1 r 3/fO ^.^> PROCEEDINGS LINNEAN SOCIETY OF LONDON. VOL. II. From November 1848 to June 1865. PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY, BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RKD LION COURT, FLEET STREET. 1855. LIST OF PAPERS. page Adam, Walter, Esq., M.D. On the Osteological relations observable among a few species of the Bovine Family 332 Alexander, Richard Chandler, M.D., F.L.S. Notes on the Leaf of Guarea grandifolia, Dec 129 Allemao, Dr. Francisco Freire. Extract from a Memoir on the Origin and Development of Vessels in Monocotyledonous and Dicotyledonous Plants 361 Babington, Charles Cardale, Esq., F.R.S., F.L S. Notes on Potamogeton flabellatus, Bab., a new British species ... 259 Battka, M. J. B. Notice of the Characters and Synonyms of the genus Senna 281 Bell, Thomas, Esq., President. Anniversary Address, 1854 296 , 1855 385 Horee Carcinologica, or Notices of Crustacea : — I. A Monograph of Leucosiadte^ with Observations on the relations, structure, habits and distribution of the family, a revision of the generic characters and descriptions of new genera and species 428 Berkeley, Rev. Michael John, F.L.S. Note on Edible species of Nostoc, from the Arctic Regions and Mountains of Central Asia 166 On two new genera of Fungi 197 Blackwall, John, Esq., F.L.S. Experiments and Observations on the Poison of Animals of the Order A raneidea 13 Bollakrt, William, Esq. Observations on the Botany of Texas 95, 97 Bromfield, William Arnold, M.D., F.L.S. Observations on a new form of Luzula, from the Isle of Wight... 53 Brown, Robert, Esq., D.C.L., President. On the Origin and Mode of Propagation of the Gulf- weed 77 BucKTON, George Bow^dler, Esq., F.L.S. Notice of several species of Bats, captured in England during the present Autumn 259 BuisT, Dr. George. On the Construction of the Nest of a species of Mason- Wasp in the neighbourhood of Bombay 333* BuNBURY, Charles James Fox, Esq., F.R,S., F.L.S. Notes on the Vegetation of Buenos Ayres and the neighbouring Districts 214, 22<) IV page Champion, Capt. On the Ternstroemiaceous Plants of Hong Kong 98 Clarke, Benjamin, Esq., F.L.S. Memoir on the position of Carpels when two and when single, including Outlines of a new Method of Arrangement of the Orders of Exogens and Observations on the Structure of Ovaries consisting of a single Carpel 101, 105 Supplementary Note to ditto 117 On the position of the Raphe in Anatropal Ovules 147 On the Embryo of Nelumbium 340 Notes on Cephalotece and Belvisiacece 342 Clarke, Joshua, Esq., F.L.S. Observations on the Parasitic Habits of Rhinanthus Crista Gain, L., and its injurious effects on the growth of Barley ... 256 CoLEBRooKE, Henry Thomas, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. Remarks on Dr. Roxburgh's Memoir on the Aloe-wood Tree ... 124 Curtis, John, Esq., F.L.S. On the Economy of a new species of Saw-fly 66 Notice regarding a Weevil of the Vine and its Parasite 265 On the genus Myrmica and other Ants 288 Remarks relative to the Affinities and Analogies of Natural Ob- jects, more particularly of Hypocephahs, a genus of Coleoptera 291 Daniell, George, Esq. Notes on the Habits of Myrmica domestica, Shuck., together with some account of a means of turning the industry of this minute Ant to account in the preparation of skeletons of small Animals 1/2 Notes on the Habits of the Common Garden Ant, Formica nigra, L 290 Forster, Thomas, M.B., F.L.S. On the present Season in relation to Birds and other Natural Phaenomena 146 Gceppert, Heinrich, Prof., F.M.L.S. Remarks on Fossil Palms 352 Graham, Frederick J., Esq., F.L.S. On the Injuries sustained by certain Plants from the attacks of parasitic Fungi, with particular reference to the Cause of the Potato Disease 1 Griffith, William, Esq., F.L.S. Papers transmitted by John McClelland, Esq., F.L.S 252 Hamilton, Buchanan, M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S. Commentary on the Ninth Part of Van Rheede's " Hortus Mala- baricus" 127, 178 Hance, H. F., Esq., Ph.D. On the Structure of the Fruit in Punica 96 Henfrey, Arthur, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. On the Development of the Embryo in Orchis Morio, L ., 26 On the Development of the Spores and Elaters of Marchantia polymorpha, L 61 On the Development of Ferns from their Spores 203 Remarks on the so-called Eye-spot of the Infusoria and Micro- scopic AlgtB 266 Notes on the Elaters of Trichia 279 V paffe HiNCKS, Rev. William, F.L.S. Note on the Nature of Fasciated Stems 215 ■ Hogg, John, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. On a double variety of Matricaria Chamomilla, L 2 On a large and remarkable Wasps' Nest 33 On the Artificial Introduction of a breed of Salmon into the River Swale, &c 178 On the Artificial Breeding of Salmon and Trout, with Remarks on the Modes of Fecundating their Ova 246 Notice of the appearance of Myriads of a sjjecies of Aphis in the North of England, during the present Autumn 261 On the external Membrane of the unimpregnated and impregnated Ova of the Common Salmon 330 On the occurrence of a large specimen of Tunny {Thynnus vul- garis, Cuv.), in the River Tees 348, 360 IIoLDSwoRTH, A. H., Esq. Notes on the Dry-rot, as observed in the Church of King's Wear, Devonshire 80 Hooker, Joseph Dalton, Esq., M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S. Note on the Occurrence of an Edible Nostoc in the Arctic Regions and in the Mountains of Central Asia 166 On some remarkable Spherical Exostoses developed on the Roots of various species of Coniferce 335* On the Structure and Affinities of the Natural Order of Balano- phorece 369, 436 , and Thomson, Thomas, Esq., M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S. On Hodgsonia, Hook. fil. et Thoms., a new and remarkable genus of Cucurbitacece 257 On Decaisnea, a remarkable new genus of the tribe of Lardiza- baleee 349 Huxley, WilliXm, Esq., F.R.S. On the Anatomy and Physiology of Physalia, and on its place in the System of Animals .. 3, 4 On the Anatomy of Diphyes, and on the Unity of Composition of the DiphyidcB and Physophoridce 15, 60, 65, ^^ Kennedy, Benjamin, Esq., F.L.S. Descripticm of a supposed Fossil from South Africa 127 KippisT, Richard, Esq., Libr.L.S. Note on Mr. Woods's Paper on the various forms of Saliconiia. 112 On Acradenia, anew genus oi Diosmece 200 Knox, Robert, M.D. On the food of certain Gregarious Fishes 354 Lankester, Edwin, M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S. Notice of a peculiar Structure of the Cells on the surface of C«/- litriche verna, L 94 LiNNj^, Charles von. Almanac Notes for the year 1 735, translated from the Swedish by Nathaniel Wallich, M.D., F.R.S., V.P.L.S. &c 5 Letter to the Rev. John White, communicated bv John Ciould, Esq., F.L.S '... 31 Extract from a Manuscript Account of his Journey in Dalecarlia in 1734, in the possession of the Society 114 Lowe, Edward Joseph, Esq. Catalogue of Land and Freshwater Mollusca found in the neigh- bourhood of Nottingham 1 1" VI page MiERS, John, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. On the Family of TnMriaee« 71j 72 On two Genera of Plants from the Cordillera of Chili 164 On the correctness of the position assigned to Oxycladus in the family oi Bignoniacece 270 On the Structure of the Seed and pecuhar Form of the Embryo in Clusiacea 333, 343 Notes on Dr. Allemao's Memoir on the Origin and Development of Vessels in Monocotyledonous and Dicotyledonous Plants . . . 364 Moore, David, Esq., A.L.S. On the Introduction of Anacharis Alsinastrum, Bab., into Ireland 269 Moore, Thomas, Esq., F.L.S. Descriptions of two new Swan River Papilionacea 202 On A'^enation as a generic character in Ferns ; with Observations on the genera Hewardia, J. Smith, and Cionidium, Moore ... 210 Notes on some Ferns in the Wallichian Herbarium 286 Newport, George, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. On the Anatomy and Development of certain Chalcididce and IchneumonidtB, compared with their special (Economy and In- stincts ; with Descriptions of a new genus and species of Bee- Parasite, Part 1 23 , Part II 34 On Ichneumon Atropos, Curt 64 Further Observations on the habits of Monodontomerus, with some account of a new Acarus, Heteropus ventricosus, a Para- site in the nests of Anthophora retusa 70 Further Observations on the genus ^w^^o^Aoraiia, Ne\vp 169 Additional Note to his Memoir on Ichneumon Atropos, Curt 213 On the Ocelli in the genus Anthophorabia, Newp 219 Notes on the Dipterous Parasites which attack the Common Earwig and the Emperor Moth 247 On the Reproduction of lost parts in Earthworms 256 Nicholson, B. A. R., M.D. Notes on Bdellium 125 Peach, Charles W., Esq Notes on the Habits of Medusa and of small Fishes 280 Ralph, Thomas Shearman, Esq., A.L.S. Sketch of the Vegetation around WeUington, New Zealand 250 Roxburgh, William, M.D., F.L.S. On the Aquilaria Agallocha, Roxb., the Agallochum or Aloe- wood Tree of Commerce 123 SCHLAGINTWEIT, Dr. AdOLPH. Summary of the ])rincipal Results of the Investigations of him- self and his brother into the Vegetation of the Alps 102 Schomburgk, Sir Robert Henry, Ph.D. On the Forest-trees of British Guiana and their Uses in Civil and Naval Architecture 168 Seemann, Berthold, Ph.D., F.L.S. Remarks on Sarsaparillas 262 Notes on the Natural Order CrescentiacecB 268 On the identity of Pinus hirtella and Pinus religiosa of Humboldt, Bonpland and Kunth 361 On the "Oro Vegetal," or Vegetable Gold of Mexico 436 Vll page Smith, Frederick, Lsq. Notice of a species of Monodontomerus, parasitic in the celU of Anthophora retusa 29 Thomson, Thomas, Esq., M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S. See Hooker, J. D., Esq., M.D. Thwaites, G. H. K., Esq., F.L.S. Note on the genus ^nci«/roc/arfu5 of Wallich 284 VoGEL, Dr. Edward. Extracts from a Letter, giving some Account of the Botanical features of the region between Tripoli and Mourzouk 274 Wakefield, Robert, Esq., F.L.S. On some of the Habits of Ants 293 Wallich, Nathaniel, Esq., M.D., F.R.S., V.P.L.S. Translation from the Swedish, of Almanac Notes for the year 1736, by Charles von Linne 6 Translation from the Swedish, of a Notice concerning Linneeus's Iter Dalecarlicum, extracted from a Letter of Mr. Charles Hartman, M.A v 114 Notes on the Germination of sixteen hundred and forty-three species of Plants 127 Welwitsch, Dr. Frederick. Extracts from a Letter to Richard Kippist, Esq., Libr.L.S., on the Botany of Western Africa 327 Westwood, John Obadiah, Esq., F.L.S. Description of Melittobia Audouinii, a Bee-Parasite 37 Descriptions of seventeen new species of the Coleopterous Family Paussid(e 65 Description of two new species of Pattssidte from Australasia ... 100 Notice of the Discovery in England of a new genus and species of Amphipodous Crustacea (Niphargus stygius, Schiodte) 218 Notice of a species of Carabideous Insect, Helluo (Acanthogenys) myrmecophiltis, Westw., found, together with its larva, in Ants' Nests in Ceylon ^ 436 On the Larvae of Coleopterous Insects 436 White, Adam, Esq., F.L.S. Note on the Natural History of Shetland 167 On the Baladeva Walkeri, Waterh., and on the Affinities of Hy- pocephalus 294 On a new species of Anomourous CrustaceOy belonging to the family Homolida, found by Mr. Wm. Lobb, at Monterey in California 329 Wilson, A., Esq. Extracts of Letters on textile plants growing in the Island of Jamaica 340 Woods, Joseph, Esq., F.L.S. Remarks on the genus Atriplex, L 30 On the various Forms of Salicomia 109 Yarrell, William, Esq., V.P.L.S. On the Habits and Structure of the Great Bustard (Otis tardoy L.) 207 Yates, James, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. ObsciTations on various 8])ecies of the Natural Order Cycadect... 16 Observations on the Inflorescence of Cycas rfcohUa and Macro- zamia spiralis 263 VllI SHORT COMMUNICATIONS. page Adams, Arthur, Esq., F.L.S. Notice of a species of Spider from Madagascai-, collected by Capt. Sir E. Belcher 2 Adamson, Dr. Notice of several Vegetable Fossils from S. Africa 14o Alexander, Richard Chandler, Esq., M.D., F.L.S. Notice of various specimens from the Island of Jamaica 340 Bates, H. W., Esq. On the sexes of Termites 333* Bell, Thomas, Esq., President. Notice of some specimens of the Megalopoid form of the genus Planes 333* Bentley, Robert, Esq., F.L.S. Exhibition of fibres used in the manufacture of Paper 436 Borrer, William, Esq., Jun., F.L.S. Notice oi Moiacilla alba, L., killed at Lancing in Sussex 245 Brocas, Frederick, Esq. Notice of an Exhibition of leaf-skeletons, &c 343 Brown, Robert, Esq., D.C.L., President. Notice of the Victoria Water-Lily 77 Notice of trunks of Winter's Bark Trees ( Wintera Magellanica), cut down in 1826 by Capt. P. P. King, R.N 95 Notice of the Structure of the stems of Kingia australis, R. Br., and Xanthorrhaa arborea, R. Br 113 Notice of the Dioecious character of the three known species of Raffiesia 128 Notice of a new species of fossil Cycadea ( Cycadites Saxbyanus, R. Br.), from the Isle of Wight 130 BuNBURY, Charles James Fox, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. Notice of the occurrence of a specimen of the Hoopoe in the Enghsh Channel 327 Clarke, Joshua, Esq., F.L.S. Notice oiFilago Jussicei and MelUotus arvensis, found near Saffron Walden, Essex 2 Couch, Jonathan, Esq., F.L.S. Notice of the discovery of a species of Onchidium on the Coast of Cornwall '. 152 Gould, John, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. Notice of a new species oi Menura {M. Alberti) 6/ Notice of BalcBniceps Rex 10.9 Hance, H. F., Esq., Ph.D. Notice of his Paper on the Island and Flora of Hong Kong 213 IX paye Hawker, Rev. William Henry. Extract of a Letter to the President 359 Hogg, John, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. Notice of a variety of Hordeum hexastichon, L 61 Notice of a double variety of Scabiosa arvensis, L 64 Notice of Grapes ripened out of doors in the County of Durham, inlat. 54°35' x\ 153 Notice of the Capture of two species of Pipe-fish, Syngnathus Typhle, L., and S. aquoreus, L 157 Notice of an Umbellate variety of the Common Primrose 246 Iliff, William Tiffin, Esq., M.D., F.L.S. Notice of some pharmaceutical simples from Peru 343 Layard, E L., Esq, Notice of the Timber-trees of Ceylon 287 Liebmann, M. Notice of h ; s Paper on the Impregnation of Cycadea 69 LoFTus, W. K., Esq. Notice of Plants producing foetid Gums, in a Letter from Kir- rind in Persia 152 Matchwick, Mr. Notice of the Tussack Grass of the Falkland Islands 1 27 Meisner, Dr. C. F. Notice of his Memoir entitled " New Proteacea of Australia "... 361 Milligan, Joseph, Esq., F.L.S. Notice of present of Natural Productions of Van Diemen*8 Land, from the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations 153 Motley, James, Esq. Notice of his Letters on the Camphor Tree of Borneo 177 MuLLER, Dr. Ferdinand. Notice of his Paper on the Flora of South Australia displayed ... 206 Notice of his Paper on the Vegetation of the District surrounding Lake Torrens, &c 207 Newman, Edward, Esq., F.L.S. Notice of two species of Ferns found in Scotland 245 Notice of the discovery of Ophioglossum Limtanicum, L., in Guernsey 279 Newport, George, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. &c. Notice of his Observations on the Impregnation of the Ovum in Amphibia ^... 145 Pereira, Jonathan, M.D., F.L.S. Notice of a specimen of Myrosperrnumy Sec 101 Ralph, Thomas Shearman, Esq., A.L.S. Notice of an Earthquake at Sea between New Zealand and Port Phillip 250 Salmon, John Drew, Esq., F.L.S. Notice of two specimens of Kestrels, prepared in a new manner. 326 Saunders, William Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. Notice of a species of Cyclamen (probably C hederti^oUum, Dec.) found by him near Hastings 98 X page Scott, A. W., Esq., M.A. Notice of an intended Work on Australian Lepidoptera and their Transfonuations, and of the Drawings prepared for it 172 Sekmann, Berthold, Esq., Ph.D., F.L.S. Notes written during the Voyage of II. M.S. Herald 71 Smith, Sir James Edward (the late), Pres.L.S. Extracts from two Letters to the late Jonas Drvander, Esq., V.P.L.S :. (;<> Spruce, Richard, Esq. Extracts from a Letter addressed to Sir W. J. Hooker, F.R.S., F.L.S 354 Stevens, Samuel, Esq., F.L.S. Notice of a Collection of Insects lately received from Mr. R. Fortune, from Northern China 287 Notice of a Cone ofAraucaria Cookii, a.nd oi Stangeria paradoxa from Natal 340 Notice of a new Butterfly {Omithoptera Brookeana, Wallace) from Borneo 428 Treviranus, Prof., L. C, F.M.L.S. Letter accompanying a present of a Collection of Original Letters from John Christian Daniel von Sohreber, nnd Xavier Wulfen to Albert William Uoth 145 Varley, Cornelius, Esq. Notice of Drawings illustrative of the Structure and Circulation in ditferent species of Chara 54 Wallich, Nathaniel, M.D., F.R.S., V.P.L.S. Notices and Anecdotes of John Christian Daniel von Schreber, chiefly derived from Dr. E. W. Martius's * Erinnerungen ' 69 Ward, Nathaniel Bagshaw, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. Notice of some new and remarkable species of AlgeB found in Ceylon by Dr. W. H. Harvey 287 Notice of the discovery in Ireland of Desmarestia pinnatinervia, Montague, and of two American species of Trichomanes 287 Notice of the growth of Gymnogramma leptophylla, Desv., in a closed case 288 Notice of Gentiana verna, L., and Andromeda tetragona, L 291 Notice of the diff^erences between two sets of specimens of Asple- nium lanceolatum, from Jersey 347 Notice of Alpine Plants flowering on peaty banks in his garden at Clapham 428 Westwood, John Obadiah, Esq., F.L.S. Notice of a new species of the genus Achias, Fabr 3 Notice of five new species of PaussidcB, from Mozambique, and of five Australian species of Adelotopus 13 • Notice of the occurrence for the first time in England of Chelura terebrans 13 Notice of Protuberances on the branches of a Pear-tree caused by the punctures of a species of Aphis 65 Notice of a large Wingless Bird, observed bv Capt. Poole in Lord Howe's Island, S. Pacific .'. 105 Supplementary Notice of ditto 145 XI page Notice of his Exliibitioii of u Volume of Autograph Letters addressed to Philip Miller by Linnaeus and others 245 Notice of a Collection of Insects made by Capt. Slater at Darjeel- ing and in other parts of India 288 White, Adam, Esq., F.L.S. Notice of three species of Hemiptera belonging to the genera Scaptocoris and Petalochirus, with remarks on fossorial In- sects, &c 13 Notice of a Paper on the Animals known to the Ancients, with especial reference to those sculptured on the Monuments of Nineveh 15, 23 Notice of Mr. Gosse's Drawings of Rotifer a^ &c 96 Notice of the perforation by Anobium striatum^ of a "Wooden Cistern lined with lead 153 Notice of the flowering of Al})ine and Arctic Plants immediately on the disappearance of the Snow ... 177 Notice on the Structure and Affinities of Hypocephalus armatus, Desm 288 Notice of a Collection of Thibetan Coleopterous Insects made by Dr. Thomas Thomson, F.L.S 295 Woods, Joseph, Esq., F.L.S. Notice of his Botanical Notes made during a Tour in France 169, 171 Yarrell, William, Esq., V.P.L.S. Notice of the growth of a Cedar at Bishop's Stortford, Herts ... 166 Notice of a specimen of the Sooty Tern {Sterna fuliginosa, Lath.) killed at Burtou-on-Trent 213 Notice of a specimen of the Dusky Petrel {Puffinus obscvrus) taken off the South Coast of Ireland 245 Yates, James, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. Notice of Ceanothus thyrsifiorus, Eschseh 54 xu OBITUARY NOTICES. page AiKiN. Arthur 305 Aiton, William Townsend 82 Allan, James, M.D 180 Audubon, John James 130 Barrow, Sir John, Bart 38 Beaufoy, Henry 180 Bennett, George, 39 Bicheno, James Ebenezer ... 180 Bird, Golding, M.D 404 Blainville, Henri M. Ducrotay de 91 Bromfield, William Arnold, M.D 182 Bromhead, Sir Edward Thomas Ffrench, Bart 405 Brown, John, M.D 132 BrowTilovv, The Right Hon. John Gust, Earl 306 Buch, Baron Leopold von' ... 241 Cameron, David 50 Cartwright, Richard 406 Charlton, Edwin Charles 39 Children, John George 1 83 Cox, Joseph Cox, M.D 185 Cripps, John Marten 231 Davy, David Elisha 185 De la Beche, Sir Henry Thomas, Knt., C.B 406 Derbishire, Philip, M.D. 232 Derby, The Right Hon. the Earl of 186 Dickson, Sir David James Hamilton, Knt., M.D 84 Doubleday, Edward 84 Downes, Henry, Comm. R.N. . 187 Ducane, Charles, Capt. R.N... 132 Duke, Rev. Edward, M.A. ... 232 Endlicher, Stephen Ladislaus . 49 Fielding, Henr>- B 188 Fischer, Friedrich Ernst Lud- wig von 419 Fisher, Gotthelf Friedrich 318 Forbes, Sir Charles Fergusson, M.D 188 page Forbes, Edward 408 Forster, Edward 39 Foster, Thomas Henry 306 Francis, Rev. Robert Bransby, M.A 132 Gardiner, William 244 Gardner, George 40 Gaudichaud, Charles 320 Gibbes, Sir George Smith, M.D. 188 Gordon, WiUiam, M.D 44 Greenough, George Bellas ... 412 Hailstone, Samuel 189 Harwood, John, M.D 413 Hasted, Rev. Henry, M.A. ... 233 Heron, Sir Robert, Bart 414 Home, Edward, B.C.L 132 Ingpen, Abel 425 Jacob, Rev. Stephen Long, M.A. 133 Jameson, Robert 306 Jussieu, Adrien de 321 Kidd, John, M.D o.... 189 Kirby, Rev. William, M.A. ... 133 Kunth, Karl Sigismund 92 Landsborough, Rev. David, D.D 426 Ledebour, Karl Friedrich von. 193 Lemann, Charles Morgan, M.D. 234 Link, Heinrich Friedrich 139 Lloyd, William Horton 45 Luxford, George 426 Lyell, Charles 87 M= Arthur, Duncan, M.D 414 Macfadyen, James, M.D 135 Mackinnon, Donald 88 MacLeay, Alexander 45 M'^Nab, William 52 Mantell, Gideon Algernon, LL.D 235 Meyer, Carl Anton 422 Milne, Joshua 136 Mirbel, Charles Francois Bris- seau de 423 Munro, Donald 237 Murray, John 191 XIU paae Neill, Patrick, LL.D 191 Newport, George 309 Northampton, Spencer Joshua AlwyneCorapton, Marquis of 137 Norwich, Edward, Lord Bishop of 88 Pereira, Jonathan, M.D 237 Petit, Louis Hayes 90 Pilkington, William 47 Raphael, Alexander 137 Rashleigh, William 414 Reich, Gottfried Christian ... 143 Reinwaidt, Kaspar Georg Karl 322 Richard, Achille 243 Ridout, Johu 415 Saint-Hilaire, Auguste de 323 Savigny, Jules Cesar de 194 Schouw, Joachim Frederic ... 195 Schwaegrichen, Christian Fried- rich 325 Sowerby, George Brettingham 415 page Stephens, James Francis 239 Stocks, John Ellerton 416 Stokes, Charles 312 Streeten, Robert James NichoU, M.D 48 Symons, Rev. Jehnger, M.A. . 192 Thackeray, George, D.D 138 Thomson, Anthony Todd, M.D. 91 Thomson, James 138 Thomson, Thomas, M.D 240 Wahlenberg, George 143 Wall, Charles Baring 313 Wallich, Nathaniel, M.D 314 Walter, John Frederick, M.D. 48 Wilson, James Hewetson, B.A. 139 Wing, William Edward 417 Winterbottom, James Edward 418 Wintle, brederick Thomas, M.D 241 Wray, Robert 139 1 5 SEP 1910 ^f PROCEEDINGS OP THB LINNEAN SOCIETY OF LONDON November 7, 1848. Edward Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. A paper was read by F. J. Graham, Esq., F.L.S., " On the In- juries sustained by certain Plants from the attacks of parasitic Fungi, with particular reference to the Cause of the Potato Disease." In order to demonstrate the subject more clearly, Mr. Graham exhibited drawings, with magnified figures of several species of para- sites ; and a great many specimens of different plants, both native and exotic, presenting a healthy appearance on those parts which were still free from the attacks of the different species of mildew to which they were subject, but at the same time showing the moslf in- disputable signs of disease on those parts which were infested by tufts of mildew. The manner in which one plant in particular. Shepherd's Purse {Thlaspi Bursa Pastoris, L.), was affected, was very remarkable. Portions of the stems of this were covered, to the ex- tent of two or three inches, with Botrytis parasitica, which caused them to become gouty or swollen to three times their natural size ; and eventually these parts assumed a brown colour and a moist pu- trescent character, which could be traced down the stalks, and in many cases killed the plants. Transverse sections of these blotches, compared with similar sections of a blotch on the potato ftalk, ex- hibited the same effects, the dark fluid having penetrated the tissues of both to a considerable extent. Of all the species of parasitic mil- dews which he has noticed, Mr. Graham considers those belonging to the genus Botrytis to produce the severest injuries ; and it is an undisputed fact that the potato crops have been universally attacked, during the last three seasons, by Botrytis infestans. As to the manner in which these parasites acquire their destruc* No. XXXVIII. — Proceedings of the Linkean Society. 2 Linnean Society, [Nov. 21, tive power, Mr. Graham considers that it arises from the natural de- cay of their mycelium or internal filaments, which he has found tra- versing the tissues of plants, beneath the external tufts of mildew. ITiat the tissues of plants are extensively permeated by this myce^ Hum, has been frequently shown by the Rev. M.J. Berkeley and other mycologists ; but the important fact that these roots (as they may be termed) die within the tissues of plants, along with their super- structure, assuming a dark colour in decay and ultimately dissolving into a viscous mass, has hitherto, Mr. Graham states, escaped the notice of authors. Decaying matter being thus secretly introduced, corrupts the adjacent tissues, and in many cases spreads over the entire plant and kills it. Mr. Graham states that he has arrived at this conclusion after repeated examinations under powerful micro- scopes, but that the effects are visible in some cases to the naked eye. Experiments made by enclosing tufts of mildew in the sap of those plants on which it grew, also exhibited the results above stated. ^ November 21. Edward Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. Mr. A. Adams, F.L.S., presented specimens of the habitations of a species of Spider, collected by Captain Sir E. Belcher on the north- west side of Majambo Bay, in the Island of Madagascar, and com- municated by him to Mr. Adams, with the particulars of their history. It appears that on this coast the north-east wind blows so constantly and to such a degree, that it would effectually destroy the more usual forms of web ; to remedy which, the spiders of the locality collect together a number of small even-sized grains of quartz-sand, of which they fabricate a tolerably firm horn- shaped habitaculum, uniting them together by means of a line loose web, which they hang from the low shrubs that grow upon the sand, and thus suspended defy the breeze and ride out the gale in safety. Mr. J. Clarke exhibited specimens of Filago Jussiai and Melilotus arvensis, found near Saffron Walden, Essex. Mr. J.Hogg, F.R.S., F.L.S., exhibited dried specimens of a plant which he regarded as a double variety of Matricaria Chamomilla, L., found by himself on the sandy road-side near Whitburn, Durham, to- gether with a coloured drawing of the natural size. He stated, in a 1848.] Linnean Society, 3 communication accompanying the exhibition, that he had never before observed any similar variety of the species above named, nor could he find any account of its having been known to vary with a double flower. Sir J. E. Smith, however, in his * English Flora,' states of Anthemis nobilis, that "varieties with double flowers are common in gardens ;" and in Smith's own herbarium, in the Museum of the Society, are two specimens of Pyrethrum inodorum, var. flore pleno, the flowers of which very strongly resemble those exhibited. These were found in Norfolk by Mr. Crowe in 1799, and are mentioned in the * English Flora ' as "a double variety, having a multiplied ra- dius and an obliterated contracted disk." In the present example Mr. Hogg states that " the external white petals, or rather the florets of the radius, are altogether larger and stronger; they are much elongated, strap-shaped, less narrow, with their margins somewhat folded inwards, and are rather more numerous than those in the ordi- nary single flower, from which they also diflfer by being sometimes bilabiate; whilst the disk itself is greatly contracted and reduced, and its tubular florets appear to have become very small and abor- tive ; thus apparently indicating that the florets of the radius have become lengthened and enlarged at the expense of those of the disk." Mr. Hogg adds, that in general appearance these large double flowers of Matr. Chamomilla resemble the common white double flowers of the genus Chrysanthemum. Read the commencement of a memoir " On the Anatomy and Physiology of Physalia, and on its place in the System of Animals.'* By William Huxley, Esq., Assistant- Surgeon of H.M.S. llattle- snake. Communicated by the President. December 5. E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. Thomas Robert N. Morson, Esq., was elected a Fellow. Mr. J.'O. Westwood, F.L.S., exhibited a new species, of large size, of the genus Achias, Fabr., of which two species only were hitherto known. Read the conclusion of Mr. Huxley's memoir on Physalia, com- menced at the last Meeting. 4 Linnean Society » [Dec. 5, The specimens of Physalia on which Mr. Huxley's observations were made, were collected on board the Rattlesnake, between the 25th of February and the 3rd of March, between lat. 25° and 37° S. and long. 5° and 7° W. They varied in size from \ in. to 2 in. in the long diameter of the float. The author first describes the general appearance of the specimens, of which he doubts whether the largest were adult, and then proceeds to a minute examination of their de- tails, dividing them for this purpose into the float or air-bladder, and the appendages of greater or less length which depend from it when the animal is in its natural position at the surface of the water. The smaller specimens he states to be the best adapted for examination. The float is described as consisting of an outer coat, an inner coat and an air-sac contained within them, attached only to one spot of their parietes, and there communicating with the exterior by a small constricted aperture, which was always found on the upper surface. The disposition of the appendages is very irregular, but the larger ten- tacles are generally placed more externally, the smaller and nascent organs more towards the centre. These appendages are of three kinds, and consist of stomachal sacs, tentacles and cyathiform bodies. Of each of these the author gives a detailed description in their more perfect form, as well as in their undeveloped state as nascent organs ; and then proceeds to inquire, first, what is the physiological import- ance of the organs described, and secondly, what zoological place should be occupied by an animal provided vdth such organs so dis- posed. Each of these questions the author treats at considerable length. Of the function of the stomachal sacs in receiving the prey there can be little question ; but it may be doubted whether the digested nu- tritive matter circulates in the ciliated water-carrying canals or is absorbed into totally diflTerent channels. In the latter case the pur- pose of the stomachal villi would plainly seem to be to absorb nutri- tive matter and convey it through their central canal to the wide in- terspace existing between the outer and inner membrane ; but the author states that he has never seen in this interspace any corpuscles analogous to those described by Will as blood-corpuscles. He sug- gests that the villosities noticed by Dr. Milne-Edwards in the sto- machal sacs oi Apolemia are the same organs, and not ovaries as Dr. Milne-Edwards considers them ; and observes that similar organs exist in a Diphya (Eudoxia), hereafter to be more fully described. The function of the tentacles, both as prehensile and defensive organs, admits of little doubt ; and on this subject the author notices an erroneous view of M. Lesson, who describes them merely as 1848.] LAnnean Society. 5 ducts for conveying an (hypothetical) acrid fluid from an (hypotheti- cal) poison-gland. He also controverts M. Lesson's opinion that cer- tain of the colourless tentacles are to be regarded as branchiae ; being quite convinced that there is no difference between these and the ordinary tentacles except in the absence of colour. As regards the function of the cyathiform bodies, he has no other than analogical evidence to offer. The only organs in the Acalepha with which he conceives them to have any resemblance are tlie natatorial organs of the Physophora. But their little adaptation to a similar purpose, and the entire absence even of their rudiments in young Physalite, dis- courage this comparison ; while on the other hand they bear a sin- gular resemblance to the female generative organs of a D^phya, and this resemblance extends even to the younger stages of both. Mr. Huxley concludes by referring Physalia to the position as- signed to it by Eschscholtz among Physophorce, and near Discolabe or Angela. In fact, he regards Physalia as in all its essential elements nothing but a Physophora, whose terminal dilatation has increased at the expense of the rest of the stem, and hence carries all its organs at the base of this dilatation. The paper was illustrated by pencil drawings of the structures de- scribed. Read also a translation* from the Swedish, of "Almanac notes for the year 1735, by Charles von L inn^ ." * Note by Dr. Walljch. — The Council of the Society did me the honour at the end of last session to entrust the duty of translation to my care. It has been made in the first instance from a communication by Joh. Aug. Holmstrom, in "Botanical Notices" edited by Al. Ed. Lindblom, No. 12 for December 1845, pp. 210-218, with the following motto and preface. Mr. Bentham having pointed out to me that there existed a German translation by Dr. Beiltschmid in the Flora for P'ebruary 1847, pp. 97-104, I have gladly availed myself of this additional aid. Nor have I altogether neglected to consult the precious little relic itself, how in the Society's possession, although of course without any other result than that of verifying the fidelity of Mr. Holmstrcim's edition. All the notes are his with very few exceptions, which have been duly marked. I have taken the liberty of frequently leaving Lin- naeus's abbreviations in statu quo, and very rarely indeed altered his ortho- graphy. ** Parva hsec quippe, et quanquam paugis percontantibus adorata, tauen ignorantibus transcursa." — Apultius, Florida. Every, even the smallest memorial of a truly and through all ages great man, possesses its value, and deserves to be secured from de- cay and oblivion. It is on that account that I have thought it my duty to publish these notes of the * Princeps Botanicorum,' which have accidentally come into my hands. Although containing nothing 6 Linnean Society, [Dec. 5, new, or of great importance, they furnish several valuable data con- nected with, perhaps, the most remarkable year in the life of Linn(§ ; they exhibit, in various points, traces of the peculiar ndivetd of his style, and are therefore, in respect to character alone, not without their value. The annotations are written on ten pages, interleaved in an alma- nac having the following title : " Almanach pfi Ahret efter JesuChristi n&derika Fddelse 1 735 Til Skara Horizont, etc. Utreknad och steld af Birger Vassenio, samt vidare fortsattjande af underrettelsen til Retta Tanckar am thenna SynligaWerldennes Systemate, allar Sam- manhang. — Skara, Herm. Arnold Moller." 16mo. (Almanac for the year 1735 from the gracious birth of J. C. For the horizon of Skara, &c. Calculated and regulated by Birger Vassenius, together with further instructions concerning right ideas of the system or structure of this visible world.) The volume is quite complete and well-preserved. It appears, even during Linnseus's lifetime, to have come into the possession of strangers, and to have been taken into the country and used there, through a succession of years, in lieu of a new almanac ; for we find, in three several places, remarks made by peasants' wives on sundry matters. One of its latest male or female owners has even altered with ink the year printed on the title-page for that of 1765. Thus the little brochure has passed into the possession of several individuals, without any of them being aware, or caring, by whom the many notes were added. These notes are numerous, and constitute almost an entire diary, during the first months of the year ; after which they become less and less frequent, ceasing alto- gether in the months of October and November. The complaint of A. Afzelius (in Linn^'s Eg. Ant.*;>/. loc.,), that it is difficult to decipher the handwriting of Linnaeus, is often verified here. Yet I think I have hit on the right meaning in most instances. With respect to some of the most difficult places. Professor J. H. Schroder has afforded me explanation with his accustomed sagacity. The notes are now published with as much accuracy as was pos- sible, even as to spelling and grammar. The words which have been added by way of explanation are included within brackets. Italics indicate that abbreviations have been filled upf. A few notes have been subjoined. * Llnnaeus's Personal Notes, edited by A. Afzelius. — N. W. f Except on the first mention of a name, I have thought it best to leave the abbreviations unsupplied. — N.W. 1848.] Linnean Society . J (JANUARY.) O ! Ens entium miserere mei ! 1. Christmas dinner with alderman Dan. Morseus. 2. called on Sara hisa ', in a Lapland dress. 3. the same, absentibus parentibus. 4. prepared a new edition of Systema Mineral.* 5. Assessors Benzelstiema and Kol meter ^ called on me. 6. Christmas party at alderman Anders Jers. 7. dined with assessor Kolmeter. 8. commenced writing Sponsalia plantar.** 9. continued. 10. called on S. L. M. and had a little fun. 11. tried Anders Jers's well. 12. dined at Morbygden with B. Forsling. 13. called on S. L. M., and at Kongsg&rden *, and on me assessor Moraeus. 14. Christmas party at TroiUi's, surveyor of mines. 15. the provost's at Fahlun with S. L. M. 16. dinner at secretary Neuman's. N.B. a day of immortal commemoration, of final settling with S. L. M. 17. wrote to baron Koskul, dean Sandel, raagister Linder. 18. dined with the lieutenant of the province (Landshofdingen). 19. Lars Fetter^ dined at a party at engineer (Konstmaster) Trygg's. Betted two tankards of rhenish wine, that there will be a christening (barnsol) in 4 years. 20. wrote to J. Moraeus, S. Sj about S. L. M. Explicitly solicited (her hand). 21. wrote to S. L. M. 22. called on , gave annulum. 23. reciprocation by mother-in-law. 24. wrote to the Society ^ cum lachesi Lapponica. 25. remained quiet. ' Daughter of John Morceus, town-physician (Stadsphi/sicus), brother of the above mentioned. She was afterwards married to Linnaeus ou the 26th June, 17S8. * Probably a revision, in manuscript. * The future brother-in-law of Linnaeus, married to Anne Christina, the younger daughter of John Moraeus. * Pubhshed as a disputation at Upsala, in 1746, 4to. * North- or Fahhi-Kongsgurd. ' Quis? ' SoceroSuo? * The Society of Sciences at Upsala, which had defrayed Linnaeus 's re- cent journey into Lapland (in 1732. — B.). 8 , Linnean Society, [Dec. 5, 26. noon » (at) alderman Lundstrom's (with) Nasman, controller, and Anders and Ions Williamsons. 27. received from J. Mor. responsio concerning 3 O ^ secundum abitum. seven temptations ! 28. called on Troilli, surveyor of mines; Stromberg, controller; Trygg. 29. called on S. L. M. concluded Floram Dalekarlicam*. 30. dined with the lieutenant of the province. 31. wrote to Doctor Celsius, Spelin and Neander about employment. (FEBRUARY.) 1 . attended a woman in childbirth. 2. dined with the provost of Fahlu ; in the evening (at) Schultze's, accountant. 3. at the Kongsg&rd and (with) S. L, M. Gave obligatio scripta fidei. 4. was with a sick person at Morbygden. 6. received letters from Celsius, Spelin, Neander, Liungwal (and) Sophia Littorin. 7. wrote to Spelin, Liungwal, Tegnelin. 8. in the evening (with) S. L. M. 9. in the afternoon at a frolic at Morbygden. 10. evening (with) S. L. M. 11. with S. L. M. until X o'clock in the evening. 12. paid visits with Browallius*. 13. paid a visit to F. Ehrenholm absente S. L. M. received letters from Spelin, Osaengius, Ahlgren. 14. wrote to dean Sandel (and) Anna Maria Linnaea*. 16. dined with surveyor of mines Troill and parents-in-law. 17. Surv. of min. Borgenstrom (and) Svaben called on me^. 18. took leave of father-in-law. 19. took leave of S. L. M., who wrote the oath 7. » Probably dined.— N. W. * Years. This stipulation is nqtorious. Miss Hedin, Minne (Souvenir) of Linn6, i. p. 47. * Not published. * " At that time domestic chaplain and tutor in the family of Reuterholm, lieut. of the province, afterwards professor and bishop at Abo." — Linnaeus 's Personal Notes, p. 22. ' Linnaeus's sister, married to G. Hok, afterwards dean at Wiresta. ' Surv. of mines Anton Svab. After this follow two illegible words. ' See 3rd of this month. This reciprocal obligation by a written oath was not known before. 1848.] Linnean Society. 20. at 10 oclock, left Fahlun with Clas Sohlberg. 21. dined with Swedenstieraa (at) Hogfors, arrived at Nya Elfsborg. 22. dined with Lybecker, surveyor of mines, arrived at Nora. 23 1 * V remained at Knutsby with surv. of mines Christiernin. 25. was at the sulphur mine at Dylta, arrived at Orebro. 26. left Orebro. 27. went through Askersund; at noon with pastor Tiselius. 28. through schenninge, arrived at Wislena. (MARCH.) 1 . went to schenninge, called (on) Menlos, pastor loci. 2. , at church, dined at Wislena. 3. called on Mag. Knop. Dinner at Bishop BenzeliK*'*. 4. went to Wislena, called on professor Hermens. 5. remained. 6. went through Schenninge and Wastena, visited the church. 7. through Omberg to the end of Ostergiotland. 8. in Sm&land through grenna, Skiersadd to Jonkidping. 9. at church in Jonkioping. 10. dined at dean junbeck's. 11. left; remained at Wrekstad. 12. came to Wexio. 13. dined at assessor Rothman's. 14. general Koskul's. 15. Hoken's'. 16. treasurer Bergman's. 17. assessor Rothman's. 18. dined with treasurer Bergman. 19. went to stenbrohult. 23. Browall's letter dated the 7^ March arrived. 