116 Proceedings of the Botanical Society of 
sessed an abundant mycorhizal growth as in Bartonia 
tenella, 
Miss Elizabeth Woolman exhibited and described a peculiar 
growth resembling paper received from a trout pond at 
Dixville Notch, N. Y., and which Dr. Macfarlane had deter- 
mined to be a felted mass of threads belonging to the Alga 
(Edogonium. Dr. Harshberger stated that he had been given 
a similar specimen from Honeybrook, Pa. Amongst the 
threads were, however, deposits of gypsum. 
Interesting exhibits of orchid plants in flower were made by 
Mr. Le Boutillier. 
February 18. Dr. Miller in the chair. Dr. Charles Nassau 
gave a paper on “ Bacteria in Relation to Sterilization.” The 
growth of Bacteria under varying environmental conditions 
was described, and agents for inhibiting or preventing their 
growth, as well as methods of filtration were discussed. 
Dr. M. P. Ravenel spoke on “ The Relation of Bacteria to 
Disease,” and after rapidly tracing the development of the germ 
theory he referred to several recent important discoveries on 
the subject of the Diphtheritic, Tetanus and Typhoid organisms. 
Rich exhibits of flowering specimens were made by Mr. Le 
Boutillier, and from the conservatories of Mr. Dissel and the 
University. 
March 4. Dr. Miller in the chair. Dr. Harshberger gave 
“ Notes on Tuckahoe and Similar Fungi” with exhibition of a 
specimen from Mr. Talcott Williams. 
Dr. J. Takamine then addressed the society on “ The Fer- 
ment Taka Diastase.” In order to obtain commercial supplies 
spores of Lurottum Oryz@ are sown on wheat bran, and in 
about fifty hours the production of the diastase has reached 
its maximum. Methods are then adopted for its purification, 
when one part of the ferment will digest one hundred times its 
weight of starch in ten minutes. Demonstrations were given 
of the powerful and rapid action of the ferment, and on motion 
of Professor Macfarlane a very cordial vote of thanks was 
awarded the speaker for his address. 
