wit ni 105 — 172 > 381 \- gate “ r ae ae =e > lt i EA tet 5 i "t" wiay oY) OF THE Ron Horticultural Sorte EDITED. BY ~Rey. GEORGE HENSLOW, M.A., F.L-S.:, F:G.S; Botanical Denionstrator, and-Secretary—to the Scientifie Committee of . the Royal Horticultural Society: OO IO ae ee Sees Gray Herbarium ae | Harvard University LON D.O-N: ah -WEHEEDE & Co-., PRINTERS; BROMPTON: 1886. a HARVARD UNIVERSITY HERBARIUM. ee Por THE GIFT OF aerate | So * \ Harvard UT 4 105 172 3 JOURNAL - , ary OF THE a . Fees ‘ Roval Horticultural Society, > ohh oe EDITED BY Rey. GEORGE HENSLOW, M.A., F.LS., F.G.S. bi Botanical Demonstrator, and Secretary to the Scientific Committee of the J Royal Horticultural Society. ‘J i ; ' Re ¥ ; (et) 25 tI Eo. WE. - 4 : A; LONDON: =e ’ «HL WEEDE & Co., PRINTERS, BROMPTON, | RY 1880, Migs, TE Gaeurs 4 a 7 ae oes m2 - * — «oe » ~ P ae 4 ey" . fe oe ra sete ; Bi + i y Ps , be al i a = As ; me M pi Big «4 ‘a P Bes ay Sheet Sadia. "no ° ~ a , P 2 Pe y Pe oh) Mit . Wass v ‘ue ats 7 » 7 > ; ‘. ~y ~ > pO ie . 7 7 e d p ‘ wy 4 i on ; s, 7 . ied ee | > sv, , wy 7.9 < 7 ‘ fT iL z ‘ 7 . OR La Ld i o 4 - a ag q . r 4 - Pi ’ ‘ ° Sad .. fag : wi i258 ) , ss A ' > “* 5 a i a > a re cre IN OT Te OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 4 1860: Patron. HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN. President. Tue Ricut HonovurasLtE Lorp ABERDARE. Vice-Presidents. Lorp AuFrep §S. CouRcHILL. Artuur Grote, Esaq., F.L.S. Srr Trevor Lawrence, Br.,M.P. H.J. Exwes, Esa. Treasurer. Henry WeEsBsB, Esq, Secretary. Rozsert Hoae, Esa., LL.D., F.L.S. Members of Council. G. T. Crarxe, Esa. W. Haveuton, Esa. Cotonet R. Trevor CLARKE. Masor F. Mason. Tuer Rev. H. Harpur Crewe. Sir Henry ScuDAMORE J. Denny, Esoq., M.D. STanHopEe, Bart. Sir CHarztes W. StricKLanp, Barr. Auditors. R. A. Asprnaty, Esa. Joun Lez, Esq. James F. West, Esa. Assistant Secretary. SAMUEL JENNINGS, Esa., F.LS. Chief Clerk di Deve pas Vics. Bankers. Lonpon AND County Banx, Hicu Street, Kenstneton, W. Garden Superintendent. ae Eo SR A-ROD: iv ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. SCIENTIFIC COMMITTER, 1880. Chairman. Sir JosepH Darron Hooxer, K.C.S.1., M.D., C.B., F.R.S., V.P.LS., Royal Gardens, Kew. Vice-Chairmen. The Rev. M. J. Berxerzy, M.A., F.R.S., Sibbertoft, Market Har- borough. Maxwett T. Masters, M.D., F.R.S., Mount Avenue, Ealing, W. Artuur Grote, F.L.S., 20, Cork Street, Burlington Gardens, W. Secretary. SAMUEL JENNINGS, F.L.S., 58, Granville Park, Blackheath. BaxeER, J. G., F.LS., Royal Herbarium, Kew. Bennett, AtFRED W., M.A., B.Sc., F.L.S., 6, Park Village East, N. W. BLENKINS, GeorcE E., 9, Warwick Square, 8. W. BoscawEN, Hon. & Rev. J. TownsHEND, Lamorran, Probus, Cornwall. Cuvunrcu, A. H., F.C.8., Royston House, Kew. CraRrKE, Col. R. TREvor, Welton Place, Daventry. Cooxs, M.C., 2, Grosvenor Villas, Junction Road, N. Crewe, Rev. H. Harpur, Drayton Beauchamp Rectory, Tring. Denny, Joun, M.D., Stoke Newington, N. Dyer, W. T. Tutsezron, M.A, B.Sc., F.L.S., Royal Gardens, Kew. EpcrewortTH, M.P., F.L.S., 6, Norham Gardens, Oxford. Gitsert, J. H., Ph.D., F.R.S., Harpenden, St. Albans. Hemstey, W. B., A.L.S., 2, Woodland Cottages, Gunnersbury. Henstow, Rev. G., F.L.S., Drayton House, Ealing. Hoae, Rozert, LL.D., F.L.S.,°99, St George’s Road, Pimlico, 8. W. Joap, Gzorce Curtine, F.L.S., Oakfield, Wimbledon Park, S.W. Maw, Georee, F.LS., Benthall Hall, near Broseley. McLacutan, R., F.LS., Lime Grove, Lewisham. Moore. F., F.Z.8., 110, Oakfield Road, Penge, Surrey. Renny, J., 106, Warwick Street, Pimlico, 8. W. seal W. J.,M.R.C.S., 18, South Hill Park Gardens, Hampstead ’ SuitH, Wortuineron G., F.L.S., 125 Grosvenor Road, Canonbury, N Wess, SYDNEY, Redstone Manor House, Redhill. Wi1son, Gro. F., F.R.S., Heatherbank, Weybridge Heath. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. v FRUIT COMMITTEE, 1880. Chairman—Hrnry Wess, Redstone Manor House, Redhill. Vice-Ohairmen. Joun Lez, Royal Vineyard Nursery, Hammersmith, W. Puitie Crowxey, Waddon House, Croydon. Wirz1am Pavt, F.L.S8., Waltham Cross, N. Secretary. AncHIBALp, F, Barron, Royal Horticultural Society, Chiswick, W. BapceEr, E. W., Mostyn Villa, Moseley, Birmingham. Braz, E. J., F.L.S., Stoneydeep House, Teddington Grove, S.W. BERKELEY, Rev. M. J., F.R.S., Sibbertoft, Market Harborough. Bunyarp, GreorGeE, The Nurseries, Maidstone. Cox, Joun, Redleaf, Penshurst, Kent. Dancer, F. N., Chiswick. GarDINER, WitL1AM, The Gardens, Ettington Park, Stratford-on- Avon. Haycocx, Cuarxes, The Gardens, Barham Court, Maidstone. Hoee, Rosert, LL.D., F.L.S., 99, St. George’s Road, siginan S.W. Kiiuicx, Lewis A., Mount See Maidstone. McKrntay, Prerer, Headley Lodge, Croydon Road, Penge, S.E. Mitzs, G. T., The Gardens, Wycombe Abbey, High Wycombe. Nourtine, W. J., 60, Barbican, E.C. Ossorn, Rozert, Fulham, 8.W. Sacz, Grores, The Gardens, Ashridge Park, Berkhampstead. SirveRLock, CHarzes, 412, Strand, W.C. Smiru, J., The Gardens, Mentmore, Leighton Buzzard. Smiru, W. Baxter, 3, Broadlands, S. Norwood. Srevens, ZADoxK, The Gardens, Trentham Hall, Stoke-on-Trent. Verren, H. J., F.L.S., Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, 8. W. Wetr, Harrison, Weirleigh, Brenchley, Staplehurst. West, James Frrtu, Lynmouth Lodge, Reigate. WILDsMITH, W., The Gardens, Heckfield Place, Winchfield. - Woop, Cuarres, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfield, Uckfield. WoopsripeGE, Joun, The Gardens, Syon House, Brentford, W. vi ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. FLORAL COMMITTEE, 1880. Ohaitrman—Joun Denny, M.D., Stoke Newington, N. Vice-Ohairmen. Cuartes Nosrz, Bagshot, Surrey. James McIntrosu, Duneevan, Weybridge. W. B. Ketxock, F.L.S., Stamford Hill, N. Secretary. ARcHIBALD F. Barron, Royal Horticultural Society, Chiswick, W. Barnes, THomas, Avenue Road, Southgate, N. Baxer, Grorcr, Coombe Cottage, Kingston-on-Thames. Barr, Pretrer, 12, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Bennett, H., Manor Farm Nursery, Stapleford, Salisbury. BETHELL, GrorGE, The Gardens, Nonsuch Park, Cheam. Burr, WiiraM, F.L.S., &c., King’s Road, Chelsea, 8. W. CANNELL, Henry, Swanley. Crewe, Rev. H. Harpur, Drayton Beauchamp Rectory, Tring. Cursusu, Jamzs, Highgate, N. Drennine, W1ii1aM, The Gardens, Londesborough Lodge, Norbiton, Surrey. D’Omprain, Rev. H. Honywoop, Westwell Vicarage, Ashford, Kent. Dovatas, J., The Gardens, Loxford Hall, Ilford, E. Eiwes, H. J., F.L.8., F Z.8., Preston, Cirencester. Fretitowses, Rev. E. L., Wimpole Rectory, Royston. FrasEr, Joun, Lea Bridge Road Nursery, Leyton. GreEn, CuArtes, The Gardens, Pendell Court, Bletchingley. Hvupson, James, The Gardens, Gunnersbury House, Acton. James, J., The Redlees Gardens, Isleworth. Kine, James, Gardener to G. Simpson. Esq., Wray Park, Reigate. Kineuorn, F. R., Sheen Nursery, Richmond, Surrey. Lrr, CHarzzs, Royal Vineyard Nursery, Hammersmith. LirwE yn, J. T. D., F.1.8., Ynisygerwn, Neath, Glamorganshire. LitritE, Henry, Hillingdon Place, Hillingdon, near Uxbridge. Mayor, H. K., Bamford Lodge, Winchmore Hill, N. McIntyre, A., Victoria Park, Hackney, E, Moorgz, Tnos., F.L.8., Botanic Gardens, Chelsea, S.W. Pau, Georee, Cheshunt, Herts. : Rogrr, ALEXANDER, Era House, Surrey Lane, Battersea, S.W. Smiru, F. T., The Nurseries, Dulwich, S.E. Smiru, G., New Villa, Hedge Lane, Edmonton. Smiru, Geo., Tollington Nursery, Hornsey Road, N. Turner, Harry, Royal Nursery, Slough. Vertcu, ArTHUR, Royal Exotic Nursery, King’s Road, Chelsea. Witirams, Henry, Victoria Nursery, Upper Holloway, N. Wits, Jonn, Onslow Crescent, Onslow Square, 8. W. Witson, Geo, F., F.R.S., Heatherbank, Weybridge Heath. INDEX TO PROCEEDINGS.—VOL. VI, Meetings of the Society—Annual General—10 Feb., 1880 .. 9 Ordinary, and of - Committees—16 Sept., 1879 ,, = $, 14 Oet3-2" JF ted 3 33 LONovws “woo a 4 6 Dec. 55° « n 13 Jan. 1880 ., ~ ¥ 10: Feb? + $0 94 ry e 9 March 5," Regina 7 Rex Draczena, Mrs. Turner Drosera dichotoma rubra XXViii xCii * Xell Xcli, CXxxXvi xci xci ‘xcil il | on ~ INDEX. Dendrobium bigibbum_ .. oe ” chrysotoxum oe ” Dalhousieanum oe a densifloruni ae ‘, Devonianum je a Dominii .. Me a endocharis oe Ls Farmeri .. ss - Goldiei .. bie i infundibulum a - Jamesianum ae japonicum ee ES lituiflorum a ES luteolum .. ae "9 splendidissimum* e superbiens ee - tortile ., ee Epaeris onosmeeflora nivalis, fl. pl. Eria extinctoria* .. ee Erigeron pulchellus * oe Erythrina marmorata * Sa Eueryphia pinnatifolia * oe Fritillaria Moggridgei ee Fuchsia Madame Galli Marie* .. », Magnum Bonum a $9 penduleeflora * ee 4 President .. ee Geonoma princeps oe ee Gladiolus Anthony Waterer * se i collection; also dishes of Suttons’ Magnum Bonum Potato, which Mr. Killick states was the only variety out of forty grown in one field that was quite free from disease; and Suttons’ Red Fluke, of which only 5 per cent. were diseased. OctoBER 14, 1879. ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING. Joun Denny, Ese., M.D., in the Chair. - Elections. — W. S. de Mattos, John se Te “Mrs. Dove, Henry Robinson, C.B. Medals awarded.