90 REPORT—1846. 
which perfectly confirmed M. Zander’s statement as to the first point, but sug- 
gested that many experiments must be made in various places and under various 
circumstances, before it can be certainly said, that potatoes raised in this way would 
resist and escape the disease, though he expressed his hope and expectation that 
they would. 
On proposed Substitutes for the Potato. 
By T. D. Morriss-Stiriine, F.RSLE. 
The Jerusalem artichoke, Scorzonera, and plants containing starch in their roots, 
were proposed; and as a means of improving the potato plant itself, it was suggested 
that hybrid plants should be produced between the Solanum tuberosum and some 
hardy species of Solanum, such as the Solanum nigrum. 
Dr. Lankester exhibited the woody fibres of the Lavatera arborea which had been 
sent to the Section by Capt. Peterson through Capt. Ibbetson; with the suggestion 
that it might be of use in the arts and manufactures of the country. This plant 
grows abundantly on some spots in the Isle of Wight, and could probably be easily 
cultivated, ; 
On the Development of Cells. By A. Henrrey, F.L.S. 
The author believed that in all cases these were developed from a folding-in of 
the primordial utricle. He was inclined to regard the evidence hitherto produced 
of the production of cells from cytoblasts as inconclusive. He did not think that 
the cytoblasts were the efficient cause of the development of the new cells; but 
that their presence in certain cases of multiplication of cells by division had led 
Muller, Schleiden and others to a misconception of their function. The cytoblast 
is usually present at an early period of cell-life and of the full size; and cell-division 
takes place, or commences, at an epoch when the cytoblast completely fills that 
portion of the primordial utricle which is about to form a new cell. When the 
utricle expands to form a cell, the cytoblast remains either on its walls or free in the 
cavity. We have here an appearance simulating the development of membranes 
from a cytoblast as described by Schleiden; and it is probable that these appearances 
have given rise to Schleiden’s theory. 
Comparison of the Periods of the Flowering of Plants in the early Spring of 
1846, in the Botanic Garden of Belfust, and the Jardin des Plantes at 
Paris. By W. THompson*. 
The comparison showed that the same species flowered much earlier at Belfast 
than at Paris; though at the latter locality the spring of 1846 was the earliest of the 
last forty years. It was suggested that returns of this kind from the Botanic Gardens 
of the United Kingdom, and these again compared with similar catalogues from the 
public gardens on the continent, would possess much interest in various points of 
view. 
Notes on additions to the Flora of Ireland. By W. Tuompson. 
A few species of phenogamic and cryptogamic plants were noticed as additions to 
the flora of Ireland, and specimens exhibited. The phanogamic species were chiefly 
collected by Mr. D. Orr, foreman in the Belfast Botanic Garden. 
ns 
Notice of the Shea Butter-Tree growing in Africa. By J. F. Duncan. 
This tree was first discovered by Mungo Park. It produces from its seeds a 
quantity of oily matter, which is used by the natives as butter. It is as hard as 
tallow, and may be used for making it. Some candles made of the oily secretion 
* Published in detail in the Annals of Natural History for April 1847. 
