xlii Proceedings of the Botanical Society 



The following Comniunications wore rend : — 



I, Valedictory Address by Mr W. GoituiE, I'resideiit — On 

 Acquiring, hy Selection, Hardier Varieties ur Forms of 

 Half-hardy Exotics. 



The usual statement as to the numerical position of the 

 Society was also made, in which it appeared that there were 

 now 150 Eesident Fellows. 



Dr Cleghorn confirmed, from his Himalayan experience, 

 the observation of the I'resident, that fine Sikkim and Nepaul 

 plants are more injured by the alternating frosty and mild 

 weather prevailing here from February to May than from the 

 rigours of our winter climate. They had there cold enough 

 winters, but immediately afterwards strong continuous sun- 

 shine. On these mountains they had none of the changeable 

 spring weather so characteristic of Britain. 



A vote of thanks to Mr Gorrie for his admirable address 

 was moved by Professor Balfour, and carried by acclamation. 



II. Deicription of a Tree StrucJv ly Lightning near Miissel- 

 hurgh. By Mr Robert Moeham, City Chambers. Com- 

 municated by Sir Robeet Ciikistison, Bart. (Plate IV.) 



On 8th July 1880, during a thunderstorm of some severity, an 

 oak on the south side of the east entrance to the grounds of Drum- 

 more, near Musselburgh, the property of Colotiel Aitchison, was 

 struck by lightning. The tree stands just outside the gateway, 

 within which, as well as in the grounds of Preston Grange on 

 the opposite side of the road, there are numerous trees of general 

 standing similar to that of the injured tree. 



The accompanying sketch will give some idea of the effect of the 

 lightning on the tree. 



To judge by the quantity and calibre of the branches which lay 

 on the ground for some time after the occurrence, it is surmised 

 that about from one-third to one-half of the tree Avas destroyed. 

 Some of the branches lying on the ground were sound to appear- 

 ance, but a considerable proportion seemed thorouglily shivered 

 though still retaining their general form. 



The parts of the tree as now left standing consist of (1) the 

 trunk ; (2) the whole of one of the two principal branches above 