—Gold Knightian, Lane and Son te a collection of Grapes; Silver Knightian, J. H. Goodacre for a collection of Grapes; Silver Knightian, W. Wildsmith for a collection of Grapes ; Silver Knightian, J. Veitch and Sons for a collection of Apples; Bronze Knightian, Paul and Son for a collection of Apples; Bronze Knightian, C. Ross for Pine Apples; Bronze Knightian, W. Allen for Grapes Muscat of Alexandria; Gold Medal, C. Lee and Son for Winter Bedding Plants; Silver Banksian, B. S. Williams for Group of Plants; Bronze Banksian, Rawlings Brothers for collection of Dahlias ; Bronze Banksian, H. Cannell for collection of Dahlias. The exhibits at this Meeting were both numerous and good, and many visitors were most agreeably surprised. - In the vestibule Messrs. Charles Lee & Son exhibited a fine and tastefully ar- ranged collection of Coniferee, Kuonymuses, and other hardy ornamental shrubs similar to that of last year, and for which a gold medal was awarded. Near the entrance were Messrs. Lane’s magnificent Vines in pots, which attracted considerable attention. In the Council-room were arranged the various collections of plants, those from Messrs. Veitch, Williams, and Bull being especially noticeable ; also the extensive collections of fruit from Messrs. Veitch, Paul, Wildsmith, and Goodacre. Vi PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. FLORAL COMMITTEE. Dr. Denny in the Chair. The duties of the Committee were by no means light on this occasion, for very numerous collections of plants were staged. From Messrs. Veitch and Sons, Chelsea, came an excellent collection of new and rare Orchids and other plants, which in- cluded the following:—Miltonia Morelliana superba, with large flowers, sepals und petals deep purple, labellum light purple with darker veins—very pretty; a specimen of Cologyne Massangeana bearing a large spike of very pale yellow flowers, the labellum being marked with dark streaks inside; Oncidium ornithorhynchum album, bearing a slender branching spike of small white flowers, with a yellow crest in the centre of the labellum; Oncidium dasytyle, a curious little species with small flowers, labellum yellowish with a dark protuberance near the base, and the sepals spotted with chocolate. A first-class certificate was awarded. A peculiar Orchid, Mormodes Ocane, flowers borne in spikes, thickly spotted with reddish brown; and Lilium auratum rubrum vittatum, a variety with crimson purple streaks down the perianth divisions. Pachystoma Thompsoni, an attractive Orchid ; sepals and petals white, narrow; labellum with narrow recurved portion of a purple lake colour ; flowers in pairs on slender peduncles. A first-class certificate was awarded for this and the following:—Cypripedium Spicerianum, flowers small, petals and labellum of a greenish colour, the posterior sepal white marked with purple ; a pretty and distinct species. This group was not very large, but of great interest. Mr. 8. B. Williams, Upper Holloway, obtained a silver Banksian medal for a large and most interesting group of plants, compris- ing numerous excellent Orchids, Crotons, Nepenthes, &c., the front line being formed of the extremely attractive little Orchid Pleione lagenaria in 48-pots, each plant bearing about eight flowers. Some of the most noteworthy Orchids were the follow- ing :—Vanda ccerulea had two large spikes of pale bluish white flowers; Dendrobium superbiens was bearing a large spike of bright purple lake flowers with twisted sepals; the showy Odontoglossum grande, with six large flowers; Dendrobium bigibbum, a lovely Australian species with neat little bright EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDIN. Vil purple flowers in long slender spikes; Mayxillaria nigrescens, a species with peculiar brownish-coloured flowers, narrow acute sepals and petals; the attractive Oncidium tigrinum was bear- ing a long spike of flowers with large yellow labellums and narrow sepals and petals marked with chocolate bars and spots. Among other plants were the hybrid Nepenthes, N. Outramiana, obtained from a cross between N. Sedeni and N. Hookeri; the pitchers are freely produced, of medium size and thickly marked with red. A first-class certificate was awarded for it. A good specimen of the narrow-leaved Croton Rodeckiana, excellently coloured, was also exhibited. The group was backed up with Katakidozamia Hopei, Panax excelsa compacta, Hyphorbe ex- celsa, and the following, for each of which first-class certificates were awarded:—Cocos elegantissimus, a very graceful species with slender drooping bright green leaves, and Calamus densus, a distinct and handsome plant. Mr. W. Bull, Chelsea, was accorded a vote of thanks for a number of new and rare plants, of which the most noticeable were the following:—Tillandsia Lindeni genuina, with fine purple flowers on a broad flattened spike; Masdevallia velifera, small flowers of a curious yellowish brown tinge; Cycnoches Warscewiczii, an extraordinary Orchid, one of Mr. Bull’s recent introductions. The flowers have no beauty whatever in a horticultural point of view, as they are of a pale green colour, but they are interesting from being of two very different forms. One form (female) is 2 or 3 inches in diameter, with ovate sepals and petals and a heart-shaped labellum, and are borne on a short _ stiff spike. The other form (male) is small, witha peculiar stalked filamentous labellum, and the flowers are borne on a long pendu- lous spike. A botanical certificate was awarded for this peculiar plant. The very fine Oncidium varicosum with a dense panicle of bright yellow flowers, Bollea ceelestis, Oncidium ornithor- hynchum, O. macranthum, and Pleione lagenaria were also in good condition. A first-class certificate was awarded for Adiantum. mundulum, an elegant little compact Maidenhair Fern with bipinnate fronds; and similar awards were granted to Polystichum lentum, a pretty Fern with bright green pinnate fronds, the Vill PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. pinnz being deeply serrate; and Adiantum cuneatum dissectum, a variety with deeply cut pinnules. Several early-flowering Chrysanthemums of considerable merit were also exhihited, notably the yellow Précociteé. Mr. John Wills exhibited the distinct new Fern Adiantum Bausei, which is supposed to be a hybrid between A. trapeziforme and A. decorum, and was raised by Mr. Bausé, the energetic manager of Mr. Wills’ nursery at Anerley. The fronds have a most elegant drooping habit; the pinnules are large and bright green, and being also pendulous they cause the plant to appear almost as though it was flagging. Mr. G. King, gardener to G. Simpson, Esq., Wray Park, Reigate, sent a number of seed- ling Coleuses, one being especially bright—viz., majestica, with acute leaves, crimson in the centre and margined with yellow. For this a first-class certificate was awarded. Mr. Charles Noble, Bagshot, sent his dwarf Rose—Queen of the Bedders, with dark crimson flowers very freely produced. Mr. C. Green, gardener to Sir G. Macleay, Bletchingley, was accorded a vote of thanks for a specimen of Brunsvigia Josephinee, with an enormous umbel of red flowers; and a first-class certificate for Passiflora Hahnii, a neat whitish flower with ovate leaves, velvety green above and purple underneath. Messrs. Rawlings Brothers of Romford contributed a collection of Dahlias, that was highly commended, including many seedlings of great merit. Mr. H. Cannell, Swanley, staged collections of Dahlias, Pelargoniums, and early-flowering Chrysanthemums, and deservedly obtained a bronze Banksian medal. A cultural commendation was awarded to Mr. J. Walker, nur- seryman, Thame, Oxon, for a quantity of cut flowers of the fine hardy climber Tropzolum tuberosum, which continues blooming for several months during summer and autumn. Mr. C. Turner, Slough, exhibited cut flowers of a fine yellow show Dahlia, Cyprus, and a fancy variety, Queen Mercedes, the florets white tinged with purple. A first-class certificate was obtained by Mr. Turner for an excellent bedding Dahlia named George Thomson, of dwarf habit, and producing large numbers of bright yellow well-formed flowers. He also exhibited flowers of a pretty ee EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. ix bouquet Dahlia named Dora, the florets of which were white tinged inside with yellow. Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, Herts, exhibited six boxes of cut Roses, a great many varieties being presented. The following were most noticeable for their freshness and substance:—Madame Victor Verdier, Pierre Notting, Madame Clemence Joigneaux, Beauty of Waltham, Dupuy Jamain, Aifred Colomb, Marie Baumann, Duchess of Bedford, and Baronne de Rothschild. A vote of thanks was accorded. Mr. Chambers, Westlake Nursery, Isleworth, sent specimens of a drooping variety of Pteris serrulata cristata, and a plant of Odontoglossum Alexandr, bearing a long spike of about twenty flowers. For the latter a vote of thanks was accorded. Gentiana Andrewsii, exhibited by Mr. G. F. Wilson of Weybridge, received a similar recognition. Messrs. Haage & Schmidt, Erfurt, Prussia, were accorded a vote of thanks for cut flowers of Salvia farinacea. FRUIT COMMITTEE. H. Wess, Esq., in the Chair. The collections of fruit were numerous and good, the large collections of Apples and Pears from Messrs. Veitch and Paul being especially remarkable. Grapes and Pines were also in fine condi- tion. Mr. C.. Ross, gardener to C. Eyre, Esq., Welford Park, Newbury, exhibited five handsome well-ripened smooth Cayenne Pine Apples, weighing respectively 8 lbs. 14% ozs., 6 lbs. 5 ozs., 5 lbs. 114 ozs., 5 lbs. 10 ozs., and 5 lbs. 5 ozs. A cultural com- mendation and bronze medal were awarded. Mr. W. Allen, gardener to Lord Suffield, Gunton Park, Norwich, exhibited two fine bunches of Muscat of Alexandria Grape, weighing together 10 lbs., the berries large and well ripened. A bronze medal was awarded. He also sent a seedling, the result of a cross between Syrian and Alicante. Two bunches were shown, one the pro- duce of a Vine inarched on Lady Downe’s and the other froma - Vine on its own roots; the bunch is long and the berry oval. The Committee considered it distinct, but desired to see it later in the year. Mr. Goodacre, Elvaston Castle, Derby, sent twenty- x PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. five bunches of Grapes in twelve varieties. The following were very good—Alicante, Barbarossa, Mrs. Pince, and Gros Colman. For this fine collection a silver Knightian medal was awarded. Mr. Wildsmith, gardener to Viscount Eversley, Heckfield Place, Winchfield, sent twenty-two bunches of Grapes in ten varieties, including Lady Downe’s, Trebbiano, Black Hamburgh, and Ali- cante well finished. ‘This was also an excellent collection, and ‘a similar award was granted. Messrs. Osborn and Sons, Fulham, exhibited a number of small plants of their new variety of Fig, Osborn’s Prolific, which well deserves its name; but nothing was awarded, as the fruit was not ripe. Mr. J. Walker sent a fine dish of Pond’s Seedling Plum well ripened, also a dish of Red Currants, for which a vote of thanks was accorded. Messrs. Veitch and Sons of Chelsea exhibited ninety-five dishes of Apples in good condition for the season. They had been borne by trees growing in the Southfield Nurseries, Fulham. The collection included all the best varieties, and a silver Knightian medal was awarded for them. Messrs. Wm. Paul and Sons, Waltham Cross, also staged a large collection of Apples and Pears, comprising a hundred dishes. The Pears were generally unripe. A bronze Knightian medal was awarded. Messrs. H. Lane and Son, Great Berkhampstead, exhibited a large collection of Grapes, most of which were in fine condition, but their Vines in pots were most excellent. Six Vines were shown all bearing a large quantity of fruit, and generally well ripened and coloured. /Foster’s Seedling had twenty-eight, twenty-seven, and twenty-six bunches ; Black Hamburgh fifteen and sixteen good bunches ; and Alicante fourteen bunches. For this superb collection a gold medal was deservedly awarded. Mr. J. Perkins, gardener, Thornton Hull, Eye, Sussex, sent a seedling Melon named The Squire, fairly well netted. Mr. D. Beesley, gardener to R. P. Coleman, Esq., Spilsby, sent a brace of Cucumbers named the Improved Manchester Prize of good strain: this was commended. Mr. J. Pond of Jersey exhibited two seedling Shallots, one the Jersey Lily, and the other the Jersey Giant Red. They are to be tried at Chiswick. Herr Ernest Benary of Erfurt was awarded a first-class certificate for a purple-top EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. Xi Turnip named Early Munich, which has been tried at Chiswick and found to be three weeks earlier than other varieties. