareus,

but all men ^-Egeon Him the blessed gods

even dreaded, nor did they bind Jove."

Virgil also (" iEneid," book vi.) mentions this
formidable giant in his description of the descent of
JEneas into the Shades. Amongst others whom
./Eneas sees there is Briareus. Virgil mentions him
again in book x. ; Hesiod also mentions him, and
speaks of him as the son of Uranus and Gea ; whilst
Homer evidently considered Neptune to be his
father. However, culling from each, we learn that
he was a giant, the son of Uranus or Neptune, and
Gea, possessing one hundred hands and fifty heads ;
that by the gods he was called Briareus, and by
men iEgeon, and that sitting next to Jove— so
terrible was his appearance — he completely
frightened Juno, Neptune, and Minerva, and pre-
vented them from further plotting against Jupiter.
Some say that after the war of the giants against
the gods, he was thrown under Mount Etna. But
this is commonly related of Typhosus, whose efforts
to rise were said to occasion the eruptions of Mount
Etna. From this account it can hardly bs said that
Briareus was a Sweet-briar. Another derivation,
given by Dr. Prior, is not quite so mythical. The
name Briar, is derived, he says, from the Anglo-
Saxon "braer," Erench bruyere, called in Normandy
" brire," from the waste land on which it usually
grows.

Circea lidetiana, one of the order Onagracese,
recalls to our minds the enchantress Circe, the
recital of whose enchantments to us when we were
children — to quote the words of Shakespeare— used
to—

" Harrow up thy soul; freeze thy young blood ;
Make thy two eyes, like stars, start from their spheres
Thy knotted and combined locks to part,
And each particular hair to stand on end,
Like quiUs upon the fretful porcupine."

" Hamlet," Act i., Scene 5.

The name Circea was by a mistake transferred
from the mandrake, which was called Circea or
Circe, because Circe is said to have used it as a
Tempting Powder, or because she bewitched the
companions of Ulysses with it. Amongst the Com-
posite we find in the Warren Achillea millefolium,
named after the Greek hero Achilles, whom we
have already mentioned.

We come next to the order Iridaceae, named
after Iris, the ; rainbow, ..because of the beautiful
colouring of the flowers. Iris was messenger of
the gods, and especially of Juno. She is the
same as the rainbow, and is represented, with all
the different colours of the rainbow, sitting behind
Juno, ready to carry out her commands.

There are many more plants in the Warren upon
the Etymology of the Names of which I have not
touched. Shakespeare makes Juliet ask the ques-
tion, " What's in a name ? " My endeavour has been
to show that there is a great deal in the names of
flowers.

SPIDERS AND THEIR WEBS.

I AM induced by the invitation of the contributor
of the paper on " Spiders' Webs and Spin-
nerets" that appeared in the September (1875) num-
ber of Science-Gossip, to other observers to pursue
the subject, to submit a few facts, culled from per-
sonal observation, of the habits of these generally
despised, but interesting little creatures.

Having for many years bestowed some attention
upon them, I have had opportunities of seeing
peculiarities exhibited that I have not found men-
tioned in any work on spiders that has come under
my notice ; and perhaps by submitting a few facts,
through the medium of your columns, to the notice
of your readers, it may be ascertained if the pecu-
liarities to which I propose to refer have been seen
and noted by other observers.

Many years ago I saw a small spider of the
genus Linyphia or Nereine drop upon the web of
one of the Epeira, and immediately the latter came
out of its retreat, rushed along its line of communi-
cation to the centre of the web, and, after trying all
round to find the whereabouts of the intruder, hur-
ried down the radius to capture it. But it came too
incautiously, for as it attempted to seize the small
spider, the latter, with a sudden spring seized upon
one of the front legs of the Epeira, sank its fangs
into it, and held on like a bull-dog.

Erom this moment the Epeira, though much
larger, made no attempt to retaliate upon its puny
assailant, but commence to pull with all its force
to liberate the imprisoned limb. This was ac-
complished in a few seconds, when it hurried to its
corner, and began, apparently with great anxiety, to
work at the wounded limb with its palpi, falces, or
labise (its movements were too rapid to say which).
At first I had the impression that it was trying to
suck the poison from the wound ; but, judge of my
surprise when I saw it pull the poisoned limb out
of its socket and cast it away. On picking up the
\eg, 1 could see a small globule of poison glistening
on the place where the small spider had fastened.

The voluntary amputative power manifested by

252

HARDWICKE'S SCIEN CE-GOSSIP.

this occurrence reveals the fact that these spiders
have a way of adapting themselves to circumstances
that is perhaps unparalleled ; and the whole trans-
action may well suggest the following queries. Did
this doomed spider know that death could only be
escaped by the amputation of the injured limb ?
Did it know that Nature, peculiarly kind in its
case, would supply another leg to make up the de-

ficiency? And how did this high precept ever come
within the palejof its comprehension, — " If thy right
hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee " ?
Another habit that I have observed in some of
the Epeira spiders is that of laying up a store of
food in the cocoon, evidently for the sustenance of
the young spiders from the time they leave the egg
till they leave the cocoon. On examining one of

Fig. 152. Fac-simile of Spider's Web, made by a Spider just out of Cocoon, and obtained by dyeing:.

Fig. 153. Facsimile of two Spiders' Webs, one in front of the other ; one completely, the other partially, constructed.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

253

these cocoons this spring I found within its meshes I to, there was a small hole in each, through which all

about half-a-dozen shells of the larvre of the house- the interior of the larvte had been extracted,

fly. The young spiders were just ready to leave doubtless by the young spiders during their

the cocoon, and on examining the shells referred I infantile stage.

Fig. 154. Fac simile of Spider's Web.

Fig. 155. Facsimile of another Spider's Web.

254

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

I placed one of these young spiders in a suitable
place, and it immediately began to construct a web,
completing it in thirty minutes. These webs are
very small at first, only some two or three inches
in diameter, and the small creature is content to
sit in the centre for a week or two, probably that
it may the more readily catch the luckless midges
that fly into the web ; but in a few weeks, possibly
through some law of development, it connects this
centre by a cable to some convenient corner, where
it has constructed its parlour.

I have succeeded in taking some facsimiles of
these young spiders' webs, which are sent here-
with ; and though not as perfect as could be wished,
they may interest your readers, if they can be re-
produced by the wood-engraver (see figs. 152 to 155).
The one marked 152 is a copy of the web just
referred to, made by a spider just out of the cocoon
in thirty minutes; but unfortunately there was a
failure in the copying, which I much regret, as the
web itself was the most perfect one I ever had
under the copying process. In constructing the
circular portion of this web, the spider began in
the centre and laid down the spiral by circuits,
constantly increasing in diameter till it reached the
extremity, when, reversing the order of its course,
and going from left to right instead of from right
to left, it laid down intermediate lines between
those already made, till it got back to the centre
agaiu.

Thinking it may be useful to spider-students, I
shall now explain the system by which I have taken
copies of these fragile structures, — a system which
may, if others try it also, be brought to greater
perfection in another season. Observing one day
in April last a window-pane covered with small
spiders just out of the cocoon, and being unable to
see any webs, even with an ordinary pocket lens,
they were so fine and free from dust, the thought
occurred to me that if the webs could be dyed some
colour, it would render them visible, and then the
exact form of the circles could be seen. Others,
examining them at the same time, thought that
there were no webs, but that the spiders were all
suspended by their threads. Breathing upon them,
however, produced a vibration in the spiders, and
this convinced me that each was' occupying the
centre of an elastic and invisible web, and I at once
began to try if they could not be dyed.

To accomplish this, 1 employed one of Mr.
Siegle's Patent Steam Spray Inhalers, — an appara-
tus that is used for injecting remedial agents into
the mouth for sore throat, &c. Into the small
phial connected with this apparatus some aniline
blue was introduced, the steam raised by a spirit-
lamp, and, after the spider had been compelled by
a few puffs of tobacco-smoke to vacate its position,
the blue spray was showered all over the web,
making it distinctly visible to the naked eye.

After getting thus far, it occurred to me that by
bringing sheets of white paper gently into contact
with these dyed webs while they were still wet a
facsimile might be obtained ; and on putting this
thought into action I obtained the accompanying
results.

If these results are put under a good magnifier,
it will be seen that small globules stud the radii as
well as the circular part of the web, and my first
impression on observing this was that the generally-
received opinion that the viscid adhesive liquid
which coats a spider's web is found upon the spiral
part only was incorrect. But in considering fur-
ther, and recollecting that the vehicle for conveying
the colouring matter was steam, it occurred to me
that this, by throwing the colour upon the web in
globules, may be the cause of the dots upon the
radii. As there is, however, some uncertainty on
this point, the subject may well deserve further
investigation.

By making a specially-arranged framework, upon
which the young spiders could spin their webs,
more accurate results might be expected ; and
perhaps some of your readers may, through the
foregoing hints, be induced to experimentalize in a
direction which I hope to pursue myself in the
spring of next year. C. L. W.

DAMAH, AS A MOUNTING MEDIUM.

I THIN K there are many amateur mounters who
would use Damar in place of Canada balsam
did they only know that it can be procured done up
in tubes, so that the mounter has only to apply a
slight pressure to the tube, and the damar flows
freely on to the object. I am not aware that any
notice of these tubes has been given in Science -
Gossip, at least no such notice has appeared since I
first became a subscriber, in 1872, to this popular
journal. I believe that Walter White, of Litcham,
Norfolk, is the only preparer of damar in the way
I have above mentioned. Bound every tube
(which I may here mention costs Is.) is wrapt a
paper containing a few remarks on damar. From
these I take the following : " Very fragile objects
may be successfully mounted in damar with the
greatest ease by merely laying the object on the
slide, covering it with a thin glass cover, and allow-
ing the medium to run under by capillary attrac-
tion. If a very slight pressure be applied to the
cover, and the slide put away iu a warm place, it
will be ready for finishing in a day or two. In
finishing a slide it is necessary, after the superfluous
damar has been removed and the slide properly
cleaned, to lay on [the edge of the cover a coat of
some tough varnish, to prevent the cover from
being accidentally moved in hot weather. A solu-
tion of shellac in spirit is a good varnish for the

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- G 0 SSIP.

255

purpose ; and if carefully applied, so as to fill up
the angular furrow at the margin of the cover, it
will make a very neat finish." I never myself adopt
the plan of letting the damar run under by capillary
attraction, always preferring to drop the damar on
the object, and then lay the cover on that. There
is no great necessity for warming either slide or
cover before mounting. In my cabinet I have many
objects which I have mounted both ways, and the
results are quite the same ; indeed, of the two I
prefer not to warm the slide. I have both heard
and read complaints of this medium by those who
have had it made up from a receipt, and as two of
the chief outcries are likely to affect both the damar
in tube and the damar out, I will speak of them.

Firstly, many complain of the number of air-
bubbles that rise while mounting. Now, I think
that with a very little care this may be easily
obviated, /never find any trouble from this cause,
and I go to work in the following manner : Let me
say that I am about to mount the leg and foot of a
wasp ; of course it has been treated before in the
same manner as if it were to be mounted in balsam.
I take a well-cleaned glass slip, and putting a
centerer under it, remove the object from the spirits
of turpentine, and lay it by means of forceps on the
slide ; next see that the claws are well separated,
and then gently squeeze the tube of damar, and
when I see sufficient damar to cover the object, lay
the thin cover thereon, and gently press. Possibly
my object is not quite flat, and up goes the cover
on one side, while air-bubbles rush in at the other.
The moment I see this I take a spring mounting
clip, and clip the object, then put away in a
moderately warm place. In two or three days, on
removing the clip, I find the object as free from air-
bubbles as it can be. Thin fine objects need have
no clip, as the air-bubbles will depart directly the
cover is laid on. Looking over my back volumes
of Science-Gossip, I find, in the volume for 1873,
page 110, that a correspondent, signing himself
" W. S. Palmer," complains of the little use he
finds damar, .owing to these air-bubbles ; and he
further asks whether any of the readers of Science-
Gossip have been more successful ? As far as I can
see, no one has given his experience, but he will
be able to see from this that at least one corre-
spondent has been successful ; and should W. S.
Palmer still And so great a difficulty in mounting
with this medium, if he will send me his address, I
shall be most happy to send him a slide mounted in
the way I have described.

Then, secondly, many say they can do nothing
with damar, because it is so liquid that it will not
dry. Now, I admit that there is more to be said
against damar for this than from the complaint of
air-bubbles ; but still I do not think many of my
objects have been spoilt through this. Certainly, I
find that even in a warm place the slide takes more

than too days to set; for instance, some slides that
I mounted on March 14th were not ready to finish
off until March 21st ; but then the result was good,
and I do not think any microscopist would object
to waiting a little, providing the result in the end

was gained.

Lastly, as to finishing off, some varnish must, of
course, be used, and I always use the asphalte var-
nish, which I buy at the optician's— a bottie costs
sixpence. I always have used this, and continue to
do so (though it is useless when mounting with
glycerine jelly), because I find it is in every way
good. Run a good ring round, and I think there is
no need for fear about the cover moving; if, how-
ever, you like a pretty finish, run round a ring of
red sealing-wax varnish, and then just at the
edge of that a ring of asphalte varnish, and the
effect will be very good. I think I can do nothing
further now than advise every reader of this to give
the damar in tube a fair trial ; it can be obtained
from the preparer, Walter White, Litcham, Norfolk,
or through any optician, which perhaps is the best
mode of procuring it, as then it gets to be known
more generally, for I find that as a rule it is not
kept in stock. I never was so successful with
balsam as I am with damar, and I trust all my
readers may shortly say the same.

Eedland. Chakles Williams.

MICROSCOPY.

Vitality of Eggs. — M. Colosanti has recently
made some very interesting experiments on the
duration of vitality of the macula germinativa.
Experimenting with hens' eggs, he found that in the
first twenty days after the egg is deposited, develop-
ment of a chicken may take place; after that
epoch development is not the rule, but the exception.
But the germinal spots which did not produce
chickens always showed some development, though
incomplete. This shows that the evolution is not
the result of a force which exists or does not exist
in a germ, but rather of a force subjected to quan-
titative modification, and which expires gradually.

Professor Ehrenberg. —This famous natu-
ralist, with whose researches every microscopist
must have come into contact at some period of his
life, died at the end of June last at a very advanced
age. Although a great many of his views have
been modified during his life, his work has only
proved that it is easier to revise than to discover.
Ehrenberg was a great man, and all true naturalists
will do homage to his intellectual worth.

Wythe's Illuminator. — In the American Natu-
ralist for July, Dr. J. H. Wythe recommends for
oblique illumination a right-angled prism, with a
plano-convex lens, cemented to and covering one of

256

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE. GOSSIP.

its narrow sides, and an ordinary Erench triplet
fastened to the other, close against the farthest
angle. Arranged with the plano-convex lens directed
downward, the axis of the triplet would be hori-
zontal, and a horizontal cone of achromatic light
would be furnished ; while, by slightly tilting the
apparatus, an available and extremely oblique illu-
mination would be obtained.

The Potato Disease. — Dr. Hunt states that
the potato disease fungus {Peronospora infestans)
destroys the potato starch in the cells of the tuber.
Under the microscope he has noticed the general
absence of starch in the cells attacked by the
Peronospora, although the fact of such invasion
being productive of the result described had been
denied.

A New Preservative. — Mr. A. M. Edwards, of
Newark, New Jersey, has been successfully engaged
in a series of experiments on the properties of
salicylic acid as a preservative for microscopical
purposes. He has exhibited casts of the uriniferous
tubes obtained from Nephritis, which were mounted
in a dilute solution in 1874, and are now in as good
a condition as when first put up. Volvox globator
can be preserved in this solution with equal success.

Animal Circulation. — Take a young water-
snail (Planorbis) on a slide in a shallow cell with
water ; apply a strong light under it, and with an
inch objective you can see the action of the heart
beautifully. I find it better to get old ones. Keep
them in a bottle with food till they breed, and then
the youngsters, kept in clear water, will have much
more transparent shells. — F. Barnard, Kew, Vic-
toria.

"The Microscopy of Starch." — My husband,
for pleasure, has worked at the microscope, mount-
ing objects, &c, for upwards of fifty years. About
twenty years ago he mounted, in balsam, potato
flour, tous-les-mois, Bermuda arrowroot, &c. We
were looking at these specimens last evening : they
are as perfect as ever. " J. C. Thompson " may be
interested in the above fact. — F. S.

ZOOLOGY.

"The Aquarium, its Inhabitants, Struc-
ture, and Management," by J. E. Taylor,
E.L.S., &c. — Our position with regard to this book
forbids us to do more than announce its publication.
It is hoped that all interested in aquaria, public and
private, marine and fresh- water, will find it a popular
manual. All the animals yet acclimatized are noted,
and hints are given for their further domestication.
Lovers of nature will, it is hoped, be here provided
with instruction how to proceed in everything re-
lating to aquaria. The work is illustrated with

nearly 300 good engravings, and all that re-
mains is for us to thank the publisher for intro-
ducing it to the public in such an excellent and
attractive manner.

Embryology of the Salpidje.— At the Boston
Natural History Society, Dr. W. K. Brooks has
made a contribution to the embryology of Salpa,
which is startling to naturalists, and will be of
great importance if confirmed. He says that in
tracing back the history of the zooids composing
a'chain, the egg is present at all periods of growth, of
exactly the same size and appearance as at the time
of its impregnation. He concludes that the animal,
which has no existence, cannot be the parent of the
egg which is already fully formed. Thus the ex-
planation is that the solitary salpa is the female,
which produces a chain of males by budding, and
discharges an egg into the body of each before
birth. These eggs are impregnated while the zooids
of the chain are very small and sexually immature,
and develop into females, which give rise to other
males in the same way. After the foetus has been
discharged from the body of the male, the latter
attains its full size, becomes sexually mature, and
discharges its spermatic fluid into the water, to
gain access to the eggs of other immature chains.
This arrangement is compared with other cases,
as in cirripeds, arachnids, argonaut, in which the
male is to some extent parasitic on, or supplemental
to, the female.

The "Popular Science Review " for October
contains some excellent articles, noticeable among
which is that by the Rev. W. H. Dallinger on
'* Practical Notes on Heterogenesis." This will be
eagerly read by all who take an interest in the
"Origin of Life." Professor TyndalPs paper on
"The Parallel Roads of Glen Roy" is another
contribution to the already abundant literature
on these peculiar geological phenomena. Mr.
H. J. Slack has a paper on " Human Personality,"
and the editor a telling one on the "Vivisection
Clamour." In this number the editor, Dr. Henry
Lawson, bids- farewell to his readers, after having
ably occupied the editorial chair for many years.
We understand that his successor is Mr. W. S.
Dallas, F.L.S., the Secretary of the Geological
Society of London, and one of the first writers
on natural science of our time.

Strange Commensalism. — M. Trecul has re-
cently made a singular communication to the Paris
Academy of Sciences on the capture of rattlesnakes,
and the supposed association of these serpents with
a small owl and a small dormouse. When travelling,
in 1S48, in the region west of Arkansas, he caught
snakes by passing over them, when erect, a loop
with running knot attached to his ramrod; they
remained quite straight and were easily killed. The

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

257

" villages of little dogs," or dormice, are sometimes
pretty large, e.g., ball" a kilometre in diameter. One
was in a fertile district covered with high herbs,
but tbe ground of the village was entirely denuded
by the animals, and little earthworks thrown up,
with boles in them, and communicating together.
The dormouse takes a survey from the top of these
eminence5!, with only his head thrust out. Iu coming
out, which they do most cautiously, they give a
small sharp bark. In another village the author
saw a little owl issue from one of the burrows,
which was also evidently frequented by dormice ;
and in another burrow was a rattlesnake ; but this
burrow had evidently been long deserted by the
other animals.

BOTANY.

British Fungi. — We are pleased to notice the
timely issue of Dr. M. C. Cooke's " Plain and Easy
Account of the British Fungi." The coloured plates
are all new, and are not exceeded by anything of the
kind yet published. This is the third edition, and Dr.
Cooke has thoroughly revised it, and made many
important additions. As a popular work on fungi
it is the best, cheapest, and most attractive of the
kind in our language, and students of this interest-
in.? and much neglected group of plants cannot do
better than procure it.

Elodia canadensis. — This plant is rapidly
spreading and flowering in the streams of West
Sussex. Can any one tell me how this pretty pest
is best kept down ? — F. H. Arnold, Fishbourne,
Chichester.

Snowdrops. — With reference to Mr. Wesley's
note in the August number of Science -Gossip,
ccncerning the question as to whether or not the
Snowdrop is indigenous, I can inform him that the
plant flourishes in the greatest profusion on
the sandy banks of the rivers in Mid Devon, which,
indeed, during the spring-time are, for miles and
miles, white with the blossoms of the flower. From
this I consider there can be no doubt but that the
Snowdrop is a native of this country ; for it seems
to me impossible it could ever have been planted in
such abundance as to have spread over the very
large extent of ground these river-banks occupy. —
J. L. Vincent, Forest-hill.

" Plant Crystals." — I do not wish for a moment
to deny that the crystals of calcium-salts in fallen
leaves may serve, as Professor Gulliver suggests, a
manurial purpose. Recent researches show that the
leaves annually shed by an acre of beech-trees
between thirty and a hundred and twenty years
old, yield 73 lb. of lime, 9 lb. of phosphoric acid, and
3 lb. of sulphuric acid. I do not, however, believe

either that the crystals are formed chiefly, or origi-
nally, for the purpose of manure, or that their pre-
sence constitutes by any means the chief value of
leaf-mould. I am not aware of any case iu which
crystals of calcium-phosphate occur in plants ; the
carbonate and oxalate are common. As far as we
yet know, calcium itself is not directly necessary for
any physiological purpose. Compounds of phos-
phoric acid seem, however, necessary to the forma-
tion of albuminoids, as also are those of sulphuric
acid. Oxalic acid (C2 H2 OJ is formed in the
plants themselves, and in a free state is poisonous to
the plant itself. The plant obtains its sulphuric
acid chiefly, or perhaps entirely, from calcium sul-
phate (gypsum), which is probably decomposed by
the oxalic acid, calcium oxalate being thus formed,
which in its insoluble crystals is harmless to the
plant. So also calcium acts as a vehicle for phos-
phoric acid. Thus, calcium oxalate must, as
Holzner and Sachs, from whom I have derived
much of the above information, have pointed out>
be looked upon as a secondary product of metas-
tasis {stoffwechsel) ; that is to say, as formed in the
separation of formative materials from the as-
similated food of the plant, but being perfectly
inactive, and of no use in building up the cells of
the plant. — 0. S. Boulger, Agricultural College,
Cirencester.

Buppia spiralis.— The aestivation of this slender
and delicate flower at so late a season as the middle
of September is worth notice. The curiously-curled
rings of the peduncles, as they are now to be seen
in plants from Chichester Harbour, are a good
criterion, but another is the period of flowering.
Can any one inform me of the precise time when
Ruppia rostella flowers ? — F. H. Arnold.

Varieties of Colour in Wild Plants.— To
"A. F. G.'s" list in the September Science-Gossip,
I can add the following short supplemental one, — of
course, from my own observation: — From purple to
white — Campanula glomerata, chalk downs, Fresh-
water, Isle of Wight; Ajuga reptans, chalk, near
top of Bulbarrow, Dorset, and old red sandstone,
near Sidmouth, South Devon. From purple to pink
— Prunella vulgaris, chalk banks, Stapleford, South
Wilts ; Scabiosa succisa and Scabiosa columbaria
(together), in undrained wet ground (chalk), Staple-
ford. From red to white — Ballota nigra, chalk
bank, Shrewton, South Wilts ; Thymus (serpylluu
or chamadrys), chalk, Stapleford Down, South
Wilts; Galeopsis tetrahit, chalk, top of Bulbarrow,
Dorset ; Lychnis diuma, Yarcombe, South Devon ;
Carduus palustris and Carduus arvensis, both fre-
quent, chalk, South Wilts. From red to pink, or
flesh-coloured — Papaver rhceas, Anagallis arvensis,
and Orchis morio, all chalk, Stapleford, South Wilts.
From yellow to cream-coloured — Helianthemum vul-
gare, chalk bank, Woolland, Dorset. In Harpfoid

258

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

Wood, near Sidmouth, Veronica montana is found
in abundance of a reddish purple colour. In a
meadow near it, by the river Otter, I also met with
several plants of Carclamine pratensis bearing
double flowers, like those seen by " A. E. G.," near
Worthing. Convolvulus arvensis has also been
pointed out to me, with double flowers, on a chalk-
bank, at Siirewton, South Wilts.— W.Moyle Rogers.

How to Take Impressions of Plants.— The
following is a simple method of taking impressions
of plants, requiring only a large sheet of paper,
some olive (or other) oil, black-lead, ashes, and
resin (or colophony). The paper is first lightly
oiled on one side, then folded in four, so that the
oil may filter through the pores, and the plant may
not come into direct contact with the liquid. The
plant is placed between the leaves of the second
folding, and in this position pressed (through other
paper) all over with the hand, so as to make a
small quantity of oil adhere to its surface. Then it
is taken out and placed carefully on white paper .
another sheet is placed above (since two impres-
sions can be taken), and the plant is pressed as
before. On now removing it an invisible image
remains on the paper. You sprinkle over this a
quantity of black-lead (or ashes, or other fine
powder), and distribute it in all directions, as in
applying sand to writing; the image then appears
in all its parts. With an assortment of colours the
natural colours of plants may be reproduced. To
obtain fixity, resin is added to the blacklead (pre-
viously) in equal quantity ; the impression is fixed
when it is exposed to a heat sufficient to melt the
resin.

GEOLOGY.

Intra-glacial Paleolithic Implements. —
Mr. S. B. J. Skertchley, E.G.S., announces the dis-
covery by himself, at Brandon, in Suffolk, of Palaeo-
lithic flint implements in brick-earth underlying the
well-known "chalky boulder clay," associated with
bones and fresh-water shells. The implements
belong to the crude type.

The Phosphate Beds'of South Carolina. —
Most of our geological readers will be acquainted
with the fossils from the Carolina phosphate beds.
Dr. Leidy remarked, at the Philadelphia Academy of
Sciences a short time ago, that these phosphate
beds were remarkable for the irregular admixture of
multitudes of fossils of different ages, from the
early Tertiary period inclusive down to the present
epoch. So far the fossils in many respects are
similar to those found in the phosphate nodules of
our Suffolk Red Crag beds. Dr. Leidy said that the
Carolinian phosphatic beds appear to have had their
origin from the Eocene rocks beneath. These_have

also contributed numerous remains of marine
vertebrates, especially of zeuglodonts, reptiles, and
fishes. Mingled in the sand and clay, with the
phosphatic nodules and bones of Eocene animals,
are innumerable remains of cetaceans, sharks, &c,
of the Miocene and Pliocene periods. A still further
mingling of quaternary shells and bones with these
two sets renders the confusion all the greater. The
teeth of the great shark (Carcharodon megalodon) ,
as well as of the extinct mastodon, point out the
fact that these creatures survived in America to a
later period than they did in Europe.

The Mechanism of Production of Volcanic
Dykes and on those of Monte Somma.— A paper
read before the Geological Society, by R. Mallet,
Esq., E.R.S., E.G.S. The author stated that in
1864 he made a careful trigonometrical survey of
the escarpment of Monte Somma, especially with
reference to the numerous dykes by which the
rocks composing it are intersected. He described
in detail the phenomena of direction of the dykes,
especially as regards the axis of the cone of Vesu-
vius; to this direction he gives the name of
orientation. Of twenty-seven dykes ten presented
an approximately vertical line, whilst all the rest
had a sensible dip or " hade." The dykes are in
no cases intersected by coherent beds of lava, but
in one instance the top of a dyke was stopped by
such a bed. Many of the dykes bifurcated or
branched, and frequently two dykes intersected
each other at considerable angles. These and other
circumstances prove that the dykes were produced
at different and successive ages. Many of them
were fractured and displaced iu consequence of
movements of the mass of rock traversed by them ;
and these dislocations are regarded by the author
as indicating the vast extent and force of the in-
ternal movements, due principally to gravity, which
are constantly taking place in the mass of volcanic
cones. These movements greatly influence the
position of the dykes, and render it difficult to
ascertain that which they originally occupied. The
dykes thin out at various heights, and their superior
and northern terminations were found not to reach
the existing surface, notwithstanding the amount
of denudation that has taken place ; and hence the
author concludes that they never reached the sur-
face of Somma, when it was the wall of an active
volcano. The author further indicated a process
by which beds or plates of lava descending the
slopes of a volcano may change their direction, and
becoming imbedded in the detritus accompanying
or following them, may, to a greater or less extent,
simulate dykes, although in this case the two sides
of the plate will present the differences always
seen in the upper and uuder surfaces of a bed of
lava. The orientation-lines of five or six of the
observed dykes were said to pass approximately

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

259

through the axis of the cone of Vesuvius, but all
the rest presented great diversities, and some,
when prolonged, would not touch the cone at all.
In making a lithological examination of the dykes
of Somma, the author directed particular attention
to the position of the elongated air-bubbles found
in the material of each dyke, considering that the
direction of the longest axis of these bubbles would
indicate the flow of the material when in fusion.
He stated that on the whole the long axes of the
bubbles are nearly horizontal or pointing at mode-
rate angles upwards in directions very nearly
parallel to the plane of the dykes at the place where
they occur. Hence he inferred that the dykes
were filled by injection, not from below, but nearly
horizontally. The author further referred to the
mineralogical characters of the materials of the
dykes, and stated that they are net all composed of
euciticlava; he also mentioned the occurrence of
cross columnar structure in some of the larger ones.
After referring to the differences observable in the
physical condition of the two surfaces of some
dykes, the author proceeded to consider the mode
of origin of the fissures which, when filled, con-
stitute volcanic dykes. He maintained that the
production of a fissure and its filling with molten
matter must have been simultaneous and due to
the same cause, namely, the hydrostatic pressure
of the liquid lava more or less filling the crater,
the pressure originating the fissure into which the
pressing liquid at the same time enters : a fissure
thus produced and filled will always be widest near
the crater, so that if the material of the cone were
perfectly uniform the dykes produced would be
wedge-shaped. But from the absence of this
uniformity and other causes, fissures commenced at
the interior and propagated into the mass of volcanic
cones can rarely be uniformly distributed round
the crater or produced in regular vertical planes in
a truly radial direction. Hence the author con-
cluded that it is unsafe to attempt to fix the posi-
tion of an ancient crater by means of the intersection
or concurrence of the lines of apparent orientation
of dykes alone. The author stated that the intru-
sion of volcanic dykes cannot so greatly influence
the slope of volcanic mountains as has been sup-
posed.

NOTES AND aTJERIES.

Entomological Phenomenon. — I came across
the following extract lately in the " Annual Regis-
ter " for the year 1771. It may interest some of
your entomological readers. It is contained in an
account of a dreadful famine in the neighbourhood
of Calcutta, written by a correspondent of Mr.
Urban, in the East-India Company's service, and
first published, apparently, in the Gentleman's
Magazine : — " In the month of August " (the writer
says, whose signature is J. C.) "we had a very

alarming phenomenon appeared (sic) of a large
black cloud at a distance in the air, which some-
times obscured the sun, and seemed to extend a
great way all over and about Calcutta. The hotter
the day proved, the lower this cloud seemed to
descend, and for three days it caused great specula-
tion. The Brahmins pretended that this phenomenon,
which is a cloud of insects, should make its appear-
ance three times ; and if ever they descended to the
earth, the country would be destroyed by some
untimely misfortune. They say that about 150
years ago they had such another bad time, when
the ground was burnt up for want of rain. This is
the second time of this phenomenon's appearing,
and that they came much lower than is recorded, of
the former. On the third day, the weather being
very hot and cloudy, with much rain, we could
perceive them with the naked eye, hearing a con-
tinual buzzing. About one o'clock they were so
low as 30 feet from the ground, when we saw them
distinctly to be a great number of large insects,
about the size of a horse-stinger, with a long red
body, long wings, and a large head and eyes, keep-
ing close together like a swarm of bees, seemingly
flying quite on a line. I did not hear of any that
were caught, as the country people were much
frightened at the prognostications of the Bramhins.
Whilst it rained, they continued in one position for
near a quarter of an hour ; then they rose five or six
feet at once, and in a little time descended as
much, until a strong north-west wind came and
blowed (sic) for two days successively, when they
gradually ascended and descended in the same
manner, but more precipitately, until next morning,
when the air was quite clear. It was very remark-
able that for some days before the appearance of
this phenomenon the toads, frogs, and insects,
which in numbers innumerable always make a con-
tinued noise here the whole night, during the rains
disappeared, and were neither seen nor heard
except in the river." This famine, according to
the above writer's account, was most terrible. The
cause is by him attributed to the English engrossing
large quantities of rice in anticipation of a bad crop,
and to the native granaries at Calcutta being burnt
down.

Colour of Birds.— Can I find out, through the
medium of Science-Gossip, what other British
birds besides the following have been found white
or ivory - coloured ? Jay (Garrulus glanclius),
cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), common thrush (Turdtts
musicus), blackbird (Tardus merula), skylark
( Alauda arvensis), tree-sparrow (Passer montanus),
house-sparrow (Passer domestic/is), rook (Corvus
frugilegus), woodcock (Scolopax rusticola), gold-
finch (Carduelis elegans), bullfinch (Pyrrhula vul-
garis), chaffinch {Fringilla ccelebs), jackdaw (Corvus
tnonedula), starling (Stumus vulgaris), swallow
(Hirundo rustica), are all to my knowledge. I
should be very glad if any of your readers could
add any more to this list, and say where they are to
be seen. — A. P.

The Cuckoo's Eggs.— The late Bishop Stanley,
in his "History of Birds," vol. ii. p. 77, says:—
" The Cuckoo can build a nest, and rear its young
ones as well as another; for a clergyman near
Glossop, in Derbyshire, not only saw a cuckoo rise
from its nest, built on the stump of a tree, but _ in
it found two young ones ; and by way of ascertain-
ing whether they were under the care of the real
or foster parents, he confined one of them to the
nest, and for many days saw the old cuckoo feed it

2G0

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

as regularly and tenderly as the poor little bird did
its monstrous nursling, as already mentioned in
vol. i. p. 207.— H. J. Taylor.

Cuckoo's Eggs.— As some of your correspond-
ents do not appear to me quite to understand the
theory with regard to the coloration of the eggs of
the Cuckoo advanced by Dr. Baldamus, but seem
under the impression that this learned ornithologist
believed the hen-cuckoo possessed the power of
laying eggs of any colour at pleasure, or at least of
influencing their colour, will you allow me to state
in his own words, as nearly as they can be rendered
into English, what his supposed discovery really
amounts to ? His theory is really a very beautiful
one, and remarkable for its bearing upon the prin-
ciple of natural selection, as pointed out by Profes-
sor Newton. So far from asserting that the female
cuckoo "can voluntarily influence the colour of her
eggs," he expressly rejects the theory, and gives
his reasons for so doing, adding by way of summary,
" Thus all experience hitherto made declares for the
assertion that every hen-cuclcoo lays only eggs of one
colouring, and consequently (as a general rule) lays
only in the nest of one species" — a species to the
eggs of which her own have a resemblance. Again,
in the summary at the conclusion of his paper, he
repeats this opinion even more strongly in the fol-
lowing words :— " Every hen-cuckoo lays eggs only
of a fixed colour, corresponding (as a general rule)
with the eggs of that warbler in whose nest she lays
them, and she only lays in other nests when, at the
time lor laying, one of the species of her own pecu-
liar type, as we may say, is not ready." I quote
from the Rev. A. C. Smith's translation of Dr. Bal-
damus's paper in the Zoologist for April, 1868. In
these two brief sentences is embodied the pith of
this theory, which is largely supported by evidence
and the production of an immense series of eggs;
there is certainly nothing to lead us to the strange
idea that the coloration of the egg of the Cuckoo is
a voluntary act on the part of the parent bird, but
quite the contrary. I confess my experience does
not tend to confirm the law which Dr. Baldamus
fancies he has discovered ; but it has been seriously
entertained by some of the best ornithologists of
the day, and emanating from so high an authority
as Baldamus, it commands our respectful considera-
tion until we can cither disprove or confirm it. Dr.
Baldamus has been very much misrepresented by
some English naturalists, which doubtless arises
from their not having received their information
(irst hand, the " Naumannia," the German periodi-
cal in which he first made his theory known, being
very little known in this country. This has led to
criticisms altogether irrelevant to the subject; he
has been first misrepresented, and then it has been
sought to disprove the misrepresentations.— Thos.
Southwell, Norwich.

Midges and Thunder-flies.— Several small
species of Tipulida, especially the common
Chironomus, greatly resembling gnats, and fre-
quenting marshy places; also, the Psychoda, the
short, broad- winged litile fellow found on our
windows the year through, are known as Midges.
Eor want of precision in its use, the term Midge has
but little value. " C. H." asks, are they the same
as Thunder-flies? Thunder-flies are a species of
Tkysanoptera, or fringe-wings, better known as
Thrips; very plentiful during the summer; and,
though minute in size, the effect of their bite is very
irritating. I believe much of the annoyance attri-
buted to harvest bugs, Acarus autumnalis, is really

occasioned by this little pest. They are known in
Kent as " Nidgets" or " Nidges," and I fancy the
similarity in name has misled "C. H."— H. E.
Freeman.

The Sea Serpent. — I herewith enclose an ex-
tract from a pleasantly written book called "The
West Coast of Africa," by Commander Hugh
McN. Dyer, R..N., which I think will be interesting
to the readers of Science-Gossip, as throwing some
light upon that somewhat mythical personage " The
Great Sea Serpent." The author also was shown by
Consul Livingstone, at Old Calabar, a great natural
curiosity in the shape of fishes with eyelids. They
were, he says, about four inches long, of a light
brown colour, and capable of giving a palpable
electric shock. These were alive and swimming
about in a basin. I should be glad if any one would
kindly furnish further particulars, with drawings, if
possible, of this peculiar fish.—/. F. Cranswick.

The Mythical Sea-Serpent ?— Captain the
Hon. M.H. Nelson, H.M.S. Druid, and Com-
mander Prescott Stephens, H.M.S. Bittern, were
about to leave the Torch on the evening of the 2Cvh
July, 1872, then at anchor off Cape Coast, to return
to the Druid, which was off Elmina, when our atten-
tion was drawn to a great commotion in the water,
at about half a mile from the ship, and presently a
large eel-shaped fish, with dark back and white
belly, put its head, or what appeared to be its head,
about twenty or thirty feet into the air, and came
down with a great thwack on the water twice, when
a whale of great size, bottle-nose, length not less
than sixty feet, sprang into the air, coming down
with a splash that may be imagined. This was re-
peated two or three times, the whale ultimately
o-oing away to sea. I was told afterwards, the
other fish was a "thresher." It might have been
its tail and not its head we saw, for its movements
were too rapid and the splashing of the water too
great to see distinctly. It appeared to us, in size
round, about twice that of a man's body. The
depth of water in which this took place was about
ten fathoms. Lieutenant Jeffreys and the officers
of the Torch all witnessed, and all were equally
surprised at the incident. I saw the same thing
again a few days afterwards near Bootry, also in
shoal water, but much less of the thresher appeared
above water, and the whale's jump was much higher
and more frequent. I have seen whales jumping in
this way, also off the river Congo.— "The West
Coast of Africa," pp. 71 and 72. By Commander
Hugh McN. Dyer, B.N., H.M.S. Torch.

Hawfinch.— Although this handsome finch is
not indigenous to these islands, yet for the past
two or three winters it has been met with, gene-
rally in pairs only, never in flocks ; and, in company
with the Pied Pinch and Yellow-hammer, feeding on
our barn floors in Cheshire. I saw one kept as a
curiosity in a cage in a labourer's cottage for a few
weeks ; it eventually pined away and. died. I believe
it must have been a mistake to record it as having
bred in this country.— B.

Strange Birds. — Can any_ of your corre-
spondents give me any information about a pair of
birds which I have just bought, of which I do not
know the names ? Tlie cock is wholly black, almost
blue in sunlight, with bright red feet, and beak
delicately tinged with pink. The hen is at present
moulting, her colour is dappled brown and black.
The man from whom they were bought called them
"Stale" birds, and said they came from South

HARDWICKE'S SCI E N CE- GOSSIP.

201

Africa. As yet they are too shy to sing much, but
the hen has a sweet little whistle ; their chirp is
very harsh. They are a little larger than tree-
creepers, with a beak like that of a finch. I can
find nothing about them in Wood's " Birds," and
should be much obliged by any information about
their habits, &c.—EdiU cle B. Meyrick, Blessington,
Co. Wicklow.

The Swallow-tailed Butterfly (P. machaoh).
—J. S. Wesley says of this butterfly that it "need not
be looked for in Kent." I have a specimen in our
museum, caught at Folkestone this summer. It
is damaged in the hind wings. — Henri/ Ulhjett,
Folkestone.

Microscopic Query.— Dissecting one of those
large, black, hairy spiders that are met with in
cellars, stables, and such places, and seeing some-
thing on the slide I could not clearly make out,
I put on a higher power, and found it to be what I
should call a feather, a fir-shaped hair, and on further
examination, found the legs to be covered with them.
Can any of the many readers of Science-Gossip say
that they have found such feathers on spiders of a
light colour? I have not, this being the first time
I noticed them. — H. Macco.

Water-vole. — Your correspondent who met
with the water-rat (Arthur H. Borrer) whilst fish-
ing, nibbling or eating the leaves of some shrub,
was doubtless very much astonished, as I should
have been a few years since. Let this fact guide
all sportsmen,— rats, including the water-rat, are
too shy to be caught eating in open daylight, it any
observer is in sight. On the contrary, the water-
vole, which is not related to the rat at all, but is a
near relative to the extinct British beaver, is a very
tame and harmless animal; it may be watched with
deep interest on any pond without fear of its per-
ceiving your presence; and it is exclusively a
vegetable-feeder. — B.

Birds laying away from the Nest.— -When
a boy at school, 1 have found many eggs laid m the
open field, without the semblance of any nest. No
doubt your correspondent " E. B. T." has picked
up the e^g of the Starling. If eggs are exposed to
the sun for a few hours, they gradually lose much
of their colour. This I can prove to be the case
with eggs of the Thrush : a bird of this species
built her nest on the bank of an open meadow, ex-
posed to the sun's rays all the afternoon ; the parent
birds forsook their home, containing I think three
e"-gs. I watched the nest for about a fortnight;
then, when I collected the eggs, they were almost
white. — R.

Longevity among the Mountains.— During
a recent visit to Dolgellau (old Welsh form), alter
ramblinsr among the mountains, I came upon the
little ancient village of Llanfachreth, beneath Rho-
bell if'awr, and walked about the churchyard, being
struck with the remarkable number of very old
people whose earthly remains lie entombed therein.
Some of the oldest I give as copied, being then
careful in walking round the enclosure not to repeat
any. Three slate stones side by side record ages of
89. 76, 85. Three more, side by side, 89, 70, 82. Two,
side bv side, S9, 88. One stone has ages ot 81 and
7(J ; another, 78 and 89 ; another, 81 and 90. Three
stones stand thus in ages, S3, 76, 84, one slab only
between first and second. Then, again, one stone
has recorded an age of 89, and two stones un the

south of it, another giving the great age of 92.
Besides these, and carefully excluded from them, [
copied into mv note-book, these ages, 89, 86, 84, 85,
81, 82, 82, 85,' 81, 88, 81, 83, and 90, given in the
order read off, excluding here those under eighty,
many being nigh thereon. This I thought very
remarkable :— " Elizabeth, wife of William Davies,
aired 89. Also of the above William Davies, aged
89." There were graves of childreu here and there ;
but such are the healthy conditions of life, that few
deaths are recorded of persons in middle life. Any
one can verify the above by visiting this ancient
village of Meirioneddshire (old form).— Horace
Pearce, F.G.S.

History of the Microscope.— Science-Gossip,
No. 138, has a charming paper on the Microscope.
No. VI., by F. Kitton, Fig. 61, at page 121 gives " a
remarkable instance of evolution " of an "infusorial
animalcule as described in 1751." At page 122, " If
Darwin had only come across a similar instance, he
would have traced man to this animalcule." Will
you allow me to read the description in another
light, suggesting no evolution, but a very old and
weil-known principle ? An infusion of anemone was
kept lor eight days, when a creature was produced
in it " representing a human face." Is not this a
curious illustration of the peeled wands placed
before Laban's flocks by the sagacious Jacob ? The
person who made the infusion looked into it con-
stantly, to watch progress. May not his face have
been magnitied by the aid of the water, and the
glass on the eye of the animalcule, and copied by it
direct, as the wands were copied indirect by the coming
progeny of the goats, and as a passing impression on
the eye of a mother is often copied on her human
progeny ? There is no change of kind, therefore no
evolution.— H. P. Malet.

Cormorants.— In thepassage from Milton, quoted
in the article "Alter Cormorants," in Science-
Gossip recently, the words "like a cormorant"
are an imitation of a Greek form of expression so
habitual with Milton. The word "like" means
"after the manner of," "resembling," and refers to
the general nature and appearance of the bird, and
does not mean simply sitting as a cormorant sits; tor
why of all birds a cormorant ? Yarrell says, " lhey
are frequently seen sitting on posts, rails, or leafless
trees by the water-side," &c. Again, further on,
"That cormorants possess considerable intelligence
is shown by several circumstances." Milton's
learning was most extensive, and every word was
weighed and full of meaning. That excellent
observer, Mr. Charles St. John, in his book on
Morayshire, says, amongst much other matter, ' The
cormorants sit in rows on some favourite rock, with
their wings spread open like the figure of a spread
eagle." "The eyes are placed very forward; they are
of a pale green, small, and have a peculiarly cruel
and fierce exnression. The plumage is of a glossy
black."—./. S. Wesley.

British Clearwings— The two insects which
used to be named Sesia fuciformis and Sesia bom-
bilifbrmis are now included with the Humming-
bird Moth under the generic term Macroglossa,
the genus Sesia consisting only of those of which
the larva; "Jive unseen," as the author of the
article alluded to correctly states. Doubleday's,
or Knaggs and iStaunt on's, arrangement should be
followed. Sesiidse should, 1 think, too, have two
i's. Kaaggs so spells it.— J. S. Wesley. \

202

HARDWICKE'S SC1EN CE- GOSSIP.

Birds' Eggs— It is useless for "E. B. T.*[ to

speculate much as to what his egg may be. Birds
are constantly interfered with, and compelled to lay
an egg under circumstances which alter its shape,
size, colour, and texture. He had better show the
egg to an experienced collector, and abide by his
decision.— J. 8. Wesley.

Birds' Eggs— la answer to " E. B. T.," I

should think that the egg spoken of was that of
the Nightjar, from the shape and situation, but for
the colour, which has been white clouded with pale
purple in all that I have seen. — R. J. S.

Flycatcher's Nest. — A. song thrush built a
nest on a hanging bough of a spruce fir, where she
hatched and brought up four young ones. On
examining the apparently deserted nest a month
later, we found that a flycatcher had built a beau-
tiful nest inside, where she was sitting on four eggs,
since hatched. — //. 31. C. A., Bar combe Rectory.

Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly {Vanessa,
in-ticm). — In reply to your correspondent E. A.
Edwards (p. 165), there is no difference that I am
aware of between the markings of the male and
female of the Vrticee. I have taken a few pairs
this year, and the only distinction I find is that the
females are larger than the males. — II. C. Dent.

Parasites on Cyclops. — Genus Cofhinia. —
C. imberbis {Vorticella folliculata, M.) Pound on
Cyclops quadricornis. Prit chard writes : — " The
stilt little bell animalcules possess divisibility of
the body but not of the lorica. which is urceolate in
shape and supported on a rigid pedicle. A wreath
of cilia is placed upon the flat frontal region, &c."
A few minutes since I saw the cilia at play, and
was reminded that a query respecting these para-
sites had been put to the readers of Science- Gosstp.
It is not often my restless Cyclops will allow me
time to watch the bells. I would refer to Pritchard's
"Infusorial Auimalcules " (1S52), plate 5, fig. 257.
— F. S.

Caterpillars. — The following facts may interest
the readers of Science- Gossip, as they can be
vouched for by the lady who related the story to me.
She was walking in a field at Lyme Regis, and picked
up a caterpillar answering the description of the
" Death's-head Moth," — body long, colour bright
green, with yellow stripes, and a curious-looking
face. She carried it home, placed it in a tumbler,
over which she tied her pocket-handkerchief; very
soon it had eaten a large hole in the cambric. She
then tied another piece, which soon shared the
same fate1; eventually the creature was missing.
On the following morninqr, the servant, cleaning the
drawing-room, noticed that the Indian matting was
eaten in holes ; and on search being: made it was
found on a footstool, in the centre of which it had
made a hole, and carried the bits of matting, care-
fully placing them in the form of a nest, itself lying
in the midst. It was removed from there, and
placed in a pot of earth, with brown paper tied
over, with holes pricked in lo admit air. It con-
trived to work its way to the paper, and bored the
holes much larger. The lady, leaving the neigh-
bourhood, left it in the care of a friend, who, not
being interested in its development, allowed it
to die. Are caterpillars in the habit of carrying
materials for a nest ? I always imagined they spun
a cocoon round their bodies, and then gradually
turned into a chrysalis, previous to their emerging
from their shells as moths.— 31. A. B.

The Wryneck. — The interesting article on this
bird in the May number, should elicit further notes
from observation. It, is stated that the Wryneck
sometimes lays ten eggs. A young friend took
fifteen from one nest in this neighbourhood, one of
which I still possess. _ Is the Wryneck shy ? It
seems rather a bold bird. I once saw one caught
in a room in Sussex, and a question arose, would
it eat house-flies? This was at once settled by
taking it to a window. When held in the hand it
rapidly devoured them, and after thus having had
a good meal, it was at once transferred to liberty.
Probably, as Mr. Hall remarks, it would soon have
died if kept in confinement. — F. H. Arnold, Fish-
bourne.

Anecdote of House- sparrow.— In my short
experience of interesting anecdotes which relate to
animal life, not one has struck me so forcibly, of
the affection some birds have for their young, as an
incident which occurred in the life of a little house-
sparrow, which we have succeeded in rearing up to
be a fine healthy bird, and is, at the time I am
writing this (August, 1S76), living in our aviary.
We found this sparrow in a yard, at the back of our
house ; having fallen from its nest, under the gutter
on the roof, hefore it could fly. We hardly knew
what to do with the little thing, as we had tried to
rear several of them before, but without success ;
all invariably died before reaching an age to enable
them to shift for themselves. Not wishing to leave
it in the yard where we had found it, for fear of
cats, we at last decided to put the bird into our
aviary, to let it have a chance of living, which stood
close against the window of a room in the front
part of the house. Early the next morning, one of
the servants told me that while fulfilling her duties
in the room where the cage was, she was surprised
to see, on looking towards the window, which was
open, an old sparrow, evidently the parent of the
little one, feeding the latter through the bars of the
cage with worms and various other insects; the
little sparrow manifesting great signs of delight,
chirping loudly between the intervals of the old
bird's absence to fetch more food. Although
several other sparrows came to make a feast on the
bread crumbs, which we placed upon the window-
ledge for the young bird to be fed with, the little
sparrow took no notice of them whatever; but as
soon as the real parent came in sight, its' manner
changed directly ; fluttering its wings and chirping
in anticipation of something good to eat, until its
attentive parent had somewhat appeased its raven-
ous appetite. The visits of the parent bird were
continued at short intervals throughout the whole
of that day, and for several following, until the
young bird was able to feed itself, and then the
affectionate and attentive parent suddenly dis-
appeared, and we saw no more of her. The old
bird, doubtless, must have heard the young one's
cries for food, and recognized the voice. — F. J. R.,
Shepherd's Bush.

Phosphorescence. — In answer to " J. E. S.," \
beg to say that when digging in the garden at night
I have often noticed a phosphorescent light to
proceed from the common wireworm, and have also
observed it in a large centipede that had been
drowned in a bucket of water. — R. J. S.

Goose-grass. — Young geese are particularly
fond of this plant, when it is in a growing state, —
they will graze it eagerly ; but I have not observed
the same partiality for it on the part of the old
birds.—//. E. W.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOS SIP.

2G3

Large Bream.— On Thursday, May 4, I bought f
a 4 lb. bream which had been taken out of the
Trent, at Keadby, the day before. It was the
largest, finest, and best-fed fish of the kind I had
ever seen. When cooked, its flavour far surpassed
that of fishpond-fed bream. The. Trent has been
long famous for its salmon ; if it could produce
mauy bream of this kind, it would be soon famous
for it also. Is not this an unusual size for a
bream ?— A. P.

Singular-looking Stones near Tichborne.
—I accompanied a party of friends to some races
held on Tichborne Down several weeks ago.
"We drove from Petersfield, and a large heap
of stones was pointed out to me as the memorable
" cairn " mentioned in the trial ; but I was more
struck with the appearance of some enormous
blocks which stood on a waste piece of ground
on the other side of the turnpike road. They were
placed in a circle, forming a kind of cromlech or
Druidical temple (on a small scale of course), each
big transverse block being supported by two or
three smaller upright ones. I should much like to
know the history of this Hampshire monument —
Helen E. Watney.

Culverkeys — In reply to W. G. Piper's
question, Science-Gossip, page 118, I would beg
to sav that the " couplet ^identifying Culverkeys
with Pigeon Peas," appeared a few weeks ago in the
Staffordshire Advertiser, published at Stafford, the
birthplace of Isaak Walton. The paragraph further
stated that there was some reason as well as rhyme
in the two lines —

" Culverkeys, Culverkeys,
Why they are Pigeon Peas."

Culver being, as before stated, the Anglo-Saxon
for a pigeon, and key is a seed-vessel, and the
flowers of the vetches are for the most part blue,
" azure." The wild pigeons feed on vetches, which
are of the same natural order as the "pea" ; there-
fore, we presume, it may be more than probable
that Isaak Walton alluded, as suggested in the
extract, to the tufted vetch, when he spoke of
" azure culverkeys," instead of the " tuberous pea"
(Orobus tuberosus), as formerly stated in Science-
Gossip, page 94. Vicia cracca, the tufted vetch, is
called in Gaelic " Pessair luch-na-coille." Dr. Plot,
in his " Natural History of Staffordshire " (p. 204),
says, "that the tufted and wood vetch advance
starven or weak cattle above anything yet known."
The " Gentle Angler" mentions the word "culver-
keys " twice in the " Complete Angler" ; first in
the lines alluded to in Science - Gossip (p. 94),
where they occur at the end of the first chapter
of his book, and then again in the fifteenth
chapter, where, as alluded to by Dr. Johnson in his
Dictionary, it is said, "Looking down the
meadows, I could see here a boy gathering lilies
and ladysmocks, and there a girl cropping culver-
keys and cowslips, to make suitable garlands to
this present month of May." I venture here to
remark that all the flowers named in the lines
quoted from the "Complete Angler," Science-
Gossip [(p. 94), may be found flowering in May.
The present "data" in my possession will not
allow of more being now said on the subject of
these interesting plants ; perhaps opportunity may
arise for doing so at a future time. — E. Edwards.

Age op Eels.— Can you, or any of your readers,
tell me how many years eels are supposed to live ?

