1894. ] “NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 45 
Prof. E. B. Wilson in the following paper summarized the 
results of his summer’s research in the fertilization of echino- 
derms. In his observations on the egg of the sea urchin, 
Toxopneustes variegatus, the fertilizing sperm was found to 
enter the egg at any point, the first plane of cleavage always 
passing through the point of the sperm’s contact with the egg 
surface. The embryonic axis does not coincide with the original 
egg axis, but may form any angle with it. A second result in- 
dicates with the utmost probability that the observations of Fol 
must be looked upon as untrustworthy, and that no quadrille of 
the centrosomes occurs. 
Dr. Bashford Dean gave an account of the “ Breeding habits 
of Lepidosteus,’ a report on his visit to Black Lake, N. Y. 
(May, 1894), in company with Prof. KE. B. Wilson. By artificial 
fertilization a complete series of developmental stages was se- 
cured. The results of a study of the earlier development point 
to closer relationship with elasmobranchs than has hitherto 
been believed. 
Prof. H. F. Osborn reported to the Academy on the Oxford 
meeting of the British Association. The proceedings of the 
Biological Section were summarized and notes were given on 
the present character of the researches of the English workers, 
and on the conservative attitude of their evolutionists in regard 
to natural selection. 
Capt. T. L. Casey exhibited a Californian hairless mouse, and 
referred it to the chairman for determination. 
The annual election of Sectional officers was then taken up. 
Prof. N. L. Britton was elected Chairman, and Bashford Dean, 
Secretary. 
In resigning the Chairmanship, Professor Osborn briefly ad- 
dressed the meeting upon the work of the past two years, and 
the future outlook. He pointed out that the general object in 
establishing the Section was to bring together workers in all 
departments of Biology for the presentation and discussion of 