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Eads of The Cedars, Northampton, for a dish of Suttons’ Giant White Runner Beans in good condition. NovEMBER 18, 1879. eee ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING. Major R. Trevor Crarke in the Chair. Medals awarded.—Silver Banksian, P. M‘Kinlay for a collection of Potatoes. The meeting on this occasion was an extremely interesting one. The great features of the gathering were the Primulas from Mr. Gilbert of Burghley, the collections of plants from Messrs. Veitch and Bull, the Abutilons and Primulas from the Society’s garden at Chiswick, and the numerous excellent collections of vegetables staged in competition for Messrs. Suttons’ Prizes. Several fine collections of Grapes were also sent, especially those from Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Wood, and Mr, Bell, which are referred to below. FLORAL COMMITTEE. Dr. Denny in the Chair. The chief collections arranged in the Committee room were the fol- lowing, all of considerable merit—Messrs. James Veitch and Sons exhibited several new plants; a first-class certificate being awarded for Lelia Dayana superba, an extremely rich purple variety. Cattleya fausta superba and C. Mastersoniana, both beautiful hybrids, were passed. Stelia Bruckmulleri is a dwarf species with spikes of small brownish fringed flowers. Mr. W. Bull sent a large collection of rare plants, comprising many beautiful Orchids, Cycads, Palms, &c. The following were the most noticeable— Trichosma suavir, bearing spikes of small flowers with incurved white sepals and petals, and small labellums marked with yellow in the xii PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. centre, and streaked with deep crimson; very neat and pretty. Odontoglorsum Rossii majus, sepals thickly dotted with light chocolate, petals white with a few dots at the base, labellum white; a good variety. Sophronitis grandiflora had five good brilliant coloured flowers. Oncidium Kogersii had a spike of large flowers with their characteristic broad yellow labellums. Cymbidium giganteum was bearing a spike of five of its peculiar flowers. Many other plants, notably a specimen Davidsonia pruriens, were in good condition. A vote of thanks was accorded for the group. A very large collection of double Primulas, raised by Mr. R. Gilbert of The Gardens, Burghley, was exhibited. Many of these varieties are particularly good, notably such as White Lady, Marchioness of Exeter, and A. F. Barron among the white and blush varieties, while among the pink forms the best is Lord Beaconsfield. About fifty plants were staged. Messrs. Osborn and Sons, Fulham, have acquired the stock, and will distribute these varieties in the spring of 1880. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Gilbert. Messrs. T. Jackson and Son, Kingston, exhibited two stands of Japanese Chrysanthemums, new varieties. These flowers were in excellent condition, the following being the most noticeable for colour and form—La Nymphe, La Charmeuse, M. Crousse, Gloire de Toulouse, and Dr. Andiguier. A vote of thanks was accorded. A large and tasteful group of plants was sent from the Society’s gardens at Chiswick, comprising a number of varieties of Abutilons, intermixed with Ferns and edged with Selaginellas. A collection of single Primulas was also contributed, comprising some striking varieties, especially among the crimsons. First-class certificates were awarded for P. sinensis Chiswick Red, flower neat and colour bright; and rubra violacea, a purplish crimson flower with a yellow eye. Messrs. Smith & Larke, florists, Kensington, exhibited several excellent bouquets and wreaths of Chrysanthemums, associated with Adiantums and SBouvardias. A vote of thanks was accorded. Mr. H. Bennett, Manor Farm Nursery, Staplefort, exhibited two Tea Rose plants in pots, Madame de St. Joseph and alba rosea, bearing a great number offru its produced by artificial fertilisation. A vote of thanks was accorded. Mr. J. Roberts, The Gardens, Gunnersbury Park, Acton, was EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. Xill awarded a cultural commendation for a fine specimen of Odonto- glossum Alexandre bearing two spikes of ten and twelve flowers each. The flowers were large, with a few large chocolate spots on the sepals. Mr. H. Cannell, Swanley, received a vote of thanks for cut flowers of Salvia Bruantii splendens and S. Bethelli in fine condition, also the rich purple 8. Hoveyi. Mr. R. Dean of Ealing sent plants of the neat bright Marigold Meteor, also a bright yellow hose-in-hose Primrose named Buttercup. A vote of thanks was accorded Messrs. Sutton and Sons for a collection of Cyclamens of their improved strain. FRUIT COMMITTEE. Henry Wess, Esq., in the Chair. Messrs, Wood and Ingram of Huntingdon sent a seedling kitchen Apple of a bright showy colour and brisk flavour. It did not pos- sess any special merit over other varieties in cultivation. Mr. Chester, The Gardens, Connington Castle, sent a seedling Apple called Bellamy’s Fillbasket, a medium-sized, round, ribbed, pale yellow Apple, with a soft flesh and mild subacid flavour. It was not considered equal to others already in cultivation. He also sent three varieties of seedling Pears, but as they were all mixed when they arrived the Committee could not distinguish the one from the other. Mr. P. Grieve, The Gardens, Culford Hall, sent fine specimens of Lucy Grieve Pear, but the flavour was not equal to those exhibited at former meetings in more favourable years. He also exhibited a seedling Apple which promises well, but the season is so unfavourable to the flavour of fruit that the Com- mittee requested to see it another year. Mr. Wildsmith, gardener to Lord Eversley, Heckfield, exhibited a fine dish of Pitmaston Duchess, excellent in texture, but, like all Pears this season, rather deficient in flavour. The Committee gave a vote of thanks for the exhibition. Mr. George Sage, The Gardens, Ashridge Park, Herts, sent a dish of Vicomtesse Héricart de Thury Strawberry, to which a letter of thanks was awarded; Mr. Wood, The Gardens, Leybourne Grange, Kent, eight baskets of Gros Colman Grapes as they are packed for market, each basket containing about Xiy PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 9 or 10 lbs. weight; they were splendidly coloured, and the flavour was excellent. The Vines on which these were grown were grafted on Madresfield Court Vine, and it was interesting to observe the difference between the fruit thus produced and that which was grown on a Vine of the Gros Colman on its own roots. In the former the berries were quite black and the flesh firm and well flavoured; in the latter the berries were only partially coloured, and the texture of the flesh more loose and inferior in flavour. Mr. Wood exhibited the fruit as he packs it for market. It is put into ornamental baskets, and the bunches are secured round the sides by the base of the stalks so as to prevent them moving, and these ornamental baskets are again placed in hampers large enough to admit them easily. When they arrive at their destination the ornamental basket is merely lifted out and is ready for sale. Mr. Bell of Alnwick exhibited six handsome bunches of the Alnwick Seedling Grape; they had been ripe for some time end had become shrivelled. The exhibit was commended with a letter of thanks to the exhibitor. Mr. R. Gilbert, The Gardens, Burghley, sent three handsome bunches of Gros Colman Grapes; the berries were large and well coloured; the flesh was very firm, and the flavour very fine. A cultural commendation was awarded. Mr. J. C. Mundell, The Gardens, Moor Park, Rickmansworth, sent two plants in fruit of the “Scotch Bonnet” Capsicum, which is the best of all the Capsicums. Mr. 8. Ford, gardener to W. E. Hubbard, Esq., Leonardslee, Horsham, exhibited fifty dishes of Apples and Pears, which were rather small but otherwise good in quality. Messrs. James Carter and Co! of Holborn sent a dish of Scotch Champion Potato which was cooked and proved excellent in flavour. MESSRS. SUTTON AND SONS’ PRIZES. The special prizes offered by Messrs. Sutton and Sons brought together an excellent display of vegetables and extremely close competition. For a collection of twelve distinct kinds, to include Suttons’ King of the Cauliflowers, Suttons’ Improved Reading Onions, Suttons’ Improved Dark Red Beet, and Suttons’ Student EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. XV Parsnip, there were nine competitors, all staging excellent col- lections. The first prize was awarded to Mr. Neal, gardener to P. Southby, Esq., Bampton, Oxford, who in addition to the stipu- lated dishes staged good Excelsior Tomatoes, James’ Intermediate Carrots, Snowball Turnips, Cardoons, Suttons’ Matchless Sprouts, International Potatoes, and Ayton Castle Leeks. The second prize was awarded to Mr. J. Muir, gardener to KR. M. Talbot, Esq., Margam Park, South Wales; and the third to Mr. W. Iggulden, Orsett Hall, Romford, both pressing closely for the first prize, each exhibitor being only one point ahead of the other. Mr. Muir’s worst dish was the Celery; his Vick’s Crimerion Tomatoes, Telegraph Cucumbers, Pomeranian Turnips, and Brussels Sprouts were yery