304 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
one another become instantly blended together at the point of contact ; that 
this blending becomes more and more intimate, until the two individuals 
become completely fused together, when their mingled protoplasm assumes 
the form of a spherical sac filled with particles of immeasurable minuteness. 
These particles are germs destined for the reproduction of the individual. 
Their form can be demonstrated only by the highest powers of the micro- 
scope, and by following them by means of a ~ of an inch object-glass. 
Messrs. Dallinger and Drysdale were enabled to trace their gradual develop- 
ment into the form of the adult. They further proved the remarkable and 
unexpected fact that these minute germs may be subjected to a tem- 
perature of 258° to 300° Fahr. without losing their vitality and power of 
development—a fact of vast significance in its bearing on the experiments 
connected with the question of spontaneous generation. Finally, attention 
was drawn to the quite recent discovery of Hertwig and F. E. Schulze of a 
nucleus in the Foraminifera. By this discovery their true systematic position 
can now be assigned to the Foraminifera, which must accordingly be removed 
from the region of Cytodes, or non-nucleated protoplasmic masses, to which 
they had been hitherto relegated, and placed on a much higher stage in the 
great division of the Rhizopoda. Resting on these facts, F. E. Schulze has 
attempted to represent, by the aid of a genealogical tree, the mutual affinities 
and derivation from one another of the various members of the Rhizopoda. 
The base of the tree, where its stem is as yet undivided, consists of the 
primitive forms—mere non-nucleated Cytodes, represented by Haeckel’s 
Monera (Protogenes, Protameba, &c.). From these, by the differentiation of 
a nucleus in their protoplasm, are evolved the nucleated forms (Ameba, 
‘fresh-water Monothalamia, Foraminifera, Heliozoa, &c.), which constitute the 
subdivisions into which the stem branches off. These repeat the various 
modifications of pseudopodia (lobose, filiform, &c.), which had already 
existed in the primitive forms, and which they thus derive by inheritance 
from their non-nucleated progenitors, Finally, through the branch of the 
Heliozoa, we are conducted to the ultimate twigs formed by the families of 
the Radiolaria, in which we find not only nuclei but a ‘‘ central capsule” 
indicating the highest grade of differentiation attained by any of the 
group. 
Among purely business matters, the Treasurer (Mr. J. Gwyn Jeffreys, 
F.R.S.) read his statement of the accounts, &c., of the past financial year. 
His report was very favonrable, showing not only that the Society was 
gaining ground as to numbers and means, but extending its influence and 
usefulness in publications, valuable additions to the Library, &c. The 
handsome donation of £500 of the late Mr. Charles Lambert was duly 
announced and thanks accorded. During the past year twelve Fellows and 
five Foreign Members died ; and forty-three Fellows, three Foreign Members, 
and one Associate had been elected. 
