169 



May 28, 1849. 

 J. B. YATES, Esq., in the Chair. 



Mr. Waldie exhibited some cones of the Pinus Araucaria, 

 from Concepcion, Chili, which are used as food by the Abori- 

 ginal inhabitants. Many of the scales are developed to a 

 considerable size at their small extremity, and contain a nut, 

 or seed, which is enveloped in a distinct membrane. Mrs. 

 Somerville says that the fruit of one tree will feed 12 persons 

 for 12 months. 



The following letter from Mr. Smith was read by the 

 secretary, it was accompanied by a section which is appended 

 to the end of the present volume, and by specimens of the 

 different parts described : — 



Spring Bank, 26th May, 1849. 

 My dear Sir, 



I have repeated my observations upon the section 

 of the Bidston Marsh, now making, in consequence of some 

 works in connection with the Birkenhead Docks ; and I have 

 now to request you will lay them before the society at its next 

 meeting, as, I regret to say, I am unavoidably compelled to 

 be absent. 



The section in question is made by a canal or drain about 

 twelve or fourteen feet deep, which extends from the Poulton 

 and Bidston road, in a north-westerly direction, across the 

 marsh for about a "mile and a quarter, towards Leasowes 

 lighthouse. 



The accompanying diagram (see plate 7) will serve to 

 illustrate my remarks, and, I trust, render them intelligible 

 to the society. 



