320 



[Proc. B.N.F.C, 



in the process, the principle involved in the reproduction of ferns 

 was the same as in higher forms of life. It was they who showed 

 that it was in the prothallus stage that the fern practically 

 flowered, that on the prothallus were developed the antheridia 

 and arc/zegoma, corresponding with stamens and pistils of flowers, 

 and that under certain favourable conjunctions of heat and 

 moisture the antherozoids, corresponding with the pollen of 

 flowers, were detached, and not only so, but were endowed 

 with motion resembling rather the consciousness of animal than 

 the impassiveness of vegetable life, and that thus fertilisation was 

 ensured. Concurrently with, but independently of the researches 

 of Hoffmeister and others, independently also of each other, there 

 were among the earliest cultivators and students of the varieties of 

 British ferns some who undertook experiments which placed the 

 matter entirely beyond doubt in the minds of all who had given 

 attention to the subject. The lecturer then proceeded to give an 

 interesting account of the work that had been done and of those 

 pteridologists who have been foremost in the science of growing 

 and hybridising ferns, ending modestly with a short description of 

 his own work in this line, illustrated with a fine series of fronds 

 showing some of his best results. In the discussion which 

 followed several questions were puj to Mr. Phillips, the President, 

 Messrs. R. Welch, J. Hamilton, H. L. Orr, and R. Bell taking 

 part in the debate. Mr. Phillips having replied to the various 

 questions, the meeting terminated. 



