10.—1846.] 
THE GARDENERS’ 
CHRONI 
CL: 
IE: 
Operation late in season, 
not take effect till the tubers 
II. A Synopsis on the British Species of the genus 
Rubus. By M». Cussres C, Baprsorox, M.A., F.LLS., &et 
Banksia cylindrostachya, Hakea 
d; 
ds. Dr. Leman presented 
Tea VS d 
cristata, and 
à Specimen of the fru! 
the Hymen:zea verrucosa of some authors, 
Mx. Newrort reud a short paper * On the Aqueous 
Vapour transpired from the Beehive.” The author 
drew attention to circumstances which do not appear to 
have engaged the attention of naturalists, viz. the quan: 
tity of vapour expelled from the hive by bees, during 
tion, and the deposit of blackish matter 
of hives on the footstool. He at first 
had supposed that this deposit was either occasioned by 
the shedding of pollen by the bees when they alight, or 
else that it was some rejected substance ; but he soon 
satisfied himself that it was not occasioned by either 
of these causes, and he suggested, in the absence of 
direct proof, whether it may not be due to the same 
cause as that which darkens the waxen combs in the 
interior ? and whether this may not result from a com- 
bination with the wax of part of the carbonic acid pro- 
duced during the respiration of the bees, such combi- 
nations being promoted by the high temperature of the 
interior of the hive. He also suggested that the black 
deposit at the entrauce of the hive might be due to the 
same cause, hut observed that these views could only be 
substantiated by comparative chemical analyses of the 
amount of carbon in new andin old waxen combs. He 
confirmed, by his own experiments, the statements of 
Huber, that the vitiated air of the hive is removed by 
the fanning of the bees, and that in this process a 
double current is established. The respired air passes 
out by the one, while frésh air enters'by the other. 
He found also that the former is of very high tempera- 
ture,and is charged with a large quantity of vapour, 
the result of the respiration of the bees, and of their 
cutaneous transpiration. In one experiment which he 
made to collect and condense the vapour, as it issued 
forth, he found that during. 11 hours of the night in 
the beginning of September, he obtained a drachm and à 
half of fluid condensed from the air that escaped from 
a single hive, at a tine when the temperature of the 
external atinosphere was about 60° Fahr. Thetempera- 
ture of the vapour, as it issued forth, as examined in a 
glass vessel about 4 in, distance from the entrance of the 
hive, wasthen 69° Fahr. ; and'on another occasion when 
the open atmosphere was 61° Fahr., that of the vapour 
was 71° 5/ Fabr., while a thermometer which had been 
inserted through tle top of the hive, and had remained 
so untouched for several days, showed that the upper 
part of the hive was then only 69° Fahr. The result 
of the whole observations seemed to show that the tem- 
perature of the expelled air of the hive, and the quan- 
tity of vapour it contained, weré in proportion to the 
degree of activity, and the quantity{of respiration of the 
bees. 
WARRINGTON NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 
s We areindebted to the kindness of Dr. KENDRICK, 
Jun., for this abstract of a paper on the Potato dis- 
ease, which was read by Mr. W. Witson, ata late meet- 
ing of the above society, After some introductory re- 
E on the nutrition of animals, and the relative 
Mo us as an article of food, being'less nutri- 
0 a heat, Peas, &e and on the chemical con- 
stituents, Mr. Wilson proceeded to describe their bo- 
tanical structure, especially the starch granules, which 
are larger thau those of Wheat, more irregular in 
form, and apparently laminated, He showed that the 
granules'of starch do not in amy càse consist of an 
ie pellic filled up. with: substance of another 
eta: us the substance throughout is uniform, 
gin cold water, nor contracting when dried, 
ps somewhat horny cousistence, fragile when pressed 
eee Be plates of glass. When boiled they fill up 
bs $» main aro then easily separable from each 
ihe s as their original forms. Mr. Wilson 
papa Sed to consider the disease, and expressed 
di opinion that the brown-spotted disease was wholly 
Istinet from. that which was haracterised by fetid 
Piten ne ice: characterised by feti 
ghtigtens d : also confessedly was from the moist 
pp has Pon ng à for Several seasons has been observed 
Me. J. Beker ani in cominenting on the Rev. 