I have had one, the common sharp-nosed eel
(Anguilla acutirostris), in my aquarium upwards
of twenty years, and although it has often, when
the aquarium has been too full of water, got out
at night, and been found in the morning stiff and
dry upon the hall floor ; it seems as if it would live
another twenty years, for it is as fresh and vigorous
as ever. Its meals have been irregular enough to
have killed it a dozen times ; for with the excep-
tion of what it gets out of the water, and a minnow
or stickleback or two, it is not often fed ; but when
it does get a worm it seems to have great satisfac-
tion, retiring beneath the shingle, with its head just
above the bottom, it lies quietly for a day or two
while digestion goes on. It will swallow a worm
eight or nine inches long, with a relish, providing it
be fresh and clean, free from slime, and not breed-
ing. It prefers to swallow it head first, for when
it takes it by the tail it will sometimes disgorge it,
and wait an opportunity to seize it by the head.
What the poor worm thinks of the process I often
wonder, for it can be seen through the skin of the
eel wriggling about in the stomach in a most
uncomfortable manner. During the twenty years
it has been in the aquarium, it has grown about
seventeen inches ; it was about three inches
when first put in, and is now twenty inches long,
and weighs only 2i ounces. It is too large now for
its home, but I am very reluctant to part with it,
and as 1 should like it to die in the cradle of its
youth, among its old associates, minnows, carp,
sticklebacks, roach, &c, 1 shall be glad to know
how long it may be expected to live. — Ben Plant.

Birds' Eggs. — In reply to the query of
" E. B. T.", 1 beg to offer my opinion. I should
think the egg in question is probably a starling's,
laid by it, after its nest had been taken, and it has
been obliged to lay it in the place found by your
correspondent. I have frequently found starlings',
blackbirds', and wheatears' eggs under similar con-
ditions : the colour might be occasioned by ex-
posure to the weather, as a wheatear's, which I
found on an old wall, was as white as snow, and
deformed.-!?. E. B.

How to Manage a Eormicary. — Three or four
days ago I stocked my formicary with the Formica
nigra taken from a large nest, found in the some-
what sandy soil of the kitchen garden. In about half
an hour after their introduction, they set to work
excavating in every direction, so that in an hour or
two all the eggs and cocoons had disappeared below
the surface. Their exertions are continued night
and day, so that the soil is in many places quite
honeycombed. Every morning, however, I find
fresh occupants of the water surrounding their
domicile. I have not observed any attempting to
commit suicide, and they could not have been
washed overboard. At intervals they carry the
corpses and drop them over the sides of the landing,
just as they occasionally do with the pieces of
earth. I think it is that they do not eat sufficiently.
They have refused everything yet tried. Lump
sugar, a former correspondent in your columns
suggested, flies, raw flesh, meat, earwigs, which
I have often seen them struggling with in their old
haunts, fruits, &c. One or two appear to relish
their dead relations, but they are few and far
between. I should be glad if you could give me
any information through the medium of your
columns, as their interesting movements amuse my
leisure, and I should be loth to part with them or
lose them.— F. C.

264

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

To CORRESPONDENTS AND EXCHANGERS. — As We nOW

publish Science-Gossip at least a week earlier than hereto-
fore, we cannot possibly insert in the following number any
communications which reach us later than the 8th of each
month. ^_^__

C. H. Macer.— You will find all the eighteen specimens
of zoophytes you sent us to be named given in the " Answers "
column of Science Gossip for last January. We had mis-
placed the name, and so gave them under the head of " Zoo-
phytes."

M. A. Tooke. — The insect is the well-known Water Scor-
pion (Nepa cinerea).

Larvae on Hops. — The larva? found on hops, but which
afterwards refused to feed on them, are those of Orgyia
pudibunda,

M. F. — Your specimens are as follow: 1, Crocallis elin.
guaria ; 2, in too bad a condition to make out; 3, Triphana
pronuba, male ; 4, a Polyzoan zoophyte, called Membranipora
pilosa.

A. Pickard. — We are sorry to say your plants came to us
so thoroughly withered that we could not identify them.
They should have been pressed in blotting-paper.

J. Fuller. — For instructions as to preparing skeletons of
leaves see article in the February number of Scibnce-Gossip
for J 872.

' H. Gould. — Your fern is the Spleenwort (Asplenium adi-
antum nigrum).

J. Boys. — Your plant is the Biting Persicaria {Polygonum
persicaria).

M. Bailev. — Your plant is evidently the Common Mithri-
date Pepperwort (Lepidium campestre) ; but the specimen
came to hand so badly that it was difficult to make out.

Y. Z. — The backs of the leaves are apparently covered
with the first stages in the development of some species of
"mould."

J. G. H.-We should be glad to receive your paper.

M. Murton. — You will see advice as to how to get rid
of " clothes "-moths in the last few Nos. of Science-Gossip.

D. E. J. (St. David's). — Construct an aviary against the
south side of your garden wall, so that birds can fly within ;
or obtain the " artificial birds' nests " described in the
Animal World, to entice birds to nest in your garden. 2. The
" woolly substance " found on the Wild Rose is called
"Bedeguar," and is formed by a species of Cynips. 3. The
bird you mention is evidently the Water Ousel (Cinnlus
aquaticus).

H. M. Hallidav.— The "spongy" fungus on oak-tree was
most probably Polyporus squamosum.

T. C— The " minute shells" in flint are evidently those of
foraminifera, probably a Rotalina. Your zoophyte is Lepra-
Ha liyalina.

M. — Your gault fossils are : — No. 1, Ammonites splendens ;
2, Ammonites planulatus ; 3, Ammonites lautus ; 4. portion of
flitto ; 5, natural cast of Pleurotomaria ; 6, fossil coral (Tro-
chocyathus) ; 7, Terebratula ; 8, portion of Turrilite.

W. W. Kay. — Your specimens are the skeletons of the
hinder feet of a young badger {Meles tuxus).

Dr. D. — With the exception of Pritchard's " Infusoria,'' we
know of no single work that will give the information
required. Smith's " Synopsis of the British Diatomacea? "
is the only English work that gives figures of all the British
ferns known at the time of publication (thirty years ago).
The figures and description of foreign species are scattered
through the Transactions of English and foreign societies.

EXCHANGES.
An Amateur Botanist desires to correspond with another
for mutual improvement. — Address Thos. F. Uttley, Clarke's
Field, Cheetham Hill, Manchester.

I want several good Kestrel's Eggs, side-blown. I will
give good Eggs in return. Lists on application. All letters
answered. Cards allowed. — William Petch, Heeley Wes.
School, Sheffield.

Mounted Slides of Berg-mehl (Norway) to exchange for
food Slides or Material.— H. A. Francis, Keswick House, 48,
White Ladies' road, Clifton, Bristol.

Mounted Specimens of Fresh-water Alg?e {Coleochaete
scutata) for other well-mounted objects of interest. — M.
Needier, 9, Crown-terrace, Fountain-road, Hull.

For Braekyclndiitm penicillittum on leaf of Common Mai-
low send stamped envelope or other object of interest to
Mrs. 8., Brentford End, Middlesex.

Duplicates.— Sibylla, Paphia,Adippe, Selene, Eaphrosyne,
Lucina, Aleus, Mgon, Corydon, Cardamines, Galathea, Tages,
S. Ligustri, Chrysorrhce, B. Quercus, Potatorin, Hamuli,
Lupulinus, Maculata, Montanata, Bipunctata, Atomuria, &c,
for others.— R. J. Stent, 70, Queen-street, Portsea.

Barbadoes Earths, from Cambridge Estate and Spring-
field, extremely rich in Polycystina, Diatoms, and Spicula, in
exchange for first-class Balsam Mounts, at the rate of six
slides per oz.— Dr. Griffin, 66, Kingsdown-parade, Bristol.

Cyprina Islandica given in exchange for other British
Shells. — Miss H. Joss, Invergordon, N.B

For a portion of a Child's Caul, send a stamped directed
envelope to W. H. Gomm, Somerton, Somerset.

Nos. 75, 176, 2186, 236, 238, 239, 245, 253. 271, 287, 305i, 346,
406, 576, 634, 722, 723, 727, 812, 821, 823, 838,856,891,901,
974, 1,031, 1,058, 1,0596, 1,117, 1,327, 1,349, 1,397, 1,458', 1,506,
1.6l4, 1,615 " London Catalogue," 7th edition, also Bulbs of
Scilla verna for planting, offered for British Plants dried, list
of which will be sent on application to H. E. Fox, 70, War-
wick-square, S.W.

Fern Seed, unmounted Northochl&na, Chrysophyllum, and
Nivea, Gold and Silver Fern, and many otbers, to exchange
for any other good object. — C. Malyon, Victoria-road,
Lewisham, S.E.

I have just received a fresh supply of Loango Sand, which
I offer for exchange for a well-mounted object or good
material. — C. Eaton, 48, Currers-lane, Ipswich.

Alopecurus bulboens and Ruppia spiralis offered for 1,437,
1,446, 1,453. 1,457, 1,505, 1,519, 1,521, 1,522, 1,601.— Rev. F. H.
Arnold, Fishbourne, Chichester.

I have several interesting Marine Objects for distribution,
unmounted; amongst them Caprellas, figured in Science-
Gossip for October; other Crustaceans and various Micro-
scopic Material ; ten different Diatomaceous Deposits, &c.
Send stamp for particulars. — T. M'Gann, Burrin, Oranmore.

Wanted. — A dozen specimens each of Crocus sativus, and
Scilla autumnnlis, in exchange for rare British Plants. —
Mr. Higginson, Newferry, Birkenhead.

Offered. — Donn's " Hortus Cantabrigiensis," new, in
exchange for some Fossils or Minerals. — T. S. Hargreaves,
Castle Villa, Stafford.

WELi-mounted Slides of Sole-skin (opaque), and some
named Foraminifera, for other good Slides. Lists exchanged.
—J. Woollett, 58, Cloudesley-road, Islington, London, N.

Duplicates.— A. Galathea, S. Semele, S. Megcera, S,
Janira, H. Sylvanus, E. Jacobean, C. Dominula, L. Chry-
sorrhiEa, L. Dispar, 0. Potntoria, L. Impura, M. Arcuoxa,
M. Fasciuncula ; Desiderata, British Lepidoptera, or British
Birds' Eggs, and L. and F. W. Shells.— A. H. Shepherd,
48, Roden-street, Holloway, London, N.

Offered.— Nos. 84, 87, 173, 180, 184, 220, 237, 241, 313, 518,
715,735,749,878, 906, 907, 1,281, 1,283, 1,337,1,499.1,507,
" London Catalogue," 7th ed., for other rare or local Plants.
— Wm. Jordan, Cockfield, Sudbury, Suffolk.

For Slides of Spiculre of Uraster Rubens send good
Unmounted Material or other Slide to J. P., 63, Legh-street,
Warrington.

BOOKS, &c, RECEIVED.

" The Aquarium : Its Inhabitants, Structure, and Manage-
ment." By J. E. Taylor, F.L.S., &c. Pp. 31(5; gilt edges;
239 illustrations. Price 6s. London : Hardwicke & Bogue,
192, Piccadilly.

" Transactions of Cardiff Naturalists' Society, 1975."

"Transactions of Watford Natural History Society."
Part 5.
" American Journal of Microscopy." August.
"American Naturalist." August.
" Popular Science Review." October.
" Monthly Microscopical Journal." October.
" Land and Water." October.

&c. &c. &c.

Communications Received up to 10th ui.t. from: —
F. K.-G. H. K.— E. E.— T. S.— C. P. O.— J. F.— J. R. S. C.
— C. E. M— H. L— J. S.— Dr. G— J. F. R.— J. W.— T. F. W.

— F. H. A.— Mrs. S.— F. S— C. M— E. de B. M. B.— C. E.—
J. E. V.-H. E. F.— J. F. C— T. C— H. E. F.-J. L. V.—
H. A. F.— W. G. S.— W. P.— J. F.— W. H. G.— H. E. W.—
Mrs. T. E.-E. M.— W. D.— Q. R— F. B.— J. T.— J. B.—
J. T. R.— R. J. S— R. B-— Dr G. D. B — H. U.— M. N.— J. F.
— W. H. G.— M.— A. P.-Dr. G.-M. B.— C. H. M.-W. W. K.

— R. G — W. J— W. A. C— J. C— A. H. S.— C. D. W.— J. W.

— C. W — T. Mc G.— A. S.— G. B.— T. S. H.- J. W. D— A. M.
-C. F. W.— G. G.-T. W.— H. H.— J. S.-G. S.— &c, &c.

HAKDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

265

THE MICEOSCOPE AND MICROSCOPIC WOEK.

No. XII.-By F. KITTON.

« >L^

E have endeavoured
to describe the pro-
gress made in the
construction of the
microscope since its
invention by Za-
charias Jansen in
1590, and have also
glanced at the work done with
them, and shown that it has in
very many cases been valuable;
but little or no preparation of
the objects for examination
seems to have been made.
Swammerdam was famous for
his minute dissections, but no
attempt, it appears, was made
to preserve them. It is true
Lieberkuhn in the early part
of the last century mounted
injected preparations on small
discs of metal ; these were afterwards covered with
varnish, which dried with a convex surface. Slides
of microscopic objects were also sold by Cuff,
Adams, and other opticians : these were slips of
ivory, about three-eighths of an inch in width, and
three inches in length, in which four cells were
made. The bottom of the cell had a narrow rabbet
to prevent the small disc of talc upon which the
object was placed from falling through : a second
disc of talc was used as a cover, and secured in its
place by a split ring. Some of these slides in our
possession (sold with an Adams microscope made
in 1757) contain the following objects :— Elea, louse,
cheese-mite, wing of fly, foot of spider, feathers of
butterfly, section of elder-pith, piece of muslin, leaf
of moss {Sphagnum), mouse-hair, human hair, wool,
silk, &c. Most of these are scarcely recognizable,
and although mounted as transparent objects, are
really not so ; the flea, for example, had been simply
killed and placed between the two discs of talc.
No. 144.

Nothing, of course, but the outline, even in its best
condition, could have been seen. Pritchard, as late
as 1832, gives directions for mounting transparent
objects in ivory sliders, and cautions the student
against dusting the micas with anything but a
camel's-hair pencil, and never to touch them with
the fingers.

He further describes a new method of mounting
minute transparent objects in brass sliders : — " Pro-
cure a piece of latin brass, about the thickness of
note-paper, and cut off a slip the length of the
intended slide and twice its breadth ; then fold it
down the middle, and make a small hole for the
object. Now take a piece of talc a little narrower
than the brass, and make a slit down the middle,
leaving a portion uncut at either end, so as not to
separate it ; then put in your object, and fold it as
you did the brass ; lastly insert the talc thus folded
between the sides of the brass, and pinch the latter
close, and the slider is completed. As their size
need not exceed that of the diagram — this is 1£
inch long by \ of an inch wide — several of
these sliders may be carried in a pocket-book, and
are always ready to examine the merits of any
instrument that may present itself."

The plan adopted for fluid-mounting would, we
imagine, be far from successful. We are told to
take a slip of glass, and spread a little white lead
ground in oil, leaving an aperture in the middle to
receive the object. This paint being laid on of the
thickness of the object, the little pool or cavity is
filled with weak spirits of wine ; then lay in your
object. Having cut a piece of talc the proper size,
lay it on the top, and with a stick of wood rub it
close down on the paint, beginning at one end and
passing across the slider to the other, so as to ex-
clude air-bubbles. Opaque objects were to be
mounted on little discs of blackened cork.

The following directions how to perform a little
bit of microscopic conjuring will perhaps interest
some " microscopists." Procure

N

a water-trough

266

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

similar to the one here represented, composed of
two slips of glass cemented on each side of a plate
of metal of the proper thickness, and of the form
shown in the figure, the light part being that which
is removed. If it is now filled with clean water,
and the middle cell placed before the microscope
(solar or gas) and a drop of the infusion containing
the animalcules put into the cell b, on the command
of the exhibitor the animalcules will commence
marching across the field of view, and to those
unacquainted with the -plan it will appear in obe-
dience to order, but which is merely their desire to
spread themselves. In the same manner, when the
cell a is full, c may be placed under the instrument,
and the marching again commence, the little animals
only being able to pass from one cell to the other
singly."

Fig. 1 56. Diagram of Trough for showing Migration of
Infusoria.

Mr. Pritchard claimed the merit of the introduc-
tion of Canada balsam as a medium for mounting
microscopic objects. Its value for this purpose,
however, was not discovered until some time after
the publication (in 1832) of his "Microscopic
Cabinet." In his " Catalogue," dated 1837, he
mentions objects mounted in balsam.

The following is a list of the prices of mounted
objects : —

Case of transparent objects containing 40 slides,
7s. 6d.

Ditto 36 opaque objects, 7s. 6d.

36 opaque objects mounted on cylinder, 7s. 6d.

Objects selected from the list in sets, per dozen,
2s. 6d. to 18s.

Three sections of fossil woods, cut horizontally
and longitudinal, showing the internal structure of
plants, each from 2s.

About this time Ehrenberg commenced publish-
ing his observations on the Infusoria, commencing
with his Geographical Distribution of Infusorial
Animalcules in North Africa and Western Asia,
Berlin, 1828. In 1838 appeared his magnificent
work, " The Infusory Animalcules as Complete
Organisms," published in 2 volumes folio, contain-
ing 547 pages and 64 coloured plates. In 1830
Agardh (C. A.) published his " Conspectus criticus
Diatomacearum." M. De Brebesson published his
" Notes sur quelques Diatomees marine, rare ou peu
connucs du Littoral du Cherbourg," in 1S34.

In 1S33 Kutzing published several works on the
Diatomacese and other Algse. From that time to
the present the microscope has been continually
improved, until it has now become an instrument of
precision worthy of a better employment than dis-

playing arranged butterfly scales and Diatoms or
Micro-Photographs.

In this brief history of the Microscope and
Microscopic Work we have endeavoured to show
what could be done by the very imperfect instru-
ments employed by Leeuwenhoek, Hooke, Swam-
merdam, and other early observers.

We are apt to smile at the tests of fifty years
ago, with lines as close as- twenty in the thousandth
of an inch, requiring a magnifying power of 350
diameters and an angle of aperture of not less than
55° ! Every worker with the microscope must
admit that infinite credit is due to the opticians for
the improvements they are constantly making in
objectives. Eorty-four years ago an objective
with an angular aperture of 55° and magnifying
350 diameters was, perhaps, more highly-esteemed
than a modern glass of three times the angle of
aperture, and possessing an amplifying power of
5,000 diameters capable of showing an object not
more than TaoVoo or" an inch in diameter.

It is probable that we have now nearly reached
the limit of magnifying power; and if the undulatory
theory of light be true it must necessarily follow
that no image can be formed of less diameter than
half a wave length. We must, therefore, look for
the more perfect correction of our lenses and im-
proved methods of illumination, rather than in-
creased magnifying power for the discovery of
minute structure, and we shall then probably find
that many of our previous opinions will have to be
considerably modified. Before concluding this
series of papers we wish to correct one or two
errorsl that escaped notice when revising the
proofs :— in page 81-, column 2, 5th line from bottom,
read Culpeper ; page 85, column 2, 23 lines from
bottom, read 1668 ; page 86, column 1, line 13 from
bottom, read fig. 44 ; column 2, line 2, insert fig.
47 after "diagram" ; page 199, column 1, line 20
from top, for American, read Amician.

In conclusion I beg to thank those friends and
correspondents who have from time to time given
me valuable information.

A BEPTILE VIVARIUM.

PERSONS who are fond of keeping snakes and
other reptiles alive are sometimes rather at a
loss for suitable receptacles, especially if the cap-
ture or donation happen to occur unexpectedly.
This was the writer's case about a year ago, on
coming suddenly into possession of three Que slow-
worms, when the following expedient was adopted,
which answered so well that it is here described, as
it may, perhaps, be useful to others on a similar
occasion. Not having a vase or case unoccupied, I
took a box, which had formerly held some gro-
ceries ; its proportions were about 14 inches long,

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

2G7

10 wide, and 6 or 7 high; but any size would do that
suited the dimensions and number of the intended
inmates. Having removed the lid, the front and
back of the box were cut down to the height of
about three inches. Then, having marked the
upper edge of each end in the centre, it was cut
dowu, sloping each way from this mark, to the level
of the reduced front and back, the resulting struc-
ture resembling a roofless house with two gable-
ends. A thiu lath, about au inch wide, was nailed
along the upper edge of the front and back, outside,

Fig. 157. Diagram of Reptile Case.

Fig. 158. End Elevation of ditto.

projecting a quarter of an inch above it. A
strip of perforated zinc, two inches wide, and the
exact length of the box, was bent along the centre
like an angular gutter, and nailed from apex to
apex of the gables to form a roof-ridge, two small
squares of thin wood having been previously in-
serted under it at each end, to raise it au eighth of
an inch from the gables. Two plates of glass were
cut the length of the box, and slid in from the ends,
being just wide enough to be retained by the over-
lapping edge of the zinc ridge above and the lath
below. This completed the arrangement, which, of
course, might be ornamented by nailing on bark or
cork and fir-cones, &c. The perforated zinc affords
ventilation, which could be increased by holes in
the ends, similarly covered. The glass slides can
be instantly and entirely withdrawn for cleaning,
&c, or merely opened sufficiently to introduce a fly.
The view of the interior is remarkably clear and
distinct, the sloping roof not throwing back the
light of the sky into the eyes of the observer, as a
flat glass cover is so apt to do. If required for
aquatic reptiles, of course a pan or square zinc
trougli might be introduced.

George Guy on.

NOTES ON THE
FLORA OF BROCKENHURST, HANTS.

TT is probable that the county of Hants possesses
-*- a flora as rich and varied as any other county
in England, at any rate it is pretty certain that the
New Forest and the parts immediately adjacent
would, if all the plants were carefully catalogued,
furnish a list numerically greater than any district
of a similar area in the United Kingdom. The
author of the chapter on Botany, included in the
recently-published second edition of the " New
Forest Handbook" (au excellent little guide which I
strongly recommend all intending visitors to obtain),
says : — " There 'is probably no district in England
where, within the same limits, so many wild flowers
are to be found as in the New Forest and its im-
mediate neighbourhood. This is owing to the
variety of soils. On the south, along the seashore
at Mudeford, in the Beaulieu estuary, and by the
Southampton Water, we have a greater variety
of maritime flora than can be found in any other
part of the kingdom. The Vale of the Avon is
rich in river herbs beyond all valleys. A few miles
beyond the Avon we come upon chalk, and all the
plants peculiar to it. On the north, and here and
there in the Forest, we have many of the clay
plants ; while the Forest itself is rich indeed with a
lovely assortment of flowers delighting in sand and
gravel, or peat and bog." A few species of flower-
ing plants have their sole British habitat within the
boundaries of the Forest, and many which are but
sparingly distributed over the country are here, if
not absolutely abundant, at least sufficiently plenti-
ful to dispel any fear of possible eradication at the
hands of ruthless and selfish collectors. And it is
more thau likely that some future diligent and per-
severing botanist, exploring the dark recesses of a
pathless wood .or the treacherous surface of a
spongy bog, may discover the habitat of some
floral gem, perchance " new to Britain," which till
that time had been " born to blush unseen," save
by the eyes of those unconscious of its worth. May
we hope that should such be the case, the fortunate
discoverer will not be too anxious to make the pre-
cise locality generally known.

It is almost a matter of surprise, that among the
thousands of excellent papers and valuable con-
tributions which compose the twelve volumes of
Science-Gossip, those on the fauna and flora of the
New Forest should be so very few and far between.
In view of this, I am induced to write a few notes
on some of the less common wild plants which I
have found during the present year in the vicinity of
Brockenhurst ; notes which, though perhaps not of
much value in themselves, may have the effect of
eliciting communications on the subject from the
pens of much abler and more experienced botanists.

N 2

268

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

I must premise, however, that as I do not devote
my time exclusively to the study of botany, my obser-
vations are not so extensive as they might otherwise
be; and also that, except where the distance is
specified, all the plants enumerated I have found
within a radius of about three miles from the village
of Brockenhurst, chiefly on the south side.

The two Lungworts {Pulmonaria officinalis and
P. angustifolia) grow pretty commonly in our
copses, and strikingly pretty are their deep violet
blue corollas when the ground is begemmed with
primroses, wood-anemones, and pileworts. I saw a
fully-opened flower of P. officinalis as early as the
29th of March. The Columbine {Aquilegia vulgaris)
with " horn of honey " is more generally distributed,
though less plentiful. It is a handsome flower, and
well worthy of the place it holds in cottage gardens,
sometimes side by side with the Rosebay Willow
Herb {Hpilobium angustifolium) which I have seen
wild only in one spot, growing with the foxglove
among the tall bracken. The Common Gromwell
{Lithospermum officinale) I only met with once on
the edge of a little forest path. The Nettle-leaved
Bellfiower {Campanula trachelium) grows in a wood
between this and Boldre, and the Ivy-leaved
(C. hederacea) in profusion near Alum Green. In
the genus Scutellaria, the general order of things is
reversed ; the Lesser Skullcap (S. minor) being far
more common than its larger and handsomer relative
{S. galericulata). I do not know more than half a
dozen localities where the latter grows, and, with
one exception, always in very small patches; but
S. minor flourishes wherever there is the least mois-
ture, and its little pink blossoms are among our
commonest waterside flowers. Almost as plentiful
are the Loosestrifes {Lysimachia vulgaris and L.
nemorum), but L. nummnlaria is much less fre-
quently found. On every boggy heath we have the
bushy fragrant Forest Myrtle {Myrica gale), the
golden Bog AsphodeV^Narlheciam ossifragum), the
delicate Bog Pimpernel {Anagallis tetiella) aud two
of those curious insectivorous plants, the Sundews,
Drosera rotundifolia and D. intermedia, the former
abundant, the latter more sparingly intermixed with
it. In July I found two specimens of the Pale
Butterwort {Pinguecula lusitanica), growing close
together, at the edge of a rivulet running through a
thick wood some two miles from here, and about
five miles east of Hincheslea Bottom, which Mr.
Wise mentions as " perhaps the easternmost station
known " for this species. Both species of Keed
Mace {Typha latifolia and T. angustifolia) grow in
this neighbourhood, and so do the White Water
Lily (Nymphcea alba), the Yellow Water Lily
{Nuphar lutea), the Buckbean {Menyanthes trifo.
liata), the Greater and Lesser -Water Plantains
{Alisnia plantaga and A. ranunculoides), the Nod-
ding Bur-marigold (Bidens cernua), and the Un-
branched Bur-reed {Sparganium simplex). The

Branched Bur-reed {S. ramosum) I have not found
nearer than Holmsley, distant some six miles. Of
St. John's Worts, six species are more or less com-
mon : Hypericum androscemum, H. quadranguium,
H. perforatum, H. humifusum, H. pulchrum, and
H. elodes. Of the Speedwells I have found eleven
species, including Veronica buxbaumii, of which
I discovered a small patch in blossom in August,
and V.polita. The Navelwort {Cotyledon umbilicus)
abounds on every hedgebank in this neighbourhood,
and may be seen now and then vegetating on a
decayed stump. The Lesser Periwinkle {Vinca
minor) grows in profusion at Sway, a couple of
miles from Brockenhurst, where 1 have also found
the Round-leaved Toadflax {Linaria spuria). The
Dwarf Purze {Ulex nanus) grows in many parts of
our heaths ; the Daflbdil {Narcissus pseudonarcissus)
in a few places, and the Small Snapdragon
{Antirrhinum orontium) is a common weed. I
conclude with my list of Orchidacese, which is not
large, but which I insert for what it may be worth '■
Habenaria bifolia, Orchis morio, 0. mascula, 0.
ustulata, 0. maculata, Gymnadenia conopsea, and
Listera ovata.

As far as I know no better list of the flowering
plants of the New Forest exists than that contained
in Wise's " New Forest : its History and Scenery,"
published in 1867,— but for several reasons this
list is not satisfactory. When we find the locali-
ties of certain plants specially indicated, leading us
to suppose that those are their only habitats, while,
as a matter of fact, they are found elsewhere in the
Forest more or less commonly, e.g., Cotyledon
umbilicus, " Road from Redbridge," " Dragon
Lane, Bisterne ; " Scutellaria galericulata, "Chew-
ton Glen;" " Beckton Bunny;" {Antirrhinum
orontium), " Milton and Somerford ; " {Typha
angustifolia), "Ponds at Wootton," and others,
such as Campanula trachelium, C. hederacea,
Veronica polita, and Linaria spuria omitted alto-
gether (with respect to all which vide supra), we
are constrained to believe that the list is far from
complete and scarcely reliable. Not that the com-
piler is to blame ; he probably made it (comprising
some 650 species) as perfect as he could for those
districts with which he was best acquainted, and he
expressly states that it is " not by any means put
forward as exhaustive," but the Forest is a field
too wide to be undertaken by any one single-
handed, be he ever so acute an observer and learned
a botanist ; whereas, if a few botanists stationed at
various parts were to unite and set to work to care-
fully catalogue the species of their respective locali-
ties, in a few years a really useful and reliable list
would have been compiled. The same remark
applies with regard to other branches of Natural
Science.

It is much to be regretted that a New Forest
Natural History Society is still a desideratum.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

2G9

Surely, there must be residing in this part of the
couuty a few naturalists, botanists, and lovers of
nature generally who would be willing to join to-
gether and form a Society, having for its object the
study of the fauna and flora of one of the most in-
teresting, and, for its size, least known districts in
England. 1 would most willingly co-operate and
assist in the formation of such a society, and I shall
be glad to have the views of any persons interested
in the subject, either through the medium of this
journal or by letter.

Erockenhirst. E. D. Marquand.

E. II. WENHAM'S NEWEST BINOCULAR

ARRANGEMENT FOR THE HIGHEST

POWERS.

A

S that excellent binocular arrangement for low
powers devised by Mr. Wenham in 1S60,
and which has not yet been superseded by a better
one, yields only a well-illuminated field with objec-
tives of no shorter focus than the half-inch of 40°
angular aperture, owing to the shortness of the
focii of high powers, great efforts have been made
in devising and perfecting binocular arrangements
suitable for the highest powers of the microscope.
Stephenson's stereoscopic binocular, Powell &
Lealand's patent non-stereoscopic, and several
stereoscopic and non-stereoscopic binocular ar-
rangements of F. H. Wenham and others, most of
them requiring special bodies, have been devised,
and have given more or less satisfaction.

Messrs. Ross & Co., London, supplied me in
August last with a new binocular arrangement for
the highest powers, which I have used since then ;
and as this is the first of its kind made, and as I
cannot speak of it but in terms of unqualified
praise, I beg to call the attention of all those en-
gaged in prolonged observations under high and the
highest powers to this ingenious invention. It
appears that this new arrangement was devised by
Mr. Wenham some years ago, but the apparent
difficulties of making it delayed its being carried
out earlier. This high-power binocular arrange-
ment consists of two small superposed prisms of
crown glass, fastened into a frame which fits in the
place of the Wenham prism, for which it can be
instantly exchanged. Through the courtesy of
Mr. Wenham, who made this first prism himself, I
am enabled to give a diagram of it. The larger
prism (A) resembles in form and size the well-
known Wenham binocular prism. The angle formed
by the lower horizontal surface and the plane p is
40°, which is beyond the limit of total reflection,
consequently a ray passing into the prism {A) is
only partly reflected ; but to enable the transmitted
part of the ray to pass into the eyepiece, another

r prism (B), having also an angle of 40°, is placed
above A, which renders the upper and the lower
surfaces parallel to each other. The transmitted
part of the ray now passes straight through the
two prisms, as if simply a piece of plate-glass was
interposed. The remaining part of the ray from
the object-glass is intercepted by the two inclined
surfaces, which have as much obliquity as can be
given for transmission, and the amount of light
reflected by the combined surfaces is consequently
nearly equal to that transmitted, and, on account of

v:

v.,

5!

(fc«

§;

w,

k:

01.

<*::
*!

V

q:

V-'

Si

k:

vi\

1!

S

«1>

.!

*'. ■ — \

I

40'

y ' /

B |

\y

A \ W

/■y

Je,

--SSg

2y'\ \

— ■•■•-£*?r \/%\

/ 40° \ 1

/ 4e° \

i
i

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s .

2t- NAT.S/ZE

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03!

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Fig. 159. Diagram of F. H. Wenham's newest high-power
binocular Prisms, with angles, for Ross & Co's microscope.

their proximity, the reflected images of the two
surfaces are combined as one. This reflected image
is finally reflected up the inclined body from the
plane q, just the same as in the low-power binocu-
lar ; but as it is not possible to arrange this last
surface within the range of total reflection, it re-
quires to be silvered.

This arrangement acts non-stereoscopically, i.e.,
it reflects identical images into both oculars; and
its chief advantage consists in the relief it affords
to both eyes. This, however, is a most important
point when prolonged investigations are to be made
as, for example, such marvellous researches in the
life history of the lowest forms of animal life as
were made by the Rev. W. H. Dallinger,V.P.R.M.S.,
and Dr. Drysdale, which extended without inter-
ruption for months, and which to a large extent
overturned the theory of spontaneous generation,
would probably never have been made but for

270

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

the assistance of that relief granted by binocular j
vision.

Wenham's new arrangement produces some
stereoscopic effect iu the mind of the observer by
the mere fact of binocular vision, and this is so
decided, that many who have seen it declared it to
be stereoscopic. This new combination of prisms
performs equally well with all powers from a half-
inch to tbe one-fiftieth of an inch inclusive ; but
with low powers, for which it is not designed, the
effort is painfully flat to those accustomed to the
splendid stereoscopic effect of the Wenham low-
power prism.

As I have seen the markings in Surirella gemma,
Navicula rhombdides, Navicula crassinervis, Frus-
tulia Saxonica, &c, distinctly in the supplementary
body, I cannot but pronounce the reflection of this
new arrangement to be almost perfect. Of course
there is a slight difference in the brightness of the
images of the direct and the supplementary body ;
but as the left eye is generally more sensitive to the
effects of light, this difference in brightness is not
felt. The more powerful the light, the more the
two fields are equally illuminated. Using that ne
plus ultra of a microscope lamp— the Dallinger
Lamp, a most useful accessory, which has a wick
\\ inch broad,— the difference in brightness of the
two fields is scarcely perceptible, and with sunlight
modified it disappears altogether.

I exhibited this new arrangement at the conver-
sazione given by the Philosophical Society of
Glasgow to the members of the British Association
on 7th September last ; and although I showed the
cyclosis in so opaque an object as the leaf of Ana-
charis alsinastrum, under the one-fifteenth objective,
using a lamp having a wick only half an inch broad,
all those who saw it will grant that the performance
left nothing to be desired.

I hope that the time has come when no optician
will send out a binocular- stand without having a
binocular arrangement for the highest powers.
Messrs. Ross & Co., I believe, have not advertised
these new high-power binocular prisms, for fear of
creating a demand which they would have the
greatest difficulty to supply; but I trust that they
will at once make arrangements to produce them on
a larger scale, so that the comfort and luxury of
binocular vision under the highest powers may no
longer be denied to those who have to do without it
in the mean time. By the withdrawal of the
prisms the microscope is instantly converted into a
monocular one. ! Adolf Schtjlz.

"Trohcal Africa and Southern Asia (and
Lenmria) are those portions of the earth which
deserve the first consideration in the discussion
as to the primeval home of the human race." —
Haeckel's " History of Creation."

THE MISTLETOE AND ITS ASSOCIATIONS.

THE oldest specimen of mistletoe I have seen
noticed is that mentioned in Science-Gossip,
April, which " appears to be about fifteen years
old." Are there any recorded instances of the
plant living to a greater age than this ? We can
hardly suppose this is the oldest. In the Kew
Museum are specimens of apple-tree, &c, in which
the parasites having died and decayed " before the
stock upon which they grow, and have left curiously-
furrowed moulds or casts answering to the space
occupied by their attachment." Have any fossil
vegetable parasites been yet discovered ? It is not
probable that they have appeared during the pre-
sent era. To what age do the leaves live ? The
shrub is evergreen, but the leaves may be only
annual. Hooker, in his " Students' Flora," gives the
geographical distribution of this plaut thus^:—
" Europe, N. Asia." It is said not to be a native of
Scotland, Ireland, or the Channel Isles. In all
these places Druidical remains are frequent, and
from Ireland, at least, the Druids would be unable
to attend the great annual meeting at Avalon, and
would have to conduct their New Year's cere-
monies themselves. How did they do this without the
mistletoe, or must we suppose that it has become
locally extinct since that time ? In the "London
Catalogue " it is mentioned that it is found only iu
thirty-eight of the 112 botanical counties into which
Great Britain is divided. The allied species, Loranthiis
Europceus — whose frequent habitat is the oak, and
which is considered by some to be the true plant
venerated by the Druids,— is said to be plentiful iu
all European countries in which the Druidic religion
has not been prevalent, and to have been exter-
minated elsewhere. Does this plant extend to the
snow-line on the mountains and plains, or how near
does it approach it ? What are the largest plants
on record ?

I have been unable to find sufficient chemical
analyses of this plant to make their comparison
interesting. It would be very interesting to inquire
whether the ash varies in plants taken from the
same support in different localities, and from
different ones in the same locality. We should
probably find some instructive differences in the
constituents of the ash. I can only add to the lists
of support plants already given in SciENCE-Gossir
three fresh names. In Hooper's "Medical Dic-
tionary " the hornbeam (Carpiiuts betulus) is given
as an occasional habitat; iu another work the
sycamore is given ( ? Acer pseudoplatanus) ; and iu
Decaisne and Le Maout's " General System of
Botany" it is mentioned that it even attaches itself
to Loranthus Europceus, which is itself parasitic
upon oaks ! Iu two or three works the mountain
ash is mentioned as a habitat; and in Loudon's

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

271

"Encyclopaedia of Plants" its abundance on Pinus
sylvestris, near Magdeburg, is noticed.

It seems to produce a premature aging of the
whole tree on which it grows, and the particular
branch which supports it soon gets withered and
dead. This becomes an economical question in
cider orchards. To a tenant the growth of mistletoe
on his trees is an advantage, as he gets the benefit
of age in producing a larger crop of smaller and
sweeter apples, more suitable for cider-making. To
the owner this is a short-sighted policy, as it causes
the premature aging and decay of his trees, and the
same quality of fruit cau be produced by skilful
pruning.

The plant is disecious, having somewhat conspi-
cuous flowers, the male ones possessing a strong
honey-like odour. Hence it is evident that it must
be fertilized by insects. As the berries are almost
invariably formed, this fertilization must be fre-
quent. In many books it is said to be indebted to
a moth for the performance of this office, but the
species (if only one) is not mentioned. In a paper
in the Gardeners' Chronicle it is said that bees are
attracted by the smell of the male flowers in its
season. Lubbock, in his excellent little book on
British wild flowers in their relations to insects,
does not mention the mistletoe at all. The anthers
have their faces curiously punctated, and are
attached to the perianth ; I have seen no men-
tion of honey-glands, nor have I ever been able to
examine the flowers, so cannot say if the honey is
accessible or not. If the plant is depeudent on one
species only for its fertilization, that species must
be a frequent one, and have a large range.

I have not heard of its being the larval food of
any insect, nor of any species of aphis dependent
on it.

The plant seems to be indebted to birds for all
its natural propagation. The berries are said to be
greedily eaten by many birds, and the seeds to pass
through the stomach without digestion. Many
writers of the eighteenth century disputed this fact.
One says that birds would not eat what they could
not digest ; and if they did so, the seeds let fall in
their duug upon the trees would always grow from
the upper side, whereas we find the mistletoe at all
inclinations with the bough. Relating to this idea
and to the use of the berries in making birdlime, is
a Latin proverb, occurring in several forms, one of
which is as follows : — "Tardus sibi malum cacat."
I must leave its translation to your readers. One
author says of the mistletoe, "And this is the
nature of it : unless it be mortified, altered, and
digested in the stomach and belly of birds it will
never grow."

The earliest name I have been able to find for the
mistletoe is the Celtic guid, meaning " the shrub"
par excellence. The present Erench name, gui, is
evidently a direct descendant of this. In Hooker

and Arnott's "British Flora" the Greek name for
this plant, written variously, Iks, IIcsos, and Ucsia,
is derived directly from the Celtic guid, though
perhaps the derivation is somewhat strained. It is
probable that the words are related in some way,
but we must trace each back to its antecedents
before the connection becomes self-evident. The
forms of the Greek name IIcsos in the iEolian dialect
are Bislcos and Fislcos ; and this last at once brings
out the relation between the Greek and the Latin
names viscus and viscum, and with the modern
Italian vise/do, the Portuguese visgo, and the Spanish
hisca, which are evidently lineal descendants from
the same. Here, however, the chain stops, and we
take up in gui, the Erench name, a link much closer
to the Celtic guid. Further north we are intro-
duced to a name which seems to have no relation to
the southern name. The German, Danish, Nor-
wegian, and Swedish name for it is misil or mistel;
the Anglo-Saxon is mystelto or mysteltan ; and the
English mistel, mistleto, mistletoe, misleto, misletoe,
miseltoe, misseltoe, misselto, missel-toe, misleden,
misselden, misseldiue, and missendine, of which the
form, mistleto, seems to be most generally adopted
in modern time.

The various derivations of this name were given
recently by " R. M.," and I would only add that
Prior's derivation from mistl, different, and to, a
twig, seems much the most plausible aud satis-
factory.

Other names for this curious shrub, the relations
of which I am quite unable to trace, are the
Spanish liga, Russian omeia, Polish jerniel, and the
Dutch inarentafclcen. The Italians are said also,
from " its extraordinary virtues, too many to enu-
merate," to call it Lignum Sanctis Cruris, the wood
of the Holy Cross. The mistletoe of the fir and
larch was distinguished in Greek by the name stelis,
which was also adopted in the Latin. The word
viscus, if it can, as seems probable, be traced up to
and past the Celtic guid, a shrub, must have got its
evident connection with viscidity from its appli-
cation to this shrub ; so that the general derivation
of the name from viscid, or sticky, is an ana-
chronism. It is easy to understand how the word
viscum, from meaning originally the shrub, should
come to mean sticky and glutinous, from one of the
most obvious peculiarities of the shrub.

The name viscus, or viscum, received in the
seventeenth and eighteenth centuries many distin-
guishing epithets. Thus, Browne in his "Vulgar
and Popular Errors," calls it Viscus arboreus ;
Linnaeus, before the introduction of the binomial
system, Viscum, foliis lanceolatis, obtusis ; caule
dicJwtomo ; spicis axillaribus,—th\is, thoroughly
realizing his ideal that a name should be a concise
description of the thing named. After the inven-
tion of the binomial system of nomenclature the
mistletoe received the name Viscum album, which

272

HABDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

it now bears. Before that it had borne the names
of Viscus quercus, Yiscum qitercinum, Viscum bac-
cis albis, &c. The name mistletoe has shared the
same fate, being further distinguished as white
missel-toe, mistletoe of the oak, &c. In an old
German-Latin-French dictionary, the German mistl
is made equivalent to the Latin viscum and the
French glu. Where this name is to come in I do
not know.

The old Druidic names for the mistletoe were
expressive of their veneration for it, thus Pren
puraur,* the tree of pure gold ; Pren awyn, the
ethereal tree ; Pren uchelvar, the lofty tree ; and Mr.
Davies, in his " Pates and Mythology of the British
Druids," mentions that there are four other names,
compounded of Uchel, lofty, but he does not record
them. The Welsh, Breton, Erse, Gaelic, and Channel
Island names for the mistletoe would doubtless
throw some light on those mentioned here. Would
some correspondent kindly supply them ?

The "Prose Edda," the sacred book of the
religion of Odin and Thor, contains a legend given
under the name of the Misteltheinni Voluspa, which
is perhaps the earliest notice of the mistletoe we
have, as it has evidently been traditional for cen-
turies before it was committed to writing. It is
the legend of the death of Baldur. Baldur, one
of the sons of Odin— the fairest, the wisest, and
best of all the inhabitants of Valhalla — was troubled
with dreams that his life would be "suddenly cut
short by some painful death. The gods set them-
selves to prevent this dread calamity ; and Freya,
the mother of the gods, obtained from all things —
earth, air, fire, water, metals, weapons, &c. — a vow
never to hurt or injure Baldur in any way. But
the mistletoe was at the time forgotten, and after-
wards thought too insignificant to be feared. This
pledge was so powerful that from that time Baulder
was accustomed to make sport for the gods by
standing in their midst, and allowing them to try
their most deadly arts and weapons upon him,
always without effect. Loki (fire, or the spirit of
mischief), jealous of this power of Baldur's, ex-
tracted from Freya the fact that the mistletoe had
been overlooked, and the oversight not afterwards
repaired. He hastened to the woods, pulled the
mistletoe, and selecting the strongest branch, he
fashioned of it a dart slender and keen. Going
into the circle of the gods while at their usual
play, he invited Hod the Blind (the type of the
Diind forces of Nature) to fling at Baldur the little
dart he had prepared. Hod does so, and directed
by the hand of Loki, the dart made from the insig-
nificant mistletoe pierces Baldur's eye to the brain,
and he falls a corpse ! Great was the lamentation
in Valhalla. Sir Walter Scott's translation of the

* Virgil's Aiirum frondens and Hamas aureus are this
plant. Note also the close resemblance between the Druidic
Puraur and the Latin Purum aurum (pure gold).

whole Edda is to be found in " Mallet's Northern
Antiquities," published by Bohn; in Schow's
" Earth, Plants, and Man," by the same publisher ;
and in an early volume of " Good Words for the
Young." It is full of interest, and will well repay
a perusal.

A curious and very interesting remnant of this
legend is found in the north of Germany at the
present day. It is there believed that a man pro-
vided with a piece of mistletoe can never be
wounded, while his own weapons cannot fail to
take effect. It is well known that the mistletoe
was held in great esteem by the Druids ; its very
names in their tongue are a sufficient evidence of
this, and the writings of their bards and other
remains have a frequent reference to this. It
doubtless owes its celebrity to its close connection
with the oak, which was their chosen symbol for
Huon, their chief deity.* This close connection
with the oak, its mysterious growth, totally unlike
the tree on which it grows, its birth sudden and
apparently without cause, all combined to impress
such accurate observers as the Druids undoubtedly
were with a sense of mystery and awe. Add to
this, that, as Vallancey says, "Not only its berries
but its leaves also grow in clusters of three united
to one stock" (three, the sacred and universal
number almost all the world over !), and we can
understand in some measure how it came to acquire
its great importance, and how there came to be
ascribed to it such manifold, diverse, and mira-
culous properties.

The ceremonies of gathering the mistletoe were
among the Druids most impressive, but are too
well known to need enumeration here. They were
performed on New Year's Day, and portions of the
gathered mistletoe " were distributed to the people
throughout Gaul because of the great virtues which
they attributed to it," from whence New Year's
Gifts are still called in some parts of France gui
Van neuf. In Worcestershire, up to the present
time, the ceremony of hanging up a new branch of
mistletoe is annually performed at 12 p.m. on New
Year's Eve. The old branch, that has hung the
year through, is given to the first cow that calves
after I\ ew Year's Day, to ensure luck to the dairy
throughout the year. In Herefordshire the only
variation in this ceremony is that the old branch is
burnt.

The Druids are said to have believed that the
mistletoe was the retreat of the sylvan deities
during the winter, when there was no other shelter
for them in their favourite wood. We seem to
have some trace of this belief in the custom of
burning the old branches not only of mistletoe but

* Huon, according to Mr. Bryant, was none other than
the patriarch Noah, invested with various characters as the
He loarkite g d. He refers nearly all the heathen gods and.
goddesses to Noah in his different characters.

HARDWICKE'S SCIEN CE-GOSSIP.

273

of all Christmas household decorations. Herrick,
in his " Hesperides," makes this a Candlemas
(Feb. 2) ceremony. And in Holstein and the neigh-
bouring districts it is believed that any one holding
a piece of mistletoe in his hand will have the power
of seeing spectres.

The date of its use has, however, changed in the
greater part of Britain from New Year's Day to
Christmas. Coles, iu his "Art of Simpling," 1656,
says, " It is carried many miles to set up in houses
at Christmas time." What would Master Coles
have said to the following clipping from the Mal-
vern News of 1S60 ? — "The Hereford papers tell us

tionary." The berries are to be boiled in water
until they burst ; they are then to be well beaten
in an iron mortar and thoroughly washed till the
branny husks are separated from the birdlime. This
birdlime is said by Dodonseus to be poisonous.
Gerarde gives a list of the uses of the plant, which
is copied almost verbatim by Culpeper, with the
addition of a quotation from Clusius to the effect
that a piece hung about the neck prevents witch-
craft, and a notice of its power in epilepsy or the
falling sickness. This use of the plant in epilepsy
is the best known, but seems to have taken its
rise within a comparatively recent period, as in

Fig. 160. The Mistletoe (Viscum album).

tons of mistletoe have been despatched from that
city by rail to Loudon ; and, as we know, lots of
barrels filled with the same mystic plant go every
year northward from Worcester for the merry
maids of the black country and for the Lancashire
witches." Christie, in his " Enquiry into the an-
cient Greek Game supposed to have been invented
by Palamedes," says, page 131, " We find by the
allusion of Virgil, who compared the golden bough
in Infernis to the mistletoe, that the use of this
plant was not unknown in the religious ceremonies
of the ancients, and particularly of the Greeks."

The use of the berries for birdlime is mentioned
by " P. M." ; but there seems to be great diversity
of opinion as regards its qualities among old
writers,— a trivial but curious matter. One says
that it is the best, far superior to that made from
holly-bark ; and another says that it is inferior to
the latter. Directions for making it from these
berries are given in Miller's " Gardener's Dic-

Gerarde's "Herbal" (Johnson's edition, 1636).
there is no mention at all of its use in this way, —
a strong presumptive proof that it was unknown
In the 18th century this use took its rise, and we
find it in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia for 1744 in
a pulvis antiepilepticus composed of dittany, peony,
valerian, and mistletoe of the oak, equal parts.
It was omitted, however, in the Edinburgh Phar-
macopeia published in 1792, and does not seem to
have been readmitted. In Beasley's " Pocket For-
mulary" are given two French receipts for the
same purpose, each containing mistletoe, but their
date is not given. I find it also in the Prussian
Pharmacopoeia for 1799, and in a French Manual
of Pharmacy published in 1803. In Hooper's
"Medical Dictionary" I find the following account
of its rise, progress, and decline in medicine : —
" The Viscus quercinus obtained a great reputation
for the cure of epilepsy, and a case of this disease
in a lady of quality, in which it proved remarkably

274

HARDWICKE'S SCIEN CE- GO S S I P.

successful, is mentioned by Boyle. Some years
after, its use was strongly recommended for various
convulsive disorders by Sir John Colbach, wbo has
related several instances of its good effects. He
administered it iu substance in doses of half a dram,
or a dram of the wood or leaves, or in the form of
Illusion. This author was followed by others, who
have not only given testimony of the efficacy of the
mistletoe in different convulsive affections, but also
in those cases denominated nervous, in which it was
supposed to act as a tonic. But all that has been
written in favour of this remedy has not prevented
it from falling into general neglect, and the British
College of Physicians have perhaps not without
reasou expunged it from their catalogues of the
Materia Medica." It is a sufficient commentary
on the above to remark that it is not to be found
in any British Pharmacopoeia or work on Materia
Medica of the nineteenth century. A few more
stray uses only remain to be mentioned. In Tus-
ser's " Eive Hundred Points of Good Husbandry "
occurs the following couplet, the meaning of which
I do not know : —

" If snow do continue, sheep hardly that fare,
Crave mistle and ivie for them for to spare."

Among the Druids it was a cure for barrenness.
They called it Allheal, and prepared from it a be-
verage that cured all diseases and resisted all
poisons. " Wore about the neck by children to
prevent convulsions and ease their teeth ; many
have thought children to be the better for it, and
they certainly were never the worse." — Quincey,
1729. The berries are said to be very purgative.
It is "used to protect our homes from evil spirits."
In Herefordshire Dr. Bull says it is a common
practice to give it to cows after calving, and
to sheep after lambing. That from the haw-
thorn or maple is considered to be the best for
cows, and Sir Thomas Browne mentions this as a
common country practice in his time.

In some parts of France it is believed that the
mistletoe applied to the stomach is an effectual
remedy for all kinds of poisons ; and in England it
is still regarded in some parts as a protection
against witchcraft. Another French superstition is
that if a branch of the mistletoe be hung up in a
tree with the wing of a swallow the birds will fly
to it from the distance of two leagues.

The plant itself is curious in mauy respects. The
following are a few : — The seed frequently con-
tains two or even three embryos. It has a rhizo-
matous root, which, without actually uniting with
the stock on which it grows, has a very close con-
nection with it. It was formerly supposed to be a
mere excrescence from the tree, caused by a super-
fluity of sap. In the Gardener's Chronicle the
variability of the plant is mentioned— a form with
branches radiating, leaves recurved and shortened

(male) ; specimens with branches short, compact
and bushy ; others with long, lithe, and flexile
branches, the colour varying also from deep green
to bright yellow, are recorded : " One of the most
remarkable varieties we have met with was one in
which the male and female flowers occurred on the
same bush. The stamen bearing flowers were borne
on long, slender, whiplike branches, with broad,
yellowish leaves. The female flowers were on
short, stiff branches, with small, narrow, deep-
green leaves."

P.S. — I find in the Gentleman's Magazine, Feb.
1791, that the mistletoe in Welsh is called Guid-
hel. Has it any other name in that language ?

W. G. P.

MICROSCOPY.

A New Method of Mounting Microscopical
Objects.— Professor H. L. Smith, of New York,
in a paper communicated to the Quekett Club,
recommends the following plan where cells of a
moderate depth are required. These cells are made
out of sheets of wax, such as are sold for the pur-
pose of making artificial flowers, and can be ob-
tained of various colours. The black wax is perhaps
the best for mounting foraminifera and other
opaque objects. The following are the author's
directions for preparing the cell and background.
A disk of wax rather larger than a brass curtain-
ring is attached to a slip by means of warmth. The
ring is pressed into this and centred by the turn-
table, and then again pressed fully home, showing
the brass when looked at from the under side, and
the whole finished with the usual "Brunswick
black " outside and the ring inside. To attach the
foraminifera or other objects, a minute drop of
turpentine is applied to the wax, and in a minute or
so, before it is quite dry, the object is placed on the
softened wax. When thoroughly dry it will be
found so strongly attached that a violent blow or
fall will not dislodge it. The cover should be of
just such a size as^to rest not on the top of the ring,
but to slip just withiu, so that its surface may be
flush with the top of the ring, and kept in its place
by a ring of black varnish. For mounting trans-
parent objects the centre of the wax disk must be
punched out, leaving a ring of wax. This is
attached to the slide, as before described, and the
cover, with the object upon it, is placed upon the
ring, and fastened thereto by passing a heated wire
round it. For mounting foraminifera the wax-
bottom cell cannot be surpassed; indeed, no one
who has used it will return to paper or any other
substitute. For further particulars as to the
method of making these cells, we refer our readers
to the September part of the " Journal of the
Quekett Microscopical Club."

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

275

New Mode of Mounting Opaque Objects. —
At the recent meeting of the Microscopical Section
of the American Association for the Advancement
of Science, Prof. H. L. Smith described his new
method of mounting opaque objects, where it is
desirable to cover them with thin glass. He takes
a circular disk of thin sheet wax, which is easily-
cut with a punch from the sheet wax ordinarily
used for making flowers, and attaches it by means
of heat to the centre of a glass slide. A brass ring,
of which the interior is the same size as the disk,
is then attached to the slide, and the object is fixed
to the wax by slightly moistening the surface of
the latter by a minute drop of turpentine. When
dry, a cover which exactly fits into the bevel of the
ring is attached with a little cement, and the whole
may then be finished off on the turntable. The
appearance is very elegant, and the specimens are
perfectly preserved.

