XxXil Proceedings of the Botanical Society of 
of Ventnor, N. J.” He contrasted the ecological rela- 
tions of the shore flora, the inland flora and that of the 
swamps. 
Professor Macfarlane read a letter recently received from 
Mr. R. E. B. McKenney, in which a graphic account was 
given of the vegetation round Santa Anna, Cal.; also one 
from Mr. George Wieland, announcing his discovery of fossil 
Cycads with moncecious flowers from the Wyoming beds. He 
likewise exhibited male and female specimens in flower of the 
Sago Palm. 
Mr. Henry Conard, M. A., exhibited some ripe fruits of the 
Ginkgo, and showed from chemical tests that butyric ether 
could be obtained from them. 
The Secretary announced that through the kind interest of 
Provost Harrison, a special room had been arranged as a 
botanical library and reading-room, which could be used by 
members of the society. 
November 3. Dr. Miller in the chair. Dr. Emily G. Hunt 
spoke on “The Natural History of Palms.” Their compara- 
tive morphology, modes of pollination, economic value and 
geographical distribution were dealt with. The lecture was 
illustrated by a large series of lantern slides. 
Dr. Macfarlane then drew attention to ‘“‘ Recent Studies on 
the Sago Palms and their Allies.’”’ He stated that the group 
probably originated during the coal period, and was linked 
with the ferns by a series of transition types now known as 
the Cycadofilices. Proof in part of their antiquity was fur- 
nished by their world-wide distribution at the present day. In 
illustration numerous specimens from the University garden 
of Cycas, Zamia, Encephalartos, Ceratozamia, Macrozamia, 
Bowenia, Stangeria and Dioon were exhibited and shortly 
described. The formation of motile spermatozords in Cycas 
and Zama was spoken of, as added proof of their relation to 
the Filicineae. 