24. wrote to inspector Sohlberg, Brovall and S. L. M. 26. we were at mockelsnas. 30. Browall's letter of 21 March arrived. 31. Doctor Rothman called on me at stenbrohult. (APRIL.) 3. Rothman left ; was at Dio. 6. feasted at Mocklanas with Ekelund (and) Hok. 7. feasted at stenbrohult with brother- in law (and) Tomquist. * Linnaeus's brother-in-law. 10 Linnean Society. [Dec. 5, 8. feasted at Dio with brother-in-law. 9. Dito — and Unner. 13. Mag. Hok left us at stenbrohult. 15. took leave of stenbrohult and its inhabitants, arrived at the Ry iron mine at Unner's. 16. at noon at grotteryd ; arrived at the inn at Markary. 17. arrived at Helsingborg. 18. Day of prayers; went across the sound after evening prayer. 22. embarked at Helsingor. 24. sailed past Zealand (and) Copenhagen. 25. got sight of german ground. 26. S. L. M's birth-day. 1716 ». 26. arrived at Lybeck. 27. at church at Lybeck. 28. went to Hamburgh. 29. inspected the town of Hamburgh. 30. called on prof. Koul. (MAY.) 1. Prof. Koul called on me. visited Sprekelsons Hort. 2. inspected Nators cabinet and Hydram. 3. at the Resident's®, and Sprekelson's. 4. dined at Schoning's and entertained Kohl (and) Jenes'. 5. (walked) with Sprekelson in hort. 1 ducat. 12. at a dinner party at Sprekelsons. 13. Carl LinniEi birth-day*. 13. wedding at Schonnings. 14. 35 doler 7 ore silvercoin due to me*. 15. visited Anderson's cabinet, drank 75 years old Rhenish wine. 16. took leave of Hamburgh for Altona. 17. at 9 oclock J ^ embarked. 18. arrived at storen, remained at wefwelsflyt. 19. at church at Mafvelsflyt, detained by contrary A 7. 26. the environs of groeningen in sight. 27. saw groningen. * By a singular conceit of Linnaeus (" qvam sunt lusus pueriles amoris " !), the name and year of birth of his betrothed are written with reversed letters and cyphers. — The pedigree in Personal Notes gives another day, namely the 28th April. * Should this be the President's, as Dr. Beilschmid translates it? — N. W. * More correctly Janitsch, Gottfr. Jac, physician. Compare Personal Notes, pp. 23 and 83 ; Hedin, i. p. 50. * This entry, too, is niade.with larger, reversed letters. * Quis ? « i daytime. 7 A wind. 1848.] Linnean Society. 11 28. got sight of Wastfriesland. refreshment at Stierakoog*. 29. remained right opposite Stiernkoog. 30. went across the sea, saw omerland, an island* of 3 miles, very near being wrecked. 31. at 5 oclock in the morning passed by Harlem' a small sea- town ; at noon (passed) Yorge. in the evening (at) Enkhysen, situated on our left. At noon a terrible hurricane with rain, wind, thunder, lightning. Haddervik to the eastward, we could not see. Enkhysen was the first (pretty place*) of Holland. (JUNE.) 1 . obliged to continue off Enkhysen untill noon, on account of the storm and contrary wind, afterwards on our right saw Horn, a town. 2. arrived early in the morning at Amsterdam ; in the afternoon I saw Hortum Medicum there. 3. called on prof, botanices Burman, and at his library. 4. inspected Seba's incomparable dispensary. 5. dined at Burman's, (in) the evening went to Hadderwik. 6. at 3 oclock in the morning arrived at Hadderwik. inspected the academy. Heard prof. Lom's introduction. 7. post Examen creatus fui Candidal, medic. 8. Recepi a Promotore Diss.^ meam censuratam et typographo tra- didi imprimendam. y audivi Lectiones privatas Prof, de Gorter. 10. J 12. Linnaeus Doctor Creatus fuit Harderovici^. 13. left Hadderwik in the evening. 14. arrived at Amsterdam. 15. was at the plantations and saw crowds of people. 16. took 7 ducats, total 8 ducats'. 18. went to Ley den, 19. saw Hortum academicum. 20. called on prof. v. Roy en. 21. saw the library. 27. Artedi arrived at Leiden, saw the Arboretum of Boerhaave. 30. sent Systema Naturae to the press ». * Schiermonigkoog. ' Ameland. • Harlingen. * These very indistinct words are given conjecturally. * Nova hypothesis de febrium intermittentium natura. Diss. grad. Har- derovici, 1735, 4to. « The 13th, according to Pers. Notes, p. 24. ' Compare 6th May. * The printing commenced; see further on, the 15th July and 2nd (13th) December. 12 Linnean Society. [Dec. 5, (JULY.) 14. (3. old style^) botanized on the sea-shore. 6. went to Amsterdam. 8. went to Leiden. 15. completed the Systema nat. * 16. wrote to Rothman and my father. 17. went to Ytrecht. inspected Hort. Acad. 18. went to Leiden with Gronov. and Mouschenbr. 22. went to Amsterdam, stayed with prof. Burm. 28. literae ad uxorem^. 29. sent to press Bibliotheca Botanica*. (AUGUST.) 12. (1. old stj'le) received a bill of exchange for 200 Dollar silvercoin from Sohlberg. 13. (2. o. 8.) went to ClifFort. 14. (3. o. s.) returned home. 17. (6. o. s.) went to Leiden. 19. (8. Q. s.) arrived at Amsterdam- (18.) Appointed Praefectus Horti ClifFortiani. 19. wrote to Inspector Sohlberg, Browall (and) S. L. M. . (SEPTEMBER.) 13. took charge of praefecturam horti ClifFort. 27.") (16-17. o. s.) hora 1 noctis Artedius was drowned at Am- 28. J sterdam. (DECEMBER.) 13. (2. o. s.) Promotio cum Kappa Lugduni^ Concluded the printing of Systema Nat.^ * This and some of the subsequent dates are according to the new style, quoted in a separate column in Vassenius' Almanac. In these cases I have added the old style dates within brackets. * Finished the manuscript. ' Jocose ita dixit. Cic. * Left the press only in 1736 at Amsterdam, small 8vo. * Cappa (medieval Latin), doctor's gown. See Du Fresne, Gloss. Lat. i. p. 856, et Gloss. Graec. p. 584. Sperling ad Testam. Absolonis, p. 105. ' The printing finished. This editio princeps, which is very rare in Sweden, has the following title : Caroli Linnaei Systema Naturae, sive Regna tria Naturae, systematice proposita per Classes, Ordines, Genera, et Species. Lugd. Bat. ap. Haak, 1735. Fol. maj. — 14 page?. The original manuscript is preserved at the Carolinska Institut, at Stockholm. Comp. Beckman's Minncn (Recollections), p. 112. 1848.] Linnean Society. IS December 19. The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. Mr. J. O. Westwood, F.L.S., exhibited five new species of Paus- sida from Mozambique, belonging to the collection of A. Melly, Esq.; also five Australian species of Adelotopus, a genus closely allied to Pseudomorpha, Kirby in Linn. Trans. Mr. Westwood also exhibited a piece of Memel timber used in submarine erections at Southampton, destroyed by Chelura terebrans, a crustaceous animal not hitherto observed in England, although pre- viously found in Ireland and Scotland. Mr. Adam White, F.L.S., exhibited three curious species of He- miptera belonging to the genera Scaptocoris and Petalochirus. He made some remarks on fossorial insects in general, illustrating them with specimens of a New Zealand Mole-Cricket and of a new genus of Carabida, allied to Scarites. He particularly described a new spe- cies of Scaptocoris (S. Amyoti) from Northern India, remarkable in- asmuch as it forms a second distinct species of a very striking genus hitherto known to occur only in Brazil (S. castaneus, Perty). Read a paper, entitled ''Experiments and Observations on the Poison of Animals of the Order Araneidea" By John Blackwall, Esq., F.L.S. &c. After referring to the fabulous accounts of the singular effects said to be produced in the human species by the bite of the Tarantula, and of the serious and sometimes fatal consequences attributed to that of the Malmignatte, Mr. Blackwall proceeds to consider the validity of an opinion prevalent among arachnologists of the present day, that in- sects pierced by the fangs of spiders die almost instantaneously. He states that in the summer of 1846 he commenced an experimental investigation of the subject, the particulars of which he commu- nicates, arranging his experiments under four distinct heads, corre- sponding to the objects upon which they were made, namely the human species, spiders, insects, and inanimate substances. The ex- . periments are detailed at length, and the following are the principal results. First, as regards the effect of the bite of spiders upon the human species. The species selected was Epe'ira Diadema, and Mr. Black- wall states the legitimate conclusion deducible from various expe- riments to be, that there is nothing to apprehend from the bite of the 14 Linnean Society, [Dec. 19, 1848. most powerful British spiders, even when inflicted at a moment of extreme irritation and in hot sultry weather, the pain occasioned hy it being little if any more than is due to the laceration and com- pression which the injured part has sustained. Under the second head, the observations were made on a male and female of Tegenaria civilis ; on two females of Segestria senocu- lata; twice on females of Ciniflo atrox and females of Lycos a agrHica ; on a female Epe'ira Diadema and a female Calotes saxatilis ; on two females oi Epe'ira Diadema ; and lastly on a female of Epe'ira Diadema, which in a state of high exasperation bit itself. Extensive mechani- cal injuries, Mr. Blackwall states, commonly prove fatal to spiders, whether received in conflicts with their congeners or otherwise ; but no evidence supplied by his experiments indicates that the fluid emitted from the orifice in the fangs of the Araneidea possesses a property destructive to the existence of animals of that order when transmitted into a recent wound. Thirdly, as the result of numerous experiments on insects, made with Epe'ira Diadema, Segestria senocutata, Epeira quadrata, Tegenaria civilis, and Agelena labyrinthica, the author comes to the conclusion that they do not present any facts which appear to sanction the opinion that insects are deprived of life with much greater celerity when piefced by the fangs of spiders than when lacerated mechani- cally to an equal extent by other means. It is true however that the catastrophe is greatly accelerated if the spiders maintain a pro- tracted hold of their victims, but this is obviously attributable to the extraction of their fluids, which are transferred by often- repeated acts of deglutition into the stomachs of their adversaries. Fourthly, in his experiments on inanimate substances, Mr. Black- wall found that litmus-paper presented to spiders belonging to several genera when in a state of extreme irritation, and moistened by the transparent fluid which issues under such circumstances from the fissure near the extremity of their fangs, invariably became red as far as the fluid spread, clearly proving that this secretion, although tasteless, is an acid. On the other hand, the fluid which flows from the mouth, as also that contained in the stomach and that which is discharged from wounds inflicted on the body or limbs, were found by the same chemical test to be alkaline. Turmeric paper, on the contrar^^ was rendered brown by the application of the fluids from the mouth and stomach, and restored to its original colour by the agency of the fluid secreted by the so-called poison-gland, thus aflFording complete confirmation of the respectively alkaline and acid natures of these several secretions. Feb. 6, 1849.] Linnean Society, 15 Mr. Blackwall concludes his paper by proposing the name of f dices for the instruments by which spiders seize and destroy their prey ; the term mandibles being obviously improper for organs which do not, as Mr. W. S. MacLeay has plainly shown, constitute any part of the oral apparatus ; and that of cJielicera, proposed by M. La- treille, implying an hypothetical analogy to the antennae of hexapod insects, from which they differ so widely both in structure and in function. He adds, that he has observed the labrum in a low. state of development in species belonging to numerous genera, and that it is attached by its base to the superior surface of the palate, but that the extremity, which is free and usually round or somewhat pointed, can be slightly elevated, depressed, extended, retracted and moved laterally at will ; and mentions that Professor Owen has de- tected a rudimental labrum in spiders of the genus Mygale. To apply the term mandibles to organs originating above the labrum, and therefore not situated within the mouth, is evidently erroneous ; and the author ventures to anticipate, upon anatomical consider- ations, that future investigations will lead to the conclusion that the mandibles of the Araneidea are confluent with the palate. January IG, 1849. E. Forster. Esq., V.P., in the Chair. James Hepburn, Esq., and Frederick Salmon, Esq., were elected Fellows. Read the commencement of a memoir " On the Anatomy of Diphyes, and on the unity of Composition of the Diphyida and Physophorida." By William Huxley, Esq., Assistant- Surgeon of - j H.M.S. Rattlesnake. Communicated by the President. February 6. E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. Adam White, Esq., F.L.S., exhibited a numerous series of draw- ings, chiefly from the monuments lately brought from Nineveh by Dr. Layard, and read the first portion of a memoir on the animals sculptured thereon. A series of specimens of the natural order Cycadea was exhibited, and a portion of them presented to the Society, by James Yates, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. &c. 16 Linnean Society, [Feb. 6, In his catalogue of these specimens Mr. Yates followed the ar- rangement and adopted the names of Miquel in his ' Monographia Cycadearum,' 1842, and of Brongniart in the ' Ann. des Sc. Natu- relles/ s^r. 3. tome 5, 1846. In the course of his communication the author offered the follow- ing remarks : — Genus Cycas. Cycas revoluta. — Since the year 1799, when a female plant of this species flowered at Farnham, as described by Sir James Edward Smith in the 6th volume of the Linnean Transactions, a considerable number of the same sex have flowered in this country. Five indivi- duals might be mentioned, which are now in a flowering state. On the other hand, only one male plant is known to have flowered in our island. This was formerly at York, and is now in the Botanic Garden at Shefiield. Its cone, or rather spike, nearly a metre in length, is preserved in the museum of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society, and exhibits in a very striking manner the affinity of this genus to the rest of the Cycadece, whilst the female cone of Cycas diff'ers greatly from that of all the other genera. Genus Macrozamia. Macrozamia spiralis. — The genus Macrozamia, the scales of whose cone, whether male or female, are distinguished by terminating in a single spine, directed upwards, appears to be very closely allied to the Dioon of Professor Lindley. It is difficult to distinguish the young seedlings of these two genera. The only perceptible diff^erence is, that in Macrozamia the leaflets are contracted at the base, and are more remote from one another than in Dioon. Also in both of these genera the leaves of the young plants diflfer most remarkably from those of the same plants in the adult state. Macrozamia, as well as Dioon, approaches Cycas in the circumstance, that the leaflets are decurrent, whereas in the remaining genera, Encephalartus, Zamia and Ceratozamia, they are not at all decurrent, but are contracted at the base and join the midrib of the leaf by a distinct articulation. The decurrent leaflets of Macrozamia spiralis are especially apparent in the young plants. Genus Encephalartus. Encephalartus brachyphyllus. — A male plant flowered last year at Chatsworth. The cone appeared early in May, and was full-grown in two months. 1849.] Linnean Society. 17 Encephalartus Altensteinii, — There are at Chatsworth two splen- did specimens of this species, which are labeled as such. Some of their leaves are two metres long. One of these two specimens has thrown out bulbs, producing offsets of considerable size. On com- paring the leaves of the offsets with those of the parent plant, the former are observed to be much more spinous and smaller than the latter, the number of the leaflets also being much less. This indi- vidual therefore affords a decisive proof that such diversities in the leaves may depend upon the age of the plant, or upon other circum- stances. Hence it may be inferred, that many individuals, which in our conservatories are distinguished by other names, and especially many of those called "Zamia pungens," or " Encephalartus pung ens," belong to the Encephalartus Altensteinii of Lehmann and Miquel. Lehmann assigned this name and made his description of the species from the study of specimens directly imported from South Africa. But if the view here taken be correct, the species was already com- mon in Europe under other names. A plant called '* Zamia pun- gens J* in the Botanic Garden at Birmingham, agrees exactly in ap- pearance with Lehmann's plate of E. Altensteinii, in his * Pugillua Sextus ' (Hamburg, 1834). The history of two of these plants called "Zamia pungens" is remarkable. They are a male and a female, of about equal size and similar appearance, and formerly belonged to Lord Tankerville's collection at Walton- on-Thames. When they were sold, the male plant went to Kew, the female to Chatsworth. Both have flowered, and the flower of each has been represented. An engraving of the female with its cone, produced in 1832, was published by A. B. Lambert, Esq. (see Buckland's ' Bridgewater Treatise,' i. 494 ; ii. plate 59), and Mr. R. Hors- man Solly obtained a fine drawing of the flower of the male in 1839 (Proceedings of Linn. Soc. p. 52 ; Annals of Nat. Hist. v. 46). This male cone is preserved in the collection of the Linnean So- ciety, and a cone afterwards produced by the same plant is in the museum at Kew. This plant is now putting up a new crown of leaves. Its fellow, the female at Chatsworth, has been in fruit many months *. * Of the cones of this plant and of the female hereafter mentioned of Enc. horridus, Mr. Robert Scott of Chatsworth has furnished the following measurements and observations taken at two diflerent periods of their growth. The cone of Enc. pungens aitpeared on the 14th of June, and that of Enc. horridus on the 13tl) of July 1848. The measurements of October were coincident with the perfect disengagement of the cones ; and although Mr. Scott has made repeated measurements since tho^e taken in December, he does not find, up to the 9(h of March (the date of his connnunication). No. XXXIX. — Proceedings of the Linnean Society. 18 Linnean Society, [Feb. 6, Miquel observes, that this species was formerly cultivated in European conservatories under the name of " Zamia spinulosa," or "Z. spinosissima" Both he and Lehmann assign the name of "En- cephalartus pungens " to an entirely different species. Encephalartus Caffer. — This species, which in Miquel's arrange- ment immediately follows E. Altensteinii, differs from it distinctly in the form of the leaves. Also in both species the form of the leaves, and more especially the obliquity with which the leaflets arfe set upon the midrib, and which increases regularly from the base of the leaf to its apex, may be traced to the imbricate vernation. In all Cycadece the vernation affords important aids for distinguishing both genera and species, and these characters are the more deserving of attention on account of the rare occurrence of the flowers. The next species to Encephalartus Caffer, in Miquel's arrange- ment, is E. longifolius. He however represents these two species as scarcely differing except in habit. The plant in the great con- servatory at Kew, named ** Zamia longifolia," seems to me undistin- guishable from E, Caffer. Specimens of the same may be seen at Chelsea and at Chiswick, which in those gardens are called "Zamia any further increase of size. They were then full-grown, and the scales appeared likely to drop from the axis in a few weeks. Encephalartus pungens. •* Oct. 9, 1848. Dec. 25, 1848. Length of cone, outside measure 18^ inches 2]^inches Circumference, 9 in. from top 33 — 36 — Circumference, 3 in. from base 33 — 37^ — Number of spires 15 Number of fertile scales in one spire ... 14 or 15 Number of barren scales in one spire ... 8 or 9 Perpend, diameter of a fertile scale l-j^ inch I-^ — Transverse diameter of a fertile scale ... 2 — 2-j3^ — Perpend, diameter of a barren scale ... Oy'^ — 0^'^ — Transverse diameter of a barren scale... 1^% — 1^% — Each spire performs one revolution. Encephalartus horridus. Oct. 9, 1848. Dec. 25, 1848. Length, outside measure 10 inches 14 inches Circumference at base 14 — 17|^ — Circumference, 3 inches from top 14 — 16 — Number of spires 8 Number of scales in one spire 14 Perpend, diameter of one scale l-jV — liftr — Transverse diameter of one scale 1-j^ — 2 — Each spire performs one revolution. There are no apparently barren scales. 1849.] lAnnean Society, 19 elegans." At Sion House there is a remarkably fine plant of this species, called there " Encephalartua Caffrorum." Probably no finer specimens of E. Caffer have ever been known than two, which are at Chatsworth. They were sent to the Duke of Devonshire's collection by the "late Baron Ludwig, from his own garden at the Cape of Good Hope, together with all the Chatsworth specimens of this genus, excepting that already mentioned, which was brought from Walton-on-Thames. These two plants cannot be less than 100 years old. On a close examination of the cicatrices, which are arranged in spirals on their trunks, appearances present themselves which make it probable, that not the leaflets only, but the leaves also are articu- lated. Many of these cicatrices are concave, smooth within, but showing the marks of bundles of vessels, which have closed after the separation of the petioles. Although, therefore, the longevity of these leaves is certainly very great, as it is in all Cycadea, yet they appear to have their natural term of life, perhaps ten years or more ; after which they are thrown off by an effbrt of the plant resembling that which in common cases takes place every year. One of these two specimens is a female, and having recently borne fruit, requires a more detailed description. The cone made its first appearance in the spring of 1847. In the following September it had attained so great a size, that it was thought desirable to take a cast of it in plaster, and models, made from this cast, are now in the museum at Kew, in the collections of the British Museum and of the Linnean Society, and in other col- lections both public and private. At the time when the cast was taken, the prevailing colour of the cone was a dark shining green, the pyramidal extremities of the rhomboids being of a lemon-yellow, streaked with brown. These colours were afterwards blended or changed, so that the surface of the cone assumed a pretty uniform bronze colour. For a long titne the cone was as compact as possible ; but at the end of the year a fissure might be discerned round the base of some of the pyramids, especially of those near the top of the cone. The cone had then become twice as large as it was in September. But the rhomboids which terminated the scales, rising in the form of truncated and tuberculated pyramids, had increased much less in the upper part of the cone than in the lower. Accordingly the scales in the upper part, extending a fourth of the way down the axis, were afterwards found to be barren. Moreover, as the rhomboids in the 20 Linnean Society. [Feb. 6, middle and lower part increased, they extended themselves laterally much more than vertically, and Acre arose thus a remarkable swell- ing or protuberance in the part of the cone below that, which con- sisted of the barren scales. In this respect the cone assumed the appearance of that of an Encephalartus, which is figured in Jacquin's 'Fragmenta,' plate 27. Although the barren scales at the upper part of the cone became gradually less close and compact, they continued firmly attached to the axis until the following midsummer. Had a male plant been pre- sent, it appears probable that under these circumstances fertilization would have taken place. Although the Cycadea are classed as gym- nospermous, their ovules, with the exception of the genus Cycas, are so covered and guarded in the earlier stages of their development, that it is difficult to imagine how the pollen can possibly obtain access to them. But, after the barren scales at the top of the cone have begun to separate, a shower of pollen, falling on it, would easily make its way through the fissures between these barren scales, and, going in the direction of the axis, would come into immediate con- tact with the summits of the ovules, which are all directed towards the axis and placed at a very short distance from it. In considering the mode of impregnation, it is also important to observe, that, whereas the male cone quickly comes to maturity, sheds its abun- dant pollen, and decays, the female cone, being of much slower growth, remains for many weeks in that state, in which the provi- sion here described is made for the admission of the pollen. About July 1848, all the scales separated from the axis, begin- ning at the top of the cone. A coloured wax model having been made of a scale with the fruit upon it in the mature state, copies of it accompany the before-mentioned models of the cone. The scales were arranged in eight spirals, each spiral consisting of forty scales, and making two revolutions round the axis. The num- ber of drupes, containing nuts, was probably about 400, two upon each perfect scale. The scales were weighed as they fell from the cone, and their entire amount was 46 lbs. After all the scales had fallen, the axis was found to be supported by a very short thick peduncle, not exceeding fifteen millemetres in length, and covered with down. A section having been made across the axis in its thickest part, the centre was observed to be pith, with- out cells, vessels, or woody fibre. This central portion was sur- rounded by pith, abounding in cells and bundks of woody fibre. The cells were filled with gum, and very different from the bundles 1849.] Linnean Society. 21 of woody fibre. These latter, being destined to supply the scales, first pursued a course parallel to the axis, and then turned outwards to the bases of the scales. The following are the dimensions of this magnificent plant, ex- pressed in metres and centimetres, one metre being equal to 39*371 English inches : — Dimensions of the trunk. „^ c. Length 2 30 Girth at the narrowest part 1 2 Girth just below the leaves 1 8 Girth at the thickest parts, viz. at the ground and a little \ i ig above the middle / Dimensions of a large leaf. Length of leaf, including foot-stalk 1 10 Length of foot-stalk 25 Length of largest leaflets 14 Greatest breadth of ditto 3^ Dimensions of the cone. Length, including peduncle 58 From the apex to the base, measured outside 65 From the apex to the termination of the smaller rhomboids 17 Girth in the middle 92 Girth at the base 50 Greatest girth of the axis 26 Transverse diameter of a rhomboid 5 Vertical diameter of ditto 3J In relating the history of this plant, it is to be observed, lastly, that some time before the scales began to fall from the axis, a set of young leaves made their appearance on one side of its base. They were invested with a thick, silky, olive-coloured pubescence. They at first took a horizontal direction, but on the removal of the cone their tendency was upwards. Encephalartus horridus. — A male plant flowered in 1839 at Kin- mel Park, the seat of Lord Dinorben, who presented the cone to the Linnean Society. (Proceedings, p. 9 ; Annals of Nat. Hist vol. iii. p. 58.) A female bore fruit at Chatsworth in 1846, and is now in fruit again. Another female, formerly in the garden of the Horticultural Society at Chiswick and now in Mr. Yates's possession, has twice pro- duced a cone supported by a short peduncle. Among the distinctions, to which allusion has been made already, between the genus Cycas and 22 Linnean Society, [Feb. 6, the other genera of the same Natural Order, it is remarkable that the female cone of Cycas is sessile, and that after it has arrived at ma- turity its scales diverge and assume a tendency to a horizontal di- rection, corresponding with that of the leaves ; after which the next set of leaves rises from the centre of the cone. In other Cycadeae, the cone, whether male or female, is pedunculated, and the new tuft of leaves appears by the side of the peduncle. Genus Zamia. Zamia furfur acea. — There are two fine old plants in the Botanic Gardens at Cambridge and Chelsea, which are males, and bear cones almost every year. Their stems are short and branched. In the Botanic Garden at Liverpool is a female, which produced a cone in 1848. These three plants agree quite as well with Miquel's de- scription of " Zamia muricata, var. angustifolia" as with his descrip- tion of Zamia furfur acea. Zamia integrifolia. — A fine female plant in the Botanic Garden at Cambridge produces a cone every year, and one is now appearing. Five or six bulbs grow from the stem, some of them bearing leaves*. Genus Ceratozamia. Ceratozamia Mexicana. — A male plant flowered at Chatsworth in 1847, and another of the same sex at Kew. The cone of the last is preserved in the museum. Two fine plants of this species are now flowering at Kew, and there are two in the garden at Chiswick, also in a flowering state. At Kew and Chiswick these plants are called " Dipsacozamia" In these gardens the plants diff*er so much in the size and form of their leaves, that they may be pre- sumed to belong to some of the four new species preserved at Am- sterdam, which Miquel describes in the ' Tijdschrift voor de Wetten- schappen,' 1847, p. 38-43. The same observation applies to the Ceratozamias in the conservatory of Mr. Loddiges at Hackney. * Four Zamias of other species are now flowering at Kew. 1849.] Linnean Society, 23 February 20. George Newport, Esq., in the Chair. W. S. Dallas, Esq., and Davyd Williams Nash, Esq., were elected Fellows. Read the second part of Mr. Adam White's memoir ** On the Animals known to the Ancients, with especial reference to those sculptured on the Monuments of Nineveh." March 6. R. Brown, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. The necessary business of the Meeting having been disposed of, the Vice-President in the Chair proposed, that, in consequence of the recent death of Edward Forster, Esq., Treasurer and Vice-Pre- sident of the Society, and in consideration of his long connexion with, and eminent services to, the Society and to Natural History, the Meeting should adjourn ; which was unanimously agreed to. March 20. The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. James Gadesden, Esq., and H. F. Richardson, Esq., were elected Fellows, and Mr. Philip Henry Gosse an Associate. Read a paper " On the Anatomy and Development of certain ChaU cidida and Ichneumonida, compared with their special economy and instincts ; with descriptions of a new genus and species of Bee Para- site." Part I. By George Newport, Esq., F.R.S. & L.S. Mr. Newport remarked that the parasitic Hymenoptera in their larva state are among the most imperfectly organized forms of Articulata, and yet, having passed through this stage of their exist- 24 lAnnean Society, [March 20, ence, they become some of the more active and perfect of insects. They are nourished by suction, and either are attached singly to the external surface of the bodies of their victims, or reside in the same cells with them gregariously, or infest them internally, according to their species. In the whole of them, however, the general form of body and of the digestive organs, at the earlier periods of growth, is very similar, and the special development of each species is regulated by the same laws. They cast their tegument at different periods of growth like other larvae, a fact which Mr. Newport has observed in Paniscus, although in the apodal larvae of Hymenoptera it has heretofore escaped the observation of naturalists. Their digestive apparatus at first is extremely simple, and has the form of a capa- cious bag or sac, without any anal outlet. Consequently no faeces are passed until the larvae have acquired their full growth and ceased to feed. After this period of assimilation the digestive cavity begins to assume a new condition. It becomes perforated at its base, and an intestine and anal outlet are formed, and faeces are then passed. One reason for this late completion of the alimentary canal seems to be the necessity that the fluids of the insect preyed upon should be preserved in a healthy state for the support of the parasite ; and another, that the food of the victim should not be contaminated. But when the parasites are full-grown the necessity for these conditions ceases, and the intestinal portion of the digestive apparatus is deve- loped. The following description of a new genus of Chalcidida found in the cells of Anthophora was then given : — Genus Anthophorabia, Nemp. Fern, Caput thorace latius; antennes 6-articulataB, pilosae, articulis 2*o 3tio 4to 5toque subaequalibus, 6*° clavam elongato-ovalem efformante. Thorax ahdomenque longitudine aequales. Alee vena mediana bifida. Tarsi 5-articulati. Mas: AntenncB 4-articulataB, articulo basal! ar- cuato, magnoper^ dilatato, inferne excavate, 2^° cylindrico, 3"° magno globoso, 4*° elongato-ovali. Oculi stemmatosi. AIcb abbreviatae. Anthophorabia retusa {Fern.), ^neo-viridis, capite magno, oculis compositis nigris, abdomine nitido ovali, alis magnis rotundatis, pedibus flavescentibus. {Mas) flavus vel saturate ferruginens, capite magno ro- tundato ocello ntrinque unico tribusque in vertice instructo nigrescente, pedibus robustis. — Long. lin. 1 . Mr. Newport found this species in abundance in the nests of An- thophora at Richborough in Kent, while searching for the larvae of Mel((e in August 1831, 1832 and 1834. The larva is apodal, sub- 1849.] Linnean Society, 25 cylindrical and slightly attenuated at each extremity, and formed of fourteen segments, with a small head and short acute mandibles, and there were usually from thirty to fifty specimens in each bee-cell. In some instances they changed to nymphs and images at the end of summer, but in others the change did not take place until the spring, at which time the perfect insect comes forth. The author states that he was unable to find any description of this curious parasite in the works of entomologists ; the only writer who makes reference to an insect which, possibly, may have some aflinity with this, being Mr. Westwood, who refers to a species, found by M. Audouin in France, under the name of Melittobia Au- douinii, but without describing it ; so that if the two insects should prove to be identical, which Mr. Newport considers doubtful, this name cannot be adopted. Reaumur and Degeer both found parasites in the cells of Mason-bees, but their species have not been clearly made out. The author deduced conclusions with regard to the habits of Anthophorahia from peculiarities in the anatomy of the sexes, and expressed an opinion, from the absence of an ovipositor in the female, from both sexes being found in activity in the closed bee- cell, and more especially from the male possessing only steramata, instead of the usual compound eyes of winged insects, that impregnation is effected before the female first quits the cell, and that she deposits her eggs in new cells while these remain open and are being pro- visioned. The diflference of structure and function between compound eyes and ocelli was explained in support of these opinions, and the sexes of Anthophorahia were contrasted with those of Stylops^ as described by the author in his ** Memoir on Meloe," read to the Society on the 19th of January 1847. These differences of structure in similar or- gans were regarded as always indicatory of peculisirities in economy. A second species of Chalcidida had also been found by the author, in the larva state, in the nests of Ant hop hora, on the 12th of Sep- tember 1847, at Gravesend, and which he at first mistook for the larvae of the species now named Anthophorahia. These larvae after- wards proved to be of a species which he named provisionally Mono- dontomerus nitidus. The general form of the larva and the armature of its body were then described, and the question discussed as to whether it was a carnivorous feeder, subsisting on the body of the bee larva, or a pollinivorous, subsisting on its food, "llie armature of hairs on the surface of its body showed that it was not an internal- feeding larva, as the author has never yet found the internal- feeding parasites of insects clothed with hairs. From the presence of hairs 26 Linnean Society. [Aprils, on its body, and from an examination of the faeces, the author was induced to regard it as poUinivorous. The larvae remained unchanged until the middle of May 1848, and some time before passing into the state of nymphs, faeces were passed for the first time, similar to those of the larva of Anthophora, v^hich, like its parasite, Mr. Newport has constantly found passes nothing until it is full-grown and ready to undergo its transformation. The digestive apparatus of the larva of Monodontomerus was then de- scribed as occupying nearly the whole interior of the- body in the shape of an oval sac, or Florence-flask, with exceedingly thick pa- rietes formed of masses or packets of cells, enclosed between a deli- cate muscular envelope on the external and a granulated raucous layer on the internal surface. This capacious digestive stomach is connected anteriorly with a short and narrow oesophagus, and pos- teriorly with an imperforated column of masses of cells, which are continuous with those that form the chief portion of the walls of this organ. After the larva has ceased to feed, the cells separate, and the column becomes a tube, the separation proceeding from th€ centre of the base of the sac along the axis of the column to the anal outlet in the terminal segment, after which this intestinal por- tion of the canal is further developed and the larva undergoes its transformation. The nymph state was assumed at the end of May, and the first perfect insects appeared on the 27th of June, or about four weeks afterwards. The author concludes that the female deposits her eggs in the cell of the bee, after it has been closed, by perforating it with her ovipositor. Drawings of the sexes of Anthophorabia and its larva, and of the larva and nymph of Monodontomerus, with details of anatomy, were exhibited. April 3. Robert Brown, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. Robert Bentley, Esq., was elected a Fellow. Read a paper " On the Development of the Ovule in Orchis Morio, L." By Arthur Henfrey, Esq., F.L.S. &c. The paper contains the results of a series of observations made in May 1848, which Mr. Henfrey presents to the Society, partly be- 1849.] JUnnean Society, 27 cause he believes that in the present state of the question all evidence derived from careful observation is of some value, and partly because he has succeeded in obtaining a more complete series of figures illustrating the successive conditions of the ovule than has yet been published ; Mohl, who gives the most complete account of the deve- lopment in Orchis Morio, having given no drawings. In the first stage, examined on the 3rd of May, the ovules of flowers which were just opened and were without signs of pollen on the stigmatic sur- face, were just curving over towards the anatropous position ; the nucleus projected beyond the cells forming the single coat of the ovule, and consisted of a large central cell (the embryo- sac) enclosed by a layer of very delicate cells of small size, constituting a proper coat of tlie nucleus. On the 9th, the ovules of fully- expanded flowers were not much altered except in the much clearer definition of the walls of the cells. The embryo- sac was filled with a clear colourless fluid, in which floated minute black atoms. In some flowers the stigma was smeared with pollen, which sent down nume- rous tubes, about 40^06 ^^ °^ ^^ ^"^^ ^° diameter and at most one- fourth of the size of the smallest surrounding cells. On the 13th, when the flowers were withered and the stigmas were covered with pollen, a dense bundle of tubes lay in the midst of the lax tissue of the canal leading to the cavity of the ovary. Some of the ovules were completely anatropous, while others were about three-fourths curved, the former being about y^th of an inch in length. The two coats of the ovule were now distinctly evident, and the nucleus was still covered by its own cellular coat, and still contained only the clear colourless fluid with black points. On the 16th, the pistil- lary cords extended nearly to the base of the ovary, presenting all the characters of pollen-tubes, and apparently continuous with those derived from the pollen on the stigma. Both coats of the ovides had become considerably developed, and the inner had grown up far beyond the nucleus ; the embryo-sac had lost its proper cellular coat, had acquired the aspect of a large ovoid sac attached by a pedicle to the chalazal region, and contained opalescent mucilaginous matter (protoplasm), in most cases accumulated at the ends, chiefly at that ' next the micropyle. On the 20th, the last- mentioned appearance continued ; and at the micropyle end, one, two or (usually) three minute vesicles had been formed, always seeming to originate as cavities in the mucilage, and not as if derived from the formation of a membrane on the outer surface of a nucleus or cytoblast. These vesicles soon took the appearance of distinct cells with exceedingly delicate walls, and undoubtedly existed before the pollen-tubes en- 28 Linnean Society, [April 3, tered the foramina of the ovules. In those ovules which had been penetrated by the pollen-tubes, these were traced by Mr. Henfrey through the wide mouth of the outer coat and the narrow canal of the inner, as far as the apex of the embryo-sac, which however they never entered, but generally appeared to be directed a little to one side and to lie in contact with its outer surface, just over the place where the minute vesicles lie within. On the 31st, the previous observations were repeated and confirmed on specimens in various stages of growth. At this period, in some of the embryo-sacs one of the vesicles had become divided into two cells by a horizontal septum, the upper cell dividing again and growing out through the endostome in a conical form to produce the confervoid filament de- scribed by Mr. Brown, and which Mr. Henfrey believes Prof. Schleiden to have mistaken for the pollen-tube. On the 3rd of June, the author again satisfied himself that the vesicle within the embryo-sac (the germinal vesicle) is the first cell of the embryonic body ; it generally exhibits a slight collection of protoplasm at its base, and soon after the pollen-tube reaches the surface of the embryo-sac divides into two cells, the upper dividing again and growing out into the articulated filament, the cells of which are formed by the pro- duction of septa in the same way as in confervas, hairs of phanero- gamous plants, &c. ; the mucilaginous layer (or primordial utricle of Mohl) being rendered very evident by the application of iodine. At the same time the lower part of the embryonic body enlarges and soon perfectly fills the embryo-sac, the process of cell-formation by which the embryo is produced varying apparently in different cases. Generally the lowest cell enlarges very much and becomes filled with dark mucilaginous matter, and then this is soon divided into a number of cells by the formation of septa. In some cases two of the germinal vesicles undergo development and two confervoid filaments are produced. . From these observations Mr. Henfrey concludes that the embryo is really produced by the ovule itself; that the germinal vesicle exists within the embryo-sac before the pollen exerts its influence; that the pollen-tube penetrates the coats of the ovule to reach the em- bryo-sac ; and that the passage of the poUinic fluid through the in- tervening membranes impregnates the germinal vesicle and deter- mines its development into an embryo. The investigations having been made with every precaution, and the results being in perfect accordance with those of Amici, Mohl, Miiller and others, he be- lieves them to be a sufficient refutation of Schleiden's views so far as the plant in question is concerned. He regards, however, as 1849.] . Linnean Society, 29 points requiring further investigation, the question whether the whole of the pistillary cords are composed of filaments directly produced by the pollen granules ; whether there is any relation between the application of the pollen on the stigma and the development of the germinal vesicles ; and whether the production of the confervoid filaments is a normal process, which is open to doubt when only ob- served in ovaries containing such an abundance of ovules as those of Orchis Morio, Read also a notice of a species of Monodontomerus, parasitic in the cells of Anthophora retusoy contained in a letter addressed to, and communicated by, Adam White, Esq., F.L.S. &c. Referring to the Monodontomerus described by Mr. Newport at the last Meeting, of which an account will be found at page 25, Mr. Smith remarks that it is identical with a species which he some months ago showed to Mr. Adam White and Mr. Francis Walker, the latter of whom then informed him that it was a new species of Monodontomerus. He adds, that Mr. Walker, in whose hands he placed specimens of both sexes for description, on learning a few days afterwards that Mr. Newport had reared the same insect from the nest of Anthophora, readily waived his right of description in deference to Mr. Newport's wish to describe the insect himself. In the * Zoologist' for March of the present year, Mr. Smith inci- dentally mentioned that he had bred two distinct species of Mono- dontomerus from the cells of Osmia bicornis and those of Anthophora retusa. Anxious, in the summer of 1848, to discover the larvae of Melecta punctata, he procured from a colony of Anthophora at Charl- ton in Kent a number of larvae and pupae ; but all the larvae, though differing much in colour, produced Anthophora only. While sepa- rating the larvae from the pupae, he observed in a cell partially broken open, containing a pupa of the bee, a small larva by its side slightly moving ; and on removing the pupa, he found twelve more minute larvae feeding upon it, which they continued to do for ten or twelve days, by which time they were fully grown. When first observed, the pupa of the bee was about one -third consumed, and at last not a vestige of it remained ; all that the cell contained besides the larvae being a small portion of yellow dust or small granules. They re- mained in the larva state for several weeks, and then changed to pupae, in which state they continued for about a fortnight, when they became perfect and active insects. The species of Monodonto- merus bred from the cells of Osmia also fed upon the pupa, and un- derwent the same process of development. 