The Rev. W. Smith, M.A. then read a very valuable paper on the “Leaves of Plants”

After remarking upon the universal presence of leaves or their equivalents, and their absolute necessity to plants, the interesting structure of a leaf was described and the functions of their various parts explained. Modifications exhibited by plants existing under special conditions were noted and reasons given for such variations from the normal type.

An account followed of the hairs and glands, and their utility to plant life was shown in some instances, but the lecturer remarked that the cause of the many variations in this form and structure were still in great part obscure.

The influence of vegetation upon the climate and upon the atmosphere were alluded to; the appendages of the leaf, e.g. the Stipules and Leaf-stalk , were described, and it was suggested that students of science should not content themselves simply with seeing facts & phenomena but should energise into the ” why and wherefore” of things taking as an example such a book as Sir John Lubbock’s “Wild Flowers in their relationship to Insects”.

In the discussion that followed allusion was made to the absorption and exhalation of gasses by the leaves of plants: this process, in which Carbonic Acid is taken in and Oxygen evolved, being most vigorous under the influence of sunlight, less so in diffused daylight, and ceasing or nearly so in darkness. Another point however it was noted that the opinions of observers varied, some thinking that the process which took place by day was reversed at night.

Attention was also drawn to the influence exercised by the presence of Trees upon the Rainfall of the district in which they grew: the distribution of forests being followed by a diminished supply of rain & vice versa.