68 Proceedings, 



appear that the wood was introduced into England until the 

 middle of the 18th century, when it was brought into notice 

 by Dr. Gibbons. 



In the discussion which followed Mr. Henry Brady remarked 

 that Teak is being planted in Java, and is ready to fell in 

 about thirty years, when about 18 in. in diameter. 



Dr. Bossey showed the structure of three sub-orders of 

 British Ferns, by exhibiting their capsules under the micro- 

 scope. 



Polypodiacem is characterised by capsules pellucid, reticu- 

 lated, surrounded by an elastic ring, opening irregularly or 

 tearing open when ripe. 



OsmundacecR. — Capsules pellucid, reticulated. Eiug less 

 perfect. Capsules opening regularly into two halves. 



OphiofjlossaceiB. — Capsules opaque, coriaceous, split into 

 halves ; no elastic ring. 



Mr. T. Cooper made some remarks explanatory of 

 *' Fasciation." 



The growth of plants depends on cell- division and multi- 

 plication of cells. The highest cell, known as the mother- 

 cell, is more active than those below it. Stems may unite 

 through pressure durmg the act of growth, resulting in a 

 living grafting. Protoplasm may burst the cell-wall and join 

 two cells into one. 



Mr. Cooper exhibited numerous specimens of fasciated 

 plants. He stated that wrinkles on a frond of Scohpendrmm 

 vulgare were caused by unequal development of cells. Double 

 flowers he defined as those whose normal number of petals 

 was increased by the transformation of pistils or other parts 

 into petals. Some Chrysanthemums do not come under this 

 heading, as the change is only florets becoming ligulate florets. 



Evening Meeting. — December 18th, 1885. 

 Dr. Bossey and Mr. A. J. Crosfield exhibited specimens of 

 Salvia verticillata, gathered from one plant found by Dr. Bossey 

 last July on the side of the road leading eastwards from 

 Mersfcham towards Eocks Shaw. 



