NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 301 



eacli corolla was found to be identical with those of the disk, dif- 

 fering immaterially in size and color. Fully one-half of these 

 irregular forms were perfect and fertile, whilst the opposite con- 

 dition of affairs prevails in the normal flower. 



On the same day in which the preceding observations were 

 made, I noticed other plants of the same species, in which the 

 disk florets had grown to twice the usual magnitude, and had 

 dbfied their natural f hade of brown for the beautiful golden hue 

 so eminently characteristic of the outer circle of florets. Here 

 the essential organs of reproduction had, in a measure, aborted. 

 Upon the principle that excess of growth force has transformed 

 the sterile ray into fertile florets, and the same deficienc}' has 

 been instrumental in reducing the fertile disk florets alluded to, 

 to a partial state of abortion a principle so ably maintained in 

 the writings of Mr. Thomas Meehan the foregoing facts receive 

 a clear and comprehensive solution. 



Subsequently I was so fortunate as to find three specimens of 

 fully developed flowers growing upon the same plant, in each of 

 which there was a double series of ray florets having the regular 

 number of florets in each series. These were without exception 

 ligulate and neutral. These secondary series, I think, are the 

 result of the want of vigor necessary to develop fertile florets. 



July 15. 



The President, Dr. Ruschenberger, in the chair. 

 Twelve members present. 



July 22. 



The President, Dr. Ruschenberger, in the chair. 



Eight members present. 



The following paper was presented for publication: 

 " Descriptions of New Species of Shells from the West Coast 

 of Florida." By R. E. C. Stearns. 



The death of John Warner was announced. 



July 27. 



The President, Dr. Ruschenberger, in the chair. 



Eight members present. 



On report of the Committee the following papers were ordered 

 to be published : 



