M 



A considerable discussion did arise upon it of a general nature, in which 

 many gentlemen took part. Numerous instances of ligbtning-struck trees were 

 mentioned, and the liability of certain kinds of trees to be struck in preference 

 to others was also brought forward. The most practical observation was perhaps 

 the one named by Mr. Hereford, that the trees in certain districts were much 

 more liable to be struck than those of other districts, and as an example he said 

 that tha^rees in the neighbourhood of the Moor, near Hereford, had almost all 

 been stnick at one time or other, the poplar and elm trees in particular. 

 The district lies low. and until recently presented a considerable space of 

 undrained land about it. 



Speaker after speaker called in question the opinion offered in the 

 paper as to the mode in which the effects were produced on the "WTiitfield 

 tree, and the general feeling of the meeting was well expressed by the Presi- 

 dent, who said that the wonderful powers of the electricity was shewn equally 

 whether the objects struck were organic or inorganic, whether it might be a 

 tree, or a chiu-ch steeple, and therefore the ingenious explanation offered by 

 Mr. Gray, failing any positive proof as it did, that steam had actually been 

 generated, could not be considered either as satisfactory in itself, or as necessary 

 to explain the results produced. 



Dr. Bull distributed roots of the Asarabacca {Asarum Europeum) from 

 Deerfold Forest to all who wished for them. 



The Kev. E. H. Williams then exhibited some plants which he had brought 

 from Somersetshire, which were all more or less interesting. The Plantago 

 Coronopus, Bucks-horn Plantain, common by the sea-side ;. the Iris feet idigsima. 

 Stinking Iris, a very local plant, but not uncomiaon in the South-West counties. 

 It grows freely at Breinton camp, near Hereford, The Smyrnium Olitstrum, 

 or Alexanders, which is generally found in the neighbourhood of Roman encamp- 

 ments, and is supposed to have been introduced as a pot herb by the common 

 soldiers ; the Lathijrus Niuolia, the crimson grass-leaved vetchling ; the Vicia 

 gracilis, the slender many seeded tare, a very rare plant ; and Anlhyllis vulne- 

 raria, Ladies' fingei-s, or Lamb-toe. 



" The yellow Lamb-toe I have often got, 

 Sweet creeping o'er the banks in sunny time." 



This plant forms an excellent pasture for sheep, who are very fond of it, and 

 has been strongly recommended for cultivation. It is well worthy of it. 



There were some other plants, but time was up, and the short walk to 

 the station ended a very enjoyable day's excursion. * 



