SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, DECEMBER 10. 
cxliii 
on Marechal Niel Roses. It was probably due to some injury, 
perhaps frost, with a subsequent effort to heal the wound. 
Hybrid Abies. — Dr. Masters also showed a branch from a 
hybrid between Abies Pinsapo (female) and A. cephalonica 
(male). An intermediate character was seen in the position of 
the resin canal, in that while in A. cephalonica it is situated 
adjoining the epidermis and in A. Pinsapo it is more deeply 
seated, in the hybrid there was one layer of cells between the 
canal and the epidermis. The general form and habit more 
nearly resembled A. cephalonica, while the strong branches and 
thick leaf approximated to A. Pinsapo. The cones, however, with 
very visible bracts were like those of A. cephalonica. 
Scientific Committee, December 10, 1895. 
R. McLachlan, Esq., F.R.S., in the Chair, and six members 
present. 
Carnations attacked by Grubs. — With reference to Dianthus 
glacialis destroyed by larvse, brought to the last meeting by Dr. 
Miiller, Mr. McLachlan added to his previous observation that he 
presumed that they were of the same nature as those brought 
before the Scientific Committee in 1892. The perfect insect 
obtained from those grubs was then determined to be Hylemyia 
nigrescens. Many species of black flies infest greenhouses, 
and it is impossible to distinguish them from the larvas alone ; 
but on one occasion when they were bred they proved to be the 
species named above. 
The Colour of Floioers. — The question was raised whether it 
would not be possible to carry out some experiments with 
various substances in the soil to test their effects upon the 
colours of flowers and fruits. Mr. Wilks remarked upon the 
effect produced by hoeing in quicklime and soot over the roots of 
various Apple trees, with the result that a crimson-scarlet hue 
was imparted to the fruit. With regard to the supposed action 
it was a question how far the lime could affect the colour, for if 
the ammonia was present in the form of sulphate, it would 
tend to fix the lime, though the soot itself would certainly be a 
vehicle for the ammonia. This is a known agent for improving 
the colour of Balsams, Weigela, &c. ; peat also appears to have 
