39 
involuted margin. A peculiar aromatic odour was given off from 
the growth much resembling Cinnamon or Aniseed. Sections 
had been made of a nodule or reproductive bud and were placed 
under the microscope. In this way the outer investing membrane 
was shown, having within a lighter grey cellular structure, 
representing the active germinal tissue of the fungus, arising from 
a darker more striated tissue, the mycelial or matrix structure. 
On another slide Mr. Waymouth Reid, who had made these 
sections, had collected some of the spores. These were of an 
oblong oval form and of a red colour. The fungus belonged to the 
order Agaracini, but the genus and species had not been clearly 
determined, though many of its characters pointed to the genus 
Lentinus. 
Mr. Reid also exhibited some specimens of Cyathus and 
Geaster to illustrate points mentioned in a previous communication. 
IV.—Salt Spray—sy Cart. McDaxin. 
NOVEMBER I, 1882. 
Captain McDakin drew attention to the salt spray carried 
inland by the late heavy gale from the south-west. This was 
determined by sweeping with cotton-wool, the rain as it fell off 
the windows facing the direction of the wind. The wet wool was 
then washed in distilled water, which on becoming clear gave an 
abundant deposit with nitrate of silver, showing the presence in 
quantity of chloride of sodium (common salt) in the rain. The 
wool had been previously washed in distilled water and tested for 
chlorides to guard against a chance of error. It is almost needless 
to remind the members of the E. K. N. H.8., that the place of the 
experiment is fifteen miles from the sea coast at Folkestone. These 
experiments show that the inhabitants of Canterbury must be 
frequently favoured with sea air without the inconvenience of 
leaving home. 
V.—Cleistogamic Flowers—Cou. Horstey. 
DECEMBER 5, 1883. 
Colonel Horsley exhibited some Cleistogamic flowers of the 
Sweet William, Dianthus barbatus, natural order Caryophyllacez. 
These flowers neither secrete nectar nor emit any odour. From 
their small size, as well as from the Corolla being rudimentary, 
they are singularly inconspicuous. Consequently insects do not 
visit them, and if they did they could not find an entrance. Such 
flowers are therefore invariably self-fertilized, yet they produce an 
abundant seed. 
V1.— Quartz and Flint—sy Cartain McDaxin. 
JANUARY 7, 1884. 
Captain McDakin exhibited by means of polarised light, the 
remarkable difference between quartz and flint, with the view of 
