Doncaster Microscopical and General Scientific Society
A meeting of the above society was held on Wednesday evening, the 16th inst., the Rev. Canon Broch, president, in the chair.
Fourteen members were present.
Five gentlemen, who had been proposed at the previous meeting, were duly elected, and ten other gentlemen were nominated.
A valuable paper on “The leaves of a plant” was then read by the Rev. W. Smith.
After remarking upon the universal presence of leaves or their equivalents, and their absolute necessity to plants, the internal structure of a leaf was described, and the functions of the several parts explained.
Modifications exhibited by plants existing under special conditions were noted and reasons for such variations from the ordinary type. An account followed of the hairs and glands, and their utility to plant-life was shown in some instances, but the causes of the many varieties in their form and structures were still in great part obscure.
The influence of vegetation upon climate and upon the atmosphere were alluded to; the appendage of the leaf, e.g. the stipules and lead stalk were described, and it was suggested that students of science should not content themselves simply with seeing facts and phenomena, but should enquire into the “why and wherefore” of things, taking as an example such a book as Sir John Lubbock’s “Wild flowers in their relation to insects.” [1875]
A good discussion followed, after which a vote of thanks to Mr. Smith was proposed by the Chairman, and seconded by Dr. Mitchell Wilson.
The next conversational meeting will be on the 30th inst.
[Doncaster, Nottingham & Lincoln Gazette, 25 Nov, 1881]