30 lAnnean Society, [April 17, Mr. Smith concludes by referring to a statement of Mr. Westwood in his ' Introduction to the Modern Classification of Insects,' that he had frequently observed Monodontomerus flying about and entering the holes made in walls by Osmics, in which they were doubtlessly about to deposit their eggs ; and to his mention of a species com- municated to him by M. Audouin, in which the males have rudi- mentary wings ; and suggests that it would be exceedingly inter- esting to determine whether the species of Monodontomerus, and the Anthophorabia also, might be identical with the insects observed by Audouin and Fonscolombe. April 17. N. WalUch, M.D., in the Chair. The Rev. David Landsborough, D.D., was elected an Associate. Read a paper entitled " Remarks on the genus Atriplex" By Joseph Woods, Esq., F.L.S. &c. After observing, that, as far as the British species are concerned, the genus Atriplex had remained till lately as it appeared in the 'English Flora' of Sir J. E. Smith in 1828, Mr. Woods proceeds to notice the additions made to it by Mr. Babington. The first of these is A. nitens (A. Hermanni of Moquin-Tandon), belonging to a divi- sion of the genus in which some of the flowers are perfect and pro- duce horizontal seeds. The author thinks the division a sound one, though on one occasion he has found a few horizontal seeds, the produce probably of perfect flowers, in A. littoralis. The second is A. marina, introduced by Linnaeus as a plant found in England, and distinguished from A. littoralis by its serrated leaves. Hudson ad- mitted it under the name of A. serrata, but most of our later bota- nists have considered it as a variety of A. littoralis, and it must be placed among the doubtful species. The next group, which has no perfect flowers, and a tendency to produce hastate or triangular leaves, is the one which presents the greatest difficulties. We find here, in the last edition of Mr. Babing- ton's 'Manual,' three new species, besides A, erecta of Hudson, which, though adopted by Smith as a very rare plant, is, if Babing- ton's view be correct, one of the most common. The surface of the seeds and the shape and tubercles of the perigonium or enlarged calyx 1849,] Linnean Society, 31 covering the fruit seem to be a good deal relied upon in distinguishing these species ; but Mr. Woods states that several species, or at least several forms, have two sorts of seeds. Those of the smaller calyces are slightly depressed, smooth, black and shining; while those formed in the larger calyces are much larger, so much so as to have occasionally three times the diameter of the upper seeds ; they are considerably more depressed, of a dark chestnut colour, and wrinkled or shagreened. The sepals are all at first smooth, and those in the lower part of the plant frequently never become tubercled. This he notes as particularly the case in A. angustifolia, of which otherwise the perigonium is as distinctly tubercled as in ^. erecta. Mr. Woods is willing to admit as three common species — A. angustifolia , with rhomboid leaves and all the seeds black and smooth ; A.patula, with triangular leaves, and all or nearly all of the seeds depressed and shagreened; and A. deltoidea, with triangular leaves, and all or nearly all the seeds thick, black and smooth. A, erecta he thinks to be different from A. angustifolia, though he is unable to point out any satisfactory character. With A. prostrata and A. microsperma he is not sufficiently acquainted to form any judgment. A. rosea of Babington is perhaps a good species, though nearly allied to some of the maritime varieties of A. patula, and perfectly distinct from the A, rosea of continental botanists. The latter is a self-supporting plant, and not prostrate like the A, rosea of Babington. Koch sepa- rates A, laciniata and //. rosea from the other species by the lobes of the perigonium, united to the middle ; but this is often the case in A, patula, and not always so in A, laciniata. They are however hardened and of a pale colour. The author is disposed to rely more on the uniform buff colour of the stem, which in A, patula and its allies is green with resinous stripes. The A. laciniata of the south of Europe is not our English plant. The former has its clusters dis- posed in long naked spikes, the latter in short leafy ones. Ours is probably the Linnean plant. The perigone in Atriplex varies from ovate to rhombic, or to a square attached at the angle, and from that to campanulate ; the latter form is so decided in all the specimens of the continental plant with fully formed seeds within reach of Mr. Woods, that he suggests the trivial name of A» campanulata. Read also the following Letter from Linnaeus to the Rev. John White, formerly Chaplain at Gibraltar, and brother of Gilbert Wliite of Selborne and of Benjamin White, then the principal English pub- lisher of works on natural history. Communicated by John Gould, Esq., F.L.S. &c. S2 Linnean Society, [April 1 7, Viro Reverendissimo et Venerando D"° I. White. s. pi. d. Car. Linnd. Accepi literas Tuas, ad calend. januarii datas, suo tempore et ad eas regessi : accepi et datas d. 1 Martii, et 22 Aprilis. Accepi et ante duos dies merces Tuas et dona vere aurea ; pro quibus om- nibus ac singulis grates imortales reddo, reddamq dum vixero. Stumus collaris Scop. ann. 1. p. 131. Fringilla Sordone Manett. orn, t, 338./. 1. Avis kyburgensis, Gesn. orn, app. 725. Muscicapa gula fusco undulata, tectricibus alarum nigricantibus apiculo albo, (collaris) mihi dicenda. Rostrum admodum parum est emargi- natum, diversa a Turdo arundinaceo. Turdum pygargum non antea vidi ; erit equidem Turdus ; apex rostri modice incurvus. Pratincolam antea non vidi ; ad Grallas spectat et proprii generis est. D^ Lever ne desinas grates meis verbis agere pro egregie et pul- cherrime conservatis avicuUs, quibus me beare voluit. Phytolithi Filicum erant certe optimi isti lapides qui referunt taenias non vidi ; an radicum plantarum aquaticarum rudimenta ? ista impressio in schisto, ita refert Sertulariam quandam Ellisii, ut nisi magnitudo vetaret, dicerem eam Sertulariam. alia foliis atris linearibus est Zostera. quadrati politi, Quartzum coloratum y. Syst. nat. 3. p. Qb. Fuci rubri et pilosi impressiones rariores : Lepadogaster Gonum in lagenula est certe Cyclopterus nudus mens Syst, nat. AlA. p. 2. Attelabus calpensis : hunc etiam ab aliis accepi. Tenebrio femoribus uncinatis (bispinosis) Tenebrio calpensis mihi di- cendus. Motacilla cauda albo nigroq maculata. a me non antea visa. Myrmeleon formicarium nostrum habet in alis stigma album, habeo jam insectum coram. Formicalyn. lege Formicalynx. Artedi opera non prostant apud nos, sed Leidae. Gryllus umbraculatus ubi habitat ; quid agit cum umbraculo ? Te Datore optimo mujta animalia habeo. Tetrao tridactylus pedibus nudis tridactylis. Hirundo rupestris nigricans, rectricibus subaequalibua : 2, 3 ma- cula alba. Piscis thoracicus capite excoriato ; nondum nomen imposui. 1849.] Linnean Society, 33 Attelabus calpensis caerulescens thorace piloso, elytris rubris : punctis 3 nigris. Sphex mutabilis atra pedibus hirtis, abdomine maculis luteis ple- rumque quatuor. Sphex erosa nigra, capite thorace alis pedibusque femigineis. Apis calpensis labio superiore acuminato inflexo, abdominis seg- mentis punctis geminis nigris. Cancer diaresis brachyurus, thorace laevi linea transversa insculpto marginibus serratis, chelis Isevibus. Cancer brachyurus subhirsutus, manibus totis ciliatis. Cancer ex squillarum prosapia 4 distinctse ; nondum posui differ- entias et numero plura, praeter ultima, Te inventore, alleganda. Literae excrescerent in infinitum, si simul et semel omnia responso exponerem, nunc aliis negotiis implicitus reservo reliqua proximae epistolae. Scripsi multa addenda vol. 1 . Syst. nat. idq quotidie ; absolvi dimi- dium tomum. Si Tuus frater edat, certus sum quod hoc prodeat optimis typis, qui Anglis communis. Tam multa quae quotidie prodiere, post priorem editionem operis, et quae allegavi multum laboris expostularunt. Si vixero absolvam opus in autumnum. Quid mihi oflferat in sostrum ? An poterit habere optimum cor- rectorem typi? Upsaliae, 1 774. d. 3 julii. Viro Reverendo Domino Joh. White, London. Blackburn. May 1. The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. James Ramsay Atkins, Esq., and Charles Prentice, Esq., were elected Fellows. John Hogg, Esq., F.L.S., exhibited a portion of a large and re- markable Wasp's Nest, taken by himself last autumn. The portion exhibited formed about one-third of the entire nest, which was built in the inside of the roof of one of the wings of Mr. Hogg's house at Norton in the county of Durham, a part being fixed under the roof. No. XL. — Proceedings op the Linnean Society. 34 Linnean Society. [May 1, and the remainder to the side wall immediately below it. The hole under the slates by which the wasps went in and out was originally made by sparrows ; and at this part, and among another portion of the wasp's nest, appeared the remains of the old bird's nest, con- sisting chiefly of straw with a few feathers. The entire wasp's nest bore the appearance of having been the fabric of several years, some of it being apparently older and in inferior preservation to the rest, as well as somewhat blackened. Externally the nest is beautifully parti-coloured, the layers of the various substances used in the con- struction presenting circular or curved lines or rings, which are brown, bufF, yellow, grey, dark grey, nearly black, &c. ; altogether exhibiting a very elegant shell-like structure, which Mr. Hogg has not observed in any other British wasp's nest. These layers he re- gards as indicative of the mode in which the wasps carried on their labours ; one wasp, or set of wasps, having made use of the same substance (such as wood, lichen, the bark of a tree, &c.), collected from the same place, and of the same colour, to form one circular layer or ring ; and then having been succeeded by another wasp, or set of wasps, using other substances taken from another spot, and of a different colour ; and so on. Mr. Hogg states that he has recently seen in the British Museum a very similar nest sent from China by Mr. Say ; but the species of the Chinese wasp, or even its genus, is not stated. He had at first hoped that his nest might have proved the work of the new wasp taken by him in his garden at Norton some years ago, and described by Mr. Frederick Smith, in his Memoir on British Wasps, under the name of Vespa borealis ; but on submitting to that gentleman specimens taken alive from the nest, they were determined by him to be neuters of the common wasp, Vespa vulgaris. The author concludes by stating his intention to present the por- tion of the nest exhibited to the British Museum, where, if deemed worthy of preservation, it may be placed next to the Chinese nest, which it so closely resembles. Read in continuation a paper " On the Anatomy and Development of certain Chalcidida and Ichneumonida," &c. Part II. By George Newport, Esq., F.R.S. & L.S. The author first read a " Postscript " to the preceding part of this paper, abstracted at p. 23, one object of which was to confirm his statement, which had been questioned by Mr. Westwood, that he discovered the insect, Anthophorabia, in 1831, at which time he had made known the fact to D. W. Nash, Esq., now a Fellow of the 1849.] Linnean Society, 35 Society, who permitted him to make known the circumstance. The author also corrected his view with regard to the nature of the food of the larva of the second species he had discovered in the nest of Anthophora, which he had named provisionally Monodontomerus nitidus, but which is. now believed to be Monodontomerus obsoletus, which species had been suspected of infesting the genus Osmia, although the larva had hitherto been unknown. Having carefully examined the form of its mandibles since the first part of the paper was read, he now finds that they are acute, slender, and fitted only for piercing and not for comminuting food, and consequently he agrees with Mr. Smith that the species is carnivorous, and not pollinivorous as Tie had supposed. Further examination of this larva, therefore, has tended to confirm the general views which he had maintained, that structure when carefully and accurately investigated is an in- fallible index to function and habits. The second part of the paper on the Ichneumonida was then read. This comprised a detailed account of the natural history of Paniscus virgatus from the bursting of the ovum to the assumption of the imago state. The egg, as noticed by Degeer in Ophion luteum, and by Hartig in other species, is aflixed by a pedicle to the skin of the caterpillar on which the larva is destined to feed, and the larva con- tinues attached to it during the whole period of growth. Mr. New- port found the eggs of Paniscus virgatus on the full-grown larva of the broom-moth, Mamestra pisi, on the 26th of September 1847. ITiey were black, shining, and of a pear-shaped form, and each was attached by a pedicle inserted into the skin of the caterpillar. At the moment of being hatched they were burst in front, by a vertical fissure, like the eggs of the lulidcB, and the head only of the larva was gradually protruded, so that at first these ova more resembled the growing seeds of leguminous plants than animal organisms. The anterior portion only of the body was afterwards slowly pro- truded, but the larvae gave no evidence of sensation during the whole of their growth, and scarcely even of vitality. Yet afl[ixed by one extremity to the shell, and by the mouth to the skin of the cater- pillar, they grew rapidly until at from the 12th to the 15th day they had acquired their full size, and measured half an inch in length, and then for the first time became detached from the shell. The author then described the form and motions of the stomach as seen through the tegument on the second day of growth, and also the structure of the head, the distribution of the tracheae, and the mode in which the larva changes its skin while still attached to the egg-shell. This change was now seen for the first time in the apodal larvae of Hyme- 36 Linnean Society, [May 1, noptera^ as noticed in the first part of this paper, in these larvae of Paniscus. It occurred at least three times in each larva before quitting its shell. The skin is burst as in other insects along the dorsal surface of the thorax, and is gradually carried backwards chiefly by the effect of growth of the larva, but it continues to in- close the caudal segments, which are also included between the two halves of the shell. The fourth change occurs when the insect is transformed to a nymph. It assumes this state inclosed in a leather- like cocoon spun by itself after it has destroyed the caterpillar on which it has fed, and while lying in the earthen chamber which the caterpillar had formed for its own change under ground. The change to a nymph took place in April, and to the perfect Ichneumon fly, Paniscus virgatus, in May 1848. The author then describes the mode in which the alimentary canal is originally developed in the embryo of insects. The first developed portions of the embryo are, first, the ventral, and then the lateral parietes of the segments. The lateral grow from below upwards, until their free margins ultimately approach along the future dor- sal surface, meeting first of all in the cephalic, and then in the cau- dal segments. The termination of the future alimentary canal in the anal segment is the result of a fold on itself of a layer of the first portion of the yolk included by the completion of the two cau- dal segments, and is the commencement of the column of cells, which afterwards becoming perforated when the larva is full-grown, form the colon and intestine, and which retains the celliform struc- ture to so late a period in the larva of Monodontomerus. The re- mains of the yolk are included within the body by the union of the segments along the dorsal surface, and form the digestive cavity, the last portion included being in the prothorax, at which point the yolk enters the body in Crustacea, as pointed out by Rathke. The mode in which the great digestive cavity, or stomach, and the dif- ferent structures of the canal are formed is then described, and the general configuration of the organ is shown to be very similar, during the earlier stages of growth, in all embryos of insects. This pri- mary form is longer retained in the imperfect apodal larvae, espe- cially in the parasites, than in other species, and hence the incom- pleteness noticed in Monodontomerus. The structure is completed earlier in Microgaster and Ichneumon ; but although in these a true colon and intestine are formed these continue closed, and no faeces are passed until the larva is matured. The appendages of the canal follow the same laws of development. The glands which produce the silk required by the insect for the formation of its cocoon, are 1849.] Linnean Society. 37 formed the earliest. The Afa/j9i^Aifln vessels are completed at a later period in these parasites than in the herbivorous larvae, in which they are well formed almost from the moment of leaving the t^^. In conclusion the author states, *' that in proportion to the more or . less early development of any structure or organ, the function or in- stinct associated with that organ is more or less early evolved ; and that in proportion to the completeness of a tissue, such is the degree of perfection of each special function or instinct in the animal." Drawings illustrating the anatomy were exhibited. Head also a paper by J. O. Westwood, Esq., F.L.S. &c., entitled ** Description of Melittobia Audouinii, a Bee Parasite." llie follow- ing are the essential characters of this genus, which belongs to the family Chalcididce and subfamily Eulophides, Melittobia. Antennae maris 9-arliculatae; articulo 1™*» maximo subtiis ad apicem ex- cavate, articulis 4^ 5*° et 6*° minimis ; foeminae simplices, 8-articu- latae ; articulis tribus apicalibus in utroque sexu clavam ovalem for- mantibus. Mas caecus. Foemina oculis ocellisque instructa. AUn maris abbreviatae, foeminae magnitudinis ordinariae ; alae vena ordinaria Eulophorum typicorum instructae. Tarsi 4-articulati. — Hahitatio pa- rasitica in nidis apum caemeutariarum. Notices of this insect (first observed by the late M. Victor Au- douin) had been published by Mr. Westwood in his ' Introduction to the Modern Classification of Insects' and in the Journal of Proceedings of the Entomological Society, and it was also considered by Mr. West- wood as identical with the insect described by Mr. Newport in the preceding paper under the name of Anthophorabia retusa^ although different from the description published of that insect by iVIr. New- port in the ' Gardener's Chronicle ' in the major part of its characters, some of which, as the possession of a furcate median vein and 5-jointed tarsi, are foreign to the family and subfamily to which it belongs ; whilst the asserted possession of stemmatous eyes by the male was regarded as erroneous, there being no instance of such a structure throughout the whole range of winged insects, whilst it is essentially a character of some of the wingless tribes. Mr. Westwood also exhibited specimens of the larvse of Eulopkus Nemati, which are parasites on the outside of the body of the larvae of Nematus intercus, but which are nevertheless destitute of hairs on the surface of the body, although the external parasitism of the larvse of Monodontomerus was considered by Mr. Newport as indicated by the hairs on the surface of their bodies. 38 Linnean Society. [May 24, May 24. The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. This day, the anniversary of the birth of Linnaeus, and that ap- pointed by the Charter for the Election of Council and Officers, the President opened the business of the day, and the Secretary read the following notices of those Members of the Society with whose decease he had become acquainted during the year. Sir John Barrow, Bart., was the son of a small farmer, and born at Dragley Beck, in the neighbourhood of Ulverstone, Lancashire, on the 19th of June 1764. After an ordinary school education, and a short initiation into trade in an iron-foundry at Liverpool, he made a voyage in a Greenland whale ship, the captain of which was his friend. Subsequently his mathematical knowledge, which he had sedulously cultivated, qualified him to act as tutor in that depart- ment in a large academy at Greenwich ; and by means of his pupils in this establishment he was introduced to a large circle of acquaint- ance, and among others to the late Sir George Staunton, by whom he was engaged to give instruction in mathematics to his son, the present baronet of that name. This introduction proved a most fortunate event to Mr. Barrow, for Sir George having been named Secretary to Lord Macartney's Embassy to China, obtained for him the appointment of Comptroller of the Household, in which capa- city he accompanied the Embassy. To the 'Authentic Account* of the Mission published by Sir George Staunton he contributed much valuable information, which he some years afterwards com- pleted by the publication of his own volume of ' Travels in China/ Soon after his return to England, Lord Macartney was appointed Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, then newly captured from the Dutch, and thither also Mr. Barrow accompanied him as one of his private secretaries. The two volumes of ' Travels into the Interior of Southern Africa,' which Mr. Barrow subsequently published, made the public fully acquainted with the extent, capabilities and re- sources of that important acquisition. They evince also, together with his ' Travels in China,' but in a higher degree, that among the varied stores of information with which his active mind was fraught, natural history had not been neglected, and contain much inter- esting information in a popular form on the plants and animals of a region at that time little known to English travellers. After Lord Macartney's retirement, Mr. BarrpM' remained at the Cape, where 1849.] Linnean Society. 39 he rendered important services to the new governor, General Dundas, by whom on his return to England he was strongly recommended to his uncle, Lord Melville ; and when that nobleman became First Lord of the Admiralty in 1804, Mr. Barrow was appointed to be the Second Secretary of the Board, an office which he continued to fill, with the exception of a few months in 1806, for a period of forty years. In this capacity he was mainly instrumental n the pro- motion of the various Polar Expeditions, in which he felt the deepest interest ; and took an active share, under the direction of Sir James Oraliam, in the carrying out of those important changes which have so much improved and simplified the civil administration of the Navy. His connexion with the * Quarterly Review,' to which he contributed no fewer than 195 articles, commenced with the fourth number and was continued to the close of his life ; and many other literary labours, which it is unnecessary to enumerate here, attest both his extensive information and his laborious habits. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1805, and of the Linnean Society in 1810. In 1835, during the short administration of Sir Robert Peel, he was created a Baronet with the special approbation of the King ; in 1 845 he retired from public life ; and he died on the 23rd November 1848, suddenly, after walking out and transacting busi- ness as usual, in the 85th year of his age. George Bennett, Esq., formerly a Surgeon at Staines in Middlesex, was elected into the Society on the 20th of June 1826, and died on the 30th of July 1848. Edwin Charles Charlton, Esq., was elected a Fellow of the Society in 1845. Edward Forster, Esq., the late lamented Treasurer of the Society, was the third son of Edward Forster, Esq., for fifty-two years Governor of the Russia Company of London, and was bom at Walthamstow in the county of Essex on the 12th of October 1765. He passed the greater part of his childhood in the neighbourhood of Epping Forest, and from the age of fifteen became particularly attached to the study of English botany, which he ardently culti- vated through a long and active life. He was a partner in the eminent banking-house of Lubbock, Forster and Company, and to within a few hours of his death took a leading part in the business of the bank. In 1800 he was elected a Fellow of the Linnean Society, of which he became Treasurer in 1816, and one of the Vice-Presidents in 1828; and his kindliness of disposition, unre- mitting attention to his duties, and zeal for the interests of the Society, will long endear his memory to all its members. He was a 40 Lmnean Society. [May 24, man of very active habits ; rising daily at 6 o'clock, usually spending an hour before breakfast in his garden, in which he cultivated many of the rarer and more obscure British species, and taking a great deal of bodily exercise, which, together with his extreme temperance, probably contributed greatly to the prolongation of his life. His death, which took place in the 84th year of his age, at his residence, Ivy House, Woodford, on Wednesday the 21st of February in the present year, was occasioned by an attack of cholera, contracted, as was supposed, a few days previously at the Refuge for the Destitute, of which valuable charity he had long been a most zealous and liberal supporter. He was buried on the 1st of March in the family- vault at Walthamstow, in the immediate neighbourhood of which his whole life had been spent. Mr. Forster possessed a very complete and well-arranged herba- rium of British plants, and particularly devoted himself to those of his native county of Essex ; and he had long entertained the intention of publishing its " Flora," the manuscript of which he has left in an imperfect state. His contributions to our ' Transactions ' are limited to two papers ; the one " On Vicia angustifolia. Smith," in vol. xvi. ; and the other " On Esula major Germanica of Lobel," in vol. xvii. ; but he also published several papers on subjects connected with English botany in the * Phytologist,' the titles of which are as follows : 1. Note on Centranthus Calcitrapa, vol. i. p. 648. 2. Note on Aspidium spinulosum, vol. i. p. 814. 3. Notes on Botanical Cfessification, vol. i. p. 913. 4. Note on Primula elatior, vol. i. p. 974. 5. On Arenaria uliginosa, Leersia oryzoideSt and Galium Vaillantii, vol. ii. p. 1 . 6. On (Enanthe pimpinelloides and (En. Lachenalii, vol. ii. p. 403. 7. Corrections of erroneous habitats given to British Plants, vol. ii. p. 609. 8. On the occurrence of Juncus diffusus in Epping Forest, vol. ii. p. 941. 9. Note on the Viola flavicornis of Smith, vol. ii. p. 963. 10. Further Remarks on Viola flavicornis, vol. iii. p. 31. Mr. Forster married early in life, but has left no children ; his property being bequeathed to the descendants of his elder brother Thomas Furly Forster, also formerly a Fellow of the Linnean Society, and a distinguished cultivator of English botany. George Gardner, Esq., was born in Glasgow in May 1812, and was educated for the medical profession in the University of that city. He displayed at an early period a taste for the study of natural 1849.] Linnean Society, 41 history, but botany in particular was his favourite pursuit. At that time Sir William Hooker filled the Chair of Botany in that Univer- sity, and Mr. Gardner so far attracted his notice as to lead him to open to him the range of his fine herbarium, and allow him the free use of his extensive botanical library. The ardent zeal of the young student urged him to make the best use of these rare advantages, and his progress was great and rapid. His numerous attainments and many excellent qualities soon obtained him the steady friendship of his generous teacher, and he continued the pursuit of his studies till the end of 1835, when having expressed his eager desire to explore the botanical treasures of tropical climates, Sir William Hooker obtained the cooperation of twenty-four subscribers who contributed towards the expenses of his journey and agreed to purchase sets of the dried plants he proposed to collect, while a number of others engaged to receive from him such living plants as he might select on account of their beauty or rarity. Among the latter was the late Duke of Bedford, who was one of the young botanist's most liberal patrons, and Brazil was selected as the most appropriate field for his exertions. Previous to his departure, he published a pocket herbarium en- titled • Musci Britannici,' on the plan of Funke's ' Deutschlands Moose,' where dried specimens illustrative of each species were neatly fixed according to the arrangement in Hooker's ' British Flora.' Mr. Gardner embarked at Liverpool on his projected expedition in May 1836, and arrived in July following at Rio de Janeiro. The receipt of his first set of 400 species, collected on the Corcovado and moun- tain ranges immediately surrounding that city, showed how faithfully and successfully he discharged the duties of his mission, and proved the harbingers of the extremely fine collection he subsequently made in the interior of Brazil. The next field of his exertions was the lofty range of the Organ Mountains covered with primaeval forests, which he explored with great success, being the first to scale the loftiest peak of that range, where he obtained much to reward his exertions. His activity was unceasing, and his time entirely devoted with the greatest ardour to a pursuit which presented him with so many novelties and opened to him so attractive a career. During his researches among the riches of this fertile region he acquired such a knowledge of the Portuguese language, and studied so to adapt himself to the habits of the people, as to enable him to carry into effect his original design of traversing the interior provinces of Northern Brazil, in quest of their botanical productions, which until that period had only been investigated by Pohl, Vou Martius, 42 Linnean Society, [May 24, A. St. Hilaire, and our countryman Dr. Burchell, and were compa- ratively little known to botanists in general. With this view he embarked at Rio de Janeiro, and reached Pernambuco in July 1837 : he spent three months in exploring that province, visiting the Rio San Francisco, which he ascended as high as the falls of Pedro Affon^o ; hence he returned to Pernambuco, and proceeded by sea to Aracaty, from which point he penetrated inland, making very large collections in the provinces of Ceara and Piauhy. His inten- tion was to cross to the westward and explore the banks of the To- cantins, and ascending along the course of that river to penetrate by this route as far as the city of Goyaz, and if possible to reach the cities of Cuyaba and Matto Grosso ; but the political disturbances then raging in Piauhy obliged him to alter his course in a more southerly direction : this had the advantage of offering a long tract yet untrodden by any botanist, and he accordingly traversed tlie westernmost portion of the province of Pernambuco and crossed the more eastern parts of that of Goyaz, examining in his way the high table-lands in these districts, which afforded him a rich harvest. Crossing then the Serra Geral, near Arrayas, he entered the pro- vince of Minas Geraes, where he added greatly to his collections, especially among the rarities of the Diamond district, and after tra- versing this entire province he again reached Rio de Janeiro at the end of 1840. Hence he paid a second visit to the Organ Mountains and the rich mountain country in the neighbourhood of the Parahyba River, and finally embarked with his collections for Liverpool, where he arrived in July 1841, having been absent five years and two months, during which period his collections amounted to upwards of 6000 species of Phanerogamous plants, consisting of fine and well selected specimens, in excellent preservation. His many interesting letters to Sir William Hooker, written at various stages during his travels, were published from time to time in the 'Companion to the Botanical Magazine,' the * Annals of Na- tural History,* and the * Journal of Botany ;* but in 1846 he prepared a more popular Account of his Journey, which was published in an 8vo volume under the title of ' Travels in the Interior of Brazil.' He likewise contributed, after his return to England, several botanical memoirs to the ' London Journal of Botany ' on Chresta, Pycnocephala, Trochopteris, Bowmannia, Hockinia, and several other new genera ; and in 1842 he commenced an Enumeration and description of the plants he had collected during his travels, which he continued to publish from time to time in the same journal. In 1843, in conjunction with Mr. Fielding, he published a * Sertum Plantarum,' containing 1849.] Linnean Society. 43 figures and descriptions of many of the novelties of that gentleman's collection, and he also contributed several other descriptions of his plants for Hooker's * Icones Plantarum.' He became a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1842 ; and published in the 19th volume of our • Transactions ' a paper " on Peltophyllum, a genus allied to 7Vi«m." In September 1843, at the recommendation of his friend Sir Wm. Hooker, he received from Government the appointment of Super- intendent of the Botanic Garden of Ceylon. The first object of his • ambition in entering upon the duties of this appointment was the formation of a complete Flora of Ceylon, to which he constantly devoted his time and energies. In order to compare the relations of the botany of Ceylon with that of the Southern Peninsula of India, he made an excursion to Madras in the beginning of 1845, where he had the opportunity of consulting the rich herbarium of Dr. Wight, in company with whom he herborized extensively in the Neilgherry Mountains, where he formed a very interesting collection. After his return to Ceylon he made several journeys into the interior, and to many distant parts of the island, adding thus constantly and extensively to his collections. During five years he made great progress in the accumulation of materials towards his projected Flora, which he expected to complete for publication in 1851. In allusion to this great object of his ambition he wrote in 1844 : " I trust to be . able to publish, in the course of a few years, a Flora of the island worthy of the richness and beauty of its vegetation and of the en- couragement afforded me by the home and local Governments. This, however, as you are well able to judge, will be a work of no little labour, as it must contain descriptions of from 4000 to 5000 species, being considerably more than half of the plants defined by Linnaeus in the last edition of his ' Species Plantarum.' " He returned about the middle of last year from one of his long excursions made in company with Sir Emerson Tennent to Jaffna, Trincomalee, and the eastern districts of the island : subsequently he was constantly occupied in examining and registering the characters of the plants of the large collection made during that journey, and frequently complained of pain in the head, which he attributed to too close application to these sedentary pursuits. He therefore gladly availed himself of an invitation from Lord Torrington, Governor of the island, to join him at Newera Ellia, the famed Sanitarium of Ceylon, to which place he repaired on the 10th of March last. He arrived there in excellent spirits, at three in the afternoon, and after lunching with the Governor and his family re- 44 Linnean Society. [May 24, tired to rest after his long ride, when he was suddenly attacked by a fit of apoplexy, which rendered him quite insensible, and of which he died in a few hours. In communicating this sad news by the last overland mail. Lord Torrington, Sir Emerson Tennent, and many other persons of consideration in the island, spoke of it not only as an irreparable public loss, but expressed extreme regret upon being thus suddenly deprived of an invaluable friend, for whom they felt the most sincere affection ; for Mr. Gardner possessed in a rare degree the faculty of making friends in every direction. The cheerfulness of his disposition, his never-tiring energy, the variety and extent of his acquirements, his desire to impart information wherever required, his vivacity and pleasing conversational powers, secured him wherever he went the esteem and friendship of all well-informed persons. Thus has been suddenly cut off in the prime of his life one of the most active of the practical botanists of the day. It is much to be desired that the work which he has advanced so far towards completion may not be lost to science, and that a successor may be found fully competent to arrange the large mass of materials already accumulated ; and in carrying out this object, it is to be hoped, the merit which belongs to this deserving botanist will be recorded to the full extent of his due. Independently of the labours already noticed, Mr. Gardner had just completed for publication a ' Ma- nual of Indian Botany ;' an elementary work of that nature having been long a great desideratum to the numerous students of botanical science in India. In addition to his contributions before mentioned, he published in the * Calcutta Journal of Natural History,' several interesting memoirs, viz. on the Cyrtandrac€(B of Ceylon, on Anstru- theria, Sarcandra, &c., Carria, Dysodidendron, Leucocodon, and on Christisonia, &c., together with a valuable paper on the Podoste- macea of the island and of Southern India, to which he added descriptions of the plants of this order met with during his travels in Brazil. William Gordon, Esq., M.D., was born on the 2nd of August 1800, at Fountain's Hall near Ripon in the county of York. He received the rudiments of his education at the Grammar School of that city, and subsequently pursued his medical studies in London and at the University of Edinburgh. He resided for twelve years as a general practitioner atWelton in the neighbourhood of Hull, and there married a sister of Sir William Lowthrop. In 1841 he took his degree of M.D. and settled as a physician at Hull, where, in addition to the duties of his profession, he devoted himself to the placing the means of ac- quirement and improvement within the reach of the working classes. 