198 [July, 1842' 



it progressively into a calyx, a corolla, stamens and pistils ; whereas they do not 

 intend to be understood that these parts ever existed as branches or leaves, but 

 that their nature and origin are the same. And this being the case, why are the 

 wordslfrtransformed," and " metamorphosed" used at all ? Terms should never be 

 used in science with different meanings from that in which they are generally 

 understood, if it can possibly be avoided. 



! It is the opinion of some eminent botanists, that the same vegetable matter 

 which, called into action on the earth, with sufficient light, air, &c. produces a 

 Lichen, will, in moisture on decaying organised substances become a Fungus ; 

 or if developed under water, exhibit the form of an Alga. But this has not been 

 considered a sufficient warrant for the assertion, that one of these is transformed 

 or is metamorphosed into the other. 



This erroneous mode of expression is peculiarly conspicuous in regard to the 

 present specimen, since it conveys the idea that the leaves were first transformed 

 into calyx, corolla, stamens and pistils, and were afterwards by a retrograde move- 

 ment metamorphosed back again into leaves ; when in truth all we mean to assert 

 is, that owing to the peculiar circumstances attending the developement of the 

 flower, the vegetable matter which was called into action, never arrived at the 

 stage of perfection required for these more perfect organs, and that therefore they 

 remained leaves. 



The Society then proceeded to an election for Correspon- 

 dents of the xA.cademy, with the following result. 



CORRESPONDENTS. 



Professor John A. Warder, of Cincinnati, Ohio. 



John C. Warren, M. D of Boston. 



J. N. Nicollet, Esq. of Washington City. 



