QUEKETT MICROSCOPICAL CLUB. 199 



An examination of the early development of the embryo raises 

 other questions. In most monocotyledonous embryos the 

 cotyledon is terminal, and the stem apex is a subsequent lateral 

 development of the axis (hypocotyl) beneath it. On the view that 

 a leaf is by definition a lateral outgrowth from the stem, the stem 

 apex has been supposed to have been pushed aside by the really 

 lateral cotyledon, but this is a purely theoretical assumption. In 

 a species of rush several leaves in succession follow the cotyledon, 

 each arising from the sheath of the preceding before the stem apex 

 develops. In the early stages of dicotyledons we find a terminal 

 symmetrically bifid structure between which the stem apex is sub- 

 sequently developed. Here, again, the strict leaf definition fails, 

 and the view has been taken that the cotyledons are not lateral, but 

 represent a single bifid terminal one. This, however, involves the 

 difficulty of supposing the stem to arise from the centre of the 

 single cotyledon. Prof. Bailey Balfour has suggested that the 

 embryo should not be regarded as a replica of the adult plant, but 

 merely a protocorm of embryonic tissue adapted to a seed life 

 which may develop organs not represented in the adult plant. 

 In conclusion, a number of drawings of developing seedlings were 

 shown on the screen and explained by the President. A hearty 

 vote of thanki^ was accorded to the President for his interesting 

 address. 



At the 550th Ordinary Meeting of the Club, held on March 9th, 

 the President, Dr. A. B. Rendle, M.A., F.R.S., in the chair, the 

 minutes of the meeting held on February 10th were read and 

 confirmed. 



Mrs. Louise de Moule, Miss Lillian Lees, the Rev. Canon G. R. 

 Bullock-Webster, Rev. Ernest Wightman, Messrs. E. H. Grant, 

 Herbert W. R. Room, Chas. H. Oakden, Percy H. Trotman, 

 R. H. Marchmant and H. A. Harries were balloted for and duly 

 elected members of the Club. Six nominations were read for the 

 first time. 



The Secretary announced that the fixture cards for the new 

 session would be printed and sent to the members as soon as the 

 arrangements were completed for the excursions. The first ex- 

 cursion would be to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Regent's Park, 

 on Saturday, April 10th ; members to meet at 2.30 at the south 

 entrance. There would be a Conversational Meeting on March 23rd, 