1849.] Linnean Society, 45 and greatly exerted himself, by lectures and otherwise, in promoting the objects of the Mechanics' Institute and of the Literary and Phi- losophical Society. In 1828 he published 'Academical Examina- tions on the Practice of Surgery,' and in 1832 * A critical Enquiry concerning a new Membrane of the Eye.' He also contributed va- rious papers to the medical journals. His election into the Lin- nean Society dates from 1 832 ; and he died in the beginning of February of the present year. His funeral, which took place on the 1 0th of that month, proved the high respect in which he was held, and the deep impression which his unwearied efforts for the im- provement of his species had made on the minds of all classes of his fellow-townsmen ; a vast concourse following him to the grave, and the humbler classes having set on foot a collection among themselves to raise a monument to record at once his merit and their gratitude for his exertions in their behalf. William Horton Lloyd, Esq., well known to us all as one of the most constant attendants on our Meetings, and for his liberal feel- ings and kindliness of disposition, was bom at Chapel- Allerton in the neighbourhood of Leeds in the year 1784. His family, although not boasting any great descent, were very respectable manufacturers in Manchester. He was himself destined for the bar, and studied the law for a considerable time ; but conscientious scruples with regard to the oath induced him to relinquish his idea of adopting the legal profession, and he devoted himself to the cultivation of his taste for natural science and antiquities, for which he had a stiong pre- dilection. He became a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1807, and was also a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and one of the earliest Members of the Zoological Society, of the Horticultural Society, of the British Association, and of several other scientific and literary institutions. For the Linnean Society in particular he always en- tertained the warmest regard ; and although he never published any- thing, he constantly took a deep interest in the progress of science. He died at his house in Park Square on the 18th of February in the present year, having suffered for a yesir or two previously several slight paralytic attacks, but retaining his faculties little impaired almost to the last. Alexander MacLeay, Esq., for more than a quarter of a century Secretary to this Society, was born in the county of Rosa on the 24th of June 1767. His father, who was Provost of the town of Wick, was also a Deputy-Lieutenant of the county of Caithness, and the representative of one of the most ancient families in the north uf Scotland. Mr. MacLeay was educated for commercial 46 Linnean Society. [May 24, pursuits, which he relinquished early in life, and became in 1795 Chief Clerk in the Prisoners of War Office, in 1797 head of the de- partment of Correspondence of the Transport Board, and in 1806 Secretary of that Board, which office he filled until the abolition of the Board in 1818, when he retired upon a pension. In the year 1 825 he was solicited by the late Earl Bathurst to undertake the im- portant office of Colonial Secretary to the government of New South Wales, which he held until the close of 1836. Having fixed his re- sidence in the colony, with which he had now become completely identified, he was chosen in 1843 to be the first Speaker of the Le- gislative Council then established ; and in that capacity conducted himself with so much ability, judgment and impartiality, as to receive on his retirement from its duties in May 1846 the marked approbation of both sides of the House. In 1794 Mr. MacLeay became a Fellow of the Linnean Society, and in 1798 he succeeded Mr. Marsham in the office of Secretary, which he held until his Colonial employment compelled him to re- linquish it in 1825. The following Minute of Council on that occa- sion, which was subsequently adopted by a General Meeting of the Society, expresses the high sense universally entertained by the Members of his long and useful services : — "The Linnean Society of London take the earliest opportunity after the retirement of Alexander MacLeay, Esq. from the Secre- taryship of the Society, to record upon their Minutes the high esti- mation in which he is held by them on account of twenty- seven years of unremitted and unrequited labour devoted to the interests of sci- ence ; and that in quitting for a time this sphere of usefulness to fill an honourable station in a distant country, he carries with him the cordial esteem and sincere regret of this Society." As a naturalist, Mr. MacLeay devoted himself almost exclusively to the study of insects, of which he had formed, previous to his quitting England, the finest and most extensive collection then ex- isting in the possession of a private individual. Of this great class of animals he possessed an intimate knowledge, without, however, having published anything on the subject, although he had made preparations for a monograph of the singular genus Paussus, in which his cabinet was peculiarly rich. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1809, and was also a Foreign Member of the Academy of Sciences of Stockholm, and a Corresponding Member of the Academy of Turin. Mr. MacLeay married early in life a relation of the house of Bar- clay of Urie, by whom he had a numerous family. He died at Syd- 1849.] Linnean Society, 4? ney, New South Wales, on the 18th of July 1848, in the 82nd year of his age. William Pilkington, Esq., was born at Hatfield in the West Riding of the county of York on the 7th September 1758. He died at the same j)lace in the 90th year of his age, on the 13th of August 1848, leaving two sons, of whom the eldest was formerly one of the Assist- ant Poor Law Commissioners, and subsequently an Assistant Com- missioner of Tithes. He was lineally descended from one of the oldest Saxon families in the kingdom ; a full account of which is given in Burke's ' History of the Landed Gentry,' under the name of Pilkington of Hatfield ; and he possessed a considerable estate in the parish in which he was born and died. He was educated at the Charter- House School on Sutton's foun- dation, and was at first intended for the church ; but having from his earliest years evinced considerable talent for drawing, he was persuaded to change his intended profession for one for which nature seemed more particularly to have fitted him, viz. that of an architect ; and he was accordingly placed as a pupil under the most eminent architect of the day, the celebrated Sir Robert Taylor. Under his tuition he advanced rapidly in his profession, was appointed by the Government Surveyor to the Customs and Transport Boards, and during his professional career designed and superintended the erec- tion of many public and private buildings, which evince his taste and skill in architecture to have been not inconsiderable. He was indefatigable in business, and although his professional studies ab- sorbed the greatest part of the day, yet he generally found some leisure time in each to devote to his favourite pursuits, botany, con- chology and mineralogy, the branches of natural history in which he took the most interest. He possessed a well-preserved Hortus Siccus of his own collection ; and a fine collection of shells and minerals, with many very rare and valuable works on all these subjects. During his professional life he resided in Whitehall Yard, Westminster; and there, many men, eminent for their love and knowledge of and services to natural history, frequently found themselves congregated under his hospitable roof. Among his most intimate friends were Dr. Shaw, Dr. Maton, Sir James Smith, Sir Alexander Crichton, Mr. Aylmer Bourke Lambert, The Rev. Thomas Rackett, Mr. Charles Hatchett, and Mr. William Swainson, all well-known Fellows of the Linnean Society. He was elected a Fellow of the Linnean Society on the 17th of March 1795, and was also a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, into which he was elected on the 16th June 1800. 48 Linnean Society, [May 24, Mr. Pilkington contributed to the 7th volume of the Society's Transactions a " Description of some Fossil Shells found in Hants," and has left behind him numerous MSS. on subjects of natural history. Towards the latter part of his life he left his profession and London altogether, and resided on his estate at Hatfield, passing his time in doing good to his poorer neighbours, and in the enjoy- ment of his favourite pursuits and studies. Robert James Nicholl Streeten, M.D., was born in London on the 28th of June 1800, matriculated at the University of Edinburgh in 1820, studied in Paris during the year 1823, and took his degree at Edinburgh in 1824, his thesis " De Delirio tremente" being dated on the 2nd of August in that year. Here, under the instructions of the late Prof. Graham, whom he accompanied on one of his High- land excursions, he acquired a taste for botany and other branches of natural history, which he never ceased to cultivate. A few months after taking his degree he settled in Worcester, and became one of the Physicians of the Dispensary, which office he continued to fill up to the time of his death. He took an active part in the formation of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association, and contributed numerous papers to the ' Midland Medical and Surgical Reporter,' and to its successor the ' Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal,' published under the auspices of the Association, of which in 1843 he became Secretary, and soon after took upon himself the duties of responsible editor of the Journal. He was author also of some papers in the ' Transactions ' of the Association, and in the ' British and Foreign Medical Review.' On the establishment of the Worcester- shire Natural History Society he became an active Member, contri- buted greatly to the success of its Museum, and was the author of ** The Address of the Council," delivered at its first Anniversary Meeting in 1834, and of a "Note on the second British species of Monotropa (Hypopitys hypophegea, G. Don)," published in the 1st volume of the * Phytologist.' He became a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1846, and died at Worcester on the 10th of May in the present year. John Frederick Walter, Esq., M.D., became a Fellow of this So- ciety on the 1st of March 1836. He left England between three and four years since for the Mauritius, where, on his arrival, he was elected a Resident Member of the Royal Society of Arts and Sci- ences of the island, and his death is announced in the Report of that Society, read at the Annual Meeting held on the 24th of August 1847. 1849.] Linnean Society* 49 Among our Foreign Members, the Society and the scientific world have sustained a severe loss by the death of Stephan Ladislaus Endlicher, Professor of Botany in the Univer- sity of Vienna, and Director of the Botanic Garden of that city. He was born at Presburg on the 24th of June 1804, and there acquired his school education. His higher studies were pursued partly at Pesth and partly at Vienna, where in 1823 he became a pupil of the Archiepiscopal Seminary, being then destined for the church. But after the completion of his theological education, and when he had already taken the minor orders, family circumstances determined him to re-enter the secular state in 1826. Two years afterwards he was attached to the Imperial Library at Vienna, and the circum- stances of his parents placed him in a state of easy independence. From the time of his quitting the ecclesiastical profession he devoted himself enthusiastically to the study of natural history, and more especifdly of botany, and to that of the languages of Eastern Asia, particularly Chinese. In botany he soon acquired so distinguished a reputation as to mark him out for the Keepership of the Herbarium in the Imperial Cabinet of Natural History; and in 1840, on the death of Baron Jacquin, he became Professor of Botany and Director of the Botanic Garden, which establishment he exerted himself greatly to reorganize and improve. The following is a Catalogue of his botanical writings : — Flora Posoniensis, Pesth, 1830. Ceratotheca, eine Neue Pflanzengattung (from the Linnaea), Berl. 1832. Meletemata Botanica, Vienna, 1832, published in conjunction with Schott, and limited to sixty copies. Atakta Botanica, Pars I., Vienna, 1833. Prodromus Florae Norfolkicse, Vienna, 1833. Sertum Cabulicura, Vienna, 1836, in conjunction with Fenzl. Grundziige einer neuen Theorie der Pflanzenzeugung, Vienna, 1838. Genera Plantarum secundum Ordines Naturales disposita, Vienna, 1836-40 ; with two Mantissse, 1842, 1843, and a Supplement, 1847. Iconographia Generum Plantarum, Vienna, 1838. Stirpium Novarum Decades 1-10, Vienna, 1839, in conjunction with A. Gray, Putterlick and Reisseck. Caroli Linnaei Epistolae ad Nic. Jos. Jacquin, Vienna, 1841, pub- lished in connexion with Schreibers. Enchiridion Botanicum, Leipz. 1841. Catalogus Horti Academici Vindobonensis, Vienna, 1842. No. XLI. — Pbocebdings of thb Linnean Society. 50 Linnean Society, [May 24, Medicinalpflanzen des Cstreischen PharmacopSe, Vienna, 1842. Grundzuge der Botanik, Vienna, 1843, in conjunction with Unger. He also continued, after Spenner's death, in conjunction with Putterlick, T. F. Nees von Esenbeck's ' Genera Plantarum Florae Germanicse ;' and contributed largely to C. G. Nees von Esenbeck's edition of Mr. Brown's * Vermischte Schriften ;* to Poppig's ' Nova Genera et Species Plantarum ;* to the ' Annalen des Wiener Museums der Naturgeschichte;' to the ' Enumeratio Plantarum quas in Nova Hollandid coUegit Car. L. B. de Hugel;' and to the 'Flora Brasiliensis,* which he edited in common with Von Martius. Of these numerous and important works the * Genera Plantarum ' is that on which his fame will chiefly rest, as a work of immense labour, great research and profound botanical science. It will long continue to be a book of standard reference to the systematic bota- nist, of whose labours it is a constant and indispensable companion. In private life Professor Endlicher was a most excellent and amiable man. He died at Vienna on the 28th of March of an apo- plectic attack, caused as some physicians presumed by an effusion of pus from the pars petrosa of the left side into the brain, as he had suffered for many years from a polypus in the ear. On the previous Monday he had received his friends with his usual calmness and serenity, complaining only of a slight headache ; but at midday on Wednesday he lost his speech and became insensible, and about seven o'clock in the evening he ceased to exist, leaving a large circle of warmly attached friends to deplore his premature loss. Two of our Associates are also to be added to the list of deaths. Mr. David Cameron was elected an Associate of the Society on the 20th November 1827. He was then resident as head gardener at Bury Hill near Dorking, Surrey, the seat of the late Robert Barclay, Esq., F.L.S. &c., in whose service he remained until the early part of 1831, when he was appointed Curator of the recently founded Botanic Garden at Birmingham. During his stay at Bury Hill he communicated to the ' Gardener's Magazine ' (to which Journal he was for many years an active contributor), two articles upon the Flowering Plants and Ferns introduced into this country by Mr. Barclay, or then growing at Bury Hill, with remarks on their culture, and woodcuts of many of them ; also a paper on the mode of destroying the Red Spider in hothouses. Among the numerous communications made by Mr. Cameron to the editor of the ' Gardener's Magazine ' while he continued in charge of the Birmingham Garden, the principal are — 1849.] Linnean Society, 51 1. On protecting the Blossoms of Fruit-trees on Walls from Frost, vol. viii. 2. Account of the effects of the last winter (1837-38) on the Trees and Shrubs of the Botanic Garden, Birmingham, vol. xiv. 3. Account of the preparatory operations made in the Birmingham Botanic Garden previously to planting the Arboretum there ; with the dimensions which some of the trees have attained in seven years, vol. XV. Besides the above, he continued to forward from time to time for insertion in the same Magazine, notices of the new, rare, or other- wise interesting additions which were continually being made to the valuable collection under his care ; and of the effects produced by hail-storms, unusually severe frosts, &c. &c. After the death of Mr. Loudon and consequent termination of the ' Gardener's Maga- zine,* Mr. Cameron became an occasional correspondent of the * Phytologist,* to which he was one of the earliest contributors. His communications to the 1st vol. are — 1. Note on (the culture of) British Orchidese, p. 62. 2. Notes on the cultivation oi Lycopodium clavatwn and L. Selago, p. 63. 3. Note on Dianthus plumarius and D. Caryophyllus, p. 63. 4. Note on Cibotium Barometz, p. 427. 5. Note on Anagallis arvensis and A. ccerulea, 6. Note on the Irish Furze {Ulex stricius). 7. Warwickshire locality for Equisetum fluviatile, p. 555. The 3rd vol. of the Journal of the Horticultural Society (of which he was a Corresponding Member) also contains two papers by him : 1 . On the cultivation of British Orchids, and 2. On the cultivation of Hardy Heaths. Mr. Cameron appears to have been unusually successful in culti- vating at Birmingham our terrestrial Orchidea ; owing, probably, to the excellent opportunities which he must have possessed of becoming acquainted with their habits, during the time of his residence among the chalk hills of Surrey. He never communicated any paper to the Linnean Society ; but he frequently contributed to give additional interest to our Meetings by forwarding for exhibition fresh speci- mens of plants likely to attract attention, either from their rarity or beauty ; many of which, proving new to our herbarium, have been dried and preserved. He continued to hold the office of Curator to the Birmingham Botanic Garden until the end of 1847 or beginning of 1848, when he removed to Shrawley in Worcestershire, where he 52 Linnean Society , [May 24, resided till the date of his death, which took place after an illness of a few hours' duration, on the 25th June last, at the age of 61. Mr. William M'Nab, for many years Superintendent of the Royal Botanic Garden at Edinburgh, and a most skilful and successful horticulturist, was born in the year 1780, in the parish of Dailly in Ayrshire, where his father was a small farmer. When quite a lad he had a strong predilection for the occupation of a gardener, and was accordingly apprenticed at the age of sixteen to the gardener of Mr. Kennedy of Dunure, who after three years' service recommended him to Mr. Walter Dickson, a well-known nurseryman at Edinburgh. From thence he passed into the garden of the Earl of Haddington at Tyningham in East Lothian ; and was subsequently admitted into the Royal Garden at Kew, where his diligence and intelligence re- commended him to the special notice of Mr. Aiton, by whom he was appointed Foreman. Here he also attracted the attention of Sir Joseph Banks, who in 1810 recommended him to Dr. Rutherford, the Professor of Botany in Edinburgh, and he became Superintendent of the Edinburgh Botanic Garden, an office which he filled for nearly forty years. Some years after his appointment, the removal of the Botanic Garden to its present site was effected ; and the laying out and planting of the new Garden, as well as the successful removal of large and valuable specimens from the old to the new establish- ment, afford striking testimonials of his industry and skill. He was the author of * Hints on the Planting and General Treatment of Hardy Evergreens in the Cliifaate of Scotland,' Edinb. 8vo, 1831 ; and of * A Treatise on the Propagation, Cultivation and General Treatment of Cape Heaths, in a Climate where they require Protec- tion during the Winter Months,' Edinb. 8vo, 1832. In the latter branch of cultivation he was indeed peculiarly successful, and his directions for the management of that beautiful tribe of plants are regarded as the most valuable practical suggestions that have yet been offered. As an assistant to the Professors of Botany, both in the garden and in the botanical excursions of the pupils, Mr. M'Nab acquired universal respect and esteem. He died on the 1st of De- cember last, and was succeeded in the Curatorship of the garden by his son James, who inherits his father's skill as a gardener and de- votion to botanical pursuits. The Secretary also announced that twelve Fellows and three Associates had been elected since the last Anniversary. At the election which subsequently took place, the Lord Bishop of Norwich was re-elected President ; William Yarrell, Esq., was 1849.] Linnean Society. 53 elected Treasurer ; John Joseph Bennett, Esq., Secretary ; and Richard Taylor, Esq., Under-Secretary. The following five Fellows were elected into the Council in the room of others going out, viz. ; Thomas Bell, Esq., Francis Boott, M.D., John Gould, Esq., John Hogg, Esq., and Richard Horsman Solly, Esq. Among the presents announced by the Secretary were the follow- ing :— The herbarium of the late Thomas Walter, Esq., author of the ' Flora Caroliniana ;' presented by John Fraser, Esq., A.L.S. A Portrait of the late Sir Joseph Banks, Baronet, K.B., painted by the late Thomas Phillips, Esq., R.A. ; presented by Captain Sir E. Home, Bart., R.N. A Lithographed Portrait of the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Norwich, Pres. L.S., by T. H. Maguire ; presented by G. Ransome, Esq., F.L.S. There were also presented by W. A. Bromfield, M.D., F.L.S. , specimens of a Luzula growing abundantly at Apse Castle, near Shanklin, Isle of Wight, and described by Dr. Bromfield as having the divaricate and reflexed panicle of L. pilosa, with the fruit of L. Forsteri, excepting that the seeds are scarcely above one- third or one-fourth the size of those of the latter species. The capsules (not yet ripe) seem to be naturally smaller than in L. Forsteri, and much shorter than the sepals, which thus appear to conceal them. Be- sides their much smaller size, the seeds of the plant exhibited appear to be rounder than in L. Forsteri, with a still shorter and very obtuse appendage, and to come later to maturity than in that or L. pilosa, as was shown by the accompanying specimens of both, in which the capsules had attained to nearly their full dimensions, whilst those of the new plant were much less advanced. This new form is the prevailing one at Apse Castle, greatly exceeding either of the two others or L. sylvatica (which also grows there) in quan- tity, and is extremely plentiful on dry sloping banks amongst bushes, and either growing alone or intermixed with the other three. The form of the seeds proves, in Dr. Bromfield's opinion, that it cannot be a variety of L. pilosa, whilst their very small size and the form of the capsule militate against its connection with L. Forsteri. So far as yet observed, the plant is taller than either of these, with longer roots and lower stem leaves ; the leaves as broad as in L. pilosa, and from their greater length more lax or drooping at their extremities. The panicle, though much like that of L. pilosa, would seem to be less compounded, and narrower or more oblong in contour, and this last character coupled with the small size of 5 4 Linnean Society, [June 5, the capsules first drew Dr. Bromfield's attention to what he would otherwise have regarded as merely L. pilosa. It seems impro- bable that it should be a hybrid between L. pilosa and L. Forsteri, being so much more plentiful than the assumed parents, to say nothing of the very minute seeds, so different in this respect from those of either. Dr. Bromfield has not met with it as yet in any other locality but that above mentioned. June 5. Thomas Horsfield, M.D., V.P., in the Chair. Mr. James Yates, F.L.S., exhibited flowering specimens from his garden at Highgate of Ceanothus thyrsiflorus, Eschsch., a species first discovered in California by the late Mr. A. Menzies, F.L.S. Mr. Cornelius Varley, at the request of the Vice-President in the Chair, exhibited numerous drawings illustrative of the structure and circulation in different species of Chara, and entered into an expla- nation of the more remarkable circumstances connected therewith. Read a paper " On Ichneumon Atropos, Curt." By George New- port, Esq., F.R.S. & L.S. Several years ago the author obtained many specimens of this in- sect both in the larva and perfect states at Canterbury, chiefly in the year 1829, but he has not met with them since 1834. He has taken the perfect insect in the month of July, and has many times reared it from the larva state in which it is a parasite within the body of the larva of Sphinx ligustri, on which he considers it to be more common than on that of Acherontia Atropos. Mr. Newport gives some account of the habits and circumstances of its growth. It occurs in the body of the Sphinx larva and in the pupa from August to the following April, at which time it changes to a nymph, and remains in this state for a month to six weeks and comes forth in Jane. The anatomy of the larva was then described and shown to be in every particular in strict accordance with the condition of life under which this parasite exists, and confirmatory of the view of the author that the habits of different species are invariably in accord- 1849.] Linnean Society. 55 ance with peculiarities of function, and that these are dependent mainly on differences of detail of structure. June 19. The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. Frederick Gould, Esq., was elected a Fellow. Read *' Descriptions of seventeen new species of the Coleopterous family Paussida." By J. O. Westwood, Esq., F.L.S. &c. Genus Cerapterus, Swed. Subgenus Orthopterus. Cerapterus ( Orthopterus) La Fertei, Westw. C. piceo-castaneus nitidus laevis, pronoto magis fulvescenti-castaneo, elytris nigro-castaneis tenuissime punctatis : singulo plaga longitudinali per dimidium posticum suturae extensa ad apicem recurva et cum margine externo parallela fulva; pronoto linea impressa media; disco baud setoso, pedibus rufo-castaneis. — Long. corp. lin. 6. Hah. in Africa occidentali tropica apud " Rio Grande," inter Gainbiam et Sierram Leonam. In Mus. D. La Fertei. Obs. The club of the antennae is 2ird longer than broad ; the ter- minal joint is equal in length to the ninth, eighth, seventh, and ^rd of the sixth joints. Cerapterus {Orthopterus) concolor, Westw. C. totuB obscure castaneus nitidissimus, elytris magis nigricantibus ; pro- noto linea media longitudinali vix distincta ; elytris basi et lateribus punctis setiferis instructis ; disco magis evidenter punctato, tibiis rufo- castaneis. — Long. Corp. lin. 6. Hah. apud Portum Natalensem Africae meridionalis. In Muss. Brit, et Fortnum. Ohs. The club of the antennae is 2ird times longer than broad ; the seven intermediate joints are of equal breadth, the last joint is rather convex, and as long as the ninth, eighth, seventh, and half of the sixth united. It is impossible, without a comparison with Mr. W. S. Mac- Leay's original specimen of C. Smithit, to determine whether this 56 Linnean Society, [June 19, species may not prove a concolorous variety of that insect. Judging from the description and figure of the antennae however, this suppo- sition appears very doubtful. ^ Subgenus A RTHROPTERUS. Cerapterus {Arthropterus) denudatus, Westw. C. piceo-castaneus subnitidus tenuissime punctatus, elytris magis nitidis, antennis angustis planis; articulo ultimo duobus praecedentibus longi- tudine sequali, capitis angulis posticis porrectis, prothorace capite paullo angustiori supra subdepresso truncato-cordato linea media impressa, pedibus subangustis ; tibiis omnibus angulo externo apicali acuto. — Long. corp. lin.,6. Hah. in Nova HoUandia, ad ripas fluvii " Mundarra " dicti. In Mus. F. Bond. Cerapterus {Arthropterus) Wilsoni, Westw. C. totus eastaneus nitidus, capite parvo punctato et inter oculos bi- impresso : angulis posticis vix ultra oculos lateraliter porrectis, anten- narum clava subangusta sub lente tenuissime granulata; articulo 3tio clavae latiori : ultimo angustiori longitudine vix tribus praecedentibus aequali, pronoto subquadrato punctato : angulis anticis rotundatis : disco baud longitudinaliter sulcato ; elytris elongatis tenuissime punctatis : punctis ad basin majoribus castaneis : sutura magis fulvescenti, pedibus angustis; tibiis vix tarsis duplo latioribus. — Long. corp. lin. 7. Hah. in Novae Hollandiae Adelaide, D. Wilson. In Mus. Westw. Cerapterus {Arthropterus) suhsulcatus, Westw. C. totus eastaneus, capite punctato inter oculos baud impresso : angulis posticis pone oculos valde porrectis, antennis tenuissime punctatis clava sensim a basi ad articulum ultinmm latiori ; articulo ultimo sexta parte latiori quam longo tribusque articulis praecedentibus longitudine sub- sequali, pronoto punctato cordato-truncato : sulco longitudinali medio fere omnino obliterate, elytris longitudinaliter subsulcatis vix punctatis : disco setis brevissimis pauciter instrnctobasilongius setosis, tibiis tarsis plus duplo latioribus basi angustioribus apice externo praesertim in pedibus anticis acutis. — Long. corp. lin. 5^. Hah. in Nova Hollandia, King George's Sound. In Mus. D. Parry. Subgenus Pleuropterus. Cerapterus {Pleuropterus) alternans. C. rufus, elytris magis fulvis : singulo plagis duabus latis nigris postice cou- junctis, opacus fere laevis, capite brevi ; vertice antice longitudinaliter impresso punctisque duobus impressis intra partem oculorum posticam, antennis fere planis ; clava e basi ad apicem sensim angustata : arti- culo basali postice in lobum rotundatum producto, pronoto transverso : angulis anticis rotundatis : posticis valde incisis : inter angulos posticos 1849.] Linnean Society. 57 tuberculis duobus rotundatis instructo ; disco valde irregulari suico profundo longitudinal! ; elytrorum humerig elevatis : disco singuli 4-co8- tato, pedibus longis gracilibus. — Long. corp. lin. 4. Hah. in Mozambique et apud Portum Natalensem. In Mus. Melly (e Mus. Berol. cum nomine supra indicato transmissus) et Mus. D. Fortnum. Cerapterus (Pleuropterut) hastatus. » C. piceus tenuissime punctatus pubescens, elytris subopacis, capite antice sulcato, anlennis magis quam in specie praecedcnti regularibus et supra nonnihil concavis ; articulo basali clavae extus in tuberculum obtusum intus sinuatum producto : articulis reliquis longitudine fere aequalibus : ultimo rotundato, pronoto breviter cordato-truncato : angulis anticis valde obtusis posticis valde incisis utrinque inter angulos posticos tu« berculo elevato instructo ; elytris obscure piceis basi costatis : singulo macula prope basin altera pone medium cum macula suturali connexa margineque postico fulvis, pedibus gracilibus. — Long. corp. lin. 5. C. (P.) Westermanni affinis, at latior, magis pubescens, antennis et pro- thorace aliter formatis. Hah. in Mozambique. In Mus. D. Melly (e Mus. reg. Berol. cum nomine supra indicato transmissus). Genus Pentaplatarthrus. Pentaplatarthrua natalensis. V. castaneo-nigricans, elytris interdum cruce nigra notatis, antennis planis articulis clavae subcontinuis (nee basi et apice constructis ut in P. Paussoide), prothoracis lateribus in medio angulatis. — Long. corp. lin. 4^. Hah. apud Portum Natalensem Africae meridionalis. In Mus. Westw. &c. Obs. On a careful comparison I can detect no other characters to separate the somewhat larger Port Natal specimens recently arrived in this country from the typical specimen of P. Paussoides now in my collection. I have employed above the name given to these in- sects in the Royal Berlin collection, but scarcely consider them spe- cifically distinct. Genus Paussus. Sect. A. Protborax quasi bipartitus. Subsect. a. Antennarum clava postice baud excavata. Pamsus sinicus, Westw. P. subcylindricus niger subopacus setis rainutissimis griseis undique sparsis obsitus, elytrorum apice et angulo postico externo piceis, capite tuberculo obtuso inter oculos serieque quatuor minonmi prope collum, antennarum clava angusta in medio angustiore apice clavato et supra seriebus duabus tuberculorum parvorum (in singula serie tribus) in 58 Linnean Society. [June 19, apicem insidentibus, prothorace bipartite : parte antica baud postica latiore : lateribus angulatis, palpis maxillaribus articulo 2ndo intus ad apicem acuminato-producto, labialibus articulo ultimo ovato-acumi- nato. — Long. corp. lin. 4. Hah. prope Hong Kong. D. Bowring. In Mus. Britann. Ohs, I have adopted the specific names proposed by Capt. Cham- pion, for this and the two other species brought from Hong Kong by Mr. Bowring, and presented by him to the British Museum. Paussus granulatus, Westw. P. luteo-fulvus disco elytrorum magis rufescenti, podice piceo, capite inter oculos bi-impresso tuberculisque duobus excavatis instruct© : angulis anticis supra basin antennarum productis, antennarum clava falcata apice acutissimo setaque unica apicali instruct©, palpis maxil- laribus articulo 2ndo fere rotundato, capite subnitido gracillime cica- tricoso, pronoto glabro ; elytris opacis granulatis : singulo plaga longi- tudinali submembranacea grisea impress©, pedibus gracilibus; tibiis 2 posticis magis dilatatis. — Long. corp. lin. 3^. Hah. in Africa meridionali, pr©pe Portum Natalensem. In Mus. D, Fortnum. Subsect. h. Antennarum clava postice excavata. * Species Indicae. Paussus politus, Westw. P. fulvo-rufus, pronoti lateribus posticis discoque elytrorum nigris, capite tuberculo c©nico parum elevato inter oculos, antennarum clava navicu- lari : margine antic© fere recto : apice rotundato : margine postic© excavat© excavatione acuminato-ovali margine supero simplici infer© 5-denticulato et 5-set©s©, prothorace bipartito : parte postica antica baud latiori, elytris nitidis Isevibus breviter setosis lateribus longius set©sis, p©dice rufo setarum serie marginato, pedibus subgracilibus ; basi femorum obscuriori. — Long. corp. lin. 3§. Hah, in India orientali, D. Bacon. In Mus. Westw., &c. Obs. Nearly allied to P. ploiophorus and denticulatus, but differs in the narrowed hind-part of the prothorax ; also to P. nauceras^ but differs in the glossy elytra and different shape of the antennae. Paussus Bowringil, Westw. P. niger nitidus, clava antennarum parte pronoti antica elytrorumque basi lateribus apiceque ferrugineis, capite inter ocul©s tubercul© elevato quasi e tubercuHs duobus minutis comp©sit©, antennarum clava lata margine antic© acut© postic© pr©funde fossulat© : fossulae margine supero rect© infer© 6-denticulat©, pr©n©ti partis anticae lateribus acute angulatis : parte p©^tica angustiori lateribus sinuatis, palporum 1849.] Linnean Society. 59 maxillarium articulo 2ndo lato subquadrato, elytris brevissime setosis lateribus setis longioribus densius obsitis. — Long. corp. lin. 3^. Hah. ad Hong'Kong. D. Bowring. In Mus. Britann. Patusut hystrix, Westw. P. obscure ferrugineus opa'cus, capite antice emarginato ; vertice tuber- culis duobus ovalibus elevatis, antennarum clava oblonga subovata postice excavatione oblonga instructa : hujus marginibus supero et in- fero sinuatis seu tuberculis rotundatis quinque instructis, protborace capite paullo angustiori : parte postica antica parum angustiori : lateribus fere rectis, elytris lateribus rufo setosis : singulo ante medium disci impressione ovali alteraque elongata subcurvata laterali instructis, po- dice serie setarum marginato, pedibus angustis, palporum maxillarium articulo 2ndo fere rotundato. — Long. corp. lin. 3^. Hab. ad Hong Kong. D. Bowring. In Mus. Britann. *• Species Africanae. Paussus cucullatus. P. totus castaneus subnitidus tenuisslme punctatus, pronoto magis nitido Isevi, capitis vertice impressione ovali marginibus elevatis in qua tuber- cula 2 parva ovalia exstant, antennarum clava glaberrima late ovali basi truncata postice profunde excavata intus prope marginem anticum necnon margines excavationis transverse impressa, prothoracis parte antica brevi lateribus acute angulatis : postica multo angustiori in medio profunde impressa, pedibus dilatatis, podice setarum serie marginato, palporum maxillarium articulo 2ndo lato rotundato. — Long. corp. lin. 2, Hab. in Africa meridionali apud Portum Natalensem. In Mus. D. Melly cum nomine supra indicato e Mus. Reg. Berol. communicatus. Sect. B. Protliorax subcoutinuus. Paussus spinicoxis, Westw. P. angustus castaneo-testaceus, capite elytrisque tenuissime punctatis, capite tuberculo conico dorsali inter oculos armato, oculis magnis, antennarum clava subovali undique acute marginata punctata basi externe in dentem producto, disco utrinque versus marginem posticum 4-impresso, protborace glabro subcontinuo angulis anticis rotundatis : parte antica a postica fossula profunda transversa utrinque setosa sepa- rata, elytris glabris, podice marginato punctato, palpis maxillaribus subfiliformibus articulo 2ndo parum crassiori, pedibus gracilibus; coxis 2 posticis in spinam productis. — Long. corp. lin. 4. Hab. in Africa meridionali apud Portum Natalensem. In Mus. Britann. Paussus cultratus. P. totus testaceo-fulvus punctatus et breviter setosus, capite supra con- vexo integro angulis posticis pone oculos porrectis, clypeo emarginato, 60 Linnean Society. [Nov. 6, an tennis depressis late-falcatis apice acutissimis margine omni acuto glabris tenuiter punctatis, palpis inaxillaribus filiformibiis, prothorace ovali antice posticeque tnincato in medio paruni depresso glabro exca- vationibus duabus profundis subrotundatis in medio notato, pedibus subgracilibus ; tibiis compressis et ante apicem sensim angustioribus, podice punctato setoso margine acuto elevato. — Long. corp. lin. .3. Hah. in Africa meridionali apud Portum Natalensem. In Mus. D. Melly cum nomine supra indicato e Mus. Reg. Berol. communicatus. Paussus setosus, Westw. P. luteo-castaneus setis aureis obsitus, capite antennis pedibusque magis castaneis, capite inter oculos tuberculo elevato setigero instructo, cly- peo vix emarginato, antennarum clava elongata lateribus parallelis margine omni acuto basi externe in dentem conicum apice setosum producto margine postico setarum curvatarum serie instructo, protho- race oblongo : parte antica parum latiori lateribus rotundatis : partis posticae lateribus fere parallelis : in medio disci impression e profunda subquadrata, elytris profundius punctatis, podice setarum serie mar- ginato, pedibus gracilibus longioribus. — Long. corp. lin. 3f . Hah. in Guinea. In Mus. D. La Fertei. Read also a continuation of Mr. Huxley's paper " On the Anatomy of the Diphydce," &c. November 6. William Yarrell, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. The necessary busmess of the Meeting having been disposed of, it was proposed by the Vice-President in the Chair and unanimously resolved, ** That in consideration of the death of the late excellent and vene- rable President of the Society, the Lord Bishop of Norwich, and as a mark of respect to his Memory, this Meeting do now adjourn." 1849.] Linnean Society. 