CXXXn PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



only effectual method was to nip off the galls made by the 

 chermes. From some observations of Dr. Masters, it would 

 seem that the gall-making species does not appear to attack the 

 Larch, but only the Spruce Fir, though other species of chermes 

 attack various members of the Conifers. 



Microscopical Structure of Hybrids. — Dr. McFarlane sent 

 photographs illustrating the microscopical structures of Lapa- 

 geria, Philesia, and of the hybrid between these two genera — ■ 

 Philageria. In all cases the anatomical details of the hybrid 

 were intermediate in character between those of the two 

 parents. 



Primula sikkimensis attached by Slugs.— Hex. C. Wolley Dod 

 sent plants from which the cortical chlorophyllaceous tissue had 

 been gnawed off by the common white slug. As a proof of the 

 slug's partiality, he observed that stalks of P. rosea and of Dode- 

 catheon, growing side by side with the above, were not touched. 

 If the P. sikkimensis is barked soon after flowering it withers 

 and develops no good seed. 



LorautJius (?) from Bed manalaiid . — Mr. Johnstone forwarded 

 a specimen of what appeared to be a species of Loranthus, on 

 which he observes : "It has a small berry, not quite round, of a 

 colour similar to red coral, on a short stalk." It was referred to 

 Kew for identification. 



Apple and Pear Twigs barked. — Mr. G. Lee, of Clevedon, sent 

 some more specimens, but no new light could be thrown upon 

 the injury. A method adopted by Mr. Bunyard, who is familiar 

 with the fact, may be mentioned. In cases where nocturnal 

 beetles or other insects attack young trees, he lays a sheet under 

 the tree, and by violently shaking it the insects fall upon the 

 .sheet, are easily seen, and then killed. 



Strawberries attacked by Beetles {?). — Messrs. Wood & 

 Ingram, of Huntingdon, forwarded specimens of beetles of two 

 species, Harpalus ruficomis and Tcrrosticlius madidus, supposed 

 to have been the depredators. They are nocturnal, but very 

 exceptionally vegetable feeders, hence some suspicion was felt as 

 to their being the right insects ; and the question was raised as 

 to whether they had been actually observed eating the seeds of 

 the Strawberries as described. If the above beetles were the 

 real enemies, hand-picking at night is the only method of 

 destroying them, as they are nocturnal in their habits. 



