Botanical Society of Edinburgh. 
315 
tenable. “ I cannot believe,” says Sir John, “that it (the avicu- 
larium) is connected with the hydra, from finding it seated and ac- 
tive on the side of those cells wherein there are none. Nevertheless, 
it is an integral part of the zoophyte, in so far as being generated 
along with new or reproducing portions. This, indeed, does not 
exclude the character of a parasite ; for I have understood that those 
infesting the larger animals sometimes occur in the foetus.” (p. 245.) 
Valkeria imbricata is well-figured on plate 50 ; V. cuscuta on 
plate 51, and on the same plate V. spinosa in a less satisfactory and 
less complete manner. 
Sir John is of opinion that the genus Serialaria is unnecessary, 
and he places its only species in the genus Valkeria. It forms the 
subject of plate 52. The cells are not ranged in a straight line in 
single series as usually described, but “ in partial alternation, the 
convex side of one being applied to the opposite recess formed by 
the union of two, somewhat like the position of two rows of cells in 
a honeycomb.” (p. 250.) Like all Valkerice, the polype has eight 
tentacula. 
Bowerhankia repens and B. densa are figured in plate 53, and the 
species are described in the text. But beyond furnishing us with a 
series of interesting figures and authentic and original descriptions, 
we do not find that our author has added any novelty to our know- 
ledge of ascidian zoophytes, beyond some additions to their external 
anatomy and some corrections of less careful observers. 
And now we bid a farewell — we trust a short one — to our author, 
whose book has engrossed very pleasantly some days of our leisure. 
We learn that his portefeuille contains many similar memoirs to 
those herein published, and we could wish to have the influence of 
hastening also their publication ; but surely such influence, if pos- 
sessed, is unnecessary, for in the honourable fame this volume has 
secured for Sir John Graham Dalyell there is enough to urge him 
on to the completion of his ever-during monument. 
PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES. 
BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH. 
Feb. 10, 1848. — The Pvev. Dr. Fleming, President, in the Chair. 
The following communication was read : — 
“ An Account of a Botanical Excursion to Braemar, Clova, and Ben 
Lawers, with his pupils, in August 1847,” by Professor Balfour. 
Having made some general observations on the botany of the alpine 
districts of Scotland, Dr. Balfour proceeded to give a detailed ac- 
count of the localities visited and the plants gathered. From Aber- 
deen the party went to Ballater, thence by Lochnagar to Castleton 
of Braemar, where they remained ten days, examining Ben A ven, Ben- 
na-Muich-Dhui (on the top of which they slept for a night). Cairn 
Toul, Breriach, Glen Callater, Clova, Glen Isla, &c. Leaving Brae- 
mar, they walked by Glen Tilt to Blair Athol, and thence by the Pass 
of Killiecrankie to Kenmore, Ben l^awers and Loch Lomond. All 
the usual, and many very rare alpine species were gathered. Carex 
21 * 
