PRESIDENT S ADDRESS. 



as I write in wintry weather, the memory of basking in tlie lint 

 simsbiuo on a gorse-coverecl hill, listening to the sharp fusillade 

 of the exploding pods, and soothed by the hum of insects, 

 recalls a sense of bliss that only a Naturalist deserves to enjoy. 



I must also mention the process in which fertilization is 

 promoted by the wind, the pollen being carried in the air. 

 Grasses and fir trees are wind fertiUzed, and we know wliat 

 clouds of pollen are liberated when a branch of a fir or other 

 catkin-bearing tree is rudely shaken, for it is obvious that a large 

 quantity is required to ensure some of it reaching its destination. 



There is yet another atti'ibute of plant hfe that has recently 

 engaged the attention of Botanists, namely, the power of move- 

 ment. We know that flowers open and close with the sun, but 

 that is commonly regarded as an effect rather that as being self- 

 caused. We also consider leaves, living or dead, to be the sport 

 of the winds, but to possess no power of voluntary movement. 



The very meaning of the word to plant signifies to fix and 

 make stationary. It is true the power of motion in plants is 

 limited, but on the first protrusion of the radicle through the 

 coatings of the seed, and dm-ing its whole growth, the plant is 

 constantly in motion. This motion is termed circumnutation, 

 and may be likened to that of a corkscrew, but describing ellipses 

 rather than circles. Instantly the radicle of a germinating seed 

 protudes its movement begms, and if the seed be lying on its 

 side the motion is modified by attraction to the earth, and the 

 point tm-ns thitherwards. This s^iiral motion enables it to find 

 a coiu'se amongst the obstructions it meets with as it lengthens 

 and travels downwards. At the same time a number of very 

 fine hairs are emitted fi-om the upper part of the radicle, which 

 firmly glue themselves to any small stones or suitable objects, 

 giving it a purchase and enabling it to push fonvard. Seedlings 

 are often subjected to a severe struggle for life, and it appears 

 to be highly important that they should adapt themselves as 

 quickly as possible to their conditions. The seedling then 

 usually throws up seed leaves, and ultimately stems, true leaves, 

 branches, and flower stems, all of which whilst young are 



