104 SIXTH REPORT — 1836. 



Abstract of a Paper on Alcyonella Stagnorum. By Tuomas Pridgik 

 Teale, of Leeds. 



In this paper it was stated that from August to November, 1835, the 

 Alcyonella was found in great abundance in a pond near Leeds, having 

 never previously been observed in that district. It occurred in masses 

 of considerable size, incrusting stones, leaves, twigs, earthenware, &c. 

 'I'he author described the anatomical peculiarities of the polype, digest- 

 ive apparatus, and reproductive system. 



The paper was illustrated by drawings, and numerous specimens, and 

 preparations in spirit. 



A more detailed account of the structure, habits, and literary history 

 of this zoophyte was read by Mr. Teale before the Leeds Philosophical 

 and Literary Society, and is published in the fasciculus of Transactions 

 of that Society. 



The animal was supposed to be new to Great Britain, unless it be 

 proved, as maintained by Raspail, that Plumatella and Cristatella are 

 varieties of Alcyonella. 



Mr. Mackay read a communication he had received from John Nut- 

 tall, Esq., of Tittour, county of Wicklow, " On the management of 

 the Pine tribe," in which he stated that having observed almost all the 

 plants of Pinus sylvestris and other species, when planted in a light clay 

 slate soil on exposed situations, grow too rapidly, or out of proportion to 

 their rooting, and thereby became wind-waved, and that those which by 

 accident had lost their leaders took a strong hold of the ground, he 

 commenced a series of experiments as follows. In the spring, when 

 the buds were fully developed, he went over those that were suiFer- 

 ing from the foregoing causes, and broke off all the buds except those 

 on short branches. By this process their upward growth is checked for 

 a year, the trunk increases in bulk, and the plant roots much more freely 

 than if the shoots had been allowed to grow. New buds are formed 

 during the summer, and in the following spring these plants present the 

 most vigorous aspect. 



The larch he cuts down to a strong lateral branch, on the windward 

 side, when possible. These soon begin to spread their roots, increase 

 in size similarlj', and ultimately become choice trees. In some instances 

 he has cut them down a second time, when he found it necessary, and 

 vnth. equally good effect. 



On a new and scandent Species of the Norantia, or Ascium of Guiana. 

 By John Hancock, M.D. 

 This species of Ascium, which constitutes a remarkable and splendid 

 climber (' Bush rope,') in the forests of Guiana, was minutely de« 

 scribed. 



Notice of Experiments, now in progress at Oxford, on the Effects pro- 

 duced by Arsenic on Vegetation. By C. Daubeny, M.D., ProfessoroJ 

 Botany, Oxford. 

 Dr. Daubeny was led to undertake these experiments from having 



