CXXii PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



monstrous conditions. Dr. Masters raised the question whether 

 it might not be in many cases an indirect result of hybridisation. 

 C. superbiens originated from a single plant accidentally in- 

 cluded in a batch of Orchids, and, though usually regarded as a 

 distinct species, may possibly be (as Mr. Veitch suggested) a 

 natural hybrid. 



Agapanthus umbellatus malformed. — Mr. Wilson showed a 

 flowering scape with the superficial tissue " ripped up," as it 

 were, at various places along the edge of the somewhat flattened 

 stem. It appeared to be due to an irregularity in the rates of 

 growth of the tissues, so that the superficial layers had become 

 ruptured at places, and curled outwards. 



Jcffcrsonia dipkylla, Fruit of. — Mr. Wilson exhibited a 

 specimen of the fruit of this Berberidaceous plant. It consists of 

 a single carpel or " follicle," but instead of dehiscing down the 

 ventral suture, as in Aconite, it bursts by a semi-circumscissile 

 dehiscence, the lid remaining attached at one, the ventral side. In 

 most cases of " pyxis " the lid is quite separate, as in Henbane, 

 Plantains, and Anagallis. As the fruit is at right angles to the 

 stalk, it has an extraordinary resemblance to a miniature pipe. 



Daffodil Bulbs with Merodon. — Mr. Wilks exhibited bulbs of 

 double Telamonius with the grubs of Merodon esquestre within 

 them. They destroy the interior of the bulb, but their presence 

 brings about a prolification, as an immense quantity of bulbils 

 are produced, which would not otherwise be the case. Hence 

 they may be regarded as useful for the purpose of multiplication, 

 though of course accompanied by the destruction of the flower 

 which the original bulb would have borne. It appears that the 

 grub descends into the ground in autumn to form the chrysalis, 

 the imago escaping in the following spring. Hence the best 

 period for examination of bulbs, in order to destroy the grub, 

 would be July. 



Gloxinia Leaves diseased. — Leaves covered on the under 

 side with light brown spots and patches were received from 

 Buckskin Hall, Herts. It was first suggested that overwatering, 

 especially with cold water, might have been the. cause, as 

 this is apt to produce similar injuries ; but a microscopic 

 examination revealed thrips and acari, which, it was thought, 

 was no doubt the real cause of the mischief; consequently 

 it should be treated, as usual, with tobacco powder. 



