^ A v5. i(je.£j. PROCEEDINGS OP THE LINNEAN SOCIETY OF LONDON. VOL. I. Prom November 1838 to June 1848. PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY, BY R. AND J. E. TAYLOR, RED LIOK COURT, FLEET STREET. 1849. LIST OF PAPERS. page Arnott, G. a. Walker, LL.D., F.L.S., Regius Professor of Botany in the University of Glasgow. Note on Samara la:ta, L 326 Babington, Charles Cardale, Esq., M.A., F.L.S., F.G.S. &c. On Cuscuta epilinum and halophyta ; 44 A Description of a new genus of I/»nc, Hamiltonianum, umbellis pedunculatis sub-S-floris, sepalis lanceo- latis acutis, calcaribus abbreviatis recurvis, antheris filamentorum longi- tudine, stylo stigmatibus subaequali, foliis ovato-lanceolatis subpetio* latis. Uvularia Hamiltoniana, A. Wall. Cat. n. 5088. U. Betua. Ham. MSS. 4. D. Horsjieldii, umbellis pedunculatis 8ub-5-floris, sepalis spathulatis mucronatis puberulis, antheris filamentis dupl6 brevioribus, stylo stig- matibus duplo longiore, foliis ovato-lanceolatis subpetiolatis. Uvularia Hamiltoniana, D. Wall. Cat. n. 5088. 5. D. Leschenaultianum, umbellis sessilibus 3 — 5-floris, sepalis ovato- lanceolatis acutis basi gibbosis, antheris filamentis vix dupld breviori- bus, stylo stigmatibus ter longiore, foliis ovatis subpetiolatis. Uvularia Leschenaultiana. Wall. Cat. n. 5089. 6. D. Pitsnlum (Don, Prodr. p. 50.), umbellis pedunculatis 7 — 9-flori8, sepalis cuneato-lanceolatis obtusiusculis basi gibbosis, antheris fila- mentis ter brevioribus, stylo stigmatibus dupl6 longiore, foliis lanceo- latis subpetiolatis. 7. D. parviflorum (Don, Prodr. p. 50.), umbellis subsessilibus 2— 7-flori8, sepalis lanceolatis acuminatis basi gibbosis, antheris filamentis dupld brevioribus, stigmatibus stylo ter brevioribus, foliis lanceolatis subpeti- olatis. 8. D. fulvum (Salisb. in Hort. Trans, i. p. 330.), umbellis sessilibus sub- 4-floris, sepalis lanceolatis acutis basi brevit^r calcaratis, antheris fila- mentis vix brevioribus, stigmatibus styli longitudine, foliis lanceolatis subpetiolatis. The author concludes his paper with the description of a new and nearly-related genus, founded upon a plant which was introduced by Mr. Allan Cunningham from New South Wales into the Rojral Botanic Garden at Kew, in 1823, and which is remarkable for its unenclosed embryo, and for the singular appendages, similar to those of Pamassia, which are seated at the inner base of the sepals. The following is the description of this interesting genus : — 46 Linnean Society, [Dec. 3, TRIPLADENIA. Perianthium 6-phyllum, petaloideum, patens, aequale, deciduum ifoliolis sestivatione involutis, basi biappendiculatis ! sessilibus. Stamina 6, toro, nee bnsi sepalorum inserta. Antherce erectae, extrorsae, bilocu- lares, duplici rim& longitudinali dehiscentes. Ovarium liberum, trilo- culare : loculis biovulatis : ovulis campylotropis, collateralibus, erectis. Stigmata 3, recurvata. Pericarpium subbaccatum, 3-loculare, 3-valve, loculicido-deliiscens : loculis 1 — 2-spermis. Semina sub-orbiculata, hinc convexa, inde angulata, v. concaviuscula, glabra, nitida, colore suc- cinea, hilo maxime fungoso-strophiolato, chalaza orbiculat^ concavS, fusca, raphide dimidio seminis vix breviori, elevata : testa tenui, mem- branaceEi: albumen copiosum, corneum, album. Embryo oblongus, albus, hinc convexus, inde planiusculus, more Graminum extra albumen locatus, eodemque facie planS, applicatus, funiculo maxime strophiolato solummodo obtectus ! extremitateradiculari (cauliculari) paullo latiori. Herba (Novae Hollandiae) perennis, rhizomate multicepite, caulibus subsim- plicibus multangulis, foliis amplexicaulibus ovato- lanceolatis, pedunculis axillaribus solitariis unlfloris infra medium articulatis involucrelloque 3-phyllo munitis. 1. T. Cunninghamii. December 3. Edward Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. Edward S. Blundell, M.D., Lower Seymour-street, Portman- square, was elected a Fellow ; and the Rev. William Stobbs, Strom- ness, Orkney, was elected an Associate of the Society. The Rev. W. S. Hore exhibited a specimen of a remarkable va- riety of Duck, supposed to be hybrid between the Anas Boschas and Anas acuta of Linnaeus. Read, " Descriptions of three Vegetable Monstrosities lately found at York." By the Rev. W. Hincks, F.L.S. Two of these monstrosities occur in species of Iris and much re- semble each other. The species are I. versicolor and /. sambucina. They have 5 parts in each circle, except that the inner circle of pe- tals consists of 4 in one instance and only 3 in the other. It is suf- ficiently manifest that they are produced by the union of two flowers to form each, and they lead to the conclusion that when Irises with 4 parts in each circle occur (which are not very uncommon) they ar* 1839.] lAnnean Society. 4J unions of two flowers, one third part of each having perished in the junction. Various other monstrosities consisting in the union of two flowers were compared with the subjects of the description, par- ticularly some of CEnothera, flowers having 7 petals, 14 stamens, and 7 stigmas, where the parts preserved in the union are in exactly the same proportion as in the Irises. The third specimen described as a monstrous union of 4 flowers in Scrophularia nodosa. The flower-stalk may be perceived to be formed by the adherence of several stalks. The parts found are 15 sepals, 1 6 petals, 20 stamens, 2 separate ovaria, each with 2 carpels, and a third ovarium formed by the adherence of 2 more, and con- sisting of 8 carpels. Explanations were attempted of the manner in which the union of 4 flowers would account for these numbers of parts. The increased developement of the circle of stamens, 5 ap- pearing for each flower, though of these several are united in threes together, and two are imperfect, and the increased number of carpels in two of the united flowers, are interesting facts. They show that the union of the flowers had the eifect of diminishing and rendering more equable the pressure on the interior circles so as to allow of the growth of parts which are usually abortive. There was also read, ** A monograph of Streptopus, with the de- scription of a new genus now first separated from it." By D. Don, Esq., Libr.L.S., Prof. Bot. King's College. The genus Streptopus was established by the elder Richard in Michaux's * Flora Boreali- Americana,' and was intended to include, besides the Uvularia amplexifoUa of Linnaeus, which is to be regarded as the type, two other species, then entirely new to botanists, namely, S. roseus and lanuginosvs. The first is common to Europe and Ame- rica, while the two last are confined to the letter continent. A fourth species, a native of Gosaingthan and Kamaon, was described under the name oi simplex in the ' Prodromus Florae Nepalensis.' The lanu- ginosus is considered by Professor Don as the type of a new genus, ' which he has named Prosartes, and which is distinguished from Streptopus by its lengthened filaments, binary pendulous ovula, and terminal inflorescence. In Streptopus the filaments are short, with erect sagittate anthers, the cells of its baccate pericarpium are po- lyspermous, the seeds erect, and the flowers are axillary and solitary. Both genera belong to the Smilacea, and sen^e to connect that family with Melanihacea. 'i'he characters of the new genus and of the species belonging to both are here subjoined : — 48 Linnean Society, [Dec. 3, 1. S. amplexifolius (Lam. et DeCand. Fl. Franc. 3. p. 174.), glaber; pedunculis medio convolutis appendiculatis, sepalis obtuse acumi- natis, antheris sagittatis acuminatis, stigmate trilobo, baccae loculis 6-spermis. 2. S. roseus (Mich. Fl. Bor. Amer. i. p. 201.), hirtellus; foliis ciliatis, pe- dunculis recurvatis subbifloris, sepalis lanceolatis acuminatis, antheris bicuspidatis filamentorum longitudine, stigmatibus stylo 6-pl6 brevi- oribus, baccae loculis 4 — 6-spermis. 3. S. simplex (Don, Prodr. p. 48.), glaber; pedunculis rectis! nudis, se- palis obtusis, antheris cordato-lanceolatis obtusis, stigmatibus styli sub- longitudine, baccae loculis 10 — 12-spermis. PROSARTES. Streptopi sp., Mich. Perianthium 6-phyllum, petaloideum, campanulatum, sequale, deciduum : foliolis basi foveolatis v. saccatis. Stamina 6, basi sepalorum adnata, simulque decidua. AnthercB erectae, innatae, obtusse, biloculares, rima duplici marginali longitudinaliter dehiscentes. Ovarium liberum, 3- loculare : loculis biovulatis : ovulis obovatis, a placentae apice pendulis ! Stigmata 3, brevissima, recurvata. Pericarpium baccatum, 3-loculare. Semina solitaria, v. rarius bina. Herbae (Amer. bor.) perennes, pube ramosd vestita, rhizomate diviso mul- ticepite. Caules teretiusculi. Folia sessilia, dilatata. Inflorescentia terminalis, umhellata. Bacca rubra. 1, P. lanuginosa, umbellis bifloris sessilibus, sepalis lanceolatis acumi- natis 3-nerviis basi foveolatis, stylo glabro, foliis cordato-ovatis subam- plexicaulibus utrinque pubescentibus. 2. P. Menziesiiy umbellis sessilibus bifloris, sepalis oblongis mucronatis 6- nerviis margine revolutis basi saccatis, stylo longissimo piloso, foliis ovatis sessilibus glabriusculis. This new species is a native of the north-west coast of America, where it was first found by Mr. Menzies in the voyage of discovery under Vancouver, and it has been very properly named in comjili- ment to that venerable botanist. The plant bears a close resemblance to some species of Disporum, and it moreover agrees with that genus in its sepals being produced into a short spur or pouch at their base. The flowers are consi- derahly larger than those of lanuginosa, and they are apparently of a yellow colour. The style is long and copiously hairy. The genus is essentially distinguished from Disporum by its innate anthers, nearly concrete styles, and pendulous seeds. 1839.] Linnean Society, 49 December 17. Mr. Forster, V.P., in the Chair. Specimens of the Lagurus ovaius collected last summer at Sewer's End, two miles from Saffron Walden, were presented by Mr. Gum- ming, who discovered the plant about three years ago in that locality, which is its only actual English station. Read, " Description of the Curata, a plant of the tribe of Bambusea, of the culm of which the Indians of Guiana prepare their Sarbacans or Blow-pipes." By Robert H. Schomburgk, Esq., communicated by the Secretary. Referring to a passage in Baron Humboldt's " Personal Narra- tive" of his Travels in America, in which the learned author de- scribes the reeds of which the Indian Blow-pipes are made, and re- grets his inability to determine from what plant they were obtained, Mr. Schomburgk states it to have been a point of the greatest in- terest with him in his recent journeys in the interior of Guiana to ascertain this fact. He found that the Macusi tribe of Indians ob- tained these remarkable reeds by barter from the Arecunas, who again made journeys of several months' duration to the westward to procure them from the Maiongcong and Guinan Indians, to whose country they are restricted, and who have thence acquired among the other natives the appellation of the Curata people. The Are- cuna thus becomes the medium of the barter carried on of blow- pipes on the one hand for Urari poison on the other, the latter being found in the district inhabited by the Macusi, and exchanged by them for the tube through which the arrows impregnated with it are discharged with such deadly effect. It was at a settlement of Maiong- cong Indians near the river Emaruni that Mr. Schomburgk at last succeeded in obtaining positive information of the locality of these reeds, which he was informed were found on two lofty mountains, named by the Indians Mashiatti and Marawacca, the former of which was pointed out to him at the distance of about 20 miles. The latter however lying more directly on his route was visited by him in pre- ference ; it is seated at a day's journey from a Maiongcong settle- ment on the banks of the Cuyaca, from whence the natives showed the beaten track. After having ascended the mountain to a height of about 3500 feet above the Indian village, the traveller followed the course of a small mountain stream, on the banks of which the Curas or Curatas, as these reeds are called by the Indians, grow in dense tufts. They form in general clusters of from forty to a hundred No. VI. — Proceedings of the Linnean Society. 50 Linnean Society. [Dec. 17, 1839. stems, which are pushed forth, as in many other Bambusece, from a strong jointed subterranean rootstock. The stem rises straight from the rhizoma, without knot or interruption, and preserving an equal thickness throughout, frequently to the height of 16 feet, be- fore the first dissepiment is stretched across the interior and the first branches are given off. The joints that follow succeed each other at intervals of from 15 to 18 inches; and the whole plant attains a height of from 40 to 50 feet. The stem when full-grown is at the base about an inch and a half in diameter, or nearly 5 inches in cir- cumference ; but Mr. Schomburgk mentions having seen young stems, which at the height of 20 feet, and with a thickness of scarcely a quarter of an inch, offered no signs of articulation. The branches are only formed when the stem begins to increase in diameter. The fall-grown stem is of a bright green colour, perfectly smooth and hollow within. The branches are verticillate, generally from 3 to 4 feet in length, very slender, terete and nodose ; the upper joints separated by an interval of from 2 to 3 inches, and clothed by the sheaths of the leaves, which are split at the apex, persistent, striate and somewhat scabrous. The leaves are linear-lanceolate, obliquely rounded at the base, acute, of a bright green above, glaucescent below, nervoso-striate, with the midrib prominent, and the margin scabrous, from 8 to 9 inches long, and 5 or 6 lines broad ; they are furnished with a short petiole, which is articulated to the vagina ; and a series of long setae occupy the place of the ligula. The inflo- rescence is in terminal spikes, with a flexuose rachis ; the locustse subsessile, lanceolate, lax, from 1^ to 2 inches in length. The en- tire plant is from 40 to 50 feet in height ; but the weight of its in- numerable branches causes the slender stem to curve downwards so that the upper part generally describes an arch, which adds greatly to the gracefulness of its appearance. Leaving out of consideration the length of the first nodeless joint, it resembles in its general habit the Bamhusa latifolia of Humboldt, which Mr. Schomburgk was not unfrequently led into the mistake of confounding with it at a di- stance. He estimates the height at which it grew as 6000 feet above the level of the sea ; and its growth appears to be limited to the chain of sandstone mountains which extends between the second and fourth parallel, and forms the separation of waters between the rivers Parima, Merewari, Ventuari, Orinoco and Negro. The only ascer- tained localities were Mounts Mashiatti, Marawacca and Wanaya. Mr. Schomburgk describes at length the process by which the blow-pipes are prepared, and encased, for their better security in the hollowed trunk of a slender species of palm ; together with the mode Jan. 21, 1840.] Linnean Society. 51 in which other parts of the apparatus are supplied in order to render it available for its important uses, and the various modifications in its construction occurring among the different tribes. He adds also R particular desc^ption of the arrows and quivers in use among several of the native tribes. To this paper was appended the following note by John Joseph Bennett, Esq. F.L.S. *' Mr. Schomburgk having placed in my hands specimens of the grass which forms the subject of his communication, with a request that (if I should find it to be unpublished) I would describe it, I consulted the publications of Nees von Esenbeck and Kunth, and was at first strongly inclined to suspect that it was identical with the Arundinaria verticillata of those authors ; but a subsequent examination has satisfied me that it is a distinct species of that genus. I have had no opportunity of comparing it with specimens oi A. verticillata, but it differs from the descriptions of that species, given by the two eminent botanists above named, in the following particulars. Its leaves are linear, instead of lanceolate, and smooth on both surfaces, instead of scabrous ; the mouth of their sheaths is furnished on either side of the articulation of the leaf with a fringe of long rigid setae, which are not mentioned as occurring in A. verti- cillata ; its locustae are sessile, instead of being pedicelled ; and the hjrpogynous scsdes are lanceolate and acute, instead of obovate and obtuse. The following character will therefore serve to distinguish the species : — Arundinaria Schomhurgkii. A. foliis linearibus acuminatis laevibus; vaginarum ore utrinque longe setoso, spied simplici paucifiord, locustis sessilibus, squamidis hypogynis lanceolatis acutis." January 21, 1840. Mr. Forster, V.P., in the Chair. Mr. Hyde Clarke, of Great Ormond Street, and James Rankine, M.D., of Ayr, were elected Fellows. Mr. Hewett Cottrell Watson, F.L.S., exhibited specimens of Ca- rum Bulbocastanum discovered by Mr. W. H. Coleman, near Cherry Hinton, Cambridgeshire, and of Seseli Libanotis gathered by the same in a Dean west of the river Cuckmere, near Seaford, Sussex, being the first time it has been observed in that county. .52 Linnean Society, [Feb. 4, Mr. SoUy, F.L.S., exhibited two splendid drawings executed by Mrs. Withers of a male plant of Encephalartos pungens, which flowered in the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew, in October last. Mr. IlifF, F.L.S., exhibited some urate of ammonia voided by the Boa Constrictor at the Surrey Zoological Gardens, in the midst of which were several larvae supposed by Mr. Curtis to be those of the Musca Canicularis of Linnaeus. Mr. IlifF is of opinion they were voided with the excrements of the Boa, and referred to a case in the Memoirs of the Medical Society of London, where he believes si- milar larvae were voided from the intestines of a man. Specimens of the Lastrea rigida collected at Settle, Yorkshire, were presented by Mr. Daniel Cooper, A.L.S. Read " Observations on the Ergot." By Francis Bauer, Esq., F.R.S.. and L.S. The author, as is well known, has made the ergot a subject of particular study, and about thirty years ago he undertook, at the suggestion of Sir Joseph Banks, a series of careful microscopical ob- servations, with a view to determine the nature and cause of that singular production, and the beautiful drawings prepared by him at that time, illustrative of the ergot in various stages of its develop- ment, form part of the Banksian collections now deposited in the British Museum. Mr. Bauer's investigation led him to determine the ergot to be a morbid condition of the seed, but he was unsuc- cessful in ascertaining the cause of the disease, which Messrs. Smith and Quekett have satisfactorily shown to be occasioned by a mi- nute filamentous fungus, a fact already recorded at p. 1 & 4. After a long lapse of years Mr. Bauer was induced to resume the subject, and the result has been an additional drawing from his masterly pencil, displaying the minute fungus already noticed in different stages of its growth. The fungus has been named by Mr. Quekett Ergotatia aborti/aciens. February 4. Mr. Forster, V.P., in the Chair. Thomas White Mann, Esq., of Upper HoUoway, was elected a Fellow ; and Mr. David Moore, Curator of the Botanic Garden at Glasnevin near Dublin, was elected an Associate of the Society. 1840.] lAnnean Society, 53 Read, '* On the Heliamphora nutans, a new Pitcher Plant from British Guiana." By George Bentham, Esq., F.L.S. The interesting subject of this communication was discovered by Mr. Schomburgk growing in a marshy savannah on the mountain of Roraima, on the borders of British Guiana, at an elevation of about 6000 feet above the level of the sea. It belongs to the Sarraceniacea, and constitutes a very distinct genus of that small but remarkable family of plants, hitherto exclusively confined to the United States. The genus is principally distinguished from Sarracenia by the entire absence of petals, small apterous stigma, and trilocular ovarium. The following are the characters of this new genus : HELIAMPHORA. Perigonii foliola 4, 5, (vel 6 ?) hypogyna, libera, aestivatione valde imbri- cata, subpetaloidea. Stamina numero indefinita, hypogyna. Anthera oblongo-lineares, versatiles, biloculares, loculis oppositis longitudinaliter dehiscentibus. Ovarium triloculare, ovulis numerosis anatropis pluri- serialiter placentae axili affixis. Stylus simplex, apice truncatus. Stigma parvum, obscure trilobum, minute ciliatum. " Capsula trilocularis, trivalvis, polysperma" (Schomh.). Semina obovata, compressa, testa fusca laxiuscula, vix rugosa, in alam fusco-membranaceum semen cingentem expansa. Embryo parvus, teres, rectus, prope basin albu- minis copiosi, radicula juxta hilum, cotyledonibus parvis. Herba perennis, uliginosa. Folia radicalia ; petiolus iubuloso-amphons- formis, ore ohliquo margine subrevoluto. Scapus erectuSy apice simpli- citer racemosus, glaber. Flores nutantes, albi v. pallide rosei, 1. H. nutans. Read a paper, entitled " On the Structure of the Tissues of Cy- Cflrfe^," By D. Don, Esq., Libr. L. S., Prof. Bot. King's CoUege. In Conifera the structure of the stem presents the ordinary appear- ance of dicotyledonous trees ; the annual layers are distinctly marked, and there is a regular bipartition of each into wood and bark (liber) ; but in Cycadea no bipartition takes place of the fibro-vascular bundles, which in that respect resemble those of monocotyledonous plants, and the differences otherwise are very striking, Cyca* having, be- sides a large central pith, several thick concentric alternating layers of cellular and fibro-vascular tissue ; and in Zamia and Encephalartos, besides the pith, there are only two very thick layers, one of fibro- vascular, and the other, which is also the exterior one, of cellular tissue. The great peculiarity of the Conifer a, and which distin- guishes them as well from Cycadece as from every other family, is the remarkable uniformity of their woody tissue, which consists of 54 Linnean Society, [Feb. 4f slender tubes, furnished on the sides parallel to the medullary rays with one or more rows of circular or angular dots ; but in Cycadee no such uniformity is observable, their tissue, as in other phaenoga- mous plants, consisting of two kinds of vessels, namely of slender transparent tubes, without dots or markings, and of dotted, reticulated and spiral vessels, which are capable of being unrolled. The former are identical with the fibrous or woody tissue, whilst the latter, which form a part of each bundle, can only be compared to the strictly vascular tissue of other plants. These dotted vessels in Cycadea bear a con- siderable resemblance to the vessels of Coniferce, and especially to those of Dammar a and Araucaria, from the dots being disposed in rows, and confined to the two vertical sides of the vessel only, and they are moreover alternate, as in the two genera just mentioned. In Cycadece, however, the dots present much less regularity in number and size than in Conifer ce, not only in different vessels of the same bundle, but in different parts of the same vessel, forming one, two, three, four, and five rows ; and they are not always confined to the vertical sides, but appear in some cases to follow the entire circle of the vessel. Their form is oblong, or elliptical, in Cycas re- valuta, circinalis, glauca, and speciosa, Zamia furfur acea and pumila, as well as in Encephalartos horridus and spiralis , but they are sometimes longer, narrower and nearly linear, giving the vessel the appearance of being marked with transverse stripes. The vessels in all present so much similarity, that no generic distinction can be drawn from them. The dots are always arranged dia- gonally. The dotted vessels of Zamia furfuracea and pumila were observed to unroll spirally in the form of a band, pre- senting a striking resemblance to those of Ferns. The band was found to vary in breadth in different vessels, and was furnished with transverse rows, composed of two, three, or more dots. The coils followed the direction of the dots, and the unrolling was from right to left. In Cycas revoluta dotted vessels frequently occur with a single row of dots; but, from the circumstance of the dots on both sides being in view at the same time, they are liable to be mistaken as having a double row on each side. Besides the dotted vessels, there occurs throughout Cycadece another variety, differing but little from the ordinary spiral vessel, except in the tendency of the coils to unite. In some vessels the coils are free, and the fibre ex- hibits frequently, at intervals, bifurcations or narrow loops ; in others the coils unite at one or both sides, in which case the vessel presents a series either of rings or bars ; the fibre then is with difficulty un- 1840.] Linnean Society. 