BOTANY.

Wanganui Chronicle, 3 February 1902, Page 2

BOTANY.

On Friday morning .Mr. Tenncnt gave his tenth botany lecture, taking as his subject the "Life History of the Fern." Tin's proved a very interesting lesson, as the lecturer dealt especially with NewZealand ferns, showing the 'delicate internal structure of the fern, and demonstrating by diagrams how it provides for reproduction by, means of spores. In the evening the subject was pond slime as a type of the simplest form, of plant life. Several good examples had been obtained for illustration, and witln the aid of the miscroseope a very instructive lecture was delivered. ■ . • ■

On Saturday morning the la-t lecture of the series was given.' the subject being "The Relation of the Fauna and Flora, of a Country," showing how one depended oh the other for its veiy existence. New Zealand was described as a country -wanting in beautiful flowers, with a few exceptions, and in consequence insect life was not highly developedl, but nearly all the flowers of our native bush are highly scented. Australia, on the other hand, was described as a country of beautiful flowers without scent. At the conclusion of the lecture. Mr. Tennent thanked his audience for the kindness and courtesy extended to him during his short stay""m Wanganui. He said he had had very appreciative listeners, and many oi the* students had become quite enthusiastic over the work.' He phio mentioned that he would be pleased! to correspond with anyone who> might be iij difficulties in pursuing the study. r ■ 'Dr. Smyth took the occasion 1!b remark that Mr. 'Tennent, in his twelve lectures, had given us a real treat, and he hoped that it was not the last occasion on which we might .have the pleasure of listening to Mr. Tennent. He- said that we might learn many useful lessons from Mr. Tennent. His. enthusiasm in his'subpject, his kindly nature,' his unassuming attitude, and his very many amiable qualities would always endear him to us, arid every student, present would long feel the impress of Mr. Tenrient's individuality.

j Mr. Aitken was then palled upon to propose a jvery hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Tenh^nt, which he did in ■ his usual style, finishing up by saying, "Better loved* ye carina be ; will ye no come back again?" . i The vote of thanks was carried with acclamation. ■ ■ , , Three hearty cheers were given, and tho meeting bi-olke up singing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," ' , A vote.of thanks was also accorded to Mr. Laird for his thought-fulness in throwing open his gardens to the teachers during their stay, in Wanganui. '.'. . ! Mr. ,Tennent left for Ashburton by the--12.30 train, and a large number of the students assembled at the station to bid him adieu and bon voyage. In the evening, at 7.30 o'clock, a complimentary, concert was tendered to the visiting teachers anct their friends. This concert was got up by Mr. Andrews, who whs ably assisted by a numebr of local amateurs. The programme was rather a lengthy one, consisting of about "16; items, but, all agreed that they had spent a most enjoyable evening. At.the conclusion. Mr. >St;igj)ole, on behalf of the teachers, propped a very hearty vote of thanks to Air. Andrews arid his' committee for the trouble they had gone to in providinsr an evening's enjoyment for the teachers, "it might also be mentioned that the programmes, which w^eie beautifully got up, and are intended to be a souvenir (jf the occasion, were piinted by Mr. Willis) gratis. .