Ixiv 



ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



the Scotch firs attacked by some insect, in which he states that 

 the trees were in a healthy state when attacked. As some doubt 

 still existed, further information was desired. 



A letter from Mr. Maw was read containing a sketch of the 

 kind of glass requisite for making the experiments concerning the 

 influence of light of different colours on the flavour and colouring 

 of fruits, and the Secretary was desired to ask Mr. Maw to be so 

 good as to send a working model. 



A letter from Dr. Gilbert was then read suggesting experiments 

 on the characters of growth, whether of form or function, by 

 virtue of which one plant dominates over another in mixed herb- 

 age under the influences of different manures or other conditions. 



Dr. Gilbert then gave some very interesting details of ex- 

 periments carried out by Mr. Lawes and himself, and, after a 

 discussion, Members of the Committee were invited to inspect 

 the spot where the experiments were made. 



The subject was recommended to the especial attention of the 

 Chemical Sub- Committee, who were requested to associate with 

 them one or more botanists. 



Mr. Wilson Saunders and Professor "Westwood suggested that 

 an exhibition of noxious and useful insects should be organized by 

 the Society. 



Mr. Wilson Saunders called attention to the Lindley Library, 

 to which contributions were requested. 



It was then proposed that the subject of experiments on Grasses 

 should be especially brought before the Council, with a view to 

 obtain a grant in furtherance of the proposition of Dr. Gilbert. 



And, finally, that the subject of Coccidse should be brought be- 

 fore the next Meeting. 



The Meeting then adjourned. 



May 19, 1868. 



My dear Sir, — In reply to your note respecting the condition 

 of the tree previous to the attack of the insect, specimens of which 

 I sent you, I may, I think, safely state that the tree in all respects 

 is perfectly healthy and vigorous previous to this insect attacking 

 the bark. I have watched several trees for the last three or four 

 years, healthy in the first instance, then seen to be selected by 

 this insect, the points of entrance through the bark being indi- 

 cated by turpentine exuding therefrom ; and then, in about two 

 years, the tree begins to show evidences of death, the ends of 

 the branches, or top especially, beginning to die first, and shedding 