er dottenun bbs on the subject (published in the 
id he Hort. Society), stated (as. the 
result of his own experi Y)» x 
periments), that the brown spots did 
not extend themselves, nor ine. : P 
tabere Ad debeat. or increase in number after the 
1 "eU up that such tubers were not 
more disposed to beeome fostid and y 
r iiu d id and rotten than others 
which were without Spots; that the spot n fo 
not to the presence of a fungus, but te a deposition of 
earthy matter, believed to be silica, betake P resisted 
the action of acids after incineration, rendering the P 
j 2 ion, rendering the Po- 
tato in those parts of more solid consistence, and re 
marked’ that if the whole of the cellular tissue had been 
thus affected, the tubers would have as 
* some cause which did | fore this deposit of silica is to be regarded as excremen- 
were fully developed.— | titious. 
The cells thus affected contain starch in the 
usuál'state. The presence of the mycelia of fungi, he 
considered to be accidental, since he did not observe 
any such appearance until after long search, and then 
only in the cells lying almost immediately underneath 
the cuticle. He confirmed Mr. Berkeley’s statement 
that the brown spots were chiefly confined to the cel- 
lular tissue above the layer of scalariform vessels; He 
insisted upon the fact that many brown-spotted Pota- 
oes yet remained in other respects perfectly sound, as 
a reason for not fully admitting Mr. Berkeley’s views. 
In discussing the history of the disease characterised 
by the brown spots, Mr. Wilson pointed out the possi- 
bility that all those accounts which affirmed that the 
disease was prevalent in 1843 and previous years had 
reference to a different disease, and that this of 1845, 
if not identical with the dry rot of 1830, was peculiar to 
1845. Anaccurate knowledge of the history of the 
disease was essential to the formation of correct opi- 
nions concerning its cause. 
Mr. Wilson then gave the result of his inquiries into 
the cause of the disease. He admitted that if Mr. 
Berkeley. was correct in assuming that the brown- 
spotted disease existed in 1843, there were presump- 
tive though not conclusive grounds for believing that 
the parasitic fungus called Botrytis infestans was the 
proximate cause of the disease, and after having him- 
self witnessed the mode in which that fungus infested 
the leaves of the Potato plant, growing out of the sto- 
mata, and shooting its root-like mycelia in every direc- 
tion through the parenchymatous tissue, to the mani- 
fest obstruction of the processes of respiration, per- 
spiration, and digestion (the proper functions of the 
leaves of vegetables), he concurred with Mr. Berkeley 
in aseribing the disease to the injurious action of the 
fungus. At the same time, Mr. W., in the present 
state of our knowledge of the history of the disease, 
thought it probable that the fungus (though the proxi- 
mate cause of the disease or diseases), could not have 
established itself where it did, unless the plants had 
ecome predisposed to diseased aetion through the 
adverse meteoric influences so ably described by Pro- 
fessor Lindley in the Gardeners’ Chronicle (August 23). 
He considered that weather of so very unpropitious acha- 
racter as that of July and August was well calculated to 
disturb the proper equilibrium of the two opposing 
forces, chemical affinity and the vital principle, in a 
plant which was indigenous to an almost tropical 
climate (Chili), and more liable to be injured by exces- 
sive moisture than by reduced temperature, according 
to the opinions of those who were familiar with the 
climate of its native country. Even Wheat had suffered 
greatly from the very same causes. 
