SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, MAY 14. 
XXV 
places where the fungus appeared to reside became infected, the 
fungus penetrating the tree from base to summit, and ultimately 
killing it. It was referred to Kew for investigation. 
Nemophila Seedlings. — Dr. Masters called attention to a 
peculiarity in the cotyledons and some of the leaves of this 
plant — in that the epidermis appears to become detached in 
places from the underlying tissue, and gives the appearance of 
white spots as the chlorophyll becomes invisible. 
Cattleya malformed. — He also exhibited a flower reduced to its 
lowest terms in having two sepals only, an anther with two 
(instead of eight) pollen masses, and no pistil, the "inferior 
ovary " being represented by a stalk only. 
Bhododendron hirsutum. — Sir Edward Loder sent a specimen 
apparently dying, with the observation that others appear to be 
in the same condition. Mr. Michael remarked that he had 
observed how this species is confined to limestone districts, while 
E. ferrugineum is indifferent, and grows both on limestone and 
granite in the Alps of Switzerland. It is possible, therefore, 
that the plants require lime, if it be deficient in the garden in 
question. 
Black Currant ^'jaundiced.'' — Mr. Fish sent specimens 
having a very yellow-green foliage, with a communication of 
which the following is an abstract : — After referring to several 
assumed causes — e.g. " sudden changes from heat to cold, drought 
to drowning, &c." — he says this case differs from most in the 
following particulars : " The jaundice is limited to Black Currants 
of two or three years of age. The cuttings last year were free from 
the disease. The field is well drained, and of excellent quality for 
fruit trees and bushes. I hear at Meldreth that this new disease 
is more or less prevalent over very wide areas in Cambridge- 
shire." The best remedy to be tried was thought to be a solution 
of sulphate of iron, and, if this failed, only to grow those kinds 
which appear to resist the complaint — e.g. Black Champion, 
Lee's Prolific, and the Cut-leaved Black Currant. 
Colours of Flowers. — Some discussion arose as to the question 
of the influence of mineral salts in the soil upon the colours of 
flowers, Dr. Eussell observing that many interesting and profit- 
able results would undoubtedly follow from experiments in this 
direction. The change from blue to red in Hydrangeas when 
they are removed from maritime to inland places was spoken of, 
