336 TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION K. 



some species of Scirpus, of Eriophorum, and of the Carex binervis group, but 

 these do not seem to occur where the London Clay forms the actual surface, 

 anxi it is noted that a very slight covering of gravel or sand, too slight to 

 mark on a geological map, is sufficient to alter the flora. Most of these twelve 

 species appear to belong to the district of the Bagshot Beds and to have trans- 

 gressed on to the London Clay area. 



4. Monocotyledonous Features of the Ranunculacea with Special 

 Reference to the Floral Structure. By E. J. Salisbury, D.Sc, F.L.S. 



(a) Brief review of the vegetative and anatomical resemblances between the 

 Ranunculaceae and allied families and the Monocotyledons in general and the 

 Helobiales in particular. 



(b) Floral Structure. — The prevailing trimeiy of the Monocotyledonous flower 

 and the occurrence of diniery as its normal derivative. The variation in Paris 

 quadri folia. Perianth structure and meristic variation in Ranunculaceae and 

 related families. The primitive character of the trimerous flower in the Ranales 

 and the origin of the quincuncial type from the 3+3 condition. 



The character of the andracium. The complete or concealed trimery in 

 Ranunculacese as exhibited by Aconitinn spp. ; Anemone, spp. ; Eranthis hyemalis; 

 Helleborus fcetidus; and Ranunculus hederaceus. 



Dedoiiblement in Alismacese and the frequency of this phenomenon on 

 Ranmiculacese. The numerous stamens of Limnocharis and Hydroclels. Peri- 

 pheral staminody in the male flower of Stratiotes. Extrorse dehiscence a feature 

 of both RanunculaceiB and Alismacese. 



The character of the gynEecevmi. Apocarpy and large number of carpels (e^.g., 

 Alisma ranunculoide.?). Occurrence in both Helobiales and Ranales of achenes 

 and follicles. The special type of placentation in Butomus and Nymphcea. 

 Nitzschke's recognition that the embryo sacs of the apocarpous Nymphieaceee 

 resembled most closely those of the Helobiales. 



Striking similarity of the meristic variation in the gynasceum of polycarpic 

 Alismacese and Ranunculacete. Periodic character of the curves. Trimery as 

 exhibited by Anemone spp.. Clematis vitalba, Ficaria verna^ Ranunculus 

 uquatills, &c. 



The probable character of the primitive Ranalean flower. 



Joint Discussion with Section L on the Teaching of Science, at which 

 the following Paper was read : — 



5. Method and Sub stamce of Science Teaching: The Neglect of Biological 

 Subjects in Education. By Sydney Mangham, M.A. 



Those University teachers who are responsible for conducting classes in 

 experimental plant physiology will probably agree that one of the many diffi- 

 culties to be faced is the fact that students, during their first and even their 

 second year, frequently do not gain from their courses in chemistry and physics 

 sufficient of that type of instruction which is really helpful in their botanical 

 work. It would, of course, be imreasonable to ask teaching chemists and 

 physicists to keep in mind primarily the requirements of biology, but would it 

 not be possible for them to give the special needs of their biological colleagues 

 more adequate consideration ? Since all life exemplifies the operation of 

 chemical and physical laws, is it not in the best interests of a liberal scientific 

 education that cjl science students should come to realise the biological signifi- 

 cance of these laws ? Is it absolutely necessary to labour the more formal and 

 mathematical aspects of physics and chemistTy in the early terms of University 

 training? Could not a general and experimental treatment of such subjects 

 of biological and technological importance as diffusion, osmosis, capillarity, 

 surface tension and surface energy, adsorption, the colloidal state of matter, 

 enzyme action and the chemical nature and potential energy of sugars, starch, 

 fatfi, proteins, &c., be introduced into first-year courses without detriment to 

 the physical or chemical training of the student? More advanced, specialised 



