March 18, 1905. 
THE GARDEN INO WORLD , 
SOCIETIES. 
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. 
Scientific Committee, February 28th. 
Present: Dr. M. T. Masters, E.R.S. (in the chair), Rev. W. 
Wilks, Dr. A. 15. Ren die, Messrs. Saunders, Bowles, Hooper, 
Worsley, Massee, Gordon, Douglas, Veitch, Holmes, and Chit¬ 
tenden (lion. secretary). 
Old Age i>' Plants. —A letter was read upon this subject from 
C. B. Luffnianil, Esq., of Victoria, Australia, who pointed out 
that many vegetatively propagated plants were dying out, owing 
to what he designated as a “ prepotent tendency ” and a diminish¬ 
ing foo<l supply. It was decided to discuss the question fully at 
the meeting on March 28th. 
Hen-slow Testimonial. —Dr. Masters announced that the 
testimonial would be presented to Professor Hoirslow at the meet¬ 
ing of the Scientific Committee on March 14th. 
Snowdrop “ Sport.”—*A sport of the common Snowdrop, 
which had persisted ill the same soil for ten years, was sent by 
Mr. J. M. Rawson,. Mr. Bowles recognised it as Galanthus 
nivalis var. poculiforniis, Hurt. 
Daffodil Poisoning.— Mr. J. Lowe wrote stating that the 
gatherers of Daffodils often suffered from sore' hands, and re¬ 
questing some information as to a remedy. Mr. J. V alker wrote 
stating that usually only those who had chapped hands, or who 
failed to wash their hands after picking the flowers, suffered 
from the trouble. The committee were of opinion that the 
crystals of calcium oxalate (raphides), which are frequently in 
abundance im this and similar plants, were the cause of the 
trouble, and it was suggested that the workers should thoroughly 
urease their hands with tallow before picking the flowers, or 
should wear gloves. 
Cvrtanthcs Lutescexs. —Mr. Worsley showed a colour variety 
of this plant. 
Decayed Crinum Bulbs.—M r. Worsley also brought some 
decayed bulbs of Crinum, and described some cf the organisms 
found in them. Mr. Saunders undertook to report upon them. 
Insects Injuring Pine Shoots. —Mr. Wills wrote requesting 
information about a grub, Retinia buoliana, which bored into 
shoots of Pine and caused their destruction. J his was referred 
to Mr. Saunders. 
Leaves Decaying at Tip. —Croton and Dracaena leaves were 
received which were apparently injured through adverse atmo¬ 
spheric conditions, and a leaf of Aspidium Nidus-avis malformed 
at tip probably through injury in its early stages. 
Malformed Mushrooms. —-Dr. Masters showed specimens of 
very irregularly formed Mushrooms, which Mr. Massee reported 
to be attacked by the mould Hypomyces (sp.). All such should 
be destroyed. 
Laurel Leaves Diseased. —Dr. Masters also showed specimens 
cf Laurel leaves with blisters upon them. Mr. Massee undertook 
to report upon these. 
UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND PROVIDENT 
SOCIETY. 
Annual General Meeting. 
The annual general meeting of the above society was held m 
the Caledonian Hotel, Adelphi Terrace, Strand, London, on 
the 13th inst., under the presidency of Mr. Walter P. Wright, 
who called upon the secretary to read the minutes of the annual 
general meeting of 1904. and the report as follows : — 
Report of the Committee for 1904. 
The Committee has the very great pleasure of presenting to 
the annual meeting a report that is eminently satisfactory. In 
many respects the year 1904 has been a record one, no less than 
liinety-tive candidates having been admitted to membership, 
this number showing an increase of twelve over the previous 
highest number elected in any one' year. Losses have, however, 
to be deducted, and these include live deceased and twenty- 
three lapsed members, the total membership at the end of the 
year being 1,076, made up of 609 paying on the higher scale, and 
467 paying on the lower scale. 
Sick members to the number.<d eighty-six have benefited 
under the sick fund, the total paid out during the year being 
£327 6s., or an average of £3 16s. per sick member, This sum 
has been met by a deduction of 7s. 5d. from the contributions 
of higher-scale members, and of 4s. lid. from the lower-scale 
members. 
