Admission to Kew. 



-39 



Rios (Argentina), and that it was introduced into France about 

 1 896 or 1 897. 



The tubers are said to be quite hardy, having withstood at 

 Moulins temperatures of 5 degrees and — 2 degrees Fahr. 

 They do well in compact, moderately moist soil, and their 

 size — originally that of a hazel nut— has been brought up to that 

 of an ordinary potato. They are not yet, however, eatable, as 

 they contain too much of a bitter principle (solanine). An 

 amelioration in this respect has, it is stated, already been 

 •observed, and it may be possible in the future to get rid of 

 the solanine entirely. Meanwhile, crossing Solatium Com- 

 mersonii with the common potato seems to be an experiment 

 worth trying. 



Further information on this subject is contained in articles 

 by E. Heckel {Annal. Facult. Set., Marseille, VII., 1898, 

 pp. 101-115), E. Olivier {Bull. Soc. Nat. Acclimat., France, 1902, 

 p. 140), and L. Tillier (Rev. Hort., 1902, pp. 338-40). 



Regulations for Morning Admission to the Royal 

 Botanic Gardens, Kew. 



1. Persons desiring access to the Royal Botanic Gardens for 

 the bond fide purpose of drawing, sketching, photography, or 

 ■special. study, can obtain a card of admission by applying by 

 post to the Director, stating the object for which admission is 

 desired. The privilege is strictly personal to the holder of the 

 •card, and it is not transferable. 



2. A card of admission cannot be issued to admit a class or 

 a party collectively. 



3. Holders of cards who desire to enter the Gardens before 

 public hours must do so by the gate adjoining the Curator's 

 Office, where they will sign the Register before entering. During 

 public hours they may enter by any of the public gates on 

 showing the card of admission to the gatekeeper. 



4. Admission may be obtained after 6 a.m. from April to 

 September, and after 8 a.m. from October to March. 



5. The privilege is not, however, available on Sundays, 

 Christmas Day, Good Friday, or Bank Holidays. 



