other, as well as the bud, six, so that this last may be regarded as 

 the normal number. 



The following are the name and characters of this new genus. 

 Catophractes. Calyx spathaceus, hinc fissus, inde 6-dentatus. Corolla 



infundibuliformis : limbo 6-lobo, patenti, aequali. Stamina 6, raro 7. 



subasqualia, exserta. Anther arum loculi paralleli, e medio sursum con- 



nati. Ovarium abbreviatum, conicum, biloculare 2 

 Frutex (namaquensis) erectus, spinosus. Folia fasciculata, simplicia, 



serrata. Flores laterales, suhsessiles, speciosi, albi. 

 Sp. 1 . C. Alexandri. 



Read, " An Account of a species of Lepidosperma, from Tasman's 

 Peninsula, Van Diemen's Land." By Dr. Lhotsky. Communicated 

 by Prof. Don, Libr. L.S. 



This species is nearly allied to the Lepidosperma elatior of Labil- 

 lardiere, and is remarkable for the great length of its leaves, varying 

 from 10 to 15 and even 20 feet. A specimen exhibited to the meet- 

 ing had the leaf upwards of 13 feet long. It was discovered by 

 Dr. Lhotsky in Tasman's Peninsula, Van Diemen's Land, growing 

 in a dense jungle, through which its long slender leaves contrive to 

 penetrate. It is termed " Cutting Grass," and like the other spe- 

 cies of this Cyperaceous genus is characterized by the sharp edges 

 of its leaves, whicli inflict wounds on the unwary traveller who 

 happens to pass the plant hastily. 



December 4. 

 Edward Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. 



G. E. Dennes, Esq., Vine Street, Golden Square ; R. G. Holland, 

 Esq., Surgeon, Sheffield; and Henry Laxton, Esq., Parliament 

 Street, were elected Fellows of the Society. 



Read, " Observations on the Anatomical and Physiological Na- 

 ture of Ergot in certain Grasses." By E. J. Queckett, Esq., F.L.S. 



Having had the opportunity of examining the formation of the 

 ergot in several grasses, the author has endeavoured to trace the 

 cause and origin of this singular formation on them, and particularly 

 on Elymus sabulosus. 



It was found, that when a grain of the grass was to be replaced by 

 an ergot, it presented before the period of expansion of the flower a 

 singular mildewed appearance. This, when examined microsco- 

 pically, was seen to consist of filaments, at whose base were myriads 