Double Staining of Muscular Tissue with
Picric Acid and Carmine. — In the American
Journal of Microscopy George D. Beatty, M.D.,
writes to call attention to the muscular tissue of
the tongue of the Lissotriton punctatus, the smooth-
skin newt, and of the Amphiuma tridactylum, and
to describe a mode of double staining with picric acid
and carmine that is well known. " The muscular
tissue of these two species of the order Urodela is
deserving of notice on account of the well-marked
transverse striae, and very large sarcolemma cells
or nuclei. These nuclei in the Lissotriton are oval ;
in the Amphiuma they are oval, but often very much
elongated, some of the latter extending one-third
across the field on using a one-fifth objective and
A ey*epiece. In staining with picric acid and car-
mine, the carmine is appropriated by the nuclei,
while the picric acid is taken up by the sarcous
elements aud the perimysium. Picric acid causes
the transverse striae to come out more distinctly
than any other dye. The tissue should be hardened
by first putting into 95 per cent, alcohol, and after-
wards absolute alcohol. Transverse sections are
best obtained by cutting in a section machine ;
longitudinal fibres by carefully teasing out with
needles before staining. The process of staining is
as follows : — Remove the sections or small shreds
that have been teased out to 25 per cent, alcohol
for one minute. Place in Dr. J. J. Woodward's
borax carmine for five minutes. Soak about ten
minutes in alcohol acidulated with 20 per cent.
of hydrochloric acid. This will in great part remove
the carmine from other parts than the nuclei. Wash
in alcohol for fifteen minutes to remove acid,
changing the wash once or twice. Pat for thirty
or sixty seconds into an alcoholic solution of picric
acid, one-twelfth of a grain to the ounce. Wash in
alcohol, and put into absolute alcohol for fifteen
minutes, and oil of cloves for the same time.

Mount in balsam. Other parts of the Amphiuma
than the tongue afford beautiful muscular fibre, but
with fewer nuclei ; indeed, this batrachian is a
microscopical treasure all through, as is our aqua-
rium friend, the graceful Lissotriton. I am indebted
to Dr. Christopher Johnston for the Amphiuma
material I am fortunate in possessing."

ZOOLOGY.

The Slow-worm. — I have nowhere seen any
account of the Slow-worm {Anguis fragilis) having
brought forth its young in confinement, and have
no doubt but some of your readers will be interested
to know that I have this season had two broods,
the parents having been in my possession about
two years. Last season they produced young ones,
but all were dead at birth, or must have died soon
after, as they had not freed themselves from the
thin skin-like shell in which they were coiled. This
season they had emerged from the eggs when I
found them, and could not have been many hours
old at the time. They are now several weeks
old, very lively and healthy, having grown about
half an inch since their birth, and are a little
more than three inches long, of a beautiful silvery
greenish-grey on the back, having a dark line run-
ning from opposite the eyes, where it is slightly
forked, to opposite the vent ; the belly is black and
glossy. In shape they only differ from the adults
in the head being broader in proportion, slightly
protruding opposite the eyes and jaws. Their food
is caterpillars and grubs, particularly the smooth
kinds. Like all my pets, they are tame ; and my
method of taming all creatures is to handle them
freely, pet them, and on no account to punish them
in any way; give them food at regular intervals,
study their peculiar habits, and indulge them in
anythiug you find they take pleasure. By this
means I have had the chameleon, toads, mice, rats,
birds of various kinds, and, perhaps, the most un-
promising of all— a Lepidosiren (or Mudfish) — take
their food from my fingers quite freely. At one
time I was under the impression that such things
were attracted by their food alone, and merely had
to overcome their natural timidity, but I am now
quite convinced that is not the sole attraction, —
that there is an amount of affection, liking, or what-
ever you may please to term it, which, when once
obtained, they will refuse their food to obtain your
caresses. This was particularly the case with a
chameleon I had in my possession about two years,
and is the case with birds and a rat I have at this
time. The latter is delighted at all times to leave
its companions and mount my shoulders. When on
the ground, at the slightest alarm, it darts to my
feet and scales the heights to its favourite security,

276

HARD WICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

to my friends' disgust and sometimes alarm ; but I
like all such things, and I suppose that is part of
the secret. — /. Tyerman, Tregoney.

The Locust in England. — A specimen of the
true Locust was brought to me a short time since,
and was found in a bean-fleld near Wells, Somerset.
The species {Pachyiylus migratorius) is identical
with specimens in my cabinet from Australia and
Egypt, and is very different from the large green
grasshopper {Acrida viridissima) which is often
found in this country. The specimen measures

in the open air, exposed to the severe weather all
last winter in the spot where it now stands, without
the slightest sign of having suffered from the frost,
— a proof that it will thrive in this quarter. By
making the fact generally known, all doubts as to
its easy cultivation in any part of England will be
set at rest; and there is every reason to suppose
that this beautiful sweet-scented evergreen will in
a short time become a general and pleasing addition
to the evergreens of Brighton and the country
generally by all admirers of ornamental shrubs. I
understand the Pittosporum, as well as another

Fig. 16l. The Locust {Pachytylus migratoriut).

about four inches across the wings, which are of a
greenish hue, the wing-cases and body being brown.
—H. W. Livett, Wells, Somerset.

BOTANY.

Pittosporum Tobira. — In the observations on
this plant in Science-Gossip for August last
(p. 180), I stated that although 1 found it as an
ornamental shrub at Folkestone, I had never seen
or heard of it at Brighton, and that the nurserymen
there thought the climate was too severe for it. I
was agreeably surprised, on the 28th of October,
to observe a fine specimen of the plant in a large
flowerpot in full flower, with heads of flowers quite
as large and as fragrant as those I saw at Folkestone
in June last, in the front of No. 30, Hove Villas,
Cliftonvillc, adjoining Brighton. It had been out

evergreen, noticed at the same time in Science-
Gossip, viz. the Lonicera Ledebourii, will shortly be
introduced into Brighton. — T. B. W.

The Classification of Monocotyledons.—
At the first meeting of the session of the Linna;an
Society, held recently, Mr. George Bentham, F.R.S.,
the late President, presented a paper on the classi-
fication and nomenclature of monocotyledons. In
the brief account he gave of the contents of his
paper, he urged that in describing plants, care should
be taken to employ terms that state facts and do
not involve a theory as to what the parts described
represent in other plants. He complained of the
carelessness with which many writers indiscrimi-
nately employ terms. His new classification involves
great changes. It was especially pointed out that
external appearance is often misleading, and, for
example, the Iris and the Lily in the new scheme

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

277

are widely separated, the Liliacece being brought
into close proximity with the Smilacecs.

Northamptonshire Notes.— Morton, in his
"Natural History of Northants," published in
1712, mentions the richness of the old " delves" or
quarries in good plants, particularizing Barnack
Quarries, which were then the habitat of some
"brave" species, including the Spider, and Bee
Orchis, and Anemone Pulsatilla. Dr. Bowles says,
of Barnack, in the Phyt. Brit., that this old stone-
pit, now green, is as fine a place for rare plants as
he ever beheld. So, encouraged by this and by some
valuable MSS. notes supplied by the Rev. M. J.
Berkeley and W. L. Jones, Esq., I recently walked
from Wansford to Barnack and Stanford. I found
the Southorpe habitat of the Spider Orchis, but, as
Mr. Berkeley said, larch had been planted over the
site, and no trace of it could be found, though the
season was then not sufficiently advanced -. how-
ever, by the grassy paths I came across the pretty
Astragalus hypoglottis, Carex precox, and by a still
used pit, Cynoglossum officinale, Echium vulgare
Lithospermum officinale, Erythrea centaurea ; near
Ufford, on the railway banks, I found Chlora per-
foliata, a very local plant with us (it has been found
near Yardley Chase, on the drift, by Mr. Scriven).
Near Wansford occurred Anthyllis vulneraria,
Rhamnus Frangula, much rarer with us than cathar-
ticus; Valerianella officinalis, and Schlerochloa rigida.
On the gained Barnack Heath, or Hills and Holes,
I was at first terribly disappointed ; but the glisten
of the feathery carpels of Anemone Pulsatilla, and
then one in flower ; then came Aceras anthropo-
phora, Antennaria dioica, Wppocrepis comosa, Astra-
galus hypoglottis, Carex precox; and on the walls in
Barnack, Geranium lucidum. The walls of Walcot
Hall were plentifully covered with A. mta-muraria.
I was apparently too early for the Bee Orchis
and Hypochairis maculata. The rare Senecio cam-
pestris is also, heralded from the vicinity. I might
also add that Cerastium arvense was very frequent,
and about Stamford Reseda lutea and luteola and
Cynoglossum officinale. On the rail-banks at Wel-
lingborough I found Papaver hybridum,a,ri& on Wel-
lingborough Bridge A. trichomanes. Our field-day
to Bad by Woods yielded Lysimachia nemorum, Eqni-
setum sylvaticum, Melampyrum pratense, Vicia syl-
vatica, Lathyrus syloaticus, Melica uniflora, Hip-
puns vulgaris, Scirpus syhaticus, Carex pallescsns,
Polygonum Bistorta, and abundance of Nephrodium
dilatatum spinulosum, Athyrius filix-fccmina, Lo-
maria spicant. Recently in Whittlewood, while
looking afrer the Purple Emperor, which was fre-
quent there in 1874 I found Carex pseudo-Cyperus
and pendula, and Neottia nidus-avis, but no butterfly.
Recently in Northampton district I have gathered
Crepis biennis, which was growing sparingly with
C. taraxacifolia. As escapes may also be mentioned

Meconopsis cambrica, Euphorbia lathyris, Alyssum
calycinum, Reseda alba, Polygonum fagopyrum,
Bianthus plumarius, aud Sedum rupestre ; the latter
of which occurs in great plenty on the towing-
path of the canal, near Stoke Bruerne; and Mr.
Lewin has sent me Sedum dasyphyllum from Brig-
stock, where he has known it for twenty years. —
C. C. Bruce.

The Fertilization- of Flowers.— During the
hot weather a glass, containing a number of red
poppies, mixed with specimens of the common
blue scabious, was standing in my window. I
noticed a large humble-bee fly up to the bunch,
and dip into every poppy, scrupulously avoiding
the Scabiouses. Subsequently, a common honey-
bee arrived and visited all the flowers that his pre-
decessor had omitted, but did not attempt to enter
a poppy. Can any of your correspondents enlighten
me as to whether humble-bees are particularly
partial to the nectar of poppies, and wild bees to
that of Scabious ; or whether, in accordance with
some law of Nature, bees always visit consecutively,
different specimens of the same species of flower,
in order to carry out more perfectly and certainly
their fertilization ? — C. W. C.

Symphytum tuberosum. — As to the time of
this plant's flowering, so far as my observation goes,
Mr. Douglas is correct. It usually commences
flowering in this neighbourhood in the beginning of
May. About Melrose, where it is plentiful, I have
seen it in full flower in the second week of May.
Typical S. officinale, as far as I am aware, does
not grow in this district, so that I have no means
of comparing them, but the purple-Qowered plant
{S. patens, Sibth.), which is usually considered
a variety of officinale, and, according to Withering,
flowering at the same time, is frequent, and widely
spread over the district. It generally begins to
flower about a mouth later, aud continues flowering
for a much longer time. — A. B., Kelso.

White Plants.— The most lovely exhibition of
white plants which, has ever come before me oc-
curred during the month of July of the present
year. A field on the Oolite Saud sown with a mix-
ture of Rye grass and Dutch clover, after being
mown, soon became thickly-studded with Erythrea
centaurea, large patches of which preseuted the
usual bright pink flowers, which were intermixed
by other patches of the same plants, the flowers of
which were a bright silvery white. We found both
varieties suddenly disappear, as the rustics had
gathered it to make " yarb tay to strengthen
the stumick." It is a flue bitter, and its infusion
not only provokes appetite, but that digestion
which one would wish to wait thereupon. " May
digestion wait on appetite, and health on both." —
/. Buckman, Bradford Abbas.

278

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

The Nettle : its Uses. — The Kamschadales
use fishing-lines made from the stalks of the nettle ;
they also manufacture a kind of coarse cloth and
strong cordage from the same source ; and paper
has heen made from the rind of the stems. — Helen
E. Watney.

Northern Holy-grass. — May I be excused,
with all respect for Professor Boulger, to remark
that in his interesting observations on the Hiero-
chlo'e borealis, page 162 of your magazine, he
has not correctly quoted the statement made
in my notes on the Holy - grass, Science-
Gossip, page 177, of last year. In reference to the
plant being hermaphrodite, my remarks are thus
worded: "Upper flowering glumes smaller than
the two lower ones and nearly glabrous, inclosing a
still smaller one-nerved palea, or 'glume,' two
stamens and the ' pistil,' which are hermaphrodite " ;
which means that both stamen and pistil are present
and perfect at the same time. I do not say "mature
simultaneously." Professor Boulger allows the
grass to be truly hermaphrodite. Now, the word
perfect, we presume, means finished, complete ;
mature means ripe. We infer that a plant may
have each of its various parts complete, present,
and perfect at the same time, without its fructifying
parts beiDg mature simultaneously. It has not
been our privilege to watch the development of the
Hierochloe borealis; but we know, that though
the stamens and pistil are both situated in one
flower, they are not mature at the same time
always. These plants are called dichogamous. Some-
times, as in the Arum, the pistil matures before
the anther, and these plants are called pro-
terogynous; but much more frequently the anther
matures before the pistil : and such plants are
called proterandrous. We are indebted, I believe
in the first instance, to Spreugel for the above
valuable discovery of the phytology of some plants.
— E. Edwards.

The Clouded Yellow Butterfly was very
plentiful near Bath this year, but was almost, if not
entirely, confined to two or three fields where a crop
of clover had been grown among the stubble after
the harvest. This is, I believe the first crop of
clover ever grown in the field (as far as my expe-
rience goes), and Edusa has never, to my know-
ledge, been seen there before. How could this
butterfly have been introduced with the clover, and
would it have been so introduced in the caterpillar,
chrysalis, or egg state ? 1 took also a specimen of
the pale clouded yellow in the same field, a butter-
fly, I believe, new to the neighbourhood. It is a
curious fact that, though I caught (and released)
some dozens of specimens of Edusa in order to
obtain a female, I was unable to capture a single
specimen. — C. W. C.

How do Crickets Feed?— A friend of mine
lately found the young cucumbers in his hot-frame
much gnawed, which he supposed was by mice,
until, after a careful search he found, in the act of
feeding, a cricket, about H inch long, and of a
bright green colour. 1 have had the cricket in my
possession about ten days, during which time it has
not eaten anything, but is reduced in size to about,
1 of an inch, and is now changing its skin. I should
be glad to know if it is usual for crickets to thrive

in such situations, and if their colour depends on
the nature of their food.— T. E. W., IStk September,
1S76.

Gold-fish Breeding. — For about twelve mouths
we have hadt wo gold-fish in an inverted propagating
glass, fourteen inches in diameter. They are male
and female, and on Sunday, August 27, the female
began to deposit its egss, the male pursuing it with
the greatest fury, rubbing against its sides, and at
times almost pushing it out of the water. The eggs
were laid singly, at times two or three holding
together, the male devouring them with the greatest
avidity ; so much so that we had to take them out
that we, might see whether they would hatch or
not. On the third day those that contained young
showed with a magnifier a black spot for the eyes,
and a dark band for the backbone, which was
moved every few minutes from the sides to the top,
and then back again; while the addle eggs were
opaque and covered with conferva. On the eighth
day we saw the first young one, about i inch long,
wriggling in the water like a tadpole, and after
swimming an inch or two, it rested on the sides of
the glass, tail downwards. Its form at this time
might be compared, when under the microscope, to
a codfish with the head cut off behind the gills, and
then two large eyes put on sufficient to cover the
front and bulge out on each side. With a good
inch-power we could see no internal organs, except
the intestinal canal, and no circulation. They are
now a week old, and about j inch long; their head
still seems to be all eyes, but their form and mode
of swimming are now very much like that of the old
fish. I have just put one under the microscope,
and find it much more developed ; the fins and tail
are like a bit of tissue-paper, the stomach is very
large, and each pump of the heart is plainly seen,
whilst the circulation is now a sight worth seeing.
1 have exhibited them under the microscope at a
meeting of the United Field Naturalists' Society
and to several of my friends, and none of them have
ever heard of their having bred in an aquarium
before ; and thinking that this would interest many
of your readers must be my excuse for troubling
you with these remarks.— John Waddington, Bury.

Discoloration of Cooked Meat.— A joint of
lamb roasted on Monday was eaten of by three
persons, without any peculiarity being noticed in it.
After dinner on that day the joint was placed in a
cool and rather damp larder, with a wire-gauze dish-
cover over it. In this position it remained untouched
till Wednesday (two days), and then, on removing
the cover, the exposed parts, particularly the cut
surfaces, were found to be thickly-studded over
with spots and surfaces of a rich carmine colour.
Bone, muscle, and fat were all more or less affected,
but the fat and the upper surface were more affected
than other parts. There was no smell or other sign
of putrefaction at this time. It has been conjec-
tured that an alga allied to, if not identical with,
Protococcus nivalis, is the cause of this singular
appearance in the meat. Can any funsologist in-
form me if this is likely to be the case ?— B.

The Cuckoo's Eggs.— I never saw or heard of
cuckoos' eggs that were not shades of the one
colour ; neither did I ever before hear that the old
bird "turns out those previously in the nest." I
have seen on many occasions one, and on two occa-
sions two, youngcuckoos in thenest with their foster-
brethren ; and as the strangers grow they shove out
the rightful owners. Their bodies are specially made

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GO S SI P.

270

for this purpose, being in the shape of a wedge,
the thin edge of which they get under the bird they
want to get rid of, and when it is fairly on its
back they throw it overboard. Often have I found
a young cuckoo by my eye being caught by a dead
nestling at the bottom of a hed^e or ditch. Cuckoos
in general lay their eggs on the ground, and after-
wards carry them in their bill to the nest they
wish to place them in. I have often been brought
to see a "cuckoo's nest," and always found that
it was a sparrovvhawk's nest, a hen sparrowhawk
and a cuckoo being very similar. A young cuckoo
is fed quite differently to the young of any other
bird that I have seen. Its tongue being a flat
movable table that it can shove in and out at plea-
sure, on this table the foster-parent places the
food, and never in the young bird's mouth. Young
cuckoos are very easily reared, and make good pets,
but invariably die in the winter if kept in confine-
ment—(?. H. K.

The Cuckoo's Eggs. — I formerly had good
opportunities of observing the habits of the cuckoo,
having been born in a country-place where ; there
were a great many of those birds. I do not think
the cuckoo can " voluntarily influence the character
of her eggs." I am rather of opinion that she lays
eggs of divers colours, and that when she has laid
one, and after she has seen it, she carries it in her
bill to the nest of some other bird whose eggs corre-
spond most nearly in colour to her own, and therein
deposits it. Sue may not always find an egg exactly
like hers, so takes that which is nearest ; and many
birds are not at all particular as to what they sit
upon. The cuckoo generally chooses a nest of
large birds. I never knew an instance of a young
cuckoo being found in a wren's nest. — John Carrie,
Bolton.

The Colias Edusa. — The county of Dorset fur-
nishes many a locality in which this charming insect
is usually common ; but in this respect there is so
much difference in seasons that we cannot resist a
trifle of gossip upon the subject. It will be remem-
bered that, last year (1S75) the summer was remark-
ably wet and unsettled, it was then a matter of
difficulty to meet with a specimen in a long journey.
How different it has been with the present hot and
dry season may be judged from the fact that on the
very morning of our writing no less than eighteen
specimens were captured in about an hour. While
residing in Dorsetshire, we have observed that the
frequency or unf'requency of the Colias is a matter
of temperature, as we have observed that in wet
and cold summers it has been difficult to procure
specimens, while in our summers of drought they
are always abuudant. — J. Buckman.

Colias .Edusa. — With reference to the remark
of your correspondent, Ed. Lovett, that Colias
Edusa does not hybernate, I wish to inform him that
a specimen of this insect, much battered, was taken
on a road near Winchester in the beginning of June
this year. — Frank Johns, Winton.

Large Bream.— Though the bream your corre-
spondent, "A. P.," describes was, without doubt, a
fine fish, still I should not consider it out of the
common, more especially had it been caught in a
pond, instead of the Trent, 'lhere are mauy ac-
counts on record of very tine bream having been
caught. In one of our smaller works on angling,
which, however, has gained a name for its accuracy
and truthfulness, is mentioned the fact, that " In
the north of Europe this fish [the Bream] has been

known to reach the weight of twenty pounds ; and
in 1749 there were taken at a single draught, out of
a large lake in Sweden, five thousand bream, the
aggregate weight of which was 18,000 lb. We have
ourselves caught them four or five pounds _ in
weight, and have heard of other people catching
them still larger; but this size is by no means
general."— (See "Angling.; or, How to Angle and
Where to go," by Robert Blakey, p. SI.') The fol-
lowing I take from a book now, I suppose^ seldom
met with ; namely, " The Art of Angling," by R.
Brookes, M.D. My edition, which is the seventh,
bears date 1790. Under the head of Bream the
Doctor says: — " Gesner tells us he saw one that
was a yard long and two feet broad ; another was
caught with angling in the Mersey, which weighed
nine pounds." Though an angler myself, I have
never had any sport with bream, nor do I think I
should care to, as long as we have so many other
freshwater fish that f?ive really good sport. While
angling at Nailsea Ponds, near Bristol, last Whit-
Tuesday, I saw a man land a very nice bream, which
weighed by my scale 2r lb., and was considered by
all preseut to be a very nice fish. Few writers
speak well of the Bream from a cook's point of
view, though our good old father, Izaak Walton, in
his first edition of " The Complete Augler," speak-
ing of the Bream, says, " He is by Gesner taken to
be more pleasant or sweet than wholesome." — (See
the fac-simile reprint of the first edition of " The
Complete Angler," p. 174, recently published by
Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster-row, E.C.— Charles
Williams, Redland.

Black-and-white Crows (?)— Early this month,
as I was walking through the park of one of our
neighbours, I was surprised to see what I at first
thought was a speckled Hamburg hen pecking
about on the grass amongst a number of crows.
Approaching nearer, I saw it was a black-and-
white crow, most beautifully marked, in large spots
of black and white, all over its body. On my get-
ting close to it, it flew away. Anxious to see it
again, I followed the crows for some distance across
the park, and saw it once more on the grass amongst
the flock 1 had disturbed. On returning home, and
saying what I had seen, I could see it was thought
1 had made a mistake; but to my great delight,
about a fortnight afterwards, as three of us were
driving on the high road, with the park on our
right, and some fields on the left hand, the coachman
suddenly made an exclamation, and, pointing with
his whip, we saw amongst a number of crows my
black-and-white one. it flew just in front of the
horse's head, from the fields into the park, so we
had a good view of it. It is rather smaller than the
black crow, but is an exceedingly handsome bird,
the white spots contrasting so startlingly with the
black. Would you kindly let me know, through
the medium of Science-Gossip, whether or not
black-and-white crows are of rare occurrence? —
F. M. C. Whittaker.

Land Shells. — During a recent tour on the
Continent in August and September, 1876, I
found the following shells : — Helix arbustorum and
H. obvoluta,sX the falls of the Rhine; the latter
also in the neighbourhood of Thusis. //. lapicida,
in Gorge de Trient, Vernayaz ; //. rupestris and
Pupa avenacea together, in abundance on a sunny
wall near luterlaken ; II. pomatia, common; I
found a fine specimen at Kohleren, near Thuu ; also
another close to the celebrated falls of the Pisse-
vache, Vernayaz. — //. /. Taylor. \

280

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

Strange Birds.— The finch described would
seem to be the Fringitta nitens, which Bechstein
describes as in size somewhat less than the common
sparrow; plumage of the male blue or jet-black,
beak and feet flesh-coloured, irides white. The hen
differs in having the underside of the body yellow-
ish-brown, the rump grey, and most of the bla,ck
feathers edged with grey or yellow : the voice
pleasing and soft. It is a native of Cayenne and
the forests about Carthagena, is easily tamed, and
should be fed on rape, millet, and poppy-seed,
with a little ripe fruit occasionally. It is probable
that the bird described is a hen or a young cock ;
the other being without doubt an old bird. —
Frank Copeman.

The Swallow-tailed Butterfly.— Your cor-
respondent, J. S. Wesley, is mistaken if he sup-
poses that this butterfly is not to be met with in
Kent. Towards the end of last September I was
shown as perfect a specimen of this insect as any
collector could wish to possess. It had been caught
in a clover-field opposite the brewery at Ash, near
Sandwich. I should have inserted this notice
before, only I expected that the captor would have
done so. — C. W. H., Eastry.

Araucaria. — I have a specimen of A. excelsa,
about fifteen or sixteen feet high, the lower branches
of which are gradually dying, although the upper
portion is growing, and appears very vigorous.
The species seem to be attacked by a kind of rust,
which spreads in time over the whole branch, and
ultimately causes its decay. In the next garden to
mine is one in a similar condition; while, in a
garden a few hundred yards off, there is a handsome
specimen of A. imbricata, which has not lost a
branch. Can any of your correspondents explain
the cause of this disease, or suggest any remedy
for it ? — Thomas Bird.

Watering Window Plants with Cold Tea.—
A lady friend of mine in the country, not far from
here, informs me that she invariably uses cold tea
for watering her window plants, and has done so
now for a long time. Einer, more vigorous, or
healthy plants it is impossible to see,— not such a
thing as " green fly " to be seen about them ; but
previous to using the cold tea, she was troubled,
like other people, with those pests. I may also
mention that in potting her plants, she mixes tea
leaves with the soil, not having ready access to leaf-
mould. This may be a useful hint to others simi-
larly situated. — G. H. A.

Density of Sea-water. — Your correspondent
on the "Density of Sea-water" (p. 237) has omitted
to notice that the temperature C, in " depth of the
sea," is ( — ) minus. This explains his difficulty. And
has probably been observed by many of your readers.
— Chas. Fred. White.

Flower of Carrot.— Last summer, as I was
walking round my garden, I was struck to see the
centre of the flower of the common carrot (IJaucus
carota) was of a bright red colour. I examined it
very carefully, but could not detect any cause for
this peculiar change of colour. The flower was
quite perfect, but I could not tell whether each cell
of the petals contained colouring matter, only having
a dissecting microscope by me at the time. I shall
be glad to know if this phenomenon is common ? —
A.F.

Erebia Cassiope. — Has any entomological con-
tributor ever met with this species in Delamere

Forest, Cheshire, a locality given, I think, by Cole-
man ? I have searched there more than once for it,
but quite without avail. As it is a very local species,
it is very probably confined to a few spots in the
forest which I may have missed. Indeed, to me the
place seems singularly devoid of butterflies of any
kind. I should like to know whether any other
entomologist has searched this locality, and if so
with what result, especially as regards the Cassiope.
— W. E. S.

The " Flowers of the Forest."— It may not
be amiss, as there was a paper (evidently only
intended to be a light one) on the New Forest, in a
late number of Science-Gossip, to mention that
between Christ Church and Lyndhurst used to grow,
and I hope does now, that very rare plant Spiranthes
aestivalis, of which Bentham says, "the only known
British stations are a bog in the New Forest, in
Hampshire, and in the Channel Islands." It flowers
" late in summer," whereas the visit described was
in May.— J. S. Wesley.

Woollen Moths. — It is not a moth, but its
larva, that mines in and injures fur and woollen
materials. Many species do so. I recommend
from experience that all clothes, &c, be well ex-
amined. Those that are untouched should be
brushed and shaken, and put into drawers, boxes,
&c, where moths cannot get to them. Then those
that are injured should be well beaten, shaken, and
carefully brushed on a flat surface, so that all larvae
and pupae now existing may be got rid of, and then
that these should be also put carefully away, but not
with those that have been found free. All clothes
that are not in wear or use should occasionally
be looked over. Preventing access of the moths is
the main thing : if they do not lay eggs no harm can
come. — J. S. Wesley.

Natural History Notes. — Mr. Collier James
must I think have been a little excited at seeing the
snake, and mistaken the two yellow broad streaks
at the back of the head for the corolla of a primrose.
When a snake has got its new skin, the yellow
is very bright. I do not see how a smooth primrose
could attach itself to the slippery snake's neck.
Perhaps the snake had in its mouth some insect or
living creature seized with a primrose's flower. —
— /. S. Wesley.

Vanessa Urticje does not pair till spring : so
then would be the time to make sure as to the sex.
/. S. Wesley.

Ferns on Churches.— I have read with much
interest the letter of " J. T. ft." in your August
number, respecting "Ferns on Churches." The only
fear I have is that some thoughtless collectors may
take advantage of his information to devastate the
spots named, as I, unfortunately, have known to be
the case in some instances in this neighbourhood.
Notably the sufferers have been A. ruta-muraria and
Trichomanes. 1 could add several habitats to those
mentioned by "J.T. ft.," if I felt that the informa-
tion would be of service to science, and not be
seized upon by mere dilettanti to destroy. Please use
your well-known influence to prevent_ the wild
'natural plants of rarity being transferred into culti-
vated " collections." — J. S.

Fern Collecting on Norfolk Churches.—
I was much interested in reading the above interest-
ing article in Science-Gossip for August by "J. T.
R.," and now beg to draw further attention to this

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GO SSIP.

28 L

part of Norfolk. "J.T.R." says, at "Wells we could
find none." Does lie mean the rue fern, or no ferns
at all ? If the latter, I beg to contradict this state-
ment, as there are plenty of the common maiden-
hair spleenworts on the church ; and, in proof of
this, I have collected some this morning and sent to
the editor, which, though small, are not the largest
by any means. As "J. T. R." says " this part of the
coast is not so attractive" as other parts of the
county, 1 am quite sure it is only because it wants
to be known more to be appreciated. The beach
here is a rare storehouse for curious shells, and
being beautiful white sand, it is the very place to
spend many a happy day. The country being so
healthy around here, bracing and health-giving
breezes make it the very place for a refreshing quiet
after London life. Inland are delightful walks,
plenty of ferns and other wild plants ; in fact, at
Hindringham, seven miles from here, one might
fancy himself in Devonshire. I inclose_ five other
varieties gathered within seven miles of this place
(Wells).— J. IF. Richford.

Cause of Colouration. — In the differing
opinions as to the cause of colour in birds, butter-
flies, &c, is sufficient reason assigned to heat ? I
understand that all flowers would be white if grown
in a cellar and never admitted to the sun's influ-
ence. In all tropical countries we find the brilliant
colouring in birds, butterflies, and flowers; and in the
far north, white bears, &c. Might not the blacks
have obtained that colouring originally from the
excessive heat of Africa ? Colour, like feature,
figure, voice, being transmitted to offspring, when
become indigenous. — H. B.

Harvest Bugs. — In the locality in which I reside
we are much infested, more particularly in the
months of July and August, with what are called
" Harvest Bugs." Cau you or any of your readers
inform me how to prevent the intrusion of these
unwelcome visitors ? If not, what is the best anti-
dote to allay irritation, as their sting or bite to
some persons is almost unbearable. — G. H. Piper.

Disease in Pheasants. — Many young pheasants
have died this season from a disease called by the
gamekeepers the Gapes. The bird when ill gasps
and gapes (hence the name), and ultimately dies of
suffocation from the presence of a peculiar worm in
its windpipe of a letter Y shape. Can any of your
readers give me any information as to the history,
&c., of this parasite ? I have prepared five speci-
mens of it, and shall be glad to describe it, or give
a diagram, if necessary to its identification. It
would seem to be a "twin," the male the smaller,
and the female the " better half." What is known
of this " gape-worm " ?— JF. J. Dickson, M.D.

The Cannibalistic Habits of the Common
Newt. — In answer to E. Stop's question, in the
September number of Science-Gossip, as to the
cannibalism of newts, I can certainly say that I
have observed this tendency in the specimens which
I kept in my aquarium. 1 had some young newts
and some old ones, but in a very short, time the
adults divested the younger ones of their tails and
gills, and only one out of about a dozen lived long
enough to reach the adult age, and then it had no
tad. One very small one vanished entirely. —

g. w. a

The Adder.— In answer to " T. P. B.'s" query
concerning the veracity of the account of a death
from an adder's bite, I may state that an account

of it appeared in the British Medical Journal of
August 5, and I do not think that it would be pub-
lished in that paper without some reservation as to
the probability of the occurrence. Snake-bites
are seldom fatal in this country, the adder not pos-
sessing a sufficiently energetic poison to destroy a
healthy adult, though they might possibly kill a
child, or a very delicate and weakly person. The
venom is considerably increased in intensity during
spring and summer, at which periods the reptile is
in strong health and proportionally virulent. As-
suming this case to be true, we must infer that the
victim was in a state of health which rendered him
more than ordinarily susceptible to the effects of
virus introduced into the system, and that the adder
was then best fitted for inflicting a serious injury.
In such cases a well-authenticated account would
set all doubt at rest, and an imperfect account
should never be published. The next time a similar
affair occurs, the scientific world ought to be fur-
nished with every particular, such as the constitu-
tional history of the victim, the circumstances
under which the accident happened, and proof that
the culprit is really the adder, and not another
species of viperina which might be in the neigh-
bourhood from an inexplicable cause. The question
of " T. P. B." betokens a certain amount of caution,
and a resolution not to be "gulled " when an affair
is shrouded in mystery. This, like the " sea-
serpent story." furnishes food for reflection. —
Frank Richardson.

~r Camberwell Beauty. — On August 16th I was
looking lor Edusas in a iucern-field at the back of
the church at Broadstairs, Kent, whej I observed
something flying at a little distance from me, and
after a chase succeeded in catching a very fine
specimen of the Camberwell Beauty. — George Banke.

Nest of Oyster-catcher.— When in Shetland
in Juue last on a nesting expedition, I found on a
small island a heap of limpet-shells amongst the
grass, and en the heap was an egg of the Oyster-
catcher (H. ostralegus) quite fresh. The birds not
being able to find a suitable nesting locality in the
island of pebhles or sand, had evidently accumulated
the shells for nesting purposes. On another occa-
sion I found the nest of the Lesser Black-backed
Gull (L. fuscus) to consist of a piece of rope. —
0. I). Wolstenholme.

" Silvan Sketches," mentioned by your corre-
spondent in Science-Gossip for March, p. 70, is, I
presume, "Remarks ou Eorest Scenery and other
Woodland Views," by William Gilpin, in two
volumes, dedicated by him to William Mi'ford,
Esq., March 4th, 1791; the later edition edited by
Sir Thomas Dick Lauder, Nov. 30, 1833. We
ourselves bought this interesting work at an old
hook shop, and were fortunate in meeting with it
in a first-rate slate of preservation, containing the
preface written b.v Gilpiu himself, as well as the
one written by Sir Thomas Dick Lauder, Bart. —
E. Edwards.

Scarlet Thorn. — With reference to S. A.
Brenan's remarks (Science-Gossip, page 234) re-
specting the Scarlet ihorn sometimes throwing out
white and pink tufts of flowers, it may not be
uninteresting to state that a handsome scarlet thorn
which ha> no* been planted 24 years in our garden,
three years since bore high above the graft a tuft of
pure white blossoms, which struck me to oe so
rernarkaole thai. 1 dried the spray. The last two

2S2

JIARDWICKE'S SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

successive springs, upon the same branch almost,
tufts of white, piuk, and deep scarlet flowers have
appeared. This singular appearance of the white
tuft of flowers upon the Scarlet Thorn I found a
short time ago had been clearly explained by Mr.
Charles Darwin, in thelst volume of his work, "The
Variations of Animals and Plants under Domestica-
tion," page 377, where he states : " Crataegus oay/a-
cantha, a dark scarlet hawthorn, has been known to
throw out a single tuft of pure white blossoms ; and
Mr. A. Clapham, nursery-man of Bradford, informs
me that his father had a deep crimson thorn grafted
on a white thorn, which during several years always
bore high above the graft bunches of white, pink,
and deep crimson flowers." The appearance of the
white ilower is the tendency shown in the tree to
revert back to the colour of the parent stock, — the
white thorn upon which it was grafted, as is the
case with Adam's Laburnum, or Cijtisus Adami, which
so frequency produces racemes of yellow and purple
flowers alternately upon the same branch. — Elizabeth
Edwards.

Teucrium chamjedrys {Wall Germander).— I
should be much obliged if any of the readers of
Science-Gossip would inform me if this plant was
supposed formerly to possess any medicinal value,
as this would throw a light upon its being found
growing wild, only in this part of Shropshire, on an
almost inaccessible ruin of YVenlock Abbey, also on
a rock close to a hermit's cave, at a distance of some
miles from the Abbey. It has been found growing
on the ruins of Palmyra. The question that sug-
gests itself to me is this — can hermits and crusaders
have brought over the plant from the Desert and
the Holy Laud for the sake of its medicinal virtues ?
I believe it is rareiy found, and is described as a wild
flower which has become naturalised. It would be
interesting if others would describe the site on which
they have found it growing. — S. E.

Gold-fish in Confinement. — These fish are
undeniably ticklish to manage; and I should attri-
bute the injuries Mr. Hambrugh's specimens exhibit
to malicious "nips" given by one to the other.
Some authorities tell us that when gold-fish (or other
species) attack each other in the aquarium, it is
because the food is insufficient or unsuitable. I have
seen gold-fish, during the winter months elaborately
fed with bread crumbs, every particle not eaten
being removed, if possible, lest the water should be
soured ; but I cannot think such a plan is requisite.
In the time of my great-grandfather, as I know from
a family tradition, those who kept gold-fish changed
the water of the globe daily, uuless the weather was
cold. This must have been far from conducive to
the longevity of the fish. — /. R. S. C.

Tennyson, and his "Sea-blue Bird of
March."— It is amusing to read the various
speculations which have been indulged in as to the
species the poet meant to indicate by an epithet
familiar to the students of " In Memoriam." At
least four birds have been contended for, and I will
put them alphabetically, as their order in matter of
probability is open to debate ; namely, the Fieldfare,
the Kingfisher, the Tomtit, and the Wheatear. But
if this had been penned by Wordsworth, and not, by
his successor in the Laureateship, he would have
saved us all trouble in the way of speculation,
by adding to the allusion the familiar name of the
bird meant. I think, however, that the debaters
have overlooked one important point: much de-
pends upon whether Tennyson speaks of an arriving

or of a departing species, since March brings sum-
mer visitants, though it also dismisses our winter
residents. Is it not likely he had in his eye the
rapid flight of some bird preparing to leave England ?
And it should be noted that in some editions of ''In
Memoriam" the phrase stood, " the blue sea-bird
of March."— J. 22. S. C

Local Names of Birds. — Your correspondent,
"DiptonBurn," in Science-Gossip, p. 191, mentions
that the Yellow Hammer is, in Northumberland,
called the Yellow Yorlin. This, 1 think, is a mis-
take ; as, although I have been a resident all my
life in this county, 1 have never heard it called by
that name. It is generally designated the Yellow
Yowley, but I have heard it calied Yellow Yorlin in
the south of Scotland. — /. 67. Henderson, Newcastle-
on-Tyne.

Volvox Globator.— I see in Science-Gossip
for August, among Notes and Queries, a ques-
tion, " Is it usual to find the Voloox globator only
during about a forr night in June, and for it then
quite to disappear ? " I met with it last year in
great abundance in ponds at Esher early iti April,
and again in the same pouds late in August. This
year, being at Surbiton about the middle of June, I
revisited these ponds, but did not meet with a
single specimen. Any person going from Surbiton
to Esher and stopping there, ought to find them at
the proper season, if he passes under an archway
just before reaching the station, and follows a road
tor about 200 yards, where the common ends. Near
this point, on the right-hand side of the road
(which, when I last visited it, was covered with a
beautilul Ilottonia pal/tstris, then in full blos-
som), I think, if he goes at the right time, your
correspondent will not be disappointed. — Robert
Baltersby.

Stag-beetle.— A short time since, on the re-
moval of a decayed oak-post in my garden, the post
was found to be perforated in its whole length with
numerous openings produced by the larvse of the
Lucanus cervus or Stag-beetle. Eight or nine full-
grown larvae in an active state were found, with a •
female Stag-beetle in a torpid state. With a view
to preserve them, I put them in a large garden pot,
with some of the rotten wood and mould, as I
thought that some of the readers of Science-
Gossip might like to have a few specimens. The
Lucanus, thougli plentiful at times in Kent, is not
often seen in the northern counties of England. If
reference is made to the hack volumes of Science-
Gossip, May, 1863, page 10S, a beautiful engraving
of the Lucanus in all stages will be found taken from
a work by Professor Blanchard. It is stated that
the larvse vary in size when full-grown, depending
upon the kind of wood they feed on.— J. B. Spencer,
Blackheath.

Pronunciation of Names. — Will you kindly
tell me how those generic names which are derived
from the names of foreigners should be pro-
nounced ? Should they be pronounced as if they
were simply Latin words, or should the foreign
pronunciation be retained ? For example -. — Gleir/ie-
niii, is this to be Glykenia or Glyshennia ? Selliguea,
is this to be Selliguea or Sellega? Lachenalia, should
this be Lakenaglia or Lah-shen-ah-lia ? — B.C.

Colour of Birds, No. 143, p. 259.— In reply to
your correspondent " A. P.," who desires to know
what BritisLi birds have been discovered white, and
who enumerates several which have come under his

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

283

own observation, when I was in the New Forest
some year or two since I saw in the possession of
one of the keepers a remarkably handsome variety
of the great spotted woodpecker (Picus major).
It was pure milk white, with a scarlet head. —
Joseph Anderson, jun., Chichester.

Habits of Herons. — I should be glad if any
informant can kindly answer the following queries :
— 1. Heronries are in oak or fir woods. Can an
exception be instanced ? 2. Herons and rooks, it is
stated, seldom build in company. Is this the case
in the northern part of England? 3. Are not
heronries sometimes situated at a considerable dis-
tance from water? Any notes as to the habits of
this fine bird will be of much interest.— F. H. Ar-
nold, LL.B., Fishboume.

Damar as a Mounting Medium. — I have read
your correspondent's (Mr. Charles Williams) excel-
lent article under the above heading in last month's
Science-Gossip, and quite agree with him as to the
superiority of damar, especially that in tubes, over
Canada balsam. I have never found any difficulty
in getting rid of air-bubbles ; but there is oue
drawback to its use, viz., that it requires a tough
varnish to prevent the cover from slipping. I have
tried the shellac varnish mentioned, but find it very
liable to crack. I have known slides which have
had two or three coats of shellac, and also a coat of
ornamental varnish over that, crack and let the
coloured varnish run in, and of course spoil the
object. I should be very much obliged if any of
your correspondents would recommend a varnish
suitable for damar which will neither run in nor
crack. Speaking of ornamental or finishing var-
nishes, I have tried those mentioned in Science-
Gossip for April, 1S76, page 77, under the heading
"White and Coloured Varnish for Ringing Slides,"
and found them answer perfectly. They are easily
prepared, and very neat and pretty. I should
advise any one who has not seen them to give them
a trial.—/. A. Le M. H.

The Singulak Stones near Ticuborne.—
These peculiar stones, mentioned by your corre-
spondent Helen E. Watney, are very easily ex-
plained. The late Colonel George Greenwood, who
resided lately at Brookwood, at the entrance to
which estate these stones stand, was very fond of
amusing himself with improving the appearance of
roads in the neighbourhood. In one way he did
this by planting copper-beech-frees all along the
hedges bounding the piece of land called the Dene,
a common, and having at some time found some
large boulder-stones at a small village called Erox-
field, the idea struck him that they would look
fanciful if placed on the Dene. One large stone
was consequently blasted with powder, and the
pieces, together with several smaller stones, were
drawn down to their present position by an old
carter, about twenty years ago, and this old man is
still alive. The pieces were brought down on a
timber-waggon, and hoisted with the timber crane
under Colonel George Greenwood's instructions ;
and it was his idea thai it would imitate Stone-
henge on a small scale. This is the true history of
these stones, well known to any resident in this
neighbourhood, and they have no connection what-
ever with any Druidical temple. — West Meon.

Jelly containing Diatoms, &c. — I have dis-
covered a place rich in a jelly containing Diatoms,
Desmids, &c. ; also an earthy matter adhering to a

perpendicular rock (it had the appearance of mortar
splashed upon the wall in the operation of rough-
cast), it also contains Diatoms, Desmids, &c. There
grew a jelly-like substance resembling leaves here
and there among it. — /. J. M.

Microscopical. — Will some of the readers of
Science-Gossip kindly inform me how to treat
spiders so as to preserve them for a collection, and
also how to mount them for microscopical study. I
mean what media to use, &c. — F. E. Fletcher.

Sparrowhawk and Crow.— What does " A. P."
mean, in Science-Gossip for October, under the
head of " Sparrowhawk and Crow," when he says :
" I found the cause of the commotion to be a large
sparrowhawk clinging to the spire " ? Does " A. P."
mean to say that sparrowhawks can lessen their
size according as they wish to suit their purpose ?
This would seem evident from what he says a little
farther on: "A few days after, the same hawk
again visited the church in the middle of the day,
but as the pigeons were not in the field feeding, it
sailed round three or four times and then departed.
The only thing noticeable about the sparrowhawk
was its small size." That is, the sparrowhawk was
a large one a few days since, but to- clay it is of
" small size."-/. W. D.

EXCHANGES (continued).

Hooker's "Species Filicum," parts in, 15, and 16, are
offered for parts 11 and 12.— Mr. Cox, 92, Denmark-street,
Camberwell, S. E.

Wanted. — Fifteenth Report of East Kent Nat Hist. Soc.
18/3. Good exchange given. H. E. Freeman, 48, Woodstock-
road, Finsbury-park, N.

I have reserved a section of Fossil Vegetable Tissue for a
correspondent in Boston, U.S. America (whose address I
have lost), for his section of Djg-rose (double stained). —
John Butterworth.

Wanted.— Tracings of the figures and descriptions of
Palaeozoic Polyzoa, from King's Catalogue (Goldfuss's) ;
120 "Quart. Jour, of Geo. Soc." (J. Young's); Phillips's
" Petrifactions of Derbyshire " ; " Annals and Mag. of Nat.
History," vol. xv. Slides of Micro-Geology will be given in
exchange.— G. R. Vine, Attercliffe, Sheffield.

BOOKS, &c, RECEIVED.

"The Geology of England and Wales." By H. B. Wood-
ward. London : Longmans & Co.

" Geological Map of Scotland.'' By Prof. Geikie. London
and Edinburgh : W. & A . K. Johnston.

"Monthly Microscopical Journal." November.

" The Naturalist." November.

"American Naturalist." October.

" Land and Water." November.

*' Les Mondes." November.

" Monthly Journal of Education." November.

"The Argonaut." November.

" Botanische Zeitung." October.

" Ben Brierley's Journal." November.

Transactions of " Manchester Geological Society; " "East-
bourne Natural History Society; " " Watford Natural History
Society; " " Quekett Club; "

Communications Rkceivbd up to 7tu lti.t. peom : —
J. C— R. B.— J. F. R.-C W.-G. B.-A. S.-F. J. -J. W. D.
— C. D. W.— F. K.— C F. W.-G. G.— W. E. S.-W. G. P.—
-J. B. S. C— W. M.-S. E.-J. K.-C E. E. -G. S.— E. E.—
G. C. D.— J G. H. -J. S. W.-R. P. C— R. B. -W. M. R.—

E. E. E.— C W. C.-J. W. R. -T. E. W.-R. R. T.— G. W. C.
G. H. P.-A. B.-E. B. T.-Prof. B.-J. W.-Dr. H. W. L.—
G. H. K.— S. A. S.-G. H. A. -J. M.— H. L.-S. C S.— D. B.
— C P. O.— G. G.-E. C M.-S. A. S.— A. S.— S. A. B.—
J. B D.— W.J. -Dr. F.-W. H. S.-Dr. E. J. T. -G. H. A.—
— E. S A.-L. J. M. -J. S. H.-W. L. S. -E. B.— C W.—
-J.W. M.— B. M. O.-T. B. W.— H. I. T.-J. S. W.— J.W. B.
—Sir P. G. E.-H. A. F.— F. C. H. D.-W.E. S.— F. M. C W.

— G. W. L— W. H. G.-A. H.-CW. H.— Dr. E. B. A.— M. F.
-C P. H. -T. B — T.W.— D. A. -J. J. M.— F. F. -J. A L. H.

— W. S.-J. B. S. -J B.-H. B.-E. E.— J. G. — W. F.—
W. R. H.— A. J. A— H. C C— J. A. jun.-E. C— J. H. L.—
R. G.-W. B.— A. M. C— C D. W.— H. E. F.— H. A. F.—

F. L. C. R.— G. R. V. -T. D.— C F. S.-G. S.-F. H. A.—
&c, &c.

284

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

To Correspondents and Exchangers. — As we now
publish Science-Gossip at least a week earlier than hereto-
fore, we cannot possibly insert in the following number any
communications which reach us later than the 8th of each
month.

Q. R. (Elie, Fife).— Both specimens, in excellent condition,
are: No. 1, a large flowered form of Diplotaxis muralis ;
No. 2, the common, or plant generally met with in Britain, of
Diplotaxis muralis.

W. D. (Carlisle). — The heath you enclosed was the Petty
Whin, or Needle Gorse, of the midland counties ; still we are
not surprised it puzzled you, for we never saw it so entirely
destitute of the long prickly spines. It is botanically named
Genista anglica, Linn.

W. K. (Leeds). — Many thanks for the accurate sketch of
the Kentish water-weed ; it is the Hawthorn-scented Pond-
weed (Aponogetun die tacky on). We never saw it anywhere so
plentifully, and looking so beautiful, as in the large orna-
mental pond of the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens.

Mrs. H. (Chirk). — It is difficult to name any species from
merely popular descriptions. However, we have no doubt
that your little plant, with globular heads, is the pretty Apple-
moss (Bartramia pomiformis).

R. B. (Glasgow). — The fern from Campsie is a very curious
form of the Male Fern (Lastrea filix-mas). Did you secure
the root? If so, and you could oblige us with a few fronds
or dried leaves, we shall be much obliged.

A. F.— No. 1 is the Ling, or Grig, of Northern botanists
{Calluna vulgaris). No. 2 contains both the Scotch Heather
{Erica cinerea, Linn.) and cross-leaved Heather (E.tetralix,
Linn.). The latter may at once be known by the ciliated
leaves and flowers in a small (tuft) umbel at the end of the
stalk. No. 3 is also the cross-leaved Heather.

H. Q. L. (Wallingford).— We are sorry your specimens were
so shrivelled and broken that it is difficult to again match
the fragments : when again sending, be kind enough to
press them for a few hours in some old book. No. 1. Skull-
cap (Scutellaria galericulata, L.). No. 2. The Eyebright
(Euphrasia officinalis, L.). No. 3. Centaury (Erythnva Cen-
taurium, L ), a species more frequently used by herbalists
than any known. No. 4. Spoded. No. 5. Polygonum Persi-
caria, L.). No. 6. Quite separate from the number sent, so
we did not know to which to refer it.

C. W. (York).— Your extract from a magazine, giving an
account of a bird protecting its young against a venomous
snake by plucking off and placing the twias of a poisonous
shrub across the nest, reminds us of the oft-repeated story of
the Spider and the Toad, which forms the subject of one of
Cowper's poems. The dramatis personal only of the animals
are altered. There cannot be a doubt of its apocryphal
nature.

M. Warren. — 1. Bryum pollens. 2, 4, 9. Bryum pseudo-
triquetrum. 3. Ceratodon purpureas. S. Hypnum cupressi-
forme, with Jungermannia albicans. 6. Uncertain. 7. Bryum
cernuum. 8. Hypnum fluitans.

Miss F.— The foreign mosses sent us to be named will
require some time to examine.

H. M. C. A. (Lewes).— Your plant is not a British species,
as you correctly surmise, but proves to be Vincetoxicum
officinale.

Gregory. — Apply to Mr. King, Sea-horse House, Portland-
road, who will give you all the information you want as to
aquaria.

C. E. E. — Your description of the contents of the hen's egg
seems as if it contained the embryonic chick. It can be
nothing else.

J. S. — (Jet Lubbock's " Metamorphoses of Insects," price
3s. fid. (Macmillan). This will give you a good idea of the
general relative structures of insects.

J. Laing.— From the sketch of the stone, we have no doubt
it is a natural internal cast of a fossil sea-urchin, perhaps
Ananrhytes. The small holes are the perlorations for the
ambulacral feet.

T. McGann. — The " Star-fish, which has no arms," you
refer to, is either Goniaster equestris, or Goniaster Temp/etonii ;
most likely the latter, as the former ii very rare. The spi-
cules sent to us are probably those of Uraster glacialis.

W. Marshall. — Notes on the "Harvest Bug" occur in
several of the back volumes of Science-Gossip, notably in
that for 1873. You will find it figured and described in
Carpenter's work on the Microscope.

W. H. S. — Your insect is evidently one of the Homoptera,
or Bug famdy, and is called Pentatoma dissimilis.

L. J. M. — Your supposed "Glow-worm" has deceived
many a one. It is not uncommon, and is a species of Centi-
pede, called Geophilus electricus. Of course, it lias no rela-
tionship whatever to the Glow-worm, which is a beetle.

8. A. S.— The " plant from Texas " is a locally common
species ot Corniculnria, a genus of '• horsf-hair " lichens
abuiu'ant in the southern states of North America.

Mrs. D. — The malformed rose you sent us was altered by
the divisions of the calyx .sepals) being converted into leaves.
Dr. Masters, in his " Vegetable Teratology," calls this kind
of malformation " phyllody of the sepals."

M. Needler. — Your "Aquatic Ichneumon" is doubtless
Polynema nutans, a hymenopterous insect of aquatic habits,
which swims by means or its wings. You will find a full de-
scription of it in the Linnean Society's Transactions for 1863.
We should much like to see one of your mounted specimens.

W. Jacobs.— Your marine specimens are: No. 1. Apiece
of sea- weed incrusted with Bryozoa (Membranipora pilosa).

2. A limy sea-weed (Cornllina officinalis). 3. A calcareous
polyzoan (Tubulipora). And 4. A red sea-weed (Plocamium
coccineum). See figs, and descriptions in " Half-hours at the
Sea-side."

F. W. S. — Your Australian sea-weed is Ballia pulcherrima.

" Chemicus." — Your sea-weeds are: No. 1, Odonthalia

dentata. 2. Faded form of Delessaria alata, narrow var.

3. Ptilosa plumosa. 4. Fucus serratus. 5. Rhodymenia
palmata. 6. Delesseria alata, var. angustissima. And 7.
Ptilosa plumosa.

H. C. C— The excrescences on backs of oak-leaves are
called " Oak-spangles." They are caused by the leaves
having been punctured by a species of Cynips, and are, there-
fore, not fungi.

Dr. Foote. — Prof. Williamson's work is published by the
Royal Society in their " Philosophical Transactions," in parts
or memoirs. Apply to secretary of Royal Society.

EXCHANGES.

Th e first six volumes of Science-Gossip bound in two, in
exchange for really good Entomological Microscopical Slides.
Must be first-class.

A gentleman resident in the Hawaian Islands would be
happy to exchange specimens of the Volcanic Rocks of the
islands with any one who would supply him with those of
Great Britain.— J. B. D , Shelton, Hanley, Staffordshire.

