216 
dostegium, R. demissum is figured. The subgenus Rhynchostegulla 
is raised to generic rank with 5 species, of which H, curvisetum has 
been found in America. 
| a OS: 
Recherches sur les Bacteriacees fossiles. By M. B. Renault. Ann. 
Sci. Nat. 65 : 275-349. pl. 46. 1896. 
Until recent years the most ancient known bacteria were those 
discovered in the bones and teeth of Egyptian mummies. In 1879 
M. Van Tieghem noted their existence in remains of fossil plants 
from the environs of St. Etienne. M. Renault in this learned and 
interesting study describes and illustrates numerous species pre- 
served in animal and vegetable fossil remains from various parts 
of France. A. M. V. 
Proceedings of the Club, 
Tugespay Evenine, Marcu 9, 1897. 
There were 32 persons present, President Brown presiding. : 
The Secretary read a letter stating conditions of a grant of 
money offered from the Newberry research fund. This letter was 
from Dr. N. L. Britton as Secretary of the Council of the Scien- 
tific Alliance of New York, and indicated that the award for the 3 
present year is to be in Geology or Paleontology, to amount to a 
$50, payable July 15, 1897. The award applies to researches yet 2 - 
to be begun or completed, and which are to be embodied in a pa a 
per submitted to the Council within three months from the present — 
notification. Each society within the Scientific Alliance is invited 
to nominate a recipient. 
The scientific program was then taken up, the evening being 
devoted to the subject of Ferns with papers as follows: ; 
1. Mrs. Elizabeth G. Britton, « Notes on some Mexican Fenua 
presented, in Mrs. Britton’s absence, by Dr. Rusby, with exhibi- 
tion of numerous specimens, including species of Pellaea, Polypo- : 
dium, Cystopteris and Cheilanthes. Dr. Rusby, having been him-_ 
self present at their collection, described vividly the tongues of 
hard, black lava on which the collectors walked, and whic:3 a 98 
