288 PROCEEDINGS: GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY 



tions we have no names for these potential species. In some cases 

 it is necessary to rear very large numbers to determine the connection 

 between forms existing in nature and it would seem advisable to have 

 some designation for such groups of individuals. 



The family seems to be in a more or less pliable state and these 

 cases which we are able to observe may indicate the method by which 

 different forms have come into existence and possibly some of the 

 methods by which species fixation has taken place. 



Discussion by Dr. L. O. Howard and S. A. RoiiwER. 



R. H. True: Bernardin de Saint-Pierre as a plant ecologist. The 

 author of "Paul and Virginia" wrote a three- volumed book, entitled 

 "Studies of Nature," intended to prove to a world that was lapsing into 

 atheism that a beneficent Providence rules the affairs of men and of 

 Nature. In this effort he studies the relations of plants to the main 

 factors of their environment. He groups plants into two great classes, 

 those enjoying a limited water supply, the mountain plants, and those 

 whose supply is not limited, those of the plain, marsh, and riversides. 

 Devices for collecting or shedding water are traced in foliage and stem. 

 Flowers are dealt with in relation to light and heat, seeds and fruits to 

 means of securing distribution. Many practical relations are discussed 

 such as forest planting to increase rainfall, and the relation of stock 

 grazing to forest injury. He deals with his evidence in a teleological 

 spirit, oftentimes proving too much, but writing always with vivacity, 

 clearness, and charm. As "nature writing," his work is worthy of 

 attention from this later generation. It should not be neglected by 

 plant ecologists and naturalists. 



M. W. Lyon, Jr., Recording Secretary. 



GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON 



The 330th meeting was held at the Cosmos Club, Wednesday evening, 

 January 22, 1919, President Ulrich presiding, and 60 persons present. 



The meeting was a memorial to Grove Karl Gilbert. After 

 introductory remarks by President Ulrich, the following program was 

 presented : 



Biographical outUne W. C. Mendenhall 



Gilbert in his administrative relations C. D. Walcott 



(read by E. O. Ulrich) 

 Gilbert as the student and expounder of geologic structure 



F. L. Ransome 



Gilbert the physiographer and explorer H. E. Gregory 



Gilbert the glaciologist W. C. Alden 



Gilbert the physicist and mathematician R. S. Woodward 



Gilbert the topographer. J. H. Renshawe (read by E. O. Ulrich) 



Gilbert as a man C. Hart Merriam 



Personal reminiscences. ...CD. White, H. C. Rizer, and J. S. Diller 



The 331st meeting of the society was held at the Cosmos Club on 

 Wednesday evening, February 12, 1919, President E. O. Ulrich, pre- 

 siding, and 74 persons present. 