Wanted. — A few specimens of Synavta and Chirodota
violacea, in exchange for well-mounted Objects, &c — W. L. S.,
6, Dagnall Park-terrace, Sethurst, S.E.

" Collector's Hand-book of Algae, Diatoms," fee., new,
price 2s. 6d., exchanged for one on Lichens or Mosses. —
B. M. O., 21, Newington Green, London, N.

Offered. — Nos. 6u6, 468'', 4ti8«, and Leptarus incurvatus,
for 9, 43, 44, 49, 62, 89, 9<>, 255, 267, 348, 349, 358, 36l), 367, 368,
372, 377, 418, 457. 4681, 484, 492, 538, 556, 665, 698, 810, 934,
and 939, " Lond. Cat," 7th ed.— John W. Burton, 35, Hemans-
street, Liverpool.

Living Desmid, Diatoms, and Volvox globator, wanted, in
exchange for Micro Slides.— J. Bewlay, Vine-street, York.

Wanted. — Coal measure Fossils, unmounted, for Mounted
Sections of Echinus spine. Wanted also large E. spines for
sectionizing. — M. Fowler, 20, Bum-row, Slamannan, N.B.

Head ot Japanese Silkworm (Bombux Yama-mai). — Send
a stamped directed envelope to W. H. Gomm, Somerton,
Somerset.

Hair of Ornithorthrynchus, Vampire Bat, Polar Bear. Camel,
and others, unmounted, for other good Objects. -E. J. W.,
14, Albion-road, Dalston, E.

Skin of Dog-fish, neatly mounted, making a beautiful 2 in.
object. For exchange send slide to C. P. Ogilvie, 23, Fitzroy-
square, London.

Wanted.— All kinds of Foreign Birds' Skins, Eggs, and
Nests. Give in exchange British Skins, or send list of many
useful things to exchange.— Lebe, 230,West. street, Sheffield.

Micro. — Offers requested for one scruple weight of
prepared Foraminifera. Wanted, Foraminiferous Sand. —
J. Green, the Cross, Match.

Mounted Slide-iof Foraminifera, from Ilfracombe. Devon,
to exchange for Slides or Material. — H. a. Francis, Keswick
House, 48, White Ladies* road, Clifton, Bristol.

Aglaia, Quercics, Corydon, Adonis, Alveolus, Castrensis,
Salicis, Ligniperda, Citraria, &c. ; Pupre of Onccllatus,
Populi, Titiee, Ligustri, Menthattri, Vinula,Sic. Desiderata:
Lepidoptera and Birds' Eggs. — R. Green, Rainham. Kent.

SiDE-blown Eggs of Curlew, C. Sandpiper, T. Owl, R.
Plover, Golden ditto, Dunlin, Dipper, O. Catcher, R. Grouse,
Landrail, A. Tern, Redshank, Black Guillemot, &c, in
exchange for other good Eggs. Unaccepted offers not
answered.— J. D., 9, Lancaster-street, Carlisle.

" Lond. Cat.," 7th ed.— Nos. 16, 18, 62, 79, 82, 99, 1 17, 167,
1774, 223, 234, 2426, 315, 417, 422, 4276, 442, 468m, u, 493, 498,
534, 576, 687e, 7576, 8416, 1,036, 1,090, 1,142, 1,1811, 1,242,
1,5406, 1,558 (subcarulea), 1,665, 1,589, 1,590, 1,629c, 1,654, &c.
— Send lists to J. Harbord Lewis, 180, Mill-st, Liverpool, S.

Have a quantity of jelly, also an earthy matter rich in
Diatoms, Desmids, &c. Will be glad of offers of Mounted
Slides, named, in exchange. — J. J. Morgan, Tredegar.

Wings of Urania fulgens and portions of Urania Sluanus
for Microscopic Slides. Edusa, .'Egiin, Quercus, Bidentata,
Nupta, Pai, Brunnea, Lot >, Spadicea, Oxyacantha, and
Por/ihynea, for other Macro lepidoptera, or dried British
plants. — Joseph Anderson, jun., Aire Villa, Chichester.

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

285

INDEX TO VOL. III.

Accentor modularls, 1, 81.

Actinophrys Eichhornii, 35.

Adder, Fatal Bite of an, 215.

Adder, the, 231.

Air-bubbles and Mounting in Fluid, 229.

Air-can, Self-acting:, 115.

Algae, How to cut Sections of, 145.

Algae, Unicellular Parasitic, within Si-
lurian and Tertiary Corals, 68.

Amateur Gardening, 89.

America, Papuans in, 2.

American Birds' Eggs, 118.

American Manatee, 88.

American Microscopy, 65.

Anngallis arvensis, 15, 69, 70.

Anatomical Preparations, 164.

Anglesea, How it became an Island, 68.

Anguis frugilis, 2/5.

Anudon cygneus, 165.

Antlirupoides virgo, 66.

Antiquities, Irish, 23, 47, 55.

Antiquity of the North American In-
dians, 91.

Ants and their Food, 183.

Aquarian Flora, 89.

Aquarium, its Inhabitants, Structure,
and Management, 1, 256.

Aquarium, Marine, 17.

Aquarium, Notes on the, 62, 213.

Aquilegia, 214.

Araucaria, 280.

Arctia[eaja, 1 91.

Artichoke, the Jerusalem or Ground, 25.

Asilidtr, 155.

Asparagus, 95.

Atmosphere, Carbonic Acid in the, 117.

Authochthon, Traces of an American, 188.

Barnacles and Fishes, 23.

Basalt, 47.

Bats, 95.

Beetle, Stag, 282.

Belfast Field Naturalists' Club, 160.

Betony Weevil, 17.

Binocular Arrangement for the Highest

Powers, Wenham'a, 269.
Bird Pets, 190.
Birds, 10.

Birds and their Stratagems, 46.
Birds, Colour of, 282.
Birds' Eggs, 165, 214, 262,263.
Birds laying away from the Nest, 26l.
Birds of Maidstone, 93.
Birds, Rare, 41.
Birds, Sagacity of, 215.
Birds, Strange, 280.
Birds, Twin, 95.

Black Country, Botany of the, 139.
Boat-flies, 119, 189,223.
Bone Bed in the Lower Coal-measures,188.
Bone Caves of Cresswell Crags, 142.
Botanical Names for English Readers, 140.
Botanical Trip to the Scilly Islands, 162.
Books, a Gossip about New, 49, 149, 241.
Books on Popular Natural History, 17.
Books Received, 23, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144,

167, 192, 216, 239, 264, 283.
Botany, 18, 41, 67, 89, 116, 138, l6l, 186,

210, 233, 257, 276.

Botany for Schools, 43.

Botany of the Black Country, 139.

Botany of the Isle of Wight, 234.

BramhaK Oblique Illuminator, 159.

Bream, Large, 263, 279.

3rick-burning, 164.

British Association, 184, 232, 233, 235.

British Museum, the Hours of Closing

the, 143.
Brockenhurst, Notes on the Flora of, 267.
Buffalo in Confinement, 22.
Buffonia tenuifolia, 75.
Butcher-bird, 22, 66, 87.
Butterfly, the Clouded Yellow, 213, 278.
Butter Globules in Milk, 135.

Calendar for Lepidopterists, 17.

Camberwell Beauty, 114, 281.

Cannibalistic Habits of Newt, 281.

Caprella acanthi/era, 223.

Carbonic Acid in the Atmosphere, 11 7.

Carboniferous Land Shells, 212.

Carboniferous Plants, Fossil, 187.

Cardoon {Cynara cardunculus), 25.

Carnivorous Reptile about the size of a
Lion, 91.

Carrot, Flower of, 280.

Caterpillars, 262.

Caterpillars, Processionary, 224.

Caterpillars, Tails of, 44.

Cats and Frogs, 23.

Cells, White and Coloured Varnish for, 77.

Cement for Dry Mounting, 13.

Cement for Glycerine Mounting, 65.

Cement in Glycerine, 16.

Cement, Liquid, 87.

Centaurea solstitialit, 42.

Ceratodus, the, 40, 90.

Ceratodus, Living, 163.

Chalk-pits in Middlesex, 21.

Challenger Expedition, 41, 185.

Challenger, Return of the, 160.

Challenger Spoils, 184.

Challenger, Trophies of the, 160.

Characteristic British Fossils, 91.

Charlton Sand-pit, 23.

Chat and other Birds, 10.

Chelydra serpentina, 32.

Chenalopex JEgyptiacus, 41.

Chenopodiaceae, Mealy Surface of, 19.

Chichester and West Sussex Natural His-
tory and Microscopical Society, 186.

Christmas Day, 1875, Temperature of, 71.

Ciunus scrophularia, 17.

Circea lutvtiana, 89.

Cladium Marucus, 42, 89.

Clearwings, British, 133, 165, 261.

Clothes Moths, to keep away, 215, 237,
280.

Coal-measures, a Bone Bed in the Lower,

188.

Cnccothrausfes vulgaris, 69.

Cochineal, 119.

Colchester, Geology of, 21.

Colias Edusa, 213, 238, 2/9.

Collecting and Preserving Hymenoptera,
18, 46.

Collecting and Preserving Natural His-
tory Objects, 138.

I Collecting-ground for Mollusca, 161.

Collections of Insects, to preserve from
Decoloration, 161.
J Cnltomia coccinet, 40.

Coloration, Cause of, 281.
; Colour in Wild Plants, Varieties of, 257.
I Colour of Birds, 259, 282.

Colour of Crocuses, 42.
! Colour of Flowers, 89.
! Colour of Flowers, Variations in, 41.

Colour of Spring Flowers, 67.

Coltsfoot or Sweet scented Butterbeer,

42.
Colymbus Arcticus, 41.
Commensalism, Strange, 256.
Conopidae, 171.
Cormorants, 126, 261.
Correspondents, Answers to, 24, 48, 72.
Crabs out of Water, 45.
Cramtie maritima, 73.
Crawfish, 238.

Creswell Crags, Bone-caves of, 142.
Crickets, 45, 143, 278.
Crocus, 119, 188.
Crocuses changing colour, 21, 42.
Crossbill, the Common, 22.
Crows, Black and White, 279.
Cuckoo, a Tame, 236.
Cuckoo, the, 188, 215.
Cuckoo's Eggs, 167, 189, 214, 215, 236,

237, 259, 260, 278, 279.
Cultivated Vegetables, History of, 25, 73,

74.
Culverkeys, 263.
Curious Coincidence, 166.
Cynthia Huntera in Hants, 47.
Cynthia Huntera captured in England,

137.
Cypripedium, Fertilization in, 125.

Damar as a Mounting Medium, 254,

283.
" Dawn Animalcule," 114.
Decay of Trees in Hyde Park, 186, 237.
Decolouring and Staining Vegetable

Tissues, S7.
Dee in Wales, Physical History of the,

141.

Deer and Snakes, 238.

" Demoiselle Crane," the, 66.

Density of Sea-water, 237, 280.

Devil's Coach-horse, 69.

Diamond-fields, &c, of South Africa, 236.

Dianthus, the Rarer Species of, 19.

Diatomaceae, Irish, 113.

Diatoms and Desmids in Jelly, 283.

Diptera, 60, 103, 155, 171.

Discoloration of Cooked Meat, 278.

Discoveries, 20, 40, 235, 247.

Diver, the Black-throated, in Essex, 41.

Dogs eating Wasps, 45, 94, 167.

Double Staining of Muscular Tissue, 275.

Dredging off Teignmouth, 185.

Dry-mounting, Cement for, 13.

Dugong, 75.

Eastbourne, Flora of, 43.

East Kent Natural History Society, 209.

286

HARDWICKE'S SCIEN CE -GO S SIP.

Eels, Age of, 263.

Eggs, Cuckoo's, 214.

Eggs, Double, 238.

Eggs laid away from the Nest, 261.

Eggs of Birds, 165, 214.

Eggs, Vitality of, 255.

Elodia Canadensis, 257-

Embryology of the Salpidae, 256.

Enchanter's Nightshade, Raphides in, 89.

Entomological Phenomenon, 259.

Entozoon, New, from a Fish, 89.

Eozoon Canadense, 114.

Erebia Cassiope, 280.

Erinaceus Eurapceus, 1/6.

Evergreens, the effect of the past winter

on, 140.
Evolution, 261.

Evolution of the Mammalia, 164.
Extinct Mammals, 117.

Fauna and Floka of Hastings and

Neighbourhood, 115.
Fauna and Flora ot the New Forest, 4".
Fern-cases, the Cause and Prevention

of Mouldiness in, go.
Fern-collecting on Churches, 182, 280.
Ferneries, Microscopic Fungi in, 113.
Ferns found at Sopley, Hants, 234.
Fertilization in Cypripedium, 125.
Fertilization of Flowers, 277-
Fish, Voracity of, 119.
Fish, Parasitic Worms in, 8, 66.
Fishes and Barnacles, 23.
Flies, to keep away, 190.
Flora of Eastbourne, 42.
Flora of Rodriguez, 43.
Flora and Fauna of Hastings and Neigh-
bourhood, 115.
Flora and Fauna of the New Forest, 47.
Floral ^Estivations, 187.
Floral Glands of Parnassia palustris, 116.
Flower of the Carrot, 280.
Flowers, Colours of, 89.
Flowers, Colour of Spring, 67.
Flowers of the Forest, 171, 280.
Flowers, Variations in Colour of, 41.
Flume, 166.

Fly, Teeth of, 69, 92, 115, 167.
Flycatcher's Nest, 262.
Folk-lore about the Nettle, 47, 93.
Folk-lore of Plants, 94, 116, 118.
Foramiuifera, 87.
Foreign Escapes, 94.
Forest-bed Series at Kessingland and

Pakefield, in Suffolk, 20.
Form Elements in Woody Structures,

208.
Formicary, How to Manage a, 263.
Fossil Carboniferous Plants, 187.
Fossil Orthopterous Insect from the

Coal-measures of Britain, 20.
Fossil Plants, Rambles after, 243.
Fossil Scorpion in English Coal-mea-
sures, 20.
Fossitiferous Cambrian Shales near Car-
narvon, 141.
Fossils near London, 44.
Fossils, Characteristic British, 91.
Fresh-water and Marine Animals, Self-
acting Air-can for, 1 1 5.
Fritillaria Meleagris, 118, 143.
Frogs and Cats, 23.
Frogs, Spawn of, 21.
Fuchsias, 239.
" Fungi, British," 257.
Fungi, Enormous, 213.
Fungi, How to Distinguish between

Edible and Poisonous, 217.
Fungi, How to Test, 188, 234.
Fungi, Microscopic, in Ferneries, 112.
Fungus, the Resting-spores ol the Po-
tato Disease, 179, 202.

Gagea lutea, and other Plants in

Northamptonshire, 139.
Gardening, Amateur, 89.
Geese and Herbs, 166, 238.
Geological Progress, 116.
Geological Record, 90.
Geology, 20, 43, 6s, 90, 116, 141, 163, 187,

212, 235, 258.

Geology of Colchester, 21.

Geology of Glasgow and Neighbour-
hood, 193.

Geology of London, Guide to, 21.

Germination of the Resting-spores of
the Potato Fungus, 202.

Germination of Seeds, 210.

Glaciers, the Old, of the Northern Slope
of the Swiss Alps, 164.

Glands, &c, of Insects, 40.

Glasgow and its Neighbourhood, Geology
of, 193.

Glasgow Natural History Society, 21.

Glaucous and the Great Black-backed
Gulls, 199-

Glycerine, Cement in, 16.

Glycerine Mounting, 39, 40, 88.

Glycerine Mounting, a Cement for, 65.

Gobius Nilssonii, 88.

Goldfish, 214, 232, 282.

Goldfish-breeding, 278.

Gold Size, 65.

Goose-grass, 262.

Grasses, 1.

Greenfinch, the, 23.

Greensand, the Origin of the, 30, 81, 1/0.

Guernsey Jsoetes, the, 43.

Hairworms from Beetle, 71 .

Halicore Dugong, 75.

Harvest Bug, 281.

Hastings University School Naturalists'

Field Club, 160.
Hatching Silkworms' Eggs, 13".
Hawfinch, 167, 19' , 238, 260.
Hawfinch, Nest and Eggs of, 69, 88.
Hedgehog, 176.
Hedge Sparrow, 81.
Belianthus tuberosus, 25.
Helleborus, Nectaries of, 162.
Heronries in Sussex, 88, 143.
Herons, Habits of, 283.
Herring Gull, 233.
Hierochloe borealis, 42.
High Power Object-glasses, to fit, 15.
History of Rock Structure, 101.
Holiday Rambles in the West of Ireland,

169, 222.
Holly and Mistletoe, 82.
Horse-Chestnut, Peculiar, 234.
House Cricket, 143.
House Sparrow, Variety of, 66.
Hymenoptera, Collecting and Preserving,

18, 46.

Igneous Rocks, Structure of, 118.

Illuminator, a New Oblique Light, 136.

Illuminator, the Bramhall Oblique, 159,
231.

Illuminator, Reflex, 16.

Illuminator, Wythe's, 255.

Indians, Antiquity of the North Amer-
ican, 91.

Insects, Collections of, to Preserve from
Decoloration, 161.

Insects, their Glands, &c., 40.

Interference of Light, 16.

Irish Antiquities, 23, 47, 55.

Irish Diatomacea;, 113.

Irish Natural History, Popular Notions
of, 166.

Isle of Wight, Botany of, 234.

lsoetes, 12, 43.

Jebusai.em Art:choke (Helianthus
tuberosus), 25.

Jews and Prehistoric Irish Antiqui-
ties, 65.

Juniper Bushes, 47, 67, 7L 95, 1 19-

Juniperus cuiumunis, 44. Iti7«

Kessincland Forest Bed, 20.

Labels for Orders in Plants, 47.
Laburnum, Late-flowering, 22.
Lady's Slipper, Fertilization in, 125.
Lamp for Microscope, the Sear, 100, 208.
Land Shells, 279.
Late-flowering Laburnum, 22.
Late Martins, 23.

Lepidoptera, Missing Links among, 16.
Lepidoptera of the New Forest, 227.
Lepidopterist's Calendar, 17.
Leucojum astivum, 119.
Lewes and East Sussex Natural History

and Microscopical Society, 186.
Life, the Origin of, 183.
Light, Interference of, 16.
Links, Missing, 212.
Liparis chrysorrhwu, 66.
Liquid Cement, 87.

Liverpool Naturalists' Field Club, 186.
Lobsters, 94.

Local Names of Birds, 282.
Local Names of Plants, 39, 67, 191, 238.
Locust in England, 276.
London, Guide to the Geology of, 21.
Lycupeidon giganteum, 71.
Lynton, North Devon, 45.

Macheerirhynehug nigripectus, 138.
Macrospores in Carboniferous Sandstone,

241.
M'riunthemum bifolium, 210.
Mammalia, Evolution of the, 164.
Mammals, Extinct, 117.
Manatida?, 56, 88.
Manatus Americamts, 57.
Manchester Field Naturalists' Society,

160.
Marine Aquarium, 17.
Martins, Late, 23, 95.
Mastodon consumed by Fire kindled by

Human Agency, 166.
Mealy Surface of Chcnopodiacetz, 19.
Meat, Discoloration of Cooked, 278.
Metamorphic Rocks surrounding the

Land's-End Mass of Granite, 212.
Metropolitan Scientific Association, 20.
Mice, Ticks on, 46.
Microscope and Microscopic Work, 3, 27,

52, 84, 109, 121, 150, 177, 197, 225, 245,

265.

Microscopic Cells, Varnish for, 15, 46.
Microscopic Fungi in Ferneries, 112.
Microscopic Objects, a New Method of

Mounting, 274, 275.
Microscopy, 15, 16, 39, 60, 87, 112, 135,

159, 183,208, 231, 255, 274.
" Microscopy and Microscopist," 71.
Microscopy of Starch, 219, 256.
Middlesex Chalk, 21.
Midges and Thunder-flies, 260.
Missing Links, 212.

Missing Links among the Lepidoptera, 16.
Mistletoe, 92, 93.
Mi>tletoe, a Gossip about, 270.
Mistletoe and Holly, 82.
Mistletoe, the Growth of, 45.
" Mocha Stones," 46.
Mollusca, a Rich Collecting-ground for,

161.
Mollusca, Mode of Reproduction, 80.
Monocotyledons, the Classification of,

276.
Moon, the, IS.

Moor-hens, the Doings of a Pair of, 148.
Moths in Woollen Materials, 280.
Mouldiness in Fern-cases, the Cause

and Prevention of, 90.
Mounting, a Cement tor Dry, 13.
Mounting in Fluid, Air-bubbles and,

229.
Mounting in Glycerine, 39, 40, 88.
Mounting Medium, Damar as a, 254.
Mounting, a New Medium for, 231, 256.
Mounting Microscopical Objects, a New

Method of, 274, 275.
Mouse, a Singing, 47.
Muscidse, 60, 103.

Natural History Notes, 191, 280.
"Natural History Objects, to collect and

preserve," 138.
Natural History, Works on, 17.
Naval Natural History, 25.
Nectaries of Helleborus, 162.
Nest of Oyster- catcher, 281.
Nesting of Hawfinch, 88.
Nests of the Broun-tail Moth, 66.
Nettle and its Uses, 277-

HARDWICKE'S SCIEN CE- GO SSIP.

287

Nettle Beer, 165, 215.

Nettle, Folk-lore about the, 47, 93.

New Books, a Gossip about, 149. j

New Cross Microscopical Society, 87.

New Forest, Fauna and Flora of, 47.

New Forest, the Lepidoptera of the, 227.

Newt, Tadpoles of, 21, 95.

Newts, 22, 213, 2S1.

Nicaraguan Ants and their Food, 183.

Nilsson's Goby, 88.

Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' So-
ciety, 185.

Northamptonshire Naturalists' Society,
138.

Northamptonshire Notes, 277.

Northern Holy Grass, 162, 277.

Notes and Queries, 21, 44, 69, 92, 118,
143, 164, 188, 213, 236, 259, 278.

Notices to Correspondents, 24, 48, 72, 96,
120, 144, 192, 216, 240, 264, 284.

Obituary, 19, 185, 255.

Object-glasses, Fitting High-power, 15.

Oblique Illuminator, the Bramhall, 159,
231.

Oblique Light Illuminator, a New, 136,

Octopus, the, 66.

Ocypus oleus, 69.

Oldham Microscopical Society, 138.

Old Naturalist, an, 80.

Opaque Objects, a New Method of
Mounting, 2/5.

Orchid, Popular Names of, 167.

Organic Remains in the Metamorphic
Rocks of Harris, 141.

Origin of Common Plant Names, 161.

Origin of Life, 183.

Origin of the Greensand, 30, 81, 170,

Origin of the Plant IS ames of the Warren,
130, 249.

Origin of the Primary Rocks, 43.

Ornithological Visitors, near Shrews-
bury, 165.
Omithopus ebracteatus, 162.

Oyster-catcher, Nest of, 281.

Pakefield Forest Bed, 20.
Palaeolithic Implements, intra- Glacial,

258.
Papuans in America, 2.
Parasitic Vorticellse, 135, 165, 190, 262.
Parasitic Worm in a Fish, 668.
Parietaria officinalis, 19-
Parnassiu palustris, the Floral Glands of,

116.
Petasites fragrans, 42.
Pet Birds, 190.

Phalacrocorax graculus, 126.
Pheasants, Disease in, 281.
Phosphate Beds of South Carolina, 258.
Phosphorescence, 167, 238, 262.
Photo- Micrography, 59.
" Physiology, Practical," 138.
Pimpernel, Scarlet, 70.
Pittosporum Tobira, 186, 276.
Plant Crystals, 257.
Plant Growth, Direction of, 210.
Plant Life, the Lowest Forms of, 183.
Plant Names of the Warren, Origin of

the, 130, 249.
Plant Names, Origin of Common, 161.
Plants and Rocks of Aran Islands, 222.
Plants discovered in the Lower Old Red

Sandstone, near Callander, 235.
Plants, Folk-lore of, 116, 118.
Plants, How to take Impressions of, 258.
Plants, Local Names of, 39, 67, 116, 191,

238.

Plants of Great Britain, the Doubtful,

146,
Plants of the Burren, 169.
Plants of Whiteley Dean, 42.
Plants, Rambles after Fossil, 243.
Plants, Sudden Appearance of, 162, 238,

242.
Plants, Varieties of Colour in Wild, 211.
Plants, White, 277-

Pleomorphism, Notes on, 6, 33, 93, 163.
Pleurobranchus membranaceus, 209.
Polariscope Apparatus, 231.
Polarization of Living Tissues, 88, 114.

Polecat, the, 70, 213.

Poppy Flower, Curious, 19.

Popular Names of Orchids, 167.

Popular Natural History Books, 17.

Popular Notions on Irish Natural His-
tory, 166.

" Popular Science Review,'' 185, 256.

Porphyrio hyacinthinus found in Somer-
set, 89-

Potato Disease, the, 116, 1"9, 256.

Prehistoric Irish Antiquities, the Jews,
55.

Primary Rocks, Origin of, 43.

Primrose, the First, 70.

Proceedings of Societies, 21, 40, 87, 136,
138, 160, 183, 184, 185, 209, 232.

Processionary Caterpillars, 224.

Pronunciation of Names, 282.

Pteromvs volucella, 131.

Puff-bails, 71, 213.

Pulmunaria officinalis, 191.

Quekett Microscopical Club, 183.
Quill- worts, Notes on, 12.

Rabbit, Habits of, 17.

Raphides in Enchanter's Nightshade, 89.

Rare Plants, Destruction of, 233.

Rare Birds, 41.

Rats, Water, 167, 189, 260.

Reflex Illuminator, 16.

Reptile, Carnivorous, about the size of a

Lion, 91.
Reptile Vivarium, 266.
Rheetic Beds, near Leicester, 117.
Rocks and Hants of Aran Islands, 222.
Rock Structure, History of, 101.
Rocks, Structure of Igneous, 118.
Rodriguez, Flora of, 43.
Royal Microscopical Society, 40, 136, 183.
Ruppia spiralis, 257.

Sagacitv of Birds, 215.

Salicylic Acid as a Preservative, 256.

Salix alba, 107.

Salpidre, Embryology of the, 256.

Sand-pit, Charlton, 23.

Scarlet Thorn, 281.

Scorzonera Hispanica, 74.

Scilly Islands, a Botanical Trip to the,

162.
Sea-kale, 73.
Sear Lamp, 100, 208.
Sea-serpent, the, 260.
Sea Water, Density of, 237, 280.
Section cutting Machine, 65.
Sections and Section-cutting, 248.
Sections of Algse, How to cut, 145.
Seeds, Germination of, 210.
Seeds of Coitomia coccinea, 40.
Sesida;, 133.

Shells, Carboniferous Land, 212.
Shells, Land, 279.
Silkworms, 119, 165, 167, 189.
Silkworms' Eggs, Hatching, 137.
Silvery Hair-tail, 137.
Singing Mouse, 47.
Sirenia, 56, 75, 88.
Skeletonizing of Starfish, 239.
Slit Windows, 45.
Slow-worm {Anguis fragilis), 275.
Snake-eating Snake, 161.
Snakes and Deer, 238.
Snapping Turtle, 32.
Snowdrops, 190, 257.
Societies, Proceedings of: —

Belfast Field Naturalists' Club, 160.

British Association, 184, 232, 233, 235.

Chichester and West Sussex Nat. Hist,
and Microscopical Society, 186.

East Kent Natural History Society, 21.

Glasgow Natural History Society, 21.

Hastings University School Naturalists'
Field Club, 16o.

Lewes and East Sussex Natural His-
tory and Micmsc' pical Society, 186.

Liverpool Naturalists' Field Club, 186.

Manchester Field Naturalists' Society,
160.

New Cross Microscopical Society, 87.

Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' So-
ciety, 185.
Northamptonshire Naturalists' So-
ciety, 138.
Oldham Microscopical Society, 138.
Quekett Microscopical Club, 183.
Royal Microscopical Society, 40, 136,

183.
Watford Natural History Society, 21,

209.
Wellington College Natural Science
Society, 160.
Sparrow, Anecdote of the House, 262.
Sparrow, Variety of the House, 6ft, 213.
Sparrow-hawk and Crow, 239, 283.
Sparrows and Peas, 18.
Spawn of Frogs and Toads, 21.
Speedwell {Veronica), 23.
S/i/iagnacers of Europe and Ncrth Amer-
ica, 141.
Sphinx (Convolouli), 66, 115.
Spiders and their Webs, 251.
Spiders: Do they make a Noise? 119,

215, 239.
Spiranthes aestivalis, 280.
Spontaneous Generation, 114.
Squirrel, the Flying, 131.
Stag-beetle, 28 1.

Staining of Muscular Tissue, 275.
Staining Vegetable Tissue for Micro-
scopical Investigation, 97.
Starch, the Microscopy of, 219.
Stones near Tichbome, Singular-looking,

263, 283.
Structure, History of Rock-, 101.
Structure of Igneous Rocks, 118.
Surirella, Gemma, 159, l60.
Sussex Heronries, 88.
Swallows, Early, 143.
Swallows in November, 23.
Swallow-tailed Butterfly, 238, 261, 280.
Swiss Alps, the Old Glaciers of the,

164.
Symphytum tzeberosum, 210, 277-

Tadpoles of Newt, 21, 46, 95.
Tails of Caterpillars, 44.
Tea, Cold, for Watering Plants, 280.
Teeth of a Fly, 69,92, 115, 167.
Tennyson and His " Sea-blue Bird of

March," 282.
Tetanocera Hieracii, 104.
Teucrium chamcedrys, 282.
Ticks on Dormouse, 47.
Ticks on Mice, 46.
Tiger-moth, the Large, 191.
Tissues, Polarization of Living, 88, 114.
Toad, Brown, 119, 143, 188.
Toads lound at Troy, 190.
Toads, Spawn of, 21.
Tomato, or Love-apple, 154.
Tortoise, Fresh- water, 119.
Tortoiseshell Butterfly, Small, 262.
Trees, Decaying, in Hyde Park, 186, 237.
Turn-table, Ingenious, 15.
Turtle, the Snapping, 32.
Twin Birds, 95.

Unicellular Alg.b, Parasitic within
Silurian and Tertlary Corals, 68.

Vanessa urtictB, 191.

Varieties of Colour in Wild Flowers, 257.

Varnish for Finishing, 15.

Varnish, White, for Microscopic Cells,
15, 46, 77.

Vegetables, History of our Cultivated,
25, 73, 74, 154.

Vegetable Tissue, to Stain, 97.

Veronica Buxbaumii, Ten., 138.

Veronica (Speedwell), 23.

Viper-grass, 74.

Viscum album, 273.

Vitality of «Kgs, 255.

Vivarium, Reptile, 266.

Volcanic Dykes, Mechanism of Produc-
tion of, 258.

Voloox gtobator, 191, 208, 234, 282.

Voracity of Fish, 11 9.

Vorticella?, Parasitic, 135, 165, 190, 262.

288

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

Walker, Mr. James, as a Botanist,
19.

Walton's (Izaak), "Compleat Angler,"
80.

Wasps eaten by Dogs, 45, 94, 167.

Water-hens, the Doings of a Pair of,

Watering Plants with Cold Tea, 280.
148.

Water-rat, 167, 189, 260.

Water-vole, 261.

Watford Natural History Society Pro-
ceedings, 21.

Wellington College Natural Science So-
ciety, 160.

Wenham's Newest Binocular Arrange-
ment for the Highest Powers, 269.

White and Scarlet Thorn, 234.

Whiteley Dean, the Plants of, 42.

White Plants, 277.

White's " Selborne," 23.

Wild Flowers, Varieties of Colour in, 257.

Willow, the Growth of, 10 7, 188.

Wincopipe, 69, 70.

Windows, Slit, 45.

Wisterias and Clothes Moths, 190.

Woodlice, 188, 239.

Woody Structures, Form-elements in,
208.

Woollen Moths, 280.
Wryneck, 106, 262.
Wythe's Illuminator, 255.

Ybllow Bunting, 215.

Yellow Butterfly, the Clouded, 213, 277.

Yorkshire, the Botany and Geology of

West, 210.
Yunjt torquilla, 1 06.

Zoological Notes, 223.
Zoology, 16, 40, 65, 88, 114, 137, 160, 184,
209, 232, 256, 275.

WYMAN AND SONS, PRINTERS, GREAT QUEEN STREET, LONDON, W.C.

A CLASSIFIED INDEX

TO

HARDWICKE'S

9 U U -f^

YOLUMES L to XII.

186B— 1876.

LONDON:

HARDWICKE & BOGUE, 192, PICCADILLY.

1877.

WORKS BY THE EDITOR OF "SCIENCE GOSSIP."

HALF-HOURS IN THE GREEN LANES: a Booh for a Country Stroll,

Illustrated with 300 Woodcuts. Third Edition. Crown Svo., cloth, 4s.

HALF-HOURS AT THE SEA-SIDE; or, Recreations with Marine Objects.

Illustrated with 150 Woodcuts. Third Edition. Crown Svo., cloth, 4s.

GEOLOGICAL STORIES : a Series of Autobiographies in Chronological Order.

Third Edition. Illustrated with 175 Woodcuts. Crown Svo., cloth, 4s.

THE AQUARIUM ; its Inhabitants, Structure, and Management. Illustrated

with 239 Woodcuts. Crown Svo., cloth extra, 6s.

NOTES ON COLLECTING AND PRESERVING NATURAL HISTORY OBJECTS.

Edited by J. E. TAYLOR, F.L.S., F.G.S. Contents: Geological Specimens, by the Editor;
Bones, by E. F. Elwin ; Birds' Eggs, by T. Southwell, F.Z.S. ; Butterflies and Moths, by Dr.
Knaggs ; Beetles. byE. C. Rye, F.Z.S. ; Hymenoptera, by J. B. Bridgman; Fresh-water Shells, by
Professor Ralph Tate, F.G.S. ; Flowering Plants, by James Britten, F.L.S. ; Mosses, by Dr. Braith-
waite, F.L.S. ; Grasses, by Professor Buckman ; Fungi, by Worthington G. Smith, F.L.S. ; Lichens,
by Rev. James Crombie, F.L.S.; Seaweeds, by W. H. Grattan. Illustrated with numerous Wood-
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HAEDWICKE & BOGUE, 1-92, PICCADILLY.

mmk

PREFACE.

^^

OR several years past we have been frequently

importuned to publish a General Index to

Science-Gossip. On issuing a new series

with the present year, marked by new type

and improved paper, it was thought this

would be a favourable opportunity for arranging a

General Classified Index of all the Subjects treated

upon in the Twelve Volumes which our Magazine has

lived through.

The task, however, proved more formidable
than we imagined; hence the delay in the issue of
the Index. None of our readers will be more sur-
prised than we have been, whilst seeing this laborious work through
the press, at the enormous ground which has been covered in twelve
years. If any proof were required as to the active spirit of inquiry
and research which has been abroad during the above period, it would
be no absurd boast to point to this Index as one token of it. Every-
thing relating to Natural Science has been discussed and examined in
our Volumes, so that the headings alone are sufficient to fill no small
number of ordinary pages.

We are more convinced than ever that the spirit in which we have

PREFACE.

endeavoured to conduct Science-Gossip is the right one — free as possible
from the extreme technicalities of Science on the one hand, and from
mere dilettantism on the other. Scientific men see with pleasure how
largely increasing is the class of educated people who take an interest
in their labours, and even devote as much of their own time to the
same subjects as business or professional pursuits will allow ; scientific
information is more eagerly sought after by the more intelligent masses,
and it is to these especially that we endeavour to appeal.

At the same time, we hope the present Classified Index will show
that our labours have not been in vain in the cause of true Science.
The Naturalist will see in it an Encyclopedia of general Natural History,
full of details on most subjects, all of which can now be easily sought
out. The paragraphs and articles may be very unequal in their scientific
value, but we think that, as a whole, the Index shows that the Twelve
Volumes of Science-Gossip include a mass of data which cannot fail to
be useful for general popular scientific reference.

CLASSIFIED INDEX TO SCIENCE- GOSSIP.

VOLUMES I. to XII.

1865—1876.

ZOOLOGY.

ACALEPHS and CORALLINES, ii. 124

Acanthia lectularia, iii. 269

Acari, i. 65 ; iii. 43 ; 124, 207; iv. 41, 69

Acarus of the fly, iii. 207

Accordula tephronota, v. 274

Aohatina acicula, i. 61 ; vi. 278

Acherontia atropog, iii. 190, 203, 213, 214,

262 ; iv. 23, 185 ; v. 220, 257, 278 j viii.

20, 40, 46, 184, 238
Achyla prolifera, vi. 23
Acineta tuberosa, v. 106
Aeontia luetuosa, v. 21
Acrida viridissima, iv. 196, 236
Actinia : a fresh-water, iv. 247 ; pre3erving,

ix. 276
Actinia?, stinging power of, ii. 70, 143,

159, 190
Actinoloba dianthus, &c, v. 56
Actinophrys, iii. 104; vi. 107; Eichornii,

remarks on, ii. 87; xii. 35; Sol, xi. 107
Adder : fatal bite of an, xii. 215 ; and

mole, x. 189; in a nest, ii. 160; pied,

ii. 143
Adders, swimming, xi. 143
Adjutant, how I tried to poison an, ix. 3
Admiral or admirable ? v. 262 ; vi. 21, 70
Admiral, Red, v. 257, 262, 278
jEcophylla smaragdina, vii. 127
iEgeon Alforrii, ii. 16
-53shna grandis, iv. 245
Agrophila sulphuralis, vi. 184
Ailanthus moth, the, iv. 263, 283
Ailantieulture, ii. 69
Air-bugs, ix. 228
Air-ean, self-acting, for fresh-water and

marine animals, xii. 115
Alauda : alpestris, x. 45 ; arborea, viii. 44,

68, 70, 93 ; arvensis, v. 190
Albatross, vi. 209
Albinism of animals, vii. 281
Alca alle, v. 279
Alcedo ispida, iv. 204, 234
Aleyrodes, ii. 19

Alligators, economic value of, x. 113
American blight, i. 185; iv. 186, 192
Amoeba?, i. 45 ; x. 255 ; earth-dwelling,

xi. 86
Ampelis garrulns, iv. 181
Amphioxus, anatomy of, xi. 184
Anas crecca, vi. 35, 66
Anatomical preparations, xii. 164; to pre-
serve, ii. 93
Anchovies, English, ix. 17
Anchovy, ii. 254 ; iii. 41 ; vii. 17 ; ix. 17
Andamans, among the, x. 81
Anemone : an amputated, iii. 134 ;

ancient sea-, ii. 23 ; baseless sea-, iii.

136; British, i. 188; curious sea-, iii.

134; daisy, iii. 46; infusoria, vii. 115,

142 ; prolific, ii. 231 ; iii. 39 ; rare sea-,

iv. 234 ; tenacious, iii. 23
Anemones: Brighton, v. 210; double, xi.

283; are thev oviparous? iii. 190;

Scilly, ii. 45; sea-, i. 40, 155, 196,

239, 260, 285; v. 66, 90, 203; xi. 23;

solution for preserving sea-, x. 45 ;
stinging power of sea-, ii. 70, 143, 159,
190

Angler, Compleat, fac-simile of, xii. 80

Anguis fragilis, vii. 160 ; xii. 275

Animal : from the Salt Lake, v. 73, 130,
234 ; grafting, iii. 256

Animal life, daration of, v. 42

Animalcule : iv. 71 ; the crown, ii. 253 ;
v. 130 ; jelly, i. 58 ; suctorial, v. 106 ;
wheel, ii. 276

Animalcules : eel-like, i. 213 ; to view
alive, ii. 44, 114 ; water, ix. 213

Animals : anecdotes about, ii. 221 ; asso-
ciation of, v. 116, ; dress of, x. 177 ;
effects of freezing on, ii. 45 ; increase
of, iv. 64 ; kindness to, vii. 136 ; curious
laws to protect, viii. 39 ; and light, iv.
283 ; and man, iv. 209 ; of medium size,
iii. 164; notes on common, viii. 232;
pain in, ix. 143 ; and plants, helps to
distribution of, iii. 244 ; preserving, i.

43, 63 ; rare British, v. 69, 118, 160, 161 ;
suicide, do they commit ? viii. 70, 116 ;
x. 42; tails, uses of, xi. 126, 190, 211,
212, 213 ; undying, iv. 16, 40, 62, 106

Annelid, fly mistaken for, viii. 277

Anobium, iii. 38, 255 ; ravages of, viii.
20S, 216; slough of, iii. 211; tesselatum,
i. 60

Anodon cygneus, xii. 165

Anodonta cygnea, iv. 160 ; xi. 118, 136, 212

Anser gambensis, vi. 51

Ant: agricultural, of Texas, iv. 1 ; hills,
iv. 88; honey of Texas, iii. 118; horse,
ii. 213, 238; house, i. 170, 239; v. 22;
jottings in India, viii. 109; nest beetles,
ii. 89 ; vii. 231 ; red house, ii. 272 ;
iv. 213, 234, 261, 263 ; large wood, ii.
150 ; vii. 19S ; x. 71 ; yellow, vii. 183 ;
see " Ants "

Anthea cerens, vii. 212

Anthorma pluvialis, iv. 260

Anthrenus, iii. 254

Anthus : montanus, ii. 277 ; spinoletta,
i. 64, 76

Ant-lion, vi. 87

Ants: i. 262; iv. 59, 117, 118, 138, 159,
177,282; vi. 241; vii. 17, 127,245; viii.
261, 263, 264; ix. 22,239, 233; X. 58;
xi. 22, 143, 239 ; and aphides, iv. 190 ;
ix. 277 ; black, i. 238 ; and cineraria,
i. 143 ; and cocci, i. 234 ; to destroy,
iv. 143, 213, 234, 261, 263; v. 47; vi.
263; x. 23, 70; xi. 165; the driver, i.
113; eggs, ix. 165 j curious emergeuco
of, ix. 211; festoons of, i. 116; righting,
viii. 214; of Great Britiin, i. 185;
instincts of, viii. 201 ; xi. 238 ; are they
pirates ? ix. 92 ; and precious stones, ix.
92; robber, vii. 27'); and their slaves,
vii. 273 ; and spiders, iv. 23 ; storing
grain, i. 113 ; swarms of, x. 283 ; xi.
22; white, vi. 185, 263; vii. 1, 90 ; viii.

44, 69 ; winged, i. 263

Aphides : and ants, iv. 190 ; ix. 277 ; halt,
aquatic, x. 167 ; and honeydew, xi. 165 ;
killing, vi. 141; male, appearance of ,
ix. 47 ; notes about, ii. 6, 94; ix. 173,
212, 238, 263, 277; x. 147; parasitica,
diptera in, v. 263 ; swarms of, i. 237 ;
winged, vi. 249; see "Aphis"

Aphis : etymology of, x. 234; ichneumon
of the, x. 180, 208 ; lion and lacewing
fly, v. 15 ; of the maple, iii. 204; migra-
tions, xi. 238 ; on moneywort, i. 257 ;
populi, i. 257

Aphrodederus sayanus, viii. 151

Aphrophora spumaria, iv. 168; v. 3 ; v. Ill

Ape, the 3arbary, v. 116

Apes and man, ix. Ill, 184

Aplysia, new species of, vi. 113; punc-
tata, vi. 185

Apterix Australis, xi. 152

Aquaria : aeration of, i. 211 ; x. 124 ;
animals, ii. 69, 95, 104 ; bottom of, iii.
214; cement for, ii. 22,46,239,260,261,
262 ; cleaning, i. 167 ; iii. 238 ; xi. 139 ;
dust on, iii. 69, 117. 118, 141, 112 ; fish
in, i. 119; ii. 21 ; xi. 261 ; fountain for,
ii. 14; in Prance, iii. 143; freshwater,
i. 183,211, 212, 213; iii. 141; ix. 282.;
x. 70, 71 ; history of, ii. 74; how to put
right, xi. 47, 91, 93, 165; machine for
producing circulation in, i. 118; marine,
i. 129; ii. 260; vi. 121, 179; vii. 196,
256, 281 ; viii. 81, 112, 165 ; x. 71, 94,
95, 118, 191, 223, 262, 263; xi. 68; xii.
17 ; miniature, ii. 66 ; molluscs in, iv.
236 ; plants, i. 92, 141 ; xii. 89 ; snails in,
ii. 215 ; streams ia, i. 183 ; tadpoles in,
iii. 167 ; to make watertight, ix. 214,
238, 262, 283

Aquarian difficulties, i. 154, 183, 213,
239; vi. 142, 165, 191,215

Aquarium : Anacharis Alsinastrum in, v.
239 ; bryopsis for, v. 165 ; and fernery
combined, i. 71, 117; chara in, iii. 214,
238; Brighton, vi. 40 ; xi. 161 ; Crystal
Palace, viii. 65 ; gobies in, i. 42 ; history,
ii. 74; Manchester, x. 162; xi. 161;
Naples, viii. 233 ; notes, xii. 62, 213 ;
perch in, iv. 142 ; pest, ii. 166, 191 ; iii.
70, 95, 118; rock-work for, viii. 215;
why turbid, vii. 93 ; in winter, ix. 262;
x. 69 ; worms, vi. 238

Aquatic insects can sustain severe eolrL,
vi. 41

Aquatic warbler, ii. 139

Arachnid, new, viii. 260; x. 121, 161, 171,
185, 209, 234

Ardea : cinerea, v. 85 ; stellaris, iv. 39 ; vL
95, 137

Arge galathea, parasites on, vii. 233, 258,
262

Arges cyclopum, vi. 25

Argus reflexus, x. 121, 161, 171, 185, 209,
234

Argvnnis: Adippe, ix.160; Aglaia, ix. 160;
Lathonia, v.42; vi. 233,258; Niobe,xi.215

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

ZOOLOGY (continued).

Armadillo vulgaris, vi. 41

Artaxerxes butterfly, i. 66

Artemia salina iu America, v. 113

Arthrouomalus longicornus, v. 69

Ascidians, ii. 30

Asilidae, xii. 155

Assiminea gray ana, vi. 259

Asterina gibbosa, iii. 279

Asterias, vi. 150

Astinomus sedilis, xi. 278

Athalia spinarum, iv. 232

Atherine, ii. 254

Atropos, iii. 41, 51 ; pulsatorius, i. Ill ;

iii. 29, 41, 51 ; iv. 87, 113
Attheya decora, ii. 214
Atticu9 luna, ix. 252
Auk : the «reat, viii. 65; eggs of, i. 184;

little, v. 279
Aurocorisa, or air-bags, ix. 223
Awbe, vii. 119, 143

BACILLARI 4 paradoxa, v. 139, 215
Bacteria, viii. 211 ; aud mierozymes, ix.

257
Badger, i. 63. 87, 135 ; vi. 95; vii. 41
Badger : iu Cornwall, v. 210 ; iu Norfolk,

v. 166 ; and otter, v. 90, 118, 137, 258,

262, 277 ; vi. 54 ; white, i. 118
Balena mysticetus, iii. 275
Banded beauty, xi. 215, 281
Barnacles, vii. 112; ix. 169, 193; aeorn,

ii. 211 ; and corals, i. 211 ; fishes, xii. 23

Barn owl, iii. 17

Basse, i. 208

Bat, vampire, vii. 233, 277

Bath, insects at, vii. 229

Bath white butterfly, vii. 263

Batrachia, young of, ix. 183

Bats, vii. 41 ; viii. 18, 86 ; xii. 95 ; bar-
bastelle, x. 67 ; by daylight, ix. 262 ;
hairs of Indian, iv. 26; hardihood of,
ix. 94 ; hybernation of, ix. 93 ; noctule,
X. 215 ; in spring, x. 118 ; in sunshine,
vii. 161, 215 ; terror at, iv. 263 ; iu
winter, vii. 66

Beaver, gigantic fossil, i. 44

Bed-straw hawk-moth, vi. ;209, 229, 233,
283; xi. 208

Beehives, duration of, x. 22

Bee : is it a, vi. 142 ; dammer, i. 252 ;
odours, v. 21, 68 ; progeny, vi. 278 ;
queen, ix. 44, 69, 116, 143, 189, 251, 262,
273; x. 46; xi. 93 ; queen, fecundity of,
iv. 208 ; roseleat cutter, ix. 9, 94, 211

Bees : in birds' nests, ix. 21 ; black versus
Ligurian, vi. 31; in a cart-box, viii. 212 ;
of Cuba, iv. 47 ; deserting, v. 263, 278;
vi. 21, 42; feeding, ii. 71 ; food or, viii.
38 ; and fruit, i. 287 ; and glow-worms,
ix. 190,212; in Himalayan mountains,
viii. 56; hybernation of, v. 41, 70, 93,
134, 164, 166; Italian, Alp or Ligurian,
vi. 257 ; at large, iii. 212 ; at laurel, iv.
191 ; Ligurian, i. 41 ; v. 213, 237, 256,

263, 283; vi. 21, 24, 34; nests, viii.
239; parasites of, ii. 115; vi. 1, 42;
and plants, ix. 44, 67 ; and pollen, ix.
67; powdered as a remedy, v. 71;
queries about, iv. 46, 191 ; vi. 119, 141,

142, 167, 188, 212, 213, 215 ; remains, i.

143, 166, 167 ; removing, i. 257 ; saga-
city in, vi. 65, 117; aud Boot, vii. 71,
116; &c, stings and poison-glands of,
i. 65, 142 ; iv. 148, 205 ; ix. 44, 50, 69,
89, 93, 116, 113, 251; strange, vi.

141, 143, 161 ; suffocation of, i. 185 ;
superstitions about, i. 34; iv. 283;
swarming early, ii. 119 ; Bwarming of,
v. 183, 191, 213, 237,248; x. 280; Virgil
on, ii. 47, 70, 71 ; and wasps, i. 263 ; ii.
22; x. 112; and wasps, stings of, ix. 44,
46, 50, 69, 89, 91, 93, 116, 143, 273;
white, xi. 263 ; why did they go ? i. 93 ;
wild, i. 137 ; zinc troughs for, vi. 142,
167

Beetle : Colorado potat", x. 89, 90; xi. 92,

142, 161, 200, 230; diamond, iii. 64;
musk, ix. 266; rare, ix. 233 ; sexton,
strength of, ii. 279; stag, viii. 45; x.
69

Beetledom, story of, i. 98
Beetles : and ants, ii. 89 ; vii. 231 ; brown,
xi. 235; chirping, ii. 41, 71, 83; collect

ZOOLOGY (continued).

and mount, iv. 73 ; eye of, ix. 262 ; light-
giving, vi. 112; metallic markings, iii.
275; mortality among, ii. 190; mum-
mied, vi. 113; preserving, viii. 145; to
remove from cardboard, xi. 238 ; scaven-
ger, vi. 143 ; something like, v. 191 ;
swarm of, vi. 233, 263; water, ii. 183; iv.
142; wood-boring, iii. 255
Bird: dentigerous, ix. 179; destruction,
iv. 185 ; fly, viii. 139; large struthious,
X. 213 ; life curiosities of, viii. 165 ;
music, vii. 233; New Guinea, xii. 133;
notes, vi. 184 ; nut-stowing, ix. 33 ; para-
sites, eggs of, vi. 132; pets, xii. 19 >;
prognostication, vii. 159 ; slaughter, ii.
15; iii. 93, 94
Birds : Abyssinian, v. 184 ; Act for pro-
tection of wild, xi. 87 ; affection in, vi.
65 ; albinism in, v. 22 ; anecdotes of, i.
181; arrival of migratory, ii. 116; x.
162 ; xi. 257 ; for an aviary, vi. 113, 159 ;
beaks of insectivorous, vii. 226 ; of
Berks and Bucks, iv. 41, 160 ; Birds !
vii. 10 ; book of, vi. 84; British, v. 39,
85, 107, 113, 156. 179, 227, 253, 274; vi.
12, 35, 58, 108, 157, 179 ; xi. 41 ; breed-
ing in confinement, iii. 70, 117, 118;
brevipennate, x. 154, 155 ; xi. 154; cage
and saffron, viii. 166 ; caged and cat, x.
23; clarification of, x. 63; colour of,
xii. 259, 282; cretaceous, viii. 235;
death of native in New Zealand, vi. 86 ;
destruction of, iv. 185 ; dialects of, ix.
119; distribution of, viii. 53 ; early, v.
113, 13^, 137; early appearance of
migrant, vii. 137 ; eating shells of eggs,
viii. 140, 167; in an eclipse, i. 207;
European in New Zealand, vii. 209;
flight of, iv. 9 ; v. 214, 261 ; ix. 161, 211,
212 ; and flowers, vii. 63 ; xi. 95, 136, 214,
235 ; geographical range of, viii. 184 ;
gigantic, xi.153; hybernation of, iii. 214 ;
and insect pests, i. 16) ; and ivy berries,
xi. 14 i ; of Killingworth, iv. 191; laud,
and their home, viii. 8; laying away from
the nest, xii. 261 ; little, viii. 174; local
names of, x. 22, 67, 142, 232; xii. 282 ;
longevity of, x. 63 ; maggots on stuffed,
ix. 214, 238 ; of Maidstone, notes on,
xii. 93 ; of Malaya, iii. 161 ; and mice,
viii. 116, 214, 238; as morning visitors,
v. 258 ; names of, i. 239; ii. 262; ix.
262; neotropical, x. 135; nest imbedded
in tree, vi. 114 ; neots, bees in, ix. 21 ;
nest", edible, iii.[39 ; extraordinary posi-
tion for, vii. 161; peculiarity of, ix. 203;
new species of European, viii. 18; uidi-
ficatiou of rarer, ii. 238, 260, 262; of
Norfolk, iii. 149; vi. 276; of Paradise,
vi. 246 ; parasites on cage, ix. 118; plea
for, iv. 188, 267 ; poisoning their young,
ii. 141, 167, 189, 190, 238; power
of imitation in, viii. 263; xi. 22, 47;
preening, iii. 191, 215 ; to preserve, i.
48, 63; preservation of, ii. 22; and
primroses, x. 135, 166, 172, 184; rare,
iv. 64, 95 ; ix. 237 ; x. 46 ; xi. 41, 47,
64,87, 114; xii. 41; rare, destruction
of, iii. 69, 93, 94, 180 ; in Kent, iv. 41 ;
in Horfolk, v. 160, 161, 181, 192; in
Scotland, ix. 276 ; roosting habits of,
ix. 191 ; sagacity ot, viii. 280; xii. 215;
and severe cold, xi. 140 ; on sheep, ii.
118; small for the an'ipodes, iii. 113;
small, how supported in winter, xi. 92;
songs of, Vii. 92, 150; ix. 166, 190, 213,
214; xi. 81; southern, ix. 143, 187,
211; strange, xii. 260; stratagems of,
xi. 23«, 261, 262 ; supply of green foo'i
to caged, xi. 95, 119 ; wiud hovering of,
vii. 206; wingless, chapter on, xi. 152;
in wiuter, viii. 66
Birds' etgs, American, xii. 118 ; collecting
»n<i preserving, viii. 73 ; colour of, i. 39,
47, 87, 142, 231; vi. 238; vii. 237,
262 ; xi. 136 ; doubtful, xii. 165, 262,
2t3 ; mice destroyers of, iii. 41
Bitiem, i. 86; iv. 65; v. 113; in Aber-
deen, iv. 39 ; little, ii. 200, 277; in Nor-
folk, iii. 17; vi. 95, 137
Blackbeetles, i. 167, 238; ii. 23; or cock-
roaches P x. 142, 215
Blackbird, iii. 46, 280; Albino, vii. 208;

ZOOLOGY (continued).

crested, ii. 23; nest on Christmas-day,
v. 61 ; breaking shells on stones, vi. 21

Blackcaps, v. 65 ; viii. 79

Black Jack, or turnip saw-fly, iv. 232

Blight, American, iv. 186, 192 ; curious,
i. 167

Blindness, natural, vi. 182

Blindworm, ii. 185; iii. 179, 260; vii. 160 ;
xi. 262

Blister-fly, vii. 232

Blood-beetle, iii. 27, 62, 71, 94

Blood corpuscles, v. 142, 165, 190, 214 ;
x. 183, 207 ; red, of the hippopotamus,
walrus, and eared seal, xi. 18; shape
of, ix. 137 ; vertebrate, viii. 256

Blood crystals, ix. 137

Blood discs of salmonida;, ix. 40

Bloo'1, shower of, vii. 45.

