EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. 



xxxix 



several days previously the frost bad been very severe, the hills 

 at the same time being continuously hidden by wet fog, which 

 was driven gently along by a biting wind from the north-east. 



Barley Smut. — A communication was received from Mr. 

 Plowright with specimens of Ustilago segetum, showing, in 

 accordance with M. Jensen's opinion, two forms or species — one, 

 the commoner, U. nuda, so called because the spores are almost 

 naked ; the other, U. tecta, because the spores are enclosed in a 

 membranous capsule. They form, moreover, much more com- 

 pact masses, and resist the disintegrating influences of the 

 weather for a much longer period than do the spores of U. nuda. 

 M. Jensen has also arrived at the conclusion, on biological 

 grounds, that the smuts of wheat, of barley, and of oats are 

 distinct species, and incapable of infecting other than their 

 proper host plant. Brefeld concluded that the spores of U. 

 segetum formed yeast colonies in sterilised farmyard manure, 

 and concluded that cereals became infected by farmyard manure. 

 Mr. Plowright was unable to confirm this view. 



Galanthus Elwesi diseased. — Professor Marshall Ward re- 

 ported upon the specimens forwarded by Mr. Barr to the last 

 meeting. It appears that the fungus infesting the plants was a 

 different species from the "Lily disease," and proved to be a 

 form of Sclerotinia (Peziza), of which the parasitic state was 

 the so-called " Botrytis " stage. Professor Ward has succeeded 

 in infecting the common snowdrop. 



Lily "Botrytis" Culture of. — Professor Ward exhibited 

 specimens of his culture of this fungus. They were obtained 

 from single spores, one in each of thirty flasks. The spore had 

 produced a large quantity of mycelium until the nutrient fluid was 

 nearly exhausted, when an immense quantity of black sclerotia 

 was formed. 



Abies bractcata Cone. — Dr. Masters exhibited a cone of this 

 tree from a tree grown under the care of Mr. Coleman, of 

 Eastnor Castle Gardens. It is remarkable for the long linear 

 bracts accompanying the scales. Questions were raised as to the 

 use of them, and how they could assist in the dispersion of the 

 seeds. The cone when ripe is said to fall to pieces. 



Skimmia japonica. — Dr. Masters has reinvestigated this 

 plant, and finds that it is not known in Japan, but is really of 

 Chinese origin. Mr. Fortune first brought it from the latter 



