1908] 
Proceedinfis. 
131 
ciura etc. and solutions of cane sng-ar directly into the ovaries of many 
kinds of plants before fertilization has taken place. ^Slan^' of these die, 
but in others variations are produced even in the external characters of 
the seeds that they develop, and these plants when bred for four or five 
g-enerations continue to exhibit the variations as first produced. 
Professor Tower described various of his experiments, in one of 
which he removed one species from within a few feet of the sea-level 
in Vera Cruz to an altitude of 8500 feet, thereby producing- various 
changes in appearance and habits. Crosses of the parent form with 
a certain third species produced hybrids of small size which lay few 
egg's and these produced a predominance of males. The new variety 
produced from the parent form by transplanting to an increased alti- 
tude when crossed with the same third species gave large offspring 
laying many eggs that develop about an equal number of males and 
females, continuing this for many generations, thus showing that the 
changed environment had produced an inheritable and transmissible 
effect. His experiments showed that temperature, moisture and atmos- 
pheric pressure were the most important factors in producing these 
changes. The speaker stated that the determination of the causes of 
variation will be the determination of the causes of evolution. Three 
large cases of mounted specimens of species of Leptinotarsus so 
arranged as to graphically illustrate the results produced by altered 
environment and by crosses were exhibited and explained hy the 
speaker after which they were passed among the audience for examina- 
tion. 
After a five minute intermission for the withdrawal of non-mem- 
bers, the annual meeting was called with Mr. Teller in the chair. The 
report of the treasurer was read and after motion was received. The 
president announced that owing to the absence of the secretary, his 
report would necessarily be omitted and that next in order would be 
the election of officers. Mr. Russel moved that the acting secretary be 
instructed to cast one ballot for all the present officers. Dr. Peckham 
having seconded this motion, it was put and carried, whereupon the 
acting secretary cast one ballot for E. E. Teller, president, Henry L. 
Ward, vice president, William Finger, treasurer, Charles T. Brues, 
general secretary and Sigmund Graenicher director. 
Upon motion the meeting adjourned. 
