334 THE GARDENER. [July 



then read a most interesting and able paper on the " Physiology of 

 Plants and Animals," tracing many of the relations that exist between 

 the two kingdoms of nature. The general action of the animal king- 

 dom in oxidising carbonaceous substances with formation of carbonic 

 acid gas, and the reducing of this in the green parts of plants under 

 the influence of sunlight, were experimentally illustrated under this 

 head. Mr Young spoke at length on the "blue glass" question, 

 showing that it had no scientific basis whatever ; that, in fact, the 

 work of many eminent botanists had proved the retarding effect of 

 the blue rays on growth ; and further, that the yellow rays of light 

 were the most effective in decomposition and assimilation. The paper 

 was illustrated by several experiments performed by Mr Frank Collyer. 

 An interesting discussion followed on this "blue glass" question, 

 the general conclusion of the practical gardeners present bearing out 

 what Mr Young had demonstrated — namely, that the blue glass, so far 

 as had come under their observation, in no way assisted or perfected 

 the growth of plants. Hearty votes of thanks were awarded the 

 several speakers, and the meeting terminated. 



NOTICE OF BOOK. 



A Manual of the Contferj?;. James Veitch k Sons, Royal Exotic 

 Nursery, King's lioad, Chelsea, London. 



This work is quite worthy of the firm who have produced and published it. 

 Merely to recapitulate the plan of the work will show that, if well carried out — 

 as it certainly is — it cannot fail to be a popular and most useful work. Part 1 

 is a general review of the Coniferous orders. It contains a brief description of 

 Coniferous wood, the organs of fructification and vegetation, the secretions, 

 economic properties, diseases and accidents, the distribution of the Conifera? 

 ov^er the globe, and lastly, the scientific arrangement and nomenclature as given 

 by the most eminent botanists who have studied the order. Part 2 contains 

 a synopsis of general species and varieties suitable for cultivation in Great 

 Britain. Part 3 contains lists of the species and varieties suitable for the 

 different purposes for which Conifers are planted, with hints as to their 

 treatment. It is abundantly manifest in every page of the book that it has 

 been executed with the greatest care and a minute knowledge of the subject. 

 The information is given in a thoroughly handy form. Numerous well-ex- 

 ecuted woodcuts and illustrations add much to the interest of the volume, 

 which should be in the hands of all interested either practically or scientifi- 

 cally in Coniferous trees. 



'9-S>^^^S-<-(B 



