XXViii PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
fine specimen of this not uncommon phenomenon in Asparagus. 
Mr. Dod observed that it was probably the result of over-nourish- 
ment, as he had fertilised Primula rosea with superphosphates, 
and fasciation resulted from it. 
Beetles and Orchids. — Some specimens of cockroaches were 
received, said to be very destructive to Orchids and Ferns. Mr. 
McLachlan named them as Blatta lapponica and germanica. 
They were doubtless imported with the plants. Any method 
usually adopted for destroying cockroaches should be applied. 
Dried Orchid Floioers. — Mr. Chapman, gardener to Mr. 
Measures, sent some remarkably well-prepared specimens of 
dried and varnished Orchid-blossoms retaining their colours. 
Barbarossa'' Grape. — Dr. Masters exhibited specimens of 
Grapes which had burst, and apparently showing another in the 
interior. This has been the usual interpretation ; but an 
examination of the monstrosity in the young state proved that 
the interior Grape" was really a seed, but coated with a succu- 
lent membrane, something like the seed of a Gooseberry. Dr. 
Masters observed that Robert Brown had noticed the same 
phenomenon to occur in Leontice, Berberis, and Crinum. 
Double Daisies. — Some fine specimens of double white 
Daisies on very long peduncles were received from MM. Lambert, 
Treves. It was suggested that they may have been derived from 
Bellis sylvestris, which has very similar scapes, and not from 
B. perennis. 
Ustilago prirmilina disappearing. — Mr. Dod remarked that 
plants formerly badly infested with this disease gradually 
recovered, and were now quite free from it. He observed that 
the remedy so often given, of total destruction by burning of 
plants infected by certain fungi, might be sometimes too drastic 
a measure. Dr. Masters corroborated this observation, as he 
had heard of a similar recovery in Lilies. 
Infected Soil from New Zealand. — With reference to this 
matter the report from Kew is as follows : — The root fungus 
sent to Kew for investigation from Cambridge, New Zealand, is 
known as Dcmatophora necatrix, Ilartig, the cause of the much- 
dreaded ' root disease ' in vineyards and orchards, and is widely 
distributed throughout France, Italy, Austria, and South-west 
Germany. The fungus also attacks young Maples, Oaks, Beeches, 
Pines, Spruces, and Laburnums ; Beans and Beet are also 
