Xliv EOTAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



ally Myrsiphyllum asparagoides, of which a figure has just appeared 

 in the 'Botanical Magazine,' has also been too much neglected. 

 Few plants are more elegant ; and it is in high request in the south 

 of Italy and Sicily for the decoration of rooms on festive occasions. 



Mr. Edwards sent from Chiswick a basket of Pezizce, which at- 

 tracted much attention from their beautiful form, and the contrast 

 between the white or cream-coloured hymenium and the rich- 

 brown outer surface. It is curious that this species, though found 

 in abundance under a larch by Mr. Wilson Saunders, and under 

 cedars at Chiswick House, and which occurred earlier in the year, 

 in profusion, at Fetch am Park, near Leatherhead, has never been 

 recorded as British, nor indeed recorded by any botanist, though 

 it has been observed at Fetcham annually for nearly half a century. 

 It appears to be a distinct form of Peziza lanuginosa of Bulliard, 

 which has been named after its original discoverer (Mrs. Holme 

 Sumner) var. Sumneri. A figure and analysis will appear in the 

 'Transactions of the Linnean Society.' 



It was stated by Mr. Berkeley that experiments are instituted 

 at Chiswick towards the raising of other esculent species of Fungi 

 than Agaricus campesiris. Spawn of six species was sent up from 

 Northamptonshire, part of which has been inserted in the lawn, 

 and part treated in the usual way. Several different species ap- 

 pear in our Mushroom-beds — and several very distinct varieties of 

 the common mushroom, to which sufficient attention has not 

 hitherto been paid. Some very superior varieties occur abroad ; 

 but at present attempts at propagating them have failed. One, 

 of which the spawn was sent from the Swan River, is said to be 

 as superior to the common mushroom as the improved wrinkled 

 peas are to the old Prussian. It is to be hoped, now the transit 

 is so much more rapid, that a fresh supply of spawn may be re- 

 ceived for experiment. Mr. Ingram has made some experiments 

 in the same direction at Bel voir, but no report of the result has 

 been received. 



May 1. — The distinctive feature of this show was in the grand 

 display of Auriculas from Mr. Turner, of Slough. These curious 

 and oddly marked flowers seem to be engaging more public atten- 

 tion than formerly ; and whatever may be thought of the green- 

 edged and grey-edged sorts in which florists delight, there can be 

 no question that what are called Selfs and Alpines, two groups 

 less variegated than the others, the former, with a white mealy 

 circle around the eye, and the latter, with a yellow circle, are 

 amongst the most charming of spring flowers. The names of the 



