PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES, 
271 
ment, particularizing many of those most celebrated in the annals of witchcraft* 
and the ignorant superstitions of the middle ages, such, for example, as the 
Mountain-ash, the Holly, &c. &c. He next proceeded to give an account of the 
floral emblems assumed by different clans and peoples, as badges of national 
distinction, such as the Thistle -of Scotland, the Shamrock of Ireland, the Leek of 
Wales, &c. This was followed by an ingenious series of comparisons between 
plants and animals, considered as to their functions, growth, and decay. The 
physiology of vegetation was examined, and the approximation in structure to 
the zoophyte illustrated by numerous examples, and by a beautiful little anecdote 
of the Orange-tree. The organs common alike to plants and animals w T ere 
described, and an able and lucid exposition given of the sleep and wars of the 
former, the various modes of dissemination, propagation and reproduction, and 
the harmony of the vegetable and the animal kingdom. The lecturer concluded 
with an appeal to the audience in favour of the subjects which had been brought 
under review during the course, and urging upon their attention the pleasures 
and advantages arising from the study of Botany upon scientific principles. Mr. 
Lees having terminated his course, a vote of thanks was proposed to him by the 
Secretary, and carried by acclamation. 
On the 24th of Dec. the Members of the Society held theii 4 second Conversazione 
of the session. Shortly before eight o’clock the President of the Institution took the 
chair, and opened the business of the meeting with a few preparatory remarks ; 
after which the Rev. F. W. Hope, Vice-President of the Entomological Society, 
read a paper on the destructive ravages of the Aphis Blight and Wire Worms 
among the agricultural crops of the country, in which much valuable practical 
information was communicated. 
At the close of Mr. Hope’s paper the accustomed interval was allowed for 
refreshment and conversation, and for examining the contents of the Society’s 
museum, which was lighted up for the occasion. These matters having been 
discussed, and the audience returned to their places in the lecture-room, Mr. 
Edwin Lees proceeded to read some highly instructive observations on the 
Natural History of the Mistletoe, as also on the superstitious rites and ceremonies 
with which in the times of old that famous plant had been identified ; and 
furnishing much valuable and interesting information on its botanical and his¬ 
torical character. We regret exceedingly that the limits reserved for our report 
of the admirable papers read before this meeting are too contracted to admit of 
our presenting any outline of their contents, but we may probably avail ourselves 
of ampler time and space to do so in our next number. The Rev. J. Walker 
proposed a vote of thanks to both gentlemen for their valuable communications* 
Which was seconded by the Rev. S. Middleton, and carried nenu con * 
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