Xliv PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



described by Mr. T. Bateman of Worthing had been killed by- 

 frost, he writes to say that he thinks it was more probably heat, 

 and not frost, which was the primary cause, though frost proved 

 to be "an accessory after the fact." The exceptionally high 

 temperature in November had apparently stimulated them into 

 growth, and so rendered them more susceptible to the subsequent 

 extreme cold. Mr. Bateman also mentions that he has been 

 compelled to abandon the out of doors culture of Himalayan 

 Ehododendrons, not because of the winters cold, but because 

 they pushed their buds too readily in March, only to be cut 

 back by late frosts. He adds that while other species were 

 severely injured, B. fulgens, R. Thompsoni, R. Campbelli, 

 R. lanatum, R. campylocarpum, R/Roylei, and R. album did not 

 suffer in the slightest degree. Lastly, he refers to Olearia Haasti, 

 described as killed, but having had one branch layered, this 

 remained perfectly unaffected. Mr. Wilks observed that this 

 could be readily accounted for by its having probably been covered 

 with snow. 



Observations were made by Mr. Dyer upon the fact that 

 shrubs at Kew — e.g., species of Cistus, though apparently having 

 withstood the frost, and being perfectly healthy, yet suddenly 

 died. Mr. Wilks said he had no doubt that the stems would be 

 found to have been killed at the base, as the cold was always 

 more intense for a short distance above the surface of the ground 

 than higher up. The shrubs, therefore, had sufficient vitality 

 above to continue for a time to appear healthy, and even to break 

 into growth, but of course soon perished. . He remarked that 

 Holly bushes are often denuded of leaves to a height of two 

 or more feet from the ground. 



Fog Beport. — Dr. Oliver presented a " Preliminary Report 

 on the Effects of Urban Fog upon Cultivated Plants," which is 

 printed in full in the Society's Journal, vol.xiii., pt.i.,p.l39. It was 

 decided by the Committee to forward copies to the gardening and 

 leading daily papers with the hope that readers may be inclined 

 to communicate their experiences, so that as much information 

 as possible may be acquired. The following are the chief lines 

 of inquiry : — (1) urban fog and country mist ; (2) extent of the 

 London fog area ; (3) the fogs of the winter, 1890-91 ; (4) con- 

 stitution of fogs ; (5) physiological and microscopic work ; (6) 

 possible remedial measures. With reference to the statement 



