Pennsylvania for Session i8gy—g8. 1 2 1 



October 28. Dr. Miller in the chair. Dr. H. C. Porter 

 read a paper on "Aiithoceros, Its Phylogenetic Relationship," 

 illustrated with specimens and microscopic preparations. 

 Reasons for regarding it as a connecting type with the mosses 

 as one line of development, and the ferns as another, were 

 advanced. Its power of continuous growth, the presence of 

 stomata. the development of a columella and the origin of the 

 tapetal layer were specially emphasized. 



In the unavoidable absence of the writer, Miss Simons, 

 Professor Macfarlane read a paper by her entitled " Compara- 

 tive Studies on the Rate of Circumnutation of Some Flowering 

 Plants," and which is herewith published. 



Professors Kraemer and Macfarlane contributed notes on 

 the recent meetings of the American Association for the 

 Advancement of Science, and the latter then exhibited and 

 described the mode of growth of a rhizome of Nehunbo 

 speciosa, thirty-seven feet in length, recently removed from the 

 lily pond at the University Garden. 



November 11. Dr. J. M. Macfarlane in the chair. The first 

 communication was by Mrs. Sarah T. Rorer, who spoke on 

 " Plants Exciting Fermentations." After reviewing the action 

 of different species of yeast and bacteria, she spoke of the 

 different lengths of time needed for the killing of these by heat, 

 where the preservation of fruits, vegetables and mushrooms was 

 engaged in. 



Dr. Miller then gave an address on perfume plants. After 

 comparing the sensation of smell amongst uncultivated and 

 civilized peoples, he spoke of the source, extraction and utili- 

 zation of numerous perfumes derived from the vegetable 

 kingdom, and illustrated his observations by a large series of 

 crude and prepared specimens. 



On behalf of Mrs. Ellis Rowan, Professor Macfarlane drew 

 attention to a large exhibition of water-color drawings of 

 American and Australian plants painted by that lady. A very 

 cordial vote of thanks was tendered to Mrs. Rowan for the 

 exhibition. 



