66 THE AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST, 
It is often only by chance that. one hears of the experi- 
mental work such as the propagation of native plants engaged 
in by Messrs. Duckwork. It would be interesting to have a 
comparison of their results with those obtained by Mr. Shiress, 
whose propagation by “cuttings” ‘has been so successful. 
A pleasing feature is to see young people who have seriously 
entered the fields of science still Supporting the Society by 
notes and exhibits, among such being Mr. Hamblin, B.Se., and 
Mr. Pat. Murray, B.Se. 
We have to thank some of our country members for very 
interesting notes and exhibits sent down to our meetings. The 
Rey. Archdeacon Haviland, Miss Florence Irby and Mr. Lar- 
combe have helped in this way. 
Mr. Foster’s exhibit of very fine paintings of species of 
various families of native flowers has been a big support to the 
botanical section. 
It is very good to have Mr. and Mrs. Parry with us again 
after their stay in the “Old Country.” I wish to thank Mr. 
Parry for hig enthusiastie interest in the excursions during the 
year, and for the writing up of the interesting series of visits 
to the Museum during the winter months. 
J beg to thank the members of Council and Society for 
support and sympathy during my Presidential year. I am in- 
debted to our indefatigable Hon. Secretary, Mr. Cheel, for his 
help in meetings and excursions; also Mr. A. A. Hamilton for 
help at our meetings, and Mr. Steel, our Kditor, for his lectures 
and excursion: 
Finally, I must thank you again for the honour you con- 
ferred on me in electing me to the position of President during 
our last Society year. 
LIFE HISTORY OF PHYLLOSPORA COMOSA. 
The Algae form a class of the Phylum Thallophyta, and 
this large group comprises plants which have simple structures 
and show no differentiation into roots, stems and leaves. Some 
of the Algae consist of only one simple cell, and this plant per- 
forms the physiological and biological functions of respiration, 
photosynthesis, assimilation and reproduction. But the sea 
weeds are Algae much more advanced. They are multicellular, 
and though they do not bear true roots, stems or leaves, they 
