LITWEAN SOCIETY OF LONDON. 7 



recognized only in Norway and Sweden ; likewise Ranunculus 

 Flammula showing reversion of the var. radicans to type, as 

 described in ' Journal of Botany ' for December 1887. 



Dr. Day exhibited specimens of Poor-Cod. 



Prof. H. Marshall Ward exhibited specimens of the root- 

 tubercles of Podocarpus, and made the following observations 

 thereon: — Some time ago the author received specimens of roots 

 of P. andina furnished with peculiar tubercular outgrowths. 

 Investigation of these and of the roots of various species oiPodo- 

 carpus growing at Kew showed tljat in nearly all the species of 

 the genus the roots are provided with spheroidal tubercles, at 

 first sight very like those observed on the roots of Leguminosae. 

 The author finds, however, that although they are, like these, due 

 to the action of a fungus, they are not only morphologically 

 different structures, but the fungus with which they are infested 

 is very diff"erent in character. The tubercles have been examined 

 especially in the two species P. andina and P. elongata, and 

 several diflerences can be made out in these, as well as in others 

 not yet so carefully investigated. 



The tubercles are about 1 millim. in diameter, and are developed 

 in two longitudinal rows on the roots, arising iu the same plane 

 as the normal lateral rootlets, and with the same reference to 

 the diarch vascular bundles of the central cylinder. The origin, 

 mode of development, and structure of the tubercles prove that 

 they are morphologically of the nature of lateral roots, the growth 

 in length of which is arrested. 



The tubercles as well as the parent roots are infested with a 

 fungus which attacks them from the exterior, bores through the 

 epidermis and cortex, and is able to pass on from ro(jtlet to 

 tubercle. The fungus is intracellular, aud presents mauy points 

 of resemblance to certain species of Pi/thium, but differs in im- 

 portant characters also. It develops reproductive organs in the 

 interior of the cells, and its action causes the partial arrest of 

 the growth of the tissues, which results in the formation of the 

 spheroidal tubercles. 



The only observer known to have examined the tubercles is 

 Balbiani (Malpighia, 1887, pj). 474-477), who makes no mention 

 of the fungus, and regards the tubercles as bodies for the storage 

 of water. The author sees no reason to suppose that this sugges- 

 tion meets the case, and is at present content to point out the 

 relations of the fungus to the tubercles and roots, reserving any 

 opinion as to po.'^sible functions until his researches are further 

 advanced. 



Mr. E. A. Eolfe, A.L.S., exhibited specimens of hybrid Orchids, 

 both wild aud the same raised artificially. 



Dr. Prior showed fresh Bellotas, the Spanish edible acorns, of 

 this year's crop. 



