185 



in altogether wanting a rostellum,* a second of the characteristic 

 features shared by most Orchids which is wanting in this plant, the 

 poUinia being the first. By noticing the peculiar action of the anther- 

 lid in Dendrohium, resulting mainly from the remarkable elasticity of 

 the hinge of the lid (or filament of the anther), we may understand 

 better the structure of the same parts in Pogonia, and shall discover 

 in the sUght projection of its opening anther-lid that which, attaining 

 its development in Dendrohium, forms so remarkable and important a 

 feature in its economy. 



Mr. Scudder also stated that he had noticed in the middle of the 

 previous month the operations of the minute Platygaster, which at- 

 tacks the eggs of the canker-worm moth, Anisopteryx vernata Harr. 

 After moving round a long while in search of a suitable place to lay its 

 eggs, using its ovipositor as a sort of feeler, the abdomen is plunged 

 down into the space between three contiguous eggs, and the ovipositor 

 perforates the side of one of them, out of view. The body of the in- 

 sect assumes a position perpendicular to their exposed surfaces, sup- 

 ported in the rear by the wings, which, folded over the back, are 

 placed against the surface behind, while the hind-legs, spread widely 

 apart, sustain the insect on either side, and the middle pair are placed 

 nearer together in the front ; with the fore-legs dangling it remains 

 motionless, with the exception of a slight movement of the antenna3, 

 for some three or four minutes, after which it moves off, seldom flying, 

 in search of another place. They were very abundant, eight or ten 

 specimens being frequently seen upon a single bunch of eggs. This 

 parasite was first observed by the late Mr. E. C. Herrick, of New 

 Haven. 



Prof. J. Wyman described some of the phases of development in 

 the exterior of the human body, and pointed out some of the resem- 

 blances between the limbs of the human embryo and the permanent 

 condition of the limbs of the lower animals. In some human embryos 

 about an inch in length, recently examined by him, he found that the 

 great toe was shorter than the others, and, instead of being parallel to 

 them, projected at an angle from the side of the foot, thus corres- 

 ponding with the permanent condition of this part in the quadru- 

 mana. 



Mr. George D. Smith was elected Resident Member. 



* It would be interesting in this connection to know whether, as in Cypripp.di- 

 nm, the stigniatic surface is triiid, or, as in Cephalanthera grandiflora., it is bifid ; 

 the importance of the knowledge of this fact was not recognized when the ex- 

 amination of the fresh flowers was made. 



