C1XXX PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



of developing a flower had produced six sheaths, one within the 

 other, from the apex of the pseudo-bulb. Mr. Tucker thought a 

 maggot might have been the cause of the freak, but beyond a 

 small hole in the outer sheath there were no signs of insect 

 attack. 



Fertilising Bee of Catasetum tridentatum, Hook. — Specimens 

 of this bee, which had been sent to Kew by Mr. Hart, of the 

 Botanic Gardens, Trinidad, were exhibited. They were of a 

 metallic shining emerald-green colour, and somewhat larger and 

 rounder than an ordinary house fly. The name of the bee is 

 Chrysantheda nitida. It is a native of S. America. 



Mustard Beetle. — A box of living beetles known as Phcedon 

 cochlearice was exhibited. These beetles devour crops of 

 mustard in the eastern counties, and are very destructive. 



Swede Turnip with "Fingers and Toes." — Mr. Jas. Long, 

 of Wisbech, sent a specimen of Swede affected with this 

 myxomycetous disease, Plasmodiophora ■ Brassicce. It was stated 

 that there would be a group of fifty or sixty plants affected with 

 the disease in a crop of several acres, and no particular notice 

 was taken. In fact, the diseased plants were allowed to produce 

 seeds, which afterwards developed healthy plants. 



Colour Experiments. — It was decided that Dr. Russell, 

 Professor Henslow, and the Rev. W. Wilks should use some 

 of Judson's dyes, with a view to their absorption by the roots 

 of Hyacinths under experiment. 



Scientific Committee, November 24, 189G. 



A. V>. Michael, Esq., in the Chair, and four members 

 present. 



Award Recommended :— 



Botanical Certificate. 



To Primula sinensis (wild species improved). Votes, 

 unanimous. From E. Hyde, Esq., Ealing. 



The Ficccnt Differentiation of the Wheat Mildews. — The 

 following interesting communication was received from Dr. 

 Plowright : — 



