SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, FEBRUARY 11. 



XXXV 



Scientific Committee, February 11, 1902. 

 Mr. H. J. Yeitch in the Chair, and thirteen members present. 



Pceony Boots. — The identification of the Caterpillar affecting these 

 roots as that of the Swift-moth (Hepialus) was confirmed. 



Pelargoniums in the Transvaal. — A correspondent sent leaves of 

 Pelargoniums, which were referred to Mr. Massee, who reports as 

 follows : — 



" The fungus on Pelargonium leaves is the African species of 

 4 Geranium leaf-rust,' Puccinia granularis, K. and C. Diseased plants 

 should be isolated, and the diseased leaves removed as quickly as the 

 health of the plant will allow. Spraying with Condy's Fluid would 

 prevent healthy plants from becoming infected. The fungus is not 

 uncommon on wild species of Pelargonium in S. Africa, and has probably 

 passed from such wild plants to the cultivated ones. The fungus is a 

 very interesting species not previously known as attacking cultivated 

 plants. Care will have to be taken that it is not imported into Europe." 



Potato Disease. — Some specimens of diseased Potatos were sent from 

 the Chippenham Horticultural Society. They presented in the interior of 

 the tuber black spots, such as were investigated at Chiswick by Dr. 

 Plowright and others several years ago, and figured in the Gardeners' 

 Chronicle December 20, 1884. 



Unhealthy Fern. — Mr. Gordon, Y.M.H., showed fronds of a Fern in a 

 sickly distorted condition, attributed by the Committee to defective 

 cultivation. 



" Buddha's Fingers." — Mr. Holmes showed a specimen of a malfor- 

 mation in a Citron, consisting of a dissociation of the carpels, which thus 

 resembled so many fingers. 



Prolification of a Bose. — Mr. Worsdell showed a good illustration of 

 this frequent malformation. 



Anemone nemorosa. — Mr. Worsdell also showed specimens of this 

 plant, in which the radical leaves were as long as the bracts of the 

 involucre. 



Diseased Begonias. — From Mr. A. Dewar came leaves of Begonia 

 * Gloire de Lorraine ' in a diseased condition. The leaves were infested 

 with thrip and mites. Fumigation or spraying with tobacco-water was 

 recommended. 



Air-canals in the leaf and in the flower- stalks of Nymphaas. — Dr. 

 Masters showed impressions illustrative of the varying arrangements of 

 the air-canals in the petioles and peduncles of several species and varieties 

 of this genus — arrangements which are sufficiently varied and sufficiently 

 distinct to allow of the grouping of the several species and varieties into 

 certain well-defined groups. The subject had attracted the attention of 

 the speaker many years ago, but the recent introduction of M. Latour 

 Marliac's hybrids suggested a further examination, which was confirma- 

 tory of previous observations, and the results of which are detailed in the 

 communication now laid before the Society (see vol. xxvi. p. 840). For the 

 opportunity of examining numerous specimens, Dr. Masters expressed his 

 great obligations to Mr. Hudson, the expert cultivator of these beautiful 

 plants at Gunnersbury House. 



