325 



as they assumed the horizontal position they turned over, but it is only in 

 the petiole that any torsion can be observed. How it came about that 

 this plant first began to develope the leaves in the wrong direction, or what 

 circumstances had induced it to do so, was certainly a very puzzling point, 

 as there is nothing in the habit of the plant to account for it. It 

 had been suggested that it might at one time have done this as an 

 assistance in climbing, but this he thought could hardly be the case, seeing 

 that the climbing was all done by the twining of the stem round its support. 

 If any one could give any suggestions on the matter he should be very much 

 obliged. 



Two slides in illustration were exhibited. 



The President thought that Mr. Gilburt had made a most interesting 

 communication, and one of a type which he should like to see more often 

 brought before them, for the members seemed to have got too much into 

 the habit of bringing up objects for exhibition, and saying nothing about 

 them. 



Mr. Michael said he should like to know if there was any reason for 

 assuming that the inversion of the leaf occurred first, and the torsion was 

 to utilise the structure ? It seemed far more probable that the torsion was 

 the original thing, and that the development took place in consequence. 

 A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Gilburt for his communication. 

 The Secretary called attention to a series of admirable photo-micrographs 

 received from Dr. Woodward of the U.S. Army Medical Department, illus- 

 trative of cases of I'seudopolypi of the Colon. 



Mr. Frank Crisp said that the photographs were of general interest as 

 being the best that had yet been seen in this country in illustration of 

 histological subjects; in this respect they would mark a distinct advance in 

 photo-micrography. 



The President announced the meetings for the ensuing month, and called 

 attention to the abandonment of the excursion to Great Marlow, arranged 

 for July 9th, in consequence of the disorganisation of the ordinary trafl&c on 

 the Great Western Railway on that day, on account of the Volunteer Review 

 at Windsor. 



The proceedings then terminated with the usual Conversazione, at which 

 the following objects were exhibited : — 



Section of Flint, polarized, showing section") 

 of Chalcedony ... ... ) 



Leaf of Bomaria Caldesiana, showing re- 

 versed structure, hairs, &c. 

 Section of leaf of Bomaria Carderi 

 Polytrema rubra, parasitic Foraminifera") 

 from Mentone ... ... ) 



Tadpole of Water Newt 

 Section of Meteorite with cavities contain- 1 

 ing fluid ... ... ... J 



Transverse section of leaf of Pinus Coulterii 



Attendance — Members, 45 ; Visitors, 7. 

 JouRN. Q. M. C, No. 48. b b 



