SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, AUGUST 10. 



cxvii 



thorough analyses should be made of all parts of Orchids was 

 advisable, if practicable ; but such would require very accurate 

 work on definite lines. Such only would give valuable results. 



Scientific Committee, August 10. 

 Dr. M. T. Masters in the Chair, and three members present. 



Vine Leaves defective. — Some vine leaves, which appear to 

 have decayed prematurely, were exhibited. No fungus was 

 present, and their defective appearance was attributable to too 

 high cultivation, guano being freely used with great heat, 

 and too much water, such being quite consistent with their 

 appearance. 



Bibes aureum in Fruit. — Dr. Masters exhibited a branch, 

 bearing a raceme of ripe purple-black berries, of this common 

 shrub. Though introduced by Mr. Douglas from California, the 

 fruit has rarely if ever been seen before. It was received from 

 Mr. Veitch. 



Chrysanthemum Leaves attacked by Grubs. — These were 

 received from Mr. Jenkins, and were forwarded to Mr. McLachlan, 

 who reports " that the grubs are very young larvae of the ' Silver 

 Y-mouth ' (Plusia gamma). It will attack almost anything. 

 They should be destroyed by hand-picking." The caterpillars 

 are doing considerable damage to the Chrysanthemums. 



Green- flowered Cross-leaved Heath. — Dr. Masters showed 

 specimens of this unusual condition. It resembles the 

 " Wheat-eared " Carnations sent to the last meeting, and con- 

 sists of an abnormal repetition of ciliated bracts ; the flower in 

 the centre having been arrested in consequence of an attack by 

 some grub. 



Pelargoniums decaying. — Examples of the varieties Vesuvius 

 and West Brighton were shown, which had decayed from the 

 collar upwards. It was attributed to too deep planting. They 

 had large roots, and had been apparently quite healthy when 

 planted, some being over two-year-old plants. Possibly they 

 were attacked by a slime fungus. 



