XXvi PEOCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
smallest seeds really gave rise to plants bearing the largest and best type 
of flowers. In another variety the skin is invariably split. With none 
of these peculiarities, however, is there the slightest deterioration in the 
quality or character of the blossoms. 
Shirely Poppy Seed. — Mr. Wilks observed that the seeds of these 
Poppies are becoming of a pale grey colour, instead of being nearly black, 
as was originally the case with the old type of the cultivated Papaver 
Rhoeas bearing black anthers. 
Apple Graft Variation. — Mr. "Wilks showed samples of the Manning- 
ton Pearmain Apple sent by Mr. Peter Yeitch, and taken from the original 
tree which supplied the fruit described by Dr. Hogg fifty years ago. It is 
a medium-sized Apple, russet in appearance and rugose, wdth raised lines, 
though the sample has scarcely a trace of bright coloration, as stated in 
Hogg's description. The "improved " form was devoid of all roughness, 
and brightly coloured with yellow and red. It is now widely distributed 
by grafting, and this improved form is the present recognised Mannington 
though widely different from the original type. Professor Bailey records 
an analogous case in America, in that since the original Newtown Pippin 
has been distributed over the United States it has assumed various forms 
specially characteristic of Apples growing in the different States, and even 
in Australia it has also acquired local characteristics. (See page xxxvii) 
Scientific Committee, March 14, 1899. 
Dr. M. T. Masters in the Chair, and three members present. 
Dahlias Diseased. — Some roots w^ere received from a nursery firm, 
with the following communication : — " First we started our roots in the 
manner we have done for years with the best results — namely, on a hot 
bench, taking cuttings within three weeks of their insertion, and gradually 
lessening the heat as time went on. Secondly, the first batch this 
season was somewhat soft, and all failed ; not, however, by damping off, 
but from the effects of the disease. Thirdly, last season we had 
magnificent strikes, but near the close of the season, the ' spot ' — as on the 
specimen sent — made its appearance, but was very limited. Fourthly, the 
bottom heat w^as maintained at about 70°, while the top was about 15° less. 
Fifthly, can the Tomato-disease have become incorporated with the soil, as 
Tomatos had been grown there ; and has this any relation to the disease 
or cause of the trouble ? Sixthly, all the roots were placed in com- 
paratively new soil, although some of the old may have been mixed with 
it. Seventhly, the house is well aired, and the cuttings were firm when 
taken off. As to remedies, we have applied sulphur with satisfactory 
results — so far as it killed the fungus at the root and allowed fresh clean 
growth to be made— but it had no apparent effect on the cuttings. They 
w^ent off by the score. We have hitherto been most successful in Dahlia 
cultivation, and have had misfortunes, too, but this disease completely 
baffles us. The result is the same, both with hard-grown forced exhibition 
roots and those grown without forcing." 
The following valuable report on the preceding was received from Dr. 