61 November 20. William Yarrell, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. George Frederick Samuel Robinson, ]>)rd Viscount Goderich, and Alfred Tyler, Esq., F.G.S.. were elected Fellows. Mr. Hogg, F.L.S., presented two spikes of a variety of Hordeum hexastichon, L., grown from seeds sown in March of the present year at Norton in the county of Durham. The seed was derived from some found in the pocket of a sailor, who died during a voyage in the Mediterranean. Mr. Hogg designates this variety as H. hex- astichon var. seminibus nigris sen caruleo-nigris, "black, or rather blue-black Bigg." He states that he cannot find in authors any de- scription at all answering to it, although Persoon and Springe men- tion a similar variety of the common barley, Hordeum vulgare, L. The variety presented by Mr. Hogg ripens early, is exceedingly prolific, and has large grains ; and he therefore considers it worthy of cultivation, and though perhaps not so well adapted to malting as the common barley, yet likely to be valuable for other purposes, and particularly for the fattening of cattle. Read a Paper " On the Development of the Spores and Elaters of Mar chantia poly morpha,'* By Arthur Henfrfiy, Esq., F.L.S. &c. Mr. Henfrey commences by referring to the memoirs of M. Mir- bel on Marchantia, &c., and the accompanying note of Mr. Griflfith ; to M. Lindenberg's Monograph of Ricciea; and to the several pub- lications of BischoflF, Von Mohl, Gottsche and Fitt on the develop- ment of the spores of various cryptogamic plants. He briefly de- scribes the development of the little green cellular body found within the pistillidium which becomes the capsule oi Marchantia polymorphOt and states that from the facts observed and from analogy he is in- clined to believe that the young capsule is at first formed of a con- tinuous cellular substance, and that the cells of this tissue become parent-cells, producing new cells within them, which they set free by becoming dissolved, exactly as occurs in the production of the parent- cells of the pollen- grains in the continuous cellular tissue of anthers. M. Mirbel does not appear to have examined the contents of the capsules until this complete separation of the cells had taken place, when he describes them as consisting of minute elongated cells (the young elaters) mingled with small squarish cells (the 62 Linnean Society, [Nov. 20, spores). But Mr. Henfrey found the younger capsules to contain elongated cells alone, and those of two sizes. The whole cavity was filled by such cells apparently radiating from the centre ; the nar- rower cells being interposed between much longer and broader cells of the same form. The former were the young elaters, the latter the parent- cells of the spores. The young elaters Mr. Henfrey describes as elongated slender tubes attenuated towards each extremity, and filled at first with an almost colourless coagulable protoplasm. After a short time starch globules are seen within them, which might readily be mistaken for the rudiments of the spiral fibre ; but the author believes that the accounts given by some writers of the formation of spiral fibre in spiral vessels from rows of minute granules are incorrect, and have arisen from observation of starch granules lying in rows often running obliquely across the tubes. After a greater enlargement in the length than in the diameter of these cells the starch granules and finally the protoplasm disappear, and faint streaks denoting the nascent fibres are at length visible upon the walls. These gradually become more and more distinct, until in the mature elaters they pre- sent themselves in the form of strong flattened bands. In Marchantia there are two fibres, the ends of which are confluent at the extremities of the tubes in which they are contained ; so that more properly speaking there is but one endless fibre twisted upon itself, which may be represented by a piece of string doubled with its ends united, and twisted spirally upon itself. This is evidently the best possible condition of structure for its purpose of acting as a spring. In unrolling, the fibre tears up the membrane of the walls of the tube, which after the elaters have been discharged is often no longer to be detected. While the elaters are passing through these stages the larger elongated cells exhibit a very remarkable series of changes, which Mr. Henfrey regards as differing from anything that has yet been observed in analogous structures. They are at first filled, like the elaters, with a delicate colourless protoplasm, in which float ex- ceedingly minute granules, and which is apparently the same sub- stance that occurs in all young cells which increase by self- division. These larger cells soon exhibit transverse streaks of a lighter colour, in consequence of the separation of the protoplasm into a number of distinct portions, and the formation of cross membranes at these places, dividing the tubular cell into a row of cells, all of a square form except the two terminal ones which are attenuated towards the free point. The author could not determine whether the septa were 1849.] Linnean Society, 63 formed by gradual growing in of the membrane, nor could he detect at this period a double membrane, which must, however, exist, to admit of the subsequent separation of the contained cells. Vertical septa are often formed in addition, producing a double row of cells within the tube. About the time when the cells separate from each other, their contents undergo a change, which exactly resembles that which occurs in the contents of the parent-cells and special- parent-cells of pollen when the formation of free cells is about to take place in their interior. The mucilaginous matter, or protoplasm, acquires a deep yellow colour, becomes much thicker, and exhibits a quantity of globular bodies which look like drops of oil. Mr. Hen- frey gives his reasons for regarding these appearances neither as drops of oil nor as vesicular cavities, but as globular drops of the yellow protoplasm. Such globules are of various sizes and some- times occupy half the cavity of the cell, but neither before nor after their formation was the author enabled to detect the presence of nuclei. Soon after the separation of these cells their yellow contents exhibit lighter streaks running across, which denote that they are each about to separate into four portions. When these portions are completely isolated and become coated by their proper membranes, they constitute the spores, and are subsequently set free by the so- lution of the membrane of the parent- cells. Their contents then again become clear and almost colourless, their membrane becomes thickened and of a bright yellow colour, and finally their cavity becomes filled with globules of pretty regular size. No trace of septa dividing the parent-cells into chambers, such as are met with in the special-parent-cells of the pollen, were observed, even when treated with iodine ; and when the parent-cells in which the contents had parted into four portions were ruptured at one place, all the contents passed out and the membrane remained as a simple sac. In the ripe spore the author could distinguish only a single coat, which grows out into a tube at one point in germination. During this process the entire spore with its contents becomes colourless, the yellow colour and the globules disappearing ; and after a short time chlorophyll vesicles appear, which, on the application of iodine, are seen to be imbedded in a coagulable, colourless protoplasm. In conclusion, the author again directs attention to the striking circumstance, that throughout the whole course of development he met with no nuclei ; neither did he observe nuclei during the deve- lopment of the spores of Spharocarpus terrestris, which he had also partially traced. Sometimes the globular bodies before alluded to 64 Linnean Society, [Dec. 18, as formed in the yellow protoplasm presented appearances which might be mistaken for nuclei ; but careful investigation always led him to believe that these appearances were deceptive ; and as he obtained clear and well-defined views of all the various stages with fully sufficient magnifying powers to see nuclei if present, he states that he is compelled to deny their existence here. A series of illustrative figures accompanied the paper. December 4. T. Horsfield, M.D., V.P., in the Chair. The Meeting having been specially summoned to supply the vacancy in the Council caused by the death of the Bishop of Norwich, and to elect a President in his stead ; the Vice-President in the Chair opened the business of the day, and the votes having been taken for a Member of Council, Charles Morgan Lemann, M.D., was declared to be elected into the Council. The ballot for President having also closed, Robert Brown, Esq. was declared to be elected President. December 18. Robert Brown, Esq., President, in the Chair. The President nominated Thomas Horsfield, M.D., Sir William Jackson Hooker, William Yarrell, Esq., and Nathaniel Wallich, M.D., to be Vice-Presidents for the remainder of the year. A letter was read, addressed to the Secretary by John Hogg, Esq., F.L.S., giving an account of a double variety of the Field Scabious, Scabiosa arvensis, L. (^Knautia arvensis, Coult.), a specimen of which he presented to the Society. The specimen was gathered in a stubble-field at Norton in the county of Durham on the 29th of September, and was the only one seen with a double flower, all the other plants in the field presenting the ordinary flower of the species. Jan. 15, 1850.] Linnean Society, 65 The doubling consists in the enlargement of the inner florets to the same size as the outer ones in the ordinary flowers ; but the anthers and stamina of the former do not appear to have become abortive as in the outer enlarged florets, and as might have been expected from the similar change in the corolla. In Hooker's • British Flora,' the species is characterized by the corolla of its outer florets having unequal and of its inner florets equal segments : in this double variety the segments of the inner florets are unequal like those of tlie outer. Mr. West wood, F.L.S., exhibited a small branch of a Nelis d'hiver pear grown against a wall in the garden of Mr. Wilmot, Isle worth, covered with a great number of large, solid, woody, gall-like protu- berances caused by the punctures of a species of Aphis closely allied to the American blight, the twigs in this branch having been com- pletely stunted in their growth, and not exceeding an inch in length, the energy of the tree having been concentrated in the growth of the protuberances. Mr. Westwood pointed out the diff^erence between the real galls (sometimes quite hard and woody in their texture) caused by the punctures of insects and the deposition of eggs, and these pseudo-galls which did not enclose eggs, but were the result of the punctures of the proboscis of insects for obtaining an immediate supply of food. ITie latter are of great rarity, and Mr. Westwood had never seen any which could be compared in extent to the speci- men exhibited, which was moreover covered with a whitish powder discharged from the bodies of the Aphides, and with a great number of the skins shed by them during their transformations. Read a further continuation of Mr. Huxley's Memoir ** On the Anatomy of the Diphj/icUe," &c. January 15, 1850. R. Brown, Esq., President, in the Chair. Ronald Campbell Gunn, Esq., Joseph Milligan, Esq.. Ralph Barnes Grindrod, M.D., John Dalston Jones, Esq., and Christopher Rice Mansell Talbot, Esq., M.P., were elected FeUows. No. XLII.— PaOCEKDINQi OF THE LiNNEAN SoCIBTY. 66 lAnnean Society, [Jan. 15, Read a Paper " On the Economy of a new species of Saw-fly." By John Curtis, Esq., F.L.S. &c. &c. This species, which belongs to the genus Selandria, was taken by Lord Goderich in his father's garden at Putney, where its larvae were first observed in July 1846, on the Solomon's Seal (Convallaria multiflora, L. ?). When first noticed, Lord Goderich states, they had almost consumed the entire membrane of the leaves, and many of them were feeding on the stalks ; and in a short time after they had eaten the plant nearly to the ground, leaving only the stronger branches, but not destroying the plant itself. The number on one small plant was full a hundred ; and the next year, and again in 1848, they reappeared in equal numbers. In 1849 their numbers were fewer. Mr. Curtis gives a detailed description of the caterpillar, which on the 28th of June (when many of them had cast their last skins, which remained sticking to the leaves) were nearly ^ of an inch in length. They disappeared in succession, burying themselves from 2 to 4 inches deep in the earth, where they formed small oval cocoons like a coating of glue, but often perforated in different places. On the 30th of April in the last year, Mr. Curtis succeeded in breeding a male fly ; another male and two females were hatched on the 3rd of May ; and these were succeeded by several more of the latter sex. They were as black as ink, and appear to be allied to Selandria fuligiiiosa, Schrank, but the male antennae approach those of Cladius. A full description of both sexes is given, and the species is named by Mr. Curtis after its discoverer, Selandria Robinsoni. The paper was accompanied by drawings, illustrating the struc- ture of the insect; and was concluded by some remarks on the characters and affinities of the genus Selandria. Although the elongated antennae of the species described resemble those of Nematus, and still more those of Cladius, it is not only distinguished from those genera by its divided marginal cell, but the heavy habit of the females especially and the characters of its trophi, which are intermediate between Athelia and Tenthredo, indicate the groups to which it is naturally allied. The author regards the number of discoidal cells in the inferior wings as furnishing good characters for the distinction of the genus Selandria into sections as follows : — 1 . With two discoidal cells, the marginal cell receiving one trans- verse nervure. — Example S. serva, Fabr. 2. With both transverse nervures united with the marginal one. — Example S. stramineipes, Klug. 3. With one discoidal cell. — Example S. Robinsoni. 4. With no discoidal cell. — Example S.fuliginosa, Schrank. 1850.] Litinean Society. CJ Aud he further observes that the variations in the position of the nervures, and in the magnitude of the cells, will also be found very useful in identifying the species. February 5. William Yarrell, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. The Rev. George Capel, James Buckman, Esq., and Walter Teb- bett, Esq., were elected Fellows. Mr. Gould, F.L.S., exhibited specimens of the male and female of a new species of Menura from the Richmond River, New South Wales, and pointed out the distinctions between it and the original species. He named the new species M. Alberti, in grateful acknow- ledgement of the patronage which he had received from H.R.H. Prince Albert. He also exhibited a specimen of a new and remark- able Crustaceous animal from the same locality. Dr. Wallich, V.P.L.S., communicated, by desire of Prof, von Mar- tins, President of the Royal Bavarian Botanical Society of Regens- burg, an officiid copy of an Address presented by that Society to Robert Brown, Esq., on his election to the Presidency of the Linnean Society. Read the conclusion of Mr. Huxley's paper " On the Anatomy of Diphyes, and on the Unity of Composition of the Diphyidee and Phy- sophorida," &c. Mr. Huxley, whose communication was written at sea, commences his memoir by a brief abstract of previous investigations of the family of Diphyida, chiefly derived from the works of Lesson and Will, in the absence of other books of reference. Of all the authors referred to, he observes, there is not one except Will, who has given any but a very superficial account of the family. So far even as the nata- torial organs are concerned, it is but rarely that a description is sufficiently detailed and accurate not to fit two or three species with equal ease, while the minute internal organs have fared still worse. By all, the important fact of the gemmiparous generation of these 68 Linnean Society, [Feb. 5, animals is overlooked ; by all, except Will, the demonstratiou of the generative organs is omitted, and even he mentions with some doubt the male sac only ; and lastly there is no attempt made by any of them to trace the various organs through their development, or to establish on the ground of anatomy the natural affinities of the group. To these latter points, Mr. Huxley states, that his attention has been chiefly directed during a voyage of some months through the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, in the course of which he has examined several genera both of Diphyidce and Physophoridde, with as much care and attention as the inconveniences of ship-board would permit. The results are given under the following sectional divisions, viz. : 1. a description of the diiFerent species examined ; 2. their anatomy; and 3. a comparison of Diphyidce and Physopho- rid(B. Under the first head Mr. Huxley describes four species of Diphyes, one of Calpe, one of Eudoxia, one of Aglaisma ?, and one of Rosacea. He then enters at length into the anatomy of the different parts of the body, under the several heads of the common tube ; the natatorial organs and the duct connecting their cavities with the common tube ; the nuclear piece or bract and its sacculus ; and the polypoids, each consisting of a stomachal sac, a prehensile organ and a generative organ. Although generative sacs were found by the author in all the genera examined by him, it was only in Eudoxia and Aglaisma (}) that he procured unequivocal evidence, by the pre- sence of ova, of their real nature. No unequivocal male organs were observed, although the so-called " entozoa " of Will were frequently seen swimming about in the cavity of the young generative organs. But they were not more abundant in these situations than in the stomachal sacs, common tube, &c., and their dissimilarity to true spermatozoa is too great for any conclusions to be founded on their presence. The total absence of male sacs, and the rarity of ova in the females, may, Mr. Huxley thinks, be accounted for by the season during which his investigations were carried on, the months of March, April, May and June being the winter of the Southern Hemisphere. Lastly, the author enters on the comparative anatomy of various species of Physophorida, by means of which he believes it to be satisfactorily demonstrated that there exists a unity of organi- zation between the two families of Diphyida and Physophorida ; and concludes by stating his opinion that at least two other families, the Hydriform and Sertularian Polypes, should be arranged with them in one natural group. The structural coincidences in these families he enumerates as follows : 1 . body composed of two membranes, out of which the organs are modeled ; 2. thread-cells universally (?) pre- 1850.] Linnean Society, 69 sent ; 3. gemmiparous generation ; 4. sexual generation, sperma- tozoa and ova being formed in vase-like external sacs. The paper was accompanied with a series of illustrative drawings. February 19. William Yarrell, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. The Rev. James Bedingfeld was elected a Fellow. Read some Notices and Anecdotes of John Christian Daniel von Schreber, chiefly derived from the * Erinnerungen aus meineh neun- zig-jahrigen Leben." By Dr. Ernst Wilhelm Martius. Communi cated by Dr. WaUich, V.P.L.S. &c. &c. Read also extracts from two Letters of the First President of the Society, Sir James Edward Smith, to J. Dryander, Esq., V.P.L.S., dated in 1''92 and 1802. Communicated by the President. March 5. William YarreU, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. Dr. Wallich, V.P.L.S., read the following extract of a letter from Prof. Lehmann, dated Hamburgh, 14th December, 1849 : — " I write to inform you that a work has just appeared, namely Proceedings of the Fifth Meeting of Scandinavian Naturalists held at Copenhagen 1847. Copenhagen, 1849. 8vo. There is in it a very remarkable paper by Liebmann, entitled * A few words concerning the Impregnation of Cycadea,' p. 501 seq. It appears, according to this paper, that in that family ripe and vegetative fruits may be produced, without the process of impregnation. A female plant in the Botanic Garden at Copenhagen (males do not exist in Europe) produced seeds which have germinated ! Liebmann made the same observation in Mexico." 70 Linnean Society, [March 5, Read also a paper entitled, " Further observations on the habits of Monodontomerus, with some account of a new Acarus, Heteropus ventricosus, a parasite in the nests of Anthophora retusa." By George Newport, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. &c. &c. Mr. Newport remarked that as some of the details of a paper on " certain Chalcididce and Ichneumonidce'* read to the Linnean Society in March 1 849 had drawn forth at that time the dissent of some en- tomologists, he had repeated his observations during the past sum- mer, and on one occasion had obtained as many as two hundred and forty-seven larvae of Monodontomeri from the nests of Anthophora, In every instance these parasites had fed on the bee larva /rom with- out, and had drained it of its contents in the same way that the larva of Paniscus drains that of the body of a caterpillar, thus proving the correctness of his original statement, that the Monodontomeri are external and not internal feeding parasites. He had originally been led to this view, not, as erroneously stated by Mr. Westwood in the printed Proceedings of the Linnean Society for May 1849, p. 37 (Annals and Mag. Nat. History, Oct. 1849, p. 288), from the simple fact that the author had found the bodies of these parasites covered with an armature of hairs, but as he had explicitly stated in his former paper, from the circumstance that he had never found hairs on the bodies of internal feeding parasites. Mr. Newport also found, as he formerly mentioned, some remains of the destroyed bee larva in each cell, but no " yellow dust or granules," as stated by another observer. Thus his more recent observations have confirmed those which he formerly communicated to the Society on the Monodon- tomeri. Having however collected a quantity of these larvae for further observation, he was surprised to find at the end of a few days that their bodies were covered with multitudes of what at first appeared like microscopic drops of fluid, which each day increased in size, until at length he found, on careful examination, that those supposed drops were the bodies of multitudes of gravid parasites, which in- fested and ultimately destroyed the larvae oi Monodontomerus, as these had done that of the bee. The oeconomy of this microscopic para- site was then traced to some exten^, and the fact of their having attained a mature state proved in the circumstance that at the end of about three weeks many of them produced multitudes of extremely minute young, which diiFered from their parents only in the smaller size, and in having no enlargement of the abdominal portion of the body. These young were smaller even than the young of Stylops, as each measured only sixteen thousandtJis of an inch in length. The 1850.] Linnean Society* 71 author stated other facts connected with the ceconomy of this singpular parasite, and mentioned that he is still engaged in its investigation. The following are the characters and description of this new Acarut. Class ACARl. Family Sarcoptides, Koch. Genus Heteropus, Newp. Corpus elongntum, subarticulatum. Caput mobile. Thorax a trunco drstinctus, ad latera corpusculis clavatis munitus. Pedes anteriores palpiformes ; reliqui (parium trium posteriorum) sequales, arcuati, at- tenuati, tarsis gracilibus 4-articulatis, articulo terminali lato vesiculari. H. VENTRIC08U8, pallid^ ferrugiueus, capite saturatiore, prothorace paribus 2 pilorum longorum, pedibus subrobustis ; articulis omnibus long^ pi- losis : tibiae articulo apicali corporis dimidium aequante. — Long. ^~-\ lin. $ gravidee abdomine magnoper^ inflate vesiculari. Hab, In postibus intra nidos Anthophora retusce, apud Gravesend, in Comitatu Kent. March 19. Robert Brown, Esq., President, in the Chair. Grantham Robert Dodd, Esq., jun., was elected a Fellow. Read some Notes written by Mr. Seemann, the Botanical Collector for Kew Garden, in the Voyage of H.M.S. Herald. Communicated by Sir W. J. Hooker, F.R.S., V.P.L.S. &c. April 2. Robert Brown, Esq., President, in the Chair. Read the commencement of a memoir " On the family of 7Vi«- riacear By John Miers, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. &c. 72 Linnean Society, [April 16, April 16. Robert Brown, Esq., President, in the Chair. Read the conclusion of Mr. Miers's memoir *' On the family of Triuriaceee." Mr. Miers commences his paper by a reference to his establish- ment of the genus Triuris in the 19th volume of the Society's ' Trans- actions,* and to the subsequent publication in the same volume by the late Dr. Gardner of another nearly related genus under the name of Peltophyllum ; but the name of the latter having been derived from a leaf accompanying the specimen which Mr. Miers shows not to have belonged to it, but to be in all probability that of a seedling Cissampelos, he has found it necessary to substitute another generic name, and has redescribed it in the following terms : — Hexuris, Miers. — PeltopJiyllum^ Gardn. Char. Gen. Flores dioici. Masc. ignoti. Fern. Perianthium profundi 6-partitiim, hyalinum, persistens ; laciniis obovatis, praefloratione val- vatis, singula infra apicem cornu subulato duplo longiore gyrato in- cluso, demum patentibus, marginibus reflexis. Ovaria indefinite nu- merosa, minima, densissime in gynaecinm aggregata, sessilia, gibboso- ovata, 1-locularia, 1-ovulata. Styliix subulatus, ad fa'ciem internam sublateralis, apice paulum incrassatus, oblique truncatus et stigmatosus. Fructus ignotus. — Planta pusilla, Brasiliensis, diaphana, alb'ida ; rhizo- rt\sXQ Jihroso ; caule recto, simplici, v. subramoso; foliis bracteiformibus, jiaucis, basilaribus, ovatis, acutis, adpressis, hyalinis ; floribus solitariis V. subracemosis ; pedunculis wiijloris, basi bracleatis. Hexuris Gardneri, Miers. Peltophyllum luteum, Gardn. in Linn. Trans, xix. p. 157. t. 15. Bab. in arenosis humidis Prov. Goyaz Brasilise, Gardner, no. 3570. The author next refers to two Ceylonese plants described by Capt. Champion in the Calcutta Journal of Natural History for April 1846, with a note by Dr. Gardner, who was at the time much struck by their resemblance to Triuris and his own Peltophyllum ; but both gentlemen recognizing the manifest affinity of the Ceylonese plant to Sciaphila of Blume, and misled by the position in Urticea assigned to that genus by Dr. Blume, concurred in placing them in one or other of the divisions of that great natural group. Of these two genera Mr. Miers adopts the one, Hyalisma, as sufficiently distinct ; but the second, Aphylleia, he refers without hesitation to Scaiphila, together with two undescribed plants from Sir W. J. Hooker's her- 1850.] Linnean Society, JS barium, found respectively by Cuming in the Philippine Islands, and by Purdie in Venezuela. He also corrects with much detail the de- scriptions of the embryo of the latter given by Mr. Champion and by Dr. Gardner. The following are his characters of Sciaphila and of Hyalisma, together with those of the known species : — Sciaphila, Blume. — Aphylleia, Champ. Char. Gen. Florea monoici, v. polygami. Perianthium in utroque sexu 6-partitum ; laciniis oblongis, acutis, reflexis, aestivatione valvatis, persistentibus. Masc. Stamina 6, in hermaphroditis abortu 3-1, in androphorum carnosum fer^ sessilia ; Jilamenta brevissima ; anthera transversim oblongee, 4-loculare8, apice rim^ transversa]! 2.valvatim hiantes. Fern. Ovaria plurima, in gyuaecium carnosum subglobosum dens^ aggregate, obovata, sessilia, 1-locularia; ovulo solitario erecto. Stylus lateralis fer^ basalis, plus minusve papilloso-subciliatus. Stigma truncatum, pnpilloso-plumosum, rar6 simplex obtusum. Carp jrfia plu- rima, dcnsissim^ aggregata, obovatu, styli basi persistente notata, mo- nosperma. Pericarpium utriculare, subtenue, papilloso-rugosum, su- turft dorsali hians. Caryopsia obovata, brevistipitata : endocarpium arilliforme, 8-10-costatum, costis basi apiceque confluentibus, trans- versim cancellatis, interstitiis membranaceis. Semen ovatum, basi apiceque endocarpio adhaerens : testa testacea, striis paucis longitudi- nalibus aliisque creberrimis transversis signata, apice saturatius colo- rata : inteyumentum externum pelliculare, reticulatum, testae adnatum ; integumentum internum tenuissimum, areolis hexagonoideis magnis ob- longis reticulatum, nucleum arct^ cingens. Nucleus (Embryo proto- blastus) indivisus, homogeneus, carnoso-cereus, opalinus, cellulosus j cellulis parvis, subglobosis, materie grumos^ succoque oleoso farctis. — Herbae pusillee, utriusque hemisphcBrce indigence, hyalince ; rhizomate fibrosa ; caule simplici, erecto vel suhramoso ; foliis paucis, bractei- formibus, alternis, ovatis, acutis, adpressis, venis destitutis, celluloso- rugosis; floribus spicatis, monoicis, superioribus $ , inferioribus ^ ; pe- dunculis unifloris, basi bracteatis; hr&cteis foliis conformibus. 1. Sciaphila tenella, " tenuissima carnosa aphylla, scapo simplicissimo erecto, floribus nutantibus, perigonii laciniis reflexis apice villosiusculis, stigmate sessili punctiformi, baccis pluribus glandulis pellucidis tectis, semine subtri'quetro, testa subcoriacea." Sciaphila tenella, Blume, Bijdr. p. 515. 2. Sciaphila maculata, hyalina, caule simplici, foliis bracteiformibus ad- pressis lineis interruptis rubris maculatis, perianthii laciniis sublan- ceolatis reflexis apice intils barbatis alternis margine ciliatis, floribus inferioribus stamiuibus 3 cassis (?), carpellis densissim^ congestis, utri- culo hiante. llab. in Insulis Philippinis, Cuming^ no. 2088. 3. Sciaphila ficta, hyalinu, caule subramosu erecto flexuoso, foliis brae- 74 Linnean Society, [A.pril 16, teiformibus maculis longis rubris pictis, perianthii laciniis oblongis aciitis patentibus rubro-raaculatis apice intiis barbatis alternis sublatioribus ciliatis; tubo laciniarumque basi lineis punctatis violaceis creberrimis ornatis, floribus (an semper ?) hermaphroditis, carpellis plurimis den- sissinie supra discum carnosum congestis staminibus 2 v. 1 munitis. Hab. in Venezuela, ad fl. Apure, a cl. Purdie lect. Octobr. 1845. (Herb. Hooker., exemplar unicum.) 4. Sciaphila erubescens, hyalina tenerrima, foliis bracteiformibus brac- teisque acutis rubro-pictis, floribus punctis rubris maeulatis, perianthii laciniis sequalibus oblongis acutis glaberrimis reflexis, flor. superioribus who ascertained, as he states, from the examination of several thou- sand specimens, that it was uniformly destitute both of root and fructification ; he concludes, therefore, that the plant propagates itself solely by lateral branches : he at the same time denies that it is brought from the Gulf of Florida, as, according to his own obser- vation, it hardly exists in that part of the stream near the great band, though found in extensive masses to the westward. I have here to remark that, as far as relates to the absence of root and fruc- tification, Meyen has only confirmed by actual observation what had been previously stated by several authors, particularly by Mr. Turner (in his 'Historia Fucorum,' vol. i. p. 103, published in 1808), and Agardh (in his * Species Algarum,' p. 6, published in 1820). But Meyen materially weakens his own argument in stating that he con- siders the Gulf- weed (Sargassum hacciferum of Turner and Agardh), and the Sargassum natans, or vulgare, specifically distinguished from it by these authors, as one and the same species ; adding, that he has observed among the Gulf weed all the varieties of Sargassum vulgare described by Agardh ; and finally, that on the coast of Brazil he has found what he regards as the Gulf-weed in fructification. Now as Sargassum natans has been found fixed by a discoid base or root, in the same manner as the other species of the genus, and as according to Meyen the Gulf- weed has been found in fructification, the legitimate conclusion from his statements seems to be, that this plant is merely modified by the j)eculiar circumstances in which it has so long been placed. I am not, however, disposed to adopt Dr. Meyen's statement that he actually found the true Sargassum natans, much less all its supposed varieties, mixed with the Gulf- weed, having reason to believe that at the period of his voyage his practical knowledge of marine submersed Algae was not sufficient to enable him accurately to distinguish species in that tribe. It is not yet known what other species of Sargassum are mixed with the Gulf-weed, what proportion they form of the great band, nor in what state, with respect to root or fructification, they are found ; though, in reference to the questions under discussion, accurate in- formation on these points would be of considerable importance. *' ITiat some mixture of other species probably exists may be in- ferred even from Dr. Meyen's statement, and indirectly from that of Lieut. Evans, who, in his communication published in Major Ren- nell's invaluable work on the Currents of the Atlantic, asserts that he found the Gulf- weed in fructification, which he compares with that of Ferns, a statement which would seem to prove merely that he had found along with the Gulf- weed a species of Sargassum with 1850.] Linnean Society. 79 dotted leaves, the real fructification of the genus bearing no resem- blance to that of Ferns, though to persons slightly acquainted with the subject the arranged dots on the leaves might readily suggest the comparison. " With regard to the non-existence of roots in the Gulf- weed as a proof of specific distinction, it is to be observed that the genus Sargassum, now consisting of about sixty species, is one of the most natural and most readily distinguished of the family Fucacea, and that there is no reason to believe that any other species of the genus, even those most nearly related to, and some of which have been confounded with it, are originally destitute of roots ; though some of them are not unfrequently found both in the fixed and in con- siderable masses in the floating state, retaining vitality and probably propagating themselves in the same manner (see Forskal, Fl. ^gypt.- Arab. p. 192, n. 52). It is true indeed that a Sargassum, in every other respect resembling Gulf- weed, has, I believe, not yet been found furnished either with roots or fructification, neither Sloane's nor Browne's evidence on this subject being satisfactory*. But the shores of the Gulf of Florida have not yet been sufiiciently examined to enable us absolutely to decide that that is not the original source of the plant : and the differences between the Gulf- weed and some other Sargasso, especially S. natans, are not such as to prove these two species to be permanently distinct. The most remarkable of these diff'erences consists in the leaves of the Gulf- weed being uni- formly destitute of those dots or areolae so common in the genus Sargassum, and which are constantly present in S. natans. These dots, in their greatest degree of development, bear a striking resem- blance to the perforations or apertures of the imbedded fructification in the genus. But as the receptacles of the fructification, as well as the vesicles, are manifestly metamorphosed leaves ; and as the pro- duction of fructification is not adapted to the circumstances in which the Gulf-weed is placed, it is not wholly improbable, though this must be regarded as mere hypothesis, that the propagation by lateral branches, continued for ages, may be attended with the entire sup- pression of these dots. " That the Gulf- weed of the great band is propagated solely by * See Sloane's Jam. i. p. 59. I have examined Sloane's specimens in his Herbarium ; they belong to Gulf-weed in its ordinary form, and are alike destitute of root and fructification ; hence they are probably those gathered by him in the Atlantic, and not those which he says grew on the rocks on the shores of Jamaica. Browne's assertion to the same effect is probably merely adopted from Sloane. 80 Linnean Society. [May 'J, lateral or axillary ramification, and that in this way it may have extended over the immense space it now occupies, is highly probable, and perhaps may be affirmed absolutely without involving the ques- tion of origin, which I consider as still doubtful. '* My conclusion, therefore, is somewhat different from that of Baron Humboldt, to whom I would beg of you to forward these observations, which will prove that I have not been inattentive to his wishes and to your own, though they will at the same time prove that I have had very little original information to communi- cate." Read also *' Notes on the Dry-rot, as observed in the Church of King's Wear, Devonshire." By A. H. Holdsworth, Esq. Com- municated by the President. The church of King's Wear is immediately opposite to Dartmouth, and stands about 100 feet above the harbour, on the north-west side of a very steep hill, which rises 200 feet above it. The walls of the old church having become unsafe, the whole of it was taken down except the tower at the north-west angle, to which a new church was attached, standing within the site of the old one, and the new building was completed about two years ago. From the north and south doors eastward the ground rises rapidly, and an area is formed round the church to preserve it from damp ; from the same doors to the westward the ground falls far below the level of the floor within. The floor and ground beneath the old church were removed and the graves filled up. The new seats, which were open, rested on oak- sleepers, supported by new dwarf walls, the floors of the seats being about sixteen inches above the ground ; but the earth on which the paving of the aisles or passages was laid was as high as, and rested against the sleepers on, the dwarf walls. The other parts of the seats were of Baltic deal. Good limestone masonry was used in the construction of the walls ; the pillars and windows were made of stone from France ; and the aisles were paved with closely-jointed fine black slate. Within a few months after the completion of the church a fungus was observed at the seat at the corner immediately behind the south door, and soon after decay appeared in other seats near it. Fresh passages for air were made through the walls running under the seats, but in a few months these M'ere filled with a species of vege- table matter looking like fine mould. This was found to spread under the whole of the seats to the west of the south door, and suc- cessively aflfecting those to the eastward of the same door and those 1850.] Linnean Society, 81 of the centre of the church, but always that part which adjoined the aisle or passage. A suspicion arose, from taking up some of the stones of the aisles, that there was a plant which had its origin near the south door, which crossed under the paving of the aisles, and travelled along the sleepers and framing of the seats, causing all the mischief; and a thorough investigation was determined on. On taking down some of the seats, a fungus was found having some of its branches as large as straws, and others as fine as horse-hair, spreading out under the floors of the seats in the very finest fibres, breaking into forms resembling the finest leather, and wherever it obtained a good supply of air by means of an air-channel, becoming half an inch thick, attached on one side to the dry floor, and having on the other side a spongy surface, fitted for the collection of moisture from the atmosphere ; for although the floor was perfectly dry, the fungus by which it was eaten out was as wet and cold as a sponge filled with water. The seat next the south door was removed ; its framing was entirely decayed, and beneath it was found a root-like portion of the fungus descending nearly perpendicularly to the depth of sixteen inches. In the north aisle the seats were not affected, and it was presumed that they had not been reached by the fungus ; but on taking up the paving-stones of that aisle, it was found to have ap- proached within a foot of the reading-desk, growing from the seats of the opposite side of the aistle in the form of a semicircle increasing gradually on all sides. Mr. Holdsworth is convinced that one plant, beginning near the south door, was the cause of all the mischief; when, however, the whole of the paving of the aisles was removed, other plants were found spreading in a fine film under it in a circular form, and six or eight inches in diameter ; and these, when carefully taken up, were seen to have a stem in the centre running two inches or more into the ground, and usually attached to a bit of decayed wood. I'hus the habit of the plant appears to be to travel on through grooves or under pavements, and in other concealed places, where it can find wood on which to feed, and which it renders dry and of a character as if destroyed by fire. Mr. Holdsworth exhibited dried specimens of the fungus in various states, which he has presented to the British Museum. No. XLIII. — Procbkoinqs of thb Linnban Socibtt. 