BOTANY. 685 
overlap each other, thus facilitating the multiplication of the 
individual as distinct from the fructification. Few matters are 
more interesting as regards microscopical observation than the 
mode of propagation, and when the different species of Biddul- 
phia can be readily procured as on our southern coasts, they will 
afford ample food for many a morning’s investigation. The two 
original halves remain exactly in statu quo, and it would be inter- 
esting to know how long they would subsist while new interme- 
diate pustules are developed; and the same observation applies 
to many Desmidiacee. 
Orrice or Bup Scares, erc.— Mr. Thomas Meehan referred to 
some observations made by him last spring before the Academy of 
Natural Sciences of Philadelphia in regard to the office of bud scales 
and involucral bracts. The general impression was that they 
were formed for the purpose of protecting the tender parts beneath. 
At that time he exhibited branches of Frawinus excelsior on which 
some of the buds were entirely naked, and others clothed with 
scales inthe usual manner. They could scarcely be for protection 
in this instance, as hoth were equally hardy. 
He now had to exhibit an ear of corn which had been produced 
without the usual involucral bracts or husks, and yet was as per- 
fect as if clothed in the usual way, showing that the husk was of 
not much importance as a protecting agent. An interesting point 
was that this ear had been formed on the end of a male panicle or 
tassel. It was not uncommon to find scattered grains of corn 
amongst male flowers, but a perfect ear like this he had never be- 
fore seen. The ear was eight-rowed, and contained two hundred 
perfect grains. It was the variety known as ** popcorn.” 
_ Sreps as Prosecrites. — Mr. Thomas Meehan, at a late meeting 
of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, said that 
While travelling through a wood recently he was struck in the face 
by some seeds of Hamamelis Virginica, the common witch hazel, 
i with as much force as if they were spent shot from a gun. Not 
ne Sware before that these capsules possessed any projecting power, 
he gathered a quantity in order to ascertain the cause of the pro- 
( i ting force and the measure of its power. 
eta the floor, he found the seeds were thrown generally fou 
feet, and in one instance as much as twelve feet away. The cause 
Of this immense projecting power he found to be simply in the 
r or six 
Laying tlie capsules ~ 
* 
