33 
The third paper was given by Dr. A. A. Tyler, entitled: 
THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES THROUGH VARIATION. 
The speaker said that the peculiar variations of the trillium, 
which had just been seen, might be accidental in which case the 
peculiarity would not be perpetuated, but sometimes peculiarities 
of plants do manifest themselves and are retained, thus forming 
new species. The way in which certain forms revert to their an- 
cestral varieties was described. ‘The new shoots which sprout 
from the stump of a willow tree look more like the willows of the 
Tertiary age than they do like the tree that was cut down, and 
thus with numerous other forms. 
The paper was discussed by W. M. Beauchamp and Charles 
W. Hargitt. 
After the literary program a social hour was spent together 
by the members during which refreshments were served by the 
members of the Botany club. 
JANUARY 20, 1899. 
TWENTY-SEVENTH REGULAR MEETING. 
The president, Dr. C. W. Harcrr’, in the chair. 
Seventeen persons present. 
The annual reports were presented as follows. 
SECRETARY'S REPORT. 
The report of the secretary, Philip F. Schneider, is summar- 
ized as follows: 
Stated meetings have been held on the regular dates during 
the year with an average attendance of 32. 
Papers on the following subject have been delivered: 
Botany, two; Zoology, two; Photomicrography, one; Ento- 
mology, one; Geology, one; Sectional reports, 3. 