82 Linnean Society, [May 24, May 24. Anniversary Meeting. R. Brown, Esq., President, in the Chair. This day, the Anniversary of the birth of Linnaeus, and that ap- pointed by the Charter for the election of Council and Officers, the President opened the business of the day, and the Secretary read the following notices of those Members who had died since the last Anniversary. William Townsend Aiton, Esq., one of the oldest Members of the Society, having been elected a Fellow in 1797, was the eldest son of William Aiton, gardener to the Princess Dowager of Wales, mother of King George the Third, and was bom on the 2nd of February 1766. When seven years old he was sent to the school of Dr. Rose at Chiswick, and after remaining there for six years he was removed to that of the Rev. W. Smith at Camberwell, where he continued for two years and a half. At the close of his school education he was placed under his father, who was appointed in 1783 Superin- tendent of the forcing and pleasure gardens at Richmond and Kew, and he had thus ample opportunities of becoming a practical gardener and botanist, and of pursuing his studies as a landscape gardener, the profession for which he was destined, and in which he attained much skill and eminence. In this capacity he was employed by the Earl of Chesterfield, Lord Boston, Sir William Ashton, Lord Har- rowby, the Earl of Powis, Lord Palmerston, the Hon. E, Greville, Lord Heathfield, Sir F. Drake, Sir H. Stracey, H.R.H. the Duke of Kent, and many other noblemen and gentlemen. On the death of his father in 1793, he was appointed to succeed him in the Royal gardens at Kew and Richmond ; and like his father, he was highly esteemed by King George the Third, to whom his own early abode at Kew Palace, together with the subsequent appropriation of it as a residence for his children, had rendered that garden a favourite place of resort. To his intercession on behalf of his friend William Forsyth, that he might succeed his father as gardener at Kensington Palace, the King replied that the place was already disposed of ; and on his return home he found a letter, written in the King's own hand, appointing him to the duties of gardener at Richmond, Kew and Kensington, and his brother John gardener at Windsor Castle and the Great Park. He was also honoured with the kind notice 1830.J Lmnean Society, 65 and regard of Queen Charlotte, and of the Princes and Princesses of the Royal Family, and in particular by the Duke of Kent, who kept up a confidential correspondence with him to the time of his death. On the accession of Kins: George IV. Mr. Aiton was not only con- tinued in all his appointments, but received the Royal command to make the new garden at the Pavilion at Brighton, and also that of Buckingham Palace, in the arrangements connected with which, together with the various alterations made in the Conservatory, Cottage Garden, Virginia Water, the Castle Garden and Slopes, and the extensive plantations of the Royal domain at Windsor, he was long and actively engaged. In connexion with these duties, he was named by the Royal warrant Director-General of all the Royal Gardens and Plantations. Soon after the accession of William IV., in consequence of the great changes which took place in the esta- blishments of the Royal Gardens, Mr. Aiton retired on the charge of the Botanic Garden and Pleasure Grounds at Kew, which he retained till 1841, when they too were voluntarily resigned by him after a service of nearly fifty years. Among the remarkable men with whom he was in habits of kindly intimacy were Dr. Pitcairn, John and William Hunter, Cruickshanks, Sir W. Farquhar, Sir D. Dundas, and Sir E. Home ; and he was also on friendly terms with the poet Cowper, whose biographer, Hayley, regarded him with aflfectionate esteem, as evinced in many of his letters and verses, and by the dedication of Cowper's posthumous poem on the Yardley Oak. In the years 1810-13 he published a second edition of his father's ' Hortus Kewensis,' in 5 vols. 8vo. In this and all his botanical undertakings he constantly received the most friendly encouragement and assistance from Sir Joseph Banks ; and as in the first edition the botanical matter had been supplied by Dr. So- lander and Mr. Dryander, so in the second the general superinten- dence and the complete elaboration of several important families and genera were the work of Mr. Dryander and Mr. Brown. From the period of his final retirement Mr. Aiton led a tranquil life, still con- tinuing to occupy the house in which he was born, and which was built expressly for his father by King George the Third, but passing much of his time with his brother at Kensington. He enjoyed in general good health and spirits, notwithstanding that his pulse seldom reached to 50 ; but finding himself unwell in the beginning of last October, he became desirous of being entirely with his brother and under his roof; here he gradually became weaker till the morning of the 9th October, when without apparent bodily suffering he calmly breathed his last, being then in the 84th year of his age. 84 Linnean Society. [May 24, Sir David James Hamilton Dickson, Knt., M.D., F.R.S.Ed. 8^c., was the youngest son of the Rev. George Dickson, Minister of Bedrule in Roxburghshire. He entered the Navy as Surgeon's Mate in 1 795, was promoted to the rank of Surgeon in 1798, and to that of Phy- sician of the West India Fleet in 1806. In 1813 he was superin- tending Physician of the Russian Fleet then lying in the Medway, and afterwards received the order of St. Wladimir from the Emperor Alexander in acknowledgement of his services. His public services in the British Navy were in various climates ; and he accompanied the expeditions to Holland in 1799 and to Egypt in 1801, and was present at the capture of the French and Danish islands in the West Indies, and in the expedition to the Chesapeake, New Orleans, &c. He was appointed Physician of Plymouth Hospital in 1824, and in 1840 his designation was changed to Inspector of Hospitals, that of Physician having been abolished in the naval service by order in Council. He published various professional papers in the medical journals, was knighted in 1834, and died at Stonehouse on the 2nd of January, in the 70th year of his age, having been elected into the Liunean Society in 1816. Edward Doubleday, Esq., was descended from a respectable Quaker family long resident at Epping, and was born on the 9th of October 1810. In common with his brother Henry he early at- tached himself to the study of Natural History, to which he became wholly devoted. In 1832 he commenced a series of contributions to the ' Entomological Magazine,' in which, during the six following years, he published a great variety of notes and memoirs on ento- mological subjects. In 1837, in company with Mr. Foster, also a member of the Society of Friends, he took a voyage to America, and visited, in the course of a tour of nearly two years, almost all the States of the American Union. His communications to the ' Ento- mological Magazine' during this period bear date from Trenton Falls, Philadelphia, Louisville, Shawnee Town, from which he as- cended the Mississippi to Pera, proceeding thence to Chiago on Lake Michigan, and by steamer across the Lakes of Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie to Niagara, whence he returned to Trenton Falls, and then proceeded south to New York, Baltimore, Washington, Charlestown, Jacksonville, St. John's Bluff, Savannah, and the Warm Springs of North Carolina. His collections, which were very extensive, and consisted chiefly of insects, but were by no means limited to that class, were most liberally distributed by him after his return to England. He subsequently applied for permission to accompany the ill-fated expedition to the Niger, from which. Ife50.] Linnean Society, 85 however, he was happily dissuaded; and in 1841 he was appointed one of the Assistants to the Zoological Department of the British Museum, where his attention was chiefly directed to the Lepidopte- rous Insects of the National Collection, which contains one of the finest and most extensive series of specimens in that department of Entomology that has ever been brought together. Since this period he has communicated numerous papers to the 'Annals of Natural History,* to the * Entomologist,' the * Zoologist,' and the * Phytolo- gist ' ; to the * Transactions ' of the Entomological Society and the * Proceedings ' of the Zoological. The second part of the twentieth volume of the Linnean Transactions contains a memoir by him, *' On the genus Argynnis of the ' Encyclopedic M^thodique,' especially in regard to its subdivision by characters drawn from the neuration of the wings," in which he lays the foundation of a more complete and systematic classification of Butterflies on the principle indicated than had before been attempted. Besides these scattered memoirs he drew up a complete '* List of the Diurnal Lepidoptera " in the Collection of the British Museum, and commenced in 1848, in con- junction with his friend Mr. Hewitson, the publication of a magnifi- cent work entitled ' The Genera of the Diurnal Lepidoptera,' which he continued nearly up to the period of his death, but which, it is greatly to be regretted, he did not live to complete. In the summer of last year he was attacked by an obscure disease, which proved (on examination after death) to be a fungous tumour attacking and de- stroying the vertebrae of the loins and pressing upon the spinal cord ; and after suff^ering, for several months, the most excruciating pain, as well as a complete paralysis of the lower extremities, he died on the 14th of December last, in the fortieth year of his age. He became a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1 843, and had long been an active Member of the Entomological Society, of which, for the last two years of his life, he was Secretary. His knowledge of Systematic Entomology was extensive and profound ; his acquaint- ance with the literature of the science very considerable ; and the large share of general information which he possessed, together with his readiness in communicating it to others, acquired him great and deserved esteem. Mr. Newman has kindly supplied the following list of his contri- butions to the • Entomological Magazine,' the ' Entomologist,' the ' Zoologist,' and the ' Phytologist,' many of which were anony- mous, and could therefore have been indicated only by Mr. Newman himself. In the * Entomological Magazine ' : — 86 Linnean Society, [May 24, " Abstract of M. Straus-Durckheim's Considerations Generales Pur TAnatomie comparee des Animaux Articules," i. 1, 277, 466 ; ii. 121. The first of these was published in September 1832, the last in April 1834. " Review of Sphinx Vespi/ormis, an essay by Edward Newman/' i. 44 ; published September 1832. "Capture of Aspidophoi-us orbiculatus," i. 85. September 1832. ** Larva of Crcesus septentrionalis," i. 313. April 1833. *' Metamorphosis of Alet/rodes," i. 313. April 1833. •* Notes on the Habits, &c. of Insects," by Delta: — i. 385, "On the Economy of a Solitary Bee, Chelostoma florisomne^ and its parasite Chrysis cyanea; also Osmia bicornis, and Lampronia capitella, a micro- lepidopterous insect that is very injurious to currant bushes:" i.466, containing, amidst much miscellaneous information, a descrip- tion of the larva and economy of Nonagria Typhce : ii. 44, " On the Geographical Distribution of Insects," and ii. 280, the same paper continued and concluded: ii. 451, concluding the history of Nonagria Typhee, a valuable note on raising the larva of Melo'e from the egg, and some observations on Stylops and other insects. The iirst of these papers was published in July 1833, the last in January 1835. " Exposure of the Fallacy of the Septenary System in Natural History," i. 434; published in October 1833, under the signature D D. *' Note on the genus Castnia," i. 517. " Moths swallowed alive by a Caprimulgus," i. 519. " Notes on a Review in the Athenaeum of Mr. Swainson's Preli- minary Discourse on the Study of Natural History," iii. 98. " Remarks on the Entomology of Epping and its vicinity," iii. 147, 283 ; published July 1835 and October 1835. " Note on one of the Fossorial Hymenoptera," iii. 413 ; published January 1836. " Note on Medeterus loripes." — Ibid. " Note on Fhytomyza fava." — Ibid. " Note on Melolontha Tut to." — Ibid. " Some Scraps by the Author of the Delta Letters," iv. 106 ; published October 1836. This paper relates to a " Plague of Ants" which occurred in St. Domingo and Porto Rico during the years 1519-21. The paper consists principally of a translation from Oviedo. " Communications on the Natural History of North America," V. 21, 199, 269, 402 and 409 ; being extracts from Letters written 1850.] lAnnean Society, 87 during his tour in North America, commencing October 1837 and ending October 1838. In the ' Entomologist * : — *' Characters of three new genera of Notodontida** p. 55 ; pub- lished February 1841. " Remarks on some new North American Lepidoptera** p. 95 ; published April 1841. ** Sympetrum rubicundum** p. 159; published August 1841. " Description of a new North American Polyommatus," p. 209 ; published November 1841. " Description of a new Lepidopterous Insect," p. 297 ; published May 1842. In the * Zoologist * : — ** Notes on the occurrence of Alligators in East Florida," p. 41 ; published in January 1843. ** Notes on Lepidopterous Insects," i. 109, 197; May and July 1843. •* Capture o( Stauropits Fagi" p. 199; July 1843. *• Note on the capture of Claviger foveolatus** p. 200 ; July 1843. In the 'Phytologist':— '* Note on the occurrence of Lilium Martagon in Essex," i. 62. In this paper the author advocates the naturalness of the habitat he records for this plant, arguing that there is no ground for supposing the plant a garden escape. Charles Lyell, Esq., of Kinnordy, in the county of Forfar, and a Vice-Lieutenant of the County, was the only son of a father of the same names, and was born on the 7th of March 1767. He was educated first at St. Andrew's and afterwards at Cambridge ; and after passing many years in England, he retired in 1826 to his pa- ternal estate, where he continued to reside until his death, which took place on the 8th of November in the last year. During his residence in England Mr. Lyell attached himself to the study of Botany, and more especially of British plants ; and the dedication to his name of a genus of Mosses, by our President, and in our ' Trans- actions,' is the best evidence of the estimation in which his botanical acquirements were held. He also cultivated an intimate acquaint- ance with the mediaeval literature of Italy, and in particular with that of Dante and his contemporaries, and published several editions of the Lyrical Poems of that author, with English translations, and an Essay on his Anti-Papal Spirit, which has been translated into Italian by Polidori. Mr. Lyell has left behind him an extensive 88 Lirmean Society, [May 24, botanical library. He became a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1813; and his eldest son, Sir Charles Lyell, is also a distinguished Member of our body. Donald Mackinnon, M.D,, became a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1816, and died at his residence in Norland Square, Notting Hill, on the 10th of last June. Edward, Lord Bishop of Norwich, late President of the Society, Mas bom on the Ist of January 1779. He was the younger of two sons of the late Sir John Thomas Stanley, Bart., of Alderley Park in the county of Cheshire, his elder brother having been raised to the Peerage in 1839 by the title of Baron Stanley of Alderley. His earlier education was received at the Grammar School of Mac- clesfield; first under Dr. Inglis, who subsequently became head master at Rugby, and afterwards under the late Dr. Davies. The bent of his own inclination was early manifested towards the sea- service ; but the strong objections of his parents prevailed over the aspirations of his active and energetic spirit, and it was decided that he should enter the Church. He became a Member of St. John's College, Cambridge, and took a high degree as B.A. in 1802. In 1805 he obtained his degree of M.A., and in the same year he was presented by his father to the Rectory of Alderley, which he filled for more than thirty years. In this capacity his unwearied activity, his zeal for every benevolent object, his exertions for the education of his parishioners in particular, and for the cause of education in general, his frequent and kindly visits to the poorer classes, and his liberal and conciliatory disposition towards all, justly earned for him the character of an exemplary parish priest. When nominated to the see of Norwich in 1837, such had been the influence of his example as well as of his teaching, that he left his parish with scarcely a dissenter ; and left it (as is well known) with reluctance, to enter on the cultivation of the wider field to which he was unexpectedly called. During his residence at Alderley he became warmly attached to the study of Natural History, and gave occasional lectures at the Mechanics' Institutes of Chester and Macclesfield on geological and zoological subjects. His favourite relaxation was the investigation of the habits of birds ; and his ' Familiar History of Birds,' in two vols. 12mo, 1835, of which a new edition appeared in 1847, aff^ords abundant proof of the extent of his acquaintance with the manners of the feathered tribes. At the same time he was an occasional contributor to the pages of the British, Blackwood's, and other Ma- gazines, among his contributions to which may be particularly 1850.] Linnean Society. 89 noticed his " Account of the South Stack near Holyhead/* and his description of a perilous adventure, of which he was himself the subject, in the " Mauvais Pas " of the Valais of Switzerland, from the MS. communication of which Sir Walter Scott derived the opening scene of " Anne of Geierstein." He also wrote an interesting account of the condition of Western Ireland, and of the Island of Achill in particular, which he visited for the purpose of personal inspection during a period of severe distress. His other published works, for the most part given to the world after his elevation to the Episcopal Bench, consist of Sermons, of Charges to his Clergy, of Speeches in the House of Lords, and of pamphlets on religious and educational subjects, in all of which he exhibited a liberal tolerance for the opinions, and a conciliatory forbearance for the feelings of those from whom he differed. In 1811 he married Catherine, daughter of the Rev. Oswald Ley- cester, Rector of Stoke-upon-Terne in Shropshire, by whom he has left three sons and two daughters. The eldest of the sons, Captain Owen Stanley, R.N., inheriting his father's predilection for the naval service, was a Lieutenant in Captain Sir George Back's Ex- pedition to the Arctic Regions, served subsequently under Sir Edward Belcher in the South Seas, and has been engaged since 1846 as Commander of the Rattlesnake, in effecting a survey of Torres Straits, New Guinea, and the adjacent coasts, from which naturalists have already derived, and still hope to derive, much in- teresting information. In his diocese the late Bishop has left behind him a character universally respected and esteemed, about 260 of his clergy having been present at his funeral. As a singular proof of his disinterested- ness in the administration of his high functions, it is stated by Dean Pellew, in his sermon on that occasion, that out of the numerous vacancies that occurred during the twelve years of his residence in the diocese, not one had been filled by a relation or family con- nexion. The late Bishop became a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1828, and was chosen, on the resignation of the Duke of Somerset in 1837, his successor to the office of President. In this room it is quite unnecessary to speak of the manner in which he fulfilled the duties of that office ; for the benevolence of his disposition, the frankness of his manners, and the warm enthusiasm of his temper, have made too deep an impression on all those who were in the habit of wit- nessing them to be readily or speedily effaced. Had the graver duties of his ecclesiastical station permitted, his love of science would 90 Linnean Society, [May 24, unquestionably have impelled him to devote a considerable portion of his time to the pursuit of Natural History, and this Society in particular would have benefited largely by the increased attention which he would have been enabled to dedicate to the advancement of its interests. Our warm and grateful acknowledgements are so much the more especially his due, that he contrived, amid the many and weighty calls of his high office, to appropriate so much of his time and energies to the promotion of the objects of the Linnean Society, in whose affections his memory will long survive. Many other societies have lost in him a valuable member. He became a fellow of the Royal Society in 1840; and was from the first an active supporter of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, and of the Archaeological Institute, the members of which will not fail to remember the kind and hospitable reception which they met with at his hands during their meetings in the chief city of his diocese. He took much pleasure and interest in such peripatetic meetings ; and it had been his practice for many years to devote about six weeks of every sunder to a tour in pursuit of healthful relaxation, not unfrequently in connexion with some scientific object. His death took place on one of these excursions on the 6th of Sep- tember last, after a few days' illness, terminating in congestion of the brain, at Brahan Castle near Dingwall, in the north of Scotland. His remains were placed on board a steamer at Invergordon, and conveyed by sea to Yarmouth, whence they were removed to Nor- wich and interred in the centre of the nave of the Cathedral on the 2 1st of the same month, amid the general mourning of the city and of the diocese. Louis Hayes Petit, Esq., M.A., F.R.S., F.S.A., F.G.S., Vice-Pres. R.S.L., F.R.A.S. 8fC., was descended from an ancient family in Nor- mandy, his great grandfather having come to England on the revoca- tion of the Edict of Nantes. His father practised as a physician in Marlborough Street, where he was born on the 9th of November 1 774. He was educated at Queen's College, Cambridge, where he took his degree of B.A. in 1796, and M.A. in 1799, and was called to the Bar in 1801. For some years he was a distinguished member of the Oxford Circuit, but quitted the practice of his profession in 1 82 1 , and sat in Parliament for the borough of Ripon from 1827 to 1832. From 1 802 to the time of his decease he resided uninterruptedly at No. 9 New SquEure, Lincoln's Inn, where he occupied himself with literary pursuits, and collected a library unusually rich in philology, and of great value in other departments. His kindness of disposition, his cheerfulness and hospitality, and that benevolence of heart which 1850!] lAnnean Society, 91 led hiro to take an active interest in, and to contributely largely to, many of our public charitable institutions, secured him the warm attachment of a numerous circle of friends. He was unmarried, and died on the 1 3th of November last, a few days after the completion of his 75th year. His election into the Royal Society took place in 1807. and into this Society in 1810. Anthony Todd Thomson, M.D., Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, was educated at Edinburgh, where his father held an appointment in the Post Office. On the establishment of the London University he was named the first Professor of Materia Medica in that Institution, to which, after the retirement of Dr. Gordon Smith, he added the duties of Professor of Forensic Medicine. As a lecturer he obtained great and deserved reputation ; and his extensive know- ledge of the Materia Medica, together with his acquirements in che- mistry and botany, peculiarly fitted him for the professorship which he so long and ably filled. His principal publications were his * Conspectus of the Pharmacopoeias of the London, Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges,' 12mo, 1810, which in 1845 reached its fifteenth edition; 'The London Dispensatory,* 8vo, Lond. 1811, of which a tenth edition was published in 1 844 ; and ' Elements of Materia Medica and Therapeutics,' 2 vols. 8vo, Lond. 1832-1833, which reached a third edition in 1843. But besides these greater works, which are manuals of reference to almost every practitioner of medi- cine, he published a multitude of dissertations on professional sub- jects, either separately, or in the Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, and in the various medical journals, as well as several contributions to polite literature, which he successfully cultivated through a long and usefnl life. Previously to taking his degree, he pursued his pro- fession in London as a general practitioner, and gave lectures on botany, of which in 1822 he commenced the publication under the title of " Lectures on the Elements of Botany, Part I., containing the Descriptive Anatomy of those organs on which the growth and preservation of the Vegetable depends," vol. i., 8vo ; but of this, his only strictly natural history publication, no further portion ap- peared. He died at Ealing on the 3rd of July last, at the age of 71, having been a Fellow of the Linnean Society since 1812. Two important losses have also been sustained in the Foreign list of the Society. Henri- M. Ducrotqy de Blainville, a profound zoologist and com- parative anatomist, was born at Arques, in the Department of the Seine-Inf^rieure, about the year 1778. At an early age he went to Paris, where he attended the lectures of Cuvier, and acquired the 92 Linnean Society. [May 24, taste for natural history which he pursued to the last with undi- minished ardour. He became Suppliant to Cuvier at the Jardin des Plantes and at the College de France, and was soon afterwards named Professeur-Adjoint of Zoology, Anatomy and Comparative Physiology, at the Faculty des Sciences. In 1810 he took the de- gree of Doctor of Medicine; in 1825 he was elected a Member of the Institute; and on the death of Cuvier, in 1831, he succeeded to the Chair of Comparative Anatomy at the Jardin des Plantes. During his long career he published a multitude of memoirs and separate works, which have contributed largely to the progress of zoological science. His earlier memoirs appeared in the ' Journal de Physique,' in the * Journal de la Soci^t^ Philomathique,' and in the ' Annales ' and ' M^moires du Museum,' and embrace the study of a great number of animals of almost every class. Of his separate works the most important are his ' Prodrome d'une Nouvelle Dis- tribution Systematique du R^gne Animal,' 1816; ' Principes de I'Anatomie Compar^e,' 1822; * Manuel de Malacologie et de Con- chyliologie,' 1826; and ' Osteographie Comparee,' a magnificent work not yet completed. In comparative anatomy he seems to have taken for his model Vicq-d'Azir, several of whose unfinished works he completed ; and his views, always more or less original, and not unfrequently involving bold hypotheses, indicate a lively imagination as well as the possession of extensive knowledge of his subject. All those who have attended his lectures bear testimony to the copious flow of his ideas, to which a clear and lucid mode of expression gave the most agreeable form, and which were further illustrated by his ready use of the pencil, all contributing to render his class extremely popular. He was found dead at one of the stations of the Paris and Rouen Railway on the night of the 1st of May, while on his way to England, which he had several times visited. He became a Foreign Member of the Linnean Society in 1827, and was also on the Foreign List of the Royal Society, to which he was elected in 1832. Karl Sigismund Kunth was born in Leipzig on the 18th of June 1788, and educated until the age of sixteen in the free school of his native city, where he exhibited an early inclination towards natural history, and acquired the protection and favour of the celebrated anatomist Rosenmiiller, who afforded him opportunities of improve- ment as an anatomical draughtsman. In 1805 he entered the Col- lege of St. Thomas ; but the death of his father having deprived him of the means of pursuing his studies, he obtained in 1806, through the influence of an uncle, an appointment in the naval ad- ministration at Berlin. Averse, however, to so mechanical an em- 1850.] Linnean Society, 9^ ployment, he sought and found in Baron Alexander von Humboldt a patron, who gave him the means of attending the natural history courses of the University of Berlin. In 1813 he published his first botanical work, * Flora Berolinensis,* of which a second and enlarged edition was published in 1838. After the death of Willdenow, he undertook the arrangement and publication of the very extensive collections of plants made by Humboldt and Bonpland in Equinoctial America, For this purpose he took up his abode in Paris from 1813 to 1819, engaged chiefly in the preparation of his principal work, • Nova Genera et Species Plahtarum,* in seven vols, folio, Paris 1815-25 ; of which he also published a * Synopsis,' in five vols. 8vo, Paris 1822, &c. During the same period he completed Bonpland's ' Plantes Equinoxiales,' and ' Melastomees,' and published a Mo- nograph of the " Mimoses et autres Plantes Legumineuses " of the same countries. To these at a later period he added a Monograph of the Grasses of Tropical America, in two vols. fol. Paris 1829-33. These elaborate works, containing together descriptions of 6000 species, and figures in folio of 1000, for which he himself drew the anatomical details, established his character as a descriptive botanist, and secured for him an extensive reputation. In 1819 he returned to Berlin, where he was appointed Professor of Botany, and Vice- Director of the Botanic Garden. In 1829 he became a Member of the Academy of Sciences of Berlin, and he was also a Correspondent of the Botanical Section of the Academy of Sciences of the Institute of Paris. He visited London in 1830 as the representative of the Berlin Herbarium, to assist in the distribution of the great East Indian Herbarium, of which this Society, through the munificence of the East India Company, and under the auspices of Dr. Wallich, possesses the type collection. For many years past he had occupied himself in the preparation of a general systematic work, of which six volumes have appeared under the title of • Enumeratio Plan- tarum omnium hucusque cognitarum,' Berlin 1833, &c. He is also the author of numerous papers in the * Annales des Sciences Natu- relles,' and in the ' M^moires de TAcaddmie Royale de Berlin.' As a systematic botanist M. Kunth deservedly enjoyed a high reputation. His descriptions are copious, minute and accurate, and his analyses carefully and clearly executed. By his important pub- lications connected with the journey of Humboldt and Bonpland, he contributed more than any other botanist to our knowledge of the plants of Equinoctial America ; and on these publications his ^Eune will chiefly rest. He died at Berlin in the month of March in the 94 Linnean Society. [June 4, present year. His election as a Foreign Member of the Linnean •Society dates from 1825. At the election which subsequently took place, Robert Brown, Esq. was re-elected President ; William Yarrell, Esq., Treasurer ; John Joseph Bennett, Esq., Secretary ; and Richard Taylor, Esq., Under- Secretary. The following five Fellows were elected into the Council in the room of others going out, viz. Professor Edward Forbes, Edwin Lankester, M.D., Edward Newman, Esq., William Spence, Esq., and Sir George T. Staunton, Bart. Among the presents announced were the following : — An Oil Portrait, by Maguire, of the late President, the Bishop of Norwich ; presented by J. S. Bowerbank, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. &c., in the name of the subscribers. Lithographed Portraits of Robert Brown, Esq., Professor Ansted, Professor Bell, the Dean of Westminster, John Curtis, Esq., Charles Darwin, Esq., Professor Edward Forbes, Professor Lindley, Sir Charles Lyell, and the present Bishop of Norwich ; all presented by George Ransome, Esq., F.L.S. &c. &c. June 4. Robert Brown, Esq., President, in the Chair. Read a *' Notice of a peculiar Structure of the Cells on the sur- face of Callitriche vema." By E. Lankester, M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S. &c. The peculiar cells described by Dr. Lankester were found by him in the summer of 1849 on the stems of a specimen of Callitriche verna preserved in a glass vessel with other water plants. They project from the surface of the plants, are of a stellate form, and consist of a central cell surrounded by six or eight others. They are easily detached from the epidermal tissue, and may thus readily be procured for microscopic examination. They vary in size as well as frequency, and are not confined to the stem, but occur also on the leaves ; and Dr. Lankester is inclined to believe that they are most abundant in the younger states of the plant. In the first stages 1850.] Linnean Society. 95 of their growth they are to be distinguished from the surrounding cells only by their peculiar arrangement ; but as the development proceeds, the epidermal (including these stellate) cells contain a smaller proportion of chlorophyll than those under and above them on either side of the leaf, and become gradually freer from cell- con- tents, until at last they appear perfectly clear. In other water plants, such as Lemna, Potamogetay &c.. Dr. Lankester had not succeeded in detecting any similar bodies. As regards their func- tion, he states, that it at first occurred to him that they might per- form the office of stomata ; but he was unable to discover any orifice among the cells, or any communication with intercellular spaces below them. In their structure and general arrangement they bear a closer resemblance to certain modifications of hairs than to any other epidermal organs ; and the author considers it not improbable that they are the result of the same tendency of the epidermal tissue under water as that which produces hairs when this tissue is ex- posed to the influence of the atmosphere. The paper was accompanied by drawings of the stellate bodies, with details of their structure and composition. Read also the commencement of a paper entitled *' Observations on the Botany of Texas." By William BoUaert. Esq., F.R.G.S. &c. Communicated by R. H. Solly, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. &c. June 18. Robert Brown, Esq., President, in the Chair. The President exhibited portions of trunks of Winter's Bark Trees from the Straits of Magellan, cut down in 1826 by Captain P. P. King, R.N., offering inscriptions made through the bark by a mid- shipman who accompanied the Spanish expedition under Captain Cordoba in 1786, and by one of the companions of Captun Bou- gainville in 1767 ; the annual rings in the former case distinctly cor- responding with the interval between 1786 and 1826. He also made some observations on the structure of the woody vessels of the genus. Mr. Adam White, F.L.S., exhibited several elaborate drawings by Mr. P. H. Gosse, A.L.S., representing various species of Roti/era 96 Linnean Society. [June 18, found in the neighbourhood of London, and stated that Mr. Gosse had confirmed the opinion which Cuvier entertained in regard to the true position of the Rotifera, and that they have no connexion with the Radiata, by his observations on their internal structure, and especially by the presence of mandibles, maxillae and maxillary palpi. The drawings exhibited the development of Stephanoceros Eichhorni from the e^^ to the adult state, as also that of the males of Asplanchna Brightwellii and a species of Brachionus. Mr. White added, that in 1843 at least. Professor Milne-Edwards was also aware, from the researches of Ehrenberg, of the true division of the animal kingdom to which the Rotifera belong. He further stated his own belief that the so-called Acarus folUculorum, Simon (Demo- dex, Owen ; Entozoon, Wilson), and probably also Tardigradus, are parasitic Rotifera, with legs or leg-like appendages adapted to their peculiar habits ; and that their retractile antenna-like subtelescopic appendages may have eyes passing through them as in the snails, and may also be the equivalents of the rotce, but from the limited, or rather the absolutely restricted, power of motion of these animals, having neither the ciliary processes nor the movements and oecono- mical uses of the appendages so characteristic of most of the Ro- tatoria. Read a paper '* On the Structure of the Fruit in Punica." By H. F. Hance, Esq., Ph.D. Communicated by Mr. Wm. Pamplin, A.L.S. Mr. Hance's observations were made chiefly on double flowers, exhibiting several varieties of monstrosity, obtained from a plant growing in his garden at Hong Kong, and compared with the normal state. He refers to the opinions of Mr. Griflith and Dr. Wight, and agrees with the latter in considering the pistillum as compound, many of the double flowers distinctly exhibiting the imperfect cohe- sion of the carpidia, and the stylar laminae being even in some in- stances quite separate to the very summit. His own explanation of the remarkable disposition of the cells of the fruit of the Pomegranate is given in the following terms : — ** The lower cells arise from a cen- tral row of carpella, the cohering apices of which constitute the diaphragm, the ovula springing from the two united margins of the same carpellary leaf, and consequently being directed towards the circumference of the ovarium ; while the upper cells are formed by an exterior series of longer carpels alternate with the others, their cohering summits constituting the whole, or at all events the exter- nal portion, of the style, and the ovula are^bome on the entire inner 1850.] Linnean. Society, 97 face of the carpidia, as in Nympheeacea, the cells being in addition frequently divided by spurious septa arising from the midribs." With respect to the affinities of the genus, Mr. Hance would cer- tainly remove it from Myrtacea, and believes it must be viewed as an osculant genus connecting the Myrtles with Onagraria and Ly- thraria, and hereafter to form with other yet undescribed genera a new natural order. • In conclusion, he refers to some remarks of Mr. Griffith in a letter to Dr. Wight, which he had not met with until some time after writing his paper, in which Mr. Griffith speaks of Punka as belong- ing to an order, with Duabanga and Sonneratia, between Myrtacea and LythracetB, and describes it as being 6-7-CHrpellary-leaved. Read also the conclusion of "Observations on the Botany of Texas." By William Bollaert, Esq. F.R.G.S., &c. Communicated by R. H. Solly. Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. &c. In this memoir Mr. Bollaert gives some account of the physical geography of the State of Texas, with notes on its geological character and mineral productions ; he describes the soil and climate of its various regions ; and, lastly, enters into a detailed account of its vegetable productions, describing successively the forests and forest- trees, together with the fruits, and the herbaceous plants, including the cereals, grasses and other plants useful to man, especially those cultivated either for food or ornament. Among these he enters into particular details with respect to the Zea Mays or Indian Corn, and a species of Smilax which he believes to be new, but which appears to be identical with Smilax lanceolata, L., and is known to the in- habitants by the name of Indian Bread. Of Maize he states the average crop to be sixty bushels per acre ; and adds that a man and young boy have been known in Eastern Texas to raise and gather in one year fifteen hundred bushels from two crops. He describes a great variety of modes in which this valuable plant is turned to ad- vantage, and gives a rough analysis of the component parts of the grain. From this it results that the starchy matter in malting takes on a saccharine character, which by fermentation produces alcohol, and independently of the carbonic acid evolved, another acid is formed, which may be either a new acid or the acetic. When the fermented liquor is allowed to stand for some days, a bright yellow oil floats to the surface, and appears to be composed of three proxi- mate substances: viz. 1. a body like Elaine; 2. a small portion like Stearine ; and 3. a substance which he calls Maizaline, which last has a decided diuretic quality, and is regarded by the author as No. XLIV. — Proceedings of the Linnean Socikty. 98 Linnean Society, [Nov. 5, the cause of the diuretic effects produced by Maize-bread upon persons unaccustomed to its use. With regard to the Indian-bread, called by the Carancahua Indians Toqui, Mr. BoUaert states that he found it in great abundance in the pine-woods of Huntsville, lat. 31° N., long. 95° 30' W. The edible part is the root : immediately below the stem commences the formation of irregularly-shaped potato- like tubers, rather larger than the potato, and so abundant that one plant will yield two bushels. These are used by the Indians made into a sort of bread ; and the pioneer, trapper and backwoods- man are frequently obliged to have recourse to it for the same pur- pose, and sometimes obtain from it by fermentation a liquor of a pink colour to which they give the name of beer. Of this plant, and of the mode of growth of its tubers, sketches accompanied the paper, which concludes with a notice of some of the botanists who have visited the State of Texas for the purpose of collecting plants, and with a list of the plants collected by Mr. Lindheimer in his Earlier Journey, and by Dr. Kenan. November 5. Robert Brown, Esq., President, in the Chair. Robert Ellis, Esq., and William Henry Hallett, Esq., were elected Fellows. Mr. W. W. Saunders, F.L.S., exhibited specimens and a drawing of a species of Cyclamen (probably C. hederafoUum, Dec), found by him in the neighbourhood of Hastings ; he regards it as undoubtedly wild. Read a Paper on ** The Temstroemiaceous Plants of Hong Kong." By Capt. Champion, 95th Regiment. Communicated by the Pre- sident. The author commences by referring to the number and beauty of the trees and shrubs of this family which are natives of India and China ; and suggests that the elevation at which they are generally found, flowering in China alongside of the Azaleas which have been 1850.] Linnean Society, 99 so successfully introduced into England, indicates that many of them might also be advantageously cultivated here as hardy or half-hardy plants. He then proceeds to the enumeration of the species which have been found in the small island of Hong Kong. 1. Camellia spectabilis; arborea, foliis lanceolatis acuminatis glabris crenatis subtiis reticulatis, floribus solitariis (magnis albis) axillaribus et subtermiualibus, sepalis coriaceis fructibusque (pomi magnitudine) sericeis. Hah. in Insult Sinensi Hong Kong, in sylvis. 2. Camellia Japonica, L. Sp. PI. 982. Of this species Capt. Champion states that but two trees are at present known growing wild in Hong Kong ; they were discovered by Col. Eyre, R.A., and are loaded in October with single pink flowers. The leaves are more elongate than in most cultivated plants. 3. Camellia salicifolia ; arbuscula, ramulis pubescentibus flcxuosis, foliis subsessilibus elongato-ovatis acuminatis serratis pubescentibus, floribus parvulis (albis), sepalis acuminatis pubescentibus, capsulis gla- bris parvis rostratis 1-3- saepius 1-spermis. Ilah. in Insult Sinensi Hong Kong, in sylvis. As species this and the next are most nearly allied to C. caudata. Wall. A specimen of the present has recently been introduced by Mr. Braine into Kew Gardens. 4. Camellia assimilis; frutex, ramulis glabris, foliis snbsessilibua lan- ceolatis acuminatis serratis glabris, floribus parvulis pendulis (albis), sepalis sericeis obtusis, capsulis glabris parvis rostratis. Hah. in Insult Sinensi Hong Kong, in Monte Victoria et Monte Gougb. 5. Then Bohea, L., is cultivated in Hong Kong, but is not indi- genous. As a genus Capt. Champion does not regard it as distinct from Camellia. 