SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, OCTOBER 23 



Ixxxix 



concrescent with the ovary, we should know that the stone was of a 

 carpellary nature. But if the tube were similarly fused in Bcncomia, we 

 should be wrong if it were equally referred to the ovary." 



Beetles in Beech. — Dr. Masters exhibited a piece of copper-beech wood 

 much bored by beetles, together with specimens of the beetles, upon 

 which Mr. Saunders undertook to report at the next meeting. See 

 below, October 23. 



Potato perforated by Twitch. — Dr. Masters also showed a good 

 example of this peculiarity, which is frequently met with. Some dis- 

 cussion took place as to whether the perforation was due to the dissolving 

 action of an enzyme from the tip of the twitch rhizome or merely to 

 mechanical pressure of the growing shoot of the grass. 



Galls 0,1 Sali.r alba. — Mr. Chittenden showed a branch of the white 

 willow in which all the buds had become aborted and produced masses 

 of small leaves, probably through the attacks of a mite. 



Fasciation. — He also showed a specimen of Daphne Laureola very 

 much fasciated, and having very small leaves, so that the whole had much 

 the appearance of a green cockscomb. 



Apples and Pears diseased. — Apples and pears attacked by Fusicladium 

 were sent from Chigwell. The apple had very numerous spots just below the 

 skin, but the cracks and roughnesses usually associated with Fusicladium 

 were not apparent. 



Scientific Committee, October 23, 1906. 



Mr. G. Massee, F.L.S., V.M.H., in the Chair, and fourteen members 



present. 



Beetles in Beech. — Referring to the insects in the copper beech shown 

 at the last meeting, Mr. Saunders, F.L.S., reported : — " The insects in the 

 decaying portion of the stem of the copper beech are specimens of a well- 

 known beetle and its grubs. It has not, as far as I am aware, any 

 English name. Its scientific name is Sinodendron cylindricum ; it is 

 very nearly allied to the well-known ' stag beetle.' I believe that it is 

 only found in decaying wood, and not in healthy trees, and that it is not 

 responsible for the condition of the tree, though to a certain extent 

 it may have contributed to the rapidity of the decay. Cut away all the 

 diseased part so as to expose the sound wood, which may be well dressed 

 vaih. tar." 



Grit in Apples and Pears. — Eev. Professor Henslow sent the following 

 additional note regarding this subject, which had been adverted to at the 

 last two meetings, together with the fruit of Pyrus japonica and dried 

 slices of the same : — " When the cellular tissue of the pseudocarp of 

 Pyrus japonica contracts, the grit stands out conspicuously ; it is thus 

 seen to form a rather compact layer surrounding the core with ten 

 radiating arms extending nearly to the circumference of the fruit. No 

 grit occurs in the external part of the pseudocarp. The inference is that 

 the original stone is still represented, but in a much reduced state, and 

 that it is beginning to be dispersed through the pseudocarp. The 



