MEETING AT CHELSEA. 



Ixix 



A second series of exhibits showed the relative yields of a number of varieties 

 of beans which may be dried and used as " haricots " during winter, together 

 with tables and models by Dr. F. V. Darbi shire, of the Chemical Department, 

 illustrating their food value in comparison with potatos and other crops, which 

 charts showed the actual amount of food that may be obtained from a given area 

 of ground under these crops. 



A large chart also illustrated the yield to be obtained from potatos planted 

 at different distances apart, together with the comparative quantities of " chats " 

 and " ware" produced in each case and the quantity of " seed " planted. 



A series of preserved specimens and photographs represented the results 

 of the investigation carried out by Mr. J. K. Ramsbottom into the causes and 

 prevention of what is now known as the Eelworm disease of Narcissi, and demon- 

 strating the efficacy of the warm bath treatment of the bulbs in preventing 

 the disease. Accounts of much of this investigation have already appeared 

 in our Journal. 



SCHOOL NATURE STUDY UNION EXHIBIT. 



By invitation the School Nature Study Union, which aims at bringing together 

 for mutual help and advice those interested in Nature Study in general and 

 its place in education in particular, prepared an educational exhibit. 



The exhibits covered a wide field, and were the work of individuals, adults, 

 of groups of students in training, or of school children. 



A collection of Lichens was shown by Mr. R. Paulson, F.R.M.S., F.L.S 

 The exhibit, Lichens in " Nature's Colour Scheme," was arranged for the purpose 

 of showing to what a large extent the surface coloration on rocks, soil, and tree 

 trunks is due to lichen growth. Each section of the exhibit indicated the great 

 range of colour that exists among these plants. Included among the lichens 

 selected were several, mostly representatives of the genus Placodium, which . 

 were either orange-red, orange-yellow, citron-yellow, green, or blue-grey in 

 colour. 



Specimens of the " Wandering Lichen," Parmelia revoluta var., were also 

 shown. This plant has frequently no attachment whatever, and is blown about 

 over short grass ; and yet the only locality in which it is now known to exist is 

 in a small area on the Sussex Downs. 



Wild Flowers grouped according to habitat were shown by Miss E. C. Pugh, 

 the flora associated with oakwoods on clay, moorland, chalk downs, bog, and 

 marsh land being represented. Fine specimens of Orchis purpurea (Hudson) 

 from beech woods on chalk, Saxijraga umbrosa from an Irish bog, and Euphorbia 

 Cyparissias from rough fields in Hampshire were the plants of greatest botanical 

 interest. 



Trees and Shrubs flowering in May were exhibited by the students of the 

 School of Nature Study and Gardening, Clapham, Sussex, and by Miss HiH. 

 Harrow. Students' drawings illustrating the unfolding of tree buds and flower 

 structure and development accompanied the living specimens. Of deciduous 

 trees, Cercis Siliquastrum and Fraxinits ornatus were of interest, and many 

 beautiful evergreens in flower. Photographs of plant associations, chalk scenery 

 and flora, of Oxshot Common and its flora, of fungi, trees, and other subjects 

 were shown by Mr. Mollet, Secretary of the Photographic Section of the Union. 



Several exhibits dealing with insect study were displayed. 



A representative collection of the British Social Wasps (Vespidae) was shown 

 by Mr. C. Nicholson, F.E.S., with specimens of nests of most of the species, and a 

 statement drawing attention to the uses of wasps in destroying large numbers 

 of caterpillars and other annoying insects ; also a small case containing examples 

 of insects, other than wasps, which either habitually live, or have been found, 

 in their nests — these including parasites, scavengers, and casual lodgers, each 

 class appropriately indicated — and of insects which resemble wasps in colour 

 and pattern, so deriving protective benefit by their resemblance to creatures 

 so well known to be dangerous and therefore generally avoided by birds and 

 other animals. The insects in this box comprised Coleoptera (beetles), Diptera 

 (two-winged flies), Hymenoptera (ichneumon flies, saw-flies, and ruby-tailed 

 flies), and Lepidoptera (moths). 



He also exhibited a box of specimens of the two Narcissus flies, Merodon 

 equestris and Eumerus stvigalus, showing the principal varieties of the former, 

 and a ' nest ' of caterpillars of the Lackey Moth {Malacosoma neustria) feeding on 

 plum, with examples of the egg-ring, pupa, cocoon and moths, and an explanatory 

 label. 