good. Mr. Iggulden showed good Tomatoes, Snowflake Potatoes, Celery, Onions, &e. Mr. Wildsmith’s collection included remarkably fine Brussels Sprouts. For twelve tubers of Suttons’ Magnum Bonum there were sixteen entries, all staging good specimens of this popular variety. Mr. J. Fairweather, Halston, Oswestry, was awarded the first prize; and Mr. J. Richardson, Boston, the second. Five exhibitors com- peted in the class for Suttons’ Woodstock Kidney Potato. Mr. Townsend, gardener to P. McKinlay, Esq., Croydon, obtained the premier award; and Mr. Harris, gardener to C. J. Eversfield, Esq., Denne Park, Horsham, the second, both staging excellent examples. P. McKinlay, Esq., exhibited a collection of fifty-seven dishes of Potatoes in his well-known excellent style. Some of the best were Woodstock Kidney, Kadstock Beauty, Manhattan, King of the Earlies, Shelbourne, International, Vicar of Laleham, Porter’s Excelsior, Blanchard, Magnum Bonum, Trophy, Ashleaf, Snow- flake, Lemon Kidney, and Beckenham Beauty. The latter is a seedling of Mr. McKinlay’s, of which he thinks very highly as being in every respect excellent. Messrs. Sutton and Sons, Reading, staged a capital collection of Potatoes, fifty-four dishes in all; among them Suttons’ King, Porter’s Excelsior, Advancer, Fenn’s Bountiful, Triumph, and Covent Garden Perfection were very noticeable. In addition to these they also staged good heaps of their Magnum Bonum, Woodstock Kidney, and Scotch Champion Xvi PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Potatoes. Messrs. Carter and Co., High Holborn, staged about a hundred dishes of Potatoes, which included all the best varieties in commerce. Some of the best were the International, Trophy, Main Crop, Breadfruit, Manhattan. They also staged very fine heaps of Carter’s Magnum Bonum Potatoes and Scotch Champion, both well-known disease-resisters, and a collection of Turnips and Swedes comprising about sixty-two varieties, many of them excel- lent examples. SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE. Srr JosepH Hooxer, K.C.S.1., in the Chair. Monstrous Flower of Horse Radish.—The Rev. G. Henslow reported on some flowers of a Horse Radish sent by Mr. Whitelegge, of Ashton-under-Lyne. The calyx, corolla, and six stamens were normal. The glands, however, were enlarged, so as to form a cushion-like disk, terminating above the base of the four taller stamens. Within these were four supernumerary stamens of the same height, being closely adpressed to the ovary. One or more were often adherent to the latter, which was then open, and so ex- posed the more or less rudimentary ovules. Hence the monstrosity was a true case of pleiotaxy. The Stapleford Pedigree Roses.—Mr. Bennett attended the com- mittee, and showed specimens of his hybridised Tea Roses covered with their fruits. Mr. Bennett explained his method of hybridisation by removing the stamens from the flowers of various Tea Roses grown under glass, and applying to the pistils the pollen of various hybrid Perpetuals. The results were not only interesting from a scientific point of view, but practically valuable in the production of what is virtually a new race of Roses of great beauty and vigorous habit. The seedlings come up earlier if taken from the fruits before the latter are quite ripe and sown imme- diately. Dr. Denny stated that he had observed the same thing in hybridising Pelargoniums, and Mr. Wilson also confirmed it in the case of Lilies, and called attention to the experiments of Mr. Ward of Ipswich, who hybridised hybrid perpetuals in a similar manner to that followed by Mr, Bennett in the case of Tea Roses, EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. XVil ftoot Development.—The Rev. George Henslow showed a felted mass of fine root-fibrils and root-hairs, taken from a pot plant which had been laid aside and forgotten. Mr. Berkeley pointed out the resemblance to the fungus growth in Xylostroma. Change of Sex in Begonias.—The Rey. George Henslow showed drawings of the male flowers of Begonias in which the connectives of the anthers had developed in the guise of stigmas. Cross Fertilisation in Pelargoniwms.—Dr. Denny described a singular bud variation that had occurred upon a white-flowered variety of Zonal Pelargonium of his own raising. Upon a good- sized propagated plant flowering in his house he observed a truss of flowers which differed very considerably from those ordinarily produced, its petals being much thicker and larger; its foot-stalk and the foliage of the twig were also of more robust growth. This small branch being propagated maintained its distinctive character, and has, in fact, upon further propagation, developed an increased amount of robustness of habit, resembling that of an old variety known as Beauté de Suresnes, the variety from which the first of the robust-growing doubles originated, in the form of a sport. The flower, too, has increased in size and quality, but the most singular characteristic property of this sport consists in its being infertile with any of the ordinary varieties of the Zonal Pelargonium— “even with the pollen of the flowers of the plant from which it was taken.” It is not sterile, for it produces seed from its own pollen. In this respect it resembles (as well as in its habit of growth) Beauté de Suresnes, which would not fertilise, or be ferti- lised, save with two or three varieties. The Duke of Cornwall (an old variety) was one with which it was fertile, and it would be in- teresting to know if this sport would prove fertile with these varieties; but Dr. Denny stated that he had been unable to obtain them at any of the nurseries, and that he should be extremely obliged if any one who may possess either would forward him a cutting. Diseased Yew and Cypress—The Hon. and Rey. J. T. Boscawen sent specimens of diseased Yews and Cypresses for examination. The trees were gradually dying. ‘The cause was not very obvious, but some aphides were observed on one of the specimens, which C -XVilil PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. were ultimately referred to Mr. Berkeley and Mr. MacLachlan to report upon. Solanum Dulcamara as a Decorative Plant.—Mr. MacLachlan referred to the use of this plant as a decorative plant in some parts of Switzerland, where it proved not only very ornamental, but no apprehension appeared to exist as to any danger arising from the berries. A conversation arose as to the causes of the wide distribution of the plant, for which no very obvious reason could be assigned beyond the lengthened period in which the seeds are known to retain their vitality. Apludes and Wasps.—Mr. Jennings made some commenis on some plants of Abies Nordmanniana infested with aphides (Lachnus sp.) which were greedily eaten by Wasps, which became stupified and died afterwards, but whether in consequence of their feast was not proven. Hail and Leaves.—Mr. Jennings commented on the different manner in which hailstones affected the leaves of different varieties of Planes growing in the same nursery, the injury being much greater in some cases than in others. Roman “ Sleepers.’>—Mr. Noble sent for exhibition some logs of Oak with the bark still on them, and which had formed part of a Roman road at Bagshot, now 6 feet below the surface. The logs were used after the fashion followed of making corduroy roads. The wood and the bark were singularly well preserved. Mr. MacLachlan alluded to great quantities of partially blackened Oak, removed from the Lake of Neuchatel this summer, owing to the unusual lowering of the“surface of the water. Trichonema suavis.—Mr. Bull showed a plant of this pretty sweet-scented Orchid from Assam, to which, from its novelty and interest, was adjudged a Botanical Certificate. Leaves of Spruces and of Silver Firs.—Dr. Masters commented on the comparisons to be made between the form, internal structure, and power of movement exhibited by the leaves of these plants. In the Spruces the leaves are cylindrical or angular, no one surface greatly exceeding another. Such leaves are so placed as not to interfere one with the other; they are about equal in size, and the degree of exposure to the light is about equal. Such leaves, though EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. xix sometimes more or less twisted, seem to have little or no power of motion, and they are destitute of those regularly formed, closely packed cells called palisade cells. In the Silver Firs, on the other hand, the leaves are more or less flattened, so that they have a dis- tinct upper and lower surface ; those on the under surface of a shoot are twisted so as to bring them into the same horizontal plane as the upper ones. Moreover, they often overlap one another, and in this way would obstruct the passage of the light to the lower. This is obviated by the circumstance that the uppermost leaves are usually shorter than the subjacent ones, so that less of the surface of the latter is covered. In some cases, too, the upper leaves, in- stead of spreading horizontally, are so placed as to be parallel to the long axis of the shoot and at right angles to the lateral leaves. A still more effective means of securing access of light to the lower leaves, and at the same time of exposing the lower surfaces, on which the majority of the stomates are placed, to the influence of light and heat, is secured by the power of elevation and depression which the leaves of the silvers have. This is so marked in some cases, as in A. Nordmanniana, that when the leaves are thus up- lifted so as to show their glaucous under-surface, the whole of the tree is milky-white in appearance. In these flat-leaved silvers the palisade cells are usually found forming a distinct layer beneath the upper surface. The late Mr. Wilson Sawnders.—It was unanimously agreed that the President be requested to address a letter of condolence to the family of the late Mr. W. Saunders. Mr. Saunders was one of the original members of the committee, took great interest in its proceedings, and to the last contributed notes of observation and specimens. The committee has to regret the loss of one of its staunchest and most useful members. XX PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. DrEcEMBER 16, 1879. ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING. Colonel R. Trevor CrarxeE in the Chair. Hlections.