EXTRACTS FROM PROCEEDINGS. XXxix 
from whatever cause, had been good) the produce had been as 
great as in ordinary seasons. 
The Meeting then adjourned to the first Wednesday in No- 
vember. 
OXFOBD 3IEETING. 
aENERA.L MEETING. 
July 20, 1871. 
Gr. E. Wilson, Esq., in the Chair. 
Dr. Hooker sent nuts oiMacadamia ternifolia, which had already 
been considered equal to filberts at South Kensington. 
Dr. Voelcker made some remarks on the principles of manuring. 
He recommended that quick-acting manures should not be ap- 
plied directly, but by the judicious use of carefully prepared com- 
post. In the discussion which followed. Dr. Gilbert, in answer 
to some objections, said that Boussingault had conclusively proved, 
and Mr. Lawes and himself had confirmed the statement, that free 
nitrogen is not absorbed by plants. Where nitrogenous sub- 
stances were withheld, and only free nitrogen allowed access to the 
plant, no increase in the quantity of nitrogen in the plant took 
place. On the other hand, where only an infinitesimal proportion 
of ammonia was added, its effects were detected in the plant in 
less than twenty-four hours. The quantity of carbon in water 
and air is amply sufficient for the requirements of the plant. An 
increased percentage of silica does not strengthen the straw, a 
better crop of straw being produced when the proportion is small. 
Major Clarke confirmed Dr. Yoelcker's assertion as to the su- 
periority of well-made composts over liquid manures. 
THE GEEAT SHOW. 
Eor the best twenty fine -foliage and flowering plants Mr. 
Baines, gardener to H. Micholls, Esq., was first, Messrs. Coles 
and Son second. In the open class for nine stove- and greenhouse- 
plants Messrs. Cole and Son were first, Mr. E. Perkins second, 
Messrs. Bell and Thorpe third. The best nine foliaged or varie- 
gated plants were sent by Mr. Johnson, gardener to the Marquis 
