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 .—We have much pleasure in stating that at a general meeting of the Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society, held on the 30th ultimo, Dr. Cobbold, F.R.S., F.L.S. &c., was unanimously elected an Honorary Vice-President of the Society. The appointment was made on the recommendation of the Committee, pursuant to the provision of Law VIII., in consideration of Dr. Cobbold's distinguished researches in Natural Science and of his liberality to the Society, Dr. Darwin is the only Naturalist who has received a similar honour.

Autographic Printing.—In reference to the plates at the end of the May number of the "Midland Naturalist," it is necessary to state that they are not perfect specimens of Mr. Pumphrey's process. Owing to the necessity of printing a large number, lithography had to be employed as an auxiliary, as mentioned in the description, (p. 132,) and the delicacy of the lines was thereby completely destroyed. Besides that, same of the drawings were unsuitable, for the process has its faults, like most ethers, and it requires a little experience to produce the best results by it,

"" is the title of a new shilling quarterly magazine for Warwickshire and the neighbouring counties. The first number has just been issued, and is published by Messrs. Curtis and Beauties, Coventry. It is edited by Mr. W.G. Fretton, F.S.A, The contents are varied and interesting, the range of subjects being wide enough to suit the tastes of all classes of readers. There are several articles on Archaeology, local topography, and History; a capital one on “Sand and Sandstones," a biographical sketch of Mendelssohn, several good tales, some poetry, notes and queries, chess problems, &c. We warmly recommend "The Old Cross" to the attention of our readers,

BIRMINGHAM NATURAL HISTORY AND MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY—April 9th. Biological Section.—Mr. Blatch exhibited Trichiosoma lucorum, the large saw-fly of the hawthorn, and described the peculiarities of its metamorphoses, and its mode of extricating itself from the cocoon, Mr. J. Bagnall contributed and described microscopic preparations of the rare mosses, Dieranclla Sekreheri, Hedw., Dieranelts Grecitleane, Br. and Sch. and Trichostamme cytindriena, Br. and Sch., ant several other rare species; also, on behalf of Mr. Spinks, Podura aquatica, from the Lower Grounds, Aston. Mr. A. W. Wills then read a paper on “Freshwater Algæ" which will be found in the present number, being a continuation of one recently presented to the Society, and printed at page 112 of the "Midland Naturalist." The paper was illustrated by numerous specimens, living and mounted, which were shewn in the microscopes of the Society, and in those of various members who kindly lent their instruments for the evening. The thanks of the section were accorded to Mr. P. H. Gosse, F.R.S., for his kind present of a copy of his papers on Bellidia Huntii and Haucockin cudactylota, two supposed new genera and species.—April 30th. Special General Meeting.—It was resolved that a fund for increasing the apparatus and library be provided by a voluntary annual subscription amongst the members. The following exhibits were made:—By Mr. Bolton, spawn of a Mexican Lizard; by Mr. Slatter, spawn of the Perch (Perea fluviatilis;) and by Mr. Levick, Stentor polymorphus and Cephalosiphon limnias.—General Meeting, May 8th.—Exhibiled by Mr. Southall, two leaves of Calla Æthiopica, with the petioles united: by Mr. Hughes, Sepiola Rondeletii, one of the smallest of the Cephalopoda: by Miss Hadley, a flower of Primula Auricula, with the calyx largely developed, the upper part being leaf-like, and the lower part coloured like the corolla; by Mr. Badger. specimens of Aucuba Japonica and A. vera, male and female, both in flower, female specimens with the flowers of the present year, and berries of the two preceding years. Mr. Lawson Tait read a paper on Cephalopoda, and illustrated it largely.