1896-97.] 3^1 



diatoms, whose flinty skeletons are such favourite microscopic 

 subjects, their great beauty being permanent. The plant has 

 two sides, fitting one into the other like the halves of a pillbox, 

 between which is the protoplasm and chlorophyll. In Virginia 

 there is a famous deposit of diatoms eighteen feet thick. Volvox^ 

 the beautiful revolving sphere, was next described in detail, and 

 also Batrachosperum, which is interesting as being allied to the 

 marine red seaweeds. Two or three alternative methods of 

 preserving these algae were explained, and the paper was 

 concluded. Dr. Donnan then appealed to members interested 

 in microscopic work to co-operate with him in reorganising 

 this branch of the club's work. The various algae described 

 were then exhibited under microscopes by Dr. Donnan and 

 inspected by the members. After the election of three new 

 members, the meeting closed. 



16 February. 



One of the most enjoyable evenings of the winter session of 

 the Club was held on Tuesday last, when a joint meeting of 

 the Geological and Botanical Sections of the Club took place in 

 the Museum. 



The President (Lavens M. Ewart) opened the proceedings 

 by calling upon the Geological Secretary to read the report of 

 the season's work (see page 386). 



The Vice-President (the Rev. C. H. Waddell, b.d.) then 

 read a paper on the geological history of plants. He began by 

 remarking that his intention was only to give a rough sketch 

 of the subject, which was too large for a short paper, and which 

 would require special knowledge. The study of fossil plants is 

 peculiarly difficult owing to the bad preservation of most of the 

 specimens. It is striking to notice how recently vegetation has 

 become truly beautiful. The great forest trees of Carboniferous 

 and Devonian times were to our ideas weird and uncouth. 

 There are differences in type in various countries, as well as in 

 various ages, and of these one of the most apparent is Australia, 