55 rolled, and it often breaks off into rings, or the bars separate at the point where the coils unite, which is generally on the perpendicular sides of the vessel. In other cases the vessels are distinctly reticulated, and they then exhibit a striking analogy to the dotted cellules in Cycas revoluta. All these modifications are frequently to be observed in the same vessel in Zamia furfuracea vrndpumila, a fact which affords conclusive evidence of the accuracy of the theory advanced by Meyen, which refers the spiral, annular, reticulated, and dotted vessels to a common type. The dots and stripes are evidently the thinnest por- tions of the tube, being most probably parts of the primitive mem- brane remaining uncovered by the matter subsequently deposited on the walls. The cellular tissue of Cycadea consists of tolerably regular paren- chyma, composed of prismatic, six-sided cellules. In the species of Zamia and Encephalartos, so often referred to, the walls of the cellules appear to be of a uniform thickness and transparency, and destitute both of dots or markings ; but in the adult fronds of Cycas revoluta a different structure presents itself, for the walls of the cellules are furnished with numerous elliptical, obliquely transverse dots or spaces, where the membrane is so exceedingly delicate and trans- parent as to give to the cellules the appearance of being perforated by holes, the intervening spaces being covered by incrustating matter, disposed in the form of confluent bands, which, when viewed under the microscope, resemble a kind of network. The dots or spaces uncovered by incrustating matter, are generally of a large size, and occur more particularly on the vertical sides of the cellules, a band usually running along the middle of the two opposite sides. Tlie bands vary in breadth, as do the dots, and they not unfrequently exhibit minute transparent points or spaces where the solid matter forming the band shows a tend- ency to separate. The extreme delicacy and transparency of the dots or spaces of whatever size, appear fully to prove that they are parts of the primitive membrane of the cellule, which are un- covered by the incrustating matter. A solution of iodine will be found of great service in determining the actual existence of the membrane at those parts ; for although it does not materially alter its colour, it tends very much to diminish its transparency and ren- ders it distinctly visible, so as to leave no doubt that the spaces are not openings. The bands are evidently the result of a partial ligni- fication ; and indeed no better example can be offered than Cycas revoluta to illustrate and confirm the correctness of the views ad- 56 Linnean Society, [Feb, 4, vanced by Schleiden as to the origin of the bands and fibres in the cellules and vessels of plants. Being anxious to ascer- tain whether the bands exist at an early period, the author had recourse to the examination of a young undeveloped frond, about two weeks old, and he was much gratified by finding his previous suspicions fully confirmed ; the cellules then being of a uniform transparency, presenting neither bands nor dots, but furnished with a distinct cytoblast or nucleus, which was found to have entirely dis- appeared from those cellules in which the incrustating matter was visible, proving that the incrustating matter is formed at the expense of the nucleus. The matter forming the bands is continuous, and is evidently not formed by a coalescing of spiral fibres, as some might suppose ; for it is perfectly solid, and shows no disposition to un- roll or to break up into fibres. The bands most probably originated from the shrinking up of the incrustating substance, which at first was equally diffused in a fluid state over the walls, and which, from the mere effects of consolidation, aided by the distention, and per- haps enlargement of the cellule, would naturally leave portions of the primitive membrane uncovered. That the dotted and reticulated vessels in Cycadece are of the same nature, and originate in a similar way as the cellules just described, there seems no reasonable ground to doubt. The parenchymatous cellules in Cycas circinalis, glauca, and speciosa resemble those of Zamia and Encephalartos in having their walls of a nearly uniform thickness and transparency, being but rarely furnished with a few elliptical obliquely transverse spaces or dots. The cellules in Cycas revoluta vary both in size and structure, some being three or four times longer, whilst others are still longer and narrower, and furnished with more numerous and much smaller dots, which are not confined to the sides, but are disposed around the tube. These last, which have been observed also in Cycas glauca and circinalis, present an evident transition to the dotted vessels. The whole of the Cycadea are supplied with numerous gummife- rous canals, often of great length, and uniformly furnished with distinct cellular walls of considerable thickness, and which have been accurately described and figured by Professor Morren in a recent memoir. Notwithstanding the analogies presented by their reproductive organs, the author considers the Cycadece as related to Conifene only in a remote degree, and that they constitute the remains of a class of plants which belonged to a former vegetation. 1840.] Linnean Society, 5? Febniary 18. The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. The Rev. George Isherwood, of Old Windsor, was elected a Fel- low of the Society. Mr. George T. Fox, F.L.S., exhibited a specimen of the Phryno- soma comutum (Agama cornuta of Harlan) from Texas. Mr. Cameron, A.L.S., presented a specimen of a new fern (Cibo- iium Baromez, J. Sm.) which has lately borne fructification, for the first time in this country, in the garden of the Birmingham Horti- cultural Society. A description of the plant by Mr. Westcott ac- companied the specimen. The fern has been cultivated for some years in the gardens as the Agnus Scythicus or Vegetable Lamb {Polypodium Baromez, Linn.), but whether identical with the plant of Linnaeus is a question still undetermined, as there happens to be no specimen in his herbarium, and the description alone is too meagre to settle the point. Mr. Westcott is however in possession of a spe- cimen of a fern collected in Mexico by Mr. Ross, which closely re- sembles the plant of the gardens, and should they prove to be iden- tical, all doubt will be removed as to the claims of the present plant to be regarded as the Baromez of liinnaeus, which is a native of China. The following is Mr. Westcott's description of the species : — Rhizoma densely clothed with yellow woolly articulated hairs. Stipes about 7 feet high, roundish, of a dark reddish brown colour, more or less covered with tufts of woolly hairs near the base, naked for about half its height : upper part flexuous from the point where the pinnae commence. Frond bipinnate ; pinna alternate, ovate-lan- ceolate, acuminate, smooth, under surface glaucous, upper surface dark green ; those pinnae bearing the son curved, the barren pinnae straight ; pinnula pinnatifid, alternate, linear-lanceolate, acuminate ; upper ones decurrent ; lower ones shortly petiolate ; lobes oblong, sharply serrated, more or less truncated, acute ; margins somewhat revolute, lobes in the upper row of each pinnula somewhat larger than those of the lower row, and those nearest to the rachis in the upper row the largest of all. Venation in the barren pinnae branched, in the fertile pinnae simple ; veins alternate. Indusia pouch-like, coriaceous sessile, situate on tlie apex of a vein at the margin, and near the base of the lobe of the pinnula : dehiscence by a transverse No. VII. — PaocHEniNGs of the Linneax Society. 58 Linnean Society, [March 3, slit near the apex ; outer valve white, inner valve brown, and form- ing a persistent operculum or lid. Thecce roundish, stipitate, half surrounded by an articulated ring. Sporules numerous, angular. Read, *' Observations on a certain Crystalline Matter found on th6 recently cut surfaces of the Wood of the Red Cedar." By Edwin J. Quekett, Esq., F.L.S. Mr. Quekett remarked, that on the recently cut surfaces of the wood of the Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiand) a crystalline matter is observed to form, which puts on the appearance of a mouldiness, but which, when viewed with a magnifying glass, is seen to consist of innumerable extremely minute crystals of an acicular form. The substance was observed to form on the duramen or heart wood only, and not universally, but in patches. It is easily volatilized by heat, and gives out the well-known odour of the wood. Mr. Quekett showed that the duramen of the red cedar contains an abundance of a concrete volatile oil, on which the peculiar odour depends, and that the crystalline substance is a compound formed between the air and the oil, for when the latter was obtained from the wood, and ex- posed to the action of the air, it was soon also found to be covered with the same acicular crystals. This substance, which possesses many of the properties of benzoic acid, Mr. Quekett considers new, and he proposed for it the name of Cedarine. March 3. Mr. Brown, V.P., in the Chair. Mr. Francis Boyle Garty, of Camberwell, and the Rev. William Strong Hore, M.A., of Devonport, were elected Fellows ; and Mr. Frederick John Bird, of Wilmington Square, was elected an Associate of the Society. Mr. Ward, F.L.S. , exhibited a specimen of the Agnus Scythicus, or Vegetable Lamb, from the collection of the Apothecaries' Com- pany. Read, " A Note on the Fern known as Aspidium Baromes." By Mr. John Smith, A.L.S. This plant, of which a description by Mr. Westcott was read at the preceding Meeting, and of which an abstract has been given. 1840.] Linnean Society, 59 was shown by Mr. Smith to be a legitimate species of the genus Cibotium, with which it agrees in the venation of its frond, the dis- position of its sori, and in the structure and texture of its indusium. March 17. Mr. Forster, V.P., in the Chair. William Ifill, M.D„ of Welbeck Street ; Edwin Lankester, M.D., of Campsall Hall, near Doncaster ; and Lieut. William Munro, of Her Majesty's 39th regiment of foot, were elected Fellows of the Society. The following addresses of congratulation to Her Majesty and to His Royal Highness Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha, on occasion of Her Majesty's marriage, were read from the Chair, and unanimously adopted by the Meeting, viz. " To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. " The humble Address of the President, Council, and Fellows of the Linnean Society of London. *' Most Gracious Sovereign, ** We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Pre- sident, Council, and Fellows of the Linnean Society of London, beg leave to approach Your Majesty, humbly to offer our heart- felt con- gratulations on the joyful occasion of Your Majesty's nuptials with His Royal Highness Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha. " Deeply impressed with feelings of loyalty and devotion towards Your Majesty, we hail this auspicious event as an assurance of last- ing happiness to Your Majesty, and of permanent blessings to the British Empire, and we most fervently implore the blessings of Al- mighty God upon Your Majesty, that through His mercy and good- ness He may be pleased to extend His watchful care over the lives and the happiness of Your Majesty and Your Majesty's Royal Con- sort.'* '* To His Royal Highness Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha. *' The humble Address of the President, Council, and Fellowa of the Linnean Society of London. *' May it please Your Royal Highness, *• We, the President, Council, and Fello\v8 of the Linnean So- ciety of London, beg leave humbly to present to Your Royal High- 60 Linnean Society. [March 1 7, ness our cordial congratulations on the happy occasion of Your Royal Highness's marriage with Her Majesty our gracious Queen and Patron. ** We hail this auspicious event as equally promoting the happi- ness of Her Majesty and the best interests of Her Majesty's aifec- tionate and loyal people, and we most devoutly implore the blessings of Almighty God on Your Royal Highness, that He through His goodness and mercy may be pleased to extend His watchful care over the lives and happiness of our beloved Sovereign and Your Royal Highness." Read " On some new Brazilian Plants allied to the Natural Order Burmanniacea." By John Miers, Esq., F.L.S. Of the thirteen recorded species of Burmannia five are natives of Brazil, where they were found by Von Martins, who has not only accurately described them, but has given an able detail of the genus. The author, previous to his departure from Brazil, discovered five new plants, evidently allied to Burmannia, but which difi*er in many essential characters : from these he has established three new ge- nera, Dictyostega, Cymhocarpa, and Stemoptera : they possess the habit of Burmannia in their thickened rhizoma with branching fibres, an erect stem, almost naked, or furnished with a few distant bracti- form leaves and terminal flowers, with a tubular petaloid perian- thium, having a six-partite border, composed of three sepals and three petals ; stamens three, almost sessile, in the mouth of the tube be- low the petals ; anthers with the cells disjoined and opening trans- versely ; a simple style ; three stigmata and a capsule surmounted by the withered perianth bursting irregularly ; seeds minute, resembling those of Orchidece ; but the most important diflference consists in their having unilocular capsules, with three parietal placentae, while Bur- mannia has always a trilocular capsule, with central placentation, an essential difference, which entitles them to be considered, if not as forming a new natural order, at least as constituting a distinct sub-family. Allied to these are to be arranged three other plants, already recorded, the Apteria setacea of Nuttall, a native of North America, and Gonyanthes Candida and Gymnosiphon aphyllum of Blume, by whom they were found in Java. The author considers his genus Dictyostega as coming very near Apteria, which, however, from the drawing and description of Mr. Nuttall, would seem to re- semble Stemoptera still more closely in its habit, its seeds, and its large single flowers ; but it does not appear to possess the very 1840.] Linnean Society, 61 remarkable stamens of the latter genus, nor the habit or singular seeds of Dictyostega. He gives a full description of the charac- ters of his new genera and species, adding at the same time the character of Apteria and of Dr. Blume's two genera, so as to collect all the evidence yet known respecting the order of Burmanniacea. Of the genus Dictyostega he describes three species, which he found in Brazil, to which is to be added a fourth species, discovered by Mr. Schomburgk in British Guiana. The following are their characters : — DICTYOSTEGA. Perianthium tubulosiun, ovario adnatum, supemS liberum : limho 6-fido, laciniis 3 altemis minoribus. Stamina .3 : filamentis brevissimis : an- thercE loculis disjunctis, transversim dehiscentibus. Stylus simplex. Stigmata 3. Capsula 1-locularis, sub 3-valvi8, polysperma, apice dehi- scens : valvis medio placcntifen's. Semina minuta, scobiformia, testa laxk, reticulata, pertranslucidtl, nucleo quintupld longiore vestita. Plantae (brasilienses) rhizocarpece, radice Jlbrosd, squamis membranaceis, imbricatis, ciliatis, incanis tectd. Caulis erectus, subflexuosusy pallide purpurascens, subsoUtarius, rarius ramiferus, et tunc ramis 1 — 3 erectis, alternis, trunco conximilibu^. Folia bracteiformia, subsesnliOf adpressa. Inflorescentia terminalis, dichotome racemosa, vel subum- bellato-cymosOfJloribus purpurascentibus, pedicellatis. 1 . D. orobanchioides, caule erecto simplici vel ramifero, racemis geminis, floribus nutantibus unibracteatis, bracteis cum pedicellis altemantibus, capsuia subvalvata ecostat& longitudinalit^r dehiscente.— Monte Corco- vado, Rio de Janeiro. 2. D. umbellata, caule erecto simplicissimo, foliis erecto-patulis, umbelli simplici 6 — 9-flord, floribus erectis, pedicellis basi bracteatis, ovario ecostato. — Serra dos Orgaos, Prov. Rio de Janeiro. 3. D. cosiata, caule erecto simplici, floribus erectis, cym& bibracteatS, pe- dicellis ebracteatis, capsula evalvi 6-costat& apice debiscenti. — Rio de Janeiro. 4. D. Sehomburgkiij caule erecto subsimplici, racemis geminis paucifloris, floribus unibracteatis, bracteis pedicello oppositis, perianthio medio haud constricto, laciniis obtusioribus, capsule 6-costat4 apice debiscenti. — Guiana. CYMBOCARPA. Perianthium tubulosum, ovario adnatum, supem6 liberum : limbo 6-fidO) laciniis tribus altemis minoribus. Stamina omnind Dictyostega. Styltis simplex. Stigmata 3-loba, lobis gibboso-rotundatis, comubus 2 62 Linnean Society, [March 1 7, subulatis erectis instructis. Ovarium gibboso-3-gonum, 1-loculare, placcntis 3 parictalibus. Capsula l-locularis, latere unico angulo su- periors tantura dehiscens. Semina scobiformia, numerosissima, testa reticulata nucleo vix excedente. Plantae (brasilienses) rhizocarpets, radice Jihrosd. Caulis simplex, suh- jlexuosus, erectus, albescens. Folia sessilia, hracteiformia, erecta, aut adpressa. Inflorescentia dichotome spicata, paucifiora, paribus jla- vescenti-albidis, basibracteatis, cumpedicellis brevissimis summo abrupte declinatis geniculatis. 1. Cymbocarpa refracta. — Monte Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro. STEMOPTERA. Perianthium ovario adnatum, supra liberum, subinfundibuliforme : fauce turgida sacculis 3 interioribus aucta : limbo 6-partito, laciniis acutis, aestivatione marginibus induplicatis, 3 alternis brevioribus. Stamina 3, fauci adnata : filamentis complanatis, e margine sacculorum orienti- bus bifurcatis, ramulo singulo antberifero alato. Ovarium turbinatuin, 1-loculare, placentis 3 parietalibus. /5'^«//wslongitudinestaminuni. Stig- mata 3, recurvata, apice glandulifera. Capsula l-locularis, polysperma, . subtrivalvis, apice 3-fisso debiscens. PlacentcB 3, parietales. Semina numerosissima, scobiformia, testa nucleo vix excedente, reticulata, are- olis elongatis obliqu^ dispositis. Plantse (brasilienses) rhizocarpecs, radice fibrosd. Caulis erectus, subdi- chotome ramosus, ramis subflexuosis, pullidis, subpurpurascentibus. Yo- \\Q. pauca, sessilia, erecta, bracteiformia, pallida. Inflorescentia /ermi- nalis, unijlora. Flores cceteris majores, ebracteati, purpurascentes, Ap- teriae Nutt. hand absimiles. 1 . Stemoptera lilacina. — In uliginosis ad Serra dos Orgaos Prov. Rio de Janeiro. All the species axe described at length in the paper, and their cha- racters are further illustrated by drawings, with details of the parts of fructification. The author remarks, that upon the same principle that Apostasiacece have been separated from Orchidece, and XyridecB from Restiacea, these plants ought to constitute an order distinct from Burmanniacece ; but the difference between the unilocular cap- sule with parietal placentation and the trilocular capsule with axile placentation, which at first sight seems to offer a wide and well- founded distinction, appears of less value when we consider that the extensive order Gentianea presents similar difi^erences, toge- ther with every possible gradation of transition from one extreme to the other. He therefore inclines to the view of preserving all 1840.] Linnean Society, 63 within the natural order Burmanniacea, dividing it into two sub- families, viz. 1. Burmanntea, which will contain only the single genus Burmannia (and perhaps the Gonyanthes of Blume may be found to belong also to this section) ; 2. Dictyostegea, com- prising Dictyostega, Cymbocarpa, Stemoptera, Apteria, Gonyanthes, and Gymnosiphon. He then j)roceeds to show the close affinity which BurmanniacecB bear to Orchidea, which often also present nearly a naked stem, with imperfectly developed leaves, and instances are moreover known in which they exhibit three distinct stamens and three stigmata : they have also an unilocular ovarium, with parietal placentation ; there exists also a close resemblance in the structure of the walls of the capsule, and there is hardly any difference in the shape and structure of the seeds of Dictyostega and some species of Pleurothallis, which have both a transparent reticulated testa, show- ing distinctly the included nucleus suspended from the apex. The pollen of these plants also bears much resemblance to that of Or- chidece, in being inclosed in a peculiar anther-case, and consisting of coarse grains cohering in waxy masses. Dictyostega orobanchioides also offers a beautiful illustration of the emission of pollen tubes, which are seen penetrating the stigmata in crowded bundles of cot- tony filaments, each thread being clavately terminated by its re- spective grain of pollen. There was also read a paper, entitled, *' On the existence of Spiral Cells in the Seeds of Acanthacea." By Mr. Richard Kippist. Com- municated by Prof. Don, Libr. L.S. After briefly enumerating the other natural families in whose seeds spiral cells had been previously observed, the author proceeds to de- scribe those of a plant brought from Upper Egypt by Mr. Holroyd (Acanthodium spicatum, Delile), whose peculiar appearance when placed under the microscope, first led him to examine those of other Acantkacea, in which family the existence of spiral cells had not be- fore been noticed. The entire surface of the seed in Acanthodium is covered with whitish hairs, which are appressed, and adhere closely to it in the dry state, being apparently glued together at their ex- tremities. On being placed in water, these hairs are set free, and spread out on all sides, they are then seen to be clusters of from five to twenty spiral cells, which adhere firmly together in their lower portions while their upper parts are free, separating from the cluster at different heights, and expanding in all directions like plumes, forming a very beautiful microscopic object. The free portions of the 64 Linnean Society, [March 1 7, cells readily unroll, exhibiting the spire formed of one, two, or occa- sionally of three fibres, which may sometimes be seen to branch, and not unfrequently break up into rings. Throughout the whole length of the cell the coils are nearly contiguous ; in the lower part they are united by connecting fibrils, and towards the base of the adherent portion become completely reticulated. The testa is a semitrans- parent membrane formed of nearly regular hexagonal cells, whose centre is occupied by an opake mass of grumous matter. Those cells which surround the bases of the hairs are considerably elon- gated, and, gradually tapering into transparent tubes, appear to oc- cupy the interior of the spiral clusters. Some of these appearances were noticed by Delile, who described the Acanthodium in the splendid work on Egypt, published by the French Institute, where also a slightly magnified figure of the seed will be found, but with- out representing the spiral cells, which Delile does not appear to have detected. Two species of Blepharis are mentioned as possessing a structure very similar to that of Acanthodium spicatum, differing chiefly in the smaller and more uniform diameter of the spiral cells, and in their thicker fibre, which is always single and loosely coiled. The seed of Ruellia formosa on being placed in water develops from every part of its surface single short thick tapering tubes, within which in some cases a spiral fibre is loosely coiled ; whilst in others the place of the spiral fibre is supphed by distant rings. In the seeds of Ruellia littoralis, Phaylopsis glutinosUy and Barleria noctiflora, the whole surface becomes covered with separate tubes, very similar in form, but destitute of spiral fibre, and terminating in a minute pore, from which streams of mucilage are discharged. Those of several species of Barleria, Lepidagathis, &c. are entirely covered with long tapering simple hairs, which expand in water, and like the rest are enveloped in a thick coat of mucilage. In all the foregoing species the hairs occupy the entire surface of the seed, and are usually directed towards its apex, though they occur often most abundantly at the edges ; in others they are only found attached to a marginal ring of a different texture from the rest of the seed. This is the case in Strobilanthus lupulina, Blechum Brownii, and Ruellia secunda. The seeds of many plants of this family are wholly destitute both of spiral cells or of any other appendages possessing hygroscopic properties, such for example as Acanthus mollis and ilici/olius, Dipter acanthus erectus, and several species of Justicia and Eranthemum. 