Pennsylvania for Session 1897-98. 121 
October 28. Dr. Miller in the chair. Dr. H. C. Porter 
read a paper on “Anthoceros, Its Phylogenetic Relationship,” 
illustrated with specimens and microscopic preparations. 
Reasons for regarding it as a connecting type with the mosses 
as one line of development, and the ferns as another, were 
advanced. Its power of continuous growth, the presence of 
stomata, the development of a columella and the origin of the 
tapetal layer were specially emphasized. 
In the unavoidable absence of the writer, Miss Simons, 
Professor Macfarlane read a paper by her entitled “ Compara- 
tive Studies onthe Rate of Circumnutation of Some Flowering 
Plants,” and which is herewith published. 
Professors Kraemer and Macfarlane contributed notes on 
the recent meetings of the American Association for the 
Advancement of Science, and the latter then exhibited and 
described the mode of growth of a rhizome of Neluméo 
speciosa, thirty-seven feet in length, recently removed from the 
lily pond at the University Garden. 
November 11. Dr. J. M. Macfarlane in the chair. The first 
communication was by Mrs. Sarah T. Rorer, who spoke on 
“Plants Exciting Fermentations.” After reviewing the action 
of different species of yeast and bacteria, she spoke of the 
different lengths of time needed for the killing of these by heat, 
where the preservation of fruits, vegetables and mushrooms was 
engaged in. 
Dr. Miller then gave an address on perfume plants. After 
comparing the sensation of smell amongst uncultivated and 
civilized peoples, he spoke of the source, extraction and utili- 
zation of numerous perfumes derived from the vegetable 
kingdom, and illustrated his observations by a large series of 
crude and prepared specimens. 
On behalf of Mrs. Ellis Rowan, Professor Macfarlane drew 
attention to a large exhibition of water-color drawings of 
American and Australian plants painted by that lady, A very 
cordial vote of thanks was tendered to Mrs. Rowan for the 
exhibition. 
