PROCEEDINGS. xlv 



or nearly the quantity, of rain that would fall upon the space 

 covered by the pot, and to conduct it upon the plant. In short, 

 the advantages to be derived from my invention are — 1. It will 

 stand perpendicular in its natural position, no tilting being 

 required. 2. By merely putting it gently on the ground, or 

 by pressing it more or less into the ground, the supply of air 

 can be either regulated or excluded altogether. 3. The con- 

 cavity at the top will receive either rain or artificial watering, 

 and shower it on the plant and soil without exposing the gardener 

 to the trouble of removing the shades." Two models were 

 shown, one without a top, the other with a top perforated with 

 small holes and surrounded by a rim. The fault of the first was 

 stated to be, that it permitted radiation from the soil at night to 

 go on about as freely as if the plant was exposed ; and that of 

 the latter, that while it allowed water to pass through the top, 

 it kept its inmate nearly as dark as under a common flower-pot. 

 Instead of fixed perforated tops, or no top at all, it was suggested 

 that moveable lids should be used, and then it was thought the 

 contrivance might be an improvement on the common flower-pot 

 for purposes of shading. 



IV.— NOVELTIES FROM THE SOCIETY'S GARDEN. 



A Diplacus raised from Californian seeds. It proves to be a 

 very distinct and handsome kind, with large showy buff flowers 

 shaded with salmon. 



The following proposed alteration in the by-laws was read a 

 first time : — " The Council hereby give notice that they propose 

 to substitute for Chapter 8, Article 1, of the present by-laws, 

 namely, ' The number of honorary members shall not at any time 

 exceed five,' the following words : — ' The number of honorary 

 members shall not at any time exceed ten.' " 



v.— BOOKS PRESENTED. 



The Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society, No. 30. From the Society. 

 The Garden Companion for May. From the Publishers. 

 Transactions of the Zoological Society, Vol. IV. Part 2. From the Society. 

 Bombay Meteorological Observations for 1847, and Singapore Meteorological Observations 

 for 1841-1845. From the Hon. the Court of Directors of the East India Company. 



June 12, 1852. (Garden Exhibition.) 



This was universally admitted to be one of the best Midsummer 

 fetes which has ever been held under the auspices of the Society. 

 Plants displaying the most perfect cultivation were furnished in 

 the greatest profusion and variety ; and fruit was plentiful and 



VOL. VII. e 