—J. Hume Burnley, Edward Jenner Jerram, Vernon Lushington, Charles Wm. Morriss, Mrs. Grigg, Mrs. Linklater,Major J. Mackenzie (of Findon), Henry Oliver Smith. Medals awarded.—Silver Medal, J. Atixins (gardener to Col. Loyd Lindsay) for Grapes Muscat of Alexandria; Silver Medal, J. Wallis (gardener to Rev. W. Sneyd) for a collection of Grapes ; Bronze Medal, J. Roberts (gardener to the Countess of Charleville) for two bunches of Grapes Gros Guillaume; Silver Medal, H. B. Smith (Ealing) for a collection of Cyclamens; Bronze Flora, J. Ollerhend for a group of Ponisettias. _ The last meeting of the Society in the year 1879 was uncom- monly bright and interesting for such an unfavourable season. Although the exhibits were not very numerous, they compensated for that defect in their general excellence. Messrs. Cannell, Miles, Dean, and Ollerhead’s contributions formed the bulk of the floral display, Grapes being extremely well represented by collections from Messrs. Atkins, Wallis, and Roberts. FLORAL COMMITTEE, Dr. Denny in the Chair. Few plants were exhibited for certificates, the collections princi- pally being composed of Pelargoniums, Poinsettias, Cyclamens, and cut blooms of Chrysanthemums. Mr. H. Cannell, Swanley, Kent, was accorded a vote of thanks for a large collection of Zonal Pelar- gonium blooms in excellent condition and extremely bright and well formed. He also sent six well-flowered plants of White Vesu- vius and cut flowers of Dahlia imperialis. Mr. C. Green, gardener to Sir G. Macleay, Pendell Court, Bletchingley, exhibited a plant of the distinct and pretty tufted Saxifraga yaldensis, and cut flowers of Dahlia Maximiliana, a species similar in habit to D. imperialis, EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. XXi with pale purple florets. A vote of thanks was accorded. Mr. G. Wiggins, gardener to H. Little, Esq., Hillingdon Place, Uxbridge, received a similar recognition for a collection of incurved, re- flexed, and Pompone Chrysanthemum flowers, which were distin- guished by their neat forms and good colours for such a late period. Mr. J. Moorman, gardener to the Misses Christy, Coombe Bank, Kingston, was also accorded a vote of thanks for a collec- tion of twenty-four cut blooms of Chrysanthemums, several of which were in good form. The best were Fulton, Madame Godilot, ‘The Mikado, Princess Teck, and Hero of Stoke Newington. Mr. J. Osborn, gardener to H. J. Buchan, Esq., Southampton, was awarded a first-class certificate for a pretty Orchid, Oncidium Edwardi, which was bearing a panicle of small flowers with recurved sepals and petals of a purple tinge. Mr. W. Miles, West Brighton Nursery, Cliftonville, very worthily obtained a cultural commendation for a collection of plants of the Zonal Pelargonium West Brighton Gem, very dwarf, compact, and pro- fusely flowered. Mr. H. B. Smith, Ealing Dean Nursery, Ealing, staged a very large collection of Cyclamens comprising about 170 plants, all in 48-size pots, vigorous, dwarf, even, and remarkably well flowered. The collection included many good varieties, and a first-class certificate was awarded for Baroness Burdett Coutts, of which the flowers were pure white, large, of great substance; the peduncles stout, and foliage prettily marbled. Mr. Ollerhead, gardener to Sir H. Peek, Bart., M.P., Wimbledon House, was accorded a vote of thanks for a large group of Poinsettias, includ- ing a variety named rosea that was exhibited with plants of P. pulcherrima to show its distinct character. The bracts appear smoother in outline and of a rosy scarlet tinge, which at a distance has, however, a somewhat dull appearance. Messrs. T. Jackson and Son, Kingston-on-Thames, sent a collection of new Japanese Chrysanthemum flowers not in first-rate condition generally. A first-class certificate was awarded for M. Lemoine, a flower of somewhat reflexed character, the outer florets yellow and the inner orange red. Mr. C. Noble, Bagshot, sent a flower spike of Lilium giganteum of extraordinary dimensions; it measured 13 feet in height and 11 inches in circumference at the lower portion, and had borne twenty-two flowers. XXil PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. FRUIT COMMITTEE. Henry Wess, Esq., in the Chair. On this occasion some excellent Grapes were exhibited; the immense bunches of Gros Guillaume from Mr. J. Roberts attracted especial attention. The Muscats from Mr. Goodacre were notice- able for their good form and high finish. Mr. J. Wallis, gardener to the Rey. W. Sneyd, Keele Hall, Stafford, sent a fine collection of Grapes, comprising eighteen bunches of six varieties. Lady Downe’s were well ripened; Black Alicante, very good; Golden Queen, of medium quality; Gros Guillaume, handsome bunches, good colour and bloom; Gros Colman and Black Morocco were also well represented. A cultural commendation was awarded, and the Committee recommended the award of a silver medal. Mr. J. Roberts, gardener to the Countess of Charleville, Charleville Forest, Tullamore, exhibited two enormous bunches of Gros Guillaume Grape, which had been borne on one rod, and weighed collectively 42 lbs. A card affixed to the stand stated the same variety had in four years produced seven bunches, which in the aggregate weighed over 126 lbs. The Committee awarded a cultural commendation, and recommended a bronze medal. Mr. J. H. Goodacre, The Gardens, Elvaston Castle, Derby, sent two well-grown Smooth Cayenne Pine Apples; Mr. Coombes, gardener to J. Rolls, Esq., The Hendre, Monmouth, also sent two similar Pine Apples, and each exhibitor was awarded a cultural commen- dation. Mr. J. Atkins, gardener to Col. Lloyd Lindsay, Lockinge Park, Wantage, sent twelve remarkably handsome bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, excellently finished, and fine in berry. The same exhibitor also staged nine dishes of Apples and two of Pears in good condition. For the Grapes a cultural commendation was accorded, and a silver medal recommended; and for the Apples a letter of thanks was sent. Messrs. Carter and Co. of High Holborn staged two large heaps of Potatoes, Magnum Bonum and Scotch Champion; the latter variety was cooked, and the Committee expressed their opinion that it is remarkable for resisting disease, and that it is a Potato of good quality. Mr. W. Hinds, The Gar- dens, Canford Manor, Wimborne, obtained a cultural commendation for a dish of excellent Tomatoes. On the conclusion of their EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. XXili duties Mr. John Lee proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was carried by acclamation. SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE. Sir J. D. Hooxer, K.C.S.I., in the Chair. This, the last meeting of the year, was fairly well attended, but the subjects brought under the notice of the Committee were not so numerous as usual. Yew Disease. —Dr. M. C. Cooke, alluding to the Spherella Taxi, a fungus found on Yew leaves, now modified a former statement by stating that he considered the fungus to be the cause of the diseased condition, and not merely a consequence. The late Mr. Wilson Saunders.—The Chairman reported that in compliance with the wishes of the Committee he had addressed a letter of condolence to the widow and family of the deceased gentle- man—one of the earliest members of the committee, and to the last a constant contributor to its proceedings. Planes.—Mr. Jennings showed leaves of various forms of Platanus acerifolia to show the very different effects of hail upon them. Diseased Ivy. — Mr. Scofield showed roots of Ivy completely killed perhaps by the spawn of a fungus, but there was no good evidence to show what was the cause of the death of the plants. Diospyros Kaki.—Mr. G. F. Wilson showed a fruit of the Japa- nese Persimmon, grown in his orchard-house. The Apple Crop in Melbourne.—A letter was read requesting advice as to the failure of Apples and Peaches in various parts of Australia, but as the information given was of the vaguest and most general character, and unaccompanied by specimens, no opinion could be given. Some discussion then took place as to the day of meeting, the election of new and the removal of old members. XXIV PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. JANUARY 18, 1880. ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING. Dr. Denny in the Chair. Elections. —Mrs. Barrand, A. Clapham, Francis A. M. Eland, Mrs. Catherine Greaves, Stephen Kennard, William Henry Belfield, Mrs. Chermside, Sydney Ebbs, Rev. H. Harpur Crewe, Mrs. K. J. Houldsworth, Mrs. Martha Ellen Radley, Sir Henry Scudamore Stanhope, Bart., Frank Tayler, Preston J. Wallis. Medals awarded.—Silver Banksian, J. Veitch and Son for groups of Orchids, Cyclamens, and Primulas; Silver Banksian, H. Cannell for cut blooms of Pelargoniums. The first meeting of the year would have been an unusually quiet one had not Messrs. Veitch contributed three large and handsome collections of Cyclamens, Primulas, and Orchids, besides groups of Roman Hyacinths and Lilies of the Valley. Mr. Cannell’s Pelar- goniums were also very bright, end imparted a very agreeable liveliness to the otherwise rather dull appearance of the tables. FLORAL COMMITTEE. W. B. Kettock, Esq., in the Chair. Messrs. James Veitch and Sons, Chelsea, were accorded a vote of thanks, and the award of a silver medal recommended for their large collections of plants. These comprised about forty Cyclamens in very vigorous health, both the foliage, flower, and colours being excellent ; twenty plants of Primula sinensis fimbriata alba with very large flowers, and about the same number of P. fimbriata rubra, trusses large and colours rich. A collection of Lilies of the Valley was unusually fine, the scapes and bells large and accom- panied by good foliage, which greatly improves the appearance of the flowers. An excellent collection of Orchids was also staged, including Masdevallia Tovarensis, a well-known pretty white- flowered species from Colombia, with over sixty flowers (first-class certificate) ; Saccolabium giganteum, a good specimen, which was bearing eight large spikes; Masdevallia polysticta, flowers with EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. xxv small purple-spotted attenuated sepals; Chysis Chelsoni, a hybrid between C. bractescens and C. aurea, with pale orange-coloured sepals and