BOTANY.

Wanganui Chronicle, 31 January 1902, Page 2

BOTANY.

Mr Tennezit, M.A. B. Sc, delivered his seventh lecture. The subject for the afternoon was, "Some of the means whereby Seeds) are Dispersed. This was fully explained and illustrated under the following heads:—■

1. Light floats and winged appendages as shown in the whistle, clematis, etc. Plants may spread in this way all over the world, This type of plant 'is not developed to a great extent in New Zealand. 2. Edible Lenies. New Zealand plants depend to a very great extent on this method of seed dispersal. The Kawa Kawa, Poro Poro Ti Toki, the Pine family, etc., have all well-developed edible berries. 3. Splitting or Dehiscence of Pods, the best example being gorse or broom. 4. Hooks -and Barbs. 5. Light bulky Pericarp, for water. 6. Sticky fruits or seeds. 7. Fruits that are forced into the ground 8. Hygroscopic volves. 9. Mimicry. 10. Those dependent upon the disturbance of the soil.

Mr Tennent deals especially with N.Z, botany, and has already awakened a greal deal of enthusiasm among his students.

DRILL.

This class met in the afternoon in the nlavnround of the District High School, and there was a full attendance of teachers. Fortunately the day was cool, and the work not so exhausting as it has hitherto be^n. Many members of this class are now becoming more expert in handling clubs, I wands and dumb-bells. In the two latter the class moved well together, and it was nleasant to watch a class of nearly two hundred moving with uniformity and precision. In dumb-bell drill one movement :seemed still to puzzle a large number, but ;the patient instruction of Mr Potter helped not a few over the difficulty; It would hcli) the instructor very much if about a dozen of those who are expert in the exercise were to move around among beginners and help them. Both the weak ones and tho instructor would appreciate their aid. We understand-that Mr E. B. Isaac, Government Organising Inspector, is at pre,sent in Wanganui, and intends visiting the various classes at the Summer School fto-dav.