91 



the Caryophyllaceae the placentation is central, but in some 

 cases, such as Sderanthus, there is only a single ovule and seed, 

 much like the single seed of part of the Frankenias. The cap- 

 sule, the oft'en papillate seed, and the presence of endosperm 

 are other common characters. While a majority of the Cary- 

 ophyllaceae have a curved embrv'O, it is nearly straight in 

 Dianthus and other genera. 



In conclusion, these numerous striking similarities seem to 

 support the earlier view that, in a natural system, the Frank- 

 eniaceae and Caryophyllaceae cannot be separated. 



The Elatinaceae, doubtless near Frankeniaceae, also in several 

 ways suggest Caryophyllaceae. 



The few differences between the families Frankeniaceae and 

 Caryophyllales, the more herbaceous forms, the central placenta, 

 and the usually curved embr\'0 of the latter group suggests that 

 this is the more highly specialized group. In any case the placing 

 of Caryophyllaceae before the Ranales appears to be entirely 

 misleading. 



After discussion, the meeting adjourned. 



Marshall A. Howe, 

 Secretary. 



Meeting of ]May 8, 1923 



The meeting of the above date was held at the American 

 Museum of Natural Historv'. 



Tenny V. Dickson, New York City, was elected to member- 

 ship. The resignation of Miss M. Beatrice Greenwood was 

 accepted. 



The program of the evening consisted of an illustrated talk 

 by Dr. Marshall A. Howe under the title of "Some Floral and 

 Scenic Features of Cuba." 



The New York Botanical Garden during the twenty-five or 

 more years of its existence has sent numerous exploring ex- 

 peditions to Cuba and these have added much to the existing 

 knowledge of the flora of the island. Photographs, taken chiefly 

 in the provinces of Pinar del Rio, Oriente, Camagiiey. and 

 Matanzas, were exhibited. Conspicuous in the flora of the dry 

 southeastern parts of the island are the cacti, some of which 

 have been described as new by Drs. Britton and Rose. Among 

 the cacti is the remarkable Dendrocereiis nudijiorus which grows 



