EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. 



XCV 



specimens of this malformation. It was well known before, but, 

 as Dr. Oliver observed, it appears to be rather more common 

 than usual during the present season. 



Caprificus, or Wild Fig. — Mr. Henslow showed fruits of the 

 Wild Fig from Malta, used by the peasants for " caprification " 

 or fertilisation of the autumn varieties of cultivated Figs. Unlike 

 the latter, the wild Fig called " Duccar " invariably grows in 

 walls or crevices of the rocks. It produces three crops per 

 annum, each supplying a brood of the Blastophaga. This wild 

 Fig is not required for the " summer " or " St. John's " Fig, which 

 ripens about the end of June (the 24th being St. John the Bap- 

 tist's Day), as it contains both male and female blossoms. 

 Mr. Henslow could find no male blossoms at all in the first or 

 winter crop of the Duccar. It is not known whether the autumn 

 Figs are entirely female or not, but a Maltese botanist, Signor 

 Gatto, has undertaken to make a thorough investigation upon 

 this and other as yet obscure points involved in the caprification 

 in Malta, as it appears to differ in some respects in other 

 countries. 



MEETING AT CHISWICK. 

 July 4. 



John Lee, Esq., in the Chair, and twelve members present. 



The Committee inspected the collections of Broad Beans, 

 Lettuces, and Currants growing in the Gardens — x x x (signify- 

 ing "Meritorious in the first degree") being given to the 

 following : — 



Broad Beans. 



Bunyard's Exhibition Long-pod, from Messrs. G. Bunyard 

 & Co., Maidstone, considered by the Committee to be identical 

 with Long Tom, sent by Messrs. R. Veitch & Son, Exeter. 



Lettuces. 



Prince of Wales (Cos), from Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, 

 Chelsea. 



Early White Self-folding Trianon, from Messrs. Vilmorin, 

 Andrieux & Co., Paris. 



The Superintendent was instructed to prepare a report on 

 the Currants. 