In discussing Mr. Berkeley’s argument founded 
upon the fact that an allied species, Botrytis Bassiana, 
which destroyed silkworms, had been observed to pos- 
sess the power of establishing itself upon healthy cater- 
pillars, even of other species, Mr. Wilson admitted that 
if no mistake existed on this point, it would be unrea- 
sonable to deny that the Botrytis infestans might have 
a similar power to attack a healthy Potato-plant. The 
proof would be more satisfactory if (now that the atten- 
tion of competent observers was aroused to the subject), 
itshould be ascertained, in some propitious season to come, 
that the Botrytis continued to infest the leaves, and 
the same result should follow. He considered it suffi- 
cient to confine our views of injurious action to the dis- 
turbance of the vegetable functions in the leaf of the 
Potato, where the fungus was in immediate contact with 
the most vital part of the plant: it had probably no 
specific action on the tubers. He pointed out an essen- 
tial difference between decay and disease, the one oc- 
curring only in dead organised matter, the other in parts 
where the vital principle continued to act, a distinction 
apparently not adverted to in Mr. Berkeley’s essay, but 
having an important bearing upon the arguments there 
employed. Mr. Wilson agreed with Mr. Berkeley: in 
thinking the disease (of fostid putrescence) not conta- 
gious. He then commented on Dr. Andrew Ure’s 
essay in the “ Lancet,” in vindication of Liebig's views, 
evidently misunderstood by Dr. Ure. The casein ex- 
ists in a soluble state in vegetables. Liebig did not con- 
fine his remarks to unsound Potatoes ; and the method 
of preserving Potatoes by immersing them in dilute 
sulphurie acid previous to drying them for food is pre- 
ferable to that of grating them, for several reasons, and 
especially because mueh of the azotised matter (the 
really nutritious part of the Potato) is thus preserved. 
My. Wilson considered that the footid putrescence of 
the Potatoes was owing: to the formation of casein in- 
stead of albumen in the tubers, and explained why the 
presence of casein did not invariably produce decay. 
In order to obviate future mischief, Mr. W. con- 
curred with Mr. Rothwell (Farmers Herald) in re- 
commending that new varieties should be raised from 
seed, with a view to more complete acclimatisation. 
He also pointed out the impropriety of not planting Po- 
tatoes until after they had sprouted. The rubbing off 
of the sprouts must necessarily impair the vitality of 
the tubers, because it had been found that the starch of 
the Potato was partly transferred to the sprouts. If 
epa 
isease exists in the tubers, it may 
EUR with the dry-rot, which prevailed so extensively 
a 
brown-spotted disease, bat a more OR of 
any ? 
have been the result of continued mal-treatment of this 
:|kind, Mr. Wilson, however; considered that we were 
not in sufficient possession of facts to form an infallible 
"MA 
it, which rendered the Potatoes as hard as stone, inea- 
Pable of being ‘softened by boiling. Healthy tubers do 
Not contain any earthy matter insolible Ti aeidi y there- 
as to the cause of disease, or even its true 
haraeter, and ded a closer investigation in 
the coming season of the habits of the parasiti¢ fungus 
above-miehtioned; Tn the course of the lecture several 
illustrative diagrams: were exhibited, representing 
mieroseopie dissections, highly magnified, of Botrytis 
and other fungi found in the Potato plant’ and on the 
tubers, the cellular tissue of the latter, and the starch 
granules. 
New Garden Plants. 
15. AMàmaNTHUS OLERACEUS. The Chusan Han-tsi. 
Tender Annual Esculcn!. (Amaranths. Chusan. 
Mr, Fortune states that’ this is “a vegetable used as 
Spinaeh by the Chinese. The variety grows strongly, 
and ought to be sown in beds or rows rather thinly.” 
Tt requires to be grown in a very rich light soil and a 
rather moist temperature of about 60°. If proper 
accommodation can be afforded the seeds may be sown 
at any time, and the leaves will be fit for use in two 
months after. Some plants were put out in June, on a 
warm border, but did not succeed. At the first gather- 
ing, the tops may be cut off, and fresh leaves will be 
thrown out, but they will be smaller than those first 
produced. A few leaves of sorrel improve the common 
Spinach. The Han-tsi possesses in itself a very slight 
but agreeable acidity which renders the above addition 
unnecessary. It isto be regretted that it is not yet 
sufficiently hardy to succeed out of doors; but it can 
be easily cultivated in pits or in pots in any forcing 
house, and thus afford an additional variety to the 
culinary list even in winter.—Journul of the Horticul- 
tural Society. 
