26 TRA1S"SACTI0NS OF THE [NOV. 4, 



recalling on a gigantic scale the points of the head in the " horned 

 toads" (Phrynosoina). These novel and singular forms are to 

 be described by Prof. Marsh in tlie forthcoming number of the 

 American Journal of Science. 



Dr. N. L. Britton then gave the paper announced for the 

 evening, which consisted of an illustrated lecture on 



FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES, PRESENT AND PAST. 



The lecture treated of the Acrogen plants in their several divi- 

 sions. — Filices, Equiseta, and Lycopodia, together with the Khi- 

 zocarpeoe, Isoetese, and Selaginellffi. The latter were spoken of 

 as now separated from the Lycopodia, with which they had long 

 been classed, by the possession of two distinct kinds of sporangia, 

 bearing $ and s spores respectively, and thereby presenting a 

 more advanced type than the Lycopods. The fertilization of 

 ferns, etc., and the obscurity in which it was long involved, 

 were described and illustrated, and reference made to the various 

 old fancies and tales about the powers and properties of "fern- 

 seed." The related fossil forms, Lepidodendron, Sigillaria, etc., 

 were then alluded to and illustrated. 



November 4, 1889. 

 Eegular Business Meeting. 

 The President, Dr. Newberry, in the chair. 

 Thirty-five persons present. 



The Report of the Council was read, recommending 

 (I.) The payment of bills as follows: — 



Publication of Transactions, Vol. 



VIII., Nos. 7 and 8, . . $223.24. 

 Various minor expenses, . . 43.37. 



(II.) The appropriation of a sum not exceeding $100.00, to 

 be placed at the disposal of the Committee on Lectures, for ex- 

 penses incident to their work. 



