144, Botanical Society of Edinburgh. 
time the specimens occupy, when laid out, a space from six to nine 
inches in diameter. Specimens were also exhibited of B. moniliforme, 
stagnale and proliferum from Ayrshire, the latter two being consi- 
dered by Mr. Thomson as forms of the first depending on situation. 
Mr. Thomson corroborated Mr. Berkeley’s observations on the 
capsular fructification of Chetophora tuberculosa, and exhibited a 
series of specimens connecting this species with C. elegans, of which 
he considered it the mature state, enlarging, softening, and breaking 
down, by the imbibition of water, for the escape of the spores from 
its ripe capsules. He exhibited a number of other beautiful speci- 
mens of freshwater Algze. 
3. “On peculiar Cells found in the Style and other parts of cer- 
tain species of Grevillea, Banksia, Manglesia, and other Proteacee,” 
by Spencer Cobbold, Esq. The author mentioned the occurrence, in 
the stem, leaves, floral envelopes, and fruit of various Proteacee, of 
certain peculiar cells, which in their simplest stage of development 
are transparent, fusiform, and of variable size, but generally much 
larger than the cells composing all other tissues of the same organ, 
and containing in their interior cellules of various colours, and a 
nucleus attached to or bulging out from the cell-wall. He considered 
that whatever be the function of these bodies, there is one special 
end to which they seem destined, viz. the formation of peltate hairs, 
which occur in great abundance over nearly all the organs of some of 
the species examined. 
4. “On the Plants used for forming Hedges and Fences in 
Southern India,” by H. Cleghorn, M.D., H.E.1.C.8. The author 
adverted to the remarkable prevalence of thorny shrubs and prickly 
plants in the flora of the Peninsula; where they are a continual an- 
noyance to the traveller, and a frequent cause of admission into hos- 
pital—especially during the hotter months, when the leaves having 
dropped off, the spines are left bare and exposed. Notwithstanding 
the abundant provision for the extensive diffusion of hedges and 
fences, it is universally admitted that the bleak and barren tracts 
stand pre-eminently in need of these appliances, for the development 
and preservation of their agricultural resources, which suffer from the 
depredations of wild animals and stray cattle. 
He exhibited drawings of Opuntia Dillenii, Haw., prickly pear ; 
Agave cantula, Rox., aloe (with a sample of its fibres used for cordage) ; 
Luphorbia tirucalli, L., milk bush, and L. antiquorum, L. These, 
with the bamboo, are commonly employed in the enclosures of South- 
ern India. 
Cesalpinia sepiaria, Rox., Mysore thorn, is invested with histo- 
rical interest, Hyder Ali having encircled the village fortifications 
with this plant. The fences are handsome and almost impenetrable. 
This, with Pterolobium lacerans, R. Br., and other species, seems 
worthy of general introduction, and grows rapidly from seeds. 
Capparis sepiaria, L., forms an excellent hedge round Shikarpoor. 
Trophis aspera, Retz., is well adapted for the same purpose from its 
ramous branches and rigid character. Acacia latronum, Willd., was 
also pointed out, aptly designated by Willdenow Frutex horridissimus. 
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