128 Wernerian Society. 



pollen of Tradescantia virginica, and with that of certain species of 

 Orchidea. The effects produced by water, alcohol, aether, iodine, 

 and sulphuric acid on the physical conditions of pollen, were also 

 adverted to. 



The functions of pollen were then noticed, and the phaenomena 

 which are attendant on the performance of those functions, from the 

 period when the pollen leaves the anther till its tubes arrive at the 

 base of the nucleus of the ovule. It was shown that a somewhat 

 elevated temperature is in many cases necessary for the develop- 

 ment of the pollen tubes, and that this condition is supplied by the 

 evolution of caloric attendant on sestivation ; and lastly, the various 

 provisions, which exist for the preservation of the pollen from the 

 deleterious effects of moisture, were pointed out. 



2. Notes on Lychnis dioica, Linn., with reference to the occurrence 

 of the varieties vespertina, intermedia and diurna, and some anoma- 

 lous forms of these observed in the neighbourhood of Dundee. By 

 Mr. Wm. Gardiner, Jun., Dundee. Communicated by Mr. Camp- 

 bell. 



3. Notes on Primula vulgaris, elatior and veris. By Mr. Wm. 

 Gardiner, Jun., Dundee. Communicated by Mr. Campbell. 



WERNERIAN NATURAL HISTORY SOCIJfiTY. 



January 12, 1839. — John Sligo, Esq., in the Chair. 



Dr. Robert Paterson read a Memoir, Observations on the Artesian 

 Wells of Clackmananshire, and their connection with the doctrine 

 of Central Heat. As this paper does not refer directly to zoology or 

 botany we shall not dwell upon it. 



A paper on the Climate and Productions of Devonshire. By Dr. 

 Chas. Goring, was then read. 



Professor Jameson exhibited two rare Fishes found in the Pent- 

 land Frith and sent to the Natural History Museum by the Duchess 

 Countess of Sutherland. He regarded them as Labrus trimaculatus, 

 and the Gadus minutus or the Poor. A specimen of the Ornithorhyn- 

 chus was exhibited, having the poison-duct and gland beautifully dis- 

 played ; presented to the College Museum by Lord Glenelg. The 

 carcass of a large Cinereous Eagle was also exhibited ; being one of 

 two birds of that kind which attacked a traveller the week before, 

 near Newtown- Stuart in Galloway. 



Jan. 26 — Wm. Copland, Esq. in the Chair. 

 M.r. Sipjth of Jordan-hill, read an Account of further Observa- 



