171 
from the station at Bantam Lake, Conn. In reply to a question 
from Prof. Underwood, Mr. Morong suggested as a possible ex- 
planation for its distribution, the influence of aquatic birds, and 
cited as a similar case the occurrence of Potamogeton crispus in 
Arizona. 
Prof. Lucien M. Underwood reported the receipt of Sa/vinia 
natans from Dr, Demetrio in Central Missouri, and referred to 
Pursh’s statement that it was found in Western New York, but 
stated that it has not since been collected there. , 
FRIDAY, AUG. 20TH. 
F, V. Coville read a paper on the occurrence of Aconitum 
Noveboracense, Gray, n. sp., near Oxford, N. Y. 
Prof. T. J. Burrill described some home-made apparatus for 
the investigation of bacteria. 
Mr. Morong exhibited Potamogeton fluitaus from the Niagara 
River, where it is abundant, and stated that P. louchites, Tuck., is 
closely allied, if not identical. 
Miss Lillie J. Martin read a paper on Petroleum Spirit (boil- 
ing 25°- 45° C.) as a preservative of the chemical constituents of 
plants. The subject was discussed by Professors Seaman and 
Barnes. 
B. E. Fernow exhibited specimens of the chestnut bearing 
pistillate catkins, similar to those of the Chinquapin, which were 
found on a single tree growing in the woods in Lehigh Co., Pa. 
These catkins were about five inches long and composed of a 
large number of small burrs which when ripe resembled that of 
C. pumila. He had observed the tree for seven years and had 
never found any staminate catkins. Reference was made to Mr. 
I. C. Martindale’s description of a similar monstrosity near Cam- 
den, N. J. (Proc. Phila. Acad. Sci., 1880.) Other teratological 
examples in various genera were cited in the discussion which 
ensued. 
cryptandrus when the panicle is moistened. 
W. J. Beal read a paper on the escape of seeds of Sporobolus j 
Prof. C. R. Barnes offered to send on application his key to 
the Manual of Mosses of N. A. 
The Chairman announced the receipt of a letter from Dr. 
