Xlii PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



tree, remarkable for the silvery under surface of the leaves, 

 which are about 3 inches in length. It bears large male cat- 

 kins, and elongated pointed buds. It is a native of 8. California. 

 It is remarkable that it fails to flower on the Atlantic side of 

 N. America. 



A. Menziesii. — He also showed a bough of this splendid 

 timber tree from Vancouver. 



Petalless Apples. — Flowering shoots of the Ecklinville 

 (Seedling) Apple were received, remarkable for having no petals. 

 They were sent from the Glewstone Gardens, Boss. There were 

 600 bushes of twelve years' growth, all being similarly affected. 

 No particular cause could be suggested. 



Double Narcissus. — Dr. Masters showed a single and double 

 flower of a N. incomparabilis, of a somewhat novel character. 

 The perianth consisted of twelve pieces regularly arranged in 

 " threes." The short cup -shaped corona as well as the stamens 

 were totally absent ; but the styles above the tube were free and 

 petaloid, suggesting the normal condition in an Iris. 



Sclerotia (?). — Mr. M. Taylor, of the Gardens, Penbidw Hall, 

 Nannerch, sent some remarkable specimens of a fungus con- 

 sisting of large branching lumps, which appeared in a Mush- 

 room bed. They were forwarded to Kew for investigation. 



Improved Method of Grafting. — Mr. Robt. Smith, of Brad- 

 well Villas, Bishop Street, Shrewsbury, sent a number of 

 specimens of grafts, illustrating a new method. This being, that 

 in preparing the scion, while one " tongue " is inserted as usual, 

 the opposite half of the scion is carried over the flat top or 

 " crown," and inserted on the opposite side, or two grafts may 

 be thus inserted on opposite sides of the stem, the result being, 

 as shown in the specimens sent, that the summit is completely 

 covered in with new growth. This was seen in small specimens 

 of whip-grafting, but none were sent to show how far large 

 crowns would become covered over. Another advantage arose 

 from the new method of preventing loss of grafts by wind 

 breakage, for it thus gave a better and stronger union. It was 

 thought by Mr. Douglas that it was a decided improvement 

 upon the old method, as long as the scion and stock were of the 

 same size ; but further information was desirable as to the 

 success when the surface of the stock much exceeded that of 

 the scion. (Figs. 22 to 20, pages liii-lv.) 



