Proceedings of the Linnean Society of London - University Library

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2 PEOCEEDINGS OF THE
distribution of species within definite areas, Associations, the
result of Natural Selection, which he defined as the Struojgle for
Existence, and the Survival of the better-adapted under the
circumstances.
Oecology proper, or the Physiology of Plant-geography, implied
what had been defined by Prof. Tansley as " The Study of the vital
relations of Organisms to their Environment." These include the
origin of adaptive structures, as varietal, specific, and generic
characters, by means of the protoplasmic response to what was
formulated by Darwin as " The Direct Action of the Conditions
of Life, leading to definite results, whereby new subvarieties arise
without the aid of Natural Selection."
These statements were illustrated by specimens, diagrams, and
lantern-slides.
The President opened the discussion, which was carried on bv
Mr. H. M. Bernard, Dr. D. H. Scott, Mr. W. P. Kirby, Eev. T.
E. E. Stebbing, Mr. H. Groves, Dr. W. Gr. Eidewood (who
pointed out the use of " Adaptation " in two senses), and Mr. W. C.
"Worsdell, and the lecturer replied.
November 16th, 1905.
C. B. Clakke, Esq., E.E.S., Vice-President, in the Chair.
The Minutes of the General Meeting of the 2nd November
were read and confirmed.
The following resolution was put from the Chair, and after
adoption was signed by the Chairman and Secretaries for transmission
to the President :
" The Eellows of the Linnean Society of London in General
JMeeting assembled, 36th November, 1905, congratulate the
University of Liverpool on the approaching inauguration of
the new Zoological Department, and request their President,
Professor Ilerdman, to convey the expression of their good
will and good wishes to the Chancellor, Council, and Senate
of the University on that occasion."
Messrs. H. and J. Gboyes exhibited a number of specimens of
British Water Eanunculi, with the purpose of showing the modifications
in the form of the leaves. They pointed out that the
species might be roughly grouped under three headings : (1)
those in which only broadly lobed aerial leaves were produced ;
(2) those in M'hich submersed multifid leaves -with capillary segments
were also produced; and (3) those with multifid leaves
only: that although the plants of the first group as a rule occurred
only on mud or in shallow water, those of the second and third