72 



possible, and in a few known cases is the usual mode of 

 reproducing the species. 



That cross-fertilization is the prevailing means by which 

 species are reproduced, and is almost absolutely necessary 

 once in a while, to reinvigorate the species, and to keep 

 down vagaries. 



Mr. Eobinson's remarks were illustrated by diagrams 

 and blackboard sketches. A mammoth model of a pink, 

 taken to pieces, exhibiting the various parts of the flower 

 magnified to great size, served well to make the subject 

 easily understood. 



Mr. Robinson alluded to the kindness of Prof. Goodale 

 of Cambridge on this and other occasions, and closed by 

 saying the enormous reproduction of plants by seed con- 

 tinually going on, with the comparatively few examples 

 of self-fertilized plants, and the overwhelming number of 

 cross-fertilized species which have thus far been observed, 

 proves beyond a doubt the great extent to which cross- 

 fertilization predominates. 



This renders the aid of the wind and of insects imper- 

 ative ; for without their agency only a small portion of 

 our vegetation would produce healthy and abundant fruit. 



Rev. E. C. BOLLES presented specimens of the new 

 "crayontype" from crayon drawings on paper, by the 

 photo-electrotype process invented by W. H. Mumler. 



Rev. Mr. BOLLES announced the death of our associate 

 member, Mr. E. Bicknell, who died at Lynn this morning, 

 one of our most promising microscopists, and a very skil- 

 ful preparator of microscopic specimens. On his motion 

 a committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. E. C. 

 Bolles, G. A. Perkins and T. L. Perkins, to prepare a 

 series of resolutions and to report at the next meeting. 