Blow-fly : anatomy of the, v. 92 ; pro-
boscis of, ii. 20, 23

Blue birds of Galilee, ii. 214, 262,283;
iii. 21

Bluebottle flies, i. 70; iv. 234; v. 262;
vii. 261 ; ix. 211, 239, 263

Boar-fish, x. 42

Boat-fly, or water boatman, iii. S9, 117 ;
iv. 119, 209; xii. 119, 189, 223

Boleosoma Olmstedi, x. 57

Bombay Zoological Gardens, i. 46

Bombyx : cynthia, ii. 140; x. 69, 135;
neustria, [xi. 214; Pernyi, rearing, xi.
41 ; quercus, viii. 46; yamamai, v. 63

Bone-setter, nature as a, vi. 278

Bones, a chapter on, xi. 169

Borer, or hag-fish, v. 117

Brachiopods, embryology of, x. 62

BrambliDg or mountain linnet, i. 64; ii.
137

Bream, large, xii. 263

Breeding-cage, cheap, iv. 23

Breeze-fly, i. 194

Brighton, ^Delicate, v. 258, 279

Brighton and Sussex Nat. Hist. Soc,
ix. 61

Brimstone butterfly, iii. 119; viii. 95,
117; x. 119

Brittany, notes on fauna of, vii. 211

Bromley, and what I found there, i. 246

Broods, second, iv. 236

Brown-tail moth, vi. 263 ; caterpillar of,
xi. 95, 185 ; nests of the, xii. 66

Brown-tails and gold-tails, ix. 37, 69

Buffalo, xi. 260; xii. 22

Buff-tip moth, vi. 236

Bugong, ii. 45; iv. 114

Bugs, iii. 269, 276, 282; iv. 17, 40,214;
enemies of, iii. 260; skins, iv. 214;
water, vi. 188

Bulbul of the East, iii. 71

Bulimus Goodallii, iv. 17

Bullfinch, v. 156 ; food for, v. 215, 237,
238 ; nest of, ii. 160 ; 211, 237, 262; one-
legged, viii. 214; talking, viii. 45

Bullfinches, captive, vii. 154, 133

Bunodes gemmacea, v. 56

Bunting, riverside, xi. 52

Burnet : neiv British, viii. 231; six-spot,
i. 119, 151

Bush fires in Algeria, vii. 281

Bussage, Gloucestershire, natural history
notes, x. 244

Bustard : great, vii. 42, 66 ; little, iii. 83;
in Suffolk, ix. 234

Butcher-bird or shrike, i. 61; xii. 22, 66,
87 ; great, i. 184 ; and its prey, xi. 262

Butterflies : of Arabia and Egypt, vii.
137; British, vii. 133; ix. 238; British
in India, vii. 209; of Channel Islands,
viii. 65 ; cloud of, x. 139 ; destruction
of English, viii. 31; eggs of, vi. 251,
283 ; English names of, v. 241 ; heroic
names, i. 15; large and rare, ix. 91,
262; local names of, v. 116, 140, 161;
male and female, ix. 237; and moths,
how to collect and preserve, viii. 121,
241, 280; ix. 23, 158; remarkable flight
ot, v. 273 ; proboscis of, ix. 180 ; why
scarce after a damp winter, viii. 89, 139,
236; at sap, vi. 22; scarcity of, vii. 277;
viii. 189 ; ix. 282 ; to the rescue ! v. 68;
varieties of, iii. 232; iv. 137; wings of
British, ii. 27; winter, iii. 89
Butterfly : January, ii. 40; metamor-

CLASSIFIED INDEX OF VOLS. L— XII.

ZOOLOGY (continued).

phoses of, i. 30, 74 ; and nettle, i. 62 ;
parasites, i. 71, 262 ; plumules of, iv. 44,
214, 239; wings, development of, i. 113

CABBAGE BUTTERFLY : metamor-
phoaes, i. 30, 74; parasites, i. 71

Caddis : larvae, ii. 95, 109 ; worms, iii. 167;
worms and their cases, iv. 152, 189

Camberwell Beauty, ii. 27S ; vi. 299 ; via.
234, 239, 249, 263, 282 ; ix. 22, 65, 111,
118, 119, 111, 165, 215 ; xi. 277 ; xii. 114,
281

Campodes, viii. 272

Canada, Nat. Hist, of, ix. 215

Canaries: colour of, xi. 231; a gossip
about, viii. 53; maiming of, v. 17;
twin, xii. 95

Canary: antipathy of a. iii. 135, 215;
hawk, ix. 2 I ; peculiarity of a hen, vii.
238

Canterbury discoveries, xi. 119, 191

Cantharides, iii. 35

Cape: hen, i. 142,239; pigeons, i. 118;
salmon, i. 64

Caprimulgus Earopseus, xi. 4, 71

Carex, new, xi. 156

Carolina crake in England, i. 60

Carp : fan-tailed, iv. 138 ; and stickle-
backs, iv. 215

Case, insect, v. 94

Cassowaries, xi. 155, 185

Cat : age of, ii. 63 ; and caged birds,
x. 23; and doe, xi. 167; eating frog,
xi. 238, 263, 262 ; fleas, iii. 47, 214 ;
foster, pup of, iii. 186; an intelligent,
vii. 88; and kestrel, iii. 276; and kit-
tens, with hen, iii. 63 ; an old, ii. 255;
and rat, x. 142 ; predilections of, ii. 40 ;
sacred to [Hecate, i. 41 ; devouring
slow-worm, v. 161 ; and squirrels, iii.
208 ; before a storm, v. 117, 141, 164,
167; suckling squirrels, xi. 141; a
sympathetic, v. 233 ; see "Cats"

Catbird's eggs, i. 238

Caterpillar: anatomy of, x. 218, 281 ; xi.
70; of the hawthorn, i. 168; ii. 182,
215 ; nurture, vi. 148 ; transformation
of a hairy, vii. 65, 95; utilization of,
vii. 18

Caterpillars, xii. 44, 282; army of, ii. 133,
161 ; brood of, i. 126 ; changes of skin
in, x. 257 ; defoliating trees, i. lt'8 ;
fasting, iv. 64; hairs, irritating effect
of, i. 283 ; viii. 22, 137, 167, 190, 215 ;
horned British, vii. 193 ; January, in a
conservatory, vi. 47, 70 ; migration of
wood-boring, viii. 188; cat and mouse,
vi. 94 ; notes on web-weaving, viii. 58,
94, 115, 142; on apple-trees, I. 168; on
oak, i. 168 ; on willow, v. 261 ; parasites
in, xi. 282; processionary, xii. 221;
tenacity of life in, viii. 165, 262; vege-
table, ii. 176 ; venomous, ix. 161 ; at
work, vi. 47, 70 ; young in confinement,
viii. 161, 188, 237, 262

Catocala fraxiui, ix. 47

Catology, vii. 185

Cats, ii. 88 ; v. 188, 282 ; vi. 17, 23 ; and
birds, ii. 260, 276 ; clever, x. 280, 283 ;
and cockroaches, iii. 46; curious, x.
191, 262 ; at the fire, iii. 190 ; and frogs,
xii. 23; in Great Britain, vii. 162; hair
and electric sparks, iii. 212; Manx, i.
118, 142 ; and music, xi. 142, 166, 191,
211, 213, 237 ; oddity of, x. 191, 262 ;
xi. 23, 47; power of imitation of, xi. 22 ;
and puff-balls, v. 161 ; and rain, iii. 46,
190 ; do they eat reptiles ? v. 189 ; self-
denial of, iii. 20 ; and starfishes, v. 214,
234, 239, 283, 282; and water, v. 214;
xi. 94. 138, 213
Celery-fly and tomtits, i. 281
Celery leaf-miner, iv. 211
Cellepora, new species of, ix. 208
Cells, epithelium, ii. 239
Centipede : electric, viii. 20 ; luminous, v.

4", 47, 69, 71 ; phosphorescent, iii. 95
Centre-barred sallow, v. 234
Cephalopod, colossal, iv. 222, 262
Cereanthus Lloydii, v. 57
Ceratites citriperda, v. 42
Ceratodus, xii. 40, 90; living, xii. 163
Cerco-monad, life-history ot a, ix. 257

ZOOLOGY (continued).

Cerura vinnla, vi. 105, 121 ; caterpillar of

spitting, iv. 257
Ceylon, a new insect from, v. 84
Chaffinch : blue eggs of, ii. 167 ; a con-
fiding, iii. 94; and missel thrush, x.

282 ; nests, curious, of, ii. 138 ; iii. 232 ;

viii. 236
Chalk-hill, blue, curious marking of, iv.

233, 281
Chameleon, i. 72; iii. 257, 261; iv. 39,

42; viii. 71,92; utilized, viii. 214
Charadrius pluvialis, vi. 58, 9i, 114, 188
Charr, new species of, ii. 23
Chat, and other birds, xii. 10
Cheddar, natural curiosities at, xi. 225
Chelifers, or pseudo-scorpions, iii. 277 ;

v. 243 ; vi. Ill
Chenalopex Egvptiaca, iv. 64
Chicken: hatched by pigeon, x. 214; with

four legs, vii. 258
Chickens and hedgehogs, viii. 238, 281;

and sparrows, ix. 188
Children chewing areca - nut in Malay

archipelago, v. 213
Chinese: animals, new, viii. 209; wild silk-
worm, vi. 134
Chip-muck, American, xi. 36
Chaerocampa celerio, ii. 89, 211 ; iii. 257;

vii. 209
Cholera flies, vi. 249; and mina, vii. 87;

and swallows, ii. 283 ; iii. 17
Chrysalids: coloration of, iv. 17; curious,

iv. 89 ; curious places for, iii. 239 ; ix.

166; flying, v. 185; keeping, viii. 261,

262, 281
Chrysalis in rock, iv. 93
Chrysopa perla, vi. 231, 237, 239
Cicadas, vi. 41 ; in Brazil, vii. 71
Cirripede, a new, ix. 231
Cirrcedia xerampelina, v. 231
Clausilia Mortilleti, i. 61
Clear-wing moth, iii. 190, 214; xii. 133,

165
ClifVlen nonpareil moth, vii. 263 ; viii.

283
Clio borealis, i. 183
Clione, viii. 115
Clothes moths, viii. 115, 164, 166, 190,

214, 238 ; xii. 215, 237
Clouded yellow butterfly, i. 281 ; iii. 255,

276 ; iv. 17, 233, 262, 232: v. 17, 210;

x. 63, 95; xii. 213, 238,279
Cobra : how I killed, ix. 49; and ichneu-
mon, iv. 137
Cob-web making, xi. 100
Cocci, iv. 165
CoceinellidiB, ii. 140; xi. 95, 118, 166,

214
Coccothraustes vulgaris, iv. 109
Coccus of ash, i. 216
Cochineal, i. 210; xii. 119
Cockatoos, v. 188 ; x. 151
Cockchafer : grub of, ii. 46 ; and larvae,

vii. 167, 184; swarm of, ix. 239; uses

of, v. 69
Cock-nests, v. 68
Cockroach : eggs, v. 238, 283; tenacity of

life in the, iv. 215, 239
Cockroaches : or black beetles, x.

142, 215 ; and borax, vii. 117, 142,

166, 214; destruction of, iii. 166, 212,

280; iv. 22; vii. 168, 190, 21-', 214;

gregarinidae in, iii. 238; Loudon, iv. 15;

male, iii. 71 ; and mice, iii. 119, 141,

143 ; worms in, iii. 238 ; Yankee receipt

for getting rid of, iii. 113
Cocoons, silk, ii. 117
Codtish : Baltic, i. 261 ; eggs, i. 210
Coletit, vi. 42 ; ix. 22, 71, 167
Coleoptera : books on British, vii. 191 ;

collection of, iv. 73; new British, viii.

160
Colias : edusa, i. 281 ; iii. 255, 276 ; iv. 17,

233, 262, 282 ; v. 17, 210 ; x. 63, 95 ; xii.

213, 238, 279 ; hyale, iv. 233, 262, 282
Collecting : bottles, iv. Ill ; case, Ireland's,

vii. 125 ; indiscriminate, x. 6i, 137, 140,

142, 166, 190, 259
Collection catalogue, viii. 118, 162, 175,

212 ; ix. 46
Colorado beetle, enemy to, xi. 186
Coloration, cause of, xii. 281
Coluber austriacus, viii. 208, 232, 239

ZOOLOGY (continued).

Colymbus : arcticus, vi. 83 ; glacialis, x.

251 ; septentrionalis, xi. 88
Comatula rosacea, i. 95, 112; v. 239
Conochilus volvox, iii. 69
Conchological notes, iv. 17; works, i. 48
Congo snake, xi. 185, 207
Convolvulus hawk-moth, i. 263 ; iv. 233,

258, 259 ; v. 16, 259 ; xi. 259, 277
Coracias garrula, i. 70
Corallines, i. 177 ; v. 198 ; and aealephs,

ii. 124 ; to repair, v. 46
Corals and barnacles, i. 211
Cordon bleu, ii. 283 ; iii. 48
Cordylophora lacu9tris, v. 41
Corethra plumicornis, iv. 78 ; vii. 293
Corks, look to your, ii. 116
Cormorants, vii. 42; viii. 30,70; xii. 127,

261
Corncrake, ii. 160; iv. Ill; x. 22
Cornish Biieker, vii. 216
Coronella Jaevis, viii. 258
Cossus, ix. 130, 166, 188
Cotssold lion, vii. 119, 142
Couchia Edwardii, ii. 139
Cow and pig : affection of, v. 140; strange
incident, ix. 211 ; musical, vii. 22 ;
sagacity of, xi. 71
Crab : and its claws, vii. 95 ; curious
claw, i. 206; edible, ii. 215; a geologist,
viii. 179; hermit, i. 191; ii. 160; vii.
64; viii. 22; ix. 22; xi. 1S9, 238; king,
ix. 260; pea, common, v. 210; rare, iv.
113; robber, ix. 253; spider, v. 194;
tenacity of life in, ix. 22 ; out of water,
xi. 263,279; xii. 45
Crake : Baillon's, iii. 143 ; Carolina, i. 60
Crambus myellus, v. 42
Crane in Norfolk, v. 160, 184 ; at Sand-
hurst, iii. 161 ; in Shetland, i. 184
Crane-fly, ix. 263 ; larva, anatomy of, xi.
10, 171, 201 ; mouth of, x. 155, 189;
swarms, ix. 281
Crangon vulgaris, ii. 278
Crass, vii. 13, 42 ; locomotion of, vii. 65
Crawfish, xii. 238
Crex pratensis, v. 161
Cricket : house, xii. 143 ; mole, vi. 41
Crickets, i. 84, 113, 128, 166 ; iii. 89, 279,
281 ; xi. 237, 259, 261, 281 ; and cock-
roaches, i. 42, 66 ; how do they feed ?
xii. 278 ; to destroy, iii. 263, 279, 281 ;
iv. 22, 71 ; x. 168, 264
Crimson speckled footman, vii. 234, 239,

262, 277 ; x. 280 ; xi. 257
Crocodile in England, iii. 7, 41
Crossbill's nest, iv. 278
Crossbills, ii. 262
Crown animak-ule, ii. 253 ; v. 130
Crows, iv. 208 ; viii. 188
Crustacea : moulting of, vii. 112; to pre-
serve, vi. 21
Crustacean : footprints, ix. 186 ; a name
less, v. 101; new British, x. 209; pigmy
vi. 26
Cuckoo, i. 86, 183 ; ii. 88, 161, 184, 214
iii. 112 ; v. 16, 64, 65, 185, 232 ; vi. 108
138, 281 ; vii. Ill, 113, 158 ; viii. 105, 166
191, 281; ix. 117, 164; x. 162, 189
xii. 188, 215 ; bee-loving, ii. 160 ; eggs
i. 38, 87; iv. 113, 143, 161, 167, 214, 239
261 ; xii. 167, 214, 215, 236, 237, 259, 260
278, 279; Ispits, iv. 158; v. Ill; wag
tail, xi. 190
Cuculus canorus, vi. 108, 138, 281
Curious body in jaw of rove beetle, vi.

238
Curiosities, natural, i. 283
Curlew, vi. 179
Cuttle-fish bone, vi. 177
Cuttle-fishes: v. 218, 258; ix. 270; x. 4

26 ; gigantic, iv. 222, 282 ; x. 42
Cyclostoma elegant, vii. 42
Cynips aptera, v. 89

Cynthia : cardui, iv. 233 ; ix. 209 ; huntera,
capture in Hants queried, xi. 256 ; xii.
47, 137
Cyrena fluminalis, vii. 162

DABCHICKS, i. 152; vi. 119
Daddylonglegs, iv. 256 ; v. 23, 89, 95
Dagger-moth, viii. 95
Dammer bee, i. 252

8

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

ZOOLOGY (continued).

Dark arches moth, vi. 32

Darter, x. 57

Dartford warbler, nest of, v. 184

."Darwinism, contribution to, x. 230

Dead Sea, i. 259; iv. 238

Death-adder of New South Wales, iii. 161

Death-bottle, to make, vi. 282

Death-watch beetle, i. 60 ; ii. 34, 75, 251,

278 ; iii. 29 ; iv. 87, 113
Death's-head moth, i. 208, 234; iii. 190,

213, 214, 262 ; v. 278 ; vi. 161 ; viii. 20,

40, 46, 184, 238 ; ix. 214, 239 ; xi. 71,

119; in a beehive, vi. 143; food of, xi.

167 ; larva? of, iii. 208, 262 ; pupa?, &c,

iv. 23, 185 ; at sea, i. 41 ; vi. 114
Deer : poisoned by yew, i. 112 ; and

snakes, xii. 238
Deep, monsters of the, iv. 222 ; v. 55
Deep- sea life, off Norway ; ix. 184 ;

soundings, ii. 166
Deilephila Galii, -vi. 209, 229, 233, 283 ;

xi. 208 ; lineata, vi. 229 ; livornica, iv.

65, 233; vi. 161,232,233
Deiopeia : pulchella, vii. 234, 239, 262, 277 ;

x. 280; xi. 257
Dentalium, iv. 166, 185, 212
Dermestes, what is? iii. 28, 206, 254;

iv. 20
Devil-fish, v. 264

Devil's coach-horse, ix. 115, 187 ; xii. 69
Diamond beetles, iii. 64; ix. 82
Dinornis or moa, v. 89 ; vi. 65
Dipper, i. 135, 184; ii. 93, 116, 118, 140,

165, 206, 230, 255
Diplorhoptrum molesta, ii. 272 ; iv. 213,

234, 261, 263
Diptera, notes on, iii. 241; xi. 79, 147;

xii. 60, 103 ; parasitical in aphides, v.

263
Dipterous larvae under tortoiseshell,

vii. 41
Dissectors, hints for, vi. 103
Distribution of animals and plants, helps

to, iii. 244
Diver: blackthroated, and gannet, iii. 162 ;

capture of speckled, iii. 136 ; vi. 83 ;

great northern, x. 251 ; red-throated,

xi. 88
Dog : anecdote of, iii. 184, 232 ; bereaved,

iii. 39 ; calling birds, xi. 238 ; and cat,

xi. 167 ; eating wasps, xii. 45, 94, 167 ;

fireman's, x. 125, 198 ; fleas, iv. 92, 118 ;

«. fox, i. 160 ; life, iii. 155 ; and monkey,

■vii. 41 ; sagacity of, ii. 230 ; iv. 186 ;

street, vii. 223 ; in trouble, iii. 63, 190
Dog-fish, ii. 165, 189
Dogs : affection of, ix. 95 ; and eggs, vii.

283 ; entozoa in the heart of, vii. 184 ;

gyrations of, viii. 52, 95, 115, 140, 163,

188 ; house, iii. 136 ; name, " Tray," x.

282 ; oddity of, xi. 141 ; origin ot, iv.

65 ; and portraits, xi. 213, 283 ; predi-
lection for fruit, vii. 263, 283
Dog-whelk, i. 259
DoTichopus simplex, ix. 133
Dormouse, common, i. 202
Doris, spawn of, ii. 22
Dorr beetle, strength of, i. 41
Dorse, or Baltic cod-fish, i. 261
Doryphora decemlineata, x. 15, 89, 90
Dos-a-dos, vii. 71
Down of wild fowl, v. 212
Dragon-flies, preserving, i. 95
Dragon-fly, iii. 225 ; v. 95 ; pupa of, iv.

245, 283 ; in town, vi. 237, 262 ; vii. 17, 46
Drake hen, or corn-crake, ii. 16 J; iv. 114;

x. 22
Dredge, naturalists', vii. 143
Dredging, deep-sea, iv. 260; v. 185 ; viii.

89 ; off the Devonshire coast, xi. 190 ;

xii. 185
Dreissena polymorphs, iv. 166, 189,191,

212, 238 ; v. 123
Dress of animals, x. 177
Duck, tufted, viii. 70, 94, 143, 164
Duck's egg, gigantic, vii. 262
Dun Cow, ribs of the, v. 282; vi. 23, 38,

63, 69, 94, 96
Dungeness, visit to, ix. 80
Dytiscus and mussel, ix. 190, 282

3AGLE: golden, i. 13, 39; v. 160; viii.
115,165,253; x. 214, 283; golden, so-

ZOOLOGY (continued).

called, xi. 18 ; retired, iv. 208 ; sea,

viii. 142 ; white-tailed, iii. 40
Eagles, dislike of to bonnets, iii. 160
Earthworms, v. 161; vii. 118, 142, 143,

166, 167, 189, 212, 262 ; viii. 44; x. 263
Earwigs, i. 185, 213 ; vii. 94, 116, 119
Eastbourne, fauna of, x. 115
Echini, vi. 150; vii. 45
Echinoderm spicules, iv. 175
Echinothuridae, x. Ill
Echinus, ix. 156 ; lividus, iii. 82 ; sphoera,

ix. 156
Edward's midge, ii. 139
Eel : bobbing, iv. 258 ; freak of, iv. 189 ;

and pike, singular occurrence, i. 233 ;

voracious, xi. 213
Eel-pout, vii. 20, 30

Eels : i. 93 ; age of, xii. 263 ; and dew-
worms, i. 236; elvers, x. 191, 282;

generation of, ix. 16, 41 ; how are they

bred? i. 118, 141, 165; viii. 282; ix.

16, 41, 92 ; how the Chinese catch, vi.

213 ; migration of, i. 70, 95, 284 ; out of

water, xi. 92 ; in paste, vii. 289 ; viii.

41, 70, 87, 118, 281 ; wheat, iii. 19,66
Efts : ii. 88, 119, 143, 190, 213
Egg : curious, v. 209 ; deformity, v. 142 ;

hatchings, failure of, iii. 280 ; two birds

from one, viii. 164, 188 ; within an egg,

iii. 94, 119; see "Eggs"
Eggar moth : oak, iv. 41 ; vii. 213, 238,

262 ; viii. 22, 47 ; small, i. 126 ; .vii. 90,

113, 116, 165, 213, 237, 257, 263 ; viii. 9,

137, 190, 283
Eggs: and nest enclosed, vi. 't114; cen-

tenine, vi. 114 ; dogs and, vii. 283 ;

double, i.39, 63; iii. 22,46, 47; iv. 117,

151, 226; vii. 118; xii. 238; formation

of, vii. 21 ; insects hunting for, vii. 32 ;

large, v. 109, 144 ; vi. 114 ; vii. 262 ; xi.

153; small, v. 142, 167; vi. 212, 259;

spontaneous changes in, x. 20 ; stolen

by rat, iv. 259 ; Bucked, ix. 237 ; x. 47 ;

vitality of, vi. 191 ; xii. 255; see

"Egg"
Egg-tester, Schafer's, iv. 143
Electric fishes, ii. 268
Elephant hawk-moth, iv. 39, 215
Elephant, parasite of, vii. 131, 185, 211,

234
Elk, the, iii. 239
Elvers, are they young eels ? x. 191, 282 ;

xi. 45
Emberiza schceniculus, xi. 52
Embletonia Grayii, v. 70
Embryonic development, i. 65
Emeu, Australian, xi. 154
Emmelesia affinitata, vi. 68, 113
Emperor moth, v. 257; viii. 230; ix.

155; caterpillar of, vi. 239
Endromis versicolor, viii. 115, 142
Engraulis encrasicolus, ii. 254
Entomological : phenomenon, xii. 259 ;

season of 1871, vii. 208; season of 1873,

x. 1 ; Society of London, v. 232
Eutomologist, feline, iv. 233
Entomologist's Paradise in Perthshire,

vi. 277
Entomology : economic, i. 87 ; in coal-
pits, v. 65; exotic, xi. 59; insular, xi.

151 ; subterranean, x. 126
Entomostraca, new, v. 42 ; prehensile

antennae of, v. 127
Entozoa, vii. 208 ; in heart of dog, vii.

184
Epe'ira diadema, x. 270
Ephemera vulgata, v. 158
Epidemics, are they caused by infusoria ?

v. 21
Erinaceus Europaeus, vi. 273
Ermine in North Wales, viii. 71, 94, 119
Ermine-moth, white, viii. 143
Ethnology of Somersetshire, ix.236
Euplectella, viii. 180; x. 23, 47, 70, 119
Euthemonia russula, iv. 278
Evolution, ix. 154
Eye : ciliary muscle of, iii. 1188 ; facets in

the, i. 189; human, vii. 31
Eyes of men and animals, difference in

colour, xi. 71
Expedition: the Agassiz, viii. 186, 211,
260; the Challenger, ix. 105, 137; the
Thomson exploring, viii. 277

ZOOLOGY (oontimied).

FALCONRY, ii. 165

Feather-star, v. 209

Feathers and skins, to clean, ix. 40, 88

Fern-owl, or night-jar, xi. 4, 71

Field Club, Manchester naturalists', i. 23
naturalists' club for North London, ii.
69; South- West London, for, vii. 116;
St. Mary, Lambeth, Sunday school
teachers', x. 140; West London, iv.
114, 143

Field Clubs, London, ix. 191

Field crickets, ii. 227; viii. 59, 92, 119.
141, 182, 233

Fieldfare, vi. 12, 141 ; x. 243

Field-mouse, iii. 234 ; nest of in chignon,
viii. 262

Fireflies, i. 191 ; iv. 157; vi. 41, 70, 117 ;
vii. 232 ; ix. 269

Fires, origin of, from a natural history
point, x. 73

Fish : age of, v. 141, 214 ; air-bladders of,
i. 69 ; beds, iii. 67 ; cans, xi. 263 ; circu-
lation is, ii. 165; culture on the Lea, i.
141; Dead Sea, in, iv. 238; effects of
lightning on, i. 211; electric, ii. 268;
frozen, ii. 184 ; great slaughter of, i.
165 ; hooks cut out of shells, iii. 260 ;
how to preserve, ix. 237 ; hybridism of,
v. 22 ; increase, iii. 260 ; in the Jordan,
vii. 166, 189, 213 ; ladders, i. 16 ; new
lophoid, viii. 136; mortality, ii. 184;
moth, v. 94, 118, 142 ; moulds and fly
moulds, i. 134, 189 ; musical, vi. 57, 87,
95, 97, 146; mutilated, xi. 213; nest-
building, viii. 100 ; new British, ii. 161 ;
ordnance and, vi. 213, 259 ; parasite, iv.
65; scales, i. 261 ; iii. 19; v. 12, 41, 67,

163, 187, 260, 281 ; vi. 92, 140, 187, 235,
279, 280 ; vii. 20, 44, 140, 164, 188, 236,

260, 280 ; skeletons of, i. 48 ; songs of,
x. 257, 261 ; stinging, ix. 239, 260, 263 ;
stomach contents of, ix. 189 ; subter-
ranean, vii. 112 ; tame, v. 160 ; new from
Tasmania, viii. 235; tanks, iii. 191, 213 ;
tattle, i. 16, 42, J93, 141, 165, 207, 236,

261, 284; viviparous, ii. 24L ; volcano,
vi. 25 ; voracity of, xii. 119; worms in,
viii. 191

Fisheries, pearl, iii. 185

Fishes: of Algerian Sahara, xi. 18; of

Atlantic and Pacific oceans alike, iii. 45;

and barnacles, xii. 23; beautiful, ix. 141 ;

blind, in Kentucky Cave, viii. 54, 88, 136 ;

do they move after death ? ix. 119, 141,

164, 188 ; do they utter sounds ? xi. 22,
68, 141, 166, 189 ; how do they breathe ?
vii. 257 ; mud-loving, xi. 104 ; odd, ii.
50, 99, 171 ; iii. 26 0 ; of the mammoth
cave, xi. 65 ; preserved, iii. 161 ; respi-
ration in, ix. 234 ; siluroid habits of, x.
62; and swans, ix. 42,94; voice of, ix.65

Fishing gossip, ii. 276

Flea : internal parasites of, vii. 88 ; tena-
city of life in, iii. 21

Flea-bites, viii. 116

Fleas, ii. 16; iii. 113; iv. 244; v. 277;
vi. 259; vii. 97,155; ix. 116, 165; cat,
i. 278; ii. 46; iii. 47, 214; dog, iv. 92,
118; encampment of, iii. 134; and
Jews, v. 185 ; water, ii. 156

Fleshworm disease, i. 40

Flies: cholera, vi. 249; dead, viii. 236;
death to, i. 15; destroyed by wasps, i.
257; diseased, i. 70; don't neglect, ix.
89; grey, xi. 94; hybernation of, i. 113 ;
to keep away, xii. 190 ; Liliumauratum,
ix. 162; in liquor, vi. 273; night, in
Brazil, vii. 90; parasitic, x. 32; plague
of, iv.236; vii. 238; ix. 47; poisonous, iii.
167 ; pollen, ix. 40 ; in stable, xii. 190 ;
swarm of, vi. 65 ; Tennyson on, vii.
282; and wasps, i. 262

Flounder, long, viii. 45

Fly : acarus of, iii. 207 ; blue-bottle,
ix. 211, 239; breeze, i. 194; aud
chelifer, v. 283 ; circulation in,
i. 259 ; dead on window, i. 10 ; green
drake, i. 231 ; house, eggs of, iv. 92,
117 ; larvae of, i. 83 ; mistaken for
annelid, viii. 277; moulds, i. 10; and
fish-moulds, i. 134 ; parasites, i. 93, 227 ;
ix. 46; xi. 18; in pike-fishing, i. 280

Flycatcher, iv. 40; v. 107, 258; xii. 262;

CLASSIFIED INDEX OF VOLS. I.— XII.

9

ZOOLOGY (continued).

nest of, curious accident to, ix. 18S ;
red-breasted, ii. 15 ; spotted, i. 256 ; ii.
181; v. 184; ix. 214; usurping martin's
nest, iv. 89

Flying-fish, ii. 278;iii. 161, 181

Folkestone : Museum, vi. 283 ; natural
history of, vi. 65; Nat. Hist. Soc, iv.
119

Footman, crimson -speckled, vii. 234, 239,
262,277; xi. 257

Foraminifera, ix. Ill, 261, 274, 280

Fork-beard, greater, ii. 211

Form, analogy of, ii. 266

Formicary, how to manage, xii. 263

Fowls, iv. 65, 88, 95; vi. 189; rendered
senseless, curious customs, xi. 143, 166,
167, 190, 191, 212, 213 ; silk, xi. 156

Fox: v. do?, i. 160; with young, scent-
less, i. 166

Fox-moth, vii. 263, 276, 2S3 ; viii. 20, 161

Fox-shark, i. 165

Friendships, curious, iv. 119; v. 119; vii.
118

Fringilla spinus, v. 39

Fritillaries, British, xi. 75, 119

Fritillary : greasv, ix. 167 ; Queen of
Spain, v. 42; vfii.139, 237, 281

Frog, iv. 41 ; vi. 71, 119, 191, 233 ; circu-
lation in, ix. 183; eaten by cat, xi. 26:2;
eating its old skin, i. 233 ; green tree,
ii. 189, 211 ; iv. 206; v. 161 ; X. 69, 141 ;
in gooseberry-bush, iii. 234 ; little, v.
63 ; local name of, ii. 118, 142, 1«7 ;
new species of, ix. 137 ; parasites, v. 70 ;
season, iii. 213 ; spawn, iii. 63, 89, 117,
119; iv. 69; viii. 213

Frogs : colour in, vi. 233; and goldfish,
xi. 263 ; hybernation of, iv. 94 ; incar-
cerated, iii. 45, 69, 117, 207, 261;
showers of, viii. 20, 143, 167 ; ix. 95,
118; and toads, ii. 47, 69, 94, 117, 141,
213, 214, 261; iii. 234; xii. 190;
climbing, iii. 234

Frogs and toads, spawn of, xi. 213, 245,
276

Frogs, upland, iv. 213

Fumart, v. 22, 45, 69

Furze mites, vii. 236

Fusus berniciensis, iv. 143, 166 , 212

GADFLIES, xi. 147

Gall-flies, i. 59, 137; ii. 165, 215, 228;

iii. 64
Gall insect, new, i. 185; iv. 47, 140
Gall-midge, beech, i. 190
Gallinago major, vi. 65
Gallinula crex, iv. 114
Game cock, viii. 164, 236
Gamekeepers and zoologists, viii. 212
Gannet and black-throated diver, in. 162
Garden warbler, ix. 11
Garrulus glandarius, v. 253
Gasteropods, rotation of embryo in, iii.

261
Gasterosteus aculeatus, iv. 263 ; saltatrix,

iii. 20
Geese, excrement of, a cure for jaundice,

v. 141
Geometers, viii. 215
Geophilas electricus, &c, v. 49, 65, 71 ;

viii. 20, 46
GermoD, i. 261

Ghent, nat. hist, notes at. viii. 246
Giants, traces of, ii. 47 ; iii. 92 ; iv. 55
Gipsymoth, vi. 32, 71 ; vii. 215 ; viii. 23,

69, 119
Gizzard-shad, notes on, ix. 55
Glass shade, to make water-tight, ix. 214,

238
GleDgariff, good place for ichthyology, i.

208
Glow-worm: ii. 15; light of, vi. 69; vii. 207
Glow-worms, ii. 15, 238, 243 ; v. 45, 71,

190 ; vii. 207 ; viii. 68, 91 ; x. 85 ; bees

and, ix. 190, 212 ; wasps' nest, iv. 71
Gnat, i. 163; v. 16; vii. 108, 162, 191;

viii. 215; ix. 141; bites, iii. 142, 165,

260 ; plumed, vii. 18 ; vibratory motion

of, x. 258 ; xi. 68
Goat-moth, vi. 65 ; vii. 225 ; ix. 58, 90,

203, 212; caterpillars of, xi. 91
Goats, destruction of plants by, vii. 70

ZOOLOGY (continued).

Godwit, black-tailed, iv. 95

Gold crest, v. 42

Golden plover, vi. 58, 95, 114, 188

Goldfinches, iv. 191 ; vi. 261, 283

Gold-fish, ii. 165; iii. 165, 190, 191, 213;

iv. 143, 189, 212, 239, 278 ; v. 23 ; vii.

237; viii. 93, 139, 165; xi. 140, 207,

283 ; Ads of, v. 23 ; and frogs, xi. 263 ;

hatching, iv. 165, 190, 238
Gold-tail moth, viii. 143
Gold tails and brown tails, ix. 37, 69
Goose, Canada, vii. 156 ; Egyptian, iv.

64; xii. 41; longevity of, vii. 112,167;

migratory instiuct in, iv. 258 ; spur-
winged, in Wiltshire, vi. 51, 95;

stupidities of, xi. 70
Gooseberry caterpillar, xi. 23, 46, 91, 93,

94, 143, 191 ; enemies of the, xi. 239 ;

leaf caterpillar, x. 262, 264 ; pests, xi. 93
Gordius aquaticus, i. 107, 197, 288
Gorgoniadse, vii. 52, 92, 112
Gorilla, i. 38
Gossamer, iv. 51, 58, 124, 143; x. 280;

spiders, i. 151, 191, 213
Gracula religiosa, iii. 112
Grampus, xi. 206

Grasshopper in America, iii. 213 ; horse-
head, ii. 229, 254 ; large green, iv. 196,

236; viii. 94, 119, 141
Grasshopper warbler, iii. 186
Green caterpillar, x. 189, 281 ; xi. 23
Green drake, early, i. 231 ; v. 141
Greenfinch, seeking protection from man,

vii. 209
Grouse, red, v. 116, 141 ; ix. 237
Gryllus viridissimus, iv. 196, 236; viii.

59, 92, 91, 119, 141, 182, 238 ; ix. 261
Guano and guano-birds, ii. 17
Guernsey lepidoptera, x. 203
Guillemotr, ringed, vi. 95
Guinea-pig, ii. 141
Gulf-stream, the deep-sea dredging in, iv.

260
Gull : Bonaparte's, i. 38 ; glaucous, iii. 88 ;

herring, vi. 157 ; x. 191, 261 ; xii. 199 ;

inland, i. 256 ; vi. 138
Gulls: looking out, i. 14; pirate of the

northern seas, i. 272; xi. 191
Gurnard sapphirine, i. 236
Gymnotus, ii. 263
Gyr-falcon, ii. 64
Gyrinus natator, iv. 142

HADDOCK, spawn of, ix. 71, 141

Hag-fish or borer, v. 117

Hagg-worm, v. 117

Hair and its restorers, v. 93

Hair-tail, vii. 17, 88, 113

Hairs : of animals, comparative size of,

ix. 108 ; chapters on, i. 29 ; star-shaped,

ii. 248
Hairworm, i. 107, 197, 288; ii. 255; iii.

162, 190, 221; xii. 71
Hare : fur of, in winter, v. 118 ; and

rabbit, hybrid, iii. 23 ; vi. 262 ; vii. 17
Harrier in Norfolk, v. 160
Harvest-bugs, iv. 237, 263; vi. 236,261;

ix. 45, 167 ; xii. 281
Hastings : and St. Leonards, fauna of, xii.

115 ; marine zoology of, v. 214
Hawfinch, iv. 109. 160; v. 160; vii. 137,

184, 212, 213, 239, 262; viii. 130, 189;

xii. 69, 88, 167, 191,238, 260; nest of,

vi. 161
Hawk : and canary, ix. 20 ; daring of, iv.

63; at fault, vii. 207; and glass

window, vii. 238; and rat, i. 125; and

weasel, iii. 256
Hawks, v. 184; vii. 159
Hawk-moths, proboscis of, i. 263; ii. 23,

93, 141, 165
Hawthorn caterpillar, i. 168 ; ii. 182, 215
Healing power of nature, ix. 130
Hedgehogs, i. 81, 95, 108, 143, 207 ; ii.

165, 167, 191 ; iii. 280 ; iv. 23, 69, 81,

101); v. 69, 142 ; vi. 273; viii. 238, 281 ;

ix. 263 ; x. 47, 70, 71 ; xi. 94, 166, 235,

261; xii. 176; carnivorous, xi. 23, 47,

91, 117
Hedge-sparrow : and cuckoo, iv. 113, 143,

161 ; xii. 81 ; curious nest of, iii. 275 ;

viii. 166 ; entangled in its nest, v. 185

ZOOLOGY (continued).

Helix : carthusiana, iv. 70 ; vi. 261, 268,

277, 283 ; lamellata, v. 90 ; nemoralis,

v. 113; vi. 215, 232, 238; obvoluta, i.

61 ; ix. 276 ; pomatia, iv. 160, 185
Hemiptera, v. 115 ; new, ix. 208 ; am?.

snakes, food of, viii. 71
Hen: with cat andkittens, iii. 63; changing

from black to white, iii. 68 ; nest of,

singular place for, v. 64; recollections

of, vii. 282 ; and snake, xi. 140
Herald moth, ix. 118
Herbarium insect, i. Ill ; iv. 45, 69
Herneshaw, viii. 282 ; ix. 19, 20, 24
Heron, ii. 64 ; v. 85 ; in France, iv. 214 ;

Squaeco. i. 281
Heronries in 8ussex, xii. 83, 143
Herring, i. 284 ; vi. 41 ; dead as a, ii. 260t

233 ; iii. 263 ; iv. 45
Herrings and shads, iv. 160
Hippocampi, iv. 186; ix. 213, 276
Hippopotamus, birth anddeatli of a, vii.

88 ; viii. 46 ; ix. 16
Hirundinse, ii. 278
Hobby, iv. 229

Hoddy-doddy, vi. 21, 70, 93, 91, 212
Holothuriae, or sea-cucumbers, vi. 13?
Honey, iv. 189 ; vii. 282 ; viii. 215
Honey-dew, v. 192 ; ix. 47, 69
Honey-guide, ii. 66
Hoopoe, i. 181, 256 ; iv. 160
Hoopoes in Isle of Wight, x. 46
Hornbills at home, v. 136
Hornet's : nest, iv. 21 ; sting, vii. 113
Horse: anecdotes of, iii. 135, 233;

Australian wild, v. 160
House-fly, i. 82 ; iv. 92, 117, 260; xi. 257;

the medium size of animal, iii. 161;

in New Zealand, viii. 94, 115
Humble bee, iv. 95; v. 41, 134, 164, 166 ;

vi. 21 ; flies, xi. 79 ; English, in New

Zealand, xi. 277 ; winter home of, v. 70
Humming-birds, i. 218; iv. 65;inEugland,

v. 45
Humming-bird hawkmoth, i. 208 ; iv. 216;

v. 273 ; vi. 41 ; ix. 54 ; xi. 95
Hummings in the air, ix. 91
Hunter, Dr., early work of, i. 23
Hyalsea trispinosa, ix. 260
Hybrid, probable, between hare and!

rabbit, ii. 260 ; vi. 262
Hydras, vii. 92; ix. 12, 41, 68, 115, 161,

175, 277; xi. 156; fecundity of, viiL.

237 ; freshwater, viii. 132, 237
Hydrophilus, iii. 166 ; larva of, iii. 189„

212
Hydrophobia, prevention of, xi. 41
Hydrozoa, new order of, x. 208
Hydrozoan zoophytes, x. 152
Hydrozoon, gigantic, xi. 277
Hygroscopy reptile, viii. 112
Hylurgus juniperda, vi. 42
Hymenoptera : on collecting, xii. 46;

setting and prsserving, xi. 217, 269
Hypotriorchis : ssalon, &c, iv. 156, 229;

subbuteo, iv. 229
Hypsilepis anolostanns, ix. 224

IANTHINA, v. 31, 64; fragilis, ix. 260

Ibis : glossy, in Norfolk, v. 17 ; straw-
necked, ii. 137

Ice-birds, ii. 215

Ichneumon : of aphis, x. 180, 208 ; and
cobra, iv. 137

Ichneumons : new British, ix. 88 ; and
larvae, ix. 89, 143 : and Vanessa, i. 238,
263

Ichthelis appendix, xi. 7

Idolocoris elephantis, vii. 131, 185, 21L,
234

Ignorance of natural history, vii. 39

Iguana, a snake-killing, vi. 166

Imago and larva, i. 2C8

Insect : attractions, v. 282 ; vi. 8 ; collect-
ing, an evidence of insanity, iv. 16 col-
lections, influence of coloured glass on,
xii. 161 ; development retarded in 1873,
ix. 209 ; electrical, v. 239 ; larva, i. 259;
life, abundance of in tropics, vi. 66 ;
observations on, vii. 23 ; mimicry, viiL
234; moulds, i. 133; pests, i. 160; iii. 64-;
ix. 16; traps, v. 239; x. 174; vivarium,
i. 188; ii. 80, 118, 207, 239; vii. 267 ;
world influenced by cultivation, vii. 66

10

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

ZOOLOGY (cojitinued).

Insectariums, public, vii. 190, 231
Insecticide, petroleum as an, iv. 190
Insects : abstinence of, vi. 61; abundance
of in 1869, v. 233, 234 ; affection of, for
their young, vi. 64 ; antennae of, x. 29,
60; aquatic and recent rains, ix. 44; in
armour, i. 161 ; Australian, xi. 142 ;
balance of power, i. 193 ; at Bath, that
fell, vii. 165, 229; benzole, for killing
and preserving, i. 72 ; and birds, how
they fly, iv. 9 ; and birds of Malaya,
Hi. 161; box for catching, ii. 204;
British, defensive resources of, vii.
248; for cabinet, to kill, i. 113;
vi. 224, 270 ; in cabinets, iii. 45 ; cata-
logues of, ii. 213; iii. 264; vi. 137;
vii. 138 ; in coal-pits, v. 65 ; colour of
affected by hibernation, vi. 76 ; colour
of, dependent on food, vi. 247 ; com-
pound eyes of, i. 228, 249 ; curious,
viii. 184"; disguises of, iii. 193, 233,
234, 261, 279 ; distribution of, ix. 17;
eggs of, viii. 87 ; x. 69 ; eggs, collection
of, vi. 251, 283; vii. 32, 70, 93, 94;
eggs, hunting for, viii. 212; embryo-
geny of, vi. 58 ; exhibition of, in Paris,
iv. 158, 225 ; exuviae of, x. 233; feeding
on ferns, i. 66 ; iv. 213, 237, 261, 263 ;
viii. 282; ix. 92; feeding on wheat, i.
191 ; fertilization by, iii. 209 ; viii. 89,
257, 278 ; and flowers, vii. 258, 282 ; viii.
21 ; x. 184, 215 ; xi. 115 ; at Folkestone,
iv. 281 ; as food, ii. 117 ; v. 234 ; vi. 66 ;
food of, vi. 41 ; fungi on, ii. 127, 176 ;
gastric teeth o I, ii. 249 ; in greenhouses,
i. 15; growth of, iv. 70, 92, 93; at
home, viii. 12; imported, v. 136;
Indian, i. 251 ; x. 20 ; influence of
damp winter on, viii. 89, 139, 236; on
living leaves, xi. 235 ; metamorphoses
of, iv. 35 ; muscular force of, ii. 41 ;
muscular motion of, vi. 68 ; musical, vi.
133, 236 ; nets, ix. 32, 141, 186 ; new, viii.
185 ; ix. 65, 88, 89 ; new, from Cevlon,
v. 84; of Nova Scotia, i. 142 ; noxious
and beneficial, viii. 161 ; x. 184 ; origin
and distribution of British, ix. 107 ;
pain, do they feel it, vi. 224, 255 ;
parasitic and their prey, ix. 208; pre-
servation of, v. 165 ; x. 214, 240 ; xi. 93 ;
protective mimicry of, vii. 204, 248 ; xi.
18; rare, i. 257; iv. 233; x. 68, 165;
to remove grease from, i. 72 ; re-union
of severed, vi. 118 ; scarcity of, ii. 283 ;
iii. 23 ; at sea, ii. 117, 161, 184 ; on
snow, vi. 263 ; sounds produced by, iii.
214 ; vi. 64 ; specimens of, bred in col-
lections, vi. 258 ; spiracles of, i. 254 ;
volition in, vii. 22 ; in winter, ii. 93 ;
viii. 18 ; wood-boring, ix. 221
Instinct, natural, of partridges, vii. 65
Introductions, new, vi. 248; vii. 10, 95
Ireland, popular notions on natural his-
tory of, xii. 166

JACK, voracity of, v. 233

Jackal, Ceylon, xi. 175

Jackdaws : suicidal, ii. 189 ; and their

young, ii. 141
Jaculus Hudsoniu", x. 84
Japyx, viii. 272
Jay, v. 253

Jelly animalcule, i. 58
Jelly-fishes, i. 248
Jelly on sea-weeds, x. 166, 192
Jocko, why the popular name for monkey,

iv. 94
Jumart or fumart, v. 22, 45, 69

KANGAROOS, xi. 87

Katy-did, the, i. 146

Kawa'i, the, iii. 260

Kestrel, i. 206; v. 179, 257; vii. 62, 88;

and cat, iii. 276; defence of, iv. 16;

eggs of, vii. 237, 262
Keyhole limpet and parasite, i. 122
Kingfisher, ii. 63, 115, 190, 237; iii. 232;

iv. 204, 234; vi. 277; belted, ii. 26;

choked bv swallowing a shrew, iii. 186 ;

nest of, ii. 94,117, 166; iii. 232; ix. 140
Kite, the, iv. 251
Kolpods, i. 132 ; vi. 185
Kondylostcma patens, iv. 91

ZOOLOGY (continued).

LACE WING FLY, vi. 237, 239; and
aphis-lion, v. 15; eggs of, i. 190; food
of the larva of, vi. 231

Lackey moth, viii. 58, 95; eggs'of, iii.
119, 141

Ladybird, derivation of, x. 70, 94, 119,
131, 140, 143, 191

Ladybirds, ii. 169 ; v. 231, 267, 283 ; vii.
212 ; ix. 167 ; xi. 95, 118, 166, 214

Lake Utah, fauna of, ix. 184

Lamperns, v. 45, 71, 145

Lamprey, eggs of, x. 185

Lampreys, v. 71, 145

Laudrail : the, v. 161 ; vii. 45, 70, 71, 90,
94 ; ix. 214, 236, 239 ; is it a bird of
passage, vii. 45, 70, 71, 90, 94 ; parental
instinct of, ii. 185

Lanius excubitor, vi. 209

Lantern-fly, i. 191 ; light of, i. 191

Lapwing, v. 107 ; eggs of, v. 167

Large heath butterfly, abundance of, viii.
261

Larus argentatus, vi. 157

Larva and imago, i. 208 ; of unknown fly
or beetle, iii. 68

Larvse: cannibal, vi. 119; edible, iii. 30;
hints on preserving, ii. 119, 141 ;vi. 51 ;
increase of bulk of, i. 208 ; leaf-mining,
iii. 169, 212 ; from Paris, x. 69, 135, 142,
238 ; phantom, iv. 78 ; pugnacity of, i.
161 ; rare, vi. 39 ; rearing, iv. 92 ; ix. 238,
282 ; variable, v. 23

Lasiocampa quercus, iii. 256; herma-
phrodite, female of, xi. 270

Leaf insect, iii. 193, 204

Leaf-rollers, notes on, x. 220

Leeches, v. 76, 93, 143, 161, 165

Leicestershire, natural history of, ix. 174

Lepidonotus Lordi, i. 123

Lepidoptera: antennae of, x. 60 ; in clover-
fields, v. 21; collecting and setting, ix.
23, 158 ; colours of, viii. 175, 237, 261 ;
eggs of, vii. 70, 93, 94 ; of Guernsey, x.
203 ; influence of food and light on, v.
273 ; in lucern fields, iv. 257 ; marking
of, ii. 167,191 ; x. 46; missing link among,
xii. 16 ; of New Forest, xii. 227 ; plumules
of, vi. 20 ; scarcity of, ii. 260; sexes of,
i. 190 ; wearing of, xi. 246

Lepidopterist's Calendar, xii. 17 ; guide,
by Dr. Knaggs, v. 159

Lepisma, viii. 272 ; saccharina, v. 94, 118,
142, 1«3

Leporids, iii. 23 ; vi. 262 ; vii. 17

Lesbia to her sparrow, ii. 161

Lesser redpole, ne3t of, ii. 161 ; v. 89

Leucania vitellina, v. 258, 279

Life : animal, to destroy, xi. 189, 235, 237 ;
origin of, v. 93; vii. 211; xii. 183

Light, influence of, on insects, v. 57, 77,
137, 165, 188, 273

Lime hawk-moth, i. 161 ; variety, x. 135,
188

Lime-tree, mites of the, iv. 236

Limnea: glabra, vii. 17; glutinosa, vii.
230 ; involuta, ii. 142, 165

Liinnaeus peregra, i. 72; vi. 137

Limosa melanura, iv. 95

Limoet keyhole and parasite, i. 122; ii.
118

Lina populi, v. 249, 282

Linnet, mountain, ii. 137; xi. 141

Lion's tail, claw in, xi. 117

Liparis : chrysorrlnea, xii. 66; dispar, vi.
32, 71 ; vii. 215; viii. 23, 69, 119

Lipura, viii. 272

Lissotriton palmipes, i. 136

Littorina littorea, v. 117

Liver fluke, i. 15

Liverpool, seal of, ix. 238

LizarJ : common, ii. 79 ; x. 119, 224; em-
bedded, iv. 238 ; new European, x. 234;
sand, v. 90 ; and spider, x. 206

Lizards, ix. 132, 227 ; casting their tails,
iii. 256 ; iv. 23 ; xi. 45 ; gigantic flyiug,
viii. 235 ; green, v. 126 ; viii. 19) ; pre-
serving, viii. 282

Lobster, x. 190, 227, 282; xii. 45, 94;
boiled, v. 165, 213 ; gigantic, ix. 184

Locust : in England, xii. 276 ; Oriental,
v. 258; tail of, iii. 165, 189, 190

Locusta migratoria, v. 258

Locusts: in Algeria, vi. 259; or locust-

Z00L0GY (continued).

beans, which eaten by John Baptist,

vi. 271 ; gossip about, vii. 79 ; ravages

of, vii. 47 ; at sea, vi. 175
Lophoid fish, new, viii. 136
Lophopus crystallina, x. 268 ; xi. 33
Lory, grand, ii. 213, 239,262; iii. 20;

origin of name, viii. 112
Loxia curvirostra, nest, iv. 278
Lucanus cervus, iv. lo9
Lutraria maxima, i. 79
Lycoena : Alexis, iv. 233 ; Corydou,

curious marking of, iv. 233, 281

MACHETES pugnax, v. 274

Mackerel, little, v. 21

Macroglossa stellatarum, vi. 41

Macrothrix, vi. 204

Madrepores, i. 239, 287

Magpie : the, ii. 88 ; iii. 191 ; pet, our
Jack, xi. 74

Maigre at Brighton, v. 17

Malacca, pygmies of, ii. 239, 261

Mammalia, evolution of, xii. 164

Mammals, brains of tertiary, x. 237

Man : antiquity of, is. 114 ; in America,
ix. 43, 140; and apes, ix. Ill, 184; x.
110; ascent of, vii. 166; the commence-
ment of a new cycle, ix. 141 ; descent
of, vii. 112, 143 ; eater, mythical, x. 45 ;
in the past, i. 256 ; place in nature,
i. 46 ; unity of, iii. 110, 152, 173, 245,
267 ; iv. 16, 34

Man-suckers, gossip about, i. 50, 87, US,
135

Mantis, the praying, ix. 215, 239, 214, 261 ;
x. 23 ; xi. 282

Margarodes formicarum, i. 120

Marine: animals, to preserve, xi. 46;
phosphorescence, i. 190 ; x. 134

Marsh fly, ix. 133

Martin, curious, v. 190

Martins, xi. 190, 234 ; in difficulty, i. 40 ;
lateness of, iii. 17; xii. 23, 95; in
November, ii. 278 ; v. 22 ; scarcity of,
viii. 235; and sparrows, iii. 233; in
winter, ii. 46 ; vi. 270 ; burying wren
alive in nest, i. 135

Mayfly, the, v. 158

Medusae, v. 82

Megascolex diffringens, v. 161

Melitsea, larvae of, ii. 161

Men, Uu Chaillu's little, ii. 40

Menobranchus, anatomy of, x. 113

Menopoma Alleghauiensis, x. 90

Merganser, the, vi. 95, 96, 110

Mergus albellus, iv. 55 ; v. 17; vi. 95,
110, 137

Merlin, the, iv. 156

Merops apiaster, iv. 64

Mermis nigrescens, iii. 221

Mice: and birds, viii. 116, 214, 238; cock-
roaches, iii. 119, 141, 143 ; destroyers
of birds' eggs, iii. 41 ; eaters of pupa',
iii. 47 ; house, habits of, v. 93 ; nests of,
xi. 94, 139; tame, v. 233; ticks on, xii.
46; in traps, viii. 22, 45 ; young, x. 22

Midge, beech gall, i. 190

Midges aud thunder, xii. 260

Millipede, pill, v. 17

Milvus regalis, iv. 251

Miua and the cholera, vii. 87

Minnow, golden, x. 9

Mino, talking, iii. 112

Missel thrush, v. 164, 189 ; ix. 143, 166 ;
and chaffinch, x. 282 ; v. squirrel, vii.
131, 189, 214, 237, 238, 256, 257, 278 ;
viii. 263

Missel thrushes, flock of, vi. 259

Missing link, ix. 43, 89, 184, 279

Mites: furze, iv. 49, 114, 160, 209, 271 ;"of
lime-tree, iv. 236 ; of mole, iv. 232 ;
plague of, viii. 118; sociable, iii. 121

Mocking-birds, English, vii. 153

Modiola barbata, vi. 90

Mole, ix. 212, 262, 283 ; xi. 140 ; and
adder, x. 189; a cure for ague, iii. 117 ;
and mouse, i. 86 ; suspended, v. 165

Mole-cricket, iii. 232; v. 60, 95 ; vi. 41 ;
gizzard of, v. 67

Moles, none in Ireland, ix. 177, 212 ; x.
238

Mollusc, new nudibranchiate, v. 70

Mollusca, ii. 278 ; auditory capsules of,

CLASSIFIED INDEX OF VOLS. I.— XII.

