give rise to slightly differing bodies, distinguished as microzoospores (large) 

 and microzoospores (small). Reproduction takes place by fusion of one of 

 each. The characteristics are such as to warrant our regarding the smaller 

 as male, the larger as female. In addition to this sexual process, some 

 forms — as Ulothrix, Ectocarpus, Scytosiphon, &c. — have zoospores capable 

 of independent germination. This incomplete sexuality disappears in the 

 Fucacere, where the reproductive organs are distinct, and all trace of primitive 

 Planogamete is lost in the oosphere of Colceochete, Yaucheria, (Edogoninm, 

 Volvox, Chara. This perfect manifestation of sex was then carried on 

 through the Muscine», Pteridophyta, and Floridea; to the Phanerogams. 

 The importance of alternation of generations and its continued traces in the 

 higher plants were then pointed out. A detailed account wa.s then given of 

 the Gymnosperms and Angiosperms separately, in legard to the structure 

 and development of the ovule, the development and growth of embryosac, 

 the structure of the oospore, the process of fertilisation, the result of ferti- 

 lisation in the embiyosac, and the development of the embryo into the seed. 

 In a resume, it was pointed out that we have no choice but to start with the 

 simj)le yet enormous assumption that the reproductive capacity is a funda- 

 mental property of protoplasm. Whence it follows that all our knowledge 

 is phenomenal. The analysis of reproduction biings us no nearer to the 

 synthesis of life. Hence evolution as a thorough going theory has to be 

 received with distinct caveats. Dr. Vines was quoted — "that evolution of 

 plants is the expression of more than fortuitous variation." And Professor 

 Huxley's description of the development of the tadpole from the spawn was 

 taken as applying mutalis mutandis to vegetable life also. Finally, the 

 inference was drawn that the marks of adaptation were so manifest and 

 all-pervading as to substantiate a higher teleolog}-. which constitutes an 

 enhanced and intensified design argument. 



The usual vote of thanks closed the proceedings. 



February 4th. — The paper of the evening was read by the Rev. H. H. HiGGiNS, 

 M.A., upon '"The Microscopical Characteristics of Birds' Eggs." The 

 lecturer alluded to the little attention which had been given to the subject 

 of microscopical characteristics of the shells of birds' eggs ; the valuable 

 article upon " Birds" in the new Encyclopaedia Britannica giving perhaps 

 the best information. Mr. Sorby, F.R.S., had also written on the subject 

 of the colours of birds' eggs. By the help of sketches upon the black board 

 Mr. HiGGixs pointed out the cellular structure revealed by the microscope 

 in a thin shell section of eggs, the shells being found to contain a remark- 

 able form of crystalisation, or more properly concretion, as well as a number 

 of calcareous triangular masses distributed throughout, known as calcified 



