•288 



PROCKKDINGS OK THK 



lon^r than any oiIut known \arioty of cherry; the fruit may 

 Ik* pitherixl from a standard in tlu* month indicated by the name, 

 and of course very mucli later, when duly protected, ai:;ainst a 

 wall. 



HacoTi's Incomparable Ptar. One of the best hardy pears that 

 can be cultivattnl. A handsome middle sized, roundish fruit, but> 

 tery, and rich flavoured. 



The follow ing presents were announced j 



Wme Happort Jnnuel sur les travaux de la Soc. d'Uistoire Natu- 

 relle de Vile de Maurice, par M. Louis liouton, from the Author. 

 (Maurice, 1841.) 



PaitoTis Magazine of Botany for February, from the Editor. 



liarrijion's Floricultural Cabinet fur February, from the Editor. 



Barter s British Flowering plants for February, from the Editor. 



The Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, (\'ol. 

 2, Part 3.) from the Society. 



The Suburban Horticulturist, Parts 4. 5, 6, 7, from the Author, 

 J. C. Loudon, Esq. 



March 1, 1842. 



ORDINARY MEETING. 



The following paper on the cultivation of Asparagus in Guipus- 

 co£i, by Captain E. W. Churchill, R.M., was read. 



Having been struck by the unusual size of the Asparagus 

 brought into the market at San Sebastian, in the Province of Gui- 

 puscoa, North Spain, I availed myself of all opportunities to 

 ascertain the culture ; the following are the observations made at 

 different seasons for more than four years at such interv£ds as 

 more serious and less pleasant occupations permitted. 



It will be necessary to state that the River Urumea, which flows 

 into the sea, E. of San Sebastian, finds it way on its near approach 

 to that city, through very elevated ground, which advances boldly 

 on the right bank ; while on the left it retires, leaving a space about 

 three miles long, and on an average half a mile wide of flat ground 

 elevated about three feet above mean high water mark. The soil 

 of this flat is composed of alluvium and detritus from the hills in 

 the back ground, which are of sand stone, and supply numerous 

 and never failing rills. This alluvial flat is named the district of 

 Loyola, and the inhabitants of San Sebastian are thence supplied 

 with an enormous quantity of vegetables ; amongst others with 

 remarkably luxTiriant Asparagus, of which it is my business to 

 speak. 



The Asparagus is grown in beds about five feet wide, which 



