287 



If these laws vvere discoverable, it must be by the multiplication of 

 facts, such as were presented in some of the species now exhibited. 

 In the mean time, as the definitions of some species were nearly use- 

 less under a change in the natural circumstances of their growth, the 

 only course left was to adopt prolix description when varieties are met 

 with of species known to undergo much alteration. And this Dr. 

 Seller made his apology to the Society for giving some particulars of 

 this kind in regard to a few of the species now before them. 



He then proceeded to offer some particular observations on the spe- 

 cimens exhibited of Cochlearia anglica, Cochlearia fenestrata, Draba 

 hirta, and Epilobium latifolium, in comparison with the accounts 

 given of these species by different authorities. 



His observations of the same kind on some of the other species were 

 deferred till next meeting. 



3. 'On Datura Tatula, as a specific for relief of asthma,' by Mrs. H. 

 N. Ferguson, of Biel. In this communication (which is an extract 

 from a letter), the Datura Tatula is described as most efficacious in re- 

 lieving asthmatical complaints, while the D. Stramonium, the species 

 commonly used, was found quite inert by the writer. 



The following directions regarding the preparation of the plant may 

 be deemed useful : — " The proper time for taking up the roots is to- 

 wards the end of October, when the seed-pods are ripe ; the plants 

 should be drawn from the ground, and the roots cut off, with an inch 

 or two of the stalk. They should then be freed from soil, and dried 

 in the shade. When required for use, the root should be torn into 

 small shreds, and put into a clean tobacco-pipe." " The smoke causes 

 no nausea, so that the most delicate lady may use it." 



Mr. Thomas M'Nab was elected an Associate of the Society. 



July 10/ A, 1845. — This Society held its last meeting for the session 

 in the Royal Botanic Garden, on the 10th inst, — Dr. Douglas Macla- 

 gan. President, in the chair. 



The Curator reported that several valuable additions had been made 

 to the Society's collections during the present season, both in the Fo- 

 reign and British departments, and that the Library had received 

 valuable additions through the liberality of members and correspon- 

 dents. During the past year the Assistant-curator has been chiefly 

 engaged in adding to and arranging the Society's Herbarium, and he 

 has to acknowledge the valuable assistance rendered by Mr. C. C. 

 Babington of Cambridge, in reducing to order the extensive collec- 

 tion of European plants. A very valuable and instructive series of 

 these has been selected for the Society, the remainder being set aside 



