•76 Linncean Society. 



different elements of the orbit, and the values of the quantities 

 required for predicting geocentric places, are minutely and distinctly 

 stated, so that tlie ordinary computer will find no difficulty in 

 applying the method. 



Extract of a Letter from Professor Schumacher to the Astronomer 

 Royal, relative to the determination of differences of Longitude, by 

 observations of Shooting Stars. 



M. Schumacher states that, although observations of shooting 

 stars have long since been proposed by Mr. Benzenberg as a means 

 of determining differences of longitude, no attempt has yet been 

 made to carry the plan into practice. With a view to ascertain the 

 degree of exactness with which such observations can be made, he 

 resolved to make some trials on the night of the 10th of last August. 

 He preferred to observe the extinction of the meteor, because its 

 apparition gives warning, and in some measure prepares the 

 observer for the phaenomenon. Having given no notice of his 

 intention to other astronomers, he had no expectation of obtaining 

 corresponding observations ; but Avas agreeably surprised when he 

 subsequently obtained them from Bremen, Breslau, and even Konigs- 

 berg. They did not give very accurate differences of longitude, 

 because the observers at those places had observed the apparition 

 and not the extinction ; and because, not having the same object in 

 view, they did not ascertain the equation of tlie clock with pre- 

 cision. Nevertheless the observations gave approximate differences, 

 and showed that the method is practicable. 



LINNiEAN SOCIETy. 



April 16, 1839,— Read, " On a Gall gathered in Cuba, by W. S. 

 MacLeay, Esq., on the leaf of a plant belonging to the order Och' 

 nacecE." By the Rev. M. J. Berkelej^ M.A., F.L.S. 



The gall is remarkable for its very close resemblance in habit and 

 form to some epiphytous Fungi, for possessing a distinct operculum, 

 and, especially, for bursting through the cuticle, which surrounds it 

 in the form of a few lacinice at the base. Mr. Berkeley pointed out 

 various forms of galls and other productions of insects which have 

 been described as Fungi, but in none is the resemblance so striking 

 as in the present. He regretted that he was not able to throw any 

 light upon the animal by which it is caused, though he was able to 

 state positively that it is an animal production, as in most instances 

 decayed exuvia? were found in its cavity, and in one case a little im- 

 perfect grub, which was however unfortunately lost. 



May 24, 1839.— The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the 

 Chair. — This day, the Anniversary of the birthday of Linnseus, and 

 that appointed in the charter for the election of Council and Officers, 

 the President opened the business of the Meeting, and in stating the 

 number of Members whom the Society had lost during the past year, 

 gave the following notices of some of them : — 



Samuel Brookes, Esq. — Mr. Brookes was devoted to the science of 

 Conchology, and possessed a valuable collection of British and Fo- 



