SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, JUNE 26. 



Ixxvii 



the starch could not be converted into sugar, and therefore could not be 

 used by the plant for purposes of growth. Why this was so had not been 

 ascertained. Certain crosses were always found to be affected in this 

 way. 



Flowers of Broad Bean malformed. — Some curiously malformed 

 flowers of broad bean were received from Mr. James Douglas. 



Tulip Disease. — Lady Binning sent specimens of tulips badly 

 attacked by the tulip mould, Sclerotinia parasitica. This fungus 

 frequently attacks the tulip, forming olive-brown velvety patches on the 

 stem, leaves, and flowers. At a later stage smooth lentil-shaped lumps 

 or sclerotia (resting bodies), at first grey, then black, appear, mostly in the 

 outer parts of the bulb, sometimes being so numerous as to form black 

 crusts. When the mould is first observed the plant should be taken up 

 and burned to prevent the formation of sclerotia, some of which are often 

 produced in the soil close to the bulb, and thus endanger the subsequent 

 crop. The top layers of soil to the depth of about two inches should be 

 removed in winter, and a fresh dressing of soil containing as little organic 

 matter as possible should be substituted. The admixture of lime with 

 this soil will assist in checking the disease. See Journal R.H.S. xxvi. 

 p. 45. 



Diseased Pelargoniums. — Pelargoniums attacked by Botrytis cinerea 

 were received from Isleworth. Spraying with sulphide of potassium and 

 giving as much air as possible were recommended. 



Scientific Committee, June 26, 1906. 

 Dr. M. T. Masters, F.R.S., in the Chair, and eleven members present. 



Azalea dying. — From Rugby came an Azalea which had suddenly 

 gone off. No fungus or insect could be detected thereon, and it was the 

 opinion of the Committee that death was due to allowing the plant to 

 become dry at the roots at some time. 



Clematis " sporting." — Mr. Gordon, V.M.H., showed double pale-lilac 

 flowers of Clematis which had appeared on two Clematis plants, which 

 last year bore the usual dark flowers of Clematis Jackmanni and a small 

 white flower respectively. It was thought that in all probability the 

 flowers had been produced by the upgrowth from the stock on which 

 the Clematis plants which flowered last year had been grafted. 



Ascidia on Plumeria. — Mr. J. W\ Odell showed some curious examples 

 of these cup-like growths proceeding from near the base of the leaf- 

 stalk of Plumeria lutea, looking exceedingly like stipular growths. Such 

 structures are common on cabbages, lettuces, and pelargoniums, but do 

 not appear to have been recorded hitherto in Plumeria. 



Shoot of Hyacinth growing downwards. — Professor Boulger said his 

 attention had been called to the growth of a hyacinth the bulb of which 

 had been scratched out of the soil, and had lain on the surface with 

 the shoot (which had just started growth) pointing downwards. The 

 shoot continued to grow downwards to a depth of about 8 inches, and 

 produced flowers, which, however, were not coloured. Professor Henslow 

 said that he showed a plant with a similar growth some years ago. In 