1840.] Linnean Society. 65 April 7. Mr. Forster. V.P., in the Chair. The Rev. John Berrington, A.M., of Kingston, Surrey, and Si- gismond Rucker, Jun., Esq., of Wandsworth, were elected Fellows ; and Mr. Henry Letheby, of PentonviUe, was elected an Associate of the Society. Dr. Farre, F.L.S., exhibited specimens of a singular form of gall on the leaves of a species of oak from Mexico. The gall consisted of an aggregation of hollow cylindrical tubes, nearly an inch in length, and furnished with a fringed orifice. The tubes were remarkable for their elegance and uniformity; their colour was white, suffused with red, especially towards the apex. Mr. Yarrell, F.L.S., exhibited a specimen of a satin-like mass of Conferva fluviatilis, which grew in a water meadow near Totness. A spring, which flows only in winter, rises in the meadow, and this substance is taken from narrow gutters, from one of which, twelve inches wide, a piece was taken up which measured seventy-nine feet in length, so firm and tough was its consistence ; and another piece broke off at thirty-nine feet. In consistence and appearance it bore considerable resemblance to a piece of cotton wadding, but of a firmer texture. A portion was carefully examined under the micro- scope, and found to consist entirely of an interwoven mass of filaments of Conferva fluviatilis. The plant was compared with the authentic specimen of that species preserved in the Linnaean Herbarium, and was seen to differ only in the greater length of tlie articulations. The under surface of the mass was of a bright green colour, but the upper surface was white from the effects of direct exposure to the air and light, which had caused the death of the plant at that part. Read, a continuation of Mr. Smith's "Arrangement of the Genera of Ferns." April 21. The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. Read, a paper by John Blackwall, Esq., F.L.S., entitled " The Difference in the Number of Eyes with which Spiders are provided. No. VIII. — Proceedings of the Linnkan Society. 66 Linnean Society, [May 25 proposed as the Basis of their distribution into Tribes; with the characters of a new Family and three new Genera of Spiders," Mr. Blackwall begins by stating his objections to the bases of ar- rangement adopted by MM. Walckenaer and Dufour in the subdi- vision of the order Araneidea, and proceeds to give his reasons for preferring a division founded on the number of eyes ; in conformity with which he proposes three tribes, viz. 1. Octonoculata; 2. Senocu- lina ; 3. Binoculina. In the first tribe he proposes three new genera, two of them be- longing to a family which he characterizes under the name of Cini- jloridce : these genera he also characterizes under the names of Ciniflo, founded on the Clubiona atrox of Latreille, and Operaria, compri- sing the Theridion benignum, Walck., Drassus exiguus, Blackw., and Drassus viridissimus, Walck. The third genus characterized by Mr. Blackwall, is referred by him to the family of Agelenida, under the name of Cavator ; it is founded on the Clubiona saxatilis, Blackw. May 5. ITie Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. Read, *' Additional Observations on some Plants allied to the natural order Burmanniaceae." By John Miers, Esq., F.L.S. These observations have reference chiefly to the relative position of the parts of the flower in the tribe of plants above-mentioned. The author remarks, that the stamina, placentae, and stigmata in these plants, are disposed in the same line, and opposite the inner series of the perianthium. The placentae are always invariably double ; and the stigmata in such cases as the present are to be re- garded as being made up of the confluent margins of the two ad- joining carpel-leaves, as suggested by Mr. Brown in his learned Memoir on Cyrtandrea lately published. May 25. The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. This day, the Anniversary of the birth-day of Linnaeus, and that appointed in the Charter for the election of Council and Officert ; 1840.] Linnean Society, 67 the President opened the business of the meeting, and in stating the number of Members whom the Society had lost during the past year, gave the following notices of some of them : — George, Duke of Marlborough, one of the Honorary Members, was distinguished for his botanical taste, and for his zeal in the cultiva- tion of exotic plants ; and the magnificent collection formed by him at White Knights was long one of the finest in this country, both in regard to its extent, and the rarity and beauty of the specimens. His taste for Botany continued unabated to the last, and the col- lection established afterwards at Blenheim was chiefly cultivated under his own immediate superintendence. John Bart let, Esq. John, Duke of Bedford, K.G. — This amiable and accomplished nobleman was a most munificent patron of the arts and sciences in general, and especially of Botany, in the cultivation of which he took great delight. We are indebted to him for several splendidly illustrated works, abounding in valuable practical remarks, on par- ticular tribes of plants, of which he had formed extensive collections at his magnificent seat of Woburn Abbey. William Beet ham, Esq. William Christy, Jun., Esq. — ^Few persons cultivated Botany and Entomology with more ardour than Mr. Christy, who, to the regret of his friends, and to the loss of science, was cut off at an early age. His zeal and success in the pursuit of science were only equalled by his readiness and liberality to impart to others a portion of the stores which he had collected. He had formed an extensive Her- barium of British and Foreign Plants, and for that purpose had made several extensive tours in the British Isles, and had also vi- sited Madeira and Norway. His collection of dried plants, and books on Botany, he gave to the Botanical Society of Edinburgh^ of which he was one of the institutors. Lord Charles Spencer Churchill. Richard Cotton, Esq. Allan Cunningham, Esq. — This eminent botanist and traveller was born in the beginning of the year 1791, at Wimbledon, where his father (who was a native of Ayrshire) held the situation of gardener. His father took great pains with his education, and placed him, along with his younger brother, Richard, at an excellent academy at Putney, then conducted by the Rev. Mr. Adams. About the ye€ur 1 808 both brothers were engaged in the office of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, at the period when the second edition of the 'HoT' tus Kewensis ' was passing through the press. In the autumn of ^8 Linnean Society, [May 25, 1814, having been appointed a Botanical Collector for the Royal Gardens, he left England, in company with Mr. James Bowie (who had also received a similar appointment), for the Brazils, where they remained two years, and among many other plants transmitted by them, were Gloxinia speciosa, Cereus speciosissimus, Jacaranda mi- mosifolia, and Calathea zebrina, then new to the Gardens. The two companions now separated, Mr. Bowie having received instructions to proceed to the Cape of Good Hope, and Mr. Cunningham to New South Wales, where he arrived in 1817, and shortly after joined the expedition into the interior of that colony, under Mr. Oxley, the Surveyor- General. On his return to Sydney he em- barked as botanist in the voyage of survey under the command of Lieutenant, now Captain Philip Parker King, of the Royal Navy. The survey continued four years, and during that period they cir- cumnavigated Australia several times, and visited Van Diemen's Land, Timor, and the Mauritius, at all of which places Mr. Cun- ningham formed extensive collections. After the conclusion of these voyages, Mr. Cunningham made several journeys into the interior of New South Wales, and subsequently visited Norfolk Island and New Zealand, where he remained several months. The fruits of his researches in the latter country are given in the ' Companion to the Botanical Magazine,' and ' Annals of Natural History.' After an absence of seventeen years, Mr. Cunningham returned to his native country, and continued to reside in the vicinity of Kew, until the melancholy tidings arrived of the death of his brother Richard, whom he was appointed to succeed in the quality of Colonial Botanist in New South Wales, where he again arrived in February 1837. In the following year he revisited New Zealand, and re- mained there during the whole of the rainy season, which produced serious effects upon a constitution already greatly debilitated, and on his return to Sydney his health visibly declined until the period of his death, which took place on the 27th of June last, at the age of 48. He was distinguished for his moral worth, singleness of heart, and enthusiastic zeal in the pursuit of science. Davies Gilbert, Esq., F.R.S. — Mr. Davies Gilbert was distin- guished by his high attainments in science and literature, his simple and gentle manners, and his amiable purity of heart. He was the son of the Rev. Edward Giddy, and was bom on the 6th of March, 1767, at St. Erth, in Cornwall. Davies Giddy was a child of early intellectual promise, but his health was feeble, and he received not only the rudiments, but al- most the whole of his education under the paternal roof, guided and 1840.] Linnean Society. 69 assisted by a father whose classical learning was of a high order. For about a twelvemonth he was placed under the tuition of the Rev. James Parken, Master of the Grammar School at Penzance, to which town his family removed for that purpose ; but he soon returned to Tredrea, which was long afterwards his favourite abode, to pursue his studies in a manner more congenial to his feelings. He had by this time formed a taste for mathematical investigations, in which he was aided by the knowledge, freely and kindly imparted, of the Rev. Malachi Hitchins of St. Hilary, a man whose name is well known and respected by practical astronomers. In the year 1782 he removed with his family to Bristol, and continued to cultivate the severer sciences with undiminished ardour. On the 12th of April, 1785, he entered as a Gentleman Commoner of Pembroke College in the University of Oxford, and soon attracted the notice of many of its Professors and Senior Residents. He resided pretty constantly there from his matriculation, except during the long vacations, till the year 1789, when he became an Honorary Master of Arts, but still continued to make long visits to his old College. In November, 1791, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society, and formed a connexion with Dr. Maskelyne, Sir Joseph Banks, Mr. Cavendish, and other eminent members of that body, which terminated only with their lives. Though the sciences dependent on and connected with mathematics were the chief objects of his early studies, he was far from inattentive to the claims of Natural History on a portion of his leisure. He cultivated chiefly that branch of it which embraces the vegetable kingdom ; and an ac- quaintance formed in Cornwall with Dr. Withering, as well as his friendship with Dr. Beddoes and Dr. Sibthorp at Oxford, contri- buted to the same end. He became a Fellow of the Linnaean So- ciety in 1792, in which year he also sensed the office of Sheriff for his native county. In the year 1804 he was chosen one of the re- presentatives of the borough of Helston, and in 1806 was returned in a new Parliament for that of Bodmin. In this seat he continued till the year 1832, when he ceased to be a member of the legislature. During the whole time of his continuance in Parliament, he was the encourager and indefatigable supporter of every measure connected with the advancement of science ; and by his representations and exertions many services were rendered to various scientific societies and institutions, in promoting wliose prosperity and usefulness he was incessantly and zealously occupied. He took a prominent part in the inquiry relating to the currency, and published in 1811 a plain statement of the bullion question; and he was also very 70 Linnean Society, [May 25, active both in the House of Commons and out of it in the arrange- ment of the standard of weights and measures. In 1806 he married Mary Anne Gilbert, and in 1817 he assumed the name of her family, in pursuance of the injunction contained in a will of her uncle, Charles Gilbert, Esq., of Eastbourne, in Sussex. By this marriage he had seven children, of whom only four sur- vived him ; John Davies Gilbert, Esq., the present Sheriff of Sussex, and three daughters. He became a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1820, and was likewise Fellow of the Astronomical and Geological Societies. He continued to perform the office of Treasurer of the Royal So- ciety, till in 1827 he became President of that distinguished body. In the year 1831 he retired from the chair, and was succeeded by His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex. In 1832 he received from the University of Oxford the Degree of Doctor of Laws, by Diploma. His last visit to his native county took place in 1839. On lea- ving Cornwall he came through Exeter and Oxford to London, and returned after a few days to Oxford. This last journey, which was attended by some untoward circumstances, was too much for his sinking strength. On his return to London he fell into a state of lethargy, from which, though he was enabled to reach his home, he never fully recovered, but after lingering in this state for some time, he expired, on the 24th of December, 1839, and in the 73rd year of his age. The Rev. Joseph Goodall, D.I)., Provost of Eton College. — Dr. Goodall was ardently devoted to the study of Natural History, but more especially to Conchology, with which science he was tho- roughly acquainted, and his collection in that department was re- garded as one of the most valuable in this country. He was ever a warm and zealous friend of this Society. The Reverend Patrick Keith. — Mr. Keith long and successfully cultivated the interesting department of Vegetable Physiology, to which he published an Introduction in 1816, under the title of * System of Physiological Botany,' in two volumes, 8vo. The work contained the fullest and best account of the subject at that time in the English language, and was, moreover, enriched by nu- merous original remarks. Mr. Keith was likewise the author of a Botanical Lexicon, published in 1837, and three separate Memoirs, printed in the 11th, 12th and 16th volumes of the Society's Trans- actions ; the first on the Formation of the Vegetable Epidermis, the second on the Development of the Seminal Germ, and the third on the Origin of Buds. Several papers on botanical subjects, from 1840.] Linnean Society, Jl the pen of Mr. Keith, occur also in the Philosophical Magazine and Annals of Natural History. Mr. Keith had long been suffering from severe illness, which ter- minated in his death on the 25th of January last, at the age of 71, at the parsonage of Stalisfield, in Kent, of which parish he had been for many j^ars vicar. He was a native of Scotland, and received his education at the University of Glasgow. William Kent, Esq. — Mr. Kent was a zealous botanist and hor- ticulturist, and formerly possessed an extensive garden at Clapton, where, among many other choice plants, he successfully cultivated the beautiful Nelumbium speciosum, and other tender aquatics, of which he was a liberal distributor to his friends. His health obli- ging him to retire to Bath, he lost the means of indulging his incUna- tion to horticulture on so large a scale ; but of his garden on Bath- wick Hill, it might truty be said that there never perhaps were so many rare plants cultivated together in so small a space. Notwith- standing he laboured under a painful complaint, he was also happily able to amuse himself by landscape painting ; and at the same time he was ever active in promoting useful institutions, moral, scientific or literary. Don Mariano Lagasca, Professor of Botany, and Director of the Royal Botanic Garden at Madrid, was a native of the province of Arragon, where his father followed the occupation of a farmer. He was sent at an early age to the Gymnasium of Tarragona, and after pursuing the course of study prescribed at that institution, he re- paired to Madrid to complete himself for the medical profession, for which he had evinced a predilection. At Madrid he had the good fortune to attend the lectures, and to acquire the friendship, of the celebrated Cavanilles, at that time Professor of Botany in the Spanish capital, and these circumstances laid the foundation of the eminence to which he afterwards attained. In 1822, on the assembling of the Cortes, he was returned Deputy for his native province, and on the overthrow of the constitutional form of go- vernment in November of the following year, he was obliged to consult his safety by flight, first to Gibraltar, and afterwards to this country, where his high moral character, amiable disposition, and eminent talents, gained him universal esteem and respect. Spain, long famed as the granary of ancient Rome, is known to surpass all other countries in the great variety of those grasses which are cultivated for human food, such as wheat, barley, rye and oats : and many of those whom I am now addressing may remem- ber the extensive and interesting collection of Spanish Cerealia cul- 72 Linnean Society. [May 25, tivated by Professor Lagasca in tlie garden belonging to the Society of Apothecaries at Chelsea. The publication of a * Ceres and Flora Hispanica ' had long been a favourite object with him, but which he did not live to accomplish. He departed this life in the 58th year of his age, on the ^Srd of June last, at the palace of his early friend and school associate, the present Bishop of Barcelona", who hearing of his infirm state of health, had invited him to partake of his hospitality and kindness, in the hope that the milder air of Cata- lonia might be the means of restoring him. His remains were ho- noured with a public funeral, and an oration was pronounced over him by his friend Don Augustin Yanez, Professor of Natural History at Barcelona. It was in Systematic Botany that Professor Lagasca had more particularly distinguished himself, and he has added greatly to our knowledge of various families of plants, such as Umbelliferce, Dip- sacecB and Composite, of one of the groups of which, the Labiatiflorce, he may be regarded as the founder. James Dottin Maycock, M.D. — Dr. Maycock is deserving of no- tice as the author of a Flora of Barbadoes, in which island he had long resided. The work forms a catalogue of the indigenous as well as cultivated plants of that island, and contains besides a number of interesting notices on their oeconomical uses. The author has fully established the identity of the species which affords the Barbadoes aloes, with the Aloe vulgaris, accurately figured in the * Flora Grseca.' William Mills, I!sq. Sir John St. Auhyn, Bart., F.R.S. — A distinguished cultivator of the science of Mineralogy, and who possessed one of the most ex- tensive and valuable collections in that department of Natural His- tory ever formed in this country. James Sharpe, Esq. The Rev. Thomas, Lord Walsingham. Amongst the Foreign Members occur — John Frederick Blumenhach, M.D., Professor of Medicine in the University of Gottingen, Foreign Member of the Royal Society of Ix)ndon, and Associate of the Royal Academy of Sciences of the French Institute, was pre-eminently distinguished by his important researches in General Anatomy and Physiology, which he continued to prosecute during a long life ardently devoted to the advancement of science. He was equally remarkable for the extent and variety of his knowledge and the philosophical sagacity of his views. Professor Blumenbach died on the 22nd of January last, at the advanced age of 88. 1840.] Linnean Society. 73 Joseph Francis, Baron Jacquin, Professor of Botany and Che- mistry, and Director of the Imperial Botanic Garden at Vienna, to which appointments he succeeded on the resignation of his father, the celebrated traveller and botanist. He was author of Ecloga Plantarum, a folio work, containing descriptions and coloured figures of the new and rare plants which flowered in the gai'dens under his care, and also of a valuable work on birds. Baron Jacquin was distinguished for his urbanity and kindness, especially to strangers ; and fev/ cultivators o; science visited the Austrian capital without partaking of his good oScei and hospita- lity. He died at Vienna, on the ICtli of December, in the 74th year of his age. The President also announced that seventeen FellowL and four Associates had been elected since the last Anniversiuy. It was then moved by the President, and unanimously agreed to by the meeting ; " That the cordial thanks of the Society be given to Dr. Boott on his retirement from the c^cq of Secretary, for the in- cessant attention which he has shown to the duties of that office, and for the ability, zeal, 8Jid urbanicy with which he has discharged those duties." At the election, which subsequently took place, the Lord Bishop of Norwich was elected President; Edward Foi-ster, Esq., Trea- surer ; John Joseph Bennett, Esq., Secretary ; and Richard Taylor, Esq., Under-Secretary. The following five Fellows v/ere elected into the Council in the room of others going out; viz. Thomas Bell, Esq., George Loddiges, Esq., Gideon Mantell, Esq., LL.D., Richard Horsman Solly, Esq., and Sir George Thomas Staunton, Bart. June 2. Mr. Forster, V.P., in the Chan-. William Felkin, Esq., of Nottingham, was elected a Fellow of the Society. Mr. George Francis, F.L.S., exhibited a portion of the trunk of the Lepurandra saccidora (Graham, Cat. Bomb. PI. p. 193.), from Western India, of the bark of which sacks and bags are made. Mr. Ranch exhibited a specimen of the fruit of Salisburia adianti- folia, which was grown last year in the Imperial Botanic Garden at Vienna. No. IX. — Proceedings of the Linnean Society. 74 Linnean Society. [June 16, Read, "On the reproductive Organs of Equisetum." By Mr. Joseph Henderson, Gardener to Earl Fitzwilliam, at Milton Park, communicated by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, F.L.S. Mr. Henderson's observations were made on Equisetum hyemale and other species, and embrace the entire period of development of the sporae and of the thecse containing them. The theca is in the first instance filled with cells of extreme tenuity, in the interior of which the sporse afterwards take their origin. After the appearance of the sporae the containing cells gradually become thickened, and sepa- rate from each other; and at a still later period their walls are marked by spiral sutures, by means of which they are subdivided into two narrow bands with broad and rounded ends. As the sporae approach maturity these bands separate at the sutures, and the con- taining cell is thus resolved into its component parts, the supposed filaments and antherae of Hedwig. The sporae, when ripe, have a double membrane, which is rendered evident by the addition of tincture of iodine. In the immature state of the thecae, up to the time when the spiral lines become distinctly marked on the integu- ment of the sporae, they form transparent membranous reticulated bags, the meshes of which have different directions in different parts. When the sporae have attained their full size, a new deposit of vegetable matter is added, and spiral vessels are formed within the flattened cells of which the membrane is composed, and the outlines of which are indicated by the meshes on the surface. In some situations these vessels are true spirals, in others they partake more of the character of the annular. While making these observations, Mr. Henderson was not aware that he had been in part anticipated by Treviranus, BischofF, Meyen and Mohl. They differ, however, in some particulars from the ob- servations of those physiologists, who also differ from each other. June 16. The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. Thomas Harris, Esq., of Kingsbury, was elected a Fellow of the Society. The President nominated the four following Members of the Council to be Vice-Presidents for the year commencing on the 1840.] LAnnean Society, J 5 25th of May last, viz. Robert Brown, Esq., Edward Forster, Esq., Thomas Horsfield, M.D., and Aylmer Bourke Lambert, Esq. Read, "Descriptions of some new species of the Coleopterous genus Cerapterus." By J. 0. Westwood, Esq., F.L.S. In the present paper the author enumerates eight species of this interesting genus of the family of Paussida, which he distributes into six subgenera. The following are the characters of the new species : — 1. C. Horsfieldii, 'piceus ; thorace antic^ emarginato, elytris macuU apicali flavescente baud rotundatd literam y quodammodd simulante, palpo. ruin labialium articulo ultimo securifoniii. 