76 
Linncean Society, 
different elements of the orbit, and the values of the quantities 
required for predicting geocentric places, are minutely and distinctly 
stated, so that tlie ordinary computer will find no difficulty in 
applying the method. 
Extract of a Letter from Professor Schumacher to the Astronomer 
Royal, relative to the determination of differences of Longitude, by 
observations of Shooting Stars. 
M. Schumacher states that, although observations of shooting 
stars have long since been proposed by Mr. Benzenberg as a means 
of determining differences of longitude, no attempt has yet been 
made to carry the plan into practice. With a view to ascertain the 
degree of exactness with which such observations can be made, he 
resolved to make some trials on the night of the 10th of last August. 
He preferred to observe the extinction of the meteor, because its 
apparition gives warning, and in some measure prepares the 
observer for the phaenomenon. Having given no notice of his 
intention to other astronomers, he had no expectation of obtaining 
corresponding observations ; but was agreeably surprised when he 
subsequently obtained them from Bremen, Breslau, and even Kdnigs- 
berg. They did not give very accurate differences of longitude, 
because the observers at those places had observed the apparition 
and not the extinction ; and because, not having the same object in 
view, they did not ascertain the equation of the clock with jDre- 
cision. Nevertheless the observations gave approximate differences, 
and showed that the method is practicable. 
LINN.EAN SOCIETY. 
April 16, 1839. — Read, “ On a Gall gathered in Cuba, by W. S. 
MacLeay, Esq., on the leaf of a j)lant belonging to the order Och- 
nacece.” By the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, M.A., F.L.S. 
The gall is remarkable for its very close resemblance in habit and 
form to some epiphytous Fungi, for possessing a distinct operculum, 
and, especially, for bursting through the cuticle, which surrounds it 
in the form of a few lacinise at the base. Mr. Berkeley pointed out 
various forms of galls and other productions of insects which have 
been described as Fungi, but in none is the resemblance so striking 
as in the present. He regretted that he was not able to throw any 
light upon the animal by which it is caused, though he was able to 
state positively that it is an animal production, as in most instances 
decayed exuviae were found in its cavity, and in one case a little im- 
perfect grub, which was however unfortunately lost. 
May 24, 1839. — The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the 
Chair. — This day, the Anniversary of the birthday of Linnaeus, and 
that apj)ointed in the charter for the election of Council and Officers, 
the President opened the business of the Meeting, and in stating the 
number of Members whom the Society had lost during the past year, 
gave tlie following notices of some of them : — 
Samuel Ih'ookes, Esq . — Mr. Brookes was devoted to the science of 
Conchology, and i)osscsscd a valuable collection of British and Fo- 
