40 T O R R E Y A 



These are followed by the exhibits of variously-colored chrysanthemums, both out-of-doors 

 and in the greenhouses. 



Informal discussion continued, stimulated by the Epicurean delights gener- 

 ously provided by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. 



Respectfully submitted, 



Edwin B. Matzke 

 Corresponding Secretary 



Minutes of the Meeting of March 7, 1944 



The meeting was called to order at 8 : 15 p.m. by President Levine in Scher- 

 merhorn Hall, Columbia University. Twenty-five members and friends were 

 present. 



The minutes of the preceding meeting w T ere approved as read. Five persons 

 were unanimously elected to annual membership, and one resignation was ac- 

 cepted with regret. 



The scientific program of the meeting was presented by Dr. M. A. Chrysler 

 of Rutgers University, his subject being "The Evolution in the Fern Genus, 

 Gleichenia : a Field and Laboratory Study." The speaker's abstract follows : 



The growth habit of the tropical fern genus Gleichenia was illustrated. The apparent 

 dichotomy exhibited by the leaf is now regarded as a sympodium. 



At least four sub-genera, or probably genera, have been distinguished by external 

 characters. The possibility of distinguishing these groups on the basis of structure of the 

 petiolar bundle was examined. The simplest condition is found in the leaf-trace of certain 

 species of Sticherus, e.g. S. Intermedins. In this group the bundle in cross section has 

 the form of a "C." Hicriopteris shows adaptation to the large size characteristic of the 

 group, but the bundle is still C-formed. In Dicranopteris the bundle is laterally com- 

 pressed so as to be deltoid in form, and is more specialized in details. The species D. pec- 

 tinata has a stipe bundle much like the preceding, but its stem is unique in having a sole- 

 nostele. Finally the Old World Engieichenia has the most highly specialized bundle, show- 

 ing a nearly circular outline with accumulations of xylem at two regions. 



Interesting intermediate forms of bundle occur, probably representing evolutionary 

 stages. The proposed arrangement of genera may be represented in a simple genealogical 

 tree. 



After discussion of the paper, the meeting was adjourned at 9.30 p.m. 



Respectfully submitted, 



Honor Hollinghcrst 

 Recording Secretary 



Minutes of the Meeting of March 15, 1944 



The Torre}* Botanical Club met on March 15 in Larkin hall of Fordham 

 University as guests of the Fordham Botany Department. Before the meeting 

 began, tea and refreshments were served by members of the staff. 