petals; Dendrobium endocharis, a hybrid between D. japonicum and D. heterocarpum, with small whitish flowers, sweetly scented; Oncidium cheirophorum, bearing over a dozen racemes of small yellow flowers. A flowering plant of Staphylea colchica was also shown bearing numerous trusses of white flowers. This plant is well adapted for forcing, and yields a profusion’of useful flowers. It was first exhibited and certificated in January last’year. (It is figured in the Journal] of Horticulture, vol. xxxvi., page 66.) Mr. W. Bull obtained a first-class certificate for Barkeria cyclotilla, an Orchid from Mexico; the flowers are small, sepals and petals pale pink, labellum tipped with bright lake. Very pretty and distinct. Messrs. Osborn and Sons, Fulham, exhibited a handsome speci- men of Helleborus niger majus. The plant was in a tub, and measured about a yard across, and was bearing over three dozen flowers, some of which were nearly four inches in diameter ; foliage very dark green and vigorous. Cut flowers of Gilbert’s double Primulas were also shown extremely good in colour and form. A vote of thanks was accorded. Messrs. Sutton and Sons, Reading, sent a collection of new Primulas and Cyclamens, several of which were neat in habit, but were not considered sufficiently distinct to merit special award. Mr. Cannell, Swanley, Kent, exhibited 2 large number of Pelargonium blooms in excellent condition as regards colour and form. The most distinct were Mrs. Moore (white with a salmon centre), Louis, Zuleika, Polyphemus, H. Jacoby (very rich dark crimson),#? Jean d’Are (good white), Rienzi (fine scarlet); also three sports of Vesuvius (white, salmon, and striped), flowers neat and of good substance. Several pretty species of Fuchsias (F. splendens, F’. serratifolia, F. microphylla, and F. thy- mifolia), and two varieties of Primula—Swanley Red and Swaniey Purple, the latter being of an extremely rich crimson tint. For the Pelargoniums a vote of thanks was accorded, and a silver medal recommended. Mr. McGrigor, gardener to C. Walker, Esq., Lanark, was accorded a vote of thanks for a fine flower of Lycaste Skinneri alba. Mr, Maries—who has recently returned from Japan, where he XXVi PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. was engaged in collecting plants for Messrs. Veitch and Sons—ex- hibited in the Society’s library a large number of curiosities which he had acquired in his travels. These comprised various articles of native manufacture, such as fans, screens, &c., collections of insects, snakes, birds, shells, and geological specimens. In addition, a large number of excellent photographs were shown, illustrative of the most picturesque scenery and vegetation. FRUIT COMMITTEE. Henry Wess, Esq., in the Chair. Mr. Goldsmith, gardener to P. C. Hardwicke, Esq., Hollenden, Tonbridge, sent a collection of twelve varieties of Pears to show how they had kept this year. Many of them were quite out of season, Beurré d’Amanlis being now only just ripe, and Beurré Superfin was in its best condition, while several of those which are usually autumn Pears were not yet ripe. Mr. Shirley Hibberd of Stoke Newington sent twelve pans of Watercress remarkably well culti- vated. They were of two kinds—the Erfurt Sweet Cress and the ordinary Watercress, of the latter of which there appeared to be two varieties, one of a dwarfer habit than the other. A cultural com- mendation was awarded. Messrs. Barr and Sugden, King Street, Covent Garden, sent a collection of sprouts of Variegated Kale, to which a letter of thanks was accorded. SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE. Sir Josepu Hooxer, K.C.S8.1., in the Chair. Vine Disease.— Dr. M. Cooke alluded to the new disease in the Vine caused by a fungus like that producing the Potato disease, and belonging to the same genus, viz., Peronospora viticola. This disease it appears is spreading extensively on the were and has lately been recorded from Italy. New Zealand Plants.—Mr. G. F. Wilson showed a series of beautifully executed coloured drawings by Mr. Nolan, of New Zealand and Australian plants. The fidelity of the representations and the tasteful grouping were much admired. Bud Variation im Spruce Fir.—Dr. Masters showed a fine EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. XXV!i specimen from Hampshire of a mass of densely crowded, contracted branches on the bough of a Spruce Fir—a formation analogous to the Clanbrassil Fir. It is interesting to see that this singular variety produced by bud-variation, as also from seed. Solanum Dulcamara.—The Rev. George Henslow showed a specimen of the maritime form of this species from Walmer beach, some of the leaves of which were densely clothed with hair, per- haps in consequence of the puncture of a mite (Phytoptus). Insects in Pitchers of Sarracenia.—Mr. Henslow mentioned the fact that many of the pitchers of these plants in the collection of Mr. Bull became choked with insects, which in their decay brought about the rotting of the pitcher. The fact of the larva of a dipterous insect (Sarcophaga sarracenie) making its home in these pitchers, and feeding on the insects therein entrapped, was also commented on. Destruction of Insects by Yeast.—Mr. MacLachlan called attention to a pamphlet of Dr. Hagan’s,. in which he advocates the use of yeast as an insecticide. The idea was suggested by the fungus which is so fatal to flies in autumn. Malformed foot of Ash.—Mr. Jennings showed some curious outgrowths from the roots of the Ash, which were referred to Dr. Masters to be examined and reported on. Cocoons from West Africa.—Mr. Jennings showed a curious pear-shaped felted case, which, when slit open, was found to con- tain a colony of hundreds of cocoons of a lepidopterous insect (Anaphe). Japanese Objects—A special vote of thanks was unani- mously awarded to Mr. Maries for the collection of miscellaneous objects mentioned above. XXVill PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. FEBRUARY 10, 1880. ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING, The Right Hon. Lorp ABERDARE in the Chair. Elections. Mrs. Crewse, E, 8. Dodwell, Capt. G. T. Heyworth, Frederic Josselyn, Mrs. Montagu, Mrs. Otter-Barry, Peregrine Purvis, Rochford A. Sperling, Mrs. Frances Trower, H. C. Webber and T. F. M. Williams. Medals awarded. Silver Knightian, L. A. Killick, for a collec- tion of Apples; Bronze Medal, W. Bull, for a group of Plants. The Council Room on the occasion of this meeting was rendered bright and attractive by several groups of plants, those from Messrs. Veitch, Bull, Osborn, and Cannell, being the most noticeable. Many other plants of considerable interest individually were also exhibited. The fruit also, notably Mr. Killick’s collection of Apples and old and new Grapes from Trentham, attracted consider- able attention. FLORAL COMMITTEE. Mr. Cuartes Nose in the Chair. Messrs. Veitch and Sons exhibited a group of dwarf, vigorous, and well-flowered Cyclamens, and several choice Orchids and other plants. Dendrobium splendidissimum, the result of a cross between D. heterocarpum and D. macrophyllum, was awarded a first-class certificate. The flowers are of medium size, with white sepals and petals and small labellums of an extremely rich purple tinge in the centre. D. Dominii, the result of a cross between D. nobile and D. heterocarpum, was also pretty. A first-class certificate was granted to the pretty and fragrant Daphne Blagayana; the flowers are borne in close heads, and the only disadvantage is the’ some- what loose habit of the plant. A vote of thanks was awarded for the group. A first-class certificate was also awarded for Nepenthes bicalcarata, a species from Borneo with large dark red pitchers. Mr. W. Bull staged a group of Orchids and Palms, including the extremely delicately tinted Cattleya Trianz Vesta, the bright little EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. XxXI1x Sophronites grandiflora, Cymbidium Lowianum, Odontoglossum Rossi majus, Ada aurantiaca, and Odontoglossum cirrhosum. Dendrobium luteolum was also included, a pretty species with small pale yellow flowers. The award’ of a bronze medal was recom- mended by the Committee for these plants. Mr.H. Cannell, Swanley, Kent, exhibited a group of white Primulas in 5-inch pots. Some of the plants were more than 18 inches in diameter. All were extremely luxuriant, each plant bearing a number of umbels. He also exhibited cut flowers of twenty dis- tinct varieties of Primula, some of which were very rich and clear in colour. They were stated to have been grown with Cannell’s Invigorator or food for plants. A vote of thanks was awarded. A peculiar little Primula was also shown, stated to be a hybrid between the English and the Chinese Primroses ; the flowers were small, and chiefly resembled the Chinese form. Mr. Chambers, Westlake Nursery, Spring Grove, Isleworth, was awarded a vote of thanks for a good specimen of Ccelogyne cristata bearing about fifteen spikes, each with four or five flowers. Messrs. Osborn and Son, Fulham, staged a group of plants, com- prising Lillies of the Valley, Azalea ameena, Lilacs, Polygonatums, and various Palms, chiefly Cocos Weddelliana. A vote of thanks was awarded. Mr. C. Green, gardener to Sir G. Macleay, Pendell Court, Bletchingley, received a vote of thanks for Salvia albocerulea, the upper lip of the flower being yellowish white and the lower deep blue, and for Cineraria Webbiana, a species from the Canary Islands. The outer florets of the heads were narrow, spreading, and bright purple. A similar award was accorded to Mr. Hudson, gardener to H. G. Atkinson, Esq., Guonersbury House, Acton, for cut blooms of Maranta Warscewiczii. Mr. E. Wilson, gardener to T. Farmer Hall, Esq., Effingham House, New Leatherhead, also re- ceived a vote of thanks for a fine specimen of Dendrobium chryso- toxum bearing five racemes of its beautiful yellow flowers. Mr. Rann, gardener, Handcross Park, Crawley, sent a large male cone of Encephalartos villosus about 24 feet long, also a flower spike of Dasylirion glaucum. Mr. J. Stevens, The Gardens, Trentham, exhibited a remarkably handsome specimen of Lelia anceps bear- ing ten long racemes, each having four or five large and richly XXX PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. coloured flowers near the apex of the peduncle, A cultural commendation