11

ZOOLOGY (continued).

viii. 256 ; fresh-water, vii. 89 ; palates
of, iv. 20,200; pulsations of, ii. 159;
on shore, vi. 61; small, i. 256 ; threads,
x. 49, 117, 119, 165; Tyrian purple, xi.
iJ2

Mollyhawk, vi. 190, 209, 212

Monkey : little green, iii. 179 ; squirrel,
i. 206

Monkeys, anecdote of, ii. 61 ; iii. 233

Monotremata, vii. 221

Monster of the deep, iv. 222, 262

Montagu's harrier, capture of, viii. 167,
189

Mooruk, xi. 155

Morrhua call arias, i. 261

Mosquitoes, iii. 78 ; iv. 207, 211, 212, 215,
236; v. 17, 54; in England, i. 239;
v. 17

Motacilla alba, iii. 17

Moth : attractive power of female, vi. 153,
174, 213 ; born and died in a box, iv.
21 ; new British, v. 42 ; prehensile
organs of, x. 64; processionary, vii. 106,
185, 2C9, 239 ; viii. 45 ; x. 208 ; in re-
pose, xi. 95 ; trap, American, vii. 216;
under water, ix. 47 ; wanted, vii. 189

Moths : British, v. 229 ; and butterflies,
collecting, 4c, viii. 121, 241, 280;
double broods of, v. 279 ; vi. 191 ; pro-
boscis of, ix. 180 ; remarkable flight of,
v. 273; whv scarce after a damp winter,
viii. 89, 139, 236; in candle, v. 185;
church service stopped by, iv. 114;
in clothes, viii. 115, 164, 190, 214,
238 ; courtship of, iv. 166; v. 94; early,
vi. 138 ; eggs of, vi. 251, 283; means of
capturing, ix. 17; rare visitors at
Brighton, iv. 277; rare, at Weston-
super-Mare, vi. 229; sugaring for, ix.
20, 46 j wings of, x. 143, 166, 189, 215 ;
xi. 95 ; wood leopard, viii. 236

Mouse : diseased, v. 22 ; eaten in trap, x.
142 ; jumping, x. 84; and mole, i. 86;
parasitic fungus on a, ix. 233 ; singing,
vii. 274; viii. 47, 65; ix. 91, 187, 191,
213, 238, 239 ; xii. 47 ; and snake, iii.
186 ; and sparrow, xi. 71, 119; trap, ad-
venture with, ix. 214; trap, mysterious,
x. 71, 94; white, vi. 283; wood, x.
143

Mule breeding, i. 38

Muller's topknot, i. 261

Mullet, grey, fa. 145

Murex purpurea, x. 238

Musca: domestica, xi. 257; formiciformis,
x. 46

Mushroom, larvae in, iii. 214, 260

Musk beetle, ix. 266

Musk rats, swimming under ice, iv. 137

Mussel : and dytiscus, ix. 190, 282 ; move-
ments of, vii. 89 ; sand, ix. 180 ; zebra,
iv. 166, 189, 191, 212, 238; v. 123

Musselling, xi. 68, 93

Mustela vulgaris, iii. 255

Mustelida1, boldness of, ix. 92

Mya arenaria, ix. 180

Myriapnds, iv. 140

Myrmeleon formicarius, vi. 87

NAIS and Syllis, iv. 16, 40, 106

NanMadron, notes at, vii. 158

Natterjack : hybernation of, iv. 166;
-toad, i. Ill, 118, 143

Natterjacks, i. 85, 206; ix. 92, 166,234,
283 ; x. 62 ; xi. 183

Natural History : abroad, xii. 114; annals
of, iv. 47; a century ago, iii. 127;
iv. 183 ; Folkestone, vi. 65 ; of Leices-
tershire, ix. 174; mediaeval, x.35; naval,
xii. 26 ; old saws about, iv. 165 ; philo-
sophy of, ix. 30; rural, ii. 83, 163;
iii. 86, 117, 118, 177; viii. 215, 237, 253,
282 ; ix. 45 ; utility of study of, x. 202 ;
study of, Huxley on, iii. 73

Natural science, teaching of, ii. 251

Naturalist, perils of a, iii. 15

Naturalists' : Club, Malvern, vi. 160 ;
work for amongst the oyster-dredges,
viii. 18

Nebraska, notes of a cow-catcher ride in,
viii. 136

Nemertes, viii. 163

Nereis bilicceata, i. 59; v. 168; viii. 163

ZOOLOGY (continued).

Nerve, optic, x. 64

Nerves, deceiving, v. 237

Nests, curious places for, i. 233 ; ix. 165

Net : insect, ix. 32, 141, 186 ; substitute
for water, x. 47

New Forest, fauna of, xi. 280

Newhaven sword-fish, notes on, v. 185

New Zealand : notes from, x. 129 ; sky-
larks in, vii. 66

Newt : cannibalistic habits ot common
newt, xii. 281 ; eaten by toad, i. 233 ;
Gray's banded, xi. 143 ; migration of,
viii. 213 ; observations on the smooth,
viii. 127; ix. 10, 60, 92, 131; x. 101;
xi. 93 ; palmate, ii. 161 ; iii. 161 ; tad-
pole of, ix. 274 ; xi. 279 ; the warty,
xi. 220, 261, 280

Newts, i. 136 ; ii. 83, 119, 143, 190, 213 ;
y. 129; vii. Ill, 142, 166 ; xii. 22, 213 ;
in confinement, i. 39

Nightjar, or fern owl, xi. 4, 71 ; food of,
ii. 238

Nightingale, iii. 112, 144 ; v. 46, 188 ; and
Cowper, vi. 142, 175, 209 ; freak of, iii.
176 ; and glowworms, ii. 190 ; Irish,
viii. 198 ; ix. 56

Nightingales : in and near London, ii.
142, 166, 167 ; and tortoises, ix. 165, 189

Noctua : new, viii. 40 ; sugaring for, viii.
115, 111, 164

Norfolk : natural history of, x. 181 ; pike-
fishing in, viii. 65

North Wales, reptiles of, ii. 115

Notaspis obscurus, iv. 118

Notouecta glauca, iii. 89, 117 ; iv. 119,
209 • xii. 119, 189, 223

Notornis Mantelli, xi. 153

Numenius arquata, vi. 179

Nut-borers, iii. 141, 165, 167, 189, 191

Nuthatches, i. 221

OBISITJM, v. 215

Objects of the months, v. 19, 41

Ocops, x. 191, 263

Octopus, gossip about, i. 50, 87, 135; ix.
184; x. 72; xii. 66

Ocypus oleus, ix. 115, 187

Odynerus parietum, iv. 205

Ootolites, iii. 151

Ophiocoma rosula, claws of, ii. 202

Ophrydium versatile, i. 58

Opercula, vii. 93

Opossum, pet " Marco Polo," vii. 148

Orange-fly, v. 42

Orange-tip butterfly, vii. 161, 208, 238

Orchisella, iii. 45

Orcynus alalonga, i. 261

Orgyia antiqua, v. 94

Oriole, golden, vi. 138 ; vii. 158, 258

Ormer shell and inhabitant, ix. 145

Ornithological : opera, x. 95 ; queries, i.
47, 71, 143 ; vii. 119 ; visitors near
Shrewsbury, xii. 165

Orthagoriseus, x. 239

Orthagoriscus mola, ii. 254

Ortyx Califbrnica, iv. 95

Osteological specimens, collecting, x. 226

Osteology, ix. 141

Ostrich, incubation of, iv. 190, 212, 237

Ostriches : African, xi. 154 ; American,
xi. 154

Otiorhynchus pieipes, iv. 141

Otis tarda, vii. 42

Otter, i. 112 ; iii. 255 ; iv. 39, 70 ; vii. 17,
89, 161, 189 ; viii. 139 ; American, x.
132 ; and badger, vi. 54 ; v. 90, 118, 137,
258, 262 ; capture of, vi. 21, 54, 113,
114, 137, 138, 209 ; emigration of, vi.
90; hunting, vii. 161; in Sussex, v.
184 ; in Yorkshire, v. 161

Otter's shell, about, i. 79

Owl : barn, iii. 17 ; captive, ii. 4 ; how
the white owl takes its prey, i. 233 ;
longevity of, ix. 167, 239, 261 ; short-
eared, v. 227 ; short-eared in Norfolk, v.
257; tawny, viii. 167 ; Tengmalm's,
xi. 65

Owls, ix. 167, 239, 261 ; pet, viii. 101, 206

Oxen and music, xi. 263

Oysters, embryo, vi. 119

PADGEY POW, v. 116, 142

Painted lady butterfly, iv. 233 ; scarce,

ZOOLOGY (continued).

capture in Hants queried, xi. 256 ; xii.

47, 137
Pale yellow butterfly, v. 271
Pallene, vi. 26, 66
Paludina Listeri, iv. 17
Pamphila linea, iv. 160
Pandora, habit of, ix. 231
Papuans, the, iii. 68
Parallelism, zoological, viii, 257
Parasite : of prawn, ii. 282 ; of starling,

viii. 213, 237
Parasites, iv. 166, 189; viii. 213; on cage

birds, ix. 118; in greenhouse, ri. 56;

of harvestman, iii. 211 ; of honey-bee,

vi. 1, 42; human, recipe to kill, v. 257 ;

new forms of, vii. 131, 185, 211, 234 ; on

Pieris rapas, viii. 88 ; of sandfly, vi. 99 ;

of slug, iv. 274; of spider crabs, ii. 178,

211
Parasitic worms in fish, xii. 8, 66
Parr or salmon, iii. 62
Parroquet : a hundred years old, viii. 86 ;

ringed, viii. 154
Parroquets breeding, v. 89, 140, 166
Parrots, ii. 167 ; ix. 236 ; x. 143, 166 ; xi. ■

69,92, 141 ; eggs, ii. 141, 167
Parson-birds, iv. 89, 118, 144, 191, 238,

282
Partridge, ii. 161 ; viii. 47; ix. 211
Parus ater, vi, 42 ; biarmichus, vi. 65,

95 ; caudatus, vi. 17 ; vii. 276; cristatus,

vi. 117 ; major and cseruleus, v. 277

palustris, vi. 18
Peachia hastata, iv. 234
Pea-erab, common, v. 210
Pearls, pathology of, ix. 81
Pecten opercularis, v. 209
Pectinaria Belgica, v. 210
Pedicellaria of echini, to clean, i. 142
Pelican, extinct British, iv. 40
Pelopaeus, or sand-wasp, vii. 237
Penguins, xi. 155
Perca cernua, xi. 261, 277
Perch, voracity of, x. 46
Peregrine falcon, vii. 113
Periwinkle and its shell, vi. 118
Petrel, stormy,! ii. 93 ; iv. 64 ; eggs of,

i. 87
Petrobius, viii. 272
Petroleum as an insecticide, iv. 190
Petromyzon marinus, v. 71
Pettychap, lesser, viii. 93, 118, 143, 167
Phalarope, grey, ii. 255, 277 ; vi. 278
Pheasant : eggs, i. 190 ; hybrid, iv. 70,

93,94
Pheasants and wireworms, i. 38
Phenomenon, periodic, ii. 49
Philodromus limacum, iv. 271
Phosphorescence, ii. 17; viii. 142, 257,

2«2, 282
Phronima, v. 73
Phycis furcatus, ii. 211
Physalia, iii. 161 ; iv. 279 ; v. 42
Picus major, v. 279 ; vi. 184
Pieris : brassicse, iv. 186, 209 ; daplidice,

vii. 263 ; rapse, parasite on, viii. 88
Pigeon : carrier, vi. 184 ; hatching

chicken, x. 214 ; and plover, vii. 229
Pigeons, viii. 164, 188 ; posts, vii. 46 ;

wood, ii. 231 ; viii. 93, 116, 140, 165, 236 ;

routed by swallows, i. 206
Pigs, destruction of plants on Norfolk

Island, vii. 47
Pike, i. 141 ; ii. 60, 89 ; x. 248 ; choked by

eel, i. 233 ; cygnicidal, ii. 139 ; fishing in

Norfolk, viii. 65 ; man seized by, ii. 21
Pilchards, ii. 23 ; in Melbourne, ii. 21
Pine beetle, vi. 42
Pipit : red-breasted, ii. 277 ; Eichard's,

in Norfolk, vi. 17 ; tree, viii. 44, 68, 70,

93
Pipits, i. 64, 76 ; v. 71
Pirarucii, xii. 260
Pirate fish, viii. 151
Pixy purses, i. 182
Planaria, iii. 260
Planarise, fresh-water, v. 8, 48
Plauorbis corneus, i. 61
Plant animals or zoophytes, i. 177
Plant lice on vines, viii. 209
Plants and animals, helps to distribution

of, iii. 241
Platessa elongata, viii. 45

12

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

ZOOLOGY (continued).

Plectrophanes nivalis, vi. 71, 90, 114

Plover and pigeon, vii. 229

Plusia chrysitia, is. 237

Podura, viii. 272 ; is it, iii. 45 ; tail of,

ill. 54
Poduroe : to capture, ii. 187 ; phosphores-
cent, i. 238; ii. 281; iii. 53; iv. 140,

160 ; v. 248 ; scales of, ii. 91 ; vii. 205 ;

viii. 16, 41, 47, 208 ; ix. 40 ; test, viii. 100
Polecat, xii. 70, 213
Polar bear cubs, birth of, iii. 3
" Polly," why are parrots so called, iv.

119, 138
Polyommatus : alsus, v. 185 ; artaxerxes,

i. 66
Polyp, fresh-water, economy of, viii. 132 ;

ix. 12, 41, 63, 115, 164, 175, 277
Polyxenia Alderi, i. 21
Pomeroy, co. Tyrone, natural history

notes at, xii. 118
Pond, how to clear, viii. 237, 261 ; how to

stock, viii. 119, 112
Poonyet or Pwai-ngyet, i. 252 : ii. 198,

230
Poplar hawk-moth caterpillars, xi. 215,

263
Pope or Ruffe, xi. 261, 277
Porcupines, Abyssinian, iv. 239
Pork measles, iii. 93
Porpoise, i. 39, 63 ; Gangetic, vi. 70
Portuguese man-ol'-war, iii. 161 ; iv. 279 ;

v. 42
Porzana Carolina, i. 60
Poultry to keepers of, x. 214
Prawn, ii. 282 ; vii. 65
Prawns : baby, iv. 18, 42, 65 ; and shrimps,

viii. 156
Prince Edward's Island, iv. 143
Privet hawk-moth, xi. 280 ; larva of, iv.

208, 215, 236, 263 ; vi. 90 ; ix. 21 ; x. 262
Protective resemblance of birds, vii. 237
Proteus anguinus, v. 135 ; protoeystis,

new species, viii. 220
Protozoa, viii. 161 ; xi. 107
Psittacus grandis, iii. 20
Pteromys volncella, xii. 131
Puffanas multiformis, iii. 118
Puffin and nest, x. 258, 277 ; ticks on,

ii. 261, 282 ; white, ii. 255
Pupa state, duration of, vii. 112
Pupae : enemies of, viii. 155, 188 ; forcing,

iv. 88 ; ix. 93, 142 ; to keep through the

winter, ix. 21
Purple, Tyrian, xi. 142
Purpura lapilluB, viii. 213
Puss moth, vi. 105, 124 ; caterpillar of,

spitting, iv. 257 ; larva of, v. 166 ; and

its syringe, xi. 235
Puttocks, vii. 119, 137
Pwai-ngyet, i. 252 ; ii. 198, 230
Pygmies, track of the, ii. 154, 203, 239
Pyranga rubra, iii. 20
Pyrrhula vulgaris, v. 156
Pythons, young, vi. 64

QUAIL, iii. 256; Califorcian, iv. 114;

call, vi. 189 ; eggs of, vi. 232 ; nest of,

near Leeds, vi. 209, 238
Queen of Spain fritillary, vi. 233, 258
Quilkin, local name of frog, ii. 118, 142, 167

BABBIT : habits of, xii. 17 ; and hare,
hybrid, iii. 23 ; vi. 262 ; pet, our Win-
nie, ix. 75 ; and their friends, i. 184 ;
male, suckling their young, x. 113

Bana arborea, iv. 206

Eat : black, ii. 140, 183 ; v. 118, 137, 262 ;
dyinglof fright, v. 113 ; as an egg-stealer,
iv. 259 ; poison, ii. 239 ; tail, venomous,
ii. 140

Eats, ii. 41, 140, 167, 183, 231 ; vii. 200 ;
brown, xi. 143 ; climbing, vii. 47, 66 ;
colony of ii. 231 ; king of, iv. 135 ; mis-
chievouB and gaspipes, i. 184 ; plague
of, ii. 41 ; ride' of, vi. 90 ; sagacity of,
vi. 66 ; vii. 161 ; in St. Helena, viii.
119 ; water, ii. 167 ; xii. 167, 189, 261

Eattlesnake, extracting poison of the,
viii. 181

Eaven, anecdote of, v. 21

Eay, spotted, ix. 276 j

Bed daddy, iv. 281

Eedstart, black, iii. 276

ZOOLOGY {continued).

Begulus cristatus, v. 42
Eeindeer, bot of, iii. 41
Eelations between past and present, i.

187
Eeptile : carnivorous, size of lion, xii. 91 ;

vivarium, xii. 266
Eeptiles : in confinement, iv. 272 ; habits

of, i. 287; to preserve, xi. 166; strange,

viii. 23
Betina : reflection on the, ii. 19 ; variable

sensibility of, vii. 243
Ehinoceros at the Zoological Gardens,

viii. 78
Bhizopods, luminous, ix. 47
Bibbon-fish, ii. 89; iii. 208
Bingdove, ii. 138

Bing ousel, i. 135 ; vii. 257 ; viii. 46
Eivulet moth, vi. 68, 113
Eobin, ii. 3, 88 ; vii. 18, 46, 70, 76, 94, 116,

207 ; bird of death, ii. 166 ; does he

change his colour, iv. 190, 209 ; at

ease, vi. 89 ; foretelling weather, i. 61 ;

incubating, i. 142, 166 ; nest of, curious

place for, ii. 137 ; x. 167 ; punishment

of a, iii. 160; story of my, x. 3; want of

instinct in the, ii. 254 ; white, x. 71i
Bobins, death of, xi. 263
Eock whistler, i. 242
Book: and Arum maculatum, vi. 166;

habits of, ii. 137; hermit, i. 226;

and ducks, battle between, iv. 113;

stealing eggs, ii. 159
Books, vi. 209; vii. 137, 158, 161; in

London, ii. 213 ; xi. 214; resting on the

ground, ii. 159 ; three, iv. 114
Boiler, i. 183, 184
Eose-chafers, iii. 88
Bosy-feather star, i. 95, 112
Eotifers, vii. 110
Eotterdam, natural history notes at, viii.

246
Eudd, v. 12
Buff and reeve, v. 274

SABELL/E, gill fans of, i. 262 ; ii. 29

Sagartia bellis, iii. 46

Salamander, iii. 281 ; food of, i. 71, 95 ;
Japanese, ii. 130 : our largest, ix. 271

Salamandrine, iii. 104

Salicaria locustella, iii. 186

Salmon, age of, vi. 233 ; in Asia, i. 16 ; in
Australia, i. 16, 42, 141 ; breeding of,
iv. 182 ; breeding in the Tay, i. 42 ;
British, i. 69 ; in Maine, v. 181 ; maut,
i. 119, 143 ; roe, the baillie's, iii. 113 ;
spawning, viii. 161 ; trout or sprod, xi.
280

Samlets, v. 213

Sample Post and nat. hist, specimens, vi.
261

Sandhoppers, v. 195

Sandlaunce, &c, i. 284

Sandpiper, i. 63, 86, 95 ; Bartram's, ii.
61 ; green, xi. 256

Sandpipers, i. 86 ; viii. 95, 115

Sand query, v. 95, 119

Sand : skippers and company, iv. 45 ;
wasp, iv. 205 ; vii. 237 ; worm, v. 210

Saturnia : Bauhiniae, i. 87 ; Pavonia minor,
v. 257

Saw-fly, ix. 32, 94 ; great, ii. 181 ; rose, i.
257 ; saws ot, viii. 157 ; and water, viii.
112

Scallop, v. 209

Scarecrows, iv. 166, 190

Schizoneura lanigera, iv. 186

Sciaena aquila, v. 17

Scolopax rusticola, iv. 41

Scorpions, suicide amongst, ii. 159

Sea : and its wonders, vii. 84 ; anemones,
dividing, i. 167, 190, 213, 286 ; birds/near
Guildford, vi. 95 ; birds in Manchester,
vii. 89 ; protection of, v. 10, 42 ; cucum-
bers, vi. 137 ; fans, vii. 52 ; fish in fresh
water, iii. 113 ; grapes, v. 197 ; hare, vi.
113, 185 ; horses, iii. 264 ; iv. 186 ; ix.
243, 276 ; lions, xi. 175 ; perch, i. 208 ;
phosphorence of, ii. 17 ; serpent, xii.
260 ; shore, ramble by, vii. 101 ; side, a
spring morning at, vii. 220 ; snail,
violet, v. 31, 64 ; urchin, purple,
skeleton of, iii. 82 ; urchins, vi. 150 ;
vii. 65, 90 ; ix. 156, 204 ; worm, i. 59 ;

ZOOLOGY {continued).

Seals, viii. 191

Sepiostaire, vi. 177

Sericoris, new species, viii. 112

Serin finch, v. lo7

Serinus roeridionalis, v. 167

Serpent-worship, viii. 21

Serpents at meals, ii. 241

Sertulana, v. 198 ; xi. 212

Sesia tipuliformis, ii. 190, 214 ; xii. 133, 165

Sesidae, xii. 133,

Shark : basking, x. 63 ; xi. 88 ; blue, iv.

16 ; in Chichester harbour, iv. 16 ; meal

of, vii. 17
Sharking, vi. 209

Sheep, v. 283c-; vi. 46 ; xi. 214 ; rot, i. 15
Sheldrake, ruddy, in .Norfolk, v. 160, 184,

192
Shell : British land, x. 276 ; money, ii.

283 ; iii. 70 ; wandering mud, i. 72
Shells, vi. 188, 215 ; books on, i. 48 ; to

clean, v. 237, 263 ; vi. 19, 214 ; vii. 118 ;

gold, i. 120 ; land and freshwater,

i. 61, 119 ; viii. 265 ; new British, vi.

130, 138, 161, 277 ; polishing, x. 39, 94 ;

umbilicus in univalve, xi. 23, 69
Ship worm, ii. 279 ; iii. 88
Shore : along the, vii. 253 ; lark, ix. 234,

263 ; x. 45 ; wainscot moth, viii. 139
Shrew, i. 14 ; vi. 136 ; vii. 283 ; viii. 45,

71
Shrews, British, ix. 188, 237, 282 ; x. 22
Shrike, iii. 64, 212 ; great, i. 184 ; vi. 209 ;

red-backed, i. 64
Shrimp, common, ii. 278 ; fairy, i. 45 ; iv.

117
Shukhur-ool-ashur, or shukhur teeghal,

i. 252
Silk, iii. 64 ; moth, yama-mai, vi.18 ; pro-
ducing insect, new, i. 87 ; " tusseh," i.

190
Silkworm : American, v. 249 ; casting

skin, v. 191 ; Chinese wild, vi. 134 ; gut,

iii. 143 ; oak-feeding, v. 63
Silkworms, xii. 119, 165, 167, 189 ; disease

of, iv. 188 ; eggs of, xii, 137 ; new food

for, v. 141 ; vi. 18
Silurus : electricus, ii. 270 ; European, i.

56
Silver-fin, ix. 224
Silver-atriped hawkmoth, ii. 89, 211 ; iii.

257 ; vii. 209
Silvery hair-tail in British Isles, vii. 17,

88, 113 ; xii. 137
Sirenia, xii. 56, 75, 88
Sirex juvencus, vii. 166, 214, 215
Siskin, notes on, ix. 141
Skeleton, age of human, i. 264
Skeletons : animal, ix. 69, 91, 116, 129 ;

to clean, vii. 165, 191, 213,239,262 ; viii.

23 39
Skipjack (fish), ii. 69 ; iii. 20
Skulpin, ix. 21, 35
Skua, pomarine, vii. 66
8kylark, i. 63 ; v. 190 ; in New Zealand,

vii. 66 ; song of, i. 39, 93
Slow-worm, iii. 112, 161, 179, 260 ; vi. 42 ;

xii. 275
Slug : or snail, difference between, i. 62 ;

and spider, x. 23 ; threads, xi. 190, 206
Slugs, x. 119, 143, 166; destroyed by

plovers, iv. 46; to kill, ii. 22, 47 ; and

snails, curious food of, ii. 185
Small skipper butterfly, iv. 160
Smelts and smelting, i. 281 ; viii. 104
Smew, iv. 55 ; v. 17 ; vi. 95, 110, 137
Smynthurus, viii. 272
Snail : Gibbs', iv. 70 ; or slug, difference

between, i. 62 ; marsh, iv. 17 ; water,

eggs of, v. 115
Snails, iii. 40, 280, iv. 22 ; abundance of,

iv.47; army of, iii. 215; do they reason,

ix. 186 ; and their houses, ii. 195, 230 ;

and slugs, curious food of, ii. 185
Snake : charming, iii. 190 ; common, ii.

167, 191, 214, 254, 261 ; Congo, xi. 185,

207 ; eating snake, xi. 114, 161 ; rare

British, viii. 160 ; Scotch, i. 70 ; ii.

214 ; size of, vii. 277 ; skin of, vi. 45 ;

vii. 262 ; smooth, i. 47, 71 ; viii. 208,

232, 239, 258 ; story, viii. 213 ; viper, i.

2, 142, 160
Snakes, iii. 273; iv. 88, 212; v. '119 ; ix.

92, 166, 283, 283 : and deer, xii. 238 ;

CLASSIFED INDEX OF VOLS. I.— XII.

13

ZOOLOGY (.continued).

fascination of, ix. 181 ; food of, viii. 71 ;
ix. 166 ; large, ii. 254 ; in London, iv.
208 ; mimicry of, viii. 234 ; poisonous,
utilizing, x. 161 ; and toads, x. 46, 68,
165, 261 ; and wild beasts, vii. 265

Snipe, ii. 63 ; v. 118 ; vii. 282 ; food of, vi.
42 ; ground, ii. 46 ; Ionian, x. 69 ; soli-
tary, vi. 65

Snow-bunting, v. 45, 278 ; vi. 71, 90, 114 ;
ix. 117 ; x. 20

Soles, bait for, vii. 237, 261

Sow, ferocity of, iv. 113

South Africa, ramble in, iii. 154

South London Entomological Society,
viii. 142, 281

Sparrow and crocus, i. 160 ; pet, x. 247

Sparrows, ii. 22, 40, 71, 159, 161 ; xii.
262 ; in America, vii. 215 ; brawls of,
viii. 154; and chickens, ix. 188; eggs of,
x. 69 ; on house-top, i. 112 ; house in
India, i. 135 ; house, variety of, xii. 65,
213 ; and peas, si. 263 ; xii. IS ; quick-
sighted, ix. 212 ; roosting of, ii. 40, 71 ;
tree, ii. 159 ; value of, v. 215 ; white, i.
167, 183 ; ix. 45, 70 ; x. 23

Sparrow-hawk, ii. 63 ; x. 23 ; and crow,
xii. 239, 283

Sparus boops, viii. 117

Specimens, preservation of, vii. 151

Sphinx : atropos, vi. 114, 161 ; convolvuli,
ii. 23, 93; iv. 233, 258, 259; xii. 66,
115 ; ligustri, iv. 2U8, 215, 236 ; vi. 90

Spider : alimentary system of house, iv.
128, 195 ; architecture of a, iv. 262 ;
attacks, iv. 45, 261 ; bites, iv. 281 ;
black, of Jamaica, iii. 88 ; casting
skin of foot, v. 136, 191 ; cheating a,
iii. 135, 162, 186 ; dead, in water, i. 133 ;
diadem, ii. 63 ; x. 270 ; doings, iv. 23,
47 ; eating its web, i. 24, 36, 86, 215 ;
great American, iii. 213 ; hoax, i. 143 ;
ii. 7; ingenuity of, ii. 138 ; and lizard,
X. 206 ; maternal affection of, iv. 263 ;
neighbourly, iii. 255 ; nests of, iii. 37 ;
iv. 11 ; pensile nest, ii. 255 ; poison-
iangs of, ii. 119, 141, 189, 201, 229 ; iii.
16, 237, 270, 276, ; iv. 47, 165, 167, 185,
189, 195, 213, 238, 261, 281 ; ix. 262,
276 ; poisonous, of Russia, iii. 40 ; x.
263, 282 ; preservation of, iv. 8, 21, 22 ;
xi. 87 ; silk of, v. 185 ; singular death of
a, vi. 239 ; and slug, x. 23 ; suspending
a stone, iv. 262, 2s3 ; v. 47, 94, 118 ;
and toad, xi. 21 ; trap-door nest of, iii.
40, iv. 63 ; x. 47 ; and wasp, i. 39, 239 ;
wood, viii. 182

Spiders, ii. 7 ; iv. 41, 82, 167, 195, 261 ;
vii 12, 18, 35, 46, 231 ; viii. 140, 213 ;
ix. 90 ; and ants, iv. 23 ; baby, vii. 18 ;
blind, ix. 16 ; British, x. 112 ; and
bugs, i. 39 ; cardinal, iii. 64, 88; Ceylon,
iv. 161, 185 ; and chestnut-trees, x. 191 ;
cords, length of, x. 208 ; darkling, vii.
12, 46, 152, 215 ; domestic, iii. 64 ;
flower-loving, i. 206 ; flying, iv. 51, 58 ;
vi. 237 ; food of, in dark cellars, vii.
215; how do they weave webs, viii.
261; ix. 22; and larvse, vi. 94, 117;
little, ii. 189, 213 ; how to preserve, iv.
8 ; St. Helena, ix. 112 ; to search for
and capture, xi. 109 ; something about,
viiii 213; sounds, do they utter, xii.
119, 215, 239 ; tame, ix. 39 ; visitation
of, i. 282; ii. 22, 40; webs, i. 65, 256 ; ii.
277; iv. 105, 161, 195; xi. 53, 88, 100,
132, 195; x. 180, 200, 257; xii. 251;
winter quarters, iv. 68

Spirorbis nautiloides, v. 194

Sponge : glassrope, v. 209 ; viii. 35, 56,
106, 185; Livingstone's, xi. 234; spicules
of, i. 259; viii. 20, 95, 188

Sponges, iv. 68 ; viii. 160 ; common
British, vi. 172; freshwater, i. 2S7;ii.
137, 189 ; iii. 247 ; siliceo-fibrous, vi. 37

Spongiadae, aDimal nature of, viii. 17

Spongilla lluviatilis, iii. 247

Spontaneous generation, vi. 235 ; xii.
114

Sporendonema muscse, i. 10

Spotted hawkmoth, scarce, v. 234 ; vi.
209, 229, 233, 283 ; xi. 208

Spotted sulphur-moth, vi. 184

Sprod or salmon-trout, xi. 280

ZOOLOGY (continued).

Squirrel : a cute, v. 234; flying, xii. 131 ;

fond of fungi, i. 40; ii. 138; "Ti," pet,

vii. 103
Squirrels, ii. 2; iii. 69; vi. 191; vii. 237,

257, 278, 281 ; and cat, iii. 208 ; xi. 141 ;

as nest-robbers, vi. 281 ; viii. 199, 261,

263; perforating, iii. 141, 165, 189
Stag-beetles, iii. 89 ; iv. 109 ; vii. 283 ; ix.

215 ; x. 69, 185
Star- fish, vii. 8, 41; to dry, i. 136; to

skeletonize, xii. 239
Starfishes and cats, v. 214, 234, 239, 263,

282
Starling: intelligence of, i. 13; voracity

of, iii. 26, 88 ; who had seen the world,

i. 38
Starlings, iv. 208, 261 ; vi. 277 ; vii. 258 ;

viii. 93, 117, 118, 140; ix. 166; x. 152,

190; dead, iii. 279; young, in January,

v. 71
Sterna Hirundo, iii. 17
Stickleback ; fifteen-spined, iii. 68 ; neat

of, ii. 5
Sticklebacks : breeding of, ii. 5, 45, 153,

165; vi. 137; viii, 166; disease of, iv.
263 ; freshwater in sea-water, iii. 38, 87 ;

out of water, iii. 119
Stinging fish, i. 166

Stings, action of poison in, vii. 261, 282
Stink-pot, or black petrel, i. 239
Stoat, xi. 212
Stork : anecdote of, i. 14 ; white, in

Suffolk, ix. 160
Stormy petrel, egg of, i. 87
Stream bubble-shell, i. 167
Striped hawk-moth, iii. 136, 162 ; iv. 65,

233 ; vi. 161, 229, 232, 233
Strix brachyotus, v. 227, 257, 278
Sturgeon, i. 261 ; in the Wye, v. 210
Sudas gigas, iii. 260
Sugar-moth, v. 94, 118
Sun-fish, ii. 254 ; banded, viii. 29 ; big-
eared, xi. 7
Swallow : early, xi. 190, 234 ; xii. 143 ;

sea, at Sydenham, v. 17
Swallows, ii. 16, 17, 142, 160; 273, 283'; iii.

50, 101 ; vi. 90 ; vii. 209 ; xi. 190, 234,

255 ; in Algeria, iii. 64 ; building on

cliffs, vii. 233 ; and cholera, ii. 283 ; iii.

17 ; courage of, ix. 69 ; curious habits

of, viii. 57, 143 ; disappearance of, viii.

189. 212, 235, 237, 239 ; hybernation of,

ii. 118 ; viii. 115 ; late appearance of,

ii. 16, 17 ; iii. 17 ; iv. 17, 282 ; xii. 23 ;

migration of, ix. 262 ; nest of, vi. 191 ;

viii. 237 ; nests, to get rid of, i. 63 ; in

November, ii. 283 ; xii. 23 ; do many

perish in migrating, viii. 239 ; phthisis

among, iv. 18, 46, 67 ; and starlings,

xi. 45
Swallow-tailed butterfly, vii. 113 ; xii.

201, 238, 261, 280; deformed, i. 185;

home of the, vii 80.
Swans and cygnets, ix. 166, 210, 213, 214
Swift, i. 190; ii. 64, 142; northern, x.67
Swifts : departure of, i. 240 ; vi. 263 ; in

difficulties, i. 64 ; flight of, xi. 189
Swordfish, viii. 71, 116, 117 ; capture of,

v. 185 ; gill of, iv. 279; vii. 136
Sylvia tytbys, iii. 276

TACHINA FLIES, x. 189

Tadpole, out, iv. 119, 141

Tadpoles, xii. 46; late, viii. 70 ; of newts,

xii. 21, 95
Tamias Lysteri, xi. 36
Tapir, viii. 89

Taxidermy, i. 63 ; ii. 260, 282
Teal, vi. 35, 66
Tealia crassicornis, ii. 69, 94
Technical terms, Blue-jacket's idea of, v.

68
Telea polyphemus, v. 249
Tench : angling for, i. 16 ; fine, iii. 17
Tephritis onopordinis, iv. 211
Terebella, iii. 221
Teredo navalis, ii. 279 ; iii. 88
Tern: common, iii. 17; whiskered, i. 183
Terns, inland, i. 183
Testacella, v. 143 ; vi. 214 ; Maugei, iii.

89 ; ix. 165
Tetranychus : glabrus, iii. 127 ; lapidus,

ZOOLOGY (continued).

iii. 126; x. 234 ; major, iii. 126 ; populi,

iii. 127; salicis, iii. 126; sociu9, iii. 126 ;

tiliarus, iii. 125 ; ulicis, iv. 49 ; ulmi,

iii. 126; urtieae, iii. 127; viburni, iii.

126
Thalasaidroma pelagica, iv. 64
Theridion riparium, iv. 11
Thresher, or fox shark, i. 165
Thrips, to destroy, vi. 17
Thrush : anecdotes of, i. 207 ; v. 257 ;

egg of, i. 263 ; xii. 214 ; late brood of,

v. 279 ; pagoda, ii. 213 ; iii. 20
Thrushes cast their legs, iii. 141, 189
Thynnus vulgaris, viii. 215
Thysanuradse, viii. 272 ; ix. 4
Ticks, West Indian, iii. 71
Tiger-bird, vi. 188, 238
Tiger-moth, ix. 90, 118 ; large, xii. 191
Timarcha laevigata, iii. 27
Timber-borers, iii. 212
Tinea granella, vi. 66
Tineida;, exceptional reproduction of, x.

89
Tingis : British, xi. 238 ; hystricellus, v.

84
Tiresias serra, iii. 206 ; larva of, iii. 28
Tischeria marginea, iii. 171
Tit, bearded, i. 26 ; vi. 65
Titmice, vii. 34, 65, 71 ; death of, iv. 95
Titmouse : marsh, vi. 18 ; great, v. 277 ;

long-tailed, vi. 17; Turkish long-tailed,

v. 274
Tits : blue, i. 39 ; v. 277 ; ix. 157 ; fear-
less, i. 16'i ; see also "Tomtits"
Toad : brown, xii. 119, 143, 188 ; child

poisoned by, i. Ill ; four years' ac-
quaintance with, i. 12 ; habits of, i. 87 ;

hybernation of, ii. 213, 261 ; iv. 71, 94 ;

longevity of, xi. 166 ; venom of, iv. 114,

137
Toads, xii. 188 ; and frogs, ancient, ii. 47,

69, 94, 117, 111 ; in stone wall, how did

they get there ? iii. 117
Tomicus monographus, iii. 212
Tomtit : and celery-fly, i. 281 ; clever,

vii. 82 ; nest of, vii. 162 ; friendly, notice

of, i. 59
Tortoise : an affectionate, v. 233 ; death of,

v. 165 ; fresh-water, xii. 119; land, ii.

191 ; land, eggs of, i. 63 ; vii. 208, 263 ;

ix. 188, 190, 239 ; x. 239 ; large, xii. 160 ;

pining, v. 11H, 140, 143
Tortoises, British, vii. 263
Tortoiseshell butterfly, large, vii. 234 ;

small, i. 263, 286 ; xii. 262
Trachinus, vii. 171 ; ix. 239, 283
Trawl, vii. 169

Trees, old, and squirrels, x. 118
Trehala, i. 251

Trichina spiralis, i. 40; ii. 69 ; v. 42
Trichinosis, i. 40

Trichiurus lepturus, vii. 17, 88, 113
Triloculina nitida, iii. 131
Triodon, v. 237
Tritons, vii. 142, 166
Trocheta subviridis, v. 76
Trout : great grey, xi. 237 ; in Loch Islay,

viii. 85
Truntulina variabilis, iii. 131
Tsetse, vii. 66
Tunny, short-finned, ii. 21
Turbot : curious, viii. 215 ; skin, bony

excrescences in, viii. 47
T urdus avidus, eggs of, i. 238 ; pilaris,

vi. 12
Turtle : ancient, iv. 114 ; British, viii. 112 ;

edible, ii. 247 ; snapping, xii. 32
Turtledove, iv. 142

UMBILICUS in univalve shells, xi. 23, 69

Under a stone, vii. 35

Unicorn hawk-moth, iv. 233, 258, 259

Unio littoralis, ix. 22

" Unity " controversy, iii. 267

Upupa epops, iv. 160

Uraster rubens, vii. 8, 41

Urchin, tooth of, iii. 83

Uredo empetri, i. 139

Uria lachrymans, vi. 95

Uvigerina pygmaea, iii. 131

VAGINICOLA valvata, vi. 33

14

HAKDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

ZOOLOGY (continued).

Vanellus cristatus, v. 107

Vanessa : Antiope, vi. 209 ; viii. 234, 239
249, 263 ; ix. 22, 65, 111, 118, 119, 141
165, 215 ; Atalanta, v. 257, 262, 273, 278
ix. 276, 282 ; and Ichneumons, i. 15
238, 263 ; polychloros, vii. 116, 234
urticae, v. 282 ; xii. 191

Veined white butterflies, ii. 95

Velverd, vi. 94, 119, 141

Venus' flower-basket, viii. 209

Vermin, garden, iv. 21, 45

Vespa : holsatiea, iii. 217 ; sylvestris, i.
208

Vibrio tritici, iii, 19, 66

Viper, iii. 2S0 ; bites of, i. 95, 131 ; iii. 175,
199, 213, 237 ; ix. 237 ; xi. 70, 143 : fat
of, xi. 166 ; is its poison fatal ? iii. 280 ;
red, viii. 277 ; sex of, i. 191 ; and snake,
hissing of, i. 142 ; swallowing its young,
i. 108, 160 ; vi. 223; ix. 160, 189

Vipers, ii. 138; iii. 22, 175, 199, 230; iv.
165, 180 ; lair of, iv. 23 ; poison of, iii.
237, 280 ; ir. 46, 70, 95, 180, 212 ; x. 215,
263, 282

Vision, sensorial, iv. 145

Vitrina pellucida, viii. 44, 69, 116

Vivarium ; reptile, xii. 266 ; other side of,
vii. 267

Vole, or water-rat, x. 22

Vorticella and cyclops, iii. 81

Vultures, new, ix. 65

Y'ulvulina oblonga, iii. 130

WAFFEL, vi. 215, 236, 261, 281

Wagtail, grey, i. 281; iii. 64; pied,nesting
of, iii. 17

Wakon bird, vi. 188

Walnut-moth, ix. 252

Wanderer, long-tailed, xi. 224

War-bird, ii. 46 ; iii. 20

Wasp : audacity of, ii. 88 ; early, i. 137,
161 : iii. 94, 117 : and grasshopper, i.
215 ; keyhole, ii. 276 ; local name of, v.
261 ; mason, nest of, ii. 116 ; nest of,
i. 137; ii. 78, 116; iv. 21, 22, 71;
viii. 163, 239 ; xi. 259 ; made of " Stand-
ard," i. 134; of wood, iii. 247; and
yellow underwing moth, i. 113

Wasp-fly, New Zealand, x. 118, 189

ZOOLOGY (continued).

Wasps, i. 161, 208; iii. 70, 254; iv. 21,
205, 259 ; viii. 70, 163, 282; ix.,.216 ;
abundance of, i. 257 ; among, iii. 70 ;
and bees, i. 263 ; ii. 22 ; x. 112 ; and
bees, stings of, ix. 44, 46, 50, 69, 89,
91, 93, 116. 143, 273 ; in captivity, i. 42 ;
as domestic pets, v. 125 ; duel, x. 280 ;
and flies, i. 262 ; in Greece, i. 238 ; in
London, i. 71 ; nest, glow-worms and,
iv. 71 ; nests, preservation of, viii. 214 ;
nest, progress of, ii. 78 ; scarcity
of, i. 113 ; why scarce in 1865, i. 234,
257

Water-beetle music, vi. 236

Water-beetles, appendages to, i. 238, 257

Water- dipper, song of, i. 135

Water fleas, ii. 156 ; and volvox, iv. 117

Water-snake, vii. 142, 165, 167 ; xi. 93

Water-wagtails, v. 6S

Wax-wing, iv. 181

Wax-wings, arrival of, ix. 94

Weasel, iii. 255 ; vi. 161 ; food of, vii. 42

Weaver-birds, iv. 161

Weever, i. 166

Weevil, from roses, iv. 141

Whale : the, iii. 275 : pigmy, x. 258

Whales, near Cornish coast, viii. 189

Wheeler insect, iv. 44

Whelk : eggs of, ii. 238 ; iii. 91 ; white,
viii. 181

Whitebait, viii. 44, 263, 281, 282; ix. 95 ;
x. 168

White cabbage butterfly, iv. 186, 209

Widgeon, black, viii. 70

Wiid cat, vi. 63 ; American, xi. 123

Wild fowl, protection of, viii. 160

Wild horse in Australia, v. 160

Wire-worms, to destroy, x. 48

Wolf, memory in a, vii, 232

Wolffia arrhiza, vi. 91

Wood-acid as a preservative, ii. 22

Wood-borer from Ceylon, iv. 213

Woodcock, ii. 40, 89 ; iv. 41 ; nest of, ix.
184 ; white, xi. 256, 279

Woodlark, vii. 233, 263

Wood leopard-moth, vi. 178 ; viii. 236 ;
ix. 91

Wood-lice : to destroy, ii. 238, 260, 261,
iii. 213 ; do they emit sound ? xi. 215

ZOOLOGY (continued).

Woodlouse, the, v. 17 ; vi. 41

Woodpecker : black, i. 183 ; eggs of, iii.
68 ; greater spotted, iii. 41 ; vi. 184 ;
green, vi. 212, 281 ; spotted, ii. 6 ; v.
279

Woodpeckers storing acorns, ii. 41, 95,
119

Wood-pigeon, cry of, viii. 165, 236 ; ix.
21, 71, 93

Wood-pigeons, viii. 93,116, 140

Woodruff, vii. 238

Worm-bait, anglers', x. 190

Worm, naid, viii. 23

Worms, i. 239 ; iv. 22 ; diet of, i. 180,
214 ; to get rid of, iii. 279, 281 ; lumi-
nous, iv. 282 ; marsh, and rat, iii. 69 ;
white, x. 191 ; xi. 71

Wren : blue, i. 199 ; fiery-creBted, vii. 88 ;
gold-crested, x. 31 ; in martin's nest
burned alive, i. 135; nest of, ii. 63 ; nest
at Christmas, v. 90 ; pugnacity of, ii.
115

Wryneck, vii. 87

Wyaudote cave, fauna of, viii. 209

XYLOPHASIA polyodon, melanism in,
iv. 280 ; vi. 32

TAFFEL, vi. 215, 236, 261, 281
Yellowhammer, viii. 167 ; curious egg of,

v. 209
Yoppingal, vi. 119
Yorkshire, snakes in, ii. 191, 214, 261

ZEUS-APER, x. 42 ; vi. 178

Zeuzera sesculi, vi. 178

Ziricote, iv. 47

Zonites glaber, vi. 161, 277 ; ix. 137, 167,

190, 208
Zoological Society's Garden, price of

some animals, iv. 47
Zoology : additions to, viii. 209 ; biblio-
graphy of, i. 72
Zoophyte : fight about, iii. 47 ; myriad,

i. 183 ; new, ii. 281 ; viii. 235 ; rare, x.

125; trough, clip for, iii. 105, 168
Zoophytes, i. 177 ; v. 44 ; books on, i. 192 ;

hydrozoan, x. 152 ; to kill expanded,

v. 212

BOTANY.

ABSIXTHE, vii. 116, 189

Acacias, iv. 92

Aceras anthropophora, vi. 189, 211

Ackersprit, iv. 248

Acorns, v. 23, 46 ; vii. 83 ; ix. 138

Adiantum capillus-veneris, vi. 67 ; xi.
232 ; in Isle of Man, xi. 137, 187

Adiantum reuiforme, vi. 71

yEcidium : orobi, iii. 137 ; statices, vii.
156, 188

jEschynanthus in fruit, vi. 95

^Estivations, floral, xii. 187

Africa, changes in vegetation of, x. 43

Agarics, British, vi. 139

Agaricus prunulus, iii. 112, 136

Agava in bloom, iv. 43

Agraphis nutans, vii. 47, 71

Agrostemma, v. 189

Albinism of plants, i. 21; vii. 281; xi.
163

Alder, leaf-buds of, v. 66

Alga; : bibliography of, i.192; British
marine, ix. 259; x. 115, 211 ; Hastings,
ix. 258 ; irregularity of appearance
of some, ix. 193, 241 ; minute of Lan-
cashire, ii. 212 ; new British, ix. 183

Algeria, plants of, xi. 258

Almora, named from wild sorrel, i. 43
Alpine : rose, i. 66 ; plantain in Shetland,
i. 283; plants, ix. 73, 163; x. 166;
plants to dry and preserve, xi. 6, 42, 65

Almond-tree, iii. 42

Amaranthus polygamus, xii. 94

Amber, a trap for insects, x. 174

Amebia echioides, v. 191

Anacharis alsinastrum, i. 141 ; iii. IS

Anagallia arvensis, xii. 15, 69, 70

Ananassa sativa, iii. 11

Andromeda polyfolia, iv. 162 ; vi. 186

Anemone : with five bracts, i. 138 ; wood,
ii. 164

Anomodon attenuatus, vi. 83

Anthus smut, vi. 160

Antipathies, floral, vi. 70

Apium graveolens, poisonous, vi. 139

Apple, iii. 45, 68; ix. 117, 185, 188; ger-
minating, vii. 279

Apricot-tree, ii. 67

Aquiiegia, xii. 214

Arabis stricta, viii. 232 ; ix. 41, 42

Arbutus: berries, viii. 113; unedo, iii.
280 ; iv. 47 ; vi. 166, 276

Aregm* bulbosum, i. 176; v. 261

Arrow-root, ii. 142, 165

Artemia salina in America, v. 113

Artichoke in flower, i. 262 ; history of, xi.
265 ; Jerusalem, i. 118, 142, 262 ; ii. 47 ;
wild, ix. 164, 185, 213

Arum maculatum, vi. 73, 166

Arundo phragmites, vi. 19,94

Asclepias seeds, i. 143

Ash, iii. 239; iv. 232 ; ix. 119; rupture

and shrew, xi. 260; trees, seven in

Tewin churchyard, x. 143, 214, 215 ;

trees, violets under, v. 91, 116, 117, 166,

188, 189
Asparagus, xi. 241, 278 ; xii. 95
Aspen, xi. 143, 190
Asperula odorata, vi. 47
Asphodels, ix. 138
Asphodel, bog, i. 209
Asplenium : rhizophyllum, iii. 187 ; ruta-

muraria, vi. 215 ; trichomanes, v. 211 ;

viride, i. 44; ii. 275
Assyria, botany of, i. 110
Asterosporium Hofl'manni, i. 35
Astrantia major, iv. 194 ; ix. 8
Athela of Babylon, ii. 214; iii. 20
Autographs, vegetable, iv. 71
Austialia, plants in, iii. 65
Azariiracta indica, bark of the, x. 43
Azalea, mistleoeon, iv. 112

BABEER, or true papyrus, iii. 90, 119

Babylon, Athela of, ii. 214; iii. 20

Ballota nigra, attractive to moths, vi. 47

Bamboo fungus, ii. 212

Banyan, Indian, ii. 92

Barley, field of, grown fromoarfl, vi. 164

Bartsia odonites, vi. 210

Bean, history of, xi. 9

Beauties of the wilderness, iv. 90

Bedeguar of rose, iii. 71, 94; xii. 264.

CLASSIFIED INDEX OF VOLS. I.— XII.

15

BOTANY {continued).

Bedstraw, roots of, dye red, i. 235
Beech : blight, new, i. 190; x. 19 ; leaves,

white, x. 166
Beeches, i. 167; iii. 215; Hampshire, ii.

136; and lightning, viii. 233 ; ix. 23, 11,

-15, 69 ; mortality among, iii. 186
Beet: history of, xi. 193; sea, vi. 100
Belfast Naturalists' Field Club, viii. 64
Bell flowers, ii. 219
Bellis perenuis, vi. 67
Berberry, vi. 190
Bidmusk, ii. 214 ; iii. 21
Birch, iii. 90 ; vii. 46 ; wonderful, at

Culloden, i. 138
Birdseye primrose, iii. 167
Bittercresa, double, iii. 209, 235
Bittervetch cluster-cups, iii. 137
Blackberries, Surrey, iv. 270
Black : country, flora of, xii. 139 ; cradle

of Seychelle Island palm, i. 270 ; smut,

ix. 164, 214 ; horehound, vi. 47
Blackheart, vi . 262, 282
Blechnum spieant, iv. 187, 212, 231, 237
Blight : American, i. 185 ; iv. 186, 192 ;

curious, i. 167
Bloodymen's fingers, i. 114
Bloomeria, golden, of California, i. 167
Blue flea-bane, in Cumberland, i. 220, 258
Bog : asphodel, i. 209 ; mosses, ix. 184 ;

onion, iv. 271; plants, Isle of Wight,

vi. 210, 234
Bois immortel, ii. 69, 93
Boletus : cyanescens, iii. 258 ; enormous,

iii. 65 ; impolitus, iii. 235, 258, 278
Borage or borrago, vi. 165, 189, 212, 213,

214, 239 ; vii. 139, 214, 238, 239, 231 ;

viii. 21
Botanical : analysis, book on, vi. 186 ;

catalogue, ix. 46 ; experiment, growing,

acorn in water, xi. 101, 136, 212, 213,

236 ; labels, ix. 42 ; Locality Record

Club, ix. 113, 142, 167, 191, 213 ; xi. 42,

208 ; names for English readers, xii.

140 ; names, meaning of, xi. 188 ;

nomenclature, revision of, needed, ix.

91 ; notes of 1865, ii. 39 ; rambles,

Cornwall, xi. 102 ; rambles, Sussex

coast, xi. 34 ; terms, manual of, ix.

