144 Botanical Societij of Edinburyh. 



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 obseryations on the 

 capsular fructification of Chcetophora 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 Algae. 



3. " On peculiar Cells found in the Style and other parts of cer- 

 tain species of Grevillea, Banksia, Manglesia, and other Proteacece,'''' 

 by Spencer Cobbold, Esq. The author mentioned the occurrence, in 

 the stem, leaves, floral envelopes, and fruit of various Proteacece, 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.I.C.S. 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 ofl^, 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) ; 

 Euphorbia tirucalli, L., milk bush, and E. antiquorum, L. These, 

 with the bamboo, are commonly employed in the enclosures of South- 

 ern India. 



Ccesalpinia sepiaria, Rox., Mysore thorn, is invested with histo- 

 rical interest, Hyder Ali having encircled the \411age fortifications 

 with this plant. The fences are handsome and almost impenetrable. 

 This, with Pterolohium 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. 

 I'rophis aspera, Retz., is well adapted for the same purpose from its 

 ramous branches and rigid character. Acacia latroninn, Willd., was 

 also pointed out, aptly designated l)y Willdenow Frnfex horridissimus. 



