SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE. FEBRUARY 28. xlvii 



Broornfield Lodge, Chelmsford, and appears to be particularly injurious 

 to orchids. 



'Xavel' Oranges. — Mr. Chittenden showed a specimen of this well- 

 known form of orange. All the larger fruits on some trees of the variety 

 ' Sustain,' grown at Widford Lodge, Chelmsford, had sported in this 

 peculiar way, while the smaller fruits were of the normal form. 



Old Age in Plants. — A letter on this subject was received from 

 Mr. C. B. Luffniann, Victoria, Australia, the consideration of which was 

 deferred till the next meeting. 



Fung as on Tree Bo>ts. — Mr. Sharp, of Westbury, sent a specimen of 

 a fungus growing on the roots of a tree by a brook, which Dr. Cooke 

 determined to be Peziza coccinea. 



Scientific Committee, February 2S. 1905. 

 Dr. M. T. Masters, F.E.S.. in the Chair, and twelve members present. 



Old Age in Plants. — A letter was read upon this subject from Mr. 

 C. B. Lurrmann, Victoria, Australia, who pointed out that many 

 vegetatively propagated plants were dying out, owing to what he 

 designated as a "prepotent tendency " and a diminishing food supply. 

 It was decided to discuss the question, with reference especially to the 

 potato, at the meeting on March 2^. 



Henslow Testimonial. — Dr. Masters announced that the testimonial 

 would be presented to Prof. Henslow at the meeting of the Scientific 

 Committee on March 14. 



Snowdrop " Sptort." — A variety of the common snowdrop, which had 

 persisted in the same soil for ten years, was sent by Mr. J. M. Bawson. 

 Mr. Bowles recognised it as Galanthus nivalis var. poculiformis, Hort. 



Daffodil Poison ing.-='Slv. J. Lowe wrote stating that the gatherers 

 of daffodils often suffered from sore hands, and requesting some informa- 

 tion as to a remedy. Mr. J. Walker wrote stating that usually only 

 those who had chapped hands, or who failed to wash their hands after 

 picking the flowers, suffered from the trouble. The Com mi ttee were of 

 opinion that the crystals of calcium oxalate (raphides), which are 

 frequently abundant in this and similar plants, were the cause of the 

 trouble, and it was suggested that the workers should thoroughly grease 

 their hands with tallow before picking the flowers, or should wear gloves. 



Cyrtanthus lutescem. — Mr. TVorsley showed a colour variety of this 

 plant. 



Decayed Crinum Bulbs. — Mr. Worsley also brought some decayed 

 bulbs of Crinum, and described some of the organisms found in them. 

 Mr. Saunders undertook to report upon them. 



Insects Injuring Pine Shoots. — Mr. Wills wrote requesting information 

 about a grub, Betinia buoliana, which bored into shoots of pine and 

 caused their destruction. This was referred to Mr. Saunders. 



Leaves Decaying at Tip. — Croton and Draccena leaves were received 

 which were apparently injured through adverse atmospheric conditions, 

 and a leaf of Asplenium nidus-avis malformed at tip, probably through 

 injury in its early stages. 



