Xxiv PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



short spinescent branches, half an inch in length. The thicker 

 roots penetrated into decayed vegetable matter, developing ab- 

 sorbent root hairs, confirming the suggestion of Professor Oliver 

 that the peculiar development was an adaptation to a sapro- 

 phytism. The Secretary suggests that the short spiny lateral 

 roots may be arrested conditions, in consequence of their not 

 having been buried in any nourishing material. 



Eucalyptus Galls. — Remarkable specimens were received 

 from Baron von Muller, from Australia. They were referred to 

 Mr. Blandford for examination. 



Bichardia, Monstrous. — Mr. Sheppard, of the Toddington 

 Orchard Company, sent a specimen, one leaf of which was- 

 white, like a true spathe. In another case there was a small 

 supplementary spathe and spadix springing from the axil of a 

 second spathe. Dr. Masters observed that if this could be per- 

 petuated there might be a succession of bloom from the same 

 stalk. 



Scientific Committee, April 25, 1893. 



R. McLachlan, Esq., F.R.S., in the Chair, and seven member? 



present. 



Eucalyptus Galls. — Mr. Blandford reported upon his examin- 

 ation of the large woody galls (wrongly referred to Acacia), sent 

 to the last meeting by Baron von Muller from Australia. They 

 appeared to be formed at the base of the leaves. The gall was 

 occupied by a large solitary coccid, the head being turned awaj 

 from the orifice by which the larva escaped. Mr. McLachlan 

 observed that coccids usually live externally on plants ; but for 

 some time a group has been known, including several species,, 

 which form galls on Eucalyptus in Australia, the coccids being 

 sometimes upwards of an inch in length. 



JJardficld Oxlips changing Colour. — Rev. C. W. Dod sent a 

 clump bearing several umbels of yellow and one of red flowers,, 

 with the following communication. Referring to the specimens 

 brought to the last meeting by Dr. Masters, he writes : "I have 

 during the last few years investigated many of these cases in 

 which 1 used to believe, but I have come to the conclusion that 

 if a plant growing in the same soil and position, and not having 