6. EuRTA Macartneyi; dioica, frutescens, glabra, foliis majusculis cori- aceis subellipticis margine revolutis semilatis, floribus majusculis; S staminibus 19-22; 9 sty lis distinctis revolutis, iructibus (purpureis) circiter 14-spermis. Hab. in Insult Sinensi Hong Kong, in sylvis nipibusque. Floret et fructus fert Aug.-Nov. A shrub from 6 to 8 feet high, and as a species coming near E. elliptica, Gardn. Si)ecimens brought from China by~Lord Macartney are in the herbarium of the British Museum. 100 Linnean Society, [Nov. 5, 7. Kurya Japonica, Thunb., and Eurya Chinensis, /?. Br. These two species Capt. Champion finds mixed up indiscriminately in his collection, and he believes them to be identical. 8. Pentaphylax euryoides, Gardn. 8f Champ. This new and curious genus is described in Hooker's Journal of Botany, No. 8. p. 244-246. 9. IxioNANTHES Chinensis ; subarborea, foliis petiolatis alternis glabris integris elongato-ellipticis apice einarginafis reticulatis, corymbis longd pedunculatis axillaribus pluriflovis dichotomis, staminibus 10 longissimis, capsulis supra-uncialibus. Hab. in Insula Sinensi Hong Kong, in s)'lvis. Seeds of this species, which forms a small tree, sent by Capt. Champion to the Royal Gardens at Kew, have vegetated. The author states that having since compared his specimens with Jack's description of his Sumatran species (Jxionanthes reticulata), he feels some doubt of the distinctness of the plant of Hong Kong. It differs however in the larger size of the leaves (5 in place of 3 inches long), and will probably on comparison be found to do so in other particulars. The paper was accompanied by drawings of Pentaphylax euryoides and Jxionanthes Chinensis, with details of their fructification. Read also *' Descriptions of two new species of Paussida from Australasia in the collection of the Jardin des Plantes at Paris." By J. O. Westwood, Esq., F.L.S. &c. Genus Cerapterus. Subgenus Arthropterus, MacLeay. Cer. {Arthropterus) parallelocerus; ferrugineus, antennamm lateribus parallelis ; articulo penultimo tribus praecedentibus simul sumptis lon- gitudine exacte aequali, capita et pronoto rude punctatis ; hoc capite latiori subquadrato antice parum latiori angulis anticis rotundatis se- tosis, elytris tenuiter transversim punctatis punctis setigeris, tibiis anticis extiis acute productis ; quatuor posticis extus acuminatis angulo extremo truncato. — Long. corp. lin. 5. Hab. in Australasia. In Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris. (Verreaux) et Westw. This species is most nearly allied to C. subsulcatus, but is broader, with the thorax more broadly quadrate, the clava of the an- tennae broader and of uniform width, the elytra without any appear- ance of longitudinal sulci, the pronotum slightly channelled in the middle, the tibiae broader, the head more thickly punctured, and the eljrtra much less setose. 1850.] Linnean Society > 101 Cer. (Arthropterus) brevia ; nigro-piceus nitidus Icevis, capite punctate* antennis latis ; niargine antico subrecto ; margine supero vel postico ser- rate, prothorace cordato-truncato lined medid tenui longitudinali im- pressA disco tenuissime punctato, elytris brevibus fer6 Icevibus nitidis, tibiis anticis apice subemarginato angulo apicali acuto ; tibiis quatuor posticis apice extemo obtusd rotundatis. — Long. corp. lin. 3. Hah. in Australasia In Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris. (Verreaux) et Westw. (Mossman). November 19. Robert Brown, Esq., President, in the Chair. Dr. Pereira, F.L.S., exhibited a specimen in fruit of the species of Myrospermum which yields the Balsam of Peru and White Balsam, from the Balsam Coast, San Salvador ; together with samples of both kinds of Balsam and of a new chemical principle {Myroxocarpine) obtained from the White Balsam. Read the commencement of ** A Memoir on the Position of the Carpels when two and when single, including Outlines of a new Method of Arrangement of the Orders of Exogens, and observations on the structure of Ovaries consisting of a single Carpel." By Benjamin Clarke, Esq., F.L.S. &c. December 3. Robert Brown, Esq., President, in the Chair. John Hutchinson, Esq., and Samuel Stevens, Esq., were elected Fellows. Read a continuation of Mr. Clarke's '• Memoir on the Position of the Carpels," &c. 102 Linnean Society. [Dec. S, Dr. Adolph Schlagintweit, at the request of the President, gave a summary of some of the principal results of the investigations of himself and his brother into the Vegetation of the Alps in con- nexion with height and temperature, as contained in their " Unter- suchungen ueber die physikalische Geographie der Alpen." He stated that very remarkable differences are to be observed in the limits of the altitude of vegetation in the district of the Alps. In the mean results for large divisions, we may plainly recognize the influence of geographical position, as well as that of the nature of the soil, and of the massiveness of the mountain range. The limit in fact becomes higher the more we approach the southern and western groups, a phaenomenon which is connected with the general changes of climate. The mean temperature varies in these latitudes from 0'5° to 0*7° of Celsius for one degree ; and at the same time the isothermal lines show an evident inclination from west to east. Many very essential diff^erences cannot, however, be explained by geogra- phical position alone ; another important influence is dependent on the form of the mountain -range, the limits of vegetation being generally connected with the mean magnitude of the elevation, and reaching higher in massive and lofty groups of Alps than in the lower chains. The favourable influence which the massiveness of the elevation exercises on the vegetation, is essentially the same as that which is also evidenced with regard to the temperature of the air and soil ; and corresponds to the difference which is remarked between the climate of a plateau, and that of a ridge or free peak in the neighbourhood. In different valleys or on the spurs of a moun- tain remarkable diflferences in the altitude of the limit of vegetation often manifest themselves according to the exposure, the direction of the wind, or the proximity of separate and extensive masses of glacier ; but these influences are for the most part merely local, and the general variations of the limit of vegetation dependent on the massiveness of different groups of Alps are but little affected thereby. ' A comparison of the annual isotherms with the limits of vegetation proves that the different groups of vegetation do not always terminate at the same annual isotherm. With the exception of the Beech, he showed that up to the height of Coniferce, these limits in the Northern Alps are reached at warmer isotherms than in the Central Alps ; and a somewhat lower mean temperature is obsen'ed on corresponding points of the group of Monte Rosa and Mont Blanc. This is immediately dependent on the fact that the growth of plants is not determined alone by the mean temperature of the year, but also by that of the seasons and of the months. The 1 850.] Linnean Society. 103 warmth of the summer is in this view of peculiar influence ; the greater this is in connexion with the same mean temperature of the whole year, the higher plants ascend, and the colder are the annual isotherms which mark their limits. A review of all the meteor- ological observations made in the district of the Alps shows that in the Central Alps and in the group of Mont Blanc and Monte Ilosa, the summer warmth is greater and the climate consequently more extreme than in the lower chains of the Northern Alps ; by which means the relation of the limits of vegetation to the annual isotherms in these different mountain-groups is explained. He further stated that his and his brother's investigation of the periodical development of the vegetation at heights of from 1500 to 8000 Paris feet showed among other things that the retardation of the development by the elevation is in general less during the flowering than during the ripening of the fruit ; it amounts in the Alps during the former period to ten days, during the latter to twelve and a half, and on the average of the whole j)eriod of vegetation to eleven days. The mean temperature is diminished in general about 2° of Celsius for the same difference of height, during the period of the develop- ment of vegetation. From their own observations on the influence of height on the growth of Conifer . . ■««• T 1 f bonus animus ger- Overstigare.Bortgrevin, Mr. Leonh. . . < . ° ° L manic. Lima Pastor .... Gezelius phlegmat. r curiosiss. pauperri- Transtrand . Comminist. Dale, Mr. Lars ^ mus, abjectiss. doc- l- tissimus. Malung .... Pastor .... Harkman, M. Vindikt . . phlegmat. Nas Pastor .... Dicander, M. Eric doctus, sapiens. Floda Pastor .... Rabenius, Mr. Job humaniss., sapiens. Gagne .... Comminist. Bibrkman, Mr. Sven .... bonus vir,non hospitalis. Ahl ...... Pastor .... Lundberg, Mr. Job simplex. Lastly is added a copy of the warrant alluded to above, which is furnished with the seal and signature of Linnaeus : — " We prseses and membra of the Reuterholmian Travelling Society through Dalecarlia make known by this letter patent to all con- cerned, that we have nominated and appointed our master of the horse, Mr. Ingel. Fahlstedt, at his own request and on account of his science, as our ordinary Membrum Mineralogicum, and as such to be as industrious as is in his power, to attend to his branch of re- searches as regards the province of Dalecarlia for the good of the 1851.] Linnean Society. II7 public and the honour of our country, and to consider himself re- sponsible to the Society for the due execution thereof. Done at Fahlun Kongsg. 1734 July 2. Carl Linnaeus. (Sigill.) C. Clenbero. Secret. Societ, Warrant for Ingel. Fahlstedt, • Mineralogist. (L.S.) The cost of Charta Sigillata 1 Rtdr. Speue paid into the Treasury. Bbn. Sandel, Account, February 18th. W. Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. Thomas Moore, Esq., was elected a Fellow. Read a note from Benjamin Clarke, Esq., F.L.S., supplementary to his paper read at previous meetings, and describing the position of the raphe in the ovula of Knowltonia and Glaucium, Hedera and Cornus. Read also, ** A Catalogue of Recent Land and Freshwater Mollusca found in the neighbourhood of Nottingham." By Edward Joseph Lowe, Esq., F.R.A.S. &c. Communicated by Prof. Lindley, F.R.S., F.L.S. &c. The following are the Land and Freshwater Mollusca which are to be foimd in the neighbourhood of Nottingham. Water Shells (Univalves), Neritina fluviatilis. Abundant in the river Trent near Beeston and near Nottingham, and in the river Soar near Thrumpton. Paludina achatina. Common at Thrumpton in the river Soar, in the river Trent below Nottingham, and in the Lenton Canal. Bithinia tentaculata. Swarms in a stagnant ditch near Lenton Priory, common in most ditches at Lenton, in a clear brook at Bees- 118 Linnean Society. [Feb. 1.8, ton and another at Attenborough, in the river Trent and tributaries to that river near Beeston and Sawley, and also under the Seven Arches in Nottingham Meadows. B. ventricosa. Only found in a narrow ditch near the railway at Lenton, where it is tolerably abundant, and under the Seven Arches in Nottingham Meadows. Valvata piscinalis. Abundant in brooks at Beeston, Lenton, and Bulwell, and in the river Trent near Beeston. V. cristata. In rare numbers in a brook on Bulwell Bogs. Succinea putris. Rather abundant at Thrumpton. S. Pfeifferi. Common at Sawley and near Highfield House, and found between Beeston and Attenborough. Limneus auricularius. Abundant in the Musco-Sic dike near Highfield House ; found at Lenton, Beeston, Attenborough, and Sawley. L. pereger. Very abundant at Lenton, Beeston, Attenborough, Sawley, Bulwell, Thrumpton, Highfield House, and Nottingham Meadows. L. stagnalis. Abundant in a dike at Lenton, a dike at Atten- borough, a mill-dam at Bulwell, a backwater at Sawley (called the ' Old Trent '), and in few numbers in the river Trent near Beeston, and a stagnant ditch between Beeston and Attenborough. L. palustris. Abundant on moist mud at Sawley and near the railway at Thrumpton, and very large in a stagnant ditch between Beeston and Attenborough. L. truncatulus. Rare in a ditch at Lenton and under the Seven Arches in the Nottingham Meadows. Ancylus fiuviatilis . Tolerably abundant in clear dikes at High- field House, Attenborough, Bulwell and Oxton, and at the mouth of a well at Newstead Abbey. Valletia lacustris. Tolerably abundant in a small ditch at Lenton near the railway, and under the Seven Arches in Nottingham Meadows. Physa fontinalis. Abundant in dikes at Lenton and Attenborough , the canal at Lenton and a pond at Wollaton, and in small numbers in the Musco-Sic brook near Beeston. P. acuta (of Sowerby). Abundant in the river Trent at Beeston and Attenborough, rare in a brook on Oxton Bogs, in the canal at Lenton, and in a ditch between Beeston and Attenborough. Aplexus hypnorum. Abundant in a dike at Beeston and rare in a ditch near the Beeston railway station. Segmentina lineata. Rare in a brook on Oxton Bogs. 1851.] Linnean Society, 119 Planorhis corneus. Very abundant in brooks at Lenton, Beeston, Bulwell, Sawley, Attenborough, &c. P. carinatus. Very abundant in brooks at Lenton, Beeston, Bul- well, and Attenborough, in the river Trent at Beeston, and under the Seven Arches in Nottingham Meadows. P. marginatus. Abundant in dikes at Beeston, and of large size in a stagnant ditch between Beeston and Attenborough. P. vortex. Very abundant in the river Trent, and in dikes at Beeston, Lenton and Attenborough, and under the Seven Archer in Nottingham Meadows. P. spirorbis. Abundant in the river Trent at Beeston, and in dikes at Beeston, Lenton, and Attenborough. P. albus. In few numbers in the river Trent near Beeston. P. contortus. Not common on the bogs at Bulwell, and rare in a ditch at Lenton. P. imbricatus. Not common on dead leaves in the lake at High- field House. P. nitidus. Rare in the lake at Highfield House and in a pond at Wollaton. (Bivalves.) Cyclas rivicola. Rather abundant in the river Trent near Bees- ton and in the river Soar at Thrumpton. C. cornea. Very common in the river Trent near Beeston, and in brooks at Lenton, Beeston, Attenborough, Bulwell, and Highfield House, and under the Seven Arches in Nottingham Meadows. C. lacustris. Very abundant in a brook at Beeston and another at Highfield House. Pisidium amnicum. Abundant in the river Trent at Beeston, in a ditch near Beeston railway station, and in a brook at Beeston. Anodon cygneus. Abundant in the lake at Highfield House, in the Old Trent at Sawley, and in mill-dams at Bulwell. A. cellensis. Abundant in the lake at Highfield House and in tbe river Trent near Beeston. A. anatinus. Abundant in the lake at Highfield House, a stream and canal at Lenton, and the rivers Trent and Soar. A. avonensis. Rare in the river Trent near Beeston. A. anatinus, var. (very ventricose). In the lake at Highfield House. Unio pictorum. Common in the lake at Highfield House, the river Trent at Beeston and Sawley, and the river Soar at Thrumpton. U. tumidus. Not uncommon in the river Trent near Beeston, and rare in the lake at Highfield House. 120 Linnean Society, [Feb. 18, U. ovalis. Found in the lake at Highfield House and in the river Trent at Beeston. U. Deshayesii (if a var!). Not common in the river Trent near Beeston. Dreissena polymorpha. Very common and large in the lake at Highfield House, common in the canal at Lenton (where it is small), the river Soar at Thrumpton, and a pond at WoUaton, and in few numbers in the river Trent near Beeston. Land Shells. Helix aspersa. Very common at Beeston and around Nottingham. H. hortensis. Rare at Bulwell. H. nemoralis. Very abundant in most hedges. H. hyhrida (if a var.). Rare at Highfield House. H. arbustorum. Rare at Thrumpton, Sawley, and Highfield House. H. pulchella. Tolerably abundant at Highfield House, rare at Beeston and Oxton. H. fulva. Not uncommon at the foot of a hill at Thrumpton, rare at Highfield House, Oxton, and Stanton-on-the-Wolds. H. hispida. Common at Nottingham Castle, Beeston, Bulwell, Sawley, Oxton, Highfield House, Thrumpton, Stanton-on-the- Wolds, &c. H. concinna. Tolerably abundant at Highfield House, and found at Stanton-on-the- Wolds. H. depilata. Found in small numbers at Stanton-on-the-Wolds. H. sericea. Rare at Bulwell, Oxton, and Stanton-on-the-Wolds. H. virgata. Rare at Stanton-on-the-Wolds and at Highfield House. H. ericetorum. Abundant at Stanton-on-the-Wolds. H. rotundata. Very common at Highfield House and Nottingham Castle, and found at Bulwell. H. alliaria. Not abundant at Sawley and Thrumpton. H. cellaria. Abundant at Nottingham Castle, Sawley, and High- field House. H. aculeata. Rather rare under decayed leaves at Highfield House and Stanton-on-the-Wolds. H. caperata. Very abundant at Stanton-on-the-Wolds in one field, but not found elsewhere. H. crystallina. Not abundant at Highfield House, Bulwell, and Oxton. H. granulata. Rare on Bulwell Forest. 1851.] Linnean Society. 121 H, lucida. Not common at Bulwell, Oxton, Highfield House, and Stanton-on-the-Wolds. H. nitidula. Rare at Bulwell and Oxton. H. pur a. Rare at Oxton, H. pygmcea. Rare at Highfield House and Stanton>on-the- Wolds. Vitrina pellucida. Common at Oxton both on the warren and on the bogs, less abundant at Highfield House, Beeston, Bulwell, and Stanton-on-the-Wolds. Carychium minimum. Tolerably abundant under leaves at High- field House, Bulwell, Beeston, and Stanton-on-the-Wolds. Bulimus ohscurus. Abundant at Nottingham Castle and Highfield House. B. lubricus. Common at Highfield House, Sawley, and Thrump- ton, and found at Bulwell, Oxton, and Stanton-on-the-Wolds. Azeca tridens. Rare at Highfield House. Pupa umbilicata. Very abundant at Nottingham Castle and at Highfield House. Clausilia nigricans. Exceedingly common at Thrumpton, Bulwell, and Highfield House. The following Mollusca are to be found associated together in the same localities. A dike running at the foot of Beeston and passing behind the lake at Highfield House contains, where it passes through Mr. Barker's field, the following shells : Planorbis corneus, P. marginatus, P. cari' natus, P. vortex, P. spirorbis, Limneuspereger, and Aplexus hypnorum. The dike is choked with weeds and filth from the village, and warm water from a neighbouring mill here runs into it ; P. corneus is found much larger in this warm dike than elsewhere in this neighbourhood. 200 yards lower down the dike contains (where it runs through the Rev. J. WoUey's fields), besides the above Planorbis tribe, Cyclas lacustris, Limneus auricularius, L. pereger, Pisidium pulchellum, and Valvata cristata. A few hundred yards beyond this the water becomes free of weeds and clear, and the whole tribe of Planorbis are left be- hind. From Broadgate, all through the Highfield House estate, the dike only contains Limneus pereger, and in one or two places Ancylus fluviatiliSf and on the moist mud on its banks Succinea Pfeifferi and Limneus truncatulus. The Musco-Sic brook branches out from it at Broadgate and joins it again at the east extremity of the Highfield House estate ; this brook at first contains Planorbis marginatus, P. vortex, P. carinatus, P. corneus, Bithinia tentaculata (very large),, Valw 122 Linnean Society. [Feb. 18, vata piscinalis, Limneus pereger, Cyclas cornea, Pisidium pulchellum, and Limneus auricularius. A very clear brook at Attenborough with Algae growing in it, contains Planorbis corneus, P. carinatus, P. marginatus, P. vortex, P. spirorbis, Ancylus fiuviatilis, Bithinia tentaculata, Limneus pereger, L. auricularius, L. stagnalis, and Physa acuta. A similar brook at Lenton near the railway contains Planorbis corneus, P, vortex, P. spirorbis, P, carinatus, Limneus stagnalis, L. auricularius, L. pereger, Physa acuta, P. fontinalis, Valvata piscinalis, Cyclas cornea, and Bithinia tentaculata. A small ditch some fifty yards from the last-named locality con- tains : — Bithinia ventricosa, B. tentaculata, Limneus truncatulus, L. pereger, Valletia lacustris, Planorbis vortex, P. spirorbis, P. carinatus, and P. contortus. The lake at Highfield House contains : — Anodon cygneus, A. cel- lensis, A. anatinus, A. var. of anatinus, Unio pictorum, U. tumidus, Dreissena polymorpha (very large), Planorbis nitidus, P. imbricatus, and Limneus pereger. The river Soar at Thrumpton contains : — Cyclas rivicola, C. cornea, Unio pictorum, Dreissena polymorpha, Anodon cygneus, A. anatinus, Limneus pereger, L. stagnalis, and Paludina achatina. The river Trent near Beeston contains -.—Pisidium pulchellum, Anodon anatinus, A. avonensis, A. cygneus, Cyclas cornea, C. rivicola, Bithinia tentaculata, Limneus pereger, L. stagnalis, Physa acuta, Neritina Jluviatilis, Planorbis carinatus, P. vortex, P. spirorbis, P. albus, Unio pictorum, U. tumidus, U. ovalis, Limneus palustris, Valvata piscinalis, and Dreissena polymorpha. Under the Seven Arches in Nottingham Meadows are, Planorbis carinatus, P. spirorbis, P. vortex, Bithinia ventricosa, B. tentaculata, Valletia lacustris, Cyclas cornea, and Limneus pereger. In the river Lean at Bui well there are Valvata piscinalis, V. oris- tata, Planorbis carinatus, P. contortus, P. vortex, Bithinia tentaculata, Limneus pereger, Anodon cellensis, and Ancylus Jluviatilis. A moist mud-bank left by the Trent floods at Sawley contains Limneus truncatulus, L. palustris, L. pereger, and Helix alliaria. A dry bank near has Helix nemoralis, H. arbustorum, H. hispida, and Bulimus lubricus, A cool bank at Thrumpton contains Helix nemoralis, H, arbustorum, H. hispida, H. fulva, Clausilia nigricans, Bulimus lubricus, Succinea Pfeifferi, S. putris. Helix cellaria, and H. alliaria, A sand-bank in the lane at Highfield House has Helix nemoralis, H, hispida, H. concinna, H. virgata, H, arbustorum, H. rotundata. 1851.] Linnean Society. 123 H. cellaria, H. pulchellat Bulimus lubricus, B. obscurus, Azeca tridens. Pupa umbilicata, and Clausilia nigricans. The Nottingham Castle-yard contains Helix aspersa, H, hispida, H. nemoralis, H. cellariay H. rotundata, Bulimus lubricus, B. obscurus, and Pupa umbilicata, Oxton Bog and Warren has Helix fulva, H. lucida, H. pura, H* pulchella, H. hispida, Bulimus lubricus, Vitrina pellucida, Physa acuta, and Segment ina lineata. The Hill Farm at Stanton-on-the- Wolds has Helix hispida, H, sericea, H. depilata, H. concinna, H. fulva, H. aculeata, H. pygmaa, H. caper at a, H. ericetorum, H. nemoralis, H. virgata, Bulimus lubri- cus, Carychium minimum, and Vitrina pellucida. Read further, a memoir ** On the Aquilaria Agallocha, Roxb., the Agallochum or Aloe-wood Tree of Commerce." By the late William Roxburgh, M.D., F.L.S. &c. Communicated by the President. The memoir, which appears to have been written in 1810 or 1811, contains a detailed description of this important tree, as well as much other information in addition to that published in the posthumous * Flora Indica* of the author. The plants described were sent to the Calcutta Botanic Garden by Mr. Robert Keith Dick, Judge and Magistrate at Silhet ; and an extract is given from a letter addressed by that gentleman to Dr. Roxburgh, in which he states that the wood is brought for sale from the country of Kuchar and from the southern parts of the zillah of Silhet, particularly the divisions of Puthureea and Lunglah, where the tree is known by the Bengal name of Tuggur. Its extreme height is from sixty to seventy cubits, and the trunk from two to two and a half cubits in diameter. No part of the wood, except that which is used for the extraction of the Uttur, is applied to any useful purpose. Few trees contain any of this precious perfume, and such as do, have it very partially distri- buted in the trunk and branches. The people employed in its col- lection, however, cut down all the trees indiscriminately, and then search for the Aggur by chopping through the whole tree, and re- moving such portions as are found to contain the oil or have the smell of it. In this state Mr. Dick describes four different kinds, of which the first, called Ghurkee, sinks, and sells at from 12 to 16 rupees per seer of 2 lbs. ; the second, called Doim, produces from 6 to 8 rupees per seer ; the third, Simula, floats, and is sold at from 3 to 4 rupees ; and the fourth, Choorum, in small pieces, which also float, at 1 to 1^ rupees per seer. The oil is obtained by bruising the 124 lAnnean Society, [Feb. 18, wood in a mortar, and then infusing it in boiling water, when the Uttur collects on the surface. Neither root, leaves nor bark yield any Uttur. Some trees will produce a maund (80 lbs.) of the four sorts. So far Mr. Dick. Dr. Roxburgh thinks that there is a wonderful agreement between the various but imperfect accounts of the trees said to produce the Calamhac or Agallochum of the ancients and that which he describes. He notices the descriptions given by Lamarck and Cavanilles, which he thinks, as far as they go, agree well with the plant of the Botanic Garden ; as do those of Rumphius, making some allowance for the imperfection of his figures. Ksempfer's figure and description also exactly correspond with young specimens in the Botanic Garden sent from Goalpara by Dr. Buchanan and from Silhet by Mr. Smith ; and a description of the fruit by Mr. James Cunningham is quoted as very exact. Dr. Roxburgh gives his reasons for believing that not only the Ophispermum Sinense of Loureiro, but also the Aloexylum Agallochum of that author, are both of the same genus, if not the very same species, with the plant from Silhet. There runs indeed so uncommon a coincidence through the whole of these notices as to induce him to believe that they all relate to the same identical object. He concludes by retracting what he had previously said, in his account of Amyris Agallocha, as far aa relates to its yielding Calamhac, which he acknowledges to have been founded on erroneous information. Dr. Roxburgh's memoir was accompanied by some remarks by the late H. T. Colebrooke, Esq., F.L.S,, consisting chiefly of refer- ences to and extracts from various Oriental authors, in relation to this fragrant wood, the countries in which it is found, the tree from which it is derived, its various kinds, and the processes used in ex- tracting the oil. On the subject of the etymology of the word Agal- lochum, he observes that it is not right to derive it from the Arabic, which on the contrary is confessedly borrowed from the Greek, that is to say, from the Agallochon of Dioscorides. Neither is its origin to be sought in the Hebrew Ahalim and Ahaloth, as proposed by Salmasius, since it is more obvious to deduce it from the language of the country whence the drug was brought ; and the Indian name Aguru, or with the Sanscrit pleonastic termination ca, Aguruca, is much nearer to the sound of the Greek term. The Portuguese Pao de Aquila, he adds, is an undoubted corruption either of the Arabic Aghdluji or of the Latin Agallochum ; and it is by a ludicrous mistake that from this corruption has grown the name of Lignum Aquila, whence the genus of the plant now receives its botanic appellation. 1851.] Linnean Society, 125 The paper was accompanied with a coloured drawing of the young plant, and of a flowering branch, together with a detailed analysis of the parts of fructification. March 4. N. Wallich, Esq., M.D., Vice-President, in the Chair. Read *• Notes on Bdellium." By B. A. R. Nicholson, Esq., M.D., of the Bombay Army. Communicated by the Secretary. Dr. Nicholson states that the tree which he identifies as producing the Bdellium of Greek and Roman authors, occurs in the hilly districts of North-western India, where it is known to the natives by the name of Googul. He extracts the account of Bdellium from Ainslie's ' Materia Indica,' and comments on some of the statements therein contained. Thus, for example, Ainslie says that *' all of this gum-resin found in India is brought from Arabia, where the tree is called Dowm ; " but Dr. Nicholson states that wherever the tree is found in the North-western provinces, the bazaars are supplied with the gum from it ; and that he never heard the tree called Dowm in Arabia, although he has been in many parts of that country, where he has seen the Googul. Dr. Ainslie again quotes Sprengel, who erroneously states that Dowm is the Arabic name for Borassus fia- belli/ormis, and cites Kaempfer and Rumphius in proof that Bdellium is procured from that tree ; but Dr. Nicholson believes the Arabic name Doom to be exclusively applied to the dividing-stemmed Palm (Hyphane Thehaica, Gaertn.), which is common on the banks of the Nile, in the Thebaid and Upper Egypt, two or three trees of which he has seen growing at Mocha, and a single tree at the west end of the native village opposite to the Portuguese settlement in the Island of Diu in Kattiawar. He has frequently examined this Palm without detecting any gum ; and it is well known in India that the Tari, Borassus flabelli/ormis, does not produce gum. Another Palm, Cha- m plants, not only in Tj/pha and Sparganium, but also in ChamcBdorea elegans (the ovule of which is, however, not completely pendulous) ; and Zannichellia and Potamogeton show a decided tendency towards it by the direction to which the ovule curves. He considers it a principal argument in favour of its being frequent at least, if not constant, in Endogenous plants, that it occurs in those groups by means of which the Endogenous and Exogenous divisions approach each other, as in AroidecR and Piperacece, and in Ranunculacea and AUsmaceae. As Exogenous plants, in which the raphe is averse, he instances, — 1. Ranunculacea (when the ovule is pendulous); 2. Ne- lumbium ; 3. Malpighiacea (in those genera in which the funiculus is next the dorsal rib of the carpel) ; 4. Coriaria ; 5. Rhus Toxico- dendron, and not improbably Anacardiacece generally ; 6. Euonymus ; 7 . Visnea ; 8. Pennantia, which he thinks should perhaps be referred to Olacinea; 9. Chenopodiaceee ; 10. Amaranthacea ; 11. Parony- chia capitata (in the three last cases the ovule is not completely in- verted, being campylotropal, but the direction of the curvature is such, that were the inversion complete, the raphe would be averse) ; 12. Plumbaginea ', 13. Laurinea ; 14. Aucuba ; 15. Caly cant hus (in which the ovule at the base is erect with the raphe next the placenta, and the upper one or two ovules are bent away from the placenta so as to become nearly horizontal, showing a tendency to raphe aversa) ; 16. BelvisiecE } ; 17. Dipsacus sylvestris \ 18. Galenia and Tetra- gonia; 19. Fumaria officinalis (which shows at least a decided ten- dency to the same structure in having the radicle beneath the hori- zontal seed and turned to the hilum). Mr. Clarke adds, that he has examined numerous cases where the carpel when single is anterior, and has not yet met with any examples of this character, except in the instances of DipsacecB, Tetragonice and Fumaria. He notices some remarkable variations in the position of the raphe in the ovules of Visnea Mocanera, both when solitary and when there are two ; and concludes this section by some observations on the question whether the campylotropal ovule of Amaranthacea, &c. (in which the embryo subsequently formed is turned towards the placenta) is a character equivalent to the pendulous anatropal ovule with raphe aversa. That it is so, he thinks proved by the examples of Statice and Plumbago, the structure of which he describes and compares with that of Gomphrena and Philoxerus ; and he adduces the instances of Trianthema on the one hand, and Galenia and Tetragonia on the other, as well as certain genera of Sapindacea, in which the embryo is more or less curved, to show that there is no absolute distinction between anatropal and campylotropal ovules. 1851.] Linnean Society. 149 2. The pendulous ovule, with the raphe lateral, is a character of frequent occurrence ; it was particularly noticed and accurately figured in Cornus and Marlea, in Sir W. Hooker's * Journal * for May 1850. Mr. Clarke has hitherto observed it in only two in- stances in which the carpel may be considered as anterior, viz. in Goniocarpus and Valeriana ; but it is nearly so in Trichocladus, and probably also in Morina. He has not yet observed it among Endo- genous plants. Of its occurrence among Exogenous plants, he enu- merates the following instances: — 1. Malpighia, and other genera of Malpighiacea, in which the funiculus (representing the raphe) is constantly lateral ; 2. Suriana, as figured by Prof. Lindley ; 3. Ilex ; 4. Halesia; 5. Viburnum; 6. Jcrotriche \ 7. Myoporum; 8. Xoni- cera {sp. loculis uniovulatis) ; 9. probably in the 1 -seeded fruits of Oleina; 10. Thesium, This section concludes with some observa- tions on the variation from raphe aversa to raphe lateralis, which sometimes occurs in the same family, as in Cornea and Malpighiacece, which Mr. Clarke believes to offer an explanation of the variable re- lation of the ovule to the funiculus, which is common to both Ille- cebrea and Chenopodiacea. 3. The raphe next the placenta is well known as the most ordinary position in pendulous anatropal ovules, and Mr. Clarke only suggests the inquiry whether solitary ovules having this character ever occur among Endogenous plants. 4. 0/ the erect ovule, with the raphe turned away from the placenta, Mr. Clarke has met with only three instances, two of them occur- ring in cases where there are two ovules. These are Penaa fruti- culosa and Calytrix virgata, in the latter case less completely averse than in the former. The principal instance, however, is that of Compositce, where the raphe in four or five genera examined was always found to correspond with the anterior angle of the ovary. That the anterior is the fertile carpel in Composite Mr. Clarke thinks is shown (in addition to the arguments previously adduced by him) by the fact that in Aster Sibiricum, he has always found the ovule to arise more or less distinctly from the posterior side of the ovary, and that the same circumstance occurs, although less distinctly, in Centaurea nigra. In such Cichoracea as he has examined, he has found the raphe for the most part or always lateral ; but as he re- gards the carpella of this division of Composite as being right and left of the axis, he concludes that the position of the ovule might be expected to be different. The position of the raphe in Berberis vul- garis is occasionally next the placenta, but more frequently tends to be averse from it. 150 Lirmean Society, [June 17, 5. The character of ovule erect, with the raphe lateral (first ob- served by Mr. Bennett in Rhamnea, and by him attributed to a torsion of the funiculus), obtains to a considerable extent among Exogenous families. It occurs regularly in Stilbe pinasfra, and generally in one-seeded fruits of Berberis vulgaris ; but in two-seeded fruits of the latter the raphe is removed from the placenta and placed nearer to the dorsal rib of the ovary. In Vitis, on the contrary, whether with one- or two-seeded cells, the raphe is always next the placenta. In a species of Justicia, with two ovules, placed one above the other and quite erect, the raphe is lateral ; but in Mendozia, with a similar placentation, it is apparently next the axis. As other instances of lateral raphe with erect ovules Mr. Clarke cites Elcsagnus orientalis. Calamus viminalis, and Trianthema decandra, the direction of the cur- vature in the embryo of the latter being regarded as analogous to the position of the raphe in the two former. 6. The position of the raphe next the placenta is well known to be the ordinary condition in erect anatropal ovules, and on this head the author enters into no details. Mr. Clarke then proceeds to consider the causes by which these differences in the position of the raphe may be produced. 1 . He adopts the opinion (first demonstrated by Mr. Brown) that a single ovule pendulous with raphe aversa is the result of an erect ovule pressed or growing downwards from the elongation of the cavity of the ovarium in that direction, while its upper part remains stationary ; but suggests that it is only when an erect ovule has the raphe properly next the placenta that it has raphe aversa, when it thus becomes pendulous. And looking to their affinities, he thinks it not improbable that all pendulous orthotropal ovules should be referred to the same cause. 2. He believes that a single pendulous ovule with the raphe lateral is an ovule originally extending horizontally from the placenta with the raphe lateral, as in Ranunculacea and Cucurbit acecB, and sub- sequently pressed downwards as in the former case. 3. He maintains that a single pendulous ovule with the raphe next the placenta is the only true pendulous ovule, with the exception of pendulous campylotropal and amphitropal ovules with the foramen (and subsequently the radicle of the embryo) turned away from the placenta. 4. He conceives that one or two erect ovules with the raphe turned away or obliquely away from the placenta result from pendulous ovules pressed upwards by the elongation upwards of the cavity of the ovarium ; and adduces in support of this opinion the pendulous 1851.] Linnean Society. 151 ovules of Geissoloma contrasted with the erect ovules of Penaa, the erect ovules of Calytrix compared with the pendulous ovules of the neighbouring families, and the pendulous ovules of Calycerea com- pared with the erect ovules of Composita^ provided further observa- tion should substantiate his belief that in the last-named family the raphe is really turned away from the placenta. Such ovules he would term spuria erecta, in contradistinction to the opposite case to which Sprengel has applied the term spuria pendula. 5. He considers that a single ovule erect with the raphe lateral is a horizontal ovule spontaneously growing or pressed upwards by the corresponding development of the ovary ; in proof of which he cites the fact that Trianthema micrantha has two seeds in a horizontal position, with the radicle lateral, while T. decandra has two erect seeds one above the other, with the radicle also in both cases lateral. 6. He considers one or two erect ovules with the raphe next the placenta (which seems general in Endogenous plants, and is frequent in all the divisions of Exogenous) as for the most part truly erect ; although this position may sometimes be derived from horizontal ovules pressed upwards or spontaneously growing erect, the funi- culus becoming at the same time twisted so as to bring the raphe into relation with the placenta. Mr. Clarke then proceeds to illustrate the importance of these characters in a systematic point of view, as regards diflferent families usually regarded as nearly related. He states that Thymelece differ from LaurinecE in having the raphe next the placenta, and that the same difference of relation occurs in Sanguisorbece and AmygdalecB. In all the Urtical Orders with pendulous ovules the raphe is next the placenta, or if campylotropal the direction of the curvature is equiva- lent, and the radicle of the embryo is turned away from the placenta ; while in the Chenopodal Orders with pendulous ovules the radicle is either turned towards the placenta or placed on one side of it. The characters thus indicated may also, he thinks, tend to a more natural distribution of the Orders related to Rhamneee, Rutacete and Sapiti' dacea. He refers also to the differences in this respect existing be- tween Berberis and Ranunculacea, Hedera and Comus, Cinchonacea and Composite. He states that Erythroxylon differs from Malpighu acea in having the raphe next the placenta ; and Selago in a similar manner from Myoporum and Stenochilus, in which the raphe is lateral. Scleranthus also differs both from lllecebrea and Teiragonia in having the radicle turned directly away from the placenta. In conclusion, Mr. Clarke observes that while raphe aversa and 152 Linnean Society, [Nov. 4, raphe lateral occur in several instances in the same family and pos- sihly in the same genus (as the vertical and horizontal positions of the seed in Chenopodium appear to be equivalent characters), yet raphe aversa, or even raphe lateral, and raphe next the placenta are not kno\vn to occur in the same family — pendulous ovules only being understood. And also, that as far as his inquiries go, raphe next the placenta in pendulous ovules is unknown in Endogenous plants. November 4. R. Brown, Esq., President, in the Chair. Richard Parr Bamber, Esq. and HughF. C. Cleghom, Esq., M.D., were elected Fellows. Read a communication from J. Couch, Esq., F.L.S., recording the discovery on the Coast of Cornwall of a species of Onchidium allied to 0. Celticum, Cuv. These mollusca were found by Mr. Couch in great abundance on a confined space of rocks at West Coombe, in Lantivet Bay, between Polperro and Fowey, congregated in small groups about a foot or two from the surface of the sea, where the waves break over them, ascending and descending with the tide so as constantly to maintain nearly the same relative position. When wholly immersed (in an attempt to preserve them alive) in a bottle of sea- water, they did not survive the day. Read an Extract from a Letter addressed to the President by W. K. Loftus, Esq., the Naturalist attached to the Turco-Persian Boundary Commission, dated at Kerrind, Persia, August 6th, 1851. In this locality, the neighourhood of which abounds in plants pro- ducing foetid gums, Mr. Loftus, acting on Mr. Brown's recommen- dation, had procured several different kinds, of which, and of the plants producing them, he gives some particulars in his letter. Two of these belong to the genus Dorema, Don ; and a third, de- rived from a plant, which Mr. Loftus regards as belonging to the tribe Silerida, is called in Kurdish " beeje." The three gums have the same general properties, and grow on a limestone soil, at the 1851.] Linnean Society, 155 elevation of from 5000 to 7000 feet. Large quantities of gum are also produced by the wild Almond, a species of Astragalus, and the Pistacia vera, which grow abundantly in the same neighbourhood ; and there is, moreover, a kind of thistle, which exudes honey, espe- cially from the bud, on being pierced by a species of Rhynchophora. Mr. Loftus proposes to resume his observations, as his party pro- ceeds northward, in the course of the ensuing summer. November 18. R. Brown, Esq., President, in the Chair. Among the presents announced were an extensive Contribution of Natural Productions of Van Diemen's Land, from the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations, presented by various Contributors through the intervention of Joseph Milligan, Esq., F.L.S., Secretary of the Royal Society of Van Diemen's Land. Mr. Hogg, F.R.S., F.L.S. &c., presented a branch bearing several bunches of grapes ripened out of doors at Norton, near Stockton, in the county of Durham, in lat. about 54° 35' N., being a higher northern latitude than any in which Mr. Hogg had previously known them to ripen in that county. The vine was of the common black- cluster kind, and had been transplanted from a hot-house, where it had previously ripened fruit abundantly. At the end of July in the present year it flowered freely ; in August the berries set well ; they began to change colour about the middle of September ; and on the 1st of November they were perfectly ripe and very sweet in flavour, although small from want of water and from not having been sufli- ciently thinned. Mr. Adam White, F.L.S. , exhibited, on the part of J. H. Gilbert, Esq., Ph.D., of Harpenden, near St. Albans, a portion of a wooden cistern lined with lead and perforated with numerous holes by the Anobium striatum, in relation to which he entered into a detailed ac- count of the circumstances in which it had occurred. In this case the cistern, which belonged to Mr. Curtis, a brewer of Harpenden, was made from an old fermenting tub, which had become much 154 Linnean Society. [Dec. 2, worm-eaten on the outside. In 1838 it was lined with thin lead (of 5 lbs. to the square foot) ; but in little more than three years it began to leak, when some small holes were discovered in the lead and were soldered over. In 1 842, however, the leakage had increased to such an extent that the leaden lining was removed, and a thicker one (of 18 lbs. to the square foot) was substituted. Five or six years afterwards, however, the leakage again commenced ; and in 1850 it had proceeded to such an extent that the cistern was entirely removed to make room for one of iron. On taking out the lining it was clearly ascertained that the perforations from which the leakage arose were the work of an insect, which, after boring through the wood, had made its way also through the leaden lining. A spe- cimen sent by Dr. Gilbert to the British Museum was determined by Mr. White to be the Anobium striatum ; and similar instances of injury to wooden cisterns lined with lead were referred to as detailed in Mr. Westwood's * Introduction to the Modem Classification of Insects,' in the * Zoologist,' and in the * Proceedings of the Ento- mological Society.' Read the commencement of a memoir " On two Genera of Plants from the Cordillera of Chili." By John Miers, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S. &c. December 2. William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. Mr. Adam White, F.L.S., exhibited numerous insects belonging to Mr. S. Stevens, F.L.S., collected by Mr. Bates in South America, and others belonging to Mr. Frederick Smith ; made some observa- tions on the various species exhibited ; and read extracts from Mr. Bates's letters to Mr. Stevens, on the subject of his travels and col- lections. Read the conclusion of Mr. Miers's memoir " On two Genera of Plants from the Cordillera of Chile." Both these plants were collected by Mr. Miers in his rapid journey over the Cordillera in 1825. The first belongs to the tribe of Erio- 1851.] lAnnean Society. 