49 
the Cape night stock, xycterinia capensis, was of a delicate primrose 
colour, and covered with minute rounded granulations. 
Perhaps the most interesting group was the Caryophyllacee, the 
_ Pink family, some of the finest examples of which might be found 
among our English wild plants, such as the catchflies, chickweeds, 
stitchworts, campions, and soapworts, one of the most beautiful being 
the ragged robin. 
Other families would supply beautiful objects; one must not be 
forgotten, the Orchids, which had been compared to gold coins in silk 
purses. With the exception of those which might be viewed as trans- 
parent objects, the rest should be mounted dry. 
He had brought down between one and two hundred different 
kinds for examination, which he proposed should be arranged, under 
the microscope in groups, for comparison of the different families. 
Mr. T. CURTIES, of Holborn, had sent him down, for distribution 
among the members, two dozen packets of seeds, interesting as micro- 
scopic objects. He proposed to distribute them later in the evening, 
and felt sure they would join in a cordial vote of thanks to Mr. 
Curties. This was done by acclamation. 
Dr. HALLIFAX mentioned the facility with which those who had 
paid attention to seeds could separate not only those closely allied, but 
even hybrids. 
Mr. SEWELL enquired whether seeds required drying ma heat to 
_ prevent their moulding. 
Mr. WONFOR stated that all that was necessary was to gather 
_ them dry and make sure they were free from moisture when mounted. 
_ Many of those he had brought down for exhibition had been mounted 
_ ten years. 
Mr. HENNAH said he would vouch for the truth of Mr. Wonfor’s 
assertions, for, looking at the seeds he had brought down, a greater 
3 part were mounted by Mr. Wonfor, and were dated 1863. 
: The meeting then became a conversazione, when Messrs. HENNAH, 
_W. H. Smiru, F. E. SAwyER, SEWELL, R. GLAISYER, WONFOR, 
and Dr. HALLIFAX exhibited seeds, the latter gentleman showing 
; "some of his admirable sections. 
