184/.] Linnean Society. 317 



strict conformity with the conditions of the will ; conditions which 

 neither the Council itself, nor (as it appears from the tenor and pro- 

 visions of the will) any other party has the power to modifj'. 



" These objections have appeared to the Council so important as not 

 to admit of any other course but that of respectfully declining to 

 accept a bequest, the operation of which would in all probability be 

 injurious to the best interests of the Society, by lowering the cha- 

 racter of its publications, and endangering the continuance of that 

 harmony which has hitherto prevailed in all essential points. The 

 Council is at the same time deeply sensible of the kind and liberal 

 intentions of Mr. Rudge, and entertains a sincere regret that the 

 express terms of his will should have rendered the acceptance of his 

 bequest liable to such grave objections. 



" I have the honour to be, Sir, 



" Your most obedient humble servant, 



" John J. Bennett, Sea'etary." 



It was moved, seconded and carried unanimously, that the Society 

 concur in the Resolution of Council, and that the thanks of the So- 

 ciety be given to the Council for the mode in which they have sub- 

 mitted the question to the consideration of the Society. 



January 19. 



E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. 



Mr. William Mitton was elected an Associate. 



Mr. Ward, F.L.S., exhibited a fine series of specimens of Adiantum 

 Capillus Veneris, L., together with a specimen oi Asplenium Tricho- 

 manes, L., collected in Italy by Mr. E. W. Cooke, the latter bearing 

 on several of its ])inn?e sori taking their origin from the upper as well 

 as from the lower surface of the frond ; and also a portion of a large 

 branch of a Scotch Fir hollowed out by hornets to form a nest, and 

 beautifully exhibiting in the dissected parts the origins of the smaller 

 branches. 



Read a paper " On the Natural Histor)^ Anatomy, and Develop- 

 ment of Melo'e (second memoir)." B3' George Newport, Esq., F.R.S. 

 &c. Communicated by the Secretary. 



Mr. Newport states at the commencement of his paper, that his 



