140 Botanical Society of Edinburgh. 
Oswestry and Ludlow, with occasional observations.” By the Rev. 
T. Salwey. (See p. 90 of the present Number.) 
2. Dr. Seller read part of a paper, entitled ‘‘ Observations on some 
Plants obtained from the shores of Davis’s Straits.” 
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 effica- 
cious in relieving asthmatical complaints, while the D. Stramonium, 
the species commonly used, was found quite inert. 
The following directions regarding the preparation of the plant 
may be deemed useful :—‘‘ The proper time for taking up the roots 
is towards 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.” 
July 10.—Dr. Douglas Maclagan, 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 Foreign and British departments, and that the library had re- 
ceived valuable additions through the liberality of members and 
correspondents. During the past year the Assistant-Curator has 
been chiefly engaged in adding to and arranging the Society’s her- 
barium, and he has to acknowledge the valuable assistance rendered 
by Mr. C. C. Babington of Cambridge, in reducing to order the ex- 
tensive collection of European plants. A very valuable and instruc- 
tive series of these has been selected for the Society, the remainder 
being set aside for distribution among the members. Much of 
the Assistant-Curator’s time has also been employed in the distribu- 
tion of the Society’s duplicates, especially to foreign members. This 
work is now nearly completed. A large collection of British plants 
which have been accumulating for several years is now being ar- 
ranged, and specimens for the Society selected, in order to fill up 
the different sections marked out in Mr. Brand’s plan for arranging 
that part of the herbarium. A detailed account of the donations to 
the herbarium and library will be published in the annual report. 
The following communications were read :— 
1. Dr. Seller read the remainder of his paper, entitled ‘‘ Observa- 
tions on some Plants from the shores of Davis’s Straits.” 
2. ‘* On two species of Desmidiee.” By Mr. J. Ralfs. 
Mr. James M‘Nab exhibited a Pelargonium bearing two distinct 
varieties of flowers which were strikingly dissimilar, and were 
growing on separate branches, no artificial means having been em- 
ployed in their production. 
Dr. Neill exhibited a specimen of the Tussac grass, received from 
the Falkland Islands. 
