THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
259
directed to the principal points on which classification is based. After having
described the separate parts of a moss, a short account of the life history was
given. Starting from the germination of the spore, the development was
followed up to the production of the male and female reproductive organs, i.e.,
the antheridia and archegonia. The process of fertilization was described,
and the resulting growth of the moss "fruit,"—the capsule, with its seta, &c.,
It was pointed out how clearly mosses, in their life-history, afford an example
of the phenomenon known as the "Alternation of Generations." The leafy
stem (originating from a spore and untimely producing male and female
reproductive organs), known popularly as the "moss," is the gametophyte
(gametophytic or sexual generation); the capsule, with its asexually produced
spores, peristome, sela, &c.,—known popularly as the moss "fruit,"—is the
sporophyte (sporophytic or asexual generation).
The ramble was then continued over Dulsmead to the "Wake Arms" for
tea. Between Monks Wood and this point, large patches of Brachythecium
albicans were found growing among the grass.
After tea at the inn, an Ordinary Meeting (the 193rd), and a Special
Meeting were held, Prof. R. Meldola, F.R.S., Vice-President, in the Chair.
The notice convening the Special Meeting was read, and Mr. W, Cole,
on behalf of the Council, proposed that Rule xxxvii, should be temporarily
suspended for the purpose of adjourning the Annual Meeting to some future
date, to be determined by the Council.
The Chairman explained that this step had been rendered necessary by
the immense amount of work thrown upon their Hon. Secretary, in connection
with the negotiations and arrangement of the two Museums of the Club, the
business of which had suddenly come to a head during the early part of
the year.
The resolution was seconded by Mr. George E. Vaughan, and carried
unanimously.
At the Ordinary Meeting, the following were elected Members of the
Club :—Mrs. Margaret Colsell, Mr. J. Edge Partington, F.Anth.Inst., and
Mr. Harold Picton, B.Sc., F.C.S.
The Rev. W. C. Howell proposed that the members should send a con-
gratulatory letter to Lord Avebury (better known as Sir John Lubbock) on the
recent honour conferred upon him by the Queen. Mr. Howell referred to
the great encouragement given by Lord Avebury to the study of out-of-door
natural history, by his numerous popular works on these subjects, and also by
his successful exertions in the promotion of holidays which afforded leisure to
workers.
Mr. Avery seconded the proposal, and after a few remarks from the
Chairman, it was agreed to unanimously.
Mr. Robert Paulson then gave an extemporary exposition of certain new
views of the action and nature of pollination in flowering plants, which were
the outcome of recent researches, and which seemed likely to wholly change
some theories previously held on this subject.
Prof. Meldola made some remarks, and thanked Mr. Paulson for his lucid
explanations