There are now six members receiving regular grants from the 
benevolent fund, and those amount m tin- a ear vale I., £9!i . . 
In addition, several members in disti-- have I, n : 
fche total amount of £15 4s. 7d.. and m tin-, e<i 
afforded hast be lt most gratefully aoknowl. Im t <'..n nt..| 
(ions to the benevolent fund amounted to £130 4s. 5d 
^ ioni the convalescent fund £7 has bc -n paid out i m m 
recovering from illness, and the comniitteo has reason to kn . 
hlia.1 in some instanc » the help from i Ins voluntarj fund liu 
practically proved to be the physical salvation of tin nnmi, , 
Change of air and change of seen are often absolutely neces 
sary to the complete recovery of a patient following a long or 
severe illness, and all too often it happens that the extra \ 
petnditure inseparable from illness makes such a change prae 
tically impossible. It is under such circumstances as tin s 
that the committee is able to render assistance that far exceeds 
in value the amount of money granted. Members should eve i 
bear in mind the' generosity- of IM r. A. N. Sherwood in foundin'., 
this fund, and so far as able make a point of themselves c»n 
tribating something each year to it. 
Now that the Royal Horticultural Society lias acquired a per 
in alien t home in Vincent Square, the committee proposes to 
henceforth hold the committee and other meetings of “ the 
United at the new Royal Horticultural Hall, where accommo¬ 
dation lias been promised on particularly favourable terms. 
After holding its meetings for so long at the Caledonian Hotel 
this removal is of special interest. The decision to move has 
not been arrived at hastily, but while thankfully remembering 
the many courtesies extended over many years by the proprietors 
of the Caledonian Hotel, and not forgetting the sentiment, that 
always attaches to an old home, the committee is strongly of 
opinion that direct association with the premier horticultural 
society cannot fail to result in a wider interest being taken m 
the work of the United Horticultural Benefit and. Provident 
Society. 
The annual dinner, held at the Holborn Restaurant on 
Wednesday, October 12th, was again successful, and Mr. W. A. 
Bilney made a most genial and capable chairman. IIus 
function gives the society a splendid advertisement, and usually 
it results in an increase of honorary members, the additions 
on this occasion being Mr. W. A. Bilney, Mr. W. T. Turner, 
Mr. C. W. Breadmore, and Mr. David Russell. To the honorary 
members the committee tenders its heartiest thanks for their 
continued interest, and not less sincere and hearty are the 
thanks offered to the Horticultural Dress for services freely and 
frequently rendered to the society. 
On the recommendation of the rules sub-committee, the com¬ 
mittee has decided not to call a special general meeting to con¬ 
sider the proposed new rules until 1906. During 1905 the 
committee will have to meet the somewhat heavy expenses 
entailed by a complete audit of the society’s books, this being 
rendered legally necessary by the transfer of the members’ 
accounts from the old filled-up ledger to a. much larger new one. 
In addition to this the quinquennial valuation under tli 
Friendly Societies Act has been made. Tt will thus be seen 
that the postponement has been decided upon for financial 
reasons, the committee having no power to make a special levy 
for special expenditure such as the rules revision wili neces¬ 
sitate. The sub-committee has met on numerous occasions; and 
its work, now almost finished, will be submitted to a competent 
legal authority (fortunately at no cost to the society) ere the 
proposed alterations are placed before each member. This post¬ 
ponement will also enable the committee to give members a 
longer period for consideration of the proposed alterations and 
additions than is provided for by a mere conformation with the 
legal necessities of the case. 
In conclusion, the committee would once again urge 
upon members the desirability of missionary work among 
hardeners, especially among young gardeners, on behalf of the 
society. The substantial increase of members in 1904 and the 
fine prospect already opened for 1905 should be an incentive 
to those who already appreciate the benefit of unity to further 
increase the strength of the sociity. 
Signed on behalf of the committee, 
Charles H. Curtis. Chairman. 
\VM. Collins, Secretary. 
BENEFIT FUND. 
Dr. Receipts. 
1904. January lltli. 
To balance brought forward 
...*17,427 8 6 
