EXTRACTS FROM PROCEEDINGS. 



clvii 



species of Asparagus was pointed out as a very useful decorative plant for 

 the Conservatory, and the curious Methonica aurea. 



September 7- 



W. Wilson Saunders, Esq., F.R.S., in the Chair. 



The Chairman called attention to a new hybrid Ivy-leaved Pelargo- 

 nium from Mr. Eckford, as likely to be useful in hybridization, as a 

 means of raising a good purple-flowered variety, which would be highly 

 effective ; to Vallota purpurea, as an admirable plant for window-culture ; 

 and to Messrs. Lee's new highly-scented Rose, Clemence Raoux. 



September 21. 

 J. Russell Reeves, Esq., F.R.S., in the Chair. 



A fine collection of Conifers in fruit (many of which had been rich in 

 cones this year in consequence of the ripening of the wood in 1868) was 

 sent by Mr. Cox, and amongst them a very obtuse-leaved Picea referred 

 to P. cephalonica. That is, however, considered a variety of the common 

 Silver Fir by Parlatore, and we may therefore expect much difference in 

 the leaves. A paper was read by Mr. Berkeley from Mr. Fenn relative 

 to his experiments on Potatos, which will be given in the Journal. 



Mr. Wilson pointed out some nuts which had been perforated on 

 either side by Field-mice. 



October 5. 

 J. Bateman, Esq., F.R.S., in the Chair. 



Mr. Berkeley commented on the Fungi exhibited at the Meeting, and 

 read the interesting communication from Dr. M. A. Curtis, which ap- 

 pears in this Journal. 



The Chairman then produced ripe Mangos, from Madeira, which he 

 had purchased in Covent Garden Market. 



October 12. 



J. Bateman, Esq., F.R.S., in the Chair. 



The Chairman stated, with respect to the Avocado Pear, Persea gra- 

 iissima, that in appearance and flavour it strongly resembled a dark- 

 green Vegetable Marrow, and was improved by being eaten with pepper and 

 salt. Permanent ink is sometimes made from its solitary astringent seed. 

 He remarked, with reference to the culture of Pleione, that it liked damp 

 and heat when growing, and the reverse when at rest. Lord Londes- 

 borough's wonderful specimens of Vanda ccerulea were justly lauded. It 

 was grown in the corner of a house facing north-east, where it had plenty 

 of light. Finally, Cypripedium Reichenbachianum was noticed, as it has 

 sometimes forty blossoms expanded at once. 



