XX 
ROYAL HOBTTCrLTTlTlAL SOCIETY. 
cold and bleak district, whore mucli has been done by the skill of 
the excellent gardener, Mr. Guthrie, combined with the taste and 
intelligence of his employer. After alluding to the specimens of 
'Rose Apple and the interesting plants brought from the Pyrenees 
by the Comte de Paris, from whom other species may shortly be 
expected, Mr, Berkeley called attention to the influence of fungus- 
spawn on living plants. That plants are frequently killed by 
spawn is not a matter of theorj^, but of fact. Negative observations 
will not upset positive experience. Several instances were men- 
tioned which admitted of no doubt ; and cultivators are therefore 
cautioned not to listen to mere theory, but to avoid those dangerous 
composts which have in many cases been found to be injurious, 
though undoubtedly they may sometimes prove harmless. The 
notion that fungi only attack unhealthy plants has long been ex- 
ploded ; and any one may prove this for himself by merely dusting 
perfect grains of wheat with the spores of Bunt, when he will sure 
to have a crop of bunted ears. 
The Chairman confirmed Mr. Berkeley's observations. 
A letter was then read on the efficacy of a solution of alcohol 
or methylated spirits in destroying American blight, which was 
confirmed by the Chairman. Mr. Berkeley has found the mix- 
ture of tar and grease, which is used to anoint the hoofs of 
horses in stables, efficacious. 
Major Trevor Clarke thought the thanks of the Meeting should 
be given to H.E.H. for sending the interesting specimens of 
OpJirys, a genus which he was cultivating with such success at 
Twickenham. 
The Meeting then adjourned. 
