NATURE NOTES 
162 
this occasion by Mr. E. A. Martin and Professor Boulger as 
delegates, were a paper on atmospheric moisture as a factor in 
distribution, by Mr. A. O Walker, a comparison, mainly ento- 
mological and botanical, of Cheshire and South-east England, 
Musk Mallow (ftlalva moschata). Common Ivy ( Hedera Helix). 
Opposite fig. 1 is the ripe seed. 
Opposite fig. 2 is the cotyledon. The oval form of cotyledon appears to 
be the commonest. By comparing 44 natural orders, representing about 200 
species, I find roughly that the prevalent forms in 18 orders are oval ; in 12 
orders are rounding ; in 5 orders are strap-shaped ; in 9 orders are angular, 
cordate, &c. 
Opposite figs. 3, 4, 5 are the first leaves. It is noticeable that the first 
leaves get more and more complicated and elaborate in outline in the successive 
stages until the commencement of the flowering period ; they then become 
simpler in outline until the floral leaves and bracts are reached, which very often 
greatly resemble the first leaf or even cotyledon. This is well seen in Figs. 2, 3, 
9 and 10 of Hedera helix. 
Opposite fig. 6 is the separate flower. 
Opposite figs. 7 and 8 are mature and immature fruits. 
Opposite fig. 9 is the flowering plant. 
Opposite fig. 10 are separate leaves to show perfect outline, &c. 
one on the seedlings of geophilous plants — plants, that is, which 
are mainly underground for most of the year — -by Miss Ethel 
Sargant, and one on the diminution and disappearance of the 
south-eastern flora and fauna within the memory of present 
