86 REPORT— 1839. 



2. Alcinoe Smithii (Forbes). — Elongato-pyriform, subcompressed, 

 crystalline. Natatory lobes not more than a third of the whole length 

 of the animal. Tentacula acute. Near Ailsa Craig and Irish coast. 



III. BERoii, Linnasus. 



1 . Beroe cucumis (Otho Fabricius). — No spots on external surface, 

 internal dotted with red points, ciliiferous ridges red. 



2. Beroe fulgens (Macartney). 



On some new Species of Entozoa, discovered by Dr. Bellingham. 



On the Acceleration of the Growth of WJieat. By Geo. Webb 

 Hall, Esq. 



The object of Mr. Hall's communication was, to call the attention 

 of the Meeting to a statement of facts connected with the acceleration 

 of the growth of Avheat, and a consequent diminution of the period 

 required for its occupation of the ground, and to exhibit the results of 

 the proceeding, and the benefit deducible therefrom. The ordinary 

 period of growth allotted to the wheat plant may be taken from the 

 middle of October to the middle of August — a period of ten months — 

 twelve, or even thirteen, being not uncommon : while for the ordinary 

 winter wheat, from December to August may be taken as the shortest 

 period of growth : close observation of the progress of the plant, under 

 different circumstances, and a peculiar selection of seed from warm 

 soils, have reduced this period to nearly five months. An abundant 

 crop of wheat, which was sown on the 2nd of March, was ready for 

 the sickle on the 15th of August following. This is not a solitary 

 case, nor is it the result of a peculiar season. In the year 1835, wheat 

 sown on the 5th of March was reaped on the 12th of August ; and on a 

 previous occasion, wheat sown on the 9th of March was reaped on the 

 11th of August, the produce being forty bushels per acre. A deep 

 tenacious soil is most congenial to the growth of wheat ; such soils, 

 however, form a very minute portion of the land of England ; to the 

 lighter and more siliceous soils Mr. Hall's observations apply. When 

 wheat is placed upon the lighter soils, its growth and security are alike 

 promoted by artificial pressure and compacting of such soils, which 

 also, by the addition of manure, acquire a warm and stimulating cha- 

 racter ; but they as assuredly become quickly exhausted, and therefore 

 the acceleration of the growth and ripening of the plants committed 

 to a light soil, and a diminution of the time required for perfecting its 

 crops, is congenial to its character, and tends to economize and pro- 

 long its productive powers. Mr. Hall wished to direct the attention of 

 botanists to the practicability of so adapting the seed to the soil, and 

 regulating the time of sowing, that an early ripe crop should be always 

 obtained, and the accidents be avoided on a large pi-oportion of our soils 

 to which a growing crop is exposed in the depth of winter. 