235
Botany: difficulties of, iv. 46 ; viii. 214,

259; journal of, vi. 44; modern mili.

tary, i. 24 ; philosophy of, ix. 223 ;

Sowerby's English, i. 47 ; x. 137
Bougainvillea spectabilis, iv. 139
Bouquet from Helvellyn, iii. 242 ; of

evergreens, ii. 95 ; of grasses, ii. 53
Brambles in hedges, v. 280
Branches : three-leaved, vi. 250 ; united,

vi. 254, 283
Brand, bramble-leaf, i. 176 ; v. 261 ;

meadow-sweet, i. 255
Brazil, plants in, iv. 47
Bread, vegetable parasites on, ix. 67
Brighton botany, ix. 277
Bristle-mould, new, i. 66
Britannia Baconia, Childrey's extract

from, x. 64
Broom rape, i. 89 ; iii. 187 ; vii. 119 ;

viii. 23
Bryonia alba, asperities in the leaves of,

x. 19
Buckinghamshire : ferns of, iv. 13 ; flora

of, i. 67 ; iii. 277 ; iv. 42 ; v. 18S, 214
Buckthorn, sea, ix. 278
Bud-variation, v. 20
Buds: objects for winter study, v. 34;

on roots, x. 92, 116, 119, 162
Buffonia tenuil'olia, xii. 76
Burdock, i. 44
Burgeoning, north-country term, vi. 45,

69, 72
Burr, Australian, ii. 18
Burren, plants of the barony of, xii. 169
Butcher's broom, v. 94
Butomus umbellatus, x. 262 ; xi. 21
Butterbur, fragrant, vi. 67
Buttercup and daisv with fasciated stems,

iii. 166
Butterwort, carnivorous plant, x. 235
Butterworts, cultivation of, i. 2 )5
Buxbaumia indusiata in Aberdeen, iii. 230
Buxbaum's speedwell, vi. 43, 91, 186;

vii. 114, 139.

BOTANY (continued).

CABBAGE : history of the, x. 178, 193 ;

leaves, proliferous, v. 119
Calabar bean, starch of, vi. 68
Calceolaria gracilis, iv. 19 ; vii. 279
Calendula officinalis, ii. In7
California : climate, products of, vi. 260,

281
Calla palustris, ix. 277 ; x. 43
Cammocke, vii. 114, 142
Campanula : double, vi. 186 ; rotundifolia,

vi. 44
Campanula;, ii. 219
Campanularia geniculata, iii. 259
Cape, botany at the, i. 115
Capsella bursa pastoris, v. 91
Cardamine bulbifera : propagation of, iv.

265 ; prateuse, double, vii. 167
Cardoon, xii. 25
Carduus : new, iv. 42 ; tenuiflorus, x.

128, 175
Carex Buxbaumi, iii. 163
Carmine, plant grown in, iv. 71
Carnivorous habits of certain plants, x.

234, 235, 272
Carpological books, v. 48
Carex, new, xi. 156
Carrot, x. 241
Castle Eden Dene, rare plants of, x. 260 ;

xi. 38
Cat haws, v. 70, 93, 94, 116
Catkins, hermaphrodite, i. 19
Cedar, ii. 92 ; wood exudation, i. 214, 239
Cedrus deodora, iii. 114
Celandine, v. 52 ; lesser, ii. 189 ; viii. 63
Cells, living vegetable, imitated, xi. 187
Centaurea : calcitrapa, xi. 41 ; solstitialis,

x. 283 ; xii. 42, 67
Centaury, white, ix. 45, 48
Ceramium ciliatum, v. 212
Cerastium, abnormal, v. 259, 279 ; viii. 93
Chastomiuni murorum, i. 66
Chamoerops humilis, iv. 66
Champignon, ii. 225 ; iii. 238
Charse, to prepare for herbarium, viii.

215; ix. 139
Charlock, viii. 152, 188
Chelidonium, majus and minus, v. 52
Chenopodiacese, mealy surface of, xii. 19
Cheuopodium, bonus Henricus, vi. 189,

211, 214, 234, 238
Cherries : abnormal, viii. 143 ; feast of,

ii. 42
Cherry, ii. 114
Chestnut : tree, of Tuileries, i. 138 ; treeB,

spiral twist in, vi. 237
Chicory, wild, x. 236
Chignon-fungus, iii. 106
China grass, i. 18, 277 ; ii. 22
Chlorophyll, formation of, ix. 249
Christmas-tide, berries for, v. 13, 94, 138
Chrysanthemum, vii. 91
Cichorium intybus, x. 236
Cineraria: and ants, i. 143 ; campestris, ix.

209
Circea Lutetiana, v. 62
Cladiuni uiariscus, xi. 278; xii. 42, 89
Cladoniei, ii. 280

Clathrus cancellatus, ii, 280 ; iii. 187
ClaytoDia alsinoides, iv. 187 ; perfoliata,

iv. 115, 140, 162; v. 114, 138
Clematis, vi. 188, 215, 237, 261
Climbers, tropic al, v. 247
Closterium, movements in, iii. 22
Clove-pink, ii. 232; v. 132
Clover, white, xi. 191
Cluster-cup, new British, vii. 156, 183
Cluster-cups, i. 67 ; ii. 164 ; iii. 137
Cjcconeis, iii. 81

Coccus : on a9h, i. 216 ; on oranges, i. 96
Coco, cooa, cacao ? xi. 278
Coco demer, ii. 19
Cocoa-nut milk, iii. 42
Cochlearia officinalis, v. 43, 66, 67, 91, 114,

143
Coflee, introduction into England, iii. 134
Coleus : cells in, vii. 238 ; fungoid growth

on leaves of, viii. 135
Collomia coccinea, xii. 40
Colorado, flora of, x. 211
Colours of flowers, vi. 45 ; ix. 131, 141,

209; x. 136, 190; xi. 259
Coltsfoot, sweet-scented or winter helio-
trope, ix. 44, 71, 90

BOTANY (continued).

Compass-plant, viii. 281; ix. 23, 43, 41,

70,95
Composite, cross fertilization of, vi. 30
Conferva in aquaria, vi. 142, 165, 191, 215;

green, i. 119
Coufervoid Spirogyra, iii. 60
Conifers, stigmas (?) of, vi. 142
Conium maculatum, v. 119, 142
Conservatory, guide to, i. 239, 262 ; stove

for, vii. 167
Convallaria verticillata, v. 259
Convolvulus sepium, variety of, ix. 46
Coral root, ii. 292
Coralwort, bulbiferous, propagation of,

iv. 265
Cork bark for fern-cases, i. 34
Corn-cockle, v. 189; Indian, vi. 43;

poppy, white, i. 167
Cornwall : botanical ramble,x i. 102 ; coast

flora of, vi. 47, 50
Coast ferns, iv. 162
Cosmarium botrytis, i. 201
Cotoneaster vulgaris, ix. 259
Cotton : Canadian, iv. 39, 71 ; plant-fibre

of, ii. 22 ; species ot, i. 43
Cowslips and primroses, ii. 153; iv. 143;

v. 189; vi. 141, 161, 16rf, 190; vii. 133
Crane's-bill, v. 151, 191, 262 ; vi. 22
Crithmum maritimum, vi. 263
Crocus, ii. 186, 28 J; xii. 21, 42, 119, 188
Crowfoot, pollen of, i. 186
Crucifers, x. 115, 187
Crystals in plants, ix. 159, 233 ; x. 18
Cucumbers, ii. 37 ; iii. 277
Cuphea platycentra, vii. 81
Currants : home-grown, vii. 67 ; Zante in

Devou, xii. 114
Cyuara, ix. 213 ; xi. 265
Cynodondactylon, v. 212
Cynophallus caninus, ii. 261
Cypripedium, fertilization in, xii. 125
Cypress of Lomma, aged, vii. 71 ; xi. 46
Cystea montana, vii. 261
Cytisus : Adami, vi. 186 ; candicans, xi.

163 ; scoparius, xi. 118
Cystopus lepigoni, vii. 259

DAHLIA, vii. 46

Daisy, ii. 136, 186; vi. 67; cross fertili-
zation of, vi. 30; malformation of, ii.
39 ; Michaelmas, growing wild, vii. 67 ;
proliferous, i. 182, xi. 140; and butter-
cup, with fasciated stems, iii. 166

Daudelions, abnormal, v. 140

Dane's-blood, ii. 256, 280

Defoliation, and similar vegetable phe-
nomena, xi. 57

Delesseria sanguinea, i. 117

Deodara, iii. 114, 1 11

Devon, cowslip, nightingale, and mistletoe
unknown in, i. 88

Dianthus caesius, xi. 283

Diatoms, see Microscopy.

Dicranum arcticum, iii. 158

Dietetic phenomenon, i. 94

Digitalis and verbascum, x. 69

Digitaria humifusa, iv. 224

Dimorphism in plants, vi. 221

Dischidia Rafflesiana, vii. 235

Dock, viii. 89 ; v. nettle, ii. 117 ; viii. 238,
262

Docks, water, xi. 91

Dodder, viii. 139

Dombeya angulata, iii. 63

Dorsetshire, flora of, x. 235

Double flowers and perluines, ix. 162, 209

Dove-plant, iii. 18, 42

Dragon-tree of Teneriffe, iv. 42

Drosera, i. 209 ; iv. 117

Duck-weed, i. 5, 253, 286; ii. 163; iv. 19,
162, 187, 210, 262

EARLY : gardeners, vii. 19, 43; seasons,
iv. 94, 95, 189

Earth-tongue, ix. 65

Eastbourne, flora of, x. 115

Eccremocarpus, vi. 281

Edelweiss, x. 259

Elecampane, vii. 129

Elm, iii. 166 ; vi. 77, 102, 215 ; vii. 91 ;
bark, vi. 71, 83; galls, iii. 17 ; tree,
crystals in seed-coat of, ix. 159

Elm-tre?s, disease in, xi. 165, 213

16

HAEDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

BOTANY (continued).

Elodia Canadensis, xii. 257

Embryos, tricotyledonous.vi. 115,139, 1-15.

226
Empetrum, xi. 143
English herbs as substitute for gentian,

vii. 91, 116
Epilobium angustifolium, ix. 113, 213
Epipactis latifolia, viii. 259. 278 ; ix. 17 ;

paluatria, viii. 259, 273; ix. 17 ;

epiphytes, xi. 143
Ericas, abnormal, v. 193 : viii. 6-1
Erucastrum inodorum near Saffron Wal-

den, i. 78; Polliehii, i. 209
Eryngion multif'oliense, vi. 279
Etymologies, xi. 143, 163, 189
Eucalypti, acclimatization of, x. 05
Eucalyptus globulus in Royal Botanic

Gardens, x. 13, 61, 115; xi. 89
Euonymus, xi. 115, 137, 278
Evergreens, bouquet of, ii. 95 ; and frost.

xi. 115, 208
Exogens, iii. Ill

EAGUS SYLVATICA, v. 259
Eairy rings, iv. 221
Fayberry, v. 162, 188

Fern : bristle, European, ix. 128 ; hart's-
tongue, i. 190, 211; holly, ix. 139;
maiden-hair, v. 211; xi. 187; male as an
anthelmintic, i. 67 ; prickly, v. 162 ;
query, i. 91; royal, iv. 187, 236, 233 ;
sea-weed, i. 190 ; seeds, formation of,
iv. 183; spores, ii.46, 69 ; ix. 11; starch,
vi. 235; Tunbridge, i. 2), 114; viii. 61,
115
Fern-case : breaking of, xi. 119, 283 ;
ferns in, i. 281, 287 ; ii. 173

Fern-cases : mould iu, x. 91, 136, 167 ;

rustic work for, i. 34
Fern ollecting on churches, xii. 182, 280

Fernery, how to make a, ix. 61

Ferns, i. 20, 31, 37, 41, 66, 67, 93, 1"9 ; v.
66,161; age of, viii. 166; buried with the
dead, iii. 65 ; to bleach, xi. 236 ; bifur-
cated, iv. 187, 213, 231, 237, 238, 210 ;
of Bucks, iv. 13 ; collection and preser-
vation of, viii. 97 ; cultivation of, i. 44,
109, 239 ; ii. 46, 69 ; cultivation of, use
of cinders, i. 188 ; in Devonshire, iv.
238, 281 ; to grow, i. 262 ; hardy foreign,
iii. 83 ; insects on, i. 66 ; iv. 213, 237,
261, 263 ; viii. 282 ; ix. 92 ; Killarney,
i. 92 ; management of, i. 284 ; partheno-
genesis in, x. 236 ; preservative power of,
i. 37, 95, 115 ; reproduction of, i. 89 ;
varieties of, iii. 187 ; walking, iii. 187 ;
viii. 22

Fertilization : of flowers, x. 43, 236 ; of
grasses, ix. 112 ; by insects, iii, 2i)9 ;
viii. 89, 257, 278 ; oi certain plants, ix.
258

Fever plant, iv. 46

Fibres, vegetable, ii. 10

Field clubs and rare plants, xi. 167

Figs : what are they, iv. 284; and grapes
in Old London, xi. 215

Fiji Islands, flora of, i. 67

Filberts, ii. 95

Findings, floral, vi. 6, 46, 53, 70, SS, 202

Fingers and toes root disease, vi. 260

Fir, new Arcadian, i. 250

Flax, x. 238 ; sowing of, rustic supersti-
tion, x. 238

Fleur-de-lis, xi. 92

Flora Hautonieneis, vi. 166, 212, 261

Flordel Espiritu Santo, iii. 18, 42

Flower: market, ii. 114; pot, charcoal,
v. 239

Flowers : and birds, vii. 63 ; xi. 95, 136,
214, 235 ; colour of by candlelight, viii.
212; imperfectly developed, i. 103, 137 ;
x. 153 ; double, and perfumes, ix.
162, 2')9 ; dried in sand, v. 7i) ; to dry, by
smoking with brimstone, x. 152 ; dry-
ing, i. 186 ; vii. 279 ; viii. 71, 91,
137: electric, ii. 280; everlasting, vii.
239; viii. 19; of the forest, xii. 175;
formation of ozone by, viii. 211 ; and
insects, vii. 258, 2S2 ; viii. 21 ; x. 184,
215; xi. 115; language of, i. Ill ; vii.
91 ; of the ocean, v. 207; spring, v. 121 ;
study of, x. 151; variation of colours
in, vii. 270; ix. 131, 161, 209; white

BOTANY (continued).

and other varieties, xi. 55, 118, 139, 140,
142

Flycatching plant, i. 43

Fly orchis, viii. 259

Fly-trap, Venus's, xi. 187

Forest : ancient, in Cheshire, ix. 67 ; fires
in United States, vii. 70 ; in Prance,
destruction of, viii. 8 ; in New Zealand,
x. 231; xi. 69, 118, 141

Forget-me-not, ii. 136; viii. 22

Forty years ago, i. 24

Foxglove: abnormal, iv. 210; derivation
of, vi. 43, 67, 69,91,93,94, 115, 118, 135,
166, 260; seeds of, ii. 212

Fragaria vesca, &c. x. 239, 259

Fragillaria erotonensi?, v. 109, 158, 183

Fritillariameleagris, ii. 143,186,212; xii.
118, 143

Fruit : original mode of gathering, iii.
184; and sparrowd, ix. 239; and squir-
rels, viii. 212.

Fruits, carboniferous, xi. 20

Fungi, iii. 18 ; v. 141 ; xii. 179

Fuchsias, xii. 239

Fucus serratus, &c. i. 204

Fungi: books on, i. 240; British, ii. 92 ;
vi. 77 ; xii. 257 ; British, hand-books of,
v. 235 ; vi. 211 ; vii. 18:*, 223 ; chemical
properties of, viii. 164; colouring matter
in, viii. 113 ; to discriminate between
edible and poisonous, xii. 217 ; edible,
i. 214; iv. 20, 115, 259; on leaves, viii.
22; luminous, vii. 69, 91, 118; ix. 69,
117; new, i. 209; viii. 90, 113, 116; ix.
277; patellaria, v. 95, 143 ; poisonous,
viii. 232 ; polymorphic, vii. 43 ; to pre-
serve, i. 141 : viii. 116, 185, 193,
210, 239; x. 165; xi. 163; ramble
after, viii. 217; reaction of iodine in,
ii. 42, 67 ; spores, action of, ii. 23 ;
spring, viii. 95 ; testing, xii. 188, 234 ;
Welsh, ii. 212 ; in winter, iv. 90

Fungological excursions, x. 19

Fungus, candle-snuff, vii. 77; cholera, ii.
212 ; iii. 206 ; v. 43 ; resting-spores of
the potato, xi. 219, 266; potato, xii.
202 ; star-spored, i. 35 ; theory, vii. 23

Furze-leaves, trifoliate, i. 115

Fusus bernieiendis, iv. 143, 165, 212

GAGEA LDTEA, and other rare plants,
in Northamptonshire, xii. 139

Gall-bearing plants, v. 66

Galls: British and foreign, iv. 140;
button, i. 240

Garden : Mr. Smee's, in Surrey, viii. 202 ;
oracle, vi. 46 ; vii. 47 ; wall, flora of an
old, xi. 150

Garlic, history of, x. 145

Gaslight and plants, viii. 118, 141, 142,
191, 212 ; ix. 71

Geaster, species of, i. 19

Genista pilosa, as seaside shrub, x. 116

Gentian, iv. 190 ; vii. 91, 119, 139, 143 ;
viii. 162

Gentiana verna, x. 119

Gentianaceae, viii. 162

Geoglossum difforme, ix. 65

Geranium : molle, xi. 68 ; Eobertianum,
v. 133, 191, 2i2 ; seeds, v. 2*5

Geraniums : British, v. 151 ; carpels of,
v. 211, 235, 238, 261 ; starch in, viii. 215

Geum rivale, x. 137, 162, 190, 211

Giants, floral, v. 9

Giant trees, xi. 136

Gladioli, diseased, iv. 239

Gnaphalium, vii. 239

Goldilocks, vii. 19

Good King Harry, vi. 189, 214, 234, 238

Gooseberry, local name of, v. 162, 188

Goose-foot, white, saline incrustation on,
xi. 231, 260

Goose-grass, xii. 262

Gossypium, species of, i. 43

Grafting, strange freak, x. 68

Gram, of India, xi. 23S, 260

Grass : ergotized, vii. 279 ; viii. 45 ; five-
leaved, ii. 232 ; gum - tree, ix. 209 ;
northern holy-, ix. 139 ; xi. 177, 232,
262 ; xii. 42, 162 ; scurvy-, v. 43, 66, 67,
91, 114, 143 ; smooth fluger-, iv. 224 ;
Timothy-, iv. 187

Grasses : bouquet of, ii. 53 ; v. 172 ; and

BOTANY (continued).

mosses to dye, ii. 293 ; iii. 23 ; plea for

our, x. 176, 260 ; preserving, vii. 261 ;

ix. 25 ; study of, iv. 197 ; xii. 1
Greengage, growth in, v. 46
Green lanes, half-hours in, x. 214
Gregories, vii. 17, 71
Grevillea, viii. 187
Griffithsia, corallina, vii. 215
Grimniia Ungeri, vi. 275
Guaco, iii. 167, 189
Guayacol, ii. 93
Gum Tabanuco, iv. 71
Gum-tree, blue, x. 61, 65, 115
Gum-trees, febrifugal, properties of, ix.

278
Gunpowder-plant, iv. 43

HABENARIA bifolia, &c, v. 162, 186,
191

Habergeon, vi. 94, 118

Hsemony, ii. 141, 165, 189

Hampshire : beeches, ii. 136 ; flora, vi.
166, 212, 261 ; lycopod, iii. 209, 258

Harebell, vi. 118

Hart's-tongue, proliferous, iii. 42

Hasan-i-Yusaf, vi. 176

Hastings and St. Leonards, flora of, xii.
115 ; plants of, iv. 19

Hawthorn, i. 198 ; iv. 267 ; v. 22, 23, 43, 70,
93, 116, 118 ; xi. 71 ; floweringin August,
vii. 210 ; coloured, viii. 212 ; fruit of,
v. 70, 93 ; variation in, iv. 267

Heather, ii. 232

Heartsease, ii. 67, 92 ; vii. 43, 163, 165, 191

Hebony, iv. 112, 163, 190

Hellebore, ii. 275

Helleborus, nectaries of, have power to
absorb and digest nitrogenous sub-
stances, xii. 162

Helianthus tuberosus, xii. 25

Helichrysum, viii. 19

Helvellyn, bouquet from, iii. 242

Hemlock, v. 119, 142

Hemp agrimony, vii. 116, 189

Henbane, vii. 43

Hepaticse, British, x. 137, 210 ; xi. 19

Heracleum giganteum, viii. 215, 237

Herb : Paris, i. 138, 143 ; vi. 161, 210 ;
Robert, v. 133, 191,262

Herbs, common, v. 178, 235, 268 ; vi. 260

Hertfordshire, plants of, viii. 138 ; ix. 277

Hieracium maaulatum, x. 187

Hierochloe borealis, ix. 139 ; xi. 177, 232,
262 ; xii. 42

Himalayas, cryptogams in, i. 114

Hippophiie rhamnoides, ix. 278

Holiday rambles : Cornwall, botanical
ramblein,xi.l02; Highlands, botanizing
in the, x. 249 ; Scdly Isles, the, xi. '1--1 \
Scotch Arran, xi. 178; Sussex coast,
a day's botanizing on the, xi. 34 ; West
of Ireland, xi. 234 ; xii. 169, 222

Holly, iv. 107 ; v. 213, 235, 238, 259, 2S0,
283 ; berries, iv. 68, 90, 119 ; vi. 186,
210, 2i3, 231; vii. 69 ; iu flower, iii. 42 ;
and mistletoe, xii. 82 ; sea, x. 113

Hollyhock disease, ix. 235

Hollyhocks, black, i. 13

Holy-grass, northern, ix. 139; xi. 177,
232, 262; xii. 42, 162

Honeysuckle, double, iii. 239

Horse-chestnut : uses of, i. 43, 111 ; trees,
i. 17; ii. 67; iv. 266, 283; xi. 69, 119,
143 ; xii. 234

Horse-eye nut, ix. 283

Horse-tail, sports of, vi. 167

Horse-tails and mares'-tails, confusion
between, iv. 266

Hops, male, iv. 215

Horehound, black, vi. 17

Humulus, viii. 259

Hyacinth bulbs, preserving, i. 190

Hybridism, Naudin on, i. 258

Hydrocharis, hybernation of, vi. 271

HymenophyllumTunbridgense, i. 20, 114;
viii. 61, 115

Hypnum Bambergeri, iv. 62

INDIA-RUBBER, to dissolve, ii. 263
Iodine, reaction of, iu lichens, &c, ii. 12,

67
Ireland : additions to flora of, ix. 189 ; the

CLASSIFIED INDEX OF VOLS. I.— XII.

a 9

BOTANY (continued).

shamrock of, viii. 113, 133, 1-12 ; ancient

trees in, is. 177
Irish : ivy, i.209 ; natural history, popular

notions on, xii. 166 ; plants, notes on,

i. 115
Isle of AVight, botany of, xii. 234
Isoetes, British, ix. 87, 113 ; Guernsey,

ix. 53, 163; xii., 12, 43; hystrix of

Algeria, xi. 258
Italy, flora of, vi. 115 ; xi. 209
Ivy, i. 114, 209 ; iii. 277 ; iv. 20, 43, 66 ;

v. 238 ; berries and birds, xi. 140

JALAP, Tampico, vi. 142

Juglans regia, i. 89

Juniper bushes, variations in height of,

xi. 234 ; xii. 44, 47, 67, 71, 95, 119, 167
Jute, what is it? ii. 84

KAHRASINGHEE, i. 286

Kerria Japonica, ii. 93

Kew, number of plants in the Herbarium,

viii. 279
Kidney bean, history of, xi. 35

LABURNUM, i. 215 ; iv. 141 ; vii. 46 ;

xi. 187, 212, 232, 234, 236, 237 ; xii. 22 ;

and Yucca, natural snail-traps, v. 143
Laminariae, British, xi. 145
Larch, Hi. 90 ; blight, i. 190 ; blossoms,

vii. 139 ; cones, abnormal, i. 88
Lastrea : cristata, vii. 279 ; montana, v.

259 ; rigida, iv. 139
Lathraea squamaria, xi. 137, 189, 235
Lattice stinkhorn, iii. 187
Laurel berries, iv. 283 ; v. 47, 70, 114 ;

to destroy thrips, vi. 17
Laurel : leaves, markings on, v. 21, 45,

68, 71 ; New Zealand, iv. 21, 46, 70, 95 ;

pimples, ii. 215
Leaf-buds, v. 34, 66
Leaves : anatomatizing, :. 215, 239, 286 ;

drying, x. [45 ; for packing, i. 47, 70 ;

impressions of, ii. 47, 70 ; iii. 141, 191 ;

monstrous, vii. 279 ; skeleton, i. 286 ; iii.

22, 117, 141, 246 ; vii. 252 ; viii. 30, 190 ;

x. 68, 113, 140, 142 ; structure of, i. 53 ;

variations in, iv. 147 ; vi. 21 1 ; veins of,

i. 24
Lemna : arrhiza, i. 264 ; gibbs, iv. 19,

162, 187, 210, 262 ; species of, i. 5
Lemon : double, viii. 23 ; growth in, iv.

261; v. 2L
Leopard's-bane, plantain-leaved, viii. 140
Lichen : dyes, iii. 266 ; edible, viii. 60 ;

esculenta, xi. 116; growth, is it detri-
mental to trees? iii. 241; yellow wall,

viii. 185
Lichenology, iv. 66

Lichens, i. 186; ii. 66; vi. 115; a handy-
book of, vi. 47 ; New British, i. 19, 88 ;

to remove, xi. 259 ; to preserve, viii.

217
Lightning and beech-trees, ix. 23, 44, 45,

69
Lilac in October, v. 47
Lily, ii. 256

Limnanthes Douglasii, vi. 210
Linnea borealis, iii. 25S
Littorella lacustris, viii. 231 ; ix. 17
Liverpool, flora of, viii. 232, 259
Lobelia urens, v. 235
Locust-bean or locusts, which eaten by

John Baptist ? vi. 271
Locust-tree, ii. 1B7 ; vi. 271 ; vii. 259
Loose-strife, vi. 237 ; vii. 19, 47
Lophospermum, metamorphosis in, viii.

279
Lords and ladies, vi. 73
Lotus, history and traditions of, vi. 124,

208, 231, 272 ; vii. 19, 118, 142, lHH
Lycium barbatum, iii. 257 ; iv. 213, 235,

238, 239
Lycoperdons, ii. 270
Lycopod : Hampshire, iii. 209, 258; new

British, ii. 212
Lyntan, North Devon, visit to, xii. 45
Lysimachia punctata, in Norfolk, ix. 235
Lythracese, vii. 187
Lythrum hyssopit'olium, iv. 210, 291

MADRONO, iii. 230 ; iv. 17
Maianthemum bifolium, xii. 210

BOTANY (continued).

Maize, vi. 43

Malva : borealis, xi. 259, 278 ; redis-
covery of in Sussex, xi. 231

Manchia erecta, iv. 163

Mangrove, viii. 42

Manna of the Desert, viii. 60, 186 ; xi. 146

Maple blight, iv. 136, 183

Mares-tails and horsetails, confusion be-
tween, iv. 266

Manual of botanical terms, ix. 235

Marjoram, v. 178, 235

Marmalade, origin of, iii. 68

"Mary buds, winking," of Shakspeare,
ii. 108, 163, 191, 215

Marygold, French, ii. 107, 142, 163, 191,
215 ; vii. 19

Meadow-sweet brand, i. 255

Medicago_ arborea, x. 43, 65 :

Mespilus^Germanica, ix. 116, 188

Mezereon, iii. 114

Middlesex, flora of, ii. 95 ; v. 259

Mignonette, ii. 256

Mildew, what is it ? i. 139

Milk trees or wooden cows, i. 171,286

Miltwast, vi. 263, 279

Mimulus luteus, wild, in Ireland, i. 235

Mistletoe, i. 273 ; v. 138, 162, 167 ; ix. 188
xii. 92, 93, 270 ; culture of, v. 23, 39
63 ; in Devonshire, i. 8S, 114 ; and holly
xii. 82; on mountain ash, i. 283; xii
45 ; on oak, i. 283 ; ii. 152, 186, 212 ; ix
18; trees on which it grows, i. 283
xii. 45

Missouri, big trees in, vii. 67

Mochras, v. 213

Monkey-cup, xi. 189, 232

Monocotyledons, classification of, xii. 276

Morel, giant, ii. 136

Moss, culture of, i. 92

Mosses : accumulating soil, i. 67; bog, ix.
184; British, i. 258; iii. 158,273; vii.
199 ; xi. 42 ; collecting and preserving,
viii. 49; Devonshire, iv. 261 ; dissection
of, ii. 166; and grasses to dye, iii. 23;
gemmae of, i. 6'; labels for, vii. 22;
about London, viii. 11,35, 61; to mount,
i. 43; new, iv. 62 ; vi. 83, 275; organi-
zation of, iii. 219; study of, i. 79; iii.
188; of Sussex, vi. 139

Musa textilis, spiral vessels used as slow-
match, vi. 119, 142

Mushroom: cultivation of, from spawn,
vi. 79 ; large, i. 258 ; triple, i. 209 ;
winter, v. 9>.

Mushrooms, v. 70; May, iii. 112, 136;
poisoned by, iii. 238

Mycological illustrations, vii. 159 ; ram-
bles, viii. 247

Mype, N. AVales name for turnip, xi. 22

Myrtle, iii. 42 ; vii. 19

NASTURTIUM siifolium, iii. 231 ; iv. 19,
' 43
Nepenthes, pitcher of, vi. 128
Nettle and butterfly, i. 62
Nettles, uses of, i. 70, 88, 275, 209 ; xii.

118,165,215
New Forest, flora of, xi. 280
Nightshade, enchanter's, v. 62
Nitophyllum versicolor, vi. 127 ; x. 114
Nostoc commune, vii. 260 ; x. 114
Nuts, ancient, iii. 92

OAK: curious growth of, ii. 67; galls
vii. 210; ix. 138; xi. 64; barnacle-like
viii. 139 ; largest ever known in Eng
land.i. 61 ; maiden, near Birmingham
v. 143, 164 ; spangles, i. 240 ; ii. 228
ix. 45,284; Winfarthing, ix. 200
Oaks : curious, v. 166 ; xi. 22 ; old, i. 223

iv. 259 ; ix. 142, 161, 189, 215, 265
Oats, animated, vi. 190, 211, 212, 237
(Enanthe crocata, ix. 93, 119, 141, 206,

215 ; pimpinelloi'des, iii. 235
Oenothera biennis, fasciation in, vii. 186
Olive in bloom, v. 235
Onion : bog, iv. 271 ; history of, x. 123
Onions, as disinfectants, iv. 190, 215, 233
Ophioglossum vulgatum, vii. 187
Ophrys : apifera in Hants, ix. 18, 70 ;

lutea, v. 138
Oranges, v. 213; double, iii. 118, 142;
vii. 106

BOTANY (continued).

Orchid : possible increase, i. 188 ; rust,

i. 1H2
Orchids, ix. 88 ; British, i. 121 ; ix. 87 ;

London, viii. 279 ; popular names of,

iii. 167
Orchil-weed, iii. 71
Orchis : bee, v. 235 ; vi. 239 ; vii. 215, 239,

259, 279 ; viii. 236, 259 ; early purple,

ii. 163 ; militaris, viii. 188
Organs, reeds and, ix. 47
Orme's Head, Great, plants of, x. 128
Ornithogalum : Pyrenaicum, xi. 136 ; am-

bellatum, ix. 187
Ornithopus ebracteatus, xii. 162
Orobanche Picridis, iii. 187
Orobanehaceas, British, x. 69
Orthosira punctata, v. 110
Osmunda regalis, iv. 187, 236, 238, 271
Oxalis : acetosella, iv. 52, 210, 289 ; v. 20,

43, 162, 166, 186 ; called Alleluia, iv. 52,

210, 228 ; corniculata rubra, iv. 187,

210, 228 ; tree, v. 280
Oxfordshire, rare plants in, viii. 19
Oxlip, iii. 137, 163, 165, 187, 235 ; iv. 35 ;

vii. ,115, 133, 163 ; white, ix. Ill

PALM : bottle, destruction of by goats,
vii. 70 ; dwarf, of Italy, iv. 66 ; Gomuti,
i. 77 ; Talipat, iii. 18

Palms, influence of, i. 283

Pansy, wild, iv. 280

Papyrus in Europe, iii. 65

Parietaria officinalis, ix. 65

Parnassia palustris, floral glands of, xii.
116

Parsley leaf, used by Peel as a pattern,
vii. 281 ; viii. 21

Patthur-ke-phul, iii. 90

Pea : history of, xi. 130 ; sweet, iii. 42

Pear : double, iii. 119 ; large, vii. 67 ;
prickly, i. 24; triple, iii. 62

Pear-tree : in bloom in September, iii.
209 ; curious, at Guildford, xi. 214

Peloria, or plant monstrosity, viii. 259

Pennyroyal, cure for dumbness, vi. 118

Perfumes, produced from plants in British
dependencies, prize for, vi. 47

Periwinkle, i. 186

Peziza : new, v. 162 ; orange fructifica-
tion of, vii. 275

Phacelia tenacetifolia, vi.167, 189, 211

Phallus impudicus, i. 190

Phleum pratense, iv. 187

Phlagmites communis, vi. 44

Phul-supyari or Mochras, v. 213

Phyllactidium pulchellum, iii. 178, 210,
236 ; v. 67

Physcia parietina, viii. 185

Pimpernel : abnormal, i. 18 : blue, iii.
209, 235, 258 ; double-flowered, ii. 256 ;
pink-flowered, ii. 212, 232 ; iii. 235 ;
scarlet, xii. 70

Pineapples, iii. 11; vii. 82, 114, 117, 113,
187 ; x. 46

Pine pollen, v. B2

Pinguicula : graudiflora, i. 67; vulgaris, i.
205

Pink, ii. 229 ; Indian, leaf of, v. 164, 213

Piatillody, vii. 230

Pi9um (pea), history of, xi. 130

Pitcher-plant, vi. 128 ; vii. 235 ; x. 210

Pith, economic U9es of, iii. 90

Plane-trees, i. 258 ; iii. 35

Plant : curious hybrid bilberry, viii. 2 Is ;
hunting, a half-day's in Kent, x. 150 ;
life, ancient, ix. 76 ; spring phenomena
of, iv. 121 ; names, English, v. 25 ; vi.
127, 210, 211, 227, 231; xi. 231 ; origin
of common, xii. 161 ; origin of, in the
AVarren, Folkestone, xii. 130, 249 ; re-
surrection, viii. 213, 231 ; tissues, ab-
sorption of air by, vii. 91

Plantago coronopus, v. 280 ; vi. 37

Plantain, iii. 239 ; vii. 210 ; abnormal, vi.
37 ; hair found in, v. 114

Plants : ancient names of, iii. 90 ; and
animals, association of, i. 235 ; bog, of
Isle of AVieht, vi. 210, 234 ; British,
variations in, i. 32, 228 ; ii. 232 ;
changes in locality of rare, viii. 77
chemical processes in, ix. 66; circulation
in, ii. 134; colour of, by candlelight, viii.
212 ; colour of, to preserve, ix. 115 ;

18

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

BOTANY (continued).

consumers of oxygen, i. 198 ; depth of
roots in soil, i. 17, 43 ; distribution of,
iii. 114 ; double-flowered wild, xi. 231 ;
drying, ii. 164, 186, 213, 237, 256 ; viii. 40,
70, 92 ; ix. 23, 88 ; eccentricities of, xi. 43 ;
examining, i. 162 ; extermination of, x.
68, 137, 140, 142, 166, 190, 259 ; grown in
carmine, iv. 71 ; hanging, iv. 47, 69 ;
how to take impressions of, xii. 258 ;
imperfectly developed, ii. 8 ; v. 99 ; in-
sectivorous, xi. 187 ; introduction into
England, i. 67 ; isolation of, iv. 235 ;
ironing, ii. 164, 186, 213, 237 ; irrita-
bility and sensation in, iv. 25 ; labels for
orders of, xii. 47 ; legends and histories
of certain, ix. 149, 212 ; localities of
rare, ix. 116, 209, 278 ; local names of,
i. 35 : iv. 90, 239, 26 J ; v. 9, 25 ; vi. 227,
234, 262 ; ix. 235, 259 ; xi. 143, 238, 259,
280, 270; London catalogue of, x. 91,
114, 211 ; luminous, vii. 121, 191, 243 ;
mineral matter of, viii. 210 ; monstrous,
in 1872, viii. 270 ; most perfect, i. 17 ;
names of vulgar or local, iv. 250 ; v. 21,
45, 116 ; vi. 127, 210, 211, 227, 234, 262 ;
poisoning dried, i. 2t ; viii. 40, 70, 91 ;
poisonous, ix. 119, 142, 164, 165 ; pre-
serving, v. 216 ; viii. 49, 97, 193, 217 ;
xi. 1, 166; rare, vii. 259; viii. 19, 47,
158 ; ix. 1, 34, 67, 69, 71, 101, 103, 106,
162, 209, 278 ; x. 40, 259 ; saline, pre-
servation of, ii. 166 ; British sensitive,
iii. 94, 114 ; iv. 52 ; sleep of, viii. 118,
141, 142, 191 ; ix. 46, 71 ; stray, notes
on, i. 138; subdivision or "splitting"
of species, iv. 169 ; sudden appearance
and disappearance of, viii. 174 ; x. 91,
140, 199, 260 ; xi. 71, 117 ; sending fresh
by post, vii. 259 ; twining, i. 186 ;
unknown, *x. 165, 189 ; varieties of, i.
162 ; x. 239 ; xi. 231 ; water in, x. 91 ;
watering with iron, i. 46 ; watering
■with cold tea, xii. 290 ; white varieties
of, vii. 191, 201, 210, 235, 239, 281; viii.
20, 22, 45, 93 ; within plants, ii. 42

Podder, vi. 91, 117, 118, 120

Poison oak and autidote, common soap-
wort, iii. 90

Pollen : commerce in, viii. 232 ; griins
and the fertilization of flowers, x. 236

Poonyet, i. 252

Poppv, seeds of, used as food in the East,
ii. 119

Potentilla: fragaria, &c, x. 239, 259;
fructicosa, vi. 19 ; viii. 278 ; ix. 18 ;
orange-spotted, v. 280; reptans, v. 47,
66, 91, 119, 280 ; tormentilla, &c, v. 47,
66, 91, 119

Potato : history of, vi. 21, 45 ; x. 77, 101,
137, 144; Teutonic tradition, ix. 212;
disease, viii. 222,254, 259,280; x. 65,
99, 210 ; new disease, ix. 184

Potato-tree, xi. 19, 137

Prairie fires, vi. 263

Primrose, ii. 212 ; ii;. 42, 114, 136, 141,
167, 235 ; iv. 147, 187 ; evening, iii. 65 ;
triple, vii. 139 ; viii. 22

Primroses and birds, x. 135, 166, 172, 184 ;
at Christmas, vi. 45 ; in a room, i. 114 ;
irregular, vi. 139, 162 ; pin centres and
rose centres, ii. 106; pink, iii. 278; iv.
43, 66; vii. 133, 134, 167

Primula : fariuosa, vi. 10), 142 ; veris, v.
189

Prophet's flower, v. 191

Prunella vulgaris, ix. 28, 48, 94

Puff-balls, ii. 270; v. 161; enormous, iii.
65 ; xi. 283 ; starry, i. 19

Pyrethrum inodorum, xi. 187

Pyrola, media, minor, and secunda, iii.
18 ; iv. 162 ; vi. 47, 91

QUEENAPPLE, ii. 293; iii. 68
Quillworts, ix. 54, 163 ; xii. 12, 43 ; of
Algeria, xi. 258

RADISH : large, v. 282 ; rat-tail, iii. 278

Eagwort, vii. 215, 238

Ranunculus ficaria, viii. 63 ; Lenormandi,
&c..iv. 163 ; v. 20

Raphides, ii. 283 ; in enchanter's night-
shade, iii. 89

Red varieties of British plants, xi. 208

BOTANY {continued).

Reed, curious form of, vi. 19

Reeds, pens made of, i. 118

Rhagium bifasciatum, vii. 215, 232

Rhamuus frangula, v. 141

Rhatany savanilla, i. 88

Rhubarb wine, ii. 190

Rib-grass, divination by, iii. 65

Riccia, British, new, ix. 88

Rocket, London, i. 149

Rodriguez, flora of, xii. 43

Roots, cuttings from, v. 138

Rosa arvensis, ix. 187

Rose : centres and pin centres of primroses,

ii. 106 ; field, ix. 187 ; of Jericho, ii. 94,

114; moss, introduction into Paris by

Madame de Genlis, iii. 42 ; scarlet, iv.

119, 141; tree, ancient, in Hanover, iii.

166 ; under the, iii. 152
Roses : British, i. 88 ; time to gather,

i. 43
Rubus, abnormal, vii. 186
Rue, iii. 278 ; vi. 118 ; and rosemary, vi.

39, 40, 67, 118
Rumex maximus, xi. 91
Ruscus aculeatus, v. 94
Rust : Alexander's, i. 190 ; and smut in

India, iii. 137 ; new, i. 139
Ruta graveolens, iii. 278

SAFFROX, vii. 281 ; St. "Winefrid's

blood, i. 88
Sage, v. 268

Salicine, ix. 183, 207, 232, 233
Salix : yEgyptiaca, iii. 21 ; alba, xii. 107
Sallow-beating, ix. 133, 147
balvia officinalis, v. 268
Samphire, vi. 263
Sanguinaria, ii. 239, 263 ; Canadensis,

vi. 19
Saprolegniacere, bibliography of, vi. 67
Sarraceuia variolaris, x. 210
Saxif'raga : florulenta, ix. 112 ; granulata,

bulbiferous stem of, x. 69, 116, 119, 162 ;

hypnoides, vi. 19 ; singular floweriug

of, viii. 213
Scabious, singular, viii. 258, 279
Scale moss, fringed, i. 109
Scilla autumnalis, v. 235
Seilly Islands, cryptogamia of, viii. 210
Scirpus : laeustris, &c, x. 141, 167, 210,

282 ; parvulus, v. 162 ; x. 22
Scolopendrium ceterach, v. 66, 91
Seakale, xii. 73
Seaweed : exotic, x. 250 ; red-leaved,

i. 117 ; under the, v. 193
Seaweeds, v. 207 ; books on, i. 192 ; to

gather, i. 173 ; preserving, viii. 169 ;

xi. 21, 17
Sea-wrack, i. 204
Seed-leaves, accidental variations of, vi.

145, 226
Seeds: germinating power of, xi. 66 ; xii.

210; jumping, iii. 257
Self-fertilization, i. 114
Self-heal, viii. 290; ix. 29, 46, 94
Senebiera didyma, x. 235
Senecio squalidus, ix. 139
Sequoia and its history, ix. 42
Servia, flora of, i. 88
Shamrock, v. 66, 91, 138, 162, 166, 167,

186 ; vii. 43 ; four-leaved, ii. 232 ; true,

viii. 113, 138, 142
Sheep-sorrel in New Zealand, i. 17
Shell-flower, vi. 188, 238
Shrubs, sea-side, x. 43, 65, 91, 113, 115,

116, 119, 136, 163, 185, 186, 190, 239;

xi. 95, 142, 208
Sidwell (Valeriana phu), x. 236
Silene dichotoma, i. 238, 258
Simethis bicolor, vii. 163; ix. 90
Sinapis arvensis, xi. 186, 232
Sium : latifolium, in Wiltshire, xi. 232 ;

sisarum, x. 278
Skeletonizing, viii. 30, 190; x. 69, 113,

140, 142
Skerret, x. 278

Sloe : abnormal fruit of, v. 186; and tea-
leaves, ix. 268
Smyrnium olusatrum, i. 190
Snowberry, attractive to moths, vi. 209
Snowdrops, iv. 66 ; x. 92, 140 ; xii. 190, 257
Solanum crispum, xi. 19, 137 ; grandiflo-

rum or deutatum, x. 235, 278 ; xi. 19

BOTANY (continued).

Sonchus palustris, iii. 210, 235, 257, 281
Sowerby's English Botany, origin of, .

47
Sow-thistle, marsh, iii. 210, 235, 257, 281
South Africa, changes in the vegetation

of, x. 43
Spartium junceum, xi. 88
Speedwell, Buxbaum's, vi. 43, 91, 183 ; vii.

114, 139-; x. 92
Speedwells, ii. 121
Sphagnum rubellum, i. 47
Spinach, history of, xi. 218
Spindle-tree, in flower, xi. 278
Suiral vessels of plants used as tinder, vi.

119, 142
Spleenwort, green, i. 44; ii. 275
Spring : flowers, early, iv. 115, 189, 259 ;

in autumn, a second, iv. 238, 262 ; wild

plants, autumnal flowering of, xi. 257
Stapelia Europsea, ix. 138
Star of Bethlehem, ii. 115, 136, 163, 186;

ix. 1*7
Stars, floral, vii. 210, 239
St^phanotis floribunda, ii. 119
Sticks without end, iii. 187, 210
Stink-horn, i. 190 ; xi. 45
Stitchwort, apetalous, i. 235
Stratiotes aloides, iv. 2^0 ; ix. 45, 118
Strawberry, white, vii. 191
Sundew, i. 209 ; iv. 117; v. 91, 117, 190;

ix. 259; Neilgherry, v. 181
Sunflower, ii. 164
Sussex, mosses of, vi. 139
Switzerland, flora of, xi. 2r|9, 237
Sword-grass, ii. 119, 142, 165, 166
Symphytum tuberosum, v. 138; vi. 19, 31 ;

xii'. 210

TAMARISK, manna of, vii. 15, 70
Tamarix orientalis, ii. 214 ; iii. 20
Tea : chests, vii. 142 ; plant, origin of, iv.

210; and sloe-leaves, ix. 269 ; iii. 257 ;

iv. 213, 235, 238, 239 ; x. 260, 278
Teratological notes, x. 153, 187, 192
Tewin churchyard, seven ash-trees in, x.

143,214, 215
Than-hmo, ii. 256; iii. 136
Theine in cola or guru-nut, of Soudan,

i. 8-f
Theobroma cacao, x. 69
Thistle, Scotch, vi. 131
Thistles at the Antipodes, vi. 162
Thorn: Glastonbury, ii. 256; v. 43 ; xi.

46, 66, 88, 162 ; white, scarlet, xii. 234
Thuidium decipiens, vii. 199
Thuja, monograph of, error in, v. 43
Toad-flax, iii. 201 ; v. 211 ; ivy-leaved,

vi. 43, 71
Toad-rush, germination of, iii. 150
Toadstools, i. 225, 258
Tomato, or love-apple, xii. 154
Tombs, trees springing out of, x. 143, 214,

215, 262; xi. 21, 45
Tormentilla, v. 47, 66, 91, 119, 2S0
Torquay, rare plauts at, vi. 43, 139, 165
Touchen leaves, vi. 262, 281, 282
Toulouse, our Lady of, i. 34
Travellers' delight, vi. 188, 215, 237, 261
Trees : ancient, i. 186 ; iv. 202 ; ix. 237;

x. 47, 56, 95, 100, 136, 139, 141, 213, 238,

281: xi. 22, 140; bowed bf wind,

iii. 93 ; decay of, xii. 237 ; giant, xi.

136 ; indigenous, v. 140 ; lopping, iii.

46 ; in Hyde Park, xii. 186 ; old, i. 223 ;

iv. 231, 259; xi. 22, 46, 140; which is

the oldest? ix. 91, 119, 142, 164, 189,

212, 215, 237, 265 ; remarkable, x. 136 ;

remarkable trio of (Breadfruit, cow,

and upas), v. 182 ; vast variety of, vi.

19
Triceratium favus, ii. 69
Tril'olium stellatum, vii. 235
Truffles, Southdown, i. 89, 139
Tropical regions, perpetual freshness of,

viii. 42
Tulip, ii. 136, 212 ; iii. 19 ; abnormal

stamens of, viii. 68 ; wild, ix. 165
Turnip: history of, x. 217; seed lying

dormant twenty-one years, i. -13
Tussilago petastites or fragrans, ix. 44,

71, 90

ULOTHRIX, iv. Ill

CLASSIFIED INDEX OF VOLS. I.— XII.

19

BOTANY (continued).

Umbellifera;, venation of, iv. 15
Upas-tree, iv. 266; vi. 214; xi. 118,143
Urocrystis oryzaa, v. 43
Utricularia, iv. 210, 265 ; v. 22, 67

VALERIANA: dioiea, i. 143; phu, s.

236 ; Pyrenaica, is. 71, 113
Valisneria : culture of, i. 138 ; spiralis,

vi. 166, 189, 212, 215, 237
Vegetable : hair, use of, iv. 11 ; marrow,

abnormal form of male flower, si. 241 ;

marrow, leave9 of, s. 255; phenomena

and defoliation, si. 57
Vegetables, history of our common culti-
vated, s. 77, 101, 123, 144, 145, 178, 193,

217, 211, 265; si. 9, 35, 130, 193, 211, 265
Verbascum lychnitis at Bickley, s. 211
Veronica: Busbaumii, v. 211, 259, 280;

vii. 91 ; speedwell, si. 280 ; sii. 23
Verrucaria ochrostoma, x. 19
Vervain, ii. 163

Viburnum: lantana, vi. 187;!opulus, vi. 91
Victoria Regia water-lily blooming uear

Birkenhead, vi. 279
Vinegar-plant, vi. 144
Vine disease, new, v. 59
Vines, big, at the south, vii. 67
Violet wood, varieties of, iv. 139
Violets, vi. 67; vii. 166; s. 211; under

ash-trees, v. 91, 116, 117, 166,188,189;

dog, v. 114 ; yellow, iii. 239, 258 ; iv. 23,

43,90

BOTANY {continued).

Viper's grass, sii. 74

Viscum album, sii. 270

Volvos globator, i. 190, 213, 238, 211, 262 ;

ii. 119; iv. 117, 164 ; v. 166 ; xii. 191,

208, 234, 232; cilia of, i. 263

WALLFLOWER, abnormal, v. 186; vii.
186

WHlnut, i. 89

Warwickshire, plants of, s. 278 ; xi. 231

Water : avens, s. 137,;iti2, 190, 211 ; cresses,
iv. 70, 95 ; dropwort, is. 93, 118, 141,
206, 215

Waterlilies do not sink beneath the
waters to sleep, iv. 265

Water-weed, American, i. 141

Weeds, wandering, vii. 67

Wellingtonia gigantea, i. 139

Whin, flowering in December, v. 43

White varieties of flowers, vii. 191, 201,
210, 235, 239, 281 ; viii. 20, 22, 45, 93,
214 ; si. 118, 139, 140, 142, 208, 231

Whiteley Dean, plants of, sii. 42

Wild flowers, cultivation of, for garden
decoration, v. 169, 265 ; plants, variety
of colour iu, sii. 41, 211, 257

Willow : herb, iv. 265 ; is. 71, 113, 213 ;
leaves used for yeast, vii. 117 ; Napo-
leon's, at Kew, iii. 71 ; on the growth
of, sii. 107, 183; trees, singular growth
of, s. 162

Willows, Babylonian, is. 139, 162

BOTANY (continued).

Wiltshire, Siumlatifolium iu, si. 232
" Wincopipe," sii. 15,69, 70
Window gardening, i. 92, 117, 141, 284
Winter : stores for, s. 68 ; greens, iii 18 •

iv. 162 ; vi. 47, 91
Wisterias, harbouring clothes moths xii

190
Wolfia arhiza, v. 138, 162
Woodrutf, sweet, vi. 47, 69, 70, 93
Wood sorrel, iv. 52, 28 ) ; v. 20, 43, 162
Woods, British, i. 239
Woody structure form-elements in, sii.

208
Worm mushroom of Burmah, ii. 256;

iii. 136
Wurali, v. 126

XYLARIA hypoxylon, vii. 77

YEAST, x. 140 ; in media free from

oxygen, si. 64
Yew : Gresford, age of, x. 100, 137; si. 70 ;

in the oak, i. 43 ; leaves, poisonous, i.

112, 162 ; tree, iii. 235
Yorkshire, West, botany of, xii. 210
Yucca, fertilization of, is. 42; snail-trap,

v. 143

ZANTE CURRANTS in Devon, vii. 114
Zea Mays, vi. 43
Ziricote, ii. 47 ; iv. 47

MICROSCOPY.

ACTINOPHRYS, iii. 104 ; Eichornii, ii.
87 ; sii. 35.

Algffi : how to cut sections of, sii. 145 ;
marine, to preserve, xi. 21, 47, 71 ; to
prepare for microscope, vii. 20 ; x. 18,
98 ; xi. 54

Aloine, cystals of, ii. 94

American workshop, chip from, vii. 85

Amphipleura pellucida, xi. 113

Amphiprora ornata, v. 109

Amphitetras, the genus, iii. 271

Angustura bark, micro-chemical examina-
tion of, xi. 61

Arachnoidiscus ornatas, in co. Dublin,
i. 114 ; remarks on, xi. 121

BACILLARIA paradoxa, v. 139

Bacteria microzymes, 257

Balsam: Canada, to harden, iii. 43; best
medium for mounting, ii. 175 ; x. 106 ;
xi. 256

Balsam : and chloroform, mounting in, i.
45, 69 ; ii. 263 ; hardening of, xi. 16,
69, ; mounting in, ii. 209, 260, 263, 2^2,
233 ; iii. 21, 23, 91 ; ix. 16, 63, 87, 135 ;
xi. 86 ; substitute for, v. 115

Barbel, scale of, vii. 188

Barium, chloride of, preservative, x. 207

Bees, glands and stints of, iv. 148

Beetle's eye and bunt of wheat, in-
genious use of, ii. 259 ; vii. 92 ; viii.
276; ix. 15, 64

Benzole v. camphor, vii. 93

Bermuda Tripoli, xi. 160

Biddulphia, ii. 133

Binocular : dark lines in field of view, is.
63, 85, 86, 110 ; dissecting microscope,
i. 201 ; Wenham's newest arrangement
for the highest power, sii. 269

Binoculars, rack of, iii. 115

Black : Berlin, iv. 116 ; dead, iii. 142, 166

Bleak, scales of the, vi. 187

Bone and teeth, sections of, vii. 14

Bricks of Dashour, examined by micro-
scope, iii. 43

Bullets, iu mounting, vii. 140

Bull's-eye condenser, i. 212

Bunt of wheat and eye of beetle, use of as
lens, ii. 259 ; vii. 92 ; viii. 276 ; ix. 15, 64

Butterfly: battledore, scales of, v. 212 ;
viii. 42; scales of, i. 110, 166

CABINET, circular, i. 237

Cabinets, microscopic postal, ix. Ill, 165,
281

Camera obscura, microscopic, ii. 233 ; iii.
69

Camphor : s. Benzole, vii. 93 ; in paraffin
lamps, viii. 136

Caoutchouc, solvent for, iii. 66

Carbolic acid, ii. 215 ; use of in mounting,
xi. 229

Carmine : for injections, ii. 282 ; iii. 20 ;
peziza, iv. 90 ; solution, Dr. Beale's,
viii. 136

Carp, scales of, vi. 215, 279 ; vii. 20, 140

Cell, a new, v. 236, 281

Cells, vii. 20, 22, 23, 44 ; glass, ii. 69, 93,
113, 135 ; imita'ion of livinu vegetable,
xi. 187 ; for microscopic objects, v. 236,
260, 281 ; x. IK, 41, 88, 167 ; varnish for
microscopical, xi. 275 ; vulcanite, v.
139 ; vi. 20 282; vii. 22, 23

Cement: for cells and aquaria, iii. 259 ;
for dry-mouuting objects, ix. 86 ; xii.
36 ; Foulbe's, vii. 112 ; glycerine mount-
ing, sii. 16, 39, 40, 65, 88 ; indiarubber,
iii. 23, 43 ; liquid, xii. 40, 87 ; for slides,
iii. 21, 259 ; and turn-tables, x, 130 ;
wanted, iii. 191 ; v. 262, 283

Centerer for mounting, xi. 206, 230

Cha;tospira, notes on, iv. 125, 155, 164

Centering objects, iii. 139, 211

Cheyleti, v. 5

Chicago Microscopic Club, v. 54, 130

Chirocephalus diaphanu*, i. 45 ; iv. 96,
117

Chloroform and balsam, i. 8, 45, 69 ; ii.
263

Chlorophyl in spnngilla, x. 256

Chub, scales of, vi. 92

Cilia, about, v. 53

Ciliated ceramium, v. 212

Clip, improved, i. 189

Clips : microscopical, viii. 166 ; substi-
tute for, ii. 112

Coal, to cat sections of, x. 94, 120

Coleus, fungoid growth on leaves of, viii.
135

Collecting-case for microscope, v. 19, 120

Coloured light, ix. 183

Condenser: bull's-eye, i. 212 ; economic,
i. 90 ; new, ii. 261 ; Webster's, i. 140

Confervoid growth in slides, ii. 282 ; iii.
22

Cosmarium, circulation of, i. 94

Cotton, Canadian, iv. 39, 71

Croydon Microscopical ('lub, vi. 116, 141

Crystals : mounting, ii. 19, 33, 125 ; x. 22 ;
for polariscope, vi. 92 ; spiral, vi. 47

Cuckoopint as an object, vi. 116

Cups for maceration, ii. 234

Cuticle of leaves, removing, ii. 23, 46,
191. 234,257 ; iii. 43, 115

Cuticles : and raphides, to mount, s. 141,
162, 183 ; siliceous, 's. 134, 255 ; vege-
table separation of, iii. 43, 115

Cyclops, four-horned, i. 158 ; iii. 81

Cymbella Ehrenbergii, &c, s. 256

DACE, scales of, v. 163

Damar: mounting in, i. 110, 119,165;

viii. 71, 72, 256, 276 ; varnish, x. 183
Daphnia, heart of, iv. 227, 279
Dark lines in field of view, i. 63, 85, 86,

111) ; wells, revolving, ix. 14
Derbyshire Micros. Society, x. 276
Dermestes larva, hair of, iii. 28, 206, 254
Desmidiaceas, ii. 101, 147
Desmid<: British, new, vii. 44; to clean

and mount, ii. 47, 93, 114
Diatom : mounting, iii. 140, 166, 167 ;

ix. Gl, 69, 86, 110,111; new Irish, i.

