Pennsylvania for Sesstons 1899-1900. XXili 
A large exhibit of palms and sago palms was made by 
Messrs. Craig, Dreer, and Graham. To them and to Mr. 
Conard, of West Grove, unanimous votes of thanks were 
accorded for specimens shown at the meetings. 
The President drew attention to the syllabus of the society’s 
class meetings for the session, and intimated that the first 
meeting would be devoted to a study of the Bacteria under 
Dr. M. P. Ravenel. 
A large exhibit of orchids, in bloom, was made from the 
University garden, and in connection therewith the Secretary 
read the following letter, recently received from Mr. Charles 
Dissel by Provost Harrison, Honorary President of the society : 
“My Dear Mr. Harrison: 
“T have sold my place at Wynnewood, Pa., and with it 
the collection of plants in the conservatories, excepting the 
orchids. These I wish to present to the Botanical Society of 
the University of Pennsylvania. If acceptable, please advise 
me when you will be able to make room for them. I send 
herewith a list of them. 
Yours truly, 
“CHARLES DISSEL.” 
On motion, it was unanimously agreed “that the warmest 
thanks of the society be tendered to Mr. Dissel for the large 
and valuable collection conveyed by the Provost to the Uni- 
versity’s collections, and that the Curator be empowered to 
express to Mr. Dissel the society’s appreciation of the gene- 
rous gift.” 
November 17. The Acting President inthe chair. Miss 
Marion Mackenzie spoke on ‘“ Abnormalities and Fasciation 
in Rudbeckia hirta.’””’ These were enlargement of the bracts, 
change in structure and color of the flowers, cycloid enlarge- 
ment of the flower heads on fasciated stems, also extensive 
fasciation and branching of the entire inflorescence. She 
