clxxx PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



abortive ovaries, bearing a tuft of stamens issuing from the base of the 

 style. 



Spinach failing. — Mrs. Killick sent plants which were sown in 

 August, and for three years consecutively at first they came up well, but 

 subsequently turned yellow. Spring-sown Spinach never failed. It was 

 suggested that if any grubs were present, lime and soot should be used 

 before sowing. Other growers had experienced the same thing. A 

 deficiency of midday sunlight appeared to affect Spinach, as a whole bed 

 was a total failure in an enclosed place where the sun only shone upon it 

 late in the day. 



Jasmine Root hypertropliied. — Dr. Masters, F.R.S., showed a specimen 

 of root hypertrophied forming a large mass, but no trace of insect or 

 fungus was present. Mr. Massee, V.M.H., observed that ants will 

 produce a very similar result on various plants ; and frost has been 

 known to be concerned in the production of similar outgrowths. 



Parsley-leaf Miner. — Rev. W. Wilks showed leaves infested by some 

 grub, upon which Mr. Saunders reported : " The Parsley leaves are 

 attacked by the grubs of a fly, probably by those of the ' Celery fly ' 

 (Tephritis onopordinis), which they very much resemble ; but the grubs 

 of flies belonging to the same genus are often so much alike that it is im- 

 possible to distinguish between them. I have not heard of these grubs 

 attacking Parsley before, but, as both Celery and Parsnips are injured by 

 them, it is quite likely that Parsley may also be attacked, all these being 

 umbellifers. The chrysalides are no doubt formed in the soil. If a crop 

 has been badly injured by these grubs, it should be pulled up, and the 

 ground well dressed with gas-lime." 



Injurious Insects. — Miss Cope inquired for information how to destroy 

 certain insects. Mr. Saunders reported : " The so-called insect sent by 

 Miss Cope is one of the 1 centipedes ' (Geophilus longicornis). I cannot 

 say positively whether it is injurious to plants or not, my own view being 

 that it is not, as it belongs to a carnivorous family, and is provided with 

 a large pair of poison-fangs, which would not be of any use to a creature 

 feeding on vegetable substances. When found at the roots of plants, as 

 they often are, I believe, they have gone there to feed on insects which 

 have been attacking the roots ; but they have been so often accused of 

 injuring plants, and have been found under very suspicious circumstances, 

 that I do not feel justified in giving a definite verdict. It is possible that 

 when their ordinary food becomes scarce they may take to a vegetarian 

 diet. The ordinary quick-running centipede is undoubtedly of much 

 service in gardens in killing small insects, slugs, &c. The green insect 

 spoken of is probably one of the Cercopida, the family to which the com- 

 mon froghopper belongs ; but without seeing a specimen it is impossible 

 to say positively. The best means of destroying this pest, if I am right, 

 is to shake the plants over a sheet of pasteboard or tin which has been 

 newly painted or tarred, so as to catch the insects when they jump off the 

 plants." 



Science at Wislcy. — Dr. Masters, F.R.S., drew attention to the desira- 

 bility of the Society utilising the Wisley Garden for scientific investigations 

 bearing on gardening in addition to the requirements of practical horti- 

 culture, lie invited suggestions from members of the Committee. It 



