Cxlviil PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Photos of Malta. — Mr. Henslow exhibited some photographs 

 illustrative of different features of Malta, including cultivated 

 areas, uncultivated hill-tops, &c,and ancient river valleys known 

 as " wieds." The only trees in cultivation in the fields are 

 Carobs, Figs, and Opuntia Ficus indica, of which last there are 

 four varieties — the "blood," the " white," the "seedless," and 

 the "yellow." 



Oxalis cemua, Thumb. — He also showed specimens of this 

 ubiquitous and so-called by the Maltese " English weed," intro- 

 duced by Father Giacintho from the Cape in 1806. It is 

 remarkable for its prolific multiplication by bulbils, as it never 

 sets seed in the northern hemisphere, the " short-styled " form 

 being the only form known. It has elongated slender rhizomes 

 with rod-like aquiferous appendages, by means of which it can 

 climb up among the loose stones of the walls, or descend to 

 great depths among the rubble. A further account of the 

 distribution of this plant throughout the Mediterranean region, 

 having originated in Malta, will be found in the " Proc. Lin. 

 Soc," 1893, p. 31. 



Centaurea spathulata, Zeraph, 1827 (C. crassifolia, Bert, 

 1829). — Mr. Henslow also brought a living plant in flower of 

 this remarkable plant, which is the only truly indigenous species 

 known to Malta. It has entire spathulate fleshy leaves, and 

 heads of rose-coloured florets. It is found in the valley known 

 as " Wied Babu," in Malta, and also in Gozo, growing in the 

 cracks of the rocks. 



Scientific Committee, July 24, 1894. 

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



Photographs. — Dr. Masters exhibited photos of the "Lily 

 Pond " at Trelissiek, Truro, on the property of C. D. Gilbert, Esq., 

 showing great quantities of Bichardia aethiopica bordering the 

 pond, together with Nuphar. Large clumps of Gunnera manicata 

 and a fringe of tall-growing Primula japonica occur on the higher 

 ground. Another view illustrated fine masses of Benthamia 

 fragifera in flower. 



Carnation Sports. — He also showed several varieties of colours 



