THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 259 



directed to the principal points on which classification is based. After having 

 described the separate parts of a moss, a short account of the life history was 

 given. Starting from the germination of the spore, the development was 

 followed up to the production of the male and female reproductive organs, I.e., 

 the antheridia and archegonia. The process of fertilization was described, 

 and the resulting growth of the moss " fruit," — the capsule, with its seta, &c, 

 It was pointed out how clearly mosses, in their life-history, afford an example 

 of the phenomenon known as the "Alternation of Generations." The leafy 

 stem (originating from a spore and untimely producing male and female 

 reproductive organs), known popularly as the "moss," is the gametophyte 

 (gametophytic or sexual generation) ; the capsule, with its asexually produced 

 spores, peristome, sela, &c., — known popularly as the moss " fruit," — is the 

 sporophyte (sporophytic or asexual generation). 



The ramble was then continued over Dulsmead to the " Wake Arms " for 

 tea. Between Monks Wood and this point, large patches of Brachythecium 

 albicans were found growing among the grass. 



After tea at the inn, an Ordinary Meeting (the 193rd), and a Speci.\l 

 Meeting were held. Prof, R. Meldola, F.R.S., Vice-President, in the Chair. 



The notice convening the Special Meeting was read, and Mr. W, Cole, 

 on behalf of the Council, proposed that Rule xxxvii. should be temporarily 

 suspended for the purpose of adjourning the Annual Meeting to some future 

 date, to be determined by the Council. 



The Chairman explained that this step had been rendered necessary by 

 the immense amount of work thrown upon their Hon, Secretary, in connection 

 with the negociations and arrangement of the two Museums of the Club, the 

 business of which had suddenly come to a head during the early part of 

 the year. 



The resolution was seconded by Mr. George E. Vaughan, and carried 

 unanimously. 



At the Ordinary Meeting, the following were elected Members of the 

 Club ;— Mrs. Margaret Colsell, Mr, J. Edge Partington, F.Anth.Inst., and 

 Mr. Harold Picton, B.Sc, F.C.S. 



The Rev. W. C. Howell proposed that the members should send a con- 

 gratulatory letter to Lord Avebury (better known as Sir John Lubbock) on the 

 recent honour conferred upon him by the Queen. Mr. Howell referred to 

 the great encouragement given by Lord Avebury to the study of out-of-door 

 natural history, by his numerous popular Xvorks on these subjects, and also by 

 his successful exertions in the promotion of holidays which afforded leisure to 

 workers. 



Mr. Avery seconded the proposal, and after a few remarks from the 

 Chairman, it was agreed to unanimously. 



Mr. Robert Paulson then gave an extemporary exposition of certain new 

 views of the action and nature of pollination in flowering plants, which were 

 the outcome ot recent researches, ana which seemed likely to wholly change 

 some theories previously held on this subject. 



Prof. Meldola made some remarks, and thanked Mr. Paulson for his lucid 

 explanations 



