QUEKETT MICROSCOPICAL CLUB. 291 



a seed capsule was thrusting through the top of the scales, which 

 at once gave evidence that the plant had been in flower. It was 

 then seen that the cause of the belief that the plants never 

 flowered was owing to the fact that, in addition to the in- 

 conspicuous nature of the flower, it only appeared during the 

 evening or night and endured but for a few hours. A number of 

 the seeds of A. rubens were brought for distribution among the 

 members. It was stated that in Rhodesia a decoction of the 

 plants was used as an intoxicant by the natives to such an 

 extent as to require Government intervention. Various speci- 

 mens of the plants, both dry and fresh, and seed capsules were 

 exhibited. An interesting discussion took place, and, in reply to 

 questions, Mr. Brown said that the plants were xerophytic, and 

 that probably cleistogamous flowers occurred among them. 



Mr. J. Richardson, F.R.M.S., exhibited on one of the tables a 

 series of very beautiful photomicrographs of the genus Triceratium 

 among the Diatomaceae. The photos represented about 120 

 species, and were arranged on a number of card sheets, which 

 enabled them to be examined and the various forms compared with 

 great facility. They w^ere taken by Mr. Thomas Castle, of Heck- 

 mondwyke, and were greatly admired by those present. 



Mr. S. C. Akehurst, F.R.M.S., exhibited and described a tank and 

 weed-holder for pond life to be used with low-power water- 

 immersion objectives. The tank is of metal, and is fitted into a 

 slide — fluid capacity 1 J oz. It can be adapted for use in conjunc- 

 tion with the base of a Rousselet live-box. It should be filled with 

 pond water to a suitable height and the immersion-objective 

 plunged into the water. Most free-swimming organisms being 

 photo tropic, they soon enter the field, and a fairly rapid examina- 

 tion can be made. For fixed forms on pond weed a holder with 

 universal movements has been provided. The apparatus would 

 be useful for searching large quantities of water for Plankton 

 forms. 



Under a microscope on the table a slide of Pleodorina illinoisensis 

 was exhibited. This is an organism belonging to the Volvoceae, 

 and Mr. Scourfield, in calling attention to it, shortly described the 

 group, referring to the various members, Gonium, Pandorina, 

 Eudorina, Pleodorina, Platydorina and Volvox. He explained 

 that Pleodorina, which is found in many parts of the United 

 States of America, and has recently been taken in England, 



