-8o- 



frondsof dimorphic ferns and was discussed by Messrs. Grout, 

 Eaton, Pollard, Gilbert, Clute, and Mrs. Britton. 



Dr. Grout illustrated his paper on "An Interesting Variety 

 of Osmunda Claytoniana" by herbarium specimens of the plant 

 in question. The paper was commented upon by Messrs. Daven- 

 port, Grout and Clute. In the absence of Miss Mary A. Fleming, 

 her paper on the " Ferns of the Urals and Caucasus," detailing a 

 trip through those regions, was read by the secretary. The paper 

 by Willard N. Clute, on "The Distribution of Some Eastern 

 American Ferns," discussed the distribution of some eastern ferns 

 with restricted ranges. The paper was commented upon by 

 Messrs. Eaton and Gilbert. 



Mr. B. D. Gilbert's paper, on "The Genera of Ferns; a Study 

 in the Tribe Aspidiea3," in which he proposed several important 

 changes in the disposition of the genus Aspidium and allied 

 groups, was well received and discussed at some length by Mr. 

 Davenport. Three hundred specimens were used by Mr. AlvahA. 

 Eaton to illustrate his "Notes on a Peculiar Botrychium," which 

 he held to be a new species or a remarkable variation of an old 

 one. This was also discussed by Mr. Davenport. 



Mrs. E. G. Britton ended the program with an interesting 

 "Study of Ophioglossum vulgatum," in which she spoke of the 

 recent changes in the way in which the so-called forms of this 

 species have been regarded. Before adjournment a vote of thanks 

 was given the Massachusetts Horticultural Society for the use 

 of the hall, and to those who had been instrumental in making 

 a Chapter meeting possible. 



A field meeting had been planned for the afternoon, but those 

 attending the morning session found so many things to discuss 

 that it was decided to return to the hall after lunch and spend the 

 rest of the day in conversation. This session proved fully as en- 

 joyable as the other, many finding it difficult to decide whether 

 hearing the papers read or meeting fellow members was the more 

 pleasing. The hall was decorated with many varieties of our 

 native ferns in vases and several members exhibited herbarium 

 specimens, notably Mr. Davenport and Miss Zirngiebel. Upon 

 invitation of Mr. W. R. Davis, a visit was made to the rooms of 

 the Apalachin Club, where a collection of exotic ferns was seen. 

 Gradually the party broke up as various members hurried away 

 to catch their trains, and thus ended the first and long to be re- 

 membered meeting of the Fern Chapter. — IV. N. C. 



