236 Botanical Society of Edinburgh, 



Menyanthes trifoliata .... Duddingstone Loch. 



Equisetum limosum Ditto. 



Ranunculus aquatilis Dunsappie Loch. 



Potamogeton densus Ditto. 



Char a vulgaris Ditto. 



The author has also confirmed the presence of iodine in the fol- 

 lowing plants, in which it had been previously found by other ob- 

 servers ; the specimens, however, are from diiferent localities : — 



Iris pseud-acorus Duddingstone. 



Phragmites communis Ditto. 



And in the ashes of coal. 



As having some connexion with the subject treated of, the author 

 intimated that he had obtained distinct indications of the presence of 

 bromine in the crude potashes. It is unfortunate that our tests for 

 bromine are so much inferior in delicacy to those of iodine, that it is 

 necessary to operate upon very large quantities before the tests are 

 distinct. There is no doubt that from its presence in trees, it will be 

 found in greater abundance in the more succulent plants ; but the 

 few trials yet made have been unsuccessful in determining its presence 

 in any but the crude Canadian and American potashes. 



The experiments (excepting those pursued in the open air) were 

 conducted in the laboratory of Dr. George Wilson, to whom the 

 author feels deeply indebted for the kind manner in which he has 

 afforded him every assistance in his power during the whole course 

 of the investigation. 



3. Dr. Balfour read the following letter by Mr. Richard Fryer to 

 Dr. Pappe of Cape Town, relative to a case of poisoning by the 

 bulbs of Homcria collina, specimens of which were exhibited to the 

 meeting : — 



** On perusing your ' Flora Capensis Medica,' the circumstance 

 stated at page 26 of the poisonous effects of the bulb of the * Cape 

 Tulip,' brought to my recollection a dreadful accident which occurred 

 in Hantam, in this district, many years ago, and, as I was called 

 upon at the time in a judicial way to examine some of the bodies and 

 take evidence upon the causes of death, I can vouch for the accuracy 

 of what I shall here relate. It appears that one of the shepherds of 

 a farmer residing there, brought home in the evening a bundle of 

 bulbs, which the Dutch call ' Mutjes' ; that towards dusk these were 

 put under the ashes to roast, and when the other servants assembled 

 in the kitchen they were taken out and eaten amongst them ; the 

 party consisting of three hottentots, two women, and one male slave. 

 About half an hour after they had partaken of them they were all 

 seized with dreadful nausea, followed shortly afterwards by severe 

 vomiting, and a speedy prostration of strength. The farmer being 

 called, ascertained immediately, from some of the bulbs still uncon- 

 sumed, that they had been eating the * Homeria collina,' of the yel- 

 low sort * Wilde Dagga.' Sweet oil, milk, and everything thought 

 good were immediately administered, but before midnight the three 

 hottentots and one woman had died in excruciating agonies. The 



