1879.] NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 65 



out of the other, and is in a great degree co-relative; and yet they 

 are, in a great measure, antagonistic forces, and it is as useful to 

 recognize them as such, as to note the distinction between leaf 

 blade and petiole, or liber cells and wood cells. Assuming the 

 distinction between these two forces, we are able to express the 

 true character of tins abnormal formation. The reproductive 

 force after influencing structure towards its especial object, had 

 been again subjected by the growth, or, more properly, vegetative 

 force, and it was thus enabled, though in an imperfect manner, to 

 continue in the line of its especial function. Of course all of 

 these distinctive powers in plants come down ultimately to vary- 

 ing phases of nutrition, and in this direction we are to look for 

 the secret whereby nature is enabled to make up the innumerable 

 forms and conditions of living things. 



March 18. 



The President, Dr. Ruschenberger, in the chair. 



Twenty-nine persons present. 



The deaths of the following members were announced: J. B. 

 Knight, E. Spencer Miller, Clement Biddle, Henry J. Williams. 



March 25. 

 The President, Dr. Ruschenberger, in the chair. 

 Seventy-three persons present. 



A paper entitled "Notes on Amphiuma,"by Dr. H. C. Chapman, 

 was presented for publication. 



Edw. D. Cope was elected to fill a vacancy in the Council, 

 caused by the death of Dr. J. H. McQuillen. 



Win. L. Auchincloss and Joseph Mellors were elected members. 



Wm. H. Leggett of New York, John M. Coulter of Hanover, 

 Ind., and George Bentham, F.L.S., of London, were elected cor- 

 respondents. 



The following were ordered to be published : 



