661 



On the Leaves of Phyllanthiis and Xylophylla. 



"A paper was read by Dr. Lankester, from Mr. B. Clarke, ' On the 

 Foliage and Inlloresence of the genera Phyllanthus and Xylophylla.' 

 — The leafy appendages from which the flowers in most of the species 

 of these genera spring, have been described by authors in general, up 

 to the present time, as branches. The author, having examined their 

 structure and relations closely, has come to the conclusion that they 

 are in almost all cases true leaves. Several species of the genera Phyl- 

 lanthus and Xylophylla were described ; and the author's views of 

 their structure explained by drawings. In conclusion, he suggested 

 whether the additional leaf-buds, which are sometimes seen in the axils 

 of leaves, do not originate from the base of the petiole. Such buds 

 occur in the genus Rubus, in some species of which the additional 

 bud is developed beneath the axillary bud instead of one side of it." 

 Report In the Athenceum of the Proceedings of the British Association. 



Autumnal powering of Trees and Shrubs. By Edward Newman. 



The summer which seems at last about to leave us, has been 

 remarkable for unusual abundance of sunshine and unusual defi- 

 ciency of rain. From the middle of May to the first of August, the fine 

 weather was uninterrupted : on that day occurred the memorable 

 storm of hail and rain, and the weather for ten days continued unset- 

 tled, inclining to rain : from that time to the present it has been 

 almost uniformly bright, dry and serene. Whether we are to attri- 

 bute to these circumstances the facts I am about to mention, I must* 

 leave others to decide ; they seem worthy of this slight record. 



During the last week in August, and nearly throughout September, 

 we have had a second inflorescence on the following trees. 



Horse Chesnut. On one tree, a general and healthy bloom accom- 

 panied by a general reproduction of young leaves : — maximum, 29th 

 August. Fruit produced. 



Plane {Acer pseudoplatanus). On one tree, a general and healthy 

 bloom ; on several others a partial bloom: — maximum 31st August. 



Corchorus or Kerria Japonica. A general and healthy bloom on a 

 great number of trees : — maximum, 2ud September. 



Laburnum {Cyiisus Laburnum). A very partial but beautiful bloom, 

 on a great number of trees:— -maximum, 2nd September. Fruit subse- 

 quently produced. 



4 N 