2. C. quadrinotatusy piceo-niger, nitidissimus ; tborace (anticS viso) sub- emarginato, maculis duabus magnis ovalibus prope scutellum, alterisque duabus apicem versus majoribus antic^ et postic^ lobatis nifo-fulvis. Long. Corp. lin., lat. lin. 3. C. piceus, nitidus; antennis pedibusque rufo-piceis, punctis irregula- ribus minutissimis. 4. C. brasiliensis, fulvo-rufescens ; oculis albidis tenuissimS punctatis, ver- tice depress©, thorace intra angulos posticos utrinque foveolato. Long. Corp. lin., lat. lin. This remarkable species was discovered by Mr. Miers in the vi- cinity of Rio de Janeiro, and a drawing of the insect accompanies the present paper. Mr. Westwood regards it as the type of a new subgenus, which he names Homopterus. 5. C. Westermanni, rufo-piceus, baud nitidus ; elytris nigris postice cruce rufescente notatis basi bicostatis discoque longitudinaliter subimpressis, apioe rufescente. Long. Corp. lin., lat. lin. Read also the conclusion of a paper, entitled " Arrangement and Definition of the Genera of Ferns, founded upon their venation, with examples of the species, and observations on the affinities of each genus." By Mr. John Smith, A.L.S. The principles of the author's arrangement are similar to those proposed by Presl in his Tentamen Pteridographia, published at Prague in 1836, in which the venation of the frond (a character, the importance of which, combined with the relation of the sori to the veins, was first pointed out by Mr. Brown) is adopted as the basis of generic division. Mr. Smith states that his arrangement was com- pleted before the work of Professor Presl had reached this country, and thinks that the coincidence of their views affords presumptive evidence in favour of the accuracy of the principles upon which their distribution of the species is founded. This extensive family. 76 Linnean Society. [Nov. 3, or rather class, was divided by Mr. Brown into four very natural subfamilies. It is only with the first of these {Polypodiacea) that Mr. Smith has more particularly occupied himself in the present paper. The following are the names £ind characters of the tribes into which he has distributed the Polypodiacea. Subfam. I. POLYPODIACEiE, R. Br. Sporangia globose, or oval, transparent, unilocular, pedicellate, or rarely sessile, opening transversely by the elastic property of a vertical, rarely oblique, artic^jlated ring. Tribe I. PoLYPODiEiE, Sori punctiform or elongated, destitute of a spe- cial indusium. Examples. — Polypodium, Sw. Grammitis, Sw, Hemionitis, L» Tribe II. AcRosncHiEffl. Sori amorphous, destitute of a special indusium. Example. — Acrostichum, L. Tribe III. Pteride^. Sori punctiform, or elongated transversely. In- dusium lateral, attached exteriorly. Examples. — Pteris, L. Adiantum, L. Tribe IV. Aspleniezj. Sori elongated, oblique. Indusium lateral, linear. Examples. — Asplenium, L. Diplazium, Sw. Tribe V. AspiDiSiE. Sori punctiform, intramarginal. Indusium orbicu- lar and central, cr reniform and lateral, and attached interiorly. Examples. — Aspidium, Sw. Nephrodium, Mich., R. Br. Tribe VI. DiciisoNiEiE. Sori marginal. Indusium lateral, attached in- teriorly, its fr^e margin conniving with the indusiform margin of the frond, forming a calyciform bilabiate cyst. Examples. — Lindssa, Dry. DavalUa, Sm. Dicksonia, UHerit. Tricho- manes, L. riymenophyllum, Sm. Tribe VII. CvnTHE^. Sori punctiform, intramarginal. Indusium caly- ciform, or wanting. Receptacle elevated. Examples. — Cyathea, Sm. Hemitelia, R. Br. Alsophila, R. Br. These tribes are again subdivided into minor groups, founded upon cha- racters derived from the venation of the frond, the position of the sori, and the form of the indusium. Notholana and Ceratopteris are referred to the first, Ceterach to the fourth, and Onoclea to the fifth tribes. Nov. 3. Mr. Forster, V.P., in the Chair. George Stephens Gough, Esq., of Rathronan House, near Clon- mel, and Captain D. McAdam, of the Royal Marines, were elected Fellows of the Society. 1840.] Linnean Society, 77 Mr. William Taylor, F.L.S., exhibited a sample of the oil obtained from the fruit of Madia sativa, grown at Aspall Stoneham, near Ipswich. Read, " A Note on the Bokhara Clover." By William Taylor, Esq., F.L.S. Mr. Taylor obtained from Mr. Loudon a small parcel of seeds of the Bokhara Clover (Melilptus arhored), which was sown early in April, 1839. The plant proved to be biennial, and stood the winter well. On the 28th of April following, a part of the crop was cut down, the stems measuring 15 inches in height ; and on the 28th of May, from the same piece of ground, a second crop was obtained, which had reached the height of 16 inches; a third on the 28th of June, 17 inches; a fourth in July, 16 inches ; a fifth in August, 15 inches; and a sixth in September, measuring 14 inches. According to Mr. Taylor's calculation, the Bokhara Clover would yield from 20 to 30 tons of green herbage per acre, and from 2 to 3 tons of strong fibre* which appears capable of being manufactured into cordage. The flowers are white and very fragrant, and the plant does not appear to diflfer specifically from the Melilotus leucantha, although regarded by DeCandolle as a distinct species. There were also read, " Descriptions of some new Insects collected in Assam, by William Griflith, Esq., Assistant Surgeon on the Madras Medical EstabHshment." By the Rev. F. W. Hope, M. A., F.R.S., and L.S. This paper contains a further selection of new insects from Mr. Griflith's Assam collection in the possession of Mr. Solly, an account of part of which has been already noticed at p. 42, and has since appeared in the Society's Transactions. The descriptions are ac- companied by coloured figures. The species described belong chiefly to the group of Lucanida, and are as follows : — LUCANUS. 1. L. Forsteri. Long. unc. 2, lin. 11 ; lat. elytr. lin. 10. Nigro-piceus ; mandibulis vald^ exsertis intern^ multidentatis ad basin dente vaUdo suprJi et infrk arraatis, apicibus furcatis. This species has been named in compliment to Edward Forster, Esq.. Treas. and V.P.L.S. 2. L. Rafflesii. Long. unc. 2, lin. 6 ; lat lin. 8. 78 Linnean Society, [Nov. 3, Niger, nitidus ; mandibulis vald^ exsertis ante apicem unidentatis, apici- bus obtusis et oblique truncatis. This species is nearly related to L. nepalensis, but is of larger di- mensions, and is extensively diffused over the eastern part of the Indian continent, occurring in Nepal, Bengal, and Assam. 3. L. Spencei. Long. unc. 1, lin. 9 ; lat. lin. 6. Ater; mandibulis exsertis basi robustis et unidentatis, apicibus furcatis. 4. L. curvidens. Long. unc. 1, lin. 9 ; lat. lin. C^. Niger ; mandibulis exsertis intus dente curvato valido fer^ ad basin po« sito. 5. L. hulhosus. Long. unc. 1, lin. 6; lat. lin. 6. Nigro-castaneus ; mandibulis exsertis dentibus bulbosis armatis, apicibus acutis. 6. L. astacoides. Long. unc. 1, lin. 3; lat. lin. 4. Castaneus ; mandibulis exsertis intus ad basin denticulatis denticulis ni- gricantibus, apicibus acutis. 7. L.foveatus. Long. unc. 2 ; lat. lin. 6. Castaneus ; mandibulis vald^ exsertis, apicibus acutis, dente fer^ medio fortiori, aliisque 4 aequalibus ante apicem positis. 8. Z. omissus. Long, unc. 1, lin. 9 ; lat. lin. 6. Castaneus ; mandibulis valde exsertis, apicibus acutis, dentibus 2 nigris subbasalibus, aliisque 4 subapicalibus. 9. L. serricollis. Long. unc. 1, lin. 3 ; lat. lin. 6. Ater, politus ; mandibulis parum exsertis sinuatis et punctatis. 10. L. punctiger. Long. lin. 9\ ; lat. lin. 4. Ater ; cor pore punctato nitido, thoracis marginibus externis serratis, elytris suturd parum elevatd glabra insignitis, tibiis 4 posticis uniden- tatis. CHEIROTONUS. Corpus oblongo-ovatum, crassum. Antennee lO-articulatae. Thorax ely- tris antic^ angustior, lateribus subrotundis, valde serrulatis. Elytra thorace latiora. Pedes robusti, armati, antice longiores ; tihiis externe irregulariter dentatis : tarsis elongatis, articulis apice spina brevi ar- matis, unguibus bidentatis. Tibia 4 posticee seriebus spinarum irre- gularibus armatae. 1. C. MacLeayii. Long. lin. 23 ; lat. lin. 13. 1840.] Linnean Society, 79 ^neo-viridis ; thorace lateribus extern^ serrulatis et varioloso-punctatis, sulco longitudinali in medio dorso fortit^r impresso, elytris nigro-aeneis maculisque croceis insignitis. The insect which forms the type of the above new genus, has been named in compHment to Mr. W. S. MacLeay. It forms, along with Eucheirus of Kirby, and Protomacrus of Newman, a small natural family, which has been termed by the author Euchei- ridtB, and is regarded by him as related to the Dynastida, and con- stituting a link of connexion with the Goliathidcs. LAMIA. 1. Z. Swainsoni. Long. unc. 1, lin. 4; lat. lin. 6. Brunnea; thorace utrinque spinoso, dorso convexo in medio bulboso, elytris concoloribus albo-variegatis et ad basin nigro-tuberculatis. This species, which has been named after Mr. Swainson, appears to constitute a subgenus related to Euoplia, described in the first part of the account of Assam Insects at p. 42. MONOCHAMUS. 1 . M, beryllinus. Long. lin. 8 ; lat. lin. 3. Coeruleo-beryllinus j antennis griseis, thorace utrinque spinoso elytrisque nigro-maculatis. STIBARA. Corptis Saperdaeforme, crassum, robustum. Caput latum, antice fer^ quadratum, postice convexum. AntenncB cor^oxe breviores, 11-articu- latae. Thorax robustus, nodosus, inermis. Elytra lata, thorace vix tripld longiora, apicibus abrupte truncatis, lateribus elevatis. Pedes femoribus incrassatis, tibiis robustis. 1. S. teiraspilota. Long. lin. 10; lat. lin. 3^. Axu-antio-rubra ; antennis oculisque nigris, thorace nodoso, elytris conco- loribus, macule magna ovali nigr& ad humeros posits, apicibus nigris. 2. S. trilineaia. Long. lin. 9 ; lat. lin. 3. Pallid^ castanea ; antennis albo-cinctis, thorace nodoso utrinque denticu- lato, elytris hneis 3 nigris insignitis, sutur& latiori, lateribus punctatis, punctis duplici serie ad disci medium fortissim^ insculptis. A new genus belonging to the Saperdida, to which family the Lamia nigricornis is also referrible, besides several other types of undescribed genera. 80 Linnean Society. [Nov. 17> November 17. Mr. Forster, V.P., in the Chair. Mr. Janson, F.L.S., exhibited specimens of the Neottia (Bstivalis, discovered in August last by himself and Mr. Branch, near Lynd- hurst, Hampshu-e, being the first time it had been observed in England. Mr. Ogilby, F.L.S., exhibited a specimen in flower of a new species of clover recently introduced from Cabul, remarkable for the quantity of herbage which it yields. The species is very nearly re- lated to Trifolium resupinatum. Read, ** Description of Aucklandia, a new genus of Composite, supposed to be the Costus of Dioscorides." By Hugh Falconer, M.D., Superintendent of the Honourable East India Company's Botanic Garden at Saharunpore. Communicated by Dr. Royle, F.R.S. & L.S. This interesting plant, the root of which, under the name of koot, forms an important article of Cashmeer commerce, is considered by Dr. Falconer as identical with the long-disputed Cosius of the an- cients, and his opinion appears to be borne out by the accordance of the root with the description given by Dioscorides, by the striking analogy of the Arabian synonym koost to its Greek and Cashmeer appellations, and also by the commercial history of the drug. The roots, which are possessed of a strong aromatic and pun- gent odour, are collected in large quantities, principally for export- ation to China, where they are held in high repute, as an aphrodisiac, and are also burnt as incense in the temples. ITie quantity annu- ally collected varies from 10,000 to 12,000 khurwars (of 96 seers, or 192 lbs.,) or about 2,000,000 lbs. weight. At Canton the price per cwt. is 21. 7s. 5c?., while the cost at the depot in Cashmeer is only 25. 4d. The plant is not held in much repute as a medicine by the Cash- meerians, who are only astonished at the estimation in which it is held in other countries ; nor do they apply it to any other use than that of protecting bales of shawls from the attacks of moths : por- tions of the stem are, however, suspended from the necks of children to avert the " evil eye," and to expel worms. The plant is regarded by Dr. Falconer as constituting the type of a new genus of Cynarea, which he has named in compliment to the present Governor- General of India ; and as it was discovered during 1840.] Linnean Society, 81 a journey in Cashmeer, commenced under Lord Auckland's auspices, and yields a valuable product, he regards the name as peculiarly appropriate. The Aucklandia is a gregarious plant, growing in great abundance on the moist open slopes of the mountains which sur- round the valley of Cashmeer, at an elevation of from 8000 to 9000 feet above the level of the sea, but like some other plants of that re- gion, it is extremely local, being confined to the immediate vicinity of the valley. The genus is nearly related to Saussurea, and is stated to be cliiefly distinguished by the rays of its feathery pappus being disposed in two rows, and cohering by twos or threes at the base, llie following is the author's character of the genus: AUCKLANDIA. Capitulum homogamum. Antherarum catida lanato-plumosae. Pappi setacei lamellce biseriales, plumosae, basi ternatim quaternatimve co- haerentes, in annulum deciduum concretae. Achenium glabrum. Herba orgyalis, radice perenni ramosd crassd, caule erecto simplici sulcata glabra folioso^ foliis sublyratis margine setaceo-dentatis suprh glabris atrovirentibus subtus glaucescentibus vents puberulis, capituUs numerosis terminalibus aggregalisj floribus atropurpureis. Sp. A. Costus. December 1. Mr. Forster, V.P., in the Chair. Mr. Gould, F.L.S., exhibited a specimen of a nondescript Lizard from New Holland, remarkable for the extreme aculeation of its scales. Mr. William Cumming presented specimens of Lagurus ovatus, Briza maxima, and Mentha crispa, which he stated that he had gathered in the vicinity of Saffron Walden, Essex. Read, *' On a White Incrustation on Stones, from the bed of the river Annan." By Edwin Lankester, M.D., F.L.S. During a short stay which the author made last summer on the banks of the Annan, in Dumfries-shire, his attention was arrested by the appearance of the stones on the banks of the river. Wherever a mass of gravel was exposed to the air, the surface of the stones appeared covered with a white incrustation, as if they had been white-washed. This appearance was more or less general on all- No. X. — Proceedings of the Linnean Socibtt. 82 Linnean Society, [Dec. 1, the exposed banks, but was most evident on the stones nearest the water's edge. On examining the stones with a pocket-lens, their surface appeared covered with acicular crystals, and hence it was at first concluded that the incrustation arose from the crystalliza- tion of some salt abounding in the waters. On procuring, however, some stones from the water itself, they presented on their surfaces the filaments of a minute conferva, which appeared to be the source of the white crust ; but as the existence of the conferva would not €xplain the crystalline appearance, it was examined under the micro- scope, and was found to proceed from minute acicular bodies about j^^yth of an inch long and go\jQ th of an inch broad, which were most of them arranged in a stellate form, although many were scattered in all directions. Running under the whole were the filaments of a minute conferva, on which the acicular bodies rested. In Greville's Scottish Cryptogamic Flora, similar bodies are re- ferred to the genus Exilaria, but Dr. Lankester describes the stellate arrangement of the aciculae as giving to those examined by him a different character from E.fasciculata. Hooker, in his continuation of .Smith's 'English Flora,' has placed Greville's name as a synonym of Diatoma truncatum, from which D. fasciculatum is believed not to be distinct. In Ehrenberg's work on the Infusoria, these bodies are figured and described (p. 11. tab. xvii.) as Polygastric animalcules of the family Bacillarice. The genus to which they belong is Synedra, and the species which they most closely resemble is the Synedra Ulna, which is characterized by being striated, with linear corpuscles, straight, truncated at the sides, flat on the back and belly, with the apex a little dilated as the individuals become aged. The bodies from the Annan are not striated, nor are their ends dilated, although they appear to be full-grown. The siliceous skeletons in which these little animals are invested account for their white appearance. Al- though similar bodies have been often described both as plants and animals, the author believes that no notice has been taken of their producing the phsenomenon here described. Read also, " Observations on the GenUs Derbe of Fabricius." By John O. Westwood, Esq., F.L.S. After noticing the recent memoirs by Messrs. Percheron and Boheman on this little-known Fabrician genus, and its very close relationship to Otiocerus and Anotia of Kirby, the author states that the Fabrician type of the genus, D. hcBmorrhoidalis, is quite distinct from the group described as such by the two first-mentioned authors. 1840.] Linncan Society. 83 He accordingly restricts the generic name Derbe to the typical spe- cies, with the following characters : Derbe. Rostrum ad medium abdominis extensum, articulo apicali minute. Antennae breviores. Oculi subrotundati. Alae longiores, angustiores*, costA anticarum ante apicem incisA, venis numerosis, longitudinalibus, in medio venis transversis conjunctis, medianft ramos lOlongitudinales emittente ; alae postica} vend postcostali 4-fidil. In addition to the typical species and D. nervosa, Klug. Burm., the author adds the two following species to the typical group ; 1. D. semistriata, luteo-fulva ; alls pallidis costft magis fulvescenti venis nigricantibus strigisque tenuibus fuscis inter venas (nisi in cellulis api- calibus) dispositis. Expans. alar. lin. I6i. Brasilia. Mus. Westw. 2. D. strigipennis, pallid^ fusco-lutea ; thoracis dorso carinaque faciei, sanguineis, alarum venis fuscis, strigis tenuibus fuscescentibus inter venas omnes ad apicem alarum carentibus, pedibus albidis. Expans. alar. lin. 14. BrasiUa. Mus. Westw. Mysidia. Rostrum ultra pedes posticos baud cxtensum. Antennae me- diocres. Oculi rotundati. Alae breviores, latiores, pulverosae ; anticae integrae, venis paucioribus, ven^ mediana ramos tres emittente, ramo medio bifido ; posticae vena postcostali biRdd aut trifida. The variation in the position and number of the veins of the wings affording a character of primary importance for distinguish- ing the preceding groups, the author has at some length entered into an examination of their normal state and direction, and the manner in which they become modified. The following species are referred to this subgenus : Derbe pallida. Fab., (described and figured by Percheron from the Copenhagen Cabinet as the type of the genus,) D. squamigera. Fab., D. costalis. Fab., and probably D. punctum, Fab., D. testacea, Fab., and D. nivea. Fab., as well as the following new species : M. albipennis, parva, tenera; alis albis, anticis puncto parvo ante me- dium costoe punctis nonnuUis ad marginem internum venis trans- versis punctoque ante apicem nigris, lunulis parvis marginalibus fuscis. Expans. alar. lin. 8. Vera Cruz. Mus. Westw. M. lactifora, luteo-albida ; vertice collarisque margme antico parum sanguineis, hujus margine postico margineque postico tegularum albis, alis albis margine antico lutescente versus basin maculis tribus parvis macul&que majori ante apicem nigris. Expans. alar. lin. 12|. Brasilia. Mus. Westw. M. subfasciata, alba ; alis fusco transversa nebulosis puncto ante apicem nigro ad basin areae parvae triangularis subapicalis, venis 4 transversis obscuris. Brasilia. Mus. D. Burchell, et Soc. Zool. Lend. 84 Linnean Society, [Dec. 1, Ltdda. Rostrum brevius. Antennae breves. Aire anticse valde elongatae, apice rotundatae, directione venavum anonialu ; rcgione veiise mediance minimH, aut potius ejus i"ami in venae postcostalis ramos transformati. The type of this subgenus is Derbe elongata. Fab., from New Holland, in the cabinet of the Linnean Society. Zeugma. Rostrum ultra basin pedum posticorum extensum. Antennae rotundatae. Ocelli obsoleti ? Protliorax lateribus pro antennarum re- ceptione concavo-dilatatis. Alae anticae oblongp-ovatae, apice subtrun- catae, venis numerosis longitudinalibus; ven& postcostali ramos 8 postice, medianfi, tantvlm tres emittente. This subgenus is stated to be intermediate between Derbe and Thracia on the one hand, and Mysidia on the other. The only spe- cies is Z. vittafa, fulva ; alis anticis flavidis vitta lata media apicem versus deflexa alteraque posticS, parallela apice vitta abbreviata fasciaque tenui transversa fuscis. In Mus. Soc. Linn. Thracia. Rostrum pectore longius. Antennae capite fer^ duplo longi- ores. Oculi orbiculati. Ocelli nulli ? Alae anticae longissimae, angustae, apice truncatae, venis 12 longitudinalibus inter angulum apicalem et regionem analem. This subgenus is proposed for the two African species, D, sinuosa and D. nervosa, described by Boheman, and considered by him as constituting the first section of the genus. Notwithstanding the difference of its geographical range, the author adds the following species from Java, which agrees with the other two in all the sub- generic characters : T, javanica, fulva ; abdomine obscuriore vitt^ centrali pallidiori, alis pallida liyalinis anticis fasciA lata costali fusca. Java. D. Horsfield. In Mus. Soc. Mercat. Ind. Phenice. Rostrum pectore vix longius. Antennae capite manifeste bre- viores. Oculi oblongi, vel obovati, distincte emarginati. Ocelli di- stincti. Alae anticcE quam in Thracia breviores, apice subrotundatae, venis fer^ ut in Mysidid dispositis, 12 longitudinalibus inter angulum apicalem et regionem analem. This subgenus is proposed for the three African species, Z). fritil- larisyfasciolata, and stellulata, described by Boheman, and forming his second section of Derbe. After reviewing the characters of the preceding subgenera, the author expresses the opinion that Otiocerus (including Hypnis, Burm.) and Anotia of Kirby, must also be considered as subgenera of equal rank with the precedmg ; that Anotia coccinea, Guer. Icon. 1840.] Linnean Society, 85 R. An. MS. pi. 58, f. 3, forms another subgenus ; and that the two following groups also constitute two other subgenera of Derbe : Patara. Rostrum ad basin pedum posticorum extensum. Oculi maximi, subtiis emarginati. Ocelli obnoleti. Antennae maximae, compressae, verrucosae, apice subtruncato et setigero. Alae anticae longitudine mediocres, apice rotundatae, venis paucis cellulisque tribus discoidali- bus. P. guttata, capite tboraceque fulvis, alia anticis griseo-fuscis margine albo- guttatis. Insula S»' Vincentii. D. Guilding. Mus. D. Hope. P. albiduy luteo-albida; antennis nigricantibus, alis anticis albis farinosis apicem versus