was most deservedly awarded for the plant. The variety of Cyclamen Rosy Morn, for which a certificate was awarded to Mr. H. B. Smith, Ealing, Dean Nursery, last year, was again exhibited in good condition, and the certificate was confirmed. FRUIT COMMITTEE. Henry Wess, Esq., in the Chair. Mr. Stevens of Trentham exhibited two dishes of Black Ham- burgh Grapes, one old and the other new, and also a bunch of Madresfield Court. To preserve old Black Hamburghs till this season is a very unusual occurrence, and the Committee expressed a high opinion of Mr. Stevens’s skill. The new were of excellent flavour, good colour and remarkably well grown. The old were quite plump and richly flavoured. A cultural commendation was awarded. Messrs. Brown of Stamford sent a dish of Apples called Beauty of Barnoak, a conical striped Apple of ordinary quality. Another from the same source was Wharfland Beauty, somewhat in the style of Golden Reinette. It came up as a chance seedling in a nursery at Oakham, and though superior to the other was not in such condition as to enable the Committee to give a high character to it, and a wish was expressed to see it again next year, when the season may be more favourable for the development of its merits. Mr. John Lane, The Gardens, Oakley Park, Scole, sent a dish of Vick’s Criterion Tomato, but the fruit had been kept too long. Mr. H. A. Mann, The Gardens, St. Vincent’s, Grantham, sent a box of fifteen fine large Mushrooms of very fine quality, to which a cultural commendation was awarded. Mr. Lewis Killick of Lang- ley, near Maidstone, sent a fine collection of sixty varieties of Apples in very excellent condition, and a silver Knightian medal was awarded. SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE. Dr. Maxwert Masrers, F.R.S., in the Chair. Ash Root.—The Chairman reported that he had examined the Ash root submitted to him at a former meeting, and had found that EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. XXX1° the main cause of the deformity was attributable to the great in- crease in thickness of the corky layers of the rind. No trace of fungus had been seen. Phylloxera at the Cape.—Mr: MacLachlan stated that he had examined specimens sent from the Cape of diseased Vines, but without finding any trace of the insect. He adverted to the folly of indulging in panic, particularly where, as in this case, there was no basis for it. The Chairman remarked that it had been reported that the Cape Government had actually enacted or were about to enact a law absolutely prohibiting the importation of any living plants whatever beyond their frontier; and he suggested that the Council of the Society might be appropriately requested to take steps to urge on the Colonial Government the useless folly of such an enactment. Considerable discussion ensued, the Chairman and others giving their experience of the working of similar laws in Italy and Spain. Opinion was unanimous as to the futile character of such enactments, and as to their absurdity when applied to plants other than Vines, but as to official remonstrance on the part of the Society it was considered better to await full official information. Peach Twigs and Galvanised Wire.—Mr. Hudson, gr., Gunners- bury House, Acton, sent some shoots of Peach trees, which had apparently been injured by being tied to galvanised wire. This is a subject upon which there has been much discussion. The specimens sent were referred to Dr. Hogg and the Rev. George Henslow for examination and report. Specimens Shown.—By Mr. Rann: Flower-spike of Dasylirion glaucophyllum, and male spike of Encephalartos villosus. By Messrs. Veitch: specimens of Nepenthes bicalcarata. By Mr. Cannell: a Primrose, supposed to have originated in a cross between the English magenta-coloured hybrid Primrose and the Chinese form. The plant exhibited was of a peculiar aspect, dwarf habit, and with small flowers. Some of the petals were lilac, others deep magenta, others variously blotched and spotted. The foliage and the stems were of the character of the Chinese form. | New Species of Orocus.—Mr. Maw then read his paper on this subject, and illustrated it with numerous exquisite coloured draw- ings. The paper will appear wm extenso in the Journal of the XXXli PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Society, and is specially interesting, not only for the large number of new species described, but also for the valuable notes on struc- ture and geographical distribution by which they were accompanied, and the discrimination shown in the unravelling of the synonomy of the older and less known species. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. The Annual General Meeting of the Society was held on February 10th, the President, Lord Aberdare, in the chair. The following members of the Council were present—Sir T. Lawrence, Bart., Col. R. Trevor Clarke, Dr. Denny, Sir Charles W. Strickland, Bart., Major F. Mason, Dr. Hogg (Secretary), and Henry Webb, Esq. Treasurer). Mr. 8. Jennines, the Assistant-Secretary, read a list of names of ladies and gentlemen who were desirous of becoming Fellows of the Society, and the Chairman moved that they be elected. The minutes of the last General Meeting were then read and formally confirmed. The election of Scrutineers having been proposed, Mr. John Lee and Mr. West were duly appointed. The PREsIDENT next proposed that the Report of the Council be taken as read, which was unanimously agreed to. He then proceeded to make a few remarks upon the position of the Society. He regretted that it was not in his power to lay before the Fellows more definite information, ‘but as litigation had been commenced, the results of which were at present very uncertain, he did not feel justified in saying much concerning the matter. He reminded the meeting, however, that it was the duty of the Society in the interest of the debenture holders to retain posses- sion of the Garden as long as they could do so legally. Although it was difficult to state anything with certainty in reference to a Chancery suit, he believed it probable that a decision would be obtained during the month, after which the future course of the Society could be discussed to much better advantage. ‘The past year had been a most disastrous one for horticulturalists, and although the Council had made unusual efforts to render the shows and meetings as attractive and complete as possible, thus increasing the expenditure, yet the receipts were lower than the EXTRACTS 0 PROCEEDINGS. XXxXl1li previous year. Thus, while the Society started in the year without any serious additional incumbrances it became necessary to be as economical as possible. Notwithstanding the un- favourable weather on each occasion the conversazione and fétes proved successful, for a balance of £60 remained after paying all expenses. The receipts for the garden produce reached a very high figure during the past year—viz, £634 18s. 11d., a sum greatly in advance of that received in the previous year. As aset- off against this he referred to losses occasioned by the hailstorm, which necessitated the outlay of £140 to repair the damage; while the failing of a boiler at Kensington also increased the expenses by £120. He then briefly remarked, that even though the decision in the Chancery suit should be against the Society they might still retain a portion of the Kensington Gardens, for he believed the Commissioners were disposed to be friendly. He concluded, hoping that at the next General Meeting the affairs of the Society will be in a more settled and satisfactory state. Mr. Guepetta thought the Fellows were indebted to the Coun- cil for so courageously ‘ sticking to a sinking ship,” and strongly condemned the course taken by the Commissioners. The result of the ballot was then declared, the following gen- tlemen being elected to the Council—W. Haughton, Esq.; Sir Henry Scudamore Stanhope, Bart.; and the Rev. H. Harpur- Crewe, in place of the three retiring members, Mr. Kettocx enquired whether the Editor of the Society’s Journal really received a separate salary of £100, or whether that formed part of his salary as Assistant Secretary. Lorp ABERDARE replied that it formed part of Mr. Jennings’ regular salary. Mr. Licerns moved a vote of thanks to the Council for under- taking to protect the interests of the Society by defending a suit in Chancery, which was seconded and carried unanimously. A unanimous vote of thanks to Lord Aberdare brought the pro- ceedings to a close. | XXXIV PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Report oF THE CounciIL To THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING oF 10TH Frsruary, 1880. The Council have to report to the Fellows a continuance of interest in the operations of the Society during the past year. Notwithstanding the unfavourable weather which prevailed throughout the whole of last year, and which marred the success of the exhibitions and meetings generally, the receipts on account of these have not fallen greatly short of those of the previous year. The fortnightly meetings have been liberally supported—groups of an interesting nature, and valuable collections of fruit, vege- tables, and plants have contributed to sustain their high character; and the Council take this opportunity of acknowledging the valuable services rendered by the Scientific, Fruit, and Floral Committees, whose proceedings have been fully recorded in the Journal of the Society. The Great Show of 27th May was equal to any SE Exhibi- tion as regards merit and extent, and was honoured by the pre- sence of H.R.H. the Princess of Wales, and T.R.H. the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Crown Princes of Denmark and Sweden, the Count and Countess of Flanders, and the Duke of Teck. The Popular Show upon Whit-Monday was an improvement upon that of the previous year, the Covent Garden growers filling the grand marquée with a brilliant display of the flowering plants which are specially grown for the supply of the London markets, and in spite of the heavy rain, the number of visitors on this occasion was 8071. The Council are desirous of fostering a love of horticulture amongst the humbler classes; and deeming this one of the objects to be kept in view by the Society, they resolved to hold a show upon Whit-Monday, the 17th May next, and to postpone