SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, MARCH 22 & APRIL 5. 



xxxvii 



Scientific Committee, March 22, 1904. 

 Dr. Masters, F.R.S., in the Chair, and ten members present. 



Springtails. — Mr. Allan, Tunbridge Wells, sent specimens, observing 

 that he always found them on the ground round about the glasshouses in 

 spring and summer during showery weather. Mr Saunders, F.L.S., 

 reported : — " The little insects are specimens of one of the ' springtails ' 

 or Poduridce, and belong to the genus Podura. These little creatures 

 may often be found together in very large numbers. Out of doors they 

 are not, as a rule, the cause of much mischief to plants. They some- 

 times, however, injure the roots of Potatos, Carrots, Cabbages, &c. In 

 Mushroom beds they are often the cause of much injury to the Mush- 

 rooms when they are quite young ; in Cucumber-frames they attack the 

 young Cucumbers, gnawing off the outer skin and causing the fruit to 

 shrivel. They are difficult to destroy, as it is impossible in many cases to 

 apply an insecticide without injuring the plant on which they are found. 

 Where it is possible to use such a remedy the simplest way of destroying 

 them would be to pour very hot water over them. A strong solution of 

 salt or nitrate of soda would probably be just as efficacious. The spring- 

 tails are very intolerant of drought, and are generally only found in damp 

 situations." 



Acari in Bark. — Mr. Barclay, of Stevenage, sent specimens, describ- 

 ing them as being " under every bit of loose bark, and in all crevices of 

 the fruit trees." Mr. Michael, F.L.S., observed: — "They belong to the 

 genus Oribata, possibly 0. orbicularis or 0. lapidaria. From a gardener's 

 point of view they are practically harmless, and may be disregarded." 



Scientific Committee, April 5, 1904. 

 Dr. Masters, F.R.S., in the Chair, and sixteen members present. 



Bichardia with Coloured Leaf. — Mr. Shea exhibited a specimen of 

 B. Elliottiana with the leaf half yellow and half green. The question as 

 to the cause was raised ; but at present there is no known explanation. 



Daffodil with Fringed Trumpet. — Mr. Jenkins sent Howers exhibiting 

 this peculiarity. It is analogous to "cresting," but was confined to the 

 «dge of the corona only. 



Scientific Experiments at Wisley. — A prolonged discussion took place 

 on this subject, many valuable suggestions and communications being 

 made by several of the members. Finally a subcommittee was formed to 

 present a report to the Council, consisting of Dr. Masters, Professor 

 Marshall Ward, Professor G. S. Boulger, Dr. Rendle, Messrs. Chittenden, 

 Bateson, Massee, Farmer, and Hurst, and Professor Henslow, with power 

 to add to their number. 



