64
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
mounted for the Museum by Miss Prince, and named by Miss G. Lister,
with the help of the British Museum experts. Dr. Turner added an
interesting account of his trip to Algeria, describing the plants and birds
which he had observed.
The Curator further exhibited sixteen topographical photographs
of Essex, presented by Mr. Harley.
Mr. Hugh Main read a paper describing his "Observations on the
Metamorphoses of the Stag Beetle, Lucanus cervus," which he illustrated
by many excellent lantern-photographs, and by living and preserved speci-
mens of the adult and larval beetle.
The President then invited Mr. Miller Christy to occupy the chair
while he read his account of "A Microscopic Fossil Crustacean from
the Old Red Sandstone." Beginning with an account of the Rhynie Chert
and its plant-remains, the President gave a masterly exposition of the
structure of his Lepidocaris rhyniensis, illustrating his subject by
numerous lantern-diagrams and photographs and by microscopic pre-
parations, as well as by living specimens of the Fairy-Shrimp for
comparison.
At the conclusion of the paper, the Chairman congratulated the author
on the original character of the communication, embodying as it did his
own detailed observations during nearly seven years, and proposed a
vote of thanks to the President, which was accorded by acclamation.
VISIT TO THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS (623RD MEETING).
SATURDAY, 12TH MARCH, 1927.
An invitation-visit of the Club to the Zoological Gardens, Regent's Park,
was arranged for this date, when, by the kindness of several of our mem-
bers who are also Fellows of the Zoological Society, an ample number
of tickets, giving free admission, was available for the use of the party,
which numbered sixty or more persons.
About half of the total number assembled just inside the South entrance
at 11 o'clock; the remainder met at the same spot at 2.30 o'clock.
For convenience, the party was divided into smaller groups, each
of which was conducted in varied directions, through the Gardens, by an
expert leader. Our President and his group of followers paid special
attention to the mammals. Mr. L. C. Bushby, who is in charge of the
Insect House, naturally led his band in that direction. Mr. Glegg had
a devoted following of bird lovers ; while Dr. W. A. Cunnington led a
"general" party through the grounds.
It is impossible to specify which of the many exhibits attracted
greatest interest, as individual tastes vary so considerably, but special
notice was taken of the magnificent bull European Bison, which was
recently presented to the Collection by the Duke of Bedford, and which
is evidently not yet entirely reconciled to its new quarters. The King
Penguins, also new acquisitions, were other favourites with the visitors.
Mr. Bushby's recent innovations in the Insect House were cordially
welcomed as distinct improvements.
Some of the party paid a private visit to the new Aquarium, but this
was not included in the official itinerary.