the competition for the cottagers’ and artisans’ prizes to the Bank Holiday, 2nd August. In compliance with a desire expressed by the Fellows, the Council held a convyersazione on the evening of Wednesday, 28th EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. XXKV May, which, in spite of the weather, was numerously attended. The tents of the Great Show and the conservatory were illumi- nated by different systems of electrical lighting, and the members of the Quekett Microscopical Club were present with their micro- scopes. ‘The success of this conversazione encouraged the Council to hold an evening féte on the 9th July, the principal features of which were the exhibition of recent scientific inventions, including Edison’s loud-speaking telephone, the phonograph, microscopes, with various other attractions. The gardens were brilliantly illuminated by electricity, and the attendance was very large. Her Majesty’s Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1851 having commenced legal proceedings in order to obtain immediate pos- session of the Gardens, the Council were advised that they were bound to use every legal means of defending the interests of the debenture holders, whose sole security for the payment of the interest on their bonds, as well as for the portion of the capital for which the property of the Commissioners was conditionally liable, would have disappeared with the termination of the lease to the Society. These proceedings are still pending. The Council cannot refrain from expressing their deep regret that the terms offered by the Commissioners some three years ago were declined by the debenture holders, a refusal which not only involved the loss of an opportunity of obtaining repayment of a portion of their capital which might not easily recur, but has compelled the Society to embark in a litigation which they would gladly have avoided could they have done so with justice to the debenture holders and with security to themselves. The Council have reason to believe that juster views of their position now prevail among the debenture holders, and that if a similar offer were repeated it would be accepted by them. Such a course would be hailed by the Council with the greatest satisfaction. They cannot but think that, whatever may be the legal rights of the debenture holders, strictly construed, their moral claim for consideration and even generous treatment by the Commissioners, on whose property their money was expended for objects warmly fostered by them and their late illustrious President, is very strong; while the ami- X3XV1 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, cable settlement of the question would greatly promote fa- vourable arrangements by the Society with the Commissioners for the use of the Gardens, or such portion of them, and of the adjoining premises, as would not be required for public purposes. The fifth volume of the Journal has been completed during the past year. Amongst the papers may be mentioned Notes by Dr. Masters, F.R.S., on ‘‘ Root Hairs and Root Growth,” and a treatise ‘On the Genus Tulipa,” by H. J. Elwes, Esq. The reports of Chiswick. trials have included Endives, Cabbages, double-flowered Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, Abutilons, and Gloxinias. The desire expressed by the Council in their last annual report, that correspondence should be opened with foreign and colonial horticulturists, has been gratified by the receipt of bulbs from Dr. Regel of St. Petersburg, of many interesting Caucasian and Central Asian Plants, and seeds from various contributors at the Cape, in America, Australia, and Van Dieman’s Land, seedlings from many of which will shortly be available for distribution amongst the Fellows. The trials by the Floral and Fruit Committees at Chiswick have been continued as usual, but owing to the unfavourable season the results have not been so satisfactory as might have been desired, especially of those carried on in the open air. A complete trial of all the varieties of summer Radishes has been made, numbering 130 samples. The Society now possesses a fine collection of Tuberous Bego- nias, many of which are hybrids raised in the Gardens by Mr. Barron, who has also been most successful in raising several new and handsome varieties of the Chinese Primrose. The violent hailstorm of August last broke upwards of one thousand panes of glass, while other necessary repairs at Chiswick have occasioned extra expenditure. The Jand on the west of the Gardens having been sold and a new road made it Site found necessay to erect a new boundary wall. The cost has been defrayed by His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, on the under- standing that one moiety shall remain as a loan to the Society at 5 per cent. interest. The expenses of the Gardens have been re- EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. XXXVil duced to a minimum, while their efficiency has been maintained under the superintendence of Mr. Barron. One of the large boilers which heats the conservatory at South Kensington, and had been worked for many years, failed during the last winter; this caused with fixing an outlay of about £120. Owing to the excessive and continuous rainfall during the past season, and the unusually low temperature which prevailed, the out-of-doors fruit crop has been very poor. Strawberries were most abundant, but litterally rotted on the ground. The crop of Grapes in the large conservatory was exceptionally good, realising about £400. The young Vines planted on the long glazed wall have grown very strong and promise well. A large number of plants growing in the rockery were killed by the severe frost of last winter, but most of them have been libe- rally replaced by Mr. Ware of Tottenham, and others; but the damage done by the frost of the present winter may prove far more serious. A list of the donors of plants, &c., is annexed to this report. The cordial thanks of the Council are tendered to them for their much-appreciated contributions. Great attention has been paid during the past year to the dis- tribution of plants and seeds amongst the Fellows of the Society. The number of plants distributed has amounted to 10,250 ; cuttings of plants, fruit trees, and Strawberry runners, 2300 bundles; packets of seeds 44,730, being double the amount of the previous year. The Council regret that owing to the great scarcity of all kinds of seeds, caused by the wet and cold of the past autumn, the dis- tribution during the coming season must necessarily be limited; but a very large stock of plants is being prepared, particulars of which, with form of application, will be furnished in the next number of the Society’s Journal. A new railway station on the Metropolitan and District Railway has recently been opened at Acton Green, within four minutes’ walk of the Gardens. Trains run every half-hour. The entrance to the Garden is now removed to Sutton Court Road, adjoining the Vestry Hall, Turnham Green. XXXV1ll PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. The Council are glad to observe the continued success of the numerous floricultural societies which have been established in various parts of the kingdom, many of which have associated themselves with the Society, and report that of all the prizes offered by them the Society’s silver and bronze medals appear to be most appreciated. The Council also note with satisfaction the progress which is being effected by associations which have taken various branches of floriculture under their especial care, such as the ‘‘ Rose,” the ‘¢ Pelargonium,” the ‘‘ Auricula,” and the ‘‘ Carnation” Societies, and some others. They will be glad to co-operate with such socie- ties, and afford them all facilities for holding their various exhi- bitions in conjunction with the ordinary meetings of the Society. During the past year 238 free monthly tickets have been issued to students in the science and art schools, with permission to sketch in the Gardens and conservatory. The Society has lost during the past year forty-seven Fellows by death and ninety-two by resignation. 149 new Fellows have been elected during the year. The roll of Fellows now consists of — 837 Life Fellows. 430 Fellows paying £4 4s. annually. 772 - - £2 2s. a BaLANcE SHEET, 31st DEcEMBER, 1879. Dr. £s da To Sundry Creditors on open Account .. ve 401 12 0O », Life Composition Account x an 1502 17 5 5, Additional Debenture (C. J. Freake) ) me 5000 0 0 », Legacy received from the late Miss Parry .. 90. 0 0 ,, General Revenue Account—Balance carried forward, 840 18 8 2 £7835 8 EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. XXxix Cr. 2s; di, By Capital Fe oe ia ats ats 7141 18 2 5, Annual Subscriptions—Outstanding ‘Be 3845 9 O », Sundry Debtors—Garden Produce .. 116 14 6 On Open Account, 65 18 11 182 13 5 », Investment—3 per cent. Consols—£100 (Legacy Invested) .. es ee oe 95 2 6 », Cash at Bankers ie ee te - 692100 », Petty Cash in hand .. re oo, eee ennai SLT: , Canee £7885 § 2 We have examined the above Accounts with the Books and Vouchers, and find the same correct, Joun LEr, Jas. F. West, Auditors. R. A. ASPINALL, January 22nd, 1880. Samu. JEnNiNGs, Ass, Sec. AnnvAL REVENUE AccoUNT FoR THE YEAR ENDED 81st Dec., 1879. EXPENDITURE. To Establishment Expenses— £ oad, & a. ¢. Salaries a ow G64 obi 52 Wages ee oe 236 12 10 Printing, Stationery, and Cards, 216 14 5 Postages ee ae 53 18 10 Gai as a oe 23 5 9 Miscellaneous .. a y {i ae oe . - 1153 15 5 » Special Hxpenses in relation to Horticultwre— Journal ,. ie ss 150. 16 49 Fruit and Floral Committees ., 72 2 4 Editor of the Journal ae 100 0-6 Plant and Seed distribution .. 126 13 4 Grants in aid ae aid 380 0 0 479 11 § xl PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. To Chiswick Garden Hxpenses— Rent, Rates, Taxes, and Insurance, 267 11 6 Labour .. oe ee Implements, Manure, &. .. Coal and Coke at os Repairs e. a; ee Trees, Plants, Seeds, &c. i Superintendent’s Salary id Water --<6 A Fi8 269 14 4 935 7 0 8813: 0 25 0 0 9619 8 1616 0 183 11 2 £ 3s a. 2088 16 1 1516 5 2 348,15 6 i6i1 2 2 322 3 3 £7520 8 0 EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. xli Income. £ 8. d, By One-fifteenth Life Compositions as at Ist January, 633 10 0 », Annual Subscriptions .. Ps ie 38852 9 0 », Exhibitions .. | ee oe 1012 6 8 ») -Promenades