16: CarxsrrGia PUBESCENS. Downy Bindweed. Hardy 
Perennial. (Bindweeds.) North of China. 
This curious plant approaches very nearly to the C. 
sepium or larger Bindweed of our English hedges, from 
which it differs in having firmer and smaller leaves, 
much narrower bracts, and a fine pubescence spread 
over every part. It is the first plant of its order that 
has beén mentioned as producing double flowers. They 
are about as large as those of a double Anemone, but 
the petals are arranged with the irregularity of the 
Rose ; they are of'a pale very delicate pink, and remain 
expanded for some days. he calyx is quite unchanged. 
The exterior petals are very much lacerated and irre- 
gular in form ; those next the centre are narrow, drawn 
together into a kind of cone ; the next central are com- 
pletely concealed by those without them, and diminish 
till they are mere scales, analogous to those which may 
be found in the first buds which burst in the spring. 
Not a trace can be found of stamens or pistil. It is 
probably quite hardy if planted in a dry situation. It 
requirés a rich loamy soil and is easily increased by the 
roots. The roots very much resemble those of the 
common Bindweed (Calystegia sepium). It flowers 
freely in July and August. It'is a very handsome 
climbing plant, with large double flowers, which are 
produced freely. nal of the Horticultural Society. 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS, 
(For the ensuing Week.) 
CONSERVATORIES, STOVE, &e. 
Potting.—TVhis will now bea matter of daily oecur- 
rence, and on the mode’ in which this is performed will 
depend the future success of the plant. I need say 
little here about the propriety of using fibrous soil, or 
about thorough drainage; these things are now tolerably 
well carried out, but 2 few words to the amateur may 
be acceptable, as to the best mode of watering newly- 
potted things in general. Let it be a maxim, then, 
never to water a fresh potted plant, until it is fixed where 
itis toremain. I have known even a gardener (of course 
a very bad one), give his fresh potted plants a thorough 
watering whilst on the hand-barrow, to “ settle the 
soil,” as it is termed, and then immediately to carry them 
to their destination. This, although called gardening, 
should be termed “puddling ;" it is not possible for 
plants to thrive after such handling. The soil for potting 
should be neither wet nor dry ; one isas great an evil as 
the other ; it should, of the two, ineline to dryness, and 
should be pressed tolerably firm, not thumping the pot 
on the potting-board. The watering at first should not 
be performed in order to “settle the soil,” this means 
shutting out the atmosphere ; but merely with the in- 
tention of preventing the soil from becoming any drier. 
Hard balls should be soaked over head in water a day 
previous to shifting. Conservatory.—The families of 
Camellia, Acacia,” Cytisus, Phaius, Rhododendron, 
Eutaxia, Citrus, Epacris, Correa, Azalea, and last, but 
not least, the Rose, will be a blaze of beauty where plant- 
growing is well attended to. They will now require 
abundance of water, to which clear liquid manure shoul 
be constantly added. ispense with fire heat as much 
as possible; the immense perspiration’ caused by a 
March sun is more than enough for some of their 
evanescent beauties, without the aid of fires. Canvas 
sereens too should be’ at hand, to be drawn over the 
brightest parts of the house for two hours in sunny 
days. Stove and’ Orchidaceous Housé.— Orchids are 
now swelling fast; and many of the blocks and baskets 
of Stanhopeas, Gongoras, Dendrobiums, &e., will re- 
quive to be syringed about twice a week ; let this be 
done on sunny mornings early, and ‘give air freely for 
a couple of hours for fear of moisture lodging amongst 
the buds. In shifting large specimens im pots breal 
the pot carefully all round in small masses without 
injuring the roots, and shift the whole mass together. 
Terrestrial Orchids, in general, will do better in loamy 
turf and leaf mould (not too much decayed), blended with 
the lumps of peat. Renew Moss on blocks forthwith: 
Attend to disrooting and pruning back Justicias, Vincas, 
Clerodendrons, Exanthe Gei jas; Plupibagos, 
| Poinsettias; Erythrinas, &e.; at least,those exhausted by 
