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the mouth of the corolla is firmly closed, and can only be opened by strong insects 
like humble bees ; such small insects as ants are unable to enter. When, however, 
an insect as large as a bee has entered and covered the stigma with pollen, the 
tension of the corolla gradually diminishes, and smaller insects can freely enter. 
Perhaps one of the most remarkable proofs that the hairs often found 
on the stems of plants are meant as a protection against creeping 
insects is presented im the variation which takes place in our 
common water polygonum, When this plant grows in water it is evident 
that nothing is required to keep off useless creeping insects, for it is so isolated 
that they cannot get at it; but there is a very common form found 
upon the shore, the whole stem of which is densely covered. with rigid hairs ; 
and I have no doubt at all that this is to protect the flowers against creeping 
insects. One more curious method occasionally found in plants to protect their 
flowers from creeping insects is the presence of nectariferous glands at the base 
of the leaves, generally on the petioles; these act as allurements to draw them 
off. There are sometimes other appliances designed to protect the flower during 
the time the seeds, the means of reproduction, are maturing ; these lie in 
the actual flower itself. Some flowers have thorns on the calyx and on no other 
part of the plant ; and, again, many plants are preserved from destruction by the 
presence of certain alkaloids and other chemical compounds, as in Datura, 
Asarum, Solanum and Oonium Anyone who has bred batterflies will have 
noticed that caterpillars will feed upon the leaves of a certain plant, but will not 
touch the flower ; and this is also the case with many ruminant animals—they 
will eat the leaves, but not touch the flower. 
There are many other subjects of vital importance and immense interest 
to which I should like to direct your attention, but time forbids. The magazines 
and literature of the day teem with articles setting forth the claims of natural 
science, and anyone that wishes to keep up with the age must work hard, but 
I venture to say that his work will have so much interest attached to it that ne 
will find a reward for his labors in a life of unalloyed pleasure. 
SECOND SOIREE. 
Turspay, December 2lst, 1880: The first paper of the evening, “ The 
Relation between Science and Literature,” was read by Mr. W. D. LeSueur, 
B.A., who pointed out that the differences between literature and science, as 
regards the faculties they called into play and the methods by which they worked, 
were by no means so great as often supposed. To see aright in any branch of 
study required considerable preparation of mind ; and to generalize with success 
4 
