Proceedings. 173 



orchids differ from epiphytal orchids in an important way 

 during the process. The former, on the addition ot water, 

 show no special change, while in the case of the latter a 

 peculiar cellular process suddenly protrudes from the 

 microphyle. As an explanation of this phenomenon Dr. 

 Hodgkinson suggested that it was probably for the 

 purpose of fixing the seed to the trunk or branch of the 

 tree on which it might alight, and so preventing it from 

 falling to the ground. Such a provision would not, of 

 course, be necessary in the case of terrestrial orchids. 

 Another important fact is that it may probably be taken as 

 a proof of the vitality of the seed. 



In the discussion which ensued, Professor WEISS said 

 that he was inclined to agree with Dr. Hodgkinson's 

 explanation, and suggested that the case was one of 

 adaptability to a second function, the original function of 

 the process having been that of feeding the embryo plant, 



