382 QUESTIONS IN RELATION TO THE 
middle points is the polar of the centre. If from any point on (7?) 
tangents be drawn to circle and the two conics, points of taction lie 
on a right line passing through 0, and anharmonic ratio of any four 
points on rf is = that of lines drawn from o to points of taction 
where tangents drawn from the four points on (rt) touch either conic. 
ON SOME QUESTIONS IN RELATION TO THE THEORY 
OF THE STRUCTURE OF PLANTS OF THE ORDERS 
BRASSICACEZ AND PRIMULACEAE. 
BY THE REY. W. HINCKS, F.L.S. 
PROFESSOR OF NATURAL HISTORY IN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, TORONTO. 
Read before the Canadian Institute, 11th February, 1860. 
The title of my paper embraces two distinct Botanical notes or 
topies which would appear interesting to the theoretical Botanist 
who has had some experience in such studies, but which would 
hardly at all have engaged the attention of most practical students 
of the science, and which it may almost seem hopeless to attempt 
making intelligible to those who do not make Botany a pursuit, yet 
it appears to me that as we all profess an interest in the advancement 
of science, and as our society is formed on the plan of social meetings 
for mutual entertainment and improvement as well as for endeavour- 
ing to produce something that may be useful beyond our own circle 
—it must be right that whilst I only bring before you what 1 hope 
may either posess some novelty, or at least contribute something 
towards a just decision on disputed points—I should endeavour to 
bring it forward in such a manner that all who desire various infor- 
mation may understand the question under discussion and the 
opinions proposed for their acceptance—I am afraid indeed that after 
all many will think the subject little worth their notice; 1 venture 
however to assure them, that inquiries of this kind are deemed of 
some importance as well as curiosity, so that if I were so fortunate 
as to contribute any thing towards clearing either of the doubtful 
points about to be examined, I should find many to agree with me, 
that the labour would not be wasted. Ihave only reason to fear 
