CXl PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICTJLTUAL SOCIETY. 



A group of Celosia cristata or Cockscombs called for the remark 

 that it was often impossible to distinguish between a "monster' 7 

 and a "variety." This plant was in a fasciated condition, usually 

 regarded as a fusion of several stems into one, as may be often seen 

 in Asparagus and in boughs of the Ash tree. A certain group of 

 plants from South America (Podostemaceac) have species where 

 the stem seems to be normally fasciated. 



Mr. "Frank R. Cheshire followed Prof. Henslow with a most in- 

 structive and entertaining lecture upon the structure of the bee in 

 relation to gathering honey and pollen from blooms. By the aid of 

 a number of clear and elaborate diagrams he demonstrated the gene- 

 ral structure of the insect in a concise and intelligible manner, tho 

 mouth and tongue being carefully explained. The eye was also 

 fully discussed and illustrated. The importance of the markings and 

 colours of the corollas as guides and attractions to the bee in its 

 search for honey was referred to at length, and many other interest- 

 ing facts were discussed. A unanimous vote of thanks to the 

 lecturer concluded the meeting. 



FRUIT COMMITTEE. 



John Lee, Esq., in the Chair. 



The exhibits before this Committee were not very numerous. 

 Mr. J. Walker, Thame, Oxford, sent a specimen plant of a new 

 selected Pea, an extremely prolific variety. On a space of about 

 12 square feet the plant was bearing 306 pods, many flowers also 

 being open at the same time. It was recommended to be sent to 

 Chiswick. Mr. Reuben Fowler, Bedale, sent a dish of Peas, a 

 variety with very large pods, but found to be deficient in flavour 

 and sugar. Mr. Gray, gardener to C. Seely, Esq., Brooke, Isle of 

 "Wight, exhibited a dish of Apples, very handsome in appearance 

 but deficient in flavour. Letters of thanks were accorded to 

 Messrs. Charles Lee and Son, Hammersmith, for fruits of Henson's 

 Seedling Gooseberry, and to Mr. C. Lee, Hounslow, for a dish of 

 Yicomtesse Hericart de Thury Strawberries. Mr. Harrison Weir, 

 Weirleigh, sent bunches of Champion Muscat, Venn's Muscat, and 

 Madresfield Court Muscat Grapes, remarkably well grown, the 



