Mat 1892.] THE BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH. 431 



Xanthosia rotundifolia, and cut blooms of Ehododendron 

 Nuttalii. 



The following papers were read : — 



On a Germinating Apparatus. By A. K M' Alpine, 

 B.Sc. 



The author exhibited a germinating apparatus made by 

 Mr Duncan M'Laren, Bread Street, Edinburgh, constructed as 

 follows : — There is first a wooden frame 3 ft. long by 2 ft. 

 broad, and 2|- ft. or 30 in. high, standing on four legs, and en- 

 closed all round half-way down with wood ; into this is fitted 

 a trough or tank holding 22 galls, water, and fitted with a well 

 in the centre, 12 inches in diameter and 3 inches in depth, 

 with a copper bottom — while through the tank run six pipes 

 or tubes, 1|- diameter, three from each end, and with two 

 openings on each tube, one opening at end of tube and the 

 other 8 inches from the end — both outlets above the water — 

 and through these pipes the fresh cold air is admitted ; but 

 passing through the tubes lying in the hot water, the air is 

 delivered at whatever temperature is desired. All round the 

 upper edge of this tank runs a half-round rone, filled also 

 with water, and in which the frame or top part of the 

 germinator stands, and, being in water, is air-tight. The 

 frame is straight up at each end, and slopes to 8 inches at 

 the top, and is surmounted with a piece of perforated zinc, 

 in the form of a door, through which the seeds are put 

 in and taken out. The sides of this frame are fitted with 

 glass, so that anyone can see what is going on inside without 

 opening the case. A grating lies on the top of the tank, 

 above the open water and air outlets, and this grating is 

 covered with felt, on which the seeds, on strips of blotting- 

 paper, are laid. Into the side of the well, at the bottom of 

 the tank, is fitted a stop-cock, with a tube-filler, so that you 

 can keep the tank filled with water without disturbing the 

 seed, or to empty the tank if required ; and underneath this 

 well is fitted a Bunsen, of peculiar construction, with a N"o. 

 Cockspur Jet, the smallest jet made — yet, this small burner 

 is sufficient to keep the 22 galls, water steady at 70° Fahr., 

 at less than Id. per week. 



