326 American Quarterly Microscopical Journal. 



2. " Unless it can be shown that the fact of its parasitism is sufficient 

 to alter the entire character of a fungus, it is not a sufficient cause to 

 account for the existence of Lichens." 



The last part of the article is a vigorous argument in favor of regarding 

 the Lichens as simple plants. Mr. Cook considers that the dual hypothe- 

 sis is doomed. 



*5^* In Hedwigia for April Dr. George Winter describes some experi- 

 ments upon the " Rapidity of Germination of Fungus Spores, and the 

 Growth of the Young Mycelium." The spores from the various plants 

 showed great differences in the rate of germination, some, as Nectria 

 cinnabarina and Botrytis cineria required respectively only two and 

 one-half and four to four and one-half hours, while others as Acrosta- 

 lagmus cinnabariniis took sixty-five hours. Seven tables showing the 

 growth of the mycelia, are given. Miicor niuccdo, when cultivated in a 

 nourishing fluid with free access of air, was the most rapid grower. 



*-,.* In the May number we notice, among some other articles treating of 

 the algce, one by F. V. Thiimen, entitled " Melampsora Salicina of the 

 Meadow Rust." The writer believes that the plants heretofore classed 

 under this name must be separated into several species, which are enu- 

 merated and described. He makes seven species in all. 



MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETIES. 



[Space does not permit us to publish the proceedings of societies in full. We 

 are only able to notice the papers read and matters of general interest. We 

 would consider it a favor if secretaries of societies would send us reports of 

 meetings regularly.] 



WELLESLEY COLLEGE MICRO.SCOPICAL .SOCIETY. 



The regular meeting was held Monday evening, May 1 2th ; the Presi- 

 dent, Miss Cook, in the chair. After the reading of the Secretary's re- 

 port. Miss Whiting called attention to some recent additions to the 

 collection, among which were a case of slides, Ehrenberg's Illustrated 

 Works and two Zeiss objectives, a ~^^ inch and a -^^^ inch. 



Miss Mussey read a paper on sponge spicules, speaking particularly of 

 those of the Euplectella. 



Miss Waterman followed with a paper on insect scales. 



Miss Cook then delivered a lecture on the eye, first dissecting one and 

 showing its several parts, then speaking of the microscopical structure of 

 the retina. 



After this the company adjourned to the Laboraton,-, where slides were 

 exhibited illustrative of the subject treated. 



The Society gave a reception in the Museum of the College on the 

 evening of June i6th. 



Dr. Hunt, the President, and many members of the Boston Microscopi- 