fuscescenti-tinctis, guttis albis sanguineisque omatis. Insula S** Vincentii. D. Guilding. Mus. D. Hope. Cenchrea, Frons pariim producta. Oculi magni, emarginati. Ocelli 2. Antennae minutae, articulo 2do brevi subrotundato. Prothorax latus, lateribus pro receptione antennarum concavo-dilatatis. Alae anticae elongatae, angulo antico apicali valde obtuso, venis perpaucis longi- tudinalibus. C. dorsalisj pallide testaceo-fulva ; alis anticis flavescentibus margine interno fuscis apice punctis duobus purpureis. Insula S*' Vincentii. D. Guilding. Mus. D. Hope. The species above described, together with their structural cha- racters, and especially the variations in the direction of the veins of the wings, were illustrated by numerous magnified figures. December 15. Mr. Forster, V.P., in the Chair. The Rev. William Cuthbert, D.D., and William Griffith, Esq., of the Hon. East India Company's Medical Service, were elected Fellows. Read, an ** Account of two new Genera of Plants, allied to Ola- cinea,*' By George Bentham, Esq., F.L.S. The two new genera on which this paper is founded are Pogope- talum, Benth., collected by Mr. Schomburgk in British Guiana ; and Ajiodytes, named but not described by Prof. Ernst Meyer, among the South African plants collected by Dr^ge. A third genus, LerC' tia of Vellozo, figured in the * Flora Fluminensis/ is also character- ized for the first time. After noticing the opinions of various authors as to the afiinitiea 86 (Annean Society. [Dec. 15, of Olacineee, and enumerating the genera hitherto referred to that family, Mr. Bentham enters into a detailed examination of its cha- racters and of their modifications in the different genera, the most important of which he condenses into the following character of the Order. Ord. OLACINEiE. Calyx pai-vus, liber v. basi adnatus, trimcatus v. denticulatus, fntctifer persistens immutatus v. auctus. Corolla petala 4, 5, v. 6 hypogyna v, subperigyna, subcoriacea, sestivatione valvata, libera v. per paria con- nexa v. basi in tubum coalita. Stamina definita, cum petalis inserta, iis coalita v. libera, numero petalorum dupla v. sequalia fertilia rariue asymmetrica, alterna ssepe sterilia difFormia. AnthercB introrsae, bilo- culares, loculis rima longitudinali dehiscentibus. Ovarium toro nunc parvo, nunc incrassato et interdum cum calyce concrete insidens, l-]o- culare (nunc spurie et incomplete 3 — 4-loculare) v. rarius excentric^ 3- loculare. Ovula in loculo 2, 3 v. 4 collateralia, rarius solitaria, ab apice placentae liberae v. ovario v. dissepiinentis spuriis connatse pendula, ana- tropa. Stylus erectus, simplex, stigmate nunc truncato tenui, nunc incrassato 2 — 3 — 4-lobo. Drupa calyce immutato stipata v. ampliato cincta, velata v. adnata, pericarpio tenui camoso v. exsucco, putamine crustaceo v. osseo, abortu 1-spermo, rarius 2 — 3-spermo. Semen in- versum, v. ssepius placenta cum illo a basi concreta spuria erectum, umbilico lato basilari affixum. Embryo in axi albuminis copiosi carnosi, rectus, apici fructils proximus, nunc brevissimus, rarius dimidio albu- minis longior; radicula apicem fructus spectante brevissima, cotyledo- nibus semiteretibus, plumula inconspicua. Arhores v. frutices erecti V. interdum scandentes, inermes v. ramis axiilaribus spinescentibus ar- mati, glabri V. parce pubescentes. Folia alterna, simplicia, integerrima, exstipulata, glandulosa. Flores hermaphroditi, v. abortu polygami, nunc axillares distincte v. irregulariter racemosi, spicati v. cymosi, nunc terminales cymoso-paniculati, rarius solitarii laterales v. axillares. Brae- tecB squamaeformes, saepiiis minutae, rarius juniores imbricatae. Brac- teolcE parvae in cupulam connatae v. nullae. Mr. Bentham distinguishes three tribes characterized as follows : Trib. 1. Olace^. Ovarium basi dissepimentis spuriis (rarius evanidis) 3 — 4-loculare, apice 1-loculare, placenta centrali dissepimentis spuriis basi adhaerente superne liber^. Ovula tot quot loculi spurii ex apice placentae pendula. Semen erectum. Injlorescentia axillaris, raceniosa, racemis rarius ad florem unicum reductis. Trib. II. OpiLiEiE. Ovarium a basi 1-loculare. Ovulum (saltem per an- thesin) unicum, minimum, ab apice placentae liberae centralis pendu- lum. Stylus centricus. Semen erectun\. Inflorescentia axillaris, ra- ceniosa. Trib. III. IcAciNEJE. Ovarium a basi 1-loculare, v. cxcentrice ct complete .1840.] Linnean Society, S7 3-locu1are. Ovula in quoque loculo duo, ab apice placentae hinc ovario adnatac collateralitcr alfixa, pendula, in loculo superposita, placent4 al- iexk elongate. Stylus excentricus. Semen pendulum. Injlorescenlia cymosa, axillaris v. tcrminalis. To the first tribe Mr. Bentham refers Heisteria, L., Ximenia, L., Oiax, L. (including Spcrmaxyrum, Labill., and Fissilia, Comm.), and Schapfia, L. ; to the second, Opilia, lloxb. (including Groutia, Guill.), and Cansjera, Lam. ; and to the third, Gomphandra, Wall., Icacina, A. Juss., Apodytes, Leretia and Pogopetalum. He considers Schapfia to be far removed from Loranthacea by the structure of its ovary, vihile it differs from Symplocos in the estiva- tion of its corolla and the incomplete division of its ovary, — two points in which it agrees remarkably with Olax and Ximenia, He describes the greater part of its ovary as well as the margin of its calyx as free, and states that an adherence almost as complete exists in some species of Olax. The gamopetalous corolla he regards as a character of little consequence in orders where the JEstivation is val- vate, and as existing to a considerable degree in Olax itself. In Schcepfia the stamens are more closely adherent to the corolla, but the filaments are filiform and prominent from the base of the latter, and are not confounded with its substance. He states Cansjera to differ from Thymelea, to which it is usually- referred, in the nature of the floral envelopes, in the position of the stamens, and in the structure of the ovary and of the fruit ; and adds, that in all these points it agrees with Opilia, from which it differs only in the adherence of its petals. The genera Apodytes, Leretia and Pogopetalum €ire characterized as follows : APODYTES. Flares hermaphroditi. Calyx parvus, immutatns. Petala 4, 5. Stamina totidem, iis alterna, sterilia nulla. Ovarium 1-loculare. Fritctus ovato- reniformis, subcompressus, hinc appendice carnosS auctus. Inflores- centia tcrminalis. LERETIA. Flares hermaphroditi, v. abortu masculi. Calyx parvus, immutatus. /V- iala 5, int^s villosa. Stamina totidem, iis alterna, sterilia nulla. Ova- rium 1 -loculare. Fructus (ex icone Fl. Flum.) depresso-globosus. /w/fo- rescentia axillaris, laxa. POGOPETALUM. Flares hermaphroditi. Calyx parvus (fructifer par^m auctus?). Petala 4, 5, intus villosa. Stamina totidem, iis alterna, sterilia nulla. Ova- rium 3-loculare. Fructus depresso-globosus ? Injlorescenlia axillaris, densa. 88 Linnean Society, [Dec. 15, Of the latter genus two species are characterized : P. orhiculatutn, foliis ovato-orbiculatis obtiisissimis subtils ramulisque in- canis, ovario hispido. — A shrub ten or twelve feet in height, found in dry Savannahs on the Padawire River, Schomhurgk. P. acuminatum, foliis ovatis oblongisve acuminatis subtiis vix pallidioribus, ovario glabro. — A tree of about thirty feet high, growing on the high banks of the Rio Negro, Schomhurgk, n. 970. Mr. Bentham suggests that the three tribes above characterized may perhaps, when better known, be considered as distinct orders. He thinks, however, that the species of Olax in which the dissepi- ments of the ovary are almost entirely obliterated form a transition to Opilie(E ; that Gomphandra connects Opiliecs with IcacinecB ; and that Pogopetalum is in many respects equally allied to Olacece and to Jcacinea. He states that OlacecB approach most nearly to the poly- petalous orders with which Olacinece have been compared ; but he cannot admit of the supposed affinity between them and Aurantiaceee. Humiriacecc are, he thinks, among Dichlamydeous plants, those which come nearest to Olacinece ; and he considers Stgraceee (including Symplocece and Halesiacea of Don) to be very near both to Humi- riacea and Olacinea. Cornea and some other albuminous orders have also, in his opinion, some relation to them, but much more distant. He considers the nearest approach to Santalaceee to occur in the tribe Opiliece, where the calyx is reduced to little more than a dila- tation of the torus ; and if it be admitted that there are true Santa- laceous genera with a superior ovary, and if he is right in supposing that, in the young buds of Opilia and Cansjera, there is more than one ovule, these two genera become so nearly intermediate, in his opi- nion, between OlacecE and Santalacece, as to have nearly as much claim to be associated with the latter as with the former. Lastly, he states that Icacinece recede from the two other tribes in the adherence of the placenta to one angle of the ovarium, and in the seed being consequently pendulous and not erect; a circumstance which would have led him to propose it as a distinct order, were it not for the remarkable resemblance in the floral parts to some true Olacineous genera, and the absence of any other distinctive character of importance. In the notes to the paper Mr. Bentham characterizes several un- described species of Olax in the following terms ; 0. nana (Wall. Cat. Herb. Ind. n. 6783.) sufFruticosa ? glabriuscula, ra- mis erectis parc^ ramosis, foliis subsessilibus oblongis lanceolatisve ob- 1840.] Linnean Society. 89 tusis vix mucronulatis, pedicellis axillaribus solitariis l-floris, calyce libero, staminibus sterilibus bifidis. — Napalia ? Wallich. O. acuminata (Wall. /. c. n. 6781.), fruticosa scandens ? glabra, ramis an- gulatis, foliis ovato-lanceolatis acuminatis, racemis brevibus distichis paucifloris, calyce toro incrassato basi breviter adnato, staminibus ste- rilibus bifidis. — Sillet, Wallich. O. macrophylla, glaberrima, foliis ovato-lanceolatis acuminatis inaequila- teris, racemis axillaribus brevibus distichis, calycibus glabris ovarii basi adnatis : margine libero truncato, staminibus sterilibus integris v. vix emarginatis, ovario glabro. — In Monte Padawan Guianae Anglicse, Schomhurgk. O. paucijlora, foliis ovatis junioribus ramulis pedicellisque puberulis, pe- dunculis axillaribus 1 — S-floris, calycibus molliter pubescentibus ovarii basi adnatis : margine libero brevissimo truncato, staminibus sterilibus longe bifidis, ovario villoso. — Serra Acurua Provincire Bahiensis Bra- ailiae ; Blanchetf n. 2795. — An hue Dulacia singulariSf Veil. Fl. Flum. ? January 19, 1841. Mr. Forster, V.P., in the Chair. John MacClelland, Esq., of the Hon. East India Company's Me- dical Service, was elected a Fellow ; and Mr. F. Westcott, of Bir- mingham, an Associate of the Society. Mr. Mann, F.L.S., exhibited a specimen of Sedum Telephium, which had been preserved for two years in his Herbarium, and still continued to send forth buds. Mr. Babington, F.L.S., exhibited some Fir-cones taken from be- neath about ten feet of solid peat at Burrishoole, near Newport, co. Mayo, where they were accompanied by nuts of Corylus Avellana. He stated that the trees in that part of Ireland had all been de- stroyed for about 200 years, and that no individuals of either species now occur within very many miles, except a few planted of late years and far from this locality. Professor Don remarked, that the Cones differed from either of the varieties of Pinus sylvestris at pre- sent found in Scotland ; and that they so entirely resembled those of the alpine form of that species, figured by Jacquin under the name of Pinus Mughus, as to leave but little doubt of their identity. He added, that he regarded Pinus Pumilio as only another form of the same species. No. XI.— Proceedings of the Linnean Society. 90 Linnean Society, [Jan. 19, Read, ** A Description of a new genus of Linea." By Charles Cardale Babington, Esq., M.A., F.L.S. This genus, which Mr. Babington regards as assisting to establish more fully the relationship of Linea to Malvaceee, is stated to differ from the usual structure of Linea by its imbricated and not contorted petals, which are also not unguiculate, although slightly attenuated below, and by the remarkably thick coats of its one-seeded, perfectly closed carpels. Its essential character is given as follows ; CLIOCOCCA. Sepala 5, integra. Petala 5, in aestivatione imbricata. Stamina 5. Cap- sula 10-locularis; lociilis clausis indehiscentibus. The plant on which the genus is founded was raised in the Cam- bridge Botanic Garden from seeds gathered in the interior of New South Wales by Mr. Melluish, and has flowered there during three successive years. Read also, " Extracts of Letters from Wm. Griffith, Esq., F.L.S., to R. H. Solly, Esq., F.L.S." In the first of these letters, dated from Olipore, April 8th, 1840, Mr. Griffith states that he had recently examined two species of Ephedra, and had no doubt that the ovulum is, as described by Mr. Brown, naked. The first of these species has a very siliceous stem," without stomata, unless certain discs blocked up with some hard matter (silex }) are to be so considered ; which he believes to be the correct view, inasmuch as the other species, which has no siliceous deposit, has stomata of the ordinary structure arranged in a similar manner. He had also examined the ovaria of some Orchideous plants, in which he found, in conformity with Mr. Brown's obsei*vations, that the cords sent down to the placentae and subdividing into branches, one of which passes on each side of each placenta, do not exist before impregnation. He adds, that the size of the cords is certainly in proportion to the degree of solution of the pollinia by the stigmatic action. In another letter, dated April 23rd, Mr. Griffith describes the ovule of the outer cell of Callipeltis ? (that of the inner being always abortive) as deriving its membranous covering from the inner layer of the ovEirium. The ovulum itself he states to be reduced to its nucleus, but otherwise exactly to resemble those ovula which have their foramen near the hilum. The same structure, he adds, exists in the two species of Galium found in the neighbourhood ; the seed 1841.] Linnean Society. 91 having no proper covering except the albumen and embryonary sac, its proper coat adhering intimately with the free inner layer of the ovary, and this again adhering slightly with the calycine layer of that organ. In another letter, dated from Cabul, July 23rd, 1840, Mr. Griffith alludes to the mode of attachment of Cuscuta and Orobanche. Cuscuta, he says, differs in this respect but little from Loranthus : the suckers stop at the first completely-formed wood, and never penetrate further, and both the cortical and ligneous systems pass into the stock. In Orobanche, which, however, he has only slightly examined, the attachment seems to him to be made only by a bundle of ducts derived from the outer part of the central system, which spread out into a disc over the surface of the first completely-formed wood they meet. He states the Cuscuta examined to be a gigantic species in extent, infesting willows, poplars, a species of Elaagnus and the Alhagi Maurorum. It also preys, he says, extensively on itself ; and one of its intricate masses, half covering a willow-tree twenty or thirty feet high, presents a remarkable spectacle. February 2. Mr. Forster, V.P., in the Chair. Addresses of Congratulation to Her Majesty and to His Royal Highness Prince Albert, on Her Majesty's safe delivery of a Princess, were read and agreed to. Read a paper " On a peculiar kind of Organs existing in the Pitcher of Nepenthes distillatoria." By Prof. Don, Libr. L.S. These organs, named by Prof. Don ' clathrophores,' occupy the lower half of the inside of the pitcher, and have been described by Treviranus, Meyen and Korthals. Doubts still exist as to their precise function ; but it appears to him probable either that they are the mouths by which the fluid is poured out into the pitcher, or that they are connected with the function of respiration. He thinks with M. Morren that the pitcher originates from the lamina of the leaf, the margins of which become united at an early period ; while he regards the operculum as formed upon the plan of the cucullate sepal and petals of Aconitum, and derived from the apex 95. Linnean Society, [Feb. 2, of the leaf. He regards the pitchers of Sarracenia as formed upon the same principle ; but compares those of Cephalotus to the labellum of Cypripedium, the modified leaf being produced anteriorly into a pouch, and the operculum being posterior, and not anterior, as in Nepenthes. The cuticle of the upper surface of the expanded part of the pe- tiole of Nepenthes distillatoria is described as destitute of stomata; that of the under surface as being furnished with numerous oval, or nearly orbicular stomata, composed of two semicircular cellules with rectilinear faces. That of the outer surface of the pitcher is also without stomata, but covered, especially in the young state, with long subulate hairs, frequently dichotomous, or furnished with a spur- like process at their base. The outer surface of the operculum is sparingly furnished with stomata, and clothed with hairs which are frequently branched and fasciculate ; the inner has no stomata, but is furnished with clathrophores and clothed with hairs, which are often fasciculate, but mostly simple. In Sarracenia purpurea the cuticle of the pitchers is described as consisting of sinuously-lobed and somewhat stelliform cellules, with numerous small, oval, closed stomata. The fibrous bundles are stated to be composed entirely of long pleurenchyma, the paren- chyma adjacent to which consists of beautiful spiral cellules. The hairs of the inner surface of the operculum are simple, hollow, re- flexed, subulate, and marked with numerous longitudinal parallel lines or striae ; they proceed from a somewhat elevated base. In the pitchers of Cephalotus the stomata are large, oval and closed ; the spiral vessels smaller than in Nepenthes, and containing only a single fibre ; and the hairs which form the fringed border are simple, ob- tuse and transparent. Read also " A Descriptive Catalogue of the Graminea and Cype- racecE contained in the Indian Herbarium of Dr. Royle." By C. G. Nees von Esenbeck, F.M.L.S., President of the Imperial Leopoldino- Caroline Academy Naturae Curiosorum. The following are the characters of the new genera described in this paper. Trib. S.\CCHARINEiE. Leptatherum, Nees. Spkulce in rachi ad articulos barba cinct& geminae, homogamae, hemio- logamse, altera sessili, alter^ pedicellata, utrdque setigera. Glumsubulat& bidentata quandoque nuWk. LodiculcB latae, membranaceae, truncatae, dentatae, plicatae, in semicirculo singulse singulum floris latus ambientes. Stamina 3. Stig- mata villosa. Styli discreti. Spicula pedicellata angustior, subuniglu- mis. Gluma plana acuta nervosa, margine subtiliiis serrulata ; superior gluma et flosculi rudimentum minuta, rotundata, squamiformia. Injlo- rescentia : Spica parc^ dichotoma, ad genicula magis miniisve barbata. Pedicelli spicularum sterilium ciliati. — Gramina repentia, ramosa, foliis brevibus amplexicaulibus. Stipules membranaceae, exsertae. B. micanSf Nees. APOCOPIS, Nees. Spicules in racbi angusti barbulat& subgeminae muticae, alterii rudimen- tali pedicellari, alter^ polygamy sessili. Glumes truncatae ; inferior lata, plana, obovato-conica, coriaceo-chartacea, 8 — 9-nervis, laevis, apice minute bidentata et inter denticulos subciliolata, basin versus firmior et colorata ; superior ovata, apice angustior denticulataque, chartacea, marginibus inflexa, laevis, quinquenervis. Flosculi 2, membranacei, bivalves, mutici ; inferior masculus valvulis sequalibus, apice tnmcatis denticulatis, dentibus aliquot magis distantibus. Stamina 3, antheris angustis, fulvis. Lodicules exilissimae, quandoque omnin6 nullae quan- doque denticuliformes acutae. Flosculus superior hermapbroditus, vel potii^s hermapbrodito-femineus. Falvula inferior pauld firmior reliquis et colorata, apice truncato-bi-tri-denticulato ; superior brevior, latiiis truncata, ciliolato-denticulata. Lodicules nullw, aut forsan, ut in mas- culo, exilissimae. Stamina 3, eo tempore quo flosculi masculi stamina 94 Linnean Society, [Feb. 2, antheris perfectissimis lilamentisque nondum elongatis intra valvulas adhuc latent, ^aw maxim^ extenuatis filamentis antheris autem nuUis residuis extra valvulas prominentibus, conspicua. Ovarium lanceola- tum, in stylum simplicem, mox bifiduni, transiens. Stigmata longa, linearia, brevi-villosa. Spiculee neutrius vestigia produntur pedicello, spiculse fertili adjecto, ciliato, mutilo. Jnflorescentia : Spica bifida aut geminata ; articulis trigonis ciliato-hirsutis ad genicula longius barbu- latis. — Gramen tenerum, gracile, ramosum. Nodi glabri. Vagina arctae. Folia plana, lineari-acuta. A. Royleanus, Nees. Trib. STIPEiE. Orthoraphium, Nees. SpicultB uniflorae. Glumce duse convexae, chartaceo-membranaceae, plu- rinerves. Flosculm collo barbato hinc depresso-plano insertus, bival- vis, chartaceus. Valvula inferior plurinervis, convoluta, apice attenuata in subulam continuam non articulatam neque contortam ; superior brevior, binervis, dorso convexa. LodiculcB 3, membranacese ; duae anteriores lanceolatae, ovarium aequantes, basi callo insertae ; posterior lanceolato -linearis, ovario dupld longior. Stamina 3, antherae flavae, apice barbatae aut nudae. Ovarium sessile, apice calloso-incrassatum. Styli breves, basi contigui. Stigmata plumosa. Caryopsis libera. Tn- Jlorescentia : Panicula angusta, ramis paucifloris. — Gramina foliis an- gustis rigidis, cauda aristaeformi spicularum mediocri rigidula scabra. 0. Boylei, Nees. Trib. CHLORIDES. Melanocenchris, Nees. Spicule sesquiflorae aut subtriflorae, flosculo extremo rudimentali, in rachi propria brevi alternae quidem, sed ade6 approximatae ut capitu- lum involucratum exhibeant ; superiores rachillae imperfectae. Glumes in infimis duae, aequales, in superioribus quandoque in omnibus una (supera), bracteaeformes, subulatae, rigidae, hirsutae, flosculis longiores, basi membranaceo-marginatse. Flosculi perfecti duo, ubi gluma sin- gula residet quasi axillares in angulo glumae et rachillae ; quorum alter rachillae propior, hermaphroditus, perfectus, sessilis ; alter masculus vel neuter pedicellatus ; tertius, ubi adest, rudimentalis, clavatus, nudo pedicello seu rachillae apice indicatus. Valvulce duae, membranaceo- herbaceae ; inferior trinervis, apice bifida, laciniis aequalibus lineari-subu- latis, vel bifida cum seta interjectgl; superior aequfe longa, plana, biner- vis, apice bifida. Flosculus superior conformis, sed minor. LodiculcB breves, subquadraiae, bidentatae, glabrae. Stamina 3. Antherce luteae. Ovarium oblongum, compressum, Igeve, truncatulum. Styli longi, late discreti, filiformes. Stigmata angusta, dissit^ brevi-puberula. Caryop- sis libera. Injlorescentia : Spicce partiales, forma involucrorum Cen- chri aut Penniseti, in rachi communi flexuos& alternae, secundae, paucae, nutantes racemulum exhibent. — Gramina perennia, parva, polyphylla, 1841.] Linnean Society, 95 ramosa. Folia brevia, rigidula. Ligula nulla. Racemu$ exiiertus, gracilis, secundus, laxus. Seta flosculorum coloratae. 1. M. Royleana, Nees. 2. M. Rothianay Nees. Pomereulla monoica, Roth, Trib. FESTUCEiE. PLAGIOLYTRUM, Nees. Spicula multiflora. Glumce duae, spicule breviores ; inferior minor am- plectens, oblique acutata, altero latere subpraemorsa ; superior biden- tata, ct inter dentes brevi-subulata, subuU denies aequante, e nervi dorsalis geminati apice unito ortd. Flosculi in axi gracili ad genicula barbulata imbricati, bivalves. Valtmla inferior ovata, lateribua incur- va, herbacea, trinervis, apice bilaciniata laciniis muticis, setis tribus strictis, e nervo medio duobusque lateralibus proficiscentibus inteijectis ; superior oblonga, magis membranacea, sursum plana, in apice obtusi- usculo bifida, inferiiis convoluta, referens fiosculum ligulatum S)man- thereae, subquadrinervis, nervis duobus marginibus proximis distinctis, mediis obsoletis. Lodiculee 2, coloratae, conicae, truncatae, glabrae, angustae. Stamina 2 (?). Filamenta capillaria. Ovarium cylindricum, glabrum. Styli filiformes, distantes. Stigmata laxe villosa. Caryopsis elongato-cylindrica, compressiuscula, truncato-bidenticulata. Infio- rescentia : Spica simplex, disticho-subsecunda. — Gr amino erecta, foliis angustis, liguIsL brevi. 