714 EEPORT— 1888. 



equalh' in the case of the polydactylous forms of Polystichum angulare, and in 

 the variegated forms of Scolopendrium vulgare. 



As examples there have been selected experiments made vpith varieties of 

 Athyriums, Scolopendriums, and Polystichums. Several hundred examples might 

 have been shown, but a few of each is ample illustration. 



Example 1. — Athyrium. 



The following varieties were sown together : Victorias, multifidum, Jonesii, 

 Craigii, uncum, Harrisse, cruciatum, Proteoides, tortile, reflexum, laciuiatum, and 

 grammicon. The result has been several hundred intermediate forms, some very 

 interesting. 



Example 2. — Scolopendrium. 



In this experiment the varieties were : Crispum (rarely fertile), Victoriee, mur>- 

 catum, marginatum, undulatum, digitatum, ramo-cristatum, laceratum, and a 

 variegated crispum. The result has been various intermediate forms, a number of 

 which are variegated ; for instance, the variegation in the crispum has passed into 

 a crested form, the colour and not the shape being altered. 



Example 3. — Polystichum. 



The attempt was made to so transfer the polydactylous character of certain 

 forms of Polystichum angulare to other forms of Polystichum angulare, which, 

 though preserving the normal outline and distinct individuality, were not poly- 

 dactylous. 



The forms used were Mr. Padley's polydactylous form from the vale of Avoca, 

 and Colonel Jones's Hampshire form. The polydactylous character has now been 

 successfully transferred to the forms known as decompositum, acutilobum, divisi- 

 lobum, frondosum, alatum, luieare, congestum, inaequale-variegatum, and others. 

 The polydactylous character of Polystichum angulare has also been transferred to 

 Polystichum aculeatum. 



There are now four clearly established cases in which the characters of distinct 

 forms of Polystichum angulare have been transferred to Polystichum aculeatum. 

 Hitherto the varieties of Polystichum aculeatum have been very few, so that now 

 a new field for exertion is open, the results of which it is difEcult to over-estimate, 

 for the robust constitution of Polystichum aculeatum enables it to thrive in 

 climates in which Polystichum angulare would soon perish. 



The interest in the varieties of British ferns ought to increase now the crossing 

 of varieties has become an acknowledged fact, not only on account of the extreme 

 beauty of many of the crosses already effected, but also that, however beautiful, 

 it may be confidently asserted that these are as nothing to what will be accom- 

 phshed when exhaustive experiments, guided by tasteful and judicious selection, 

 shall have been made. Though much will depend on such selection, there will 

 always be enough left to the element of chance to keep up the interest. 



The prospect of these endless combinations may be likened to the combinations 

 in bell-ringing, where the changes in the ringing of twelve bells amount to 

 40 millious. The immense field of inquiry that can be opened up in these in- 

 vestigations can scarcely be conceived. The number of forms to be obtained 

 is past all conception, and, like as the discovery of one truth is the stepping-stone 

 to the discovery of even greater truths, so every new form that is raised enables 

 the raiser, or those following in his footsteps, to produce countless other combina- 

 tions. 



8. Preliminary Note on the Functions and Homologies of the Contractile 

 Vacuole in Plants and Animals. By Professor Makcos M. Haktog, 

 D.Sc, M.A. 



Through the practice of regarding botany and zoology as essentially distinct 

 studies, the solution of many an interesting problem in the one domain is long 

 missed, because the known facts that afibrd a clue when properly applied have 



