EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. 



xciii 



SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE. 



Dr. Maxwell T. Masters, F.R.S., in the Chair, and nine 

 members present. 



Iris reticulata, Protection against Mildew upon. — Rev. C. 

 W. Dod described his experiments of dusting the bulbs of this 

 Iris with flowers of sulphur before planting them, as well as tiie 

 ground where they were placed, in August 1889. The remark- 

 able effect was to arrest all attempts at growth, the bulbs being 

 this year exactly in the same state as when planted. Professor 

 Church suggested that the cause of the arrest might be due to a 

 slow oxidation of the sulphur, producing sulphurous acid, which 

 could be absorbed by the tissues, coupled with a consequent 

 deprivation of oxygen necessary for the development of roots. 



Blight. — Mr. Wilson remarked on the excessive prevalence 

 of blight this year, Iris Kasmpferi being for the first time 

 attacked by thrips. 



Datura Leaves diseased. — Dr. Masters exhibited some leaves 

 with small spongy-like processes by the ribs, &c. They were 

 referred to Dr. Oliver for examination and report. 



Spanish Iris ivith Supernumerary Parts. — Dr. Masters ex- 

 hibited some flowers with four petals instead of three, and one 

 with a four-celled ovary. The multiplication of parts had fol- 

 lowed the chorisis or bifurcation of the fibro-vascular cords of the 

 organs in question. 



Bigener (?) betiveen Basvberry and Strawberry. — Dr. Masters 

 exhibited drawings of the flower of this remarkable plant, which 

 Mr. Culverwell had raised. It is generally known as Rubus 

 Leesii, Bab. The pedicel and sepals are finely setose, but it 

 wants the epicalyx of the Strawberry. Moreover, the carpels of 

 the hybrid are setose and not glabrous. They appear to be 

 abortive. Prof. Babington in his " Manual of British Botany " 

 records it as being found at Ilford Bridges, Devon, and Dunster, 

 Somerset, with a reference to " A. N. H., ser. 2, ix. 124." 



Hybrid between the Black Currant and Gooseberry. — He also 

 showed drawings of various organs of this hybrid, also received 

 from Mr. Culverwell. The foliage more nearly resembles that of 

 the Gooseberry, being glabrous, except along the nerves of the 

 under surface. The petiole, however, is glabrous, and not hairy 



