813 



gentlemen agree, but of the cellular nature of certain appearances in 

 that body. The author described the hexagonal cells which form a 

 peripheral stratum in the Volvox as being exceedingly difficult to 

 detect in the living organism, and gave an account of their various 

 appearances under different circumstances, stating, also, that diffe- 

 rence of locality alone is sufficient to produce very varied appearances, 

 as well as difference in the time of the year. The radiating threads 

 which connect the cells were described at great length, and minutely 

 detailed ; and the conclusion arrived at was, that these threads 

 consist partly of the ductile mucilaginous membrane of the pro- 

 toplasm, and partly of its contents, the latter being present in 

 various proportions. He also instituted a comparison between the 

 cells in certain ulvaceous plants and those of Volvox, and stated 

 that he considered the vesicles of the latter to be of precisely the 

 same character as those of the former, and consequently that they 

 are, in every sense of the word, real cells. The author next investi- 

 gated the origin of the superficial pellicle of Volvox, which he con- 

 siders as formed by the consolidation of the cell-walls, and then 

 proceeded to endeavour to determine the relative periods at which 

 the cells, the superficial pellicle, and the cilia are developed, and 

 expressed his opinion that the cilia are the first to make their appear- 

 ance, the cells and outer pellicle being subsequent growths. The 

 nature of the fluid within the Volvox formed the next subject for dis- 

 cussion. This he considers not to be water, but, apparently, muci- 

 lage. The author then pointed out the close analogy that exists in 

 the development of Volvox globator and that exhibited by many of 

 the lower Algae and Confervge, and concluded by expressing his opi- 

 nion that every fact brought to light by this inquiry tended to confirm 

 his 'previous conclusions, viz., that the affinities of the Volvox are 

 with the vegetable rather than with the animal kingdom. 



The Phytologist Club. 



One Hundred and Fortieth Sitting. — Monday, December 27, 1852. 

 — Mr. Newman, President, in the chair. 



Suminskt's Theory of the Reproduction of Ferns. 



The President made the following observations on this subject : — 



" Mr. Henry Deane, of Clapham Common, so well known for the 



extent and accuracy of his microscopical observations, has been 