155 gonea, from all the known genera of which it is distinguished by its very slender ramifications, which are in every axil dichotomously divided, the solitary involucre on a lengthened capillary pedicel springing from the middle of each bifurcation, and by the proportion of its floral parts. The author gives his reasons for regarding the floral envelopes in Polygonea as constituting a calyx and corolla, which, in all described Eriogonea, have a ternary arrangement with 9 stamina and 3 styles ; but the present genus differs in the quater- nary disposition of the envelopes, accompanied by 8 stamina and 4 styles. He had at first regarded it as entirely undescribed, the characters of Oocythecat as given by Mr. Nuttall in the ' Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,' 2nd series, vol. i. p. 169, deviating widely from those observed by himself on the Chi- lean plant ; but the examination of a specimen of Oxytheca from Mr. Nuttall himself, in Sir W. J. Hooker's Herbarium, has convinced him that, notwithstanding these apparent discrepancies, his plant is referable to the same genus, the characters of which he is compelled to modify as follows : — Oxytheca, Nutt. Char. Gen. Involucrum 3-5-florum, tubulosum, subtetragonum, ad me- dium 4-5-partitum ; laciniis subaequalibus, acutis, longissim^ aristatis. Flores hermaphroditi cum masculis interdum intermixti, pedicellati, bracteati, subexserti, demiim cernui. Sepala 3-4, petaloidea, aequalia, oblonga, unguiculata, vald^ imbricata. Petala 3-4, sepalis alterna et subsimilia, tenuiora, glabra, imbricata, et cum illis persistentia. Sta- mina 6-8, e summo gynophoro orta, inclusa, 3-4 alterna breviora sepalis opposita ; Jilamenta filiformia, apice inflexa ; antherce rotun- datce, cordatae, dorsifixse. Ovarium ovatum, 3-4-gonum, stipitatum, petalis tertio brevius, 1-loculare: ovulo basilari, erecto. Styli 3-4, breves, erecti, demum divaricati ; stigmata capitata. AchcBnium 1-sper- mum, ovale, 3-4-costatum, sepalis petalisque emarcidis arct^ tectum. Semen loculum implens ; testa membranacea. Embryo spiralis, anti- tropus, intra albumen farinaceum inclusus; cotyledonibus cochleato- rotundis, foliaceis, accumbentibus ; radiculd illis tripl6 lougiore, tereti- 8ubulat&, hemicycUcd, apice recto verticem spectante. — Herbae suffru- ticuloscR Californic. 532 ; and *' On Dr. Ehrenberg's Collections of dried Infusoria and other Microscopic Objects," in the ' Philosophical Magazine,* Ser. 3. vol. ix. p. 90. Joseph Cox Cox, Esq., M.D. David Elisha Davy, Esq., one of our oldest Fellows, having been elected into the Society on the 17th of December, 1793, was the son of a farmer at Rumburgh in Suffolk, who died in 1799, at the advanced age of 90. The younger brother of this gentleman, Eleazar Davy, Esq., of Yoxford, was sheriff of Suffolk in 1790, and from him the subject of this notice inherited, in 1802, the Grove at Yoxford and other considerable estates. He was educated in the neighbourhood of his uncle's residence, and became a Member of Pembroke College, Oxford, where he took the degree of B.A. as sixth senior Optime in the year 1790. After succeeding to his uncle's property he resided at the Grove, became Receiver of the County, and an active and useful magistrate. At a later period he retired to Ufford, in the neighbourhood of Woodbridge in the same county, where the latter years of his life were passed, and where he died on the loth of August last, unmarried, at the age of 82. For nearly half a century he had been actively engaged iu collecting materials for a History of the County of Suffolk, a project carried on in the first instance in conjunction with his friend and neighbour Mr. H^nry Jermyn of Sibtou ; but the latter dying in 1820, 186 lAnnean Society, [May 24, his MSS. were ten years afterwards, by the hberality of Mr. Hudson Gurney, placed in the British Museum. Each of the coadjutors had a dupUcate copy of the other's work, and Mr. Davy continued to add to his collections till his death, although he had for many years re- linquished all idea of publication. He became a constant correspond- ent of 'The Gentleman's Magazine' under the signature of D. A. Y., and communicated to the ' Topographer and Genealogist/ a work commenced in 1843, a series of notices of sepulchral monuments in the Parish Churches of Suffolk. He was a scholar and a gentle- man, well acquainted with books and with general literature, and took great pains and equal pleasure in imparting the knowledge which he possessed. The Right Hon. the Earl of Derby, K. G,, Lord Lieutenant of the County of Lancaster, a Trustee of the British Museum, and for many years President of this Society, and of the Zoological Society, was born on the 21st of April 1775. He was educated first at Eton and afterwards at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he received the degree of M.A. in 1795. From 1796 to 1812, he represented the borough of Preston in Parliament, and in the latter year he became member for the county of Lancaster, which he continued to re- present till 1832, when he was raised to the peerage by the title of Baron Stanley of BickerstafFe. In 1 834, on the death of his father, he succeeded to the Earldom of Derby. In both Houses of Parlia- ment, during a period of more than half a century, he continued to be a strenuous and consistent Whig. He devoted himself early in life to the cultivation of zoology, and commenced the formation of a collection of stuffed birds and quadrupeds, which gradually became one of the most extensive private collections that has ever been formed. At a later period his menagerie at Knowsley, on the in- crease and maintenance of which he is supposed to have expended not less than £10,000 a year, was altogether unrivalled, especially as regarded ruminant animals and birds. He became a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1807, and in 1828 he was elected President on the death of its first President Sir James Edward Smith, which office he resigned in 1834. He had in the mean time been elected President of the Zoological Society, and continued to fill that oflfice till his death, although increasing deafness and an attack of paralysis had for many years incapacitated him for active exertion. Still his interest in his collections and his zeal for their increase continued unabated to the last ; and collectors in various parts of Asia, Africa and America were constantly employed by him to add to the stores which he possessed. He died at Knowsley on the 30th of June last, 1852.] Linnean Society, 187 and his remains were privately interred at the chapel of Ormskirk. His museum of birds and quadrupeds was bequeathed to the town of Liverpool, and has been gratefully accepted by the Town Council. He requested that Her Majesty and the Zoological Society should each choose a species from his living collection, and in pursuance of this desire the Zoological Society has become possessed of a magnificent stock of four Elands, the only representatives of this noble antelope that have been seen in Europe. The remainder of his menagerie was in October last submitted to public auction at Knowsley, the catalogue occui)ying fifty 4to pages, and produced about £7000. Although possessed of extensive scientific knowledge of the subjects of his favourite pursuit, and ever ready to forward the publications of others. Lord Derby himself published little in connexion with zoology. Some anonymous observations on the birds collected in Abyssinia by Mr. Salt, appended to that gentle- man's travels, a Note in our own ' Transactions * on the difference of species of the English and Irish Hares, and a few occasional contri- butions to the * Proceedings * of the Zoological Society, constitute nearly the whole of his published contributions to zoological science ; with the exception of a magnificent folio work entitled ' Gleanings from the Menagerie and Aviary at Knowsley Hall,' of which two Parts, containing 76 plates, printed only for private distribution, were issued in 1846 and 1850. The systematic text of this splendid work is entirely from the pen of Dr. Gray, who selected the subjects and superintended their publication ; Lord Derby having himself supplied a series of interesting notes on the habits of the animals described and figured, as observed by him in his menagerie. The plates, executed chiefly by Mr. Lear and Mr. Waterhouse Hawkins, deservedly rank among the most perfect representations of animals that have ever been produced. Henry Dowries, Esq., Comm, R.N., Honorary Director of the United Service Institution, was a Midshipman on board the Fisgard at the taking of Cura9oain 1807, and during the Walcheren Expedition in 1 809 ; commanded one of her boats in the destruction of a privateer in the Baltic in 1810, and in the cutting out of a ship from Rostock in 1811 ; and in 1813 was wrecked in the Daedalus off Ceylon. He received his commission of Lieutenant in 1814; and was promoted to the rank of Commander in May 1829. In the same year, while in command of the Black Joke on the coast of Africa, he captured, after a gallant action, the Spanish slave-brig Almirantc of fourteen guns. On his return to England he established himself at Netting Hill, where he passed the remainder of his life, and where he died on the 3rd of April in the present year, at the age of 62. He be- 188 Linnean Society, [May 24, came a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1826, and being greatly attached to Natural History, was one of the most strenuous founders of the United Service Museum at Whitehall, to the success of which he contributed most efficaciously by his zealous services in the capacity of its Director. Henry B. Fielding, Esq., was distinguished as the possessor of one of the most extensive collections of dried plants in England, re- markable also, it is stated, for the perfect order and arrangement in which it was kept. Its foundation may be said to have been the Prescottian Herbarium of which he became the purchaser, and which was particularly rich in plants of the Russian dominions both in Europe and Asia. He subscribed during the last twenty years to almost every collection of plants made by travelling botanists ; and purchased largely also at various sales, and in particular at that of Mr. Lambert's herbarium, where he obtained a large portion of the Peruvian collections of Ruiz and Pavon, besides other important sets of plants. In 1844 he published, with the assistance of the late Mr. Gardner, who had for some time charge of his herbarium, a volume entitled ' Sertum Plantarum,* containing figures and de- scriptions of seventy-five species of new or rare plants from his her- barium, the drawings for which were executed in lithography by his accomplished lady. The whole of his herbarium, together with su(d^ books from his very fine botanical library as are wanting, have been bequeathed by him to the University of Oxford, under certain con- ditions ; and there is every reason to hope that the heads of that University, seconded by the liberal exertions of Prof. Daubeny, will enable his intentions to be properly carried out. He became a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1838, and died on the 21&t of November, 1851. Sir Charles Fergusson Forbes, M.D., K.C.H. 8f K.C., Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, joined the Medical Staff of the Army in Portugal in 1798, and became Assistant Surgeon of the Royals in the following year. With this regiment he served during the campaign in Holland in 1799, at Ferrol in 1800, in Egypt in 1801, and subsequently at Malta and Gibraltar. In 1803 he pro- ceeded to the West Indies, and was present at the capture of St. Lucia and Tobago. In 1808 he returned to Portugal, and continued to serve in the Peninsula until the termination of the war in 1814. He was subsequently knighted, and rose to the rank of Deputy In- s])L'ctor General of Hospitals. His election into the Linnean Society dates from 1822, and he died at his house in Argyll-street on the 22nd of March in the present year, at the age of 73. Sir George Smith Gibbcs, M.D., F.R.S., Fellow of the Royal 1852.] Linnean Society, 189 College of Physicians, and a Magistrate for the County of Somerset, was son of the Rev. George Gibbes, D.D., Rector of Woodborough, Wilts. He was entered of Exeter College, Oxford, and graduated as B.A. in 1792, became Fellow of Magdalen College, and proceeded M.A. in 1795. In 179G he took his degree of M.B., and in 1799 that of M.D., and for many years afterwards he practised in Bath, where he became Physician to the City Dispensary. He was ap- pointed Physician Extraordinary to Queen Charlotte, and knighted by King George the Fourth in 1820. His election into the Linnean Society bears date on the 21st of May, 1793, and he consequently ranked second in seniority upon our list. In 1796 he also became a Fellow of the Royal Society, to which he had previously com- municated two papers " On the Conversion of Animal Muscle into a substance much resembling Spermaceti," published in the * Philoso- phical Transactions ' for 1794 and 1795. His attention was at this time directed to mineralogy and geology : he published in the fifth volume of our ' Transactions ' a short " Account of a Cavern dis- covered in the north-west side of the Mendip Hills in Somerset- shire," in which was found a large collection of human bones loaded with a calcareous incrustation ; and in ' Nicholson's Journal,' vol. ii. a notice of the " Discovery of Sulphate of Strontian, near Sodbury in Gloucestershire." His other publications consist of: "A Sylla- bus of a Course of Chemical Lectures," 8vo, Bath, 1799 ; " A Trea- tise on the Bath Waters," 8vo, Bath, 1800; "A Second Treatise on the Bath Waters," 8vo, Bath, 1803 ; and of miscellaneous papers in Tilloch's, and in various Medical Journals. Having relinquished his practice at Bath, he resided for many years past at Cheltenham. He was twice married, and died at Sidmouth on the 23rd of last June, at the age of 80. Samuel Hailstone, Esq., was a younger brother of the late Rev. John Hailstone, formerly Woodwardian Professor of Geology in the University of Cambridge, of whom a biographical notice is given at p. 372 of the first volume of our * Proceedings.' He became a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1801, and died on the 26th of December last, at the age of 83. He published in the * Magazine of Natural History,' vol. viii. p. 549, a paper ** On a species of Evrynome supposed undescribed." JohnKidd,M.D„F.R.S,8fG,S.,Hon,M.aP.S„ FeUow of the College of Physicians, &c., was bom in the parish of St. James, Westminster, and educated at St. Peter's College in that city, from whence at the age of 17 he was elected student of Christ Church, Oxford, in May 1793. In 1797 he took his degree of B.A. ; in 1800 that of M.A. ; 190 Linnean Society, [May 24, in 1801 that of M.B.; in 1803 he was ajipointed Professor of Chemistry; and in 1804 he proceeded M.D. On the resignation of Sir Christopher Pegge in 1 808, he was unanimously elected Physician to the RadclifFe Infirmary ; and succeeded him also in 1822 as llegius Professor of Medicine, to which office are annexed Tomline's Prie- lectorship of Anatomy and Aldrich's Professorship of Anatomy, together with the Mastership of Ewelme Hospital. In 1826 he resigned his active duties at the Infirmary, becoming its Honorary Physician; and in 1834 he succeeded Dr. Williams as RadclifFe Librarian. From this time he ceased to practise as a Physician, and devoted himself almost entirely to his duties as Librarian ; and under his charge, following out the example set by his predecessor, the Radcliflfe became celebrated as one of the most complete Natural- History libraries in existence. Dr. Kidd became a Fellow of this Society in 1835, but has no paper in our 'Transactions.' His l)ublications are numerous and varied, the principal of them being the following : — ' Outlines of Mineralogy,' 2 vols. 8vo, Oxford, 1809. ' A Geological Essay on the imperfect Evidence in support of a Theory of the Earth deduced either from its general structure or from the changes produced on its surface by the operation of existing causes,' 8vo, Oxford, 1815. ' An Answer to a Charge against the English Universities con- tained in the Supplement to the Edinburgh Encyclopeedia,' 8vo, Ox- ford, 1818. ' An Introductory Lecture to a Course on Comparative Anatomy illustrative of Paley's Natural Theology,' 8vo, Oxford, 1824. • On the Adaptation of External Nature to the Physical Condition of Man,' 8vo, London, 1833— one of the Bridgewater Treatises. * Observations on Medical Reform,' 8vo, London and Oxford, 1841 . 'Further Observations on Medical Reform,' Svo, 1842. Besides these he published various papers in the ' Philosophical Transactions,' the ' Transactions of the Geological Society,' ' Nichol- son's Magazine,' the 'Philosophical Magazine,' &c., among which the most important in a natural- history point of view is his "Ana- tomy of the Mole-Cricket," printed in vol. cxv. of the * Philosophical Transactions.' Dr. Kidd was a good scholar and a man of genius ; his reading was extensive, and his conversation agreeable and instructive, free from pedantry or affectation. He was warm-hearted and benevolent, and a zealous friend. He has left a wife and three daughters : for some years he had declined general society, and he died at his 1852.] lAnnean Society. 191 • residence in St. Giles's, Oxford, on the 17th of September last, at the age of 7G. John Murray, Esq. Patrick Neill, Esq., LL.D., F.R.S.E., Secretary of the Cale- donian Horticultural Society, and of the Wernerian Society of Na- tural History, was head of the extensive printing firm of Neill and Company, and had for many years been a distinguished citizen of the town of Edinburgh. Gifted in early life with a taste for sci- entific pursuits, he attached himself more especially to the study of Botany and of Horticulture. He was not unmindful, however, of the claims of Zoology, but contributed greatly to promote the establish- ment of the Edinburgh Zoological Garden, and himself possessed numerous specimens of living animals, of the habits of some of which he has given interesting accounts. His first publication was a ' Tour through Orkney and Shetland,' 8vo, 1806, which gave rise at the time to much discussion, on account of its exposure of the wretched state of things then prevalent in those islands, and is be- lieved to have contributed much to their subsequent improvement. His other separately published works are, 'An Account of the Basalts of Saxony, from the French of Daubuissim, with Notes,' 8vo, Edinb. 1814; and ' An Account of British Horticulture,' 4to, Edinb. 1817, since republished and carried through several editions under the title of ' The Flower, Fruit and Kitchen Garden.* This work had originally formed the Article " Horticulture " in the ' Edinburgh Encyclopaedia ' ; and was followed by a " Journal of a Horticultural Tour through some parts of Flanders, Holland and the North of France, in the autumn of 1817, by a Deputation of the Caledonian Horticultural Society," Edinb. 8vo, 1823. The depu- tation consisted of Mr. Neill, Mr. John Hay, planner, of Edinburgh, and Mr. James MacDonald, chief- gardener at Dalkeith ; and the journal of their joint observations, drawn up by Mr. Neill, gives a clear, lucid, practical and very interesting account of the state of horticulture in the district visited. He had then been for some years Secretary of the Caledonian Horticultural Society, of which he was one of the founders, and he continued to fill that ofiice for the long period of forty years. His devotion to horticulture is further evinced by his having bequeathed to that Society a sum of 500/. for the purpose of founding a Medal to be awarded to distin- guished Scottish cultivators, among whom he himself took a high rank, his garden at Canonmills, near Edinburgh, furnishing a striking proof of the zeal and success with which he applied himself to the practice of the art. His residence was long the well-known resort 192 Linnean Society. [M^iy 24, of all whom natural-history pursuits led to visit the metropolis of Scotland, his doors being always hospitably open to strangers as well as residents, and his liberality leading him to take an active and generous interest in the struggles of rising merit. No one has probably contributed so much to improve the education and to pro- mote the welfare of that race of practical gardeners, of whom Scot- land may so justly boast. Until within a short time of his death he continued to take an active interest in his favourite pursuits, but he had for some years past felt the infirmities of age creeping upon him, and an attack of paralysis, under which he suffered for some months, gradually brought on his death, which took place on the 5th of September last, in the 75th year of his age. He became a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1813 ; and was some years since elected by the University of Edinburgh to the Honorary Degree of LL.D. He died unmarried, and after providing for his relations has bequeathed considerable legacies to various literary and scientific institutions in Edinburgh. Among his numerous memoirs on sub- jects of natural history the following deserve especial mention : " An Account of a Fin- Whale," and '* A List of the Fishes found in the Frith of Forth and in Rivers and Lakes near Edinburgh," both in the 6th vol. of the Wernerian Society's Transactions; "Proofs that the Beaver was formerly a native of Scotland, including an Account of some Fossil Remains of that Animal found in Perthshire and Bei-wickshire," in the 1st vol. of the * Edinburgh Philosophical Journal ' ; " An Account of the Ayrshire Rose," in the 2nd volume of the same periodical ; and Observations " On Planting Fruit-trees on a North Border," in the 1st volume of the Transactions of the Caledonian Horticultural Society. The Rev. Jelinger Symons, M.A., was derived from an ancient Norman family, originally settled in Cornwall, and born at Low Lay ton, in the county of Essex, in the year 1778. He graduated at St. John's College, Cambridge, in 1797, and soon afterwards took holy orders, first officiating as Curate to his father, then Rector of Whitburn, in the county of Durham, In 1805 he married, and took the curacy of West Ilsley, in the county of Bucks ; and was after- wards presented by the Dean and Canons of Windsor to the endowed vicarage of Monkland, Hereford, of which county he became an active magistrate. In 1821, his health requiring change of air, he visited Boulogne, and officiated as Chaplain to the British residents. Having been presented by Lord Chancellor Brougham in 1833 to the rectory of Radnage, Bucks, he made that village his place of 1852.] Linnean Society. 193 residence during the remainder of his life. He became a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1798, and published in the same year a use- ful Manual of British Plants, entitled * Synopsis Plantarum insulis Britannicis indigenarura,' Lat. & Engl., 8vo, London, 1798. lliis was his only natural-history publication : his other works consist entirely of occasional sermons, preached in the course of half a century, during which he was actively engaged in the exercise of hia ministerial functions. He died in London on the 20th of May, 1851, and was buried at Radnage on the 25th of the same month, his funeral being attended by the entire body of his parishioners, by whom he was greatly beloved. In our Foreign List we have to lament the loss of three distin- guished Members : — Charles Frederick von Ledehour was descended from an ancient Pomeranian family, and was born on the 8th of July, 1785, at Stral- sund, where his father, who died a few weeks before his birth, had been stationed as Swedish Judge-Advocate. In his fifteenth year he entered the University of Greifswald, where, under the paternal instruction of the celebrated physiologist Iludolphi, his juridical studies soon gave place to mathematics and natural history, towards which the bent of his mind was naturally directed. After completing his studies at the University, he repaired to Stockholm to undergo the public examination in mathematics and practical geometry, which was necessary to qualify him as an Engineer Officer, and succeeded in obtaining a commission. But while in Sweden, the acquaintance which he formed with Thunberg and Swartz, and a journey to the northern mountains on the Norwegian frontier, determined him to relinquish the military career ; and on his return to Greifswald, on the recommendation of Rudolphi, he became a candidate for the post which the latter was about to vacate. On the third day after hia arrival he presented himself for medical examination ; wrote his inaugural ' Dissertatio Botanica, sistens Plantarum Domingensium Decadem ; ' and became Demonstrator of Botany and Director of the Botanic Garden at Greifswald at the early age of twenty years. In 1811, being appointed Professor of Natural History in the Univer- sity of Dorpat, he passed some time in Berlin, where the conversation of Willdenow and Pallas stimulated him to the formation of exten- sive plans for the elucidation of the natural history of the vast domains which constitute the Russian empire. Crossing 'the scene of war on the frontiers of Prussia, not without danger, he began in earnest his career as a teacher, an observer and an author. He No. L. — PuOCEKDINGS OP THK LiNNBAN SOOIKTY. 194 Linnean Sooiety. [May 24, made the botany of the Russian territories the great object of his study during the remainder of his hfe ; and from the Garden at Dor- pat which he greatly improved, in conjunction with that of St. Peters- burg, the rarer forms of Caucasian and Siberian vegetation have been distributed throughout the rest of Europe. In 1826 he under- took a scientific mission to the Altai, and a winter journey of five weeks brought him to Barnaul, whence on the approach of spring he extended his researches into the mountains as far as the frontiers of China, while his pupil Charles Anthony Meyer examined the Kirghisian Deserts to the westward, and Von Bunge, who has since succeeded him in the Chair at Dorpat. visited the eastern parts of the Altai. The botanical results of this important journey were given to the world in two separate publications ; first, the * Flora Altaica,' 4 vols. 8vo, Berlin, 1829-1833, the joint production of Ledebour, Meyer and Von Bunge ; and secondly, ' Icones Plantarum novarum vel imperfecta cognitarum, Floram Rossicam, imprimis Altaicam, illustrantes/ 5 vols, fol., Riga, 1829-1834. These works are justly described as forming an epoch in the descriptive, systematic and geographical botany of the Russian empire ; and were accom- panied by an account of his • Reise durch das Altai-Gebirge,' Berlin, 1829, 2 vols. 8vo, which is full of valuable information on geography, geognosy, botany, ethnography and statistics. In 1836 he became Professor Emeritus and quitted Dorpat for a milder climate, which he sought first at Odessa, afterwards at Heidelberg, and finally during the last eight years of his life at Munich. In this retirement he commenced and carried to a conclusion, only a few days before his death, the last and greatest of his works, his * Flora Rossica, sive Enumeratio Plantarum in totius Imperii Rossici provinciis Europseis, Asiaticis et Americanis, hucusque observatarum,' Stuttgard, 1842-' 1851. In this, as in his previous works, he adopted the Linnean system of classification, and showed in working out the details great accuracy of observation, a high degree of precision in his characters and descriptions, and much critical research. He died at Munich on the 4th of July last, in consequence of long- continued disease of the heart. His election into the Linnean Society dates from 1845. Of the personal history of Jules Char de Savigny^ but few parti- culars have been obtained. A member of the Scientific Commission which accompanied the French army into Egypt, he attached him- self more particularly to the study of the invertebrated animals, and especially distinguished himself by his memoirs on Annelida and Ascidia, published along with numerous others on almost 1852.] Linnean Society. 195 every department of zoology, in the great work entitled * De- scription de r^gypte.' Nearly the whole of the zoological plates of that work were drawn under his direction, and the memoirs and explanations which were intended to accompany them were fur advanced in preparation, when severe illness, brought on by intense application, incapacitated him from putting the finishing touch to his labours, and rendered it necessary, in the year 1825, to obtain the assistance of his pupil M. Victor Audouin, to put in order such of his MSS. as were sufficiently complete for publication, and to give summary explanations and indications of the subjects figured on the remaining plates. From this time forward M. Savigny ceased to publish, blindness depriving him of the power of observation, and hypochondriasis casting a gloomy shadow over the remainder of his existence. Of his separate publications the most remarkable are a learned and very elaborate ' Histoire naturelle et mythologique de ribis,' 8vo, Paris, 1805, and a series of * Memoires sur les Animaux sans Vertebres,' 2 vols. 8vo, Paris, 1816, containing his " Theorie des Organes de la Bouche des Crustac^s et des Insectes," his " Re- cherches anatomiques sur les Ascidies composees et sur les Ascidies simples," and his " Systeme de la Classe des Ascidies." In the first of these memoirs he led the way to that more just appreciation of the nature and origin of the appendicular organs of Insects and Crus- tacea, which has since been universally adopted, and which his suc- cessors in Comparative Anatomy have so widely generalized and ex- tended. In the two last he gave a complete anatomical and systematic account of a class of animals till then very imperfectly understood, and which, notwithstanding his researches and those of many later anatomists, are still the subject of much doubt and controversisd dis- cussion. He was elected a Foreign Member of the Linnean Society in 1822, and a Member of the Academy of Sciences of the Institute of France in 1821 ; and he died on the 5th of October, 1851. Joachim Frederic Schouw was the son of a wine-merchant in Co- penhagen, and born in that capital in the year 1789. His attach- ment to botany was developed at an early period, and at the age of thirteen or fourteen he attended the lectures of the celebrated Vahl. Subsequently he became a student in the Faculty of Laws, and passed a briUiant examination. In 1 81 6, while holding a subordinate office in the Danish Chancery, he wrote his inaugural Dissertation for the degree of Doctor, * De Sedibus Plantarum Originariis,' 8vo, Havn. 1816. From 1817 to 1820, and in 1829 and 1830, he made repeated journeys, partly at the public expense, through Germany, France and Italy, which last he again visited in 1839 and 1840, on 196 Linnean Society. [May 24, this last occasion with a view to the recovery of his health. In 1821 he was appointed Professor of Botany in the University of Copenhagen, and it is in his relation to that science that we have chiefly to consider him. To systematic botany he does not appear to have paid much attention. Neither did he meddle with the in- ternal structure of plants, their anatomy and physiology. But to the study of the geographical, physical, and we may add also, the economical relations of plants, he devoted himself with an ardour and success that have scarcely been surpassed. Making the well- known essay of Humboldt the starting-point of his own investigations, he published a series of works on this interesting branch of botanical science, of which the principal, independently of the inaugural dis- sertation above mentioned, are the following : the titles of the German translations of those which were originally published in Danish are given, as better known in this country than the originals. • Grundziige einer Allgemeinen Pflanzen- Geographic,* 8vo, Berlin, 1823, together with a ' Pflanzengeographischer Atlas,' fol., ibid., 1824 ; * Schilderungen der Witterungszustande Danemarks,' a prize essay published in 1826; ' Ober die Unveranderlichkeit der Climate; ' * Ober den Mittelstand des Barometers iiber dem Meere ; ' ' Speci- men Geographise Physicse Comparatae,' 4to, Havn. 1828 ; 'Tableau du Climat et de la Vdg^tation de I'ltalie/ 4to, Copenhagen, 1 839 ; together with many classical essays, instructive monographs, and interesting sketches which appeared in various journals. Like his great countryman Oersted, he took peculiar pleasure in making scientific inquiries accessible and intelligible to the world at large, and possessed a rare talent for popularizing scientific details. As speci- mens of this talent may be quoted his 'Europa, eine leichtfassliche Naturschilderung,' 8vo, Kopenh. 1833; his ' Naturschilderungen,' of which two collections appeared in 1839 and 1845 ; and many smaller essays. About 1831 he commenced taking an active part in politics, and gradually became one of the leaders of the moderate opposition in the Provincial States. In this position he conducted himself with so much prudence, honour and good sense as to gain the respect of all parties, and to induce the King himself, Frederic VI., in the year 1834, to name him the Royal Deputy of the University of Copenhagen. The states both of Zeeland and Jutland chose him as their almost permanent President, and the evident sincerity of his convictions, the perspicuity of his language, the quiet mildness of his deportment and his engaging manners, secured him the esteem even of his opponents. His last published work is a selection from his ' Schilderungen,' with numerous additions, published at Leipzig 1852.] Linnean Society, 19? in 1851, under the title of * Die Erde, die Pflanzen und der Menscb,' to which is prefixed a pleasing portrait of its amiable author, and a biograptiical sketch from which this notice is chiefly taken. He died on the 28th of April in the present year, in the 64th year of his age. His election as a Foreign Member of the Linnean Society dates from 1843. The Secretary also announced that ten Fellows and three Foreign Members had been elected since the last Anniversary. At the election which subsequently took place, Robert Brown, Esq., was re-elected President; William Yarrell, Esq., Treasurer; John Joseph Bennett, Esq., Secretary ; and Richard Taylor, Esq., Under-Secretary. The following five Fellows were elected into the Council in the room of others going out, viz. : Charles Daubeny, M.D., William Henry Fitton, M.D., George Robert Gray, Esq., John Reeves, Esq., and James Francis Stephens, Esq. June 1st. R. Brown, Esq., President, in the Chair. John Braxted Hicks, M.D., was elected a Fellow. Read a paper " On two new genera of Fungi." By the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, F.L.S. After some preliminary observations on the gratification attendant on the satisfactory determination of the synonyms of the earlier writers, and on the advantages to be derived from an attentive study of their works, particularly (as regards Fungi) those of Micheli, Schmidel, Miiller and Battarra, Mr. Berkeley proceeded to call the attention of the Society to two subjects, the one figured by Battarra and the other by Bulliard. The figure of Battarra is contained in his " Fungorum Agri Ariminensis Historia," t. 40, and represents a Phallus which some later writers have referred to Phallus caninus, Huds., although at first sight it bears but a remote resemblance to that species. Several specimens of it were found, according to Bat- tarra, in the neighbourhood of Rome, and he describes them as having the volva dirty white, coriaceous, and filled with a mucila- ginous substance, as in the other species of Phallus. From this arose a club-shaped cellular receptacle, hollow within, the upper part being even and solid within (meaning probably that it was imper- forate), and covered with a crust which was red when the fungus 198 Linnean Society, [June 1, was young, but when it had arrived at maturity the top was green with a zone of red beneath it, the lower portion of the stem being dirty white sprinkled with reddish brown superficial specks : when the fungus was past maturity, the upper portion pussed into a foetid fluid. It would seem that Battarra did not see the fungus when fresh, and that his figure was taken from a dried specimen ; but it is very dif- ficult to conceive how a fungus tapering to a point, as exhibited in Sowerby's figure of P. caninus, could by any mode of drying assume the broadly clavate form exhibited by Battarra's figure. A fungus, however, has been recently found in S. Carolina by H. W. llavenel, Esq., which exhibits the peculiar form of that of Battarra, and when forwarded to Mr. Berkeley by the Rev. M. A. Curtis was noticed as differing greatly in structure from the other species of Phallus in its not showing the slightest distinction between the stem and hymenium. At a later period specimens of the same species were found by Mr. llavenel exhibiting the same form as that of P. caninus, but with the ample hymenium more clearly confluent with the stem, which diff^ers but slightly from it in appearance and structure, and always perforated at the apex, while the loose cellular pale stem of P. caninus is at the first glance distinct from the short and more minutely cellular head. No doubt whatever rests in the mind of Mr. Ravenel as to the identity of the clavate and fusiform individuals of his plant ; and as these two forms occur in a species analogous to P. caninus, though not identical with it, Mr. Berkeley is of opinion that we may conclude, with tolerable certainty, that the figure of Battarra does indeed represent a peculiar state of the well-known species. With regard to the plant of S. Carolina, Mr. Berkeley points out the distinctions between it and P. caninus, and thinks that they completely justify the formation of a new genus for its re- ception, unless such genera as Dictyophora, Mutinus, Dictyophallus, &c. are to be rejected, as mere members of the genus Phal