1. P. calycinum, Nees. Dineba calycina, Hb. Wight. 2. P.JHiforme, Nees. 3. P. unidentatum, Nees. Many new species belonging to genera previously established are also characterized and described. February 16. The Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. The Most Hon. Spencer Joshua Alwjrne, Marquis of Northamp- ton, President of the Royal Society, was elected a Fellow ; and Mr. George Gordon an Associate. Read "Observations on some new or little -known species of Polyparia, found in the supercretaceous strata of Italy." By Signer Giovanni Michelotti of Turin. 96 Linnean Society, [March 2, March 2. Mr. Forster, V.P., in the Chair. Read a " Description of a new genus of Plants from Brazil." By John Miers, Esq., F.L.S. The following are the characters of the new genus described ; — TRIURIS. Flores dioici. Perianthii foliola 3, obovata, infra apicem processu longo instructa. $ Anther a 3? sessiles, loculis disjunctis, imo androphoro magno carnoso centrali insertae. ? Pistilla numerosissima, aggregata, supera. Styli simplices, subulati. Fructus ignotus. — Planta pusilla hyal'ma, foliis paucis bractei/ormibtis. T. hyalina. Hah. in humidis Serra dos Orgaos Provincise Rio de Janeiro. Mr. Miers observed this minute plant only in a single locality, and was unable to find ripe fruit. He perceived, however, in each pistil- lukn what appeared to him to be a solitary ovule, but so minute and indistinct as to be evident only by the appearance of a darker oval form in the centre. He has consequently no positive evidence whether it is Monocotyledonous or Dicotyledonous ; but is induced by various considerations to refer it to the former class. He notices the points in which it appears to him to bear some resemblance to different Monocotyledonous families, and suggests that, as it cannot be distinctly referred to any of them, it may probably be taken as the t5rpe of a distinct order, holding a place between Burmanniacea and Fluviales. The processes which are noticed in the character as arising from below the apices of the divisions of the perianthium, are described as capillary tubes three times as long as the segments, within which they are coiled up during aestivation, their apices exhibiting at the apex of the bud three minute pore-like apertures open externally. Read also a " Note on the Preservation of Specimens of Natural History." By Hyde Clarke, Esq., F.L.S. Mr. Clarke suggests the application of Payne's apparatus for the preservation of animal substances for domestic purposes, to the pre- servation of objects of Natural History. The apparatus consists of an iron cylinder, in which the subject for preparation is placed, and the air-tight cover screwed down. The air is then exhausted by means of an air-pump, and when a sufficient exhaustion has been effected, a cock is opened communicating with a vessel containing 1841.] Linnean Society. 97 the antiseptic fluid, which, on being admitted, thoroughly pene- trates the object to be preserved, impregnating even the marrow of the bones. He adds, that the process is useful not only for the prevention of putrefaction, but also in arresting its progress, the gases generated during putrefaction being expelled from the re- ceiver along with the air, and their place supplied by the antiseptic. March 16. Mr. Brown, V.P.. in the Chair. Mr. William Kay was elected a Fellow of the Society. Read " On an edible Fungus from Tierra del Fuego, and an allied Chilian species." By the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, M.A., F.L.S. Mr. Berkeley describes these two species as constituting a new genus, which he characterizes as follows : — CYTTARIA. Receptacula carnoso-gelatinosa in stroma commune subglobosum, epider- mide crassiuscul^ vestitum, aggregata ; basi stipitiformi granulati. Cupula peripherica, primd clausa, gelatina distenta, demiim epidermide ruptA aperta. Hymenium, margine excepto, separabile. ^sci arapli, dem^m libcri, paraphysibus immixtis. Velum persistens, demiim ruptum, margine pl^s minus reflexo. Sporidia pallida. Genus Bulgaria affine, sed stroraate pulvinato ex variis individuis com- posito SphcBriam concentricam quodaramodo refercns, et hymenio sepa- rabili vald^ diversum. Certe ad seriem Pezizarum pertinet, perithecia spiirio non obstante. Confer Sphariam monocarpam, Schura. ad Pezi- zam rhizopodam a clar. Friesio ascriptam. Nomen dedi a xvrretfoe, ob superficiem fungi alveolatani. 1. C. Danoinii, vitellina globoso-depressa, cupulis parvis ore irregulari de- mum apertis. Ifab. in Pagum betuloidem in Tierra del Fuego, Dec.-Jun. 2. C. Berteroi, pallidior irregularis, basi subelongatft, cupulis majoribus ; ore pentagono ; margine fisso reflexo. Hab. in Chili in Fagum obliquam, vere et sestate. The first species is noticed by Mr. Darwin (from whom Mr. Berkeley obtained his specimens of both) at p. *29S of his ' Journal and Remarks,' forming the third vol. of the ' Narrative of the Voyages of the Adventure and Beagle' ; and Mr. Berkeley gives from Mr. Darwin's MS. notes a more detailed account of his observations made upon the spot. The second species is referred to in a post- No. XII. — PaocKKniNGs of the Linnbak Socibty. 98 Linnean Society. [March 16, humous list of the plants collected by Bertero (originally published in the * Mercurio Chileno/ and translated in Silliman's * North American Journal,' vol. xxiii. p. 78), as forming, perhaps, " a new genus approximating to the Spharite." A further account of this species also is extracted from Mr. Darwin's notes : it seems to be less eatable, and less frequently eaten than the first, which Mr. Darwin describes as forming a very essential article of food for the Fuegian. Read also a " Letter from Joseph Woods, Esq., F.L.S., to Mr. Kippist, on Crepis biennis and Barkhausia taraxacifolia." Mr. Woods is of opinion that the plant described by Sir James Smith in the * English Flora' and * English Botany,' by Sir W. J. Hooker in the ' British Flora,' by Mr. Babington in the Society's * Transactions,' vol. xvii. p. 456, and by Mr. Mackay in his ' Irish Flora,' as Crepis biennis, is in reality Barkhausia taraxacifolia, di- stinguished especially by the long beak of its achenia, while those of Crepis biennis are, in the words of Gaudin, " neutiquam attenuata." The stem of Crepis biennis is also less branched and more leafy than that of Barkhausia taraxacifolia, the latter rarely producing a leaf except where there is a branch. Mr. Woods adds, that it is almost certain that we have the two species in England, though the dif- ference has not been noticed. Crepis biennis grows in Kent and Surrey. In a "Note" appended to Mr. Woods's letter, Mr. Kippist states that the authentic Linnean specimens of Crepis biennis from Scania, although too young to have ripe seeds, appear to confirm Mr. Woods's idea, the pappus being quite sessile even in those most advanced, and the stem moderately branched in the upper part, and very leafy below. The two specimens in the Smithian Herbarium, one from Mr. Crowe's garden and the other from Mr. Rose's Herbarium, have the stem much branched, and the pappus apparently sessile, but the achenia are immature. The only developed specimen in Mr. Winch's herbarium is from Dartford in Kent, and has the pappus very decidedly stalked, the stem much branched in the upper part, and only a few scattered leaves in the lower, a branch being produced from the axilla of each cauline leaf with the exception of one or two of the lowermost. Other specimens, gathered near Cobham and Ramsgate, in the same county, and near Moulsey in Surrey, agree with Mr. Winch's plant in their stalked pappus and branched stem, and probably therefore 1841.] Linnean Society, 99 belong to Barkhausia taraxacifolia. Tlie only British specimens in the Society's possession that Mr. Kippist believes to be referrible with certainty to Crepis' biennis are two in the Hortus Siccus of Mr. Woodward, with ripe achenia and perfectly sessile pappus ; the habitats of the plants are not given, but in all probability they were gathered either in Suffolk or Norfolk. Read also an " Extract from a Letter to John Miers, Esq., F.L.S., from George Gardner, Esq.," dated Rio de Janeiro, Dec. 16, 1840, in which Mr. Gardner gives some account of his journeys in the in- terior of Brazil, and of the collections made by him subsequent to May last. April 6. Mr. Forster, V.P., in the Chair. Read, an Extract of a Letter from J. Bumham, Esq., to Hyde Clarke, Esq., F.L.S., on a supposed new British Juncus. Read also the commencement of " An Appendix or Supplement to a Treatise on the (Estri and Cuterebrce of various Animals." By Bracy Clark, Esq., F.L.S., Corresp. Memb. of the French Institute. April 20. Mr. Brown, V.P., in the Chair. John Branton, Esq., of Bush Hall, near Hatfield, Herts, was elected a Fellow. His Grace the Duke of Northumberland, F.L.S., sent for exhibi- tion a specimen of the fruit of Chrysophyllum monopyrenum, Sw., from his living collection at Syon House. W. Felkin, Esq., F.L.S., sent for exhibition specimens of Sea- Island Cotton grown in a cotton-mill situate in the centre of Man- chester, accompanied by a Notice of the circumstances under which the experiment was made. The details have been given in the Transactions of the British Association. 100 Linnean Society. [April 20, Read the conclusion of Mr. Bracy Clark's "Appendix or Supple- ment to a Treatise on the (Estri and Cuterebra of various Animals." The first memoir to which this paper is intended as an Appendix appeared in the third volume of the Linnean Transactions, published in 1796. This memoir was republished by the author with consi- derable additions in 1815, and a Supplement was added in the fol- lowing year. Since that period much has been published on the sub- ject, and Mr. Clark is desirous in consequence of making some ad- ditions and corrections to his former publications. After adding to and modifying some of the passages contained in them, he examines the validity of several species of the genus (Estrus proposed by writers. He suspects (E. Trompe of Modeer and (E. ericetorum of Leach to be severally the males of (E. Tarandi and (E. Bovis. He believes CE. Pecorum of Fabricius to be only a dark- coloured variety of (E. nasalis, L. {(E. veterinus, B. CI.) ; and is sa- tisfied by an examination of the original specimen, that Dr. Leach's (E. Clarkii is nothing more than a very light- coloured variety of the same species. He also regards (E. lineatus of Villars as synonjrmous with (E. Bovis. " Referring to Latreille's account of the genus in Cuvier's ' R^gne Animal,' he points out some omissions with regard to the habits and oeconomy of (E. Equi and CE. hemorrhoidalis, and objects to the statement that the eggs of the latter are deposited on the verge of the anus of the animal attacked. He strongly deprecates the opi- nion of Pallas and Latreille, that there exists a proper human (Estrus, which he regards as altogether founded in error ; and believes the larva figured in illustration of a supposed case of the kind published by Mr. Howship, to be that of (E. Bovis. Lastly, he describes three species, added to the genus (Estrus since the publication of his Treatise, viz. (E. pictus of Megerle, (E. Liby^ cus of Riippel, and (E. Clarkii of Shuckard. The following are the characters of the latter species, figures of which, and of (E. Libycus, accompany the paper. (E. Clarkii, cicrulescenti-fuscus, alis obscuris antice sinuatis basin versus atro-bipunctatis. Hob. ad Caput Bonae Spei. He adds also a description of a new species of his genus Cuterebra, with the foUowing characters : — C. fonlanella, thorace atro lateribus albis, abdomine violaceo: segmentis ultimis albis nigro-punctatis. Hob. in Illinois American Borealis, cuniculis praecipue infesta. 1841.] Linnean Society. 101 May 4. Mr. Brown, V.P., in the Chair. Dr. Carl Ernst von Baer, His Serene Highness Maximilian Prince of Wied-Neuwied, and Dr. Charles Bernhard Trinius, were elected Foreign Members. Read the commencement of " Remarks on some new or rare Spe- cies of Brazilian Plants." By Charles James Fox Bunbury, Esq., F.L.S. May 24. The Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. This day, the Anniversary of the birth-day of Linnaeus, and that appointed by the Charter for the Election of Council and Officers, the President opened the business of the Meeting, and stated the num- ber of Members whom the Society had lost during the past year. The following is a list of the Members who have died within that period, acccompanied with notices of some among them. Francis Bauer, Esq., F,R.S., 8fC., was bom at Feldsberg, in Austria, on the 4th of October, 1758. His father, who held an ap- pointment as painter to Prince Lichtenstein, died while he was yet a boy, and the care of his education devolved upon his mother. So early was his talent for botanical drawing manifested, that the first published production of his pencil, a figure of Anemone pratensis, L., is appended to a dissertation by Storck ' de Usu Pulsatillse nigri- cantis,' which bears date in 1771. In 1788 he came to England in company with the younger Jac- quin, and after visiting his brother Ferdinand, who was then engaged in completing, the beautiful series of drawings since published in the ' Flora Graeca,' was about to proceed to Paris. But the liberal pro- posals made to him by Sir Joseph Banks on the eve of his intended departure, diverted him from this resolution, and induced him to remain in England and to take up his residence in the neighbourhood of the Royal Garden at Kew, in which village he continued to dwell until the termination of his life. It was the opinion of Sir Joseph Banks, that a botanic garden was incomplete without a draughtsman permanently attached to it, and he accordingly, with the sanction of 102 Linnean Society. [May 24, His Majesty, fixed Mr. Bauer in that capacity at Kew, himself de- fraying the salary during his own life, and providing by his will for its continuance to the termination of that of Mr. Bauer. In fulfil- ment of this engagement with Sir Joseph, Mr. Bauer made numerous drawings and sketches of the plants of the garden, which are now preserved in the British Museum. A selection from his drawings was published in 1796 under the title of ' Delineations of Exotick Plants cultivated in the Royal Garden at Kew,' and this was in- tended to be continued annually ; but no more than three parts, con- sisting wholly of Heaths, and containing thirty plates, were published. In the early part of 1801, Mr. Bauer made for Mr. Brown, who had then been for some years engaged in a particular study of the Ferns, drawings of many genera of that family which Mr. Brown regarded as new. His drawings of Woodsia, made some years after- wards, were published in the 11th volume of our Transactions, in illustration of Mr. Brown's paper on that genus. At a later period he again directed his attention to that tribe of plants, his labours in which have within these few years been given to the world in Sir William Jackson Hooker's ' Genera of Ferns.' The 13th volume of our Transactions is enriched with his elaborate drawings accom- panying Mr. Brown's memoir on Raffiesia ; and the part published last year contains a paper by Mr. Bauer * On the Ergot of Rye,' from materials collected between the years 1805 and 1809. The plate which accompanies the last-mentioned paper is derived from drawings which form part of an extensive series in the British Museum, illustrative of the structure of the grain, the germination, growth and development of wheat, and the diseases of that and other Cerealia. This admirable series of drawings constitutes perhaps the most splendid and important monument of Mr. Bauer's extraordinary talents as an artist and skill in microscopic investigation. The sub- ject was suggested to him by Sir Joseph Banks, who was engaged in an inquiry into the disease of Corn known under the name of '• Blight," and the part of Mr. Bauer's drawings which relates to that disease was published in illustration of Sir Joseph's memoir on the subject, and has been several times reprinted with it. Mr. Bauer has himself given, in the volume of the ' Philosophical Transactions' for 1823, an account of his observations on the Vibrio Tritici of Gleichen, with the figures relating to them ; and another small por- tion of his illustrations of the Diseases of Corn has since been pub- lished by him in the ' Penny Magazine' for 1833. His figures of a somewhat analogous subject, the Apple-blight and the Insect produ- 1841.] Linnean Society. 103 cing it, accompany Sir Joseph Banks's Memoir on the Introduction of that Disease into England, in the 2nd volume of the ' Transactions of the Horticultural Society.' Before the close of the last century Mr. Bauer commenced a series of drawings of Orchidea, and of the details of their remarkable struc- ture, to which he continued to add, as opportunities oflfered, nearly to the termination of his life. A selection from these, which form one of the most beautiful and extensive series of his botanical draw- ings, was lithographed and published by Professor Lindley between the years 1830 and 1838, under the title of * Illustrations of Orchi- daceous Plants.' His other published botanical works are : 1 . The first part, published in 1818, of ' Strelitzia Depicta,' a work intended to comprise figures of all the known species of that magnificent genus ; 2. * Microsco- pical Observations on the Red Snow' brought from the Arctic Re- gions by Capt. Ross, the globules contained in which, by some re- garded as an Alga, he described in the 7th volume of the ' Quarterly Journal' of the Royal Institution as a species of Uredo; 3. 'Some Experiments on the Fungi which constitute the colouring matter of the Red Snow,' published in the * Philosophical Transactions' for 1820 ; and 4. The Plates to the Botanical Appendix to Captain Parry's first Voyage of Discovery, published in 1821. One of the last pro- ductions of his pencil, illustrating the structure of a plant growing at Kew which produces perfect seeds without any apparent action of pollen, will appear in the forthcoming part of our Transactions. In the year 1816 he commenced lending the assistance of his pencil to the late Sir Everard Home in the various anatomical and physiological investigations in which that distinguished anatomist was engaged ; and in the course of ten or twelve years furnished, in illustration of his numerous papers in the * Philosophical Transac- tions,' upwards of 120 plates, which were afterwards reprinted with Sir Everard's ' Lectures on Comparative Anatomy.' These plates, which form together the most extensive series of his published works, embraced a great variety of important subjects, chiefly in microscopic anatomy, and afford abundant evidence of his powers of observation and skill in depicting the most diflScult objects. It is this rare and previously almost unexampled union of the ob- server and the artist that has placed Mr. Bauer foremost in the first rank of scientific draughtsmen. His paintings, as the more finished of his productibns may well be termed, are no less perfect as models of artistic skill and effect, than as representations of natural objects. 104 lAnnean Society, [May 24, Of all his predecessors, Ehret alone approaches him in these par- ticulars ; among his contemporaries, none but his brother Ferdinand can be regarded as his equal. Mr. Bauer became a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1804, and of the Royal Society in 1820. He died at his residence on Kew- Green on the 11th of December last, in the 83rd year of his age ; and was buried in the church-yard of that parish on the 16th of the same month. Sir Anthony Carlisle, Knt., F.R.S., 8(C., a distinguished surgeon and physiologist, was born at Stillington, in the county of Durham, on the 8th of February, 1769, and received his early professional education partly at York and partly at Durham. He afterwards came to London, entered himself as a student at the Hunterian School under Cruickshank and Baillie, and became a resident pupil to Watson, whom he succeeded as one of the Surgeons of the West- minster Hospital in 1793. On the retirement of Sheldon, in 1808, he became Professor of Anatomy to the Royal Academy, and re- tained that office until 1824. He was also a member of the Council and of the Court of Examiners of the Royal College of Surgeons, of which College he was twice President. At the accession of George the Fourth he was knighted as a mark of acknowledgment to his professional skill. He died at his house, in Langham Place, on the 2nd of November last, and was buried in the Cemetery at Kensal Green. Mr. Carlisle became a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1792, and of the Royal Society in 1804 ; and his most important contri- butions to Natural Science are contained in the Transactions of these Societies. His paper on the Structure and (Economy of Tania, in the second volume of our Transactions, is probably the first attempt to illustrate the structure of Entozoa by artificial injec- tions, and established, among other points, the non-existence of an anus in the Tcenice. At this early period, Mr. Carlisle anticipated M. Virey's idea of the state of the nervous system in the lowest animals, on which the chief character of Mr. MacLeay's Acrita is founded, ascribing to the Tcmice a difi'used condition of the nervous substance, and referring to John Hunter as having, in his lectures, applied that character to many of the lower tribes of animals. Of his papers in the ' Philosophical Transactions,' the first in im- portance and originality is the memoir * On the peculiar arrange- ment of the Arteries in Slow-moving Animals ;' and it is on the striking discovery detailed in it that his memory as a comparative 1841.] lAnnean Society, 105 anatomist will chiefly rest. His paper on the Physiology of the Stapes, published in the volume for 1805, affords a good example of the application of Comparative Anatomy to the elucidation of a difficult physiological question ; almost all the facts contained in it relating to the form and structure of the stapes in various animals were new. The Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of the Organ of Hearing formed the subject of his Lectures at the College of Sur- geons in 1818. His Lectures on Extra- vascular Substances, also delivered at the College of Surgeons, but of which an abstract only of a small por- tion was published in the * Annals of Philosophy,' are alluded to in high terms by Mr. Lawrence. In 1820, and again in 182G, he de- livered the Hunterian Orations at the College. The latter of these, containing the Anatomy of the Oyster, has been quoted in reference to the observations which indicate the sensibility of the Oyster to light. He also spent much time in experiments on the growth and reparation of Shell. In the prosecution of his various inquiries he enriched the Museum of the College with some unique examples of his peculiar anatomical skill. Besides these contributions to Comparative Anatomy and Animal Physiology, Mr. Carlisle communicated to the Horticultural Society a memoir ' On the connection between the Leaves and Fruit of Vegetables, with other Physiological Observations,' and another jmper published in the 2nd volume of the Transactions of that So- ciety. The Bishop of Chichester. Lord Henry John Spencer Churchill. Sir John William Lubbock, Bart. The Rev. Thomas Rackett, M.A., F.R.S., 8fC., during a long life successfully cultivated various branches of Natural Science and the liberal arts. Associated in his school-days with Hatchett, and after- wards with Maton, Pulteney and Cavallo, he became attached to the pursuits by which his friends were distinguished, and assisted warmly in the promotion of their views. In the years 1794 and 1796, he accompanied the two former in the tours which Dr. Maton subsequently published under the title of ' Observations relative chiefly to the Natural History, Picturesque Scenery, and Antiquities of the Western Counties of England,' and furnished with his pencil the embellishments of that work, which was inscribed to him in a friendly tmd grateful dedication. In conjunction with Dr. Maton, he published in the 7lh volume of our "Transactions ' An Historical 106 Linnean Society, [May 24, Account of Testaceological Writers,' and in the 8th ' A Descriptive Catalogue of the British Testacea.' 