64 



embryo, and considers, in a particular manner, the formation of ovu- 

 lar tubes in Euphrasia. These tubes, which he formerly considered 

 as being prolongations of the apex of the nucleus, he now finds to 

 originate from the interior of the embryo-sac. He has observed the 

 tube within the sac, but has not been able to determine fully its rela- 

 tion to the very minute embryo, although, in one instance, there was 

 the appearance of a connexion between them. He also noticed a re- 

 markable flask-like appendage to the neck of the sac, whichrhe thinks 

 may be similar in its nature to the varicose appendages observed by 

 Planchon in Veronica. In the latter plant the sac becomes external, 

 but this is not the case in Euphrasia. The tubular filamentous ap- 

 pendage in the plant under consideration, he conjectures, may be a 

 prolongation of the terminal joint of the suspensor. 



Dr. Dickie concludes by stating, that he considers the early, or 

 what he denominates the sporoid, stage of the embryo, to be indepen- 

 dent of the contact of the pollen-tube with the embryo-sac, although 

 the future stages of development may be determined by the action of 

 the pollen. 



3. Dr. Fleming exhibited a specimen of the stem of D'Urvillea 

 utilis, Bory, from Acapulco, and made some remarks on the peculia- 

 rity of its structure, more particularly as regards its transverse parti- 

 tions and large air-cells. He illustrated his remarks by drawings of 

 the entire plant. 



4. Dr. Dickie communicated the discovery of a new Diatomaceous 

 plant, allied to Meloseira, in the neighbourhood of Aberdeen. It is 

 the Orthoseira of Thwaites, and will be published under the name of 

 O. Dickiei. Specimens were exhibited under the microscope by Dr. 

 Balfour. The plant forms a sort of infusorial earth in the place where 

 it occurs. Dr. Dickie also announced from Mr. Thwaites the dis- 

 covery of a new species of Dickieia, consisting of binate frustules at 

 the end of mucous appendages, like the Omacoccus of Hassall. 



Dr. Bell Salter communicated the discovery of Zostera nana, in 

 large quantities, on the shores of the Isle of Wight, near Ryde. 



Mr. Babington sent notice of the following plants having been 

 added to the British Flora, since the publication of the second edition 

 of his Manual, specimens of all of which are in his possession, viz. : 

 Thalictrum minus, b. glandulosum, Koch ; Ranunculus Petiveri, 

 a Mairii, Godr. ; b. Candollii, Godr. ; Sagina ciliata, Fries; Campa- 

 nula rotundifolia b. lancifolia, Koch ; Simethis bicolor, Kunth ; and 

 Carex brizoides, Linn. 



