340 Horticultural Society. 



from those generally constructed, is in its having a double 

 groove for the sash to slide in. When the forcing of vines is 

 over, the sash is withdrawn from the upper groove, and inserted 

 ii the under one, by which means the vine is put out of doors, 

 and the forcing of other matters in the frame goes on. 



Amongst a brilliant shew of flowers and fruits were fine 

 specimens of grapes, sent from the garden of Benjamin Ben- 

 yon, esq., M. P., of Haughton Hall, near ShifFnal. A 

 branch of the Loquas, in fruit, was sent by Earl Powis, from his 

 garden at Powis Castle, Montgomeryshire. 



At the fu'st meeting in June several interesting papers were 

 read, particularly one on the steam-pits, erected by Count Zubow 

 at St. Petersburg, by Dr. Fisher, inspector of the botanic garden 

 at Gorinki, near Moscow, a foreign member of this society. 

 These pits are for the general purposes of forcing, but more 

 particularly for pines ; they are filled with earth instead of 

 tan, and are heated by passing a perforation steam-pipe through 

 a reservoir of water, occupying the whole space beneath the pit, 

 and the water being heated by this means, communicates its 

 heat to the eartli above, through perforated planks, and raises 

 it to a high temperature ; and it retains its heat so well that 

 the fire may be discontinued for some days without injury to the 

 plants. 



A communication from Dr. Hill was read on the use of 

 oxygen gas in the growth of plants. Dr. Hill has proved by 

 frequent experiments, that water impregnated with oxygen gas 

 applied to the roots of plants in a feeble state of growth will 

 rapidly effect a change, and produce luxuriant vegetation. 



An official letter was read from Dr. Wallick, superintendent 

 of the botanic garden at Calcutta, and a foreign corresponding 

 member of the society, addressed to C. Lushington, esq., secre- 

 tary of government at Calcutta, and communicated to the 

 society by order of the directors ; stating, that he had, in con- 

 sequence of the instructions of the court of directors, taken such 

 steps to collect plants and seeds in the interior of India for 

 the Horticultural Society, as led him to hope for the most 

 benchcial results. The letter was accompanied by a list of a 



