1894] REPORT OF l;OTANICAL SECTION, 239 



Others would have still more of the pinricX forked until the whole 

 frond including every pinnule was involved in "change. In some 

 cases the outline of the fronds was almost linear, caused by contrac- 

 tion and curling. It is impossible adequately to describe the changes 

 of form presented by these specimens by the incision, forking, 

 tasselation and curling of the pinnules and pinnae and manifold varia- 

 tions of all parts of the fronds. The susceptibility of this species of 

 Aspleniuin to modifications of its form under the influences of cultiva- 

 tion, as displayed in this set of specimens, has enabled fern cultivators 

 to originate almost innumerable varieties from which have been 

 selected those most pleasing and desirable, and these are propagated 

 by division, perpetuating their peculiarities. They are raised as pot 

 and basket plants for their ornamental qualities. More than a 

 hundred varieties of this species are named and described in trade 

 catalogues. One of the most beautiful varieties was named " Victoria, 

 Queen of Lady-ferns." 



Microscopical Studies. — Mr. Streeter exhibited filterings of 

 Hemlock water in which were found CyclotelLi aperculata, Fragellaria 

 aipucina, Asterionella fonnosa, Botrycoccus Braunii, Gleocysius vesicu- 

 losa^ besides Infusoria and Rhizopods. 



Miss Beckwith showed a flower stalk of a cultivated hybrid 

 French Canna, " Madame C'rozy." The falling of the pollen before 

 the opening of the bud is said to be a peculiarity of this plant, 



Mr, Laney reported finding Ailanthiis growing wild on the river 

 bank at Seneca Park. 



Mr. W. W. Parce stated that he had observed in budding the 

 Grape Fruit on the Orange, that the roots supporting the side bearing 

 the former were larger and lighter in color than those supporting the 

 latter, from which he would infer that each twig had its own specific 

 root. 



Microscopical Studies. — The examination of Hemlock water was 

 continued by Mr. Streeter who showed Staurastrium monticulosuni^ 

 Cizlospharium Kutzingianum, Cosinarium depression, Chlamydococcus 

 pluvialis, and others, 



March 22, 1893. Microscopical Studies. — Among the objects 

 examined were : Scendesmus quadri caudaius, Protococcus, Pandorina, 

 Navicida peregri/ia, N. digitus, Nitzschia panduriformis, N. coarctaia, 

 and Pleurosigma Spenceri. 



May 5, 1893. Miss Beckwith showed Peziza coccinea, and speci- 

 mens of Hcpatica having round sepals and twice the usual number. 



