68 
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 
the same hue as those of its nearest ally (M. versicolor ). 
This fact appears not to have been before observed. 
Such, then, being the uniformity of character, which 
appears to me to exist in the individuals in question, I am led 
to consider that the apparent distinction between them, arises 
solely from their respective peculiarities of soil and situation. 
The one puts forth its early blossoms in a soil which is loose 
and arid, and thus affording no sustenance for a more perfect 
development, while the other is found in deep and cohesive 
loam, capable of retaining moisture throughout the summer, 
and from which a greater portion of nourishment can be 
obtained. 
Admitting, then, that a difference of soil operates so power- 
fully in producing such varied, and perhaps permanent 
distinctions of character, it will become a subject worthy of 
attention, how this peculiar operation takes place ; and 
whether, by close observation on the soil, as well as locality, 
we may not be able to establish geological laws. 
MAY 4th. 
W. H. White, Esq., in the Chair. 
A communication was read from the Chairman, being a 
translation of a paper read before the Academy at Brussels, 
by Professor Kickx, entitled “ A note on the Hybridity of 
Ferns.” 
M. Kickx presented the following observations to the 
Royal Academy at Brussels, at their sitting in February 1837, 
and which is published in the Bulletin of the Royal Academy 
for March. 
“ I have a few observations to add to those which M. Mar- 
tens has laid before you, on a case of Hybridity in Ferns. 
My observations are as follows, viz : — 
1st. That I have witnessed the spontaneous crossings of 
the Gy mnoyr amnia chrysophylla and calomelanos cultivated 
in our greenhouse. 
“ 2nd. That the seeds of the Hybrida, collected by M. 