'lliese works may be justly characterized as manifesting extensive research, careful comparison, and accurate observation : the latter long continued to be the text- book of British Conchologists. Dr. Maton and himself also pub- lished in our 8th volume ' An Account of some remarkable Shells found in cavities of a Calcareous Stone, called by the stone-masons Plymouth-Rag ;' and he subsequently contributed to the 1 1th volume ' Observations on Cancer salinus,' and to the 12th, ' Observations on a Viper found in Cranborne Chace, Dorsetshire,' vjrhich he presumed to be Coluber Chersea, L. In addition to his skill in the use of the pencil, he was an accomplished musician, and devoted much of his time to antiquarian research, as well as to the prosecution of Natural and Experimental Philosophy. Mr. Rackett became a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1795, and of the Royal Society in 1803. In the year 1780 he was insti- tuted to the Rectory of Spettisbury and Charlton, in the county of Dorset, and died on the 29th of November last, at the advanced age of 85, after an incumbency of more than sixty years. The Rev. John Revett Sheppard, M.A. Lord Viscount Valentia. Nicholas Aylward Vigors, D.C.L., F.R.S., M.R.I. A., 8(C., one of the most eminent ornithologists of the present day, was bom in 1787 at Old Leighlin, in the county of Carlo w, where his family had long been settled. He was educated at Trinity College in the Uni- versity of Oxford, and gave early proof of the diligence and success with which he pursued his classical and literary studies, by pub- lishing in 1810 'An Enquiry into the Nature and Extent of Poetick Licence.' Towards the close of 1809 he purchased an Ensigncy in the Grenadier Guards, and was severely wounded in the action at Barrosa, in the early part of 1811. On his return to England in the same year he quitted the army, and for the next twenty years devoted himself to the study of Zoology, and especially of birds and insects. In both these departments he formed extensive col- lections, and at a subsequent period liberally presented them to the Zoological Society, of which he was the first Secretary and one of the most zealous and active promoters. On the death of his father he succeeded to the family estate, and in 1832 became the repre- sentative in Parliament of the borough of Carlow, for which, or for the county of the same name, he continued to sit until the termina- tion of his life on the 26th of last October. 1841.] Linnean Society. 107 Mr. Vigors became a Fellow of this Society in 1819, and is author of an important paper in the 1 4th volume of our Transactions, ' On the Natural Affinities that connect the Orders and Families of Birds/ In this elaborate memoir he applied to the whole Class of Birds the principles of the quinary arrangement propounded by Mr. W. S. MacLeay in the * Horae Entomologicae,' of which he continued through life to be one of the most ardent supporters. In the suc- ceeding volume he published, in conjunction with Dr. Horsfield, the first part of ' A Description of the Australian Birds in the collection of the Linnean Society, with an attempt at arranging them accord- ing to their Natural Affinities,' in which the same principles were further developed and applied to the illustration of the Raptorial and Insessorial Orders. His only other contribution to our Transac- tions consists of a ' Description of a new Species of Scolopax lately discovered in the British Islands ; with Observations on the Anas glocitans of Pallas, and a description of the Female of that Species,' contained in the 14th volume. The first of his papers in the 'Zoological Journal' appeared in 1824 ; in 1827 he became its principal editor, and so continued until its termination in 1834. Of his numerous ornithological memoirs published in that work, perhaps the most important is his ' Arrange- ment of the Genera of Birds;' which, although scarcely more than a bare enumeration of names, contains the most complete outline of his views on the subject of classification. Some of his notices in the * Zoological Journal' are on Entomological subjects ; and several valuable papers, written in conjunction with Dr. Horsfield, are de- scriptive of new or rare Mammalia in the collection of the Zoological Society. For several years before his death the active part which he took in politics precluded his paying much attention to Zoology, but he retained to the last a considerable interest in his former pur- suits, especially in connexion with the Zoological Society. He con- tributed many valuable notices to the ' Proceedings * of that Society. Major 'General Viney, Robert Montague Wilmot, M.B. Rev. William Wood, B.D., and Francis Boucher Wright, Esq. Among the Associates Henry Woods, Esq., a surgeon, formerly resident at Bath, and subsequently at Camden Town, near London, who was well versed in the study of the Mammalia, a ' Natural History' of which he was for many years engaged in preparing for the press. This work. 108 Linnean Society. [June 1, which was intended to be on a very extensive scale, has never ap- peared. He was author of ' An Introductory Lecture on the Study of Zoology,' of a memoir ' On a new Species of Antelope,' in the 5th volume of the * Zoological Journal,' and of one or two notices in the ' Proceedings of the Zoological Society.' A few years before his death he quitted the neighbourhood of London and returned to Bath, where he became Secretary to the Literary Institution, and died on the 18th of August last, at the age of 46. The President also announced that twelve Fellows, three Foreign Members, and two Associates had been elected into the Society since the last Anniversary. At the election, which subsequently took place, the Lord Bishop of Norwich was re-elected President ; Edward Forster, Esq., Trea- surer ; 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. Sir Wm. Jackson Hooker ; Joseph Janson, Esq. ; The Most Honourable the Marquis of Northampton ; John Parkinson, Esq. ; and John Obadiah Westwood, Esq. June 1. Mr. Forster. V.P., in the Chair. Read the conclusion of Mr. Bunbury's " Remarks on certain Plants of Brazil, with descriptions of some which appear to be new." The following axe the characters of the species described as new : Lasiandra calyptrata, ramis teretibus fermgineo-tomentosis, foliis petio- latis ovato-oblongis acutis 5-nervibiis subsetoso-hirsutis subtiis dense villosis, racemis terminalibus paucifloris, pedicellis oppositis 1-3-floris, bracteis hispido-pilosis convolutis calyptriformibua, calyce sericeo, fila- mentis styloque hirsutis. Hab. prope Gongo Soco, in prov. Minas Geraes. Clidemia ? glahrata, ramulis subtetragonis glabris, foliis petiolatis oblougo- lanceolatis subcordatis acuminatis sermlato-ciliatis 5-nervibus utrinque glabris: petiolis ciliatis, panicula terminali trichotoma divaricate glabra, floribus verticillato-aggregatis sessilibus ebracteatis, petalis lanceolatis. Ilah. prope Gongo Soco, in prov. Minas Geraes. Clidemia dejlexa, ramis subtetragonis petiolis paniculisque setoso-hispi- dissimis, foliis ovatis acuminatis quintuplincrvibus subdenticulatis cili- 1841.] Linnean Society, 109 atis utrinque hispidis, panicuia terminali clongatA opposite ramosil de- flcx& nutantc, floribus ad ramiilorum apices congestis cbracteatis, lobis calycinis obtusis concavis dorso appendiculatis. Hab. prope Congo Soco. Cremanium ? cordifoliutn, undique glanduloso-pilosissimum, folils petio- latis lat^ cordatis acuminatis innequalitcr denticulatis ciliatis 8ub-7- nervibus, panicul& subterminali nutantc laxd opposite ramos&, calyce subrotundo-turbinato : lobis subulatis, pctalis lanceolatis acuminatis. Hab. prope Gongo Soco. Hiraa cinerea, foliis lanceolatis acutis supcrn^ glabris subtiis fructibusque adpressd sericeo-pilosis canescentibus, paniculd terminali trichotomy foliosA, calycibus eglandulosis adpress^ pilosis, fnicti^s alis semiorbicu- latis crenatis undulatis. Hab. in sylvis montis Corcovado prope Rio de Janeiro. Tetrapteris mutabilis, rarais paniculisque velutino-tomentosis, foliis obovato-ellipticis obtusis rugosis utrinque tomentosis: petiolis apice biglandulosis, panicul& terminali laxa divaricatft multiflorfi, alis fructus insequalibus. Hab. in sylvis montis Corcovado. Abutilon benedictum, ramis sulcatis petiolis pedunculis calycibusquc floccoso-tomentosis, foliis lanceolatis acuminatis basi acutiusculis obtusd serratis rugosis supra glabris subtiis incano-velutinis, pedunculis axil- laribus unifloris folium cequantibus. Hab. in sylvis caeduis {capoeiras dictis) prov. Minas Geraes. Rtibus longifoUuSy caule angulato petiolis pedunculisque densissimd glan- duloso-setosis aculeatis, foliis quinato-palmatis : foliolis petiolatis ob- longo-lanceolatis acuminatis basi subcordatis argute serratis utrinque glabris, stipulis setaceis, calyce subsericeo-tomentoso reflexo. Hab. prope Gongo Soco. Lupinus nitidissimns, suftruticosus erectus ramosus aureo-sericeus, foliis simplicibus ovatis acutis, stipulis petiolo adnatis breviter acuminatis, racemis subterminalibus elongatis, floribus verticillatis, calycis labiis integris : inferiore elongate. Hab, in campis altis prov. Minas Geraes, prope Capao at Ouro Preto. Achijranthes paludoaa, caule herbaceo subramoso fistuloso, foliis obovato- lanceolatis acutiusculis glabris, pedunculis Jixillaribus folium subsequan- tibus, spicis abbreviatis capitatis glaberrimis. Hab. prope urbem Buenos Ayres. DesmochcBta ? sordidoy caule Iierbaceo prostrato ramosissimo lanato, foliis subrotundis mucronulatis in petiolum attcnuatis glabriusculis, capitulis sessilibus axillaribus ovatis, calycis foliolis 3 extcrioribus majoribus; interioribus carinatis conniventibus : setis uncinato-barbatis. Hab. ad vias prope urbem Buenos Ayres. 110 Linnean Society, [June 1^ SchttUesia pallens, culnio erecto subramoso, foliis ovatis ellipticisque acu- tiusculis : summis lineari-lanceolatis acuminatis, floribus terminalibus subsolitariis, alis calycis dilatatis semiovatis, corollae laciniis obovato- rhombeis breviter acuminatis integerrimis. Hub. piope Gongo Soco in prov. Minas Geiaes. Solarium graveolens, suffruticosum inerme glanduloso-pilosum viscosum, foliis pinnatis : foliolis petiolulatis oblongo-lanceolatis acuminatis mem- branaceis, racemis longe pedunculatis multifloris subcorymbosis uni- lateralibus, corolld quinquefid^, Ilab. prope Gongo Soco. Solanum reptans, herbaceum inerme hispido-hirsutum, foliis pinnatis : foliolis petiolulatis oblongis subacuminatis : petiolis alatis, racemis late- ralibus folio brevioribus, caule prostrato radicante. Hab. prope Gongo Soco. Mr. Bunbury believes Lasiandra jissinervia, DeC, to be merely a variety of L. Fontanesiana ; and Clidemia urceolata and C. biserrata to be one spe- cies. He describes variations in character occurring in Lasiandra protecs- formis. DeC, Clidemia urceolata, DeC, C. longibarbis, DeC, Tetrapteris acutifolia, Cav., Bignonia venusta and Neurocarpum angustifolium, Kunth. He thinks it possible, however, that his plant may differ from the latter, as the flowers are resupinate, a character which could hardly have escaped M. Kunth ; he therefore proposes for it the following character, should it prove to be distinct : — Neurocarpum resupinatum, frutescens erectum, foliis trifoliolatis : foliolis ellipticis oblongisque retusis mucronulatis supra glabris subtiis pallidis pilosiusculis, pedunculis subbifloris folio brevioribus, floribus resupinatis. Hab. ad Botafogo, prope Rio de Janeiro. Specimens of the plants noticed in this memoir were included in a col- lection presented to the Society by Mr. Bunbury some years ago. Read also a " Synopsis of the Coleopterous family PaussidcB, with descriptions of a new Genus and some new Species." By J. O. Westwood, Esq., F.L.S. This paper contains a brief enumeration of the species of the re- markable family of Paussida, with some additions and corrections to Mr. Westwood's Monograph of it, published in the 16th volume of the Society's Transactions. He proposes to exclude from the family the genus Trochoideus, an examination of the cibarian organs having proved that genus to be- long to the Endomychidce ; and states that he is now acquainted with four, if not five, species belonging to it, viz. 1. Troch. cruciatus, Dalm. ; 2. T. Dalmanni, Westw. ; 3. T. Desjardinsii, Guer. ; 4. T. Americanus, Bucqu. ; and 5. ? 7". Hopei, Westw. The last-named spe- h 1841.] Linnean Society, 111 cies he has seen in Mr. Hope's collection : it is from New Grenada, and is possibly identical with T. Americanus. Mr. Westwood gives the following as a synopsis of the genera belonging to the family in its present state : — Antenn€B quasi biarticulatae. Caput thorace baud immersum, collo distincto, ocellis nulHs. Palpi labiates articulo ultimo elongato 1. Pausstu. articulis aequalibus 2. Platyrhopaltu. Caput thorace immersum ocellis duobus 3. Hylotortu. Antenna quasi sexarticulatae. Prothorax angulis anticis vald^ productis 4. Pentaplatarthrus. transversus, angulis anticis rotun-) g T h'od datis, posticis vald^ emarginatis / truncato-cordatus 6. Ceratoderus. Antenna quasi decemarticulatae 7. Cerapterus, 1. Paussus, Linn. Sect. A. Thorax quasi bipartitus. a. Antennarum clav^ posticd baud excavate. 1. P. microcephalus, L. Africa? — 2. P. Jousselinii, Gu6r. Rangoon. 3. P. Litincei, Westw. Habitat unknown. 4. P. Burmeisteri, Westw. Cape of Good Hope. 5. P. rujitarsis, Westw. Habitat unknown. 6. P. pilicornis, Donov. Bengal. 7. P. TurcicuSf Frivaldsk. Balkan Mountains. b. Antennarum clav& postic^ excavate. 8. P. thoracicus, Donov. Bengal. 9. P. Fichtelii, Donov. Bengal. 10. P.fulvus, luteo-fulvus subopacus, elytris magis rufescentibus, anten' narum articulo basali thoracis lateribus postice femoribusque obscurio- ribus, capite suprk profundi impresso.— Zony. corp. lin. 3. Hah. in Indifi. Orientali. W. P. tibialis, castaneus nitidus, elytris singulis plaga magnft nigr&, tibiis 4 anterioribus elongatis ; posticis mult6 latioribus compressis, antenna- rum clav& postice profundi excavatd. — Long. corp. lin. 2J. Hab. in Bengali. In Mus. D. Westermann. 12. P. excavatus, Westw. Senegal. 13. p. ruber, Thunb. Cape of Good Hope. 14. P. cochlearius, Westw. South Africa. 15. P. Klugii, Westw. Cape of Good Hope. Sect. B. Thorax subcontinuus. a. Species Africanae. 16. P. spharoeerus, Afzel. Sierra Leone. 112 Linnean Society, [June 1, 17. P. or»aa/ws, Dpj. ; P. comw^w*, Chevrol. Senegal. 18. P. curvicornis, Chevrol. ; P. cornutus, var.}, Chevrol. Senegal. 19. P. Shuckardiy Westw. South Africa. 20. P. Uneatus, Thunb. Cape of Good Hope. 21. P. affinisy Westw. On the authority of the British Museum Cata- logue Mr. Westwood is now enabled to give Africa as the habitat of this species ; but he suggests that there may be some mistake as to lo- cality, and that the insect may really be Indian, and not specifically di- stinct from the following, P. cognatus. b. Species Indicae. 22. P, cognatus, rufo-castaneus nitidus punctatus, elytris singulis plaga magn& nigra, capite antic^ line& tenui impressa : vertice impressionibus duabus semicircularibus, antennarum clavd subovat^ basi extiis in ha- mum producta. — Long. corp. lin. 4. Hah. in Bengala. In Muss. D. D. Melly et Westermann. 23. P. Hardtvickii, Westw. Nepaul. 24. P. Saundersii, fulvo-rufescens subnitidus punctatus, capite thoraceque obscurioribus, antennarum clava oblongo-ovat^ basi extus in liamum setigerum producta. — Long. corp. lin. 3^. Hab. in India Orientali. Mus. D. W. W. Saunders. 25. (Sp. ined.), Latr. Isle of France. Obs. P. ruJicoUh, Fabr., is given by Dr. Erichson as one of the Malackii, and as identical with his Collops ^-maculatus. 2. Platyrhopalus, Westw. 1 (26). P. denticornis, Westw. East Indies. 2 (27). P. unicolor, Westw. East Indies. 3 (28). P. acutidens, Westw. Nepaul. 4 (29). P. Westwoodiiy Saund. East Indies. 6 (30). P. angustus, Westw. East Indies. 6 (31). P. Melleii, Westw. Malabar. 7 (32). P.aplustrifer,West\\. Bengal. Certainly belonging to this genus. 8 (33). P. ? Icevifrons, Westw. Senegal. 9 (34). P. ? dentifrons, Westw. Senegal. 3. Hylotorus, Dalm. I (35). H, bucephalus, Gyll. Sierra Leone. 4. Pentaplatarthrus, Westw. 1 (30). P. paussoides, Westw. South Africa. 5. Lebioderus, Westw. 1 (37). L. Goryi, Westw. 6. Ceratoderus. Corpus oblongum, depressum. Caput transverso-quadratum, postice collo instructum, disco inter oculos bi-impressum. Antenncu quasi 6-articu- 1841.] Linnean Society. 113 latce, articulis 4 intennediis transversis planis, ultimo semiorbiculari . Maxilla minutae, planae, comeie, apice acutae curvatee, intiis sub apice dente acuto armatae. Palpi maxillarea 4-articulati, articulo magno ovato, 3tio 4toque minoribus subcylindricis ; lahiale* articulo ultimo praecedente baud mult6 major! ovato apice tnmcato. Prothorax capite vix latior, cordato-truncatu8, trans medium linefi impress^ notatus. Elytra oblongo-ovata, depressa. Pedet breviusculi ; femoribus tibiisque compressis, bis kpice baud calcaratis ; tarsis distinct^ 5-articulatis, ar- ticulo basali sequenti longiore. 1 (38). C. bifasciatus. Paussus bifasciatus, /Collar in Ann. JVien. Mu». 1836, t. 31. f. 7. a, b; Westw. in Trans. Ent. Soc. ii. p. 91. pi. 10. f. 3. Hah. in Indi& Orientali. 7. Cerapterus, Stoederus, 1 (39). C. latipes, Swed. Bengal. 2 (40). C. Horsjieldii, Westw. Java. 3 (41). C. 'i-maeulatus, Westw. Java. 4 (42). C. (Orthopterus) Smithii, MacL, South Africa. 5 (43). C. (Arthropterus) MacLeaii, Donov. New Holland. 6 (44). C. (Phymatopterus) piceus, Westw. New Holland. 7 (45). C. (HoMOPTERus) Brasiliensis, Miera. Brazil. 8 (46). C. (Pleuropterus) Westermanni, Westw. Java. June 15. The Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. The President nominated the four following Members of the Council to be Vice-Presidents for the year commencing on the 25th of May last, viz. Robert Brown, Esq., Edward Forster, Esq., Thomas Horsfield, M.D., and Aylmer Bourke Lambert, Esq. Read, an Extract from a Letter from William Griffith, Esq., F.L.S., to R. H. Solly, Esq., F.L.S., dated Meerut, March 29, 1841. Mr. Griffith states, that in its placentation, ovula, and protrusion of the embryonary sac, Osyris approaches Santalum, but presents in some particulars still more curious anomalies. First, the embryo- nary sac of Osyris seems to be produced beyond the base of the ovulum, passing down through the placenta and through the central tissue of the young fruit to its base. Secondly, the first steps of the growths consequent on fecundation take place outside the protruded No. XIII. — Prockkdinos of the Linnban Society. 114 Linnean Society. [June 15, sac, which may be found unaltered in the placenta of the ripe fruit. Whether the first cells, constituting the rudiments of the part in which albumen is subsequently deposited, are derived from the boyau or from the embryonary sac, Mr. Griffith states, that he has not been able to determine ; but he imagines that they are derived from the hoyau. He adds, that if his views of the seed of Loranthus being derived from the hoyau solely be correct, Osyris is intermediate be- tween Loranthus and Santalum ; and intimates his intention of send- ing, on his arrival at Calcutta, a Supplement to his paper on Loran- thus, published in the Society's Transactions. Read also a paper " On a reformed character of the genus Cry- ptolepis of Brown." By H. Falconer, M.D., Superintendent of the Hon. East India Company's Botanic Garden at Saharunpore. Dr. Falconer's character is as follows : — Cr"Vptolepis, R. Br. Calyx 5-partitu.s. Corolla infundibuliformis, 5-fida ; tubo intiis proces- subus 5 carnosis, obtusis, inclusis, cum limbi laciniis alternantibus, in- structo ; fauce iiud&. Stamina inio corollae tubo inserta, inclusa ;^/a- tnenta brevissima, distincta; antherce sagittatae, dorso penicillato-bar- batae, basi stigmatis margini adhaerentes. Masses pollinis solitarise, granulosse, corpusculi glandulaeformis appendiculaa lineari tenuissim£B applicitae. Ovaria 2. Stylus brevissimus. Stigma dilatatum, margine attenuatum, apiculo conico. Squamulce kypogynes nullse. FoUiculi di- varicatissimi, ventricosi, apice acuto recto. Semina ad umbilicum co- mosa. Frutex volubilis, glaberrimus, succo lacteo scatens ; foliis oppositis, breve- petiolatis, lato-ellipticis cum acumine subulate brevi, supra Icete-viren- tibus, suhtus albido-glaucis, transverse venosis ; petiolis supra basin ar- ticulatis ; corymbis axillarihus, breve-pedunculatis, curtatis ; floribus subsessilibus, majusculis, citrinis ; corollae limbo patulo, segmentis ligu- latis. C. Buchajiani, Roem. et Sch., iv. p. 409. C. reticulata, Royle, Illustr., p. 270. Nerium reticulatum, Roxb. Flor. Ind. Orient, ii. p. 9. JIab. passim in India Orientali. In his Monograph in the Wernerian Transactions, Mr. Brown re- ferred the genus Cryptolepis, which he there established, to Apocynece, placing it next to Apocynum, and in this he has been followed by all subsequent writers ; but Dr. Falconer states that it has the whole stigmatic apparatus of Asclepiadea, with granular pollen as typically developed as in Cryptostegia or any other of the Periplocea, although in a less considerable degree of evolution. He regards it, however, 1841.] Linnean Society. 115 as constituting the closest known transition from that family to Apo- cynea. He thinks the extreme minuteness of the appendiculae may account for their having escaped Mr. Brown's observation in the dry specimen ; but adds, that there are two other points of difference, which lead him to suspect his plant to be distinct from that described by Mr. Brown. These are the want of hypogynous scales, of which he finds no trace, and which he believes to be wanting in the series of Periploceous genera allied to Cryptolepis ; and the axillary, and not interpetiolar, inflorescence. He also gives a detailed description of the sexual organs, and states that he has never been able to observe the pollen tubes either naturally or artificially produced. In a supplementary note. Dr. Falconer adds, that he has since learned by letters from Dr. Wight and Mr. Griflath, that both those gentlemen have been long aware of Cryptolepis being an Asclepiadeous genus. With reference to Dr. Wight and Mr. Arnott's genus Stre- ptocaulon, under which those authors include the mass of Dr. Wallich's Indian species of Periploca, he observes, that S. calophyllum wants the principal character on which the distinction of that genus from Periploca is founded, and suggests its restoration to Periploca^ of which he also characterizes a new species from the neighbourhood of Cashmeer with a peculiar pseudo-aphyllous habit. Of these spe- cies he gives the following characters : — P. calophylla, volubilis glabra, foliis anguste lanceolatis long^ attenuatis utrinque nitidis transverse venosis, cymis subsessilibus paucifloris, flo- ribus breviter pedicellatis, corollis intus parc^ hirsutis, squamis hirsutis- simis, folliculis elongatis gracilibus subparallelis (nee divaricatis !). Streptocaulon calophyllum, Wight, Contr. Ind. But,, p. 65. Ilab. passim in vallibus exterioribus montium Himalensium. P. HydaspidiSf volubilis ramosissima glabra, ramis fasciculatis nodoso- articulatis, foliis tenuissimis linearibus apiculatis adpressis remotis ca- ducis, cymis axillaribus multifloris, floribus breviter pedicellatis, corolU intus squamisque tomentosis. Hah. secus ripas Hydaspidis extra Kashmeer prope " Khutao Kelah." — PL Septembri. ITie paper was accompanied by a coloured drawing of Cryptolepis Buchanani ? var. reticulata, and of the details of its fructification. Read also, *' A Description of an additional species of Paussus." By J. O. Westwood, Esq., F.L.S., &c. The following are the characters of this species, which Mr. West- wood states to be most nearly allied to P. ruber, Thb., and of which he has seen only a single specimen in the collection of Samuel 116 Linnean Society, [Nov. 2> Stevens, Esq., who obtained it together with specimens of Platyrho- palus denticornis and P. aplustrifer in a small collection of Indian in- sects, without any indication of its precise locality. Paussus Stevemianus, pallida luteus, capite rugosulo tuberculis 2 elevatia inter oculos, antennarum clava magna postice excavata, elytris versus apicem fasciculis duobus minutis pilorum instructis. November 2. The Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. The Hon. William Henry Dawnay, M.P., and Samuel Solly, Esq., were elected Fellows of the Society. Read, " Notes on the Habits of the Box-Tortoise of the United States of America, the Cistuda Carolina of Gray." By George Ord, Esq., F.L.S. Mr. Ord states that this species is common in Pennsylvania, and appears to prefer dry situations, only frequenting the wet in pursuit of some favourite food, such as the remains of fish which lie scattered under the trees in swamps where the Night-heron {Ardea Nyctico- rax, L.) breeds. It feeds also on insects, worms, and tender fungi, and eats greedily of strawberries, raspberries, and soft peaches. Its flesh is excellent, but the farmers have the same prejudice against it as against that of frogs. It hybernates about the middle of October, preferring a loose soil and southern exposure ; and in severe winters some individuals perish in consequence of not having penetrated to a sufficient depth to escape the frost. About the 20th of April the sur- vivors reappear in a feeble state, until invigorated by the returning warmth. Mr. Ord kept a number of these Tortoises for several years in his garden, where they had an ample range, abundance of suitable food, and convenient places of winter resort. They regularly deposited their eggs, but seldom produced young, a circumstance which he at- tributes to the destruction of the eggs by ants. He gives from his books of memoranda the details of obsei-vations made in the years 1814 and 1832 on their mode of laying and depositing their eggs, and the circumstances attending their hatching. The earliest deposit observed took place on the 22nd of June 18 J 4. The Tortoise scooped out the earth with her hinder feet, using them 1841.] Linnean Society. 