108 
Potamogeton flabellatus. 
Read also “ Notes on Potamogeton flabellatus, Bad., a new British 
species.” By Charles Cardale Babington, Esq., M.A., F.R.S., F.LS., 
&c. This paper is published, in extenso, in the ‘ Phytologist,’ 
iv. 1158. 
December 6, 1853.—Thomas Bell, Esq., President, in the chair. 
Sarsaparillas of Commerce. 
Read, further, a paper entitled “ Remarks on Sarsaparillas.” By 
Berthold Seemann, Esq., Ph.D., F.L.S., &c. This paper appears, in 
extenso, in the ‘ Phytologist,’ v. 65. 
December 20, 1853.—Thomas Bell, Esq., President, in the chair. 
Election of a Fellow. 
John Dickinson, Esq., F.R.S., was elected a Fellow. 
Eye-spot of Infusoria and Microscopic Alge. 
Read also, “Remarks on the so-called Eye-spot of the Infu- 
soria and Microscopic Alge.” By Arthur Henfrey, Esq., F.R.S., 
F.LS., &c. 
Mr. Henfrey states, that in the course of an extensive series of ob- 
servations on the microscopic Algz, especially in investigations of the 
effect of re-agents upon the tissues and contents of the cells, he has 
frequently been completely baffled by the uncertainty which presented 
itself as to the real existence of colours exhibited by objects. The 
decomposition of light taking place in these minute bodies under 
high magnifying powers is such, that even with lenses most carefully 
corrected and fully sufficient for all general purposes of investigation, 
we are left altogether in doubt as to whether or not the phenomena 
of colour arise from refraction. He uses lenses made by Ross about 
eight years since, a quarter and an eighth of an inch, the latter of ex- 
cellent defining power, and is convinced that these are not inferior to 
