88 THE MICROSCOPICAL NEWS. 
oosphere or germinal-vesicle. The latter was stated to be the body 
destined to become the embryo after fertilization. This process 
was explained as being the coming in contact of the pollen proto- 
plasm with the oosphere, which causes it to undergo numerous 
and important changes, all of which result in the production, in 
the higher plants, of the cotyledons, plumule, and radicle, these 
constituting the embryo. The embryos of the oak, beech, syca- 
more, and scarlet runner were shown, as were also a number of 
diagrams illustrative of the development of the embryro of the 
common shepherd’s purse. 
ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE FREE LIBRARY.—We have great pleasure 
in noticing a very interesting pamphlet just received from Mr. 
Daniel F. Howorth, of Ashton-under-Lyne. It is entitled “The 
Natural Sciences as Illustrated in the Ashton-under-Lyne Free 
Library,” and is intended not only to inform readers in science 
what books likely to be of service to them are in the library, but 
also to point out the plan of classification, and save much labour 
in looking for any particular volume. We think Mr. Howorth 
deserves great praise and the thanks of his fellow townsmen for the 
labour which he must have expended in this pamphlet. Ashton- 
under-Lyne is certainly to be congratulated upon the possession of 
such a highly useful collection of scientific works as we find 
enumerated here, and we hope the example thus set will be a 
powerful inducement to many other towns to render like assistance 
to the seekers after knowledge in their midst. 
In reference to the above we have often marvelled at the style 
of literature which seems to find the greatest favour in most Free 
Libraries: Punch, Fun, The Graphic, and the Lllustrated London 
WVews generally reign supreme, and for every reader of a good 
sound work, whether on literature, art, or science, we find scores 
of individuals seeking for the latest novel. Surely this ought not 
to be, and the managing authorities of many of our Free Libraries 
—especially where the expense falls upon the ratepayers—should 
exercise greater discrimination in the choice of suitable works and 
periodicals than they do at present. 
Botton Microscopicat Socirety.—The usual monthly meeting 
of the above society took place on Thursday evening, February 15. 
In the absence of the president of the society Mr. Richard 
Walmsley occupied the chair. After the transaction of the usual 
business, Mr. A. S. Pennington, F.R.M.S., delivered a most 
instructive and interesting lecture on “ Marine Polyzoa,” which 
may be found in abstract on page 78 of the present number. The 
