304 Transaction* of the, Society. 



advantage. It' this view be correct, the structure of the fruit in 

 the Nut, Beech, aud others becomes peculiarly interesting, because 

 it represents a case in which the present arrangements are not 

 those, in all respects, most convenient to the plant, and renders it 

 probable that the same explanation may apply to other cases of 

 difficulty. 



The seeds of the Willow closely resemble those of 

 Epilobium ; like them are inclosed in a capsule, and are wafted 

 about by means of a tuft of long hairs. In Epildbium, however, 

 these are situated at the summit, in Salix at the base of the seed. 

 In Epilobium the hairs can easily grow upwards and overlap 

 several seeds above them. When the capsule opens, moreover, 

 they are thus more readily dried by the outer air. In Salix, on the 

 other hand, the capsules are short. The hairs, therefore, grow 

 along the seeds. If they started from above, they would have to 

 turn round and downwards, which would be a disadvantage ; but 

 starting as they do from the base of the seed, they are able to 

 accommodate an additional length, equal to that of the seed, and 

 when the capsule begins to open the free ends escape into the 

 open air. 



The Amentaceee complete the Dicotyledons. If the Society 

 approve, I shall hope to deal with the Conifers and Monocotyledons 

 next year, and then terminate with some general remarks. It only 

 remains for me, in conclusion, to thank the Society for their kind 

 and constant support, and for the honour they have conferred on 

 me in electing me to the Presidency for another term of office 



Note. — For permission to reproduce figs. 67 to 85, from " Notes on British 

 Flowering Plants," by Lord Avebury, we are indebted to the courtesy of Messrs. 

 Macmillan and Co., Limited. 



