239 



the microscope had led to the discovery of bonds of union far closer than 

 those which were previously known or suspected. The question as to why 

 some plants produced only male organs and others only female was next 

 taken in review, and he regarded the processes mentioned as rather 

 analogous to budding than to what might be properly called seed, budding 

 being produced before fruiting. These questions required further know, 

 ledge before they could be satisfactorily answered. At one time it was 

 thought that in the case of Spirogyra one thread was male and another 

 female, and some very pretty ideas were based upon this, only it happened 

 that nature contradicted it, and the fair inference was that, not the whole 

 thread was a separate plant, but that each cell was so. Some time ago 

 curious experiments were made in animal life as to what conditions were 

 necessary for the production of males or females, and some hard-headed 

 farmers tried to turn this to practical account, with a fair amount of 

 success. Then, again, in bees and aphides they had an example of an 

 a-sexual condition, and it did not need any further remark to show that a 

 study of many of these facts might lead to conclusions of great practical 

 value and interest. He felt sure that they would return their thanks to 

 Mr. Buff ham for bringing up a subject which could not fail to be of interest 

 to every practical man. 



The thanks of the meeting were unanimously voted to Mr. Buffham for 

 his remarks. 



Announcements of meetings and excursions for the ensuing month were 

 then made, and the proceedings terminated with the usual Conversazione. 

 The following objects were exhibited : — 



Bark of plane tree ... ... ... ... Mr. F. W. Andrews. 



Aquatic lepidopterous larva, Hydrocampa ) 



lemnaUs \ Mr * R * T ' G * Nevins - 



Moss, Milium liornum ... ... ... ... Mr. W. Watson. 



An old French compound microscope with ) 

 three simple lenses f Mr. C. Rousselet, 



Attendance — Members, 3i ; Visitor, 1. 



September 11th, 1885. — Conversational Meeting. 



The following objects were exhibited : — 



Tingis cardui (Thistle-bug) Pupa Mr. F. Enock. 



Larva of Chironomus prasinus 



Sertularia, with polypes extended 



Den obtnsa 



Alcyonella fungosa 



Spongilla igloorformis ... 



Alcyonella fungosa ... ... ... ... Mr. C. Kousselet. 



Attendance — Members, 29 ; Visitors, 0. 



Mr. A. Hammond. 

 Mr. J. D. Hardy. 

 Mr. R. T. G. Kevins. 



»» »> » 



Mr. B. W. Priest. 