114 ; wanted, i. 95
Diatomacese : cilia of, i. 237 ; cleaning, i.

52 ; «nd heterogenesis, ix. 153 ; history

of, x. 'i, 25, 149 ; Schmidt's atlas of, xi.

39, 205; seaside, i. 250 ; ii. 162
Diatomaceen typen platte, Moller's, x.

176, 233
Diatomaceous deposit, "Ehrenberg's, x.

12 ' ; frustules, viii. 184 ; x. 197
Diatoms, i. 27; ii. 62, 87, 108,112,133,

182 ; hi. 9, 35, 81, 91, 103, 115, 133, 156,

18i» 188, 228 ; v. 22, 61, 67, 72, 92, 109,

139, 158, 163, 185, 187, 220 ; vi. 22, 37,

20

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

MICROSCOPY (continued).

55, 61, 140, 178, 235; vii. 68; ix. 222 ;
x. 2, 25, 149; xi. 181; British Colum-
bia of, iii. 211 ; in chalk, iii. 236 ; to
clean, i. 52 ; iii. 262 ; vii. 105 ; xi. 229,
256 ; collecting, i. 85 ; xi. 151 ; exotic
and British, i. (167 ; exotic, in British
localities, i. 140 ; to fix devices of, x.
203, 233, 256; xi. 151; genera and
species of, iii. 91 ; from guano, vi. 55 ;
viii. 17 ; hot-water, viii. 255 ; marking
of, v. 236, 233 ; vi. 178 ; movements in
and of, iii. 4tf, 140, 164; new, vi. 61 ;
viii. 257; x. 275; Northumberland, v.
187; notes on, vi. 140; notes on New
York, v. 109; processes and inflations
in, iii. 103 ; pure, to obtain, viii. 16 ; to
the rescue, vi. 22, 37 ; self-division of,
ix. 183 ; on shell-fish, iii. 115; strange
habitats of, ix. 222 ; test-slide, list of
forms, viii. 135 ; type-slide of, iv. 188,
216

Diaphragm, graduating, i. 153 ; for
microscope, i. 189

Dinobryon, ii. 214

Dipping-tube, iv. 260

Dissecting: needles, iv. 67 ; preservation
of objects for, iii. 262 ; troughs, ii. 187,
257

Drake, feathers from the head of, for
microscope, iii. 139

Dry mounting, ii. 231 ; ix. 275

EARWIGS, gastric teeth v. elytra-

elaspers, x. 132
Eel, scales of, v. 1S7, 260 ; vi. 281
Eggs, vitality of, xii. 255
Elm : as a microscopic object, vi. 116 ;

supposed parasite of, viii. 108, 142
Epistylis, v. 83
Epithelium cells, ii. 239
Erector for the microscope, iii. 115 ; ix.

225
Eucampia zodicatus, iv. 231
Eyepiece goniometer, viii. 63

FATTY ACIDS as microscopic objects,

iii. 140
Feather down under microscope, iv. 215 ;

v. 212
Feathers for mounting, iii. 139
February, microscopic objects in, v. 41
Fern, cuticle of, ii. 209
Fiftieth objective, i. 90
Finder : for Hartnack's microscopes, x.

207; Maltwood's, i. 259; ii. 210, 233;

viii. 62 ; pocket, iv. 188
Fir-scales as microscopic objects, i. 45
Flea, gizzard of, vii. 93
Fleas, cage for, iv. 67
Flies : eyes of, ix. 71 ; saws of, iii. 22
Floscularia cornuta, ii. 132
Fluid, mounting in, ii. 245
Fly : from Cumberland lead-mine, as

microscopic object, ii. 44; foot of a, i.

253 ; spiracles of, i. 199 ; teeth of, xii. 69,

92, 115, 167 ; tongue of, i. 83
Focal : differences of the eyes, ix. 257 ;

length of object-glass, i. 288
Foraminifera, i. 69,(187 ; iii. 129, 215, 236 ;

iv. 18 ; v. 139, 262 ; vi. 9, 68, 81, 106.

155, 167, 209 ; xii. 87 ; to clean, vi. 167 ;

viii. 69, 144, 183, 207 ; mounting, ix. Ill,

261, 280; new, ix. 280; preparing, ix.

274 ; recent, vi. 9 ; from shells, iii. 263 ;

in whiting, iv. 39
Forceps, stage, i. 212
Fragilleria crotonensis, v. 109, 158, 183
Frog's ear, drum of, viii. 136
Frondose diatoms, ii. 108
Fungi : microscopic, iv. 188; vii. 236 ; x.

68, 139, 256 ; microscopic in ferneries,

xii. 112 ; mounting, ix. 213, 232, 238

GLANCE ERDE for POLAEISCOPE,
viii. 160

Glass : to clean thin, ii. 91 ; cells, to make
from glass tubing, ii. 113 ; neutral tint,
ii. 238, 262; silvering, ii. 119, 140;
slides, how to clean, iv. 143, 166 ; mag-
nifying power of, i. 69]

Glycerine mounting, x. 51, 88, 160; xi.
255, 275 ; cement for, xii. 16, 39, 10, 65,

[ 88 ; mounts, varnish for, xii. 137

MICROSCOPY (continued).

Gold size, xii. 65
Grayling, scales of, vii. 164
Gudgeon, scales of the, v. 41, 67

HAND-GLASS, ii. 233
Hepatica, mounting, i. 109
Histology, iv. 10 ; vii. 201
Holman siphon-slide, x. 173
Holm oak, scales of, v. 214
Honey, pollen in, iii. 30, 63 ; viii. 215
Hornet's tongue, vi. 163
Hydra vulgaris, xi. 156

ILLUMINATION for high powers, i. 22 ;

microscope, i. 130; of opaque objects,

ii. 257
Illuminator : Bramhall oblique, xii. 136,

159 ; high power, ii. 32, 65, 66; reflex,

viii. 159 ; xii. 16 ; reflex, Wenham'slm-

proved, viii. 159; Wythe's, xii. 255
Indiarubber cells, v. 236, 281
Infusoria : new, iv. 44, 125, 155, 164; to

observe, ii. 114
Injections : Judson's dye3 for, ii. 282 ; iii.

23 ; re-mounting, x. 71, 83, 89
Insects : brain of, vi. 262 ; eggs of, as

microscopic objects, iv. 191, 214 ; vi.

92, 283 ; eyes of, to mount, viii. 256 ;

fungi on, ii. 127, 176 ; to mount small,

v. 163 ; mounted whole, i. 163, 191 ;

mouths of, structure of, ix. 229 ; x. 107,

155, 189 ; scales of, i. 21 ; ii. 55, 91, 112 ;

vii. 44
Interference of light, xi. 256, 275; xii. 16
Invisible world revealed, i. 20
Isthmia, ii. 133

KOLFODS, diflluence of, vi. 185

LABELS, cabinet, i. 192

Lamp : microscope, i. 237 ; Sear, xii. 100,

203; shade, Hades' s economic, v. 239
Lead-tree, iv. 140
Leaf sections, to cut, x. 182
Lens: beetle (eye ofj, and bunt of wheat

used as, ii. 259; vii. 92; viii. 276; ix.

15, 64 ; Briicke's, i. 141 ; crystalline,

xii. 236
Lenses: correction of, vii. 117 ; diameter

of, i. 238 ; immersion, viii. 163
Leonurus, sphseraphides in, xi. 16
Lepidopterous scale, i. 127
Licmophora flabellata, ii. 252
Light-corrector, Collins's, viii. 183
Liquid cement, xii. 40, 87
Live-box, a new, iii. 66 ; v. 115
Lycopodinm sporules, microscopic value

of, in relation to their pharmaceutic and

therapeutic value, xi. 275

MAGNESIUM lamp, new, ii. 236

Magnetic stage, cheap, v. 115

Magnifying: power, to ascertain, i. 69 ;
standard uniformity, xi. 86; without
lens, &c, ii. 91, 114

Manipulation, microscopical, vi. 20, 187

Marine glue varnish, iii. 23

Maurandya, hairs of, vi. 235

Medium, preparative, iv. 93

Melicertre, iii. 19, 33; v.281;vi.6S, 110,164

Microchemical examination of angustura
bark, xi. 61

Micro-lepidoptera, iv. 161 ; ix. 262

Micrometric tables, ii. 113

Microphotographs, i. 90 ; v. 187

Microscope, v. 163 ; books on, i. 240 ;
choice of, i. 267; on collecting objects
for, i. 69 ; dissecting binocular, i.
201 ; dissecting new, viii. 41, 68 ; in
the examination of patients with skin
disease, xi. 184 ; exhibition in America,
v. 167 ; half-hours with, ix. 275 ; xii.
40; hemiptera for the, v. 115; history
of, xii. 261 ; indoors, i. 20 ; lamp for the,
i. 237 ; and microscopic work, xii. 3, 27,
52, 84, 109, 121, 150, 177, 197, 225, 245,
265; origin of, ix.143; principles of, i.
8; seaside, ii. 162; at Southend, with
the, v. 217 ; the spectrum, ii. 62 ; why
objects appear liirger in the, i. 8, 45

Microscopes, good, vii. 68

Microscopic : amplification, vi. 1S7, 230
analysis, x. Ill ; cells, x. 16, 41, 88, 167 ;

MICROSCOPY (continued).

xii. 46 ; marvels, viii. 231 ; measure-
ment, iii. 188 ; objects, i. '45 ; iii. 69 ;
vii. 61, 140, 161 ; cells for.'v. 236, 260,
281 ; x. 16, 41, 88, 167 ; to draw, iii.
236; v. 87, 139, 165; mouoting, x.
18, 22, 41, 54, 64, 71, 80, 88, 89, 106,
110, 130, 134, 160, 183 ; mount-
ing, new method of, xii. 274, 275 ;
photographing, ix. 258 ; postal cabi-
nets, ix. Ill, 165, 191, 281 ; Postal
Cabinet Club, x. 46, 67 ; powers, i. 163 ;
preparation, v. 143, 165 ; queries, x. 22,
94, 110, 141 ; xii. 261 ; seeds, iv. 253

Microscopical Journal, Monthly, v. 187 ;
vi. 20 ; vii. 188 ; viii. 160

Microscopical societies, meetings of, &c,
i. 23, 46, 70 ; iv. 22, 67 ; v. 61 ; vii. 141 ;
ix. 40 ; xi. 21 ; xii. 87, 138

Microscopical Society, Royal, iv. 119, 167 ;
xi. 16 ; xii. 40, 136, 183

Microscopical : difficulties, viii. 164, 165 ;
manipulation, v. 213, 281 ; xi. 16, 39,
63,86, 112, 135. 160, 181, 205, 229, 255 ;
objects, opaque, xi. 255, 26 ) ; research,
v. 177,230; science, ix. 207; troughs,
viii. 256

Mieroscopists, hints to, v. 236 ; viii. 88

Microscopy, American, xii. 65 ; collecting-
ground, ii. 131 ; new era in, vi. 7 ; in
New York, vii. 41

Mildew of wheat, iii. 16

Milk, butter globules in, vii. 135 ; micro-
zymas of, ix. 233

Minnow, scale of, vii. 44

Mites : microscopic, on stones, i. 22 ;
how to preserve, xi. 238, 256

Mites, stone, i. 22; x. 231; eggs of the,
iii. 210

Mole cricket, gizzard of, v. 67

Monads, researches in the life history of,
xi. 40

Mounting : extraordinary, x. 64 ; im-
perfect, ix. 110; medium best for, xi.
256; medium, new for, xii. 231 ; micro-
scopic, x. 18, 22, 41, 54, 64, 71, 80, 88,
89, 106, 110, 130, 134, 160, 183 ; mosses,
i. 43 x. 22, 41, 110; xi. 115; objects,
i. 116 ; plants, i. 46 ; polyzoa, i. 65, 93,
94; a problem in, x. 89, 160; proboscis
of blow-fly, ii. 20, 23 ; query on, iv.
143, 166; rotifers, ii. 94; slips, pris-
matic, xi. 135; starches, vi. 279 ; whale-
bone, iii. 19; zoophytes, xi. 45.

NAPTHALIN and Santonin, iii. 119
Navicula : hippocampus, v. 22 ; new, viii.

257
Neottia nidus-avis, colouring matter of,

x. 255
New infusoria, notes on, iv. 125, 155, 161.
Noctilucae, i. 215; iv. 21; miliaris, iii.

259, 281
Nose-piece, double, ii. 135 ; substitute for,

v. 18, 46

OBJECT GLASS, Powell & Lealand's, of
l-50th of an inch, i. 15 ; moun'er, ii. 65 ;
mounters, hints to, iii. 91, 135 ; varnish
as an, iii. 19 ; what is the, ii. 151, 192

Objective, eightieth, viii. 276; for gas
lantern, vii. 68

Objectives, cheap foreign, vi. 20

Objects, covering, vii. 115; for microscope,
ii. 13, 68, 87, 132, 156; iv. 116; of the
month, microscopic, v. 19, 41 ; for
polariscope, iii. 43, 236; v. 44. ; x. 161,
183; to send through the post, ix. 214,
283 ; unmounted, vi. 216

Ooze, Atlantic, ii. 70, 95, 117

Opaque : objects, iv. 41 ; vi. 280; xi. 255,
260; illumination of, ii. 257

Ophiocytium, iii. 127, 238

Optical phenomenon, viii. 213, 263

Orchis, cuticle of, ii. 162

Organisms, animal, copper in, xi. 160

Oxhydrogen lanterns, xi. 22

Oysters, young, to prepare for the micro-
scope, vi. 140

PANDORINA MORUM, i. 280
Parasitic : rotifer, iv. 39; viii. 112, 137;

vorticelke on cyclops, xii. 135, 165, 190,

262

CLASSIFIED INDEX OF VOLS. I.— XII.

21

MICROSCOPY (continued).

Pear, prickly, as microscopic object, v.

281
Pedicellarioe of eehinodermata, vii. 42,

119
Pencil-tails vi. 187, 209
Perch: scales of, ii. 13 ; vii. 260
Pheasants' legs, scales from, v. 44
Photographing microscopic objects, ix.

258
Photography, periscopic, ii. 259
Photo-micrography, i. 237 ; xii. 59
Pbrvganeida?, ii. 95, 109; iii. 167; iv.

152
Pigment cells, i. 106
Pike, scales of, vii. 236
Plants, stellate hairs of, vii. 83
Pleurosignia, -viii. 42 ; hippocampus, v.

22, 67, 92
Polariscope, ix. 87, 104, 3 36, 159; ap.
* paratus, xii. 231 ; object, viii. 160
Polarization of living tissue, xii. 88, 114
Polarized light, i. 224
Polarizmg, iii. 93; prisms, iv. 93; a rain-
bow, iii. 118; salts, xi. 184
Pollen, i. 45, 237 ; vi. 52, 116 ; vii. 140,

164 ; grains, viii. 61 ; ix. 235. 252 ; x.

21; of cedar, i. 69; of Petasites fra-

grans, ix. 63, 67 ; of pine, v. 92 ; of

Valerian, i. 238
Polycystius, popular history of, i. 100
Polyzoa, freshwater, iv. 255 ; v. 131 ; viii.

112
Polyzoon, freshwater, a, x. 268
Polyxena lagurus, viii. 31
Poppy, seeds of, v. 11.
Prawn's shin, crystals of lime in, x. 18,

61
Preparative fluid, ii. 187
Preparing slides, viii. 256
Pseudogouidia, vi. 20
Ptilidium ciliare, i. 109
Puccinia : gramiuis, iii. 16 ; malvacearutn,

x. 19
Puzzle, a microscopical, i. 127
Pycnogons, ii. 26, 66

QUEKETT Microscopical Club, i. 189; ii.
193 ; iii. 43, 142, 231, 259 ; iv. 67, 109,
167, 188, 264 ; v. 61, 70, 139 ; vi. 92,
126, 148 ; vii. 92, 115, 141 ; viii. 207 ;
ix. 206 ; xi. 113, 206, 230 ; xii. 183 ; the
microscopist, ii. 205

MICROSCOPY (continued).

RAPHIDES and cuticles, to mount, x.

141, 162, 183 ; and sphieraphides, vi. 92
Reflectors, cleaning, iii. 92
Khizosolenia, iii. 35; iv. 184
Rhododendron scales, vi. t<8
Rotatoria, new species, viii. 9
Rotifer : and kondylostoma, struggle

between, iv. 91 ; singular, viii. 256, 277
Rudd, scales of, v. 12

SALICINE, crystals of, ii. 9*

Salicylic acid as a preservative, xi. 183,

207, 232, 233 ; xii. 256
Salmon, scales of the, v. 260
Sanguinaria-root ai an object, iii. 22
Santonin, iii. 94, 119
Saprolegnia ferax, i. 133
Sealariform : ducts, ii. 231 ; tissue, iv. 276
Screw, Royal Microscopical Society's

universal, x. 255, 276
Sear lamp, xii. 100, 208
Sections, to clean, i. 47
Section-cutter, Science Gossip, viii. 177,

237, 283; ix. 136; xii. 248
Section-cutting machine, ii. 208
Section machine, simple, xii. 65
Sections of wood, i. 71 ; iv. 67
Seeds : as opaque objects for the micro-
scope, xi. 255, 260; winged, iii. 137 ; of

vegetables, v. 143
Slides: milky appearance in, ii. 282;

iii. 23 ; for opaque ohjects, vii. 236
Small-pox, lymph of, xi. 16)
Snail, large garden, egg-shell of, viii. 238
Snails' tongues, preparation of, iii. 277;

iv. 20
Soundings, examination of deep-sea, iii.

164
Spermaceti as an object, iii. 115
Sphseria herbarum, ii. 58
Sphseraphides : of silene, ix. 42 ; in urti-

caeere and leonurus, xi. 16
Spiders, palates of, ix. Ill, 283
Spirogyra, iii. 60
Spirulina, new locality of, v. 260
Sponge-sand, viii. 281; spicules, i. 259 ;

vii. 280 ; viii. 20, 95 ; washings of, iii.

228
Staining tissues, viii. Ill, 120, 136 ; x.

256 ; xi. 5, 21, 73 ; xii. 97
Stanhopescope, ii. 162, 187,209, 234
Starch, microscopy of, xii. 219, 256

MICROSCOPY (continued).

Statoblast, development of Lophopos

crystallina from, xi. 33
Stentors, xi. 160
Stephanops lamellaris, ii. 276
Structures, definition of, xii. 116, 13B
Sundew, hairs of, vi. Ill, 212 ; vii. 204
Surirella, a new, v. 61

TABLE, movable, vii. 115

Tarantula, eyes of, iv. 61

Tench, scales of, vi. 140

Test -plate: Nobert's, iv. 269; slide of

diatoms, Moller's, viii. 135
Tillandsia, hairs of, vi. 116
Toombridge earth, iii. 138
Toxonidea Gregoriana, ii. 135
Tree, silver, iv. 164
Triloculina Austriaca. iii. 131
Trinacria regina, vii. 115
Tripoli infusorial earth, i. 93
Turn-tables, iii. 115 ; vi. 163 ; vii. 63 ; xi.

139, 230 ; xii. 15
Tway blade, epidermis of, ix. 158

USEFUL SLIDES, wanted information
about, xi. 274

VAGINICOLA, fresh-water valved, vi. 33

Varnish : for finishing, xii. 15 ; white,
xii. 46 ; and coloured, for "ringing"
slides, xii. 77 ; for microscopic cells,
xii. 15

Vegetable : hair, iv. 1 01 ; vii. 83 ; sections,
how to cut, viii. 177 ; substances, sec-
tions of, viii. 177, 231, 255, 282, 283

Volvox, cilia of, i. 263

Vorticelli : or bell infusoria, iii. 81 ; v. 92,
117 : parasitic, xii. 135, 165, 192, 262

Vuhulina oblonga, iii. 130

WASP : crystals in, vi. 45, 70, 71 ; poison-
gland of, iii. 60; iv. 2U5 ; sting, struc-
ture of, ix. 132

Willow, crystals;of, ix. 183, 207, 232, 233

Wood : fossil sections of, v. 18 ; sections
to dye, ix. 15 ; viii. 282 ; and other
vegetable sections, to double stain,
xi. 73

Woody structure replaced by pure silver,
viii. 17

ZOOPHYTES, to bleach, v. 213 ; vii. 143

GEOLOGY.

ACTION, submarine, iii. 67

Algre, uniesllular, with Silarian and Ter-
tiary corals, xii. 68

Amber, Ipswich, ix. 115, 142, 165

Animals' cave in Derbyshire, xi. 187

Anoplotherium, i. 214

Araucaria, cones of, ii. 158

Autochthon, traces of an American, xii.
188

BARNET, geology of, x. 165, 187, 188
Barometer andcoiliery'explosions, iii. 116
Basalt, x. 139, 212 ; xi. 67, 90, 116, 167,

188, 233, 260,279; xii. 47
Beaver, gigantic fossil, i. 44
Belemnites, viii. 252
Belfast, geology of, x. 169
Bighorn at Belfast, i. 44
Birds, new fossil, viii. 114, 162, 187
Blowing sand and sand dunes, xi. 116
Boilers, lime depositin, vi. 281 ; vii. 23, 47
Boiling springs of New Zealand, ix. 164
Bone-bed in the lower coal-measures, xii.

188
Bone cavern, Scottish, ix. 209
Bone-dust in soap, ix. 15
Boulder, story of a, vii. 5, 94
Brains of tertiary mammals, x. 237
Breccias, Permian, origin of, ix. 14D
Britain, primeval, iii. 198

Brognon, tertiary flora of, ii. 232
Butterfly, oldest fossil, ix. 26J

CAIRO, rocks of aqueous deposit, iii. 138
Ca'amite, fossil plant known as, vii. 202 ;

viii. 80
California, precious stones in, ix. 185
Callander, discovery of plants in the lower

old red sandstone at, xii. 235
Cambrian : and lower Silurian rocks, xi.

209 ; rocks, phosphates in, xi. 138 ;

rocks, upper, ix. 68
Carbon, crystallized, i. 288
Carboniferous : diatomacea?, xi. 63 ; fauna,

bonks on, v. 46
Carbuncle, x. 48
Carolina, South, phosphate beds of, xii.

258
Castleton, geology of, ix. 235 ; x. 195
Cave: deposits in- France, viii. 211 ; the

lemming in, x. 261 ; dwellers, ix. 178
Cement for fossils, ii. 283
Cepbalop >ds, fossil, ix. 90
Chalk: districts, atmosherpic denudation

in, ii. 68 ; foraminifera in, iii. 36 ; fora-

minifera, to clean.vi. 167, 214 ; markings

in, ii. 2 2 ; Middlesex, xi. 262 ; xii. 21 ;

organisms in, i,i. 215 ; sea-bottom, v. 213
Charlton sandpit, xi. 262 ; xii. 23
Cheddar, natural curiosities, xi. 225

Chert, organisms in, x. 188, 207

Cheshire: boulder clay, foraminifera in,
x. 117 ; low-level sands, shells of, x. 20

China, loess of northern, ix. 260

Chinchas Islands, guano deposits of, ix. 246

Cladodus mirabilis, vii. 21

Clay : ironstone, origin of, ix. 114 ; story
of a lump of, vii. 125

Clays, derivation of, iii. 20

Clevedon, geology of, x. 117, 144, 164

Coal, viii. 260; anthracite, iii. 67; and
coal plants, i. 210; ix. 210; measures,
fossil teeth from, x. 74; reptiles, &c,
from, iv. 104, 142, 167,214; tree fern a
of the, ix. 113 ; mine, new entoruo-
strata in a, v. 42 ; nature of, and uses,
ix. 235 ; sections of, viii. 87, 277 ; ix. 19 ;
our stock of, i. 210 ; story of a piece of,
v. 1, 46, 71, 96 ; new supply of, viii. 17,
187 ; strata, laud shell in, v. 64; of the
United States, ix. 186 ; vegetable
origin of, ii. 19

Colchester, geology of, xii. 21

Coral : deep-sea, viii. 17, 43, 163 ; reefs,
i. 112, 221, 285 ; new species of fossil,
viii. 43

Corals: and barnacles, i. 211; iii. 279;
viii. 17, 43, 163; to clean, iv. 21, 45;
vii. 94, 117: xi. 139, 212; and ma-
drepores, i. 287; Silurian and Tertiary

22

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP.

GEOLOGY (continued).

with unicellnlar alga, xii. 68 ; and
sponges, i. 187

Cornwall, depth of soil in, vii. 70

Cr8gs, story of the, vii. 271

Creation, i. 122

Crosswell Crags, bone caves of, xii. 142

Cretaceous: birds, viii. 235 ; reptiles, viii.
43,235

Cromer: forest -bed, evidences of in-
creased cold in, ix. 210 ; forest, period
of, I. 259

Cromlechs, iv. 93

Cryst*llography, elementary, ix. 235

Cumberland, origin of the lake basins in,
x. 92

DEE, physical history of, xii. 141

Deluges, periodical, iv. 46

Deposit : Eger, v. 163 ; Monmouth, iii.
133, 156, 180

Deposits, lake, ii. 63

Derbyshire : geology of, xii. 164 ; post-
glacial animals in, x. 139

Devilline, i. 20

Diamonds : origin of, i. 88 ; South
A'rican, ix. 186 ; x. 44, ls7 ; xi. 20

Diatoms in chalk, iii. 236

Diatomaceae of Carboniferous era, xi. 63

Diatomaceous deposits, viii. 17; of Ame-
rica, iii. 210; iv. 85, 131

Diatoms : from guano, i. 148 ; viii. 17 ;
Northumberland, v. 187 ; in whiting,
iv. 39

Dodo, ii. 43 ; iii. 5, 52 ; x. 48

Dolerites, xi. 279

Doward Cave, viii. 235

DreiBsena 'polvmorpha present in delta
of Danube, ii. 279

Drift, ii. 90 ; beds of Arran, i. 63 ; of
East of England, i. 44

EARTHQUAKES: law of, vii. 40;
phenomena of, iv. 217 ; S. America,
ix. 236

Eastern Nevada, silver-mining in.^iv. 193

Elephant bones in Staffordshire, ix. 140

Emergence and submergence, iii. 276

English crag, and Scotch beds, i. 68

Eocene period, fauna of, ii. 90

Eozoon : Canadense, i. 164, ii. 63 ; con-
troversy, x. Ill

Exploration, the sub-Wealden, ix. 114,
261 ;x. 20, 139

Explorations, results of, i. 164

Eye-stones, vii. 21, 46, 69, 89,93, 95 ; viii.
138

FAIRY loaves and pick cheeses, ix. 201,
235

Perns of the Oolite, ii. 61

Fish : carboniferous, viii. 176; x. 253; xi.
11 ;jremaios from the coal-measures, iv.
104, 142, lb7, 214

Fishing in the stone age, viii. 263

Flint: flakes, ii. 261; iii. 138; viii. 67 ;
machine-made, vii. 190; foraminifera
in, vi. 68; fossil wood in, ii. 15; imple-
ments, viii. 187 ; organisms in carboni-
ferous, x. 188, 207 ; recent formation
of, viii. 41

Flints : at Aldershot, ii. 191; spongeous,
origin of, viii. 244

Folk-lore of geology, i. 164

Footprints, crustacean, ix. 186

Forest bed : series at Kessingland and
Vakefield, in Suffolk, xii. 20; petrified,
iii. 138, 189; submerged, in the estuary
of the Orwell, xi. 233

Foraminifera, D'Orbigny's, vi. 81, 106,
155

Fossil : beaver, gigantic, i. 14 ; coleo-
ptera, i. 259 ; conifers, new species, viii.
17; corals, ix. 272; deer, new species
of, x. 45; dormouse, iii. 139; echino-
derms, ix. 201; elephants, i. 215; ii.
235 ; ferns, abnormal, i. 187 ; forest,
in the coal - measures at Wadsley,
near Sheffield, xi. 183 ; mammal,
new, ix. 89 ; fish, new species of, x.
63 ; fishes, in Palestine, viii. 90, 114;
frogs, xi. 1H5 ; horses, viii. 90; hydro-
zoa, viii. 67, 90 ; insects, ix. 19, 260 ;

GEOLOGY (continued).

lias, iii. 44 ; lion, viii. 279 : man, ix.
186 ; monkeys, viii. 221 ; oak, i. 210 ;
oysterbed, iv. 167 ; x. 188, 261 ; plant
known aB oalamite, vii. 202 ; plants, i.
68; ii. 37 ; rambles after, xii. 213 ; ribs,
repaired, iv. 280 ; salamanders, xi. 233 ;
scale of butterfly, i. 127 ; scales offish,
i. 136 ; scorpion, discovery of, in Eng.
lish coal-measures, xii. 20 ; shell, i. 94 ;
spider, ii. 279 ; in coal, i. 259 ; teeth,
&c, i. 136; iv. 53; wood, ii. 250; ix.
43 ; borings in, ix. 20 ; in flint, ii. 15 ;
sections of, v. 18

Fossiliferous Cambrian shales, near Car-
narvon, xii. 141

Fossils : from Caratfoc strata, i. 210 ;
characteristic British, xii. 91 ; our
common, and where to find them, xi.
98, 179; cretaceous, i. 229,285; dolo-
mitic conglomerate of, vii. 93, 143; ex-
changing, ii. 112 ; Llandeilo, i. 210; near
London, xii. 41; manufacture of, i. 91 ;
observations on, ii. Ill ; Oolitic, viii. 95,
117 ; Petherwin, i. 119 ; preservation of,
ii. 166; iii. 22, 23, 44; vi. 23; preser-
vation of gault, x. 48 ; quarrymen's
terras for, ix. 236, 261 ; use of, iii. 92 ;
at Walthamstow, iv. 238 ; v. 258 ; near
Watford, xi. 263, 279 ; what are, i. 19 ;
v. 23

France during the Jurassic period, viii.
114

Fungia patellaria, v. 95, 143

GARNETS, i. 94

Gault and Greensaud, Cambridge, xi. 90

Geographical: range of birds, viii. 181;
Society, i. 22

Geological : formation, what is a, v. 112;
Guide to Sicily, viii. 70, 93 ; literature,
record of, x. 261 ; maps, ix. 43; puzzle,
v. 95, 117; queries, i. 119; record, xii.
90 ; specimens, preserving, viii. 25

Geology : education in, i. 140 ; of the Far
West, x. 66 ; of Glasgow, xii. 193 ; of
Indiana, ix. 164 ; London, Guide to,
xii. 21 ; and man, ix. 147 ; of North
Hampshire, viii. 260 ; of Ohio, viii.
163; progress of, xii. 116; of Redes-
dale ironstone district, x. 21 ; super-
ficial, of the central region of North
America, xi. 210; and time, ix. 38, 110

German Ocean, bed of, xi. 227

Giant of Lucerne, ii. 47

Glacial : drift of N. London, ix. 68 ;
period in Great Britain, last stage of,
x. 164; in Ireland, viii. 280 ;phenomena
of the Hebrides, ix. 185

Glaciation, polar, x. 138

Glacier phenomena, i. 41

Glaciation of northern part of Lake dis-
trict, ix. 163

Glaciers, old, of the Northern slope of
the Swiss Alps, xii. 163, 164

Glenshira saud, iii. 72, 140

Gold, Sutherland, v. 227

Goole Scientific Society, xi. 141

Granite, i. 116 ; vi. 169 ; xi. 262

Graphite, ii. 95

Graptolite, new dendroid, viii. 260, 280;
of the Arenig and Llandeilo Rocks of
St. David's, xi. 43

Graptolites, viii. 138, 260; distribution
ot, in the Ludlow Rocks, xi. 233

Gravel-pit, story of a, viii. 6

Greensaud and its origin, xi. 243

Greenstone of New Zealand, iv. 70, 92,
117

Guano : and guano birds, ii. 17 ; origin
of, ix. 186, 216

HARRIS, organic remains in the meta-

morphic rocks of, xii: 141
Hills and valleys, vii. 255
Hornblende rocks, x. 45
Human remains, petrified, i. 132 ; found

in loess of Valley of Rhine, iii. 67

ICHTHYOSAURUS, viii. 43, 92
Igneous rocks, columnar, fossil and sphe-
roidal structure of, xii. 118
Iguanodon, marsupial animal, x. 237

GEOLOGY (continued).

Ilford : mammoth at, i. 20; rhinoceros

at, i. 187
Implements, ancient stone, viii. 227
Indo-oceanic continent, former existence

of.xi. 43
Infusoria, slate formed of siliceous shields

of, i. 223
Intra-glacial palaeolithic implements, xii.

258
Ireland, separation of, from British area,

viii. 211
Italy, modern volcanoes of, ix. 201, 217

JET, a piece of, what it had to say, vii.

73. 117
Jutland deposit, vi. 235

KIMMERIDGE CLAY of England, xi. 90
Kynin, keening, or kenning stone, xii. 93

LABYR1NTHODONTS, ii. 43 ; x. 237
Labyrinthodont reptiles, new, ii. 43
Lake district, scenery geologically con-
sidered, ix. 121, 163
Lakes, temperature of, iii. 272
Lamp shells, ix. 36

Lancashire low level lands, shells of, x. 20
Land shells, carboniferous, ix. 19; xii.

212
Land shells in coal Btrata, v. 64
Landslip near Northwich, viii. 107
Leicester, RhaBtic beds near, xii. 117
Leiodon at Norwich, i. 20
Lias, lower, of Somerset, ii. 90
Lignite, story of a piece of, vii. 145
Limestone, story of a piece of, vi. 217
Links, missing, ix. 43, 89, 279 ; x. 45
Loess of Northern Cnina, ix. 260
London clay, large struthious bird from,

x. 213
Lower Silurian and Cambrian rocks, xi.

209
Ludlow rocks, lower distribution of grap-
tolites in the, xi. 233

MACROSPORES, v. 88
Mad stones, vii. 213 ; viii. 20
Maelstrom, iii. 215, 263 ; iv. 15
Magnets, native, viii. 28
Maine, deposits of, iv. 85, 131
Mammoth at Ilford, i. 20; Siberian, ii. 153
Maoris, petrified, vi. 18
Maps, geological, ix. 43 ; Silurian, v. 45
Marble, Purbeck, what was said by, vii.

217
Markings: in chalk, ii. 202 ; sandstone, ii.

258 ; iii. 20
Marks, iii. 59

Mastodon, American, viii. 114
Meerschaum, iii. 143, 165
Metamorphic rocks surrounding the

Land's End, mass of granite, xii. 212
Miller, Hugh, iv. 18
Mineral*, new, ii. 158
Moa, ii. 14 ; egg of, i. 14, 282
Mocha stones, xii. 46
Monmouth deposit, iii. 133, 156, 180
Mountains, highest, iv. 38
Mud craters on Persian coast, x. 21
Museum curiosities, iv. 283; v. 70

NEW HOLLAND, fossil plants of, found

in Europe, i. 58
New Jersey, Stone age in, viii. 162
Nile, mud of, iii. 159
Northwich, landslip near, viii. 107
Northern hemisphere, latest changes in,

viii. 67
Note, a northern, v. 166
North America, region of, xi. 210

OLD RED SANDSTONE: and Devonian,
v. 118; lower at Callander, discovery of
plants in, xii. 235

Oolite, ferns of, ii. 61

Oolitic plants, vii. 157, 212

Oreodon, new species, ix. 210

Orthoceras, new species, ix. 154

Orthopterous insect, remarkable, fromthe
coal-measures, xii. 20

PALEO- BOTANICAL RESEARCHES
in Victoria, x. 154

CLASSIFIED INDEX OF VOLS. I.— XII.

23

GEOLOGY 'continued).

Paleotherium magnum, x. 66
Panama, Isthmus of, vi. 262
Pebble-finding, iv. 131
Perischcechinidie, relationship of, x. 111.
Perley's meadow deposit, iv. 131
Permian breccias, origin of, ix. 140
Persian coast, mud craters on, x. 21
Petherwin : beds, i. 150; fossils, i. 119
Petroleum, iii. 44, 116
Phosphate beds of South Carolina, xii. 258
Pitchstone and porphyrine, viii.110
Plants, origin of, viii. 43
Plesiosaurus, iii. 116 ; another, i. 64 ;

food of, viii. 211
Porphyrine and pitchstone, viii. 110
Portland stone, silicoeus substances found

in, xi. 112
Pozzuolano, ii. 23
Precious stones, origin of, x. 66
Prehistoric remains, vi. 165
Primary rocks, origin of, xii. 43
Pterodactyle, new, ix. 90
Pterodactyles, v. 254; viii. 133; ix. 90;

not reptiles, ii. 158

QUAETZ, story of a piece of, vii. 241

REPTILES, carboniferous, viii. 67

Rhastic beds, near Leicester, xii. 117

Rhine Valley, physical history of, x. 116

Rhinoceros at Ilford, i. 187

River valley and its tributaries, viii. 33

River-water in Brazil, i. 102

Rock structures, chapter in the history of,

xii. 101
Rocks : records of, ix. 83 ; origin of, re-

GE0L0GY {continued).

vealed by the microscope, iii. 259 ;
thermal, conductivity of certain, x.
236 ; volcanic structure of, x. 278
Royal Geographical Society, i. 22

ST. DAVID'S, rocka of, xi. 43

Salt, iv. 18

Sand dunes and blowing sand, xi. 116

Sandstone, story of a piece, vi. 265

Science, modern subdivision, viii. 181

Scotland: geological changes in, i. 44;
secondary strata in, ix. 68; West, occur-
rence of beds in the position of the
English crag, i. 68

Selenite, iii. 281

Serpentine, i. 140

Sevenoaks, for geology, i. 119

Shale-heap, ii. 18, 258

Sheffield Museum, xii. 21

Shell, land, in coal strata, v. 64

Shells: lamp, ix. 3t> j of Lancashire low
level sands, x. 20

Shropshire, mountain limestone of, i. 187

Siheria, steppes of, x. 213

Siberiau mammoth, ii. 158

Silver in Surrey, viii. 214

Slate: cleaving of, &c, xi. 119, 137, 161;
story of a piece, vi. 205

Snake-stones, i. 37, 61, 94 ; viii. 274

Soap, bone-dust in, ix. 15

Soils, porosity of, viii. 279

South Africa : diamonds, ix. 186 ; x. 44,
187 ; xi. 20 ; diamond fields of, xii. 236

Spirorbis, v. 95

Sponge spicula in chalk, iii. 236

Stanner rocks, i. 91, 138

GEOLOGY [continued).

Stones : standard, iii. 67 ; on mountains,

ii. 167, 185, 235 ; singular-looking, near

Tichborne, xii. 263
Strepsodus, teeth of, vii. 45
Stromatopora.new species, ix. 210
Surrey, silver in, viii. 211
Sussex stone-pit, " sarment " in a, v. 175
Syno-cladia, new species, ix. 236

1 TERTIARY birds, new, ix. 18; mammal,

new, viii. 211
Toad-stone, ii. 117, 110
Tolmen, v. 117
Trigonia, tertiary, xi. 165
Trilobite, modern, viii. 279 ; new, from

the Capo, ix. 18 ; viii. 43
Tumuli, objects in, i. 262 ; ii. 18, 47, 90

UNDERGROUND WATERS, xi. 258

VICTORIA, paleo-botanical researches

in, x. 154
Virginia, mineral wealth of, x. 44
Volcanic : dykes, mechanism of produc-
tion of, &c, xii. 258; energy, remarks
on Mr. Mallett's theory, xi. 164

WEALDEN, model of, viii. 235
Whitehaven, hematite, deposits of, x. 213
Woodwardian Professorship, ix. 90

YORKSHI RE, West, geology and botauy
of, xii. 210

ZAMBESI, falls of, ii. 61

MISCELLANEOUS.

AEROLITE, large, v. 119
Africa, South, ramble in, iii. 154
Aniline printing process, Willis's, ii. 210
Aurora daylight, viii. 5, 46.

BANGOR, which ? iii. 143, 213

Barometer, new aneroid, v. 189

Bath bricks, ii. 81

Beauty, ii. 73 ; iv. 119

Borax and cockroaches, vii. 117, 142, 166,

168, 214
Box iron, self-heating, ii. 237
Brick-burning, xii. 164
Britain, primeval, iii. J 98
British Association : meeting of, viii.

233 ; at Glasgow, xii. 184, 232, 233, 235
Broad, on the, vii. 49, 94
Brougham, Lord, poem by the late, iv.

140

CANDLELIGHT, colours by, viii. 212
Carbon, printing in, ii. 236
Carbonic acid in the atmosphere, xii. 117
Catalogues for collections, viii. 118, 162,

175, 212
Cause or effect, vi. 46, 71
Cen'ury ago, a, iii. 127 ; iv. 183
Chair, the empty, ii. 265
''Challenger": expedition, ix. 105, 137 ;

xii. 41, 185 ; news from, x. 221 ; xi. 23 ;

return of, xii. 160; spoils, xii. 184
Christmas Day, 1875, xii. 71 ; and the

microscope, v. 44
Cities, Ta e of Two, freedom from rats,

iv. 57
Clifton College Museum, vi. 237
Climate, change of, i. 99
Club: echoes from, iii. 231 ; Naturalists',

ii. 69
Coke, distillation of vapour from, ix. 40
Cold: effects of, iv. 45; St. Valentine's,

v. 116
Coloured tracts of ocean, ii. 281
Collecting, indiscriminate, x. 63, 137, 140,

142, 166, 190, 259
Colloid silica, viii. 168

Colours, primary, iii. 258

Comets, speculations concerning, x. 246,

266
Common things, i. 217
Condensation and evaporation, ii. 23
Conservatism, ii. 217
Contraction, &c. of fluids, iv. 68, 93
Contributors' corrections, xi. 189
Cornish colloquies, iii. 182
Corrected quotation, vi. 283
Cottage pharmacy, xi. 231
Crystal Palace, fire at, iii. 31
Cui bono ? i. 25
j Curiosities museum, v. 70

' DARWINISM, what is? iv. 241
Dendritic spots on paper, iv. 282; v. 22,

46, 71, 80
Description, popular, v. 238
Descriptions, correct, ii. 59
Disease caused bv use of false hair, iii. 95
Divining-road, viii. 280
Drilliug glass, iii. 93, 212

ELECTRIC stockings, ii. 45, 69
Electricity, x. 95, 239 ; magnified, ii. 258
England, sister of Holland, viii. 155
Errors: popular, vii. 70,92, 93, 117; of

the press, vi. 254
Evaporation and condensation, ii. 23

| Excess, electiical, viii. 232
Exchanges, why a stamped envelope is
requested, xi. 238, 262

| Exhibition, New Zealand, ii. 143
Expansion, &c. , of fluids, iv. 68, 93
Exposition Universelle, iii. 121

FALSE hair, a cause of disease, iii. 95

Feathers, cleaning, ix. 40, 88

Figures, unfaithful, iv. 65

Filters, water-, iii. 192

Fire, vi. 143 ; ocean of, iii. 161

Fireball, detonating, ii. 239

Fires, great, origin of, from naturalists'

point of view, x. 73
Flames, rhythm of, iii. 49, 95

[ Florence flask covers, i. 120

Fluids, expansion of, &c, iv. 68, 93

Flume, xii. 166

Fog, dry or peat, ii. 190

Forces of the universe, vi. 253

Fountains, intermittent, i. 260

French : association for the advancement
of science, viii. 258; scientific dic-
tionary, iv. 118

Frost phenomena and evaporation from

• ice, x. 254 ; xi. 63, 94, 115, 117

Furness Abbey, vii. 210

GENERALIZATION, care in, ii. 204
Generic names, x. 208
Glass, to drill, iii. 192 ; transparent paint-
ing on, vi. 213
Globe, universal, xi. 15
Glue, elastic, iii. 259
Gun-cotton, muslin, ii. 281.

HAILSTORM, iv. 94 ; ix. 51

Halo, remarkable, xi. 189 ; of a shadow,

iii. 23, 46, 95
Hastings, University School Naturalists'

Field Club, xii. 160
Hastings, word for, iii. 281
Hobby, what's your, i. 1
How to begin, i. 97

ICE, ii. 190; inthe tropics, vii. 23; does
water expand in becoming ? v. 21

Ides Brumalioe, iii. 265

Ignis fatuus, v. 60, 95

India-rubber, brittle, i. 186

Initial letters, viii. 20,47

Ink, indelible, iv. 95

In memoriam, i. 265 ; Agassiz, Professor,
x 41; Baikie, Dr., i. 46; Buxton,
Richard, the cobbler botanist, i. 66 ;
Couch, Jonathan, \i. 137 ; De Brebis-
son, viii. 136 ; Ehrenberg, Professor,
xii. 255; Foot, F. J., iii. 70; Greville,
Dr., ii. 162 ; Hardwicke, Robert, xi.
87; Harvey, Professor, ii. 143; Johns,

24

HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP INDEX.

MISCELLANEOUS {continued).

Rev. C. A., x. 191 ; Kingsley, Rev.

ChaB., xi. 64; Lankester, Dr., x. 277 ;

Lord, ix. 16; Montagne, Dr., ii. 42;

Jlunn, Major, ix. 275; Newman, E.,

xii. 185 ; Rennie, Professor, iv. 47 ;

Scott, George, F.S.A., xi. 20; Sillimaii,

Professor, i. 24 ; Tucker, j E., iv. 95 ;

"Walker, James, Mossley, operative

botanist, xii. 18
Insulator, new, ii. 95
Ipswich Science-Gossip Society, v. 214 ;

ix. 22 ; x. 45
Ireland : "West of, sketches in the, viii.

83, 172 ; ix. 7, 148 ; xi. 83, 97, 127, 227,

247, 261, 271, 279
Irish natural history, popular notions of,

xii. 166

JEWS, and prehistoric Irish, xii. 55
Journals, Transatlantic, v. 181

KLEPTOMANIA, i. 194
Knowledge, no, without work, i. 46

LABELS, coloured, iii. 239, 263
Lantern, Bridgeman triple, x. 281
Laudanum, a species of dew, i. 139
Lewe3 and East Sussex Natural History

and Microscopical Society, xii. 186
Life, origin of, xii. 183
Light : absorbed by air, ii. 134 ; at bottom

of sea, ix. 65 ; for drawing, more, v. 165 ;

in ocean, i. 261
Lightning, struck by, iii. 165 ; xi. 286
Lime, deposit of, in boilers, vi. 281
Liverpool Literary and Philosophical

8ociety, proceedings of, x. 238
Localities, misleading, vi. 214
London, food of, iv. 212
Longevity: amongst mountains, xii. 261 ;

in valley of the Usk, xi. 211
Lumpers and splitters, i. 73
Lunar rainbow, xi. 45
Lunatics and the moon, viii. 117, 163, 190

MAD STONES, folklore of, vii. 213 ; viii.

20
Maelstrom, iii. 215, 263 ; iv. 45
Man and animals, iv. 209
Manchester Literary and Philological

Society, i. 46
Mankind, unity of, iii. 110, 152, 173,

245, 267 ; iv. 6, 34
Meerschaum, iii. 143, 165
Merops, the fabled, i. 63
Midnight sky, vi. 57
Mirage, iii. 191
Misprints, vii. 21
Moon : harvest, iii. 215, 263 ; history of,

xii. 15 ; its influence on lunatics, viii.

117, 1H3, 190 ; mountains of, i. 249
Moonshine, ix. 211
Movable table, vii. 115
Mountain-climbing, or up-hill work, iii.

Mummy, Chinese, vi. 123
Museum curiosities, iv. 283

NAMES, pronunciation of, xii. 282
Natural history, popular, books, xii. 17 ;
notes, xii. 191 ; for rustics, viii. 253,

MISCELLANEOUS (continued).

282; societies, xi. 113, 141, 162, 163.

186 ; societies, union of, ix. 65, 89 ;

specimens, transmission by post, vii.

191, 215, 235, 259 ; study of, iii. 73, 99;

utility of study of, x. 202
Notes of the season, co. Antrim, v. 167
Numbers, governing, ii. 238

OBSERVATIONS : immediate record of,

ii. 172 ; Venus, ii. 110
Ocean : coloured tracts of, ii. 281 ; of fire,

iii. 161
Oil, bituminous, i. 210
Optic nerve, x. 64
Optical effect, curious, iv. 191
Optical query, ix. 20, 70, 85, 86, 110
Optics, ix. 20, 70
Oxyhydrogen lanterns, xi. 22
Ozone in atmosphere, ii. 134

PARIS Exhibition, voice from the, iii. 97
Parlour science, i. 118
Pearls, pathology of, ix. 8]
Periodic phenomena, ii. 49
Petroleum, uses of, ii. 90
Phosphor-stone, i 44
Photo-engraving process, new, ii. 210
Photographers, necessary warning to, ii.

259
Photographic : apparatus, miniature for

tourists, vi. 212 ; process, new, ii. 259
Photographing the Pyramids, ii. 164
Photographs : of natural objects, to

colour, iv. 224; permanence of, ii.

164, 188 ; tinting by lithography, ii. 210
Photography, ii. 86, 164, 188, 210, 236,

259 ; and anatomy, ii. 188 ; at British

Association, ii. 236; curious fact in, ii.

188 ; Woodbury process, ii. 210
Pictures, mode of looking at, x. 97, 141,

143 f

Plaster casts, ii. 22, 71
Popular science lectures, illustrations, xi.

277
Post, how to send objects through the,

ix. 214, 262, 283
Present and past, i. 187
Principles, importance of definite, ii. 201
Proverbs, origin of, i. 46
Punch : the alcoholic compound called, v.

215; a, for "Aunt Judy," iv. 165

QUERIES, budget of, vii. 143, 166, 167

RAIN : inch of, i. 119; yellow, vii. 189

Rainbows, x. 10

Register ! register ! advice to collectors,

iv. 119
Remedies, strange, i. 85

SACKBUT, vi. 71, 89, 95

Sandblast, x. 41, 88

Saturday Half-holiday Guide, ix. 159

Sex, signs used to denote, ix. 261, 278

Scepticism, modern, vii. 225

Science : dependency of, ii. 135 ; -gossip,
ii. 1 ; justice's, viii. 70; natural teach-
ings of, ii. 251 ; Bchools, plea for, v. 95 ;
in tenth and twelfth centuries, viii. 1

Scientific: education, viii. 149; guide-

MISCELLANEOUS (continued).

books, viii. 142, 188; knowledge,

value of, iii. 142 ; literature, index to,

i. 113 ; terms, French dictionary of, iv.

118
Scotland and uniform, viii. 46, 95
Short-commons, i. 49
Size, comparative increase in, i. 206
Sky, colour of, ii. 134
Sleep, cause of, vii. 119
Smell, remarkable sense of in a lady,

ix. 94
Smoke from steamboats, ix. 215
Snow: red, vii. 43; in summer, v. 166;

under the, ii. 25
Societies : proceedings of, i. 22, 46, 70 ;

xii. 21, 40, 87, 136, 138, 160, 183, 184,

185, 209, 233; provincial, viii. 160, 185,

278 ; x. 209
Solar spots, ii. 94; and spectrum, viii. 20
Sounding apparatus, vi. 189 ; vii. 117, 137
Speech, irrationale of, i. 65
Spring, ii. 97 ; of water, remarkable, in

Texas, vii. 69
Stains in mortar or cement, remedy asked

and given, vii. 283 ; viii. 23
Starch, ii. 34
Stars: shooting, ii. 274; showers of, iii.

45
Stereoscope, new panoramic, iv. 142
StockiDgs, electric, vi. 45, 69
Stones : polishing, ix. 9, 68 ; throbbing,

vi. 142
Storm-glasses, iv, 93, 117, 143, 167;

viii. 168
Storms in November, iv. 47, 70
Stutterers, numerous, on the frontiers, i.

136
Sun : fuel of, vi. 101 ; spots and spectrum

of, viii. 20
Sunlight, monochromatic, ix. 15

TEMPERATURE, iv. 22, 45, 191, 240
Temperatures, high, ii. 188
Thermometer : fall of, iv. 22, 45 ; im-
proved, iv. 22
Thunderbolts, viii. 252
Toothache, cures for, v. 2^3; xi. IIS
Travellers, tales of, iii. 25

VAN RHEDE, tomb of, i. 44

WASTE, products of, viii. 131

Waterton's process, iii. 68, 95, 96

Water, expansion of, in freezing, xi. 94

Watford Natural History Society, xi.
113

Weather : variable, v. 189 ; wise, iii. 166

White, Gilbert, of Selborne, xi. 257 ;
xii. 23

Who are you ? iii. 281

Wilderness, at home in the, iii. 122

Will-o' -the- Wisp, v. 60, 95

Windows, slit, xi. 228 ; xii. 45

Whooping-cough: cure for, v. 161; pre-
ventive for, v. 263

Woolhope Club, v. 225

"Work, winter, iii. 1

YEAST in media free from oxygen, xi. 64
ZOOLOGICAL problems, ix. 160, 211, 237

"WYMAN AND SONS, PRINTERS, GREAT QUEEN STREET, LONDON, W.C.

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