The foUowiug Papers were read during the year : — 



" Vegetable Reproduction, with Especial Reference to Embryology 

 in Phanerogams." By the Presdjent. 



" The Microscopical Characteristics of Birds' Eggs." By the Rev. 

 H. H. HiGGiNS, M.A. 



*' Recent Improvements in the Microscope: A Visit to Jena." By 

 JouN Mayall, Jun., F.Z.S., V.P.R.]y[.S. 



" The Development, Structure and Functions of the Ear." By 

 C. G Lee, M.R.C.S. 



" The Comparative Anatomy of the Reproductive Organs of Plants 

 viewed as a Basis for a Phylogenetic Classification." By 

 R J. Haevey Gibsox, ALA. 



"Microscopical Examination of Commercial Fibres." By A- 



Norman Tate, F.I.C, F.C.S. 

 " Radiolarian Protozoa, collected in the 'Challenger' Explorations." 



By the Rev. H. H. Higgins, M A. 



The Council express their obligation to the Members of the 

 Society, and others, who have read paper.** during the year, and trust 

 that ^lembers will come forward with a large number for the ensuing 

 session. 



In conclusion, the Council cordially thank the Donors of Books, 

 Slides, ttc. for their various presentations. 



Abstract of Papers read and Communications made during the 

 year 1887 : — 



January SlsL—The Rev. Fkank Ballard M.A., F.G.S., President elect, 

 delivered an address on "Vegetable Reproduction, with Special Reference 

 to Embryology in Phanerogams." He commenced by pointing out the 

 similarity, functionally for reproductive pui-poses, of the zoospores of the 

 lowest forms of Algae. There may he a physiological difi'erentiation, but it 

 is imperceptible to us. Here is the perfectly asexual form of vegetable 

 reproduction. With ascent, however, to higher forms, comes the gradual 

 evolution of sex. First, the planogametes are similar. Then the gametangia 