117 alternately, as deep as she could reach, when the earth at the bottom of the hole was loosened. The first egg was secured m this loose earth, and five other eggs were laid and deposited in the same man- ner, at intervals of four or five minutes, the earth being scraped from the sides of the hole and carefully pressed upon each egg as it was deposited, and the hole itself being finally covered over with the loose earth carefully packed and pressed. The animal kept in one position during the whole process, not looking once at the deposit. The eggs appeared to pass with facility, and shortly after laying the last ^g^, she uttered a guttural sound, several times repeated. The number of eggs appears to vary from three to six. In June 1832 Mr. Ord renewed his observations. Two of the female Tortoises then in his possession having been disturbed when about tolay, abandoned the place ; one of these laid on the subsequent day, and the other not until the second day after, whence Mr. Ord concludes that they possess the power of retaining their eggs under certain circumstances. The eggs were always laid about or after sun- set ; and some of the Tortoises, if not all, laid twice during the season. Of a deposit made on the 28th of June, one of the eggs (that nearest the surface) was hatched on the 24th of September. On struggling out of the shell the young animal seemed to be almost blind ; its case was very soft and cartilaginous ; and in the centre of the under shell, or between the abdominal and the femoral shields, there was a large umbilical process. It measured an inch in length and could crawl with ease. On the 14th of October another young Tortoise made its appearance from the same deposit ; it was livelier and larger than that first hatched, measuring an inch and three-quarters in length, and its eyes were completely open. Mr. Ord conjectures that it had emerged from its shell some days previously, but had only then made its way to the surface. On the 15th another made its appearance, of a size between the other two ; and on the same day Mr. Ord iuspected the deposit and found a fourth young one, still in its shell, but strug- ghng to get free, in which it succeeded during the afternoon. It was rather larger than any of the rest, and had remained in the shell one and twenty days longer than the first. On the 29th of September, Mr. Ord examined a deposit of eggs laid on the 26th of June. None appeared to have hatched, but the shell of the uppermost having been partly eaten by the ants, he opened it and found a perfectly formed foetus, measuring an inch in length, attached to a yolk-bag three-quarters of an inch long. On the 21st of October Mr. Ord examined one of a number of eggs which he had removed from their 118 Linnean Society, [Nov. 16, deposits on the 24th of September, and found it to contain a living young, not quite so large as that last mentioned, and having a much larger yolk-bag ; and on the 1st of December he took up all the eggs of which he had any knowledge, none of which (although some were still living) were sufficiently matured for exclusion ; a circumstance which he attributes to a deficiency of the usual summer heat and to severe early frosts. Of the four young ones hatched, one escaped ; and the remaining three hybernated with the adults, reappeared in the spring, and lived in the garden for several years. November 16. E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. Sir Oswald Mosley, Bart., was elected a Fellow. Read, " Descriptions of some Vegetable Monstrosities," by the Rev. William Hincks, F.L.S., F.R.S.E., &c. In this paper, which is a continuation of one read before the So- ciety towards the close of the year 1839, Mr. Hincks arranges the monsters described by him under the several heads of adherences, transformations, and increased or diminished developments of par- ticular parts. The adherences comprise, firs-t, a case of the union of five grapes into one fruit in so complete a manner as to render it probable that the flowers were also united ; secondly, an instance of cohesion be- tween four peduncles of Centaurea moschata, without fusion of their capitula ; and thirdly, the common case of adherence of two flowers of Fuchsia fulgens. The latter is introduced for the purpose of re- marking how frequently, when the usual number of organs in a circle results from the suppression of certain parts rudimentally present, the same cause which produces adherence with the nearest flower, also developes all the rudiments, and thus increases the number of parts. On the other hand, in cases of union by fusion, that is, where the united flowers form one enlarged flower, Mr. Hincks observes, that one organ at least is generally sacrificed at each point of junc- tion. Of transformations Mr. Hincks notices two : first, a terminal bud of an Azalea, gathered about the period when the plant ceased to produce blossoms, which is partially converted into a flower, the 1841.] Linnean Society, 119 leaves nearest the centre being imperfectly changed into stamina, and surrounded by many of petaloid aspect, while the outer leaves differ from the ordinary appearance only in having a little colour ; the organs are not arranged in circles, and one leaf only, and that among the most remote from the centre, assumes the form of a pi- stillum. The second transformation described occurs in a specimen of Gentiana campestris, in which all the parts of the flower are con- verted into leaves, which are somewhat petaloid and crowded into a rose-like tuft ; this kind of transformation is similar to that described and figured by M, De Candolle in Trifolium repens. The first case of increased or diminished development noticed by Mr. Hincks affects a specimen of Anagallis arvensis, resembling one described by M. Moquin-Tandon as found by M. Gay, in which an increased development of the exterior circle is accompanied by dimi- nution in the interior ones : the effect produced is stated to be very unequal in different flowers, but the more the calyx is enlarged, the more the interior circles are contracted. The second case is the well- known wheat-ear carnation, Dianthus Caryophyllus imhricatvs, L.^ which is noticed as probably affording the best example of the mon- strous multiplication of a particular circle. A third case occurs in a capitulum of Matricaria^ in which the bracteae, consisting under ordinary circumstances of paleaceous scales, are enlarged into full- sized leaves, completely deforming the flower : the rose-ribwort is noticed as a phaenomenon of the same kind. Fourthly, Mr. Hincks mentions a monstrous variety or highly developed form of Convallaria muUiflora, cultivated at Kew, which he presumes to be the var. bracteata of De Candolle and Duby : in it the number of flowers usually reaches five or six, and each of them proceeds from the axilla of a small leaf on the pedicel. And lastly, the author notices under this head a case of abortion or atrophy affecting the leaf of a fern cultivated by Messrs. Rolleston, by which in one instance the whole side of a frond, and in another the secondary veins with the parenchyma at both sides are entirely suppressed ; a phaenomenon which he has also observed in Scolopendrium officinale. Read also the commencement of a paper '* On the Influence of the Dew-point on the Temperature of Plants," by D. P. Gardner, M.D., of Hampden Sidney College, Virginia, communicated by the Secretary. 120 Linnean Society, [Dec. 21, December 7. R. Brown, Esq., V.P. in the Chair. Mr. John Brett was elected an Associate. Read, " On the Structure of the Nut known as Vegetable Ivory," by Daniel Cooper, Esq., A.L.S. Read also the conclusion of Dr. Gardner's paper " On the In- fluence of the Dew-point on the Temperature of Plants." December 21. E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. The following Addresses of Congratulation to Her Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince Albert were read and agreed to : — *' To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. ** Most Gracious Sovereign, *• We, Your Majesty's most loyal and dutiful subjects, the Presi- dent, Council, and Fellows of the Linnean Society of London, beg leave to approach the throne with the expression of our warmest congratulations on the auspicious birth of an Heir Apparent to the Crown of these realms. " Deeply impressed with feelings of loyal attachment to Your Majesty's person, we hail this event as an important addition to Your Majesty's domestic happiness and a renewed pledge of the permanence of Your Majesty's illustrious House. That Your Ma- jesty may long, in the enjoyment of every blessing, reign over a grateful people ; and may, at a far distant time, transmit to Your Majesty's successor the best inheritance of a prince in the affections of a loyal and devoted nation, is our most earnest prayer." '* To His Royal Highness Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. " May it please Your Royal Highness, " We, Her Majesty's most loyal and dutiful subjects, the Presi- dent, Council, and Fellows of the Linnean Society of London, beg leave to offer to Your Royal Highness our warmest congratulations on the birth of an Heir Apparent to the Throne of these realms. " Deeply impressed with feelings of loyal attachment to Her Majesty's person, we hail this event as an additional source of 1841.] Linnean Society. 121 domestic happiness to Her Majesty and Your Royal Highness, and as a pledge of the permanence of Her Majesty's illustrious House. That Her Majesty and Your Royal Highness may long enjoy every blessing that can attend the married state, is our most earnest prayer." The Secretary announced to the Society, that since its last meet- ing it had sustained a severe loss by the death of its Librarian, Pro- fessor Don, which took place at the Society's House on the 8th instant. Read an extract of a letter from William Griffith, Esq., F.L.S., to R. H. Solly, Esq., F.L.S., dated Serampore, the 11th of October 1841, containing the following observations : — " In Santalum the ovulum consists of a nucleus and an embryo- sac, prolonged both beyond the apex and base of the nucleus ; the albumen and embryo are developed in the exserted part above the septum ; the mass of the embryo is developed directly from the ve- sicle, which is the termination of a pollen tube ; the seed (albumen) has no other proper covering than the incorporated upper separable part of the embryo-sac. " In Osyris the ovulum is reduced to a nucleus and an embryonary sac, prolonged exactly in the same directions as in Santalum, but not to such a degree anteriorly ; this anterior portion resembling exactly the unchanged part of the sac of Santalum below the septum. The albumen and embryo are formed outside the sac, and are absolutely naked, or whatever covering they may have did not enter into the composition of the ovulum." Mr. Griffith adds, " I have lately looked at Isoetes capsularis, Roxb. ; it is an instructive plant, for it shows that botanists are mistaken in their supposition as to the male. In Roxburgh's phmt the contents of the sporangium are sometimes of two sorts, but both have the same origin, both are precisely similarly constituted, except perhaps as to contents ; and the largest of these, the males of authors, become afterwards like the others, but larger. There can be no doubt that in all these plants the true sporules or seeds are those produced by division of an original simple cell or its contents. Isoetes and . Azolla prove too a thing of some importance, that the dissimilar organs which have so puzzled botanists may have a similar origin, llie true male of Isoetes will probably turn out to be the oblong, cordate, fleshy laminae above the female. On the male my observa- tions were stopped by indisposition. As a male it is certainly ano- No. XIV. — Proceedings of the Linnean Society. 122 Linnean Society. [Dec. 21, malous ; it is probably, I conjecture, developed originally within the leaf, and the scale between it and the female is probably analogous to the indusium of ferns. The most instructive plant is Anthoceros (which is not a Hepatica), for this may explain Ferns by showing that a pre-existing organ, to be acted upon by the male influence, is not necessary. Endlicher says Isoetes has no stomata ; De CandoUe figures them in his ' Organographie ;' in /. capsularis they are very evident : no matter whether emerged or submerged, all plants having a cutis have stomata." Read also a paper " On a new genus of Plants from Chile." By John Miers, Esq., F.L.S. This genus, which is named by Mr. Miers Solenomelus, on account of the confluence into a tubular form both of the stamina and stig- mata, belongs to the natural order Irideee, and is thus characterized : Solenomelus. Cruckshanksia, Miers, Travels in Chile, ii. p. 529. non Hook. Perianthium petaloideum ; tubo brevi incurvo ; limbo 6-partito, laciniis pateiitibus, 3 superiuribus erectioribus, 3 inferioribus deflexis. Tubus stamineus cum tubo perianthii coalitus, demum liber, ore antheras 3 sessiles gerens. Stylus filiformis. Stigma integrum, urceolato-tubulo- sum, margine ciliatum. Capsula triquetra, trilocularis, loculicido-tri- valvis. — Herbse Chilenses perennes, habitu Sisyrinchii. Spatha bivalvis, dorso sub apice mucronata. Floras breviter pedicellati. 1 . Solefwmelus Chilensis, foliis lineari-ensiformibus, corolla aurantiaca. Cruckshanksia graminea, Miers, Travels in Chile, ii. p. 529. Hab. apud Concon, locis umbrosis. 2. Solenomelus punctatus, foliis angustioribus, corolltl aurantiaca; laciniis singulis supra basin puncto sanguineo notatis. Hab. prope Concepcion. Mr. Miers observes, that the curved corolla, the coherence of the filaments throughout their entire length, and the union of the stig- mata into an urceolate tube, afford characters that sufficiently di- stinguish this genus from Sisyrinchium, to which it is in other re- spects most nearly related. In all the species of the latter genus that he has examined he has found a portion of the filaments free ; and he thinks the genus should be limited to those species in which the stamina are only partially united. This would exclude S. odo- ratissimum, Cav. (which is apparently the same as S. Narcissoides, Lindl.) and S.flexuosum, Lindl., described as having entirely united stamina, and further differing from Sisyrinchium in having a long infundibuliform corolla, with more distinct markings, and a very 1841.] Linnean Society, 123 odoriferous smell. On these species Mr. Miers proposes to found a genus under the name of Symphyostemon ; agreeing with Solenome- lus in the complete union of its stamina, hut diifering by its deeply cleft style and the shape of its corolla. He thinks also that several species added to Sisyrinchium by Sprengel, such as S. collinunit S, filiforme and S. flexuosum, should be discarded from it, and believes that the entire genus requires a revision, for which he regrets that he does not possess sufficient materials. Read also a " Notice of a new species oiAraucaria from the neigh- bourhood of Moreton Bay ; and of the Germination of Nuytsia fiori- bunda," in a letter from J. C. Bidwell, Esq., to R. Taylor, Esq., Under Sec. L.S. January 18, 1842. R. Brown, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. The Secretary reported that the Council held this day had agreed to the following resolution, viz. " That notice be given at the General Meeting this evening that the Election of a Clerk, Librarian and Housekeeper will take place on the 15th of February ; the Chair to be taken at half-past seven o'clock in the evening, and the Ballot to close at nine." He further reported that the Candidates were Charles M. Lemann, M.D., Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in London, and Mr. Richard Kippist, Assistant Clerk and Librarian of the Society. Edward Solly, Jun., Esq., the Rev. Henry Hawkes, B.A., and Dr. William Henry Brown, were elected Fellows. ITie Vice-President in the Chair then proposed, that in consequence of the recent death of Aylmer Bourke Lambert, Esq., V.P.L.S., and in consideration of his long connexion with the Society and emi- nent services to natural history, the meeting should adjourn, which was unanimously agreed to. February 1 . The Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. Mr. John William Griffith was elected a Fellow, and Mr. Lovell Reeve an Associate. 124 Linhean Society. [Feb. 1, Read, " Contributions to Vegetable Embryology, from Observa- tions on the Origin and Development of the Embryo in Tropteolum majus" By Herbert Giraud, M.D., communicated by the Secretary. After referring to the researches of MM. Schleiden, Wydler, Mirbel and Spach, and A. St. Hilaire, on this important point. Dr. Giraud states that he was induced to select Tropceolum as the sub- ject of his own observations on account of its solitary ovula, and their comparatively large size, which render the individuals of this family, as well as the allied Geraniacecc, peculiarly fitted for the pur- pose. He arranges his observations under seven general heads cor- responding with as many progressive periods in the growth of the female organs, and extending from the completion of the anatropous development of the ovule to the perfect formation of the embryo ; or from the commencement of the expansion of the bud to the com- plete formation of the fruit. The results are collected from a great number of dissections. In the first period, or just before the expansion of the bud, a lon- gitudinal section of the carpellum from its dorsum towards the axis of the pistillum, dividing the ovule, shows the latter to have com- pleted its anatropous development. A portion of rather firm and dense cellular tissue enclosing a bundle of vessels descends from the placenta and in apposition with it to form the raphe, and terminates in the base of the ovule. The nucleus has only one integument, at the apex of which is the exostome or micropyle, opening close by and to the outside of the point of attachment ; and the conducting tissue of the style may be traced into the carpellary cavity as far as the exostome. In the second period, during which the expansion of the bud and the dehiscence of the anthers commence, and therefore before im- pregnation, a small elliptical cavity makes its appearance near the apex of the nucleus, having a delicate lining membrane formed by the walls of the surrounding cells : this cavity is the embryo- sac, and a minute canal may be traced leading from it to the exostome. The apex of the embryo -sac encloses at this period a quantity of organizable mucilage containing many minute bodies having the appearance and character of cytoblasts. In the third period, the apex of the nucleus and of its integument becomes slightly inclined towards the placenta. The embryo-sac is much enlarged and lengthened ; its mucilage has disappeared and given place to an elongated diaphanous utricle {utricule primordiale, Mirbel ; v4sicule embryonnaire, Meyen ; extremity ant^rieure du boyau pollinique, Schleiden ;) containing a quantity of globular matter or 1842.] Linnean Society, 125 cytoblasts. This primary utricle is developed wholly within the em- bryo-sac, from which it is obviously distinct. The fourth period occurs after impregnation. The pollen tubes do not extend into the carpellary cavity ; but the fovilla with its gra- nules is found abundantly in the passage leading from the style to the exostome. With the increased development of the embryo-sac, the primary utricle elongates and becomes distinctly cellular by the development of minute cells in its interior, while at the extremity next the base of the nucleus it is terminated by a spherical mass con- sisting of globular cells. The primary utricle at this period assumes the character of the suspensor (Mirbel), and its spherical extremity constitutes the first trace of the embryo. In the fifth period the apex of the nucleus and of its integument becomes more inclined towards the placenta ; the spherical extre- mity of the suspensor enlarges, and it becomes more evident that it constitutes the rudimental embryo. In the mean time the suspensor has become lengthened by an increase in the number of its cells ; and its upper extremity is found to be protruded through the apex of the embryo-sac, the apex of the nucleus and the micropyle. From this extremity there is a considerable development of cells, many of which hang loosely in the passage leading to the conduct- ing tissue of the style, while the rest unite in forming a process which passes down the outer side of the ovulum within the carpel- lary cavity. This process is composed of from nine to twelve rows of cells, and its extremity resembles in appearance and in the ana- tomical condition of its cells the spongiole of a root. By a slight traction of this cellular process the suspensor with the embryo may be withdrawn from the embryo-sac through the exostome, thus pro- ving the continuity of the process with the suspensor, and through it with the embryo itself. During the sixth period the suspensor becomes more attenuated ; and the cellular process has reached the base of the ovulum, the cells of its extremity abounding with cytoblasts, which prove that it is still progressing in development. The embryo also increases in size, and two lateral processes are observed, which evidently form the first traces of the cotyledons. In the seventh period all distinction between the nucleus and its integument ceases, and they form a single envelope enclosing the embryo-sac ; the cellular process has become so much developed, that its extremity has passed round the base of the ovulum and is directed towards the placenta ; and the lateral processes of the em- bryo have become distinct fleshy cotyledons, enclosing both the 126 Linnean Society » [Feb. 15, radicle and plumule in corresponding depressions of their opposed surfaces. The subsequent changes consist chiefly in the great de- velopment of the cotyledons, which ultimately occupy the entire ca- vity of the nucleus, filling the space usually taken up by albumen. From these observations Dr. Giraud deduces the following in- ferences. The formation of the embryo-sac and the development of cyto- blasts within it having been shown to take place at a period prior to impregnation, and even the primary utricle itself making its appear- ance before the emission of the pollen from the anther and before the expansion of the stigma, the origin of the primary utricle cannot be referred to the influence of impregnation, nor can it have been de- rived from the pollen tube pressing before it a fold of the embryo-sac. The primary utricle at its first formation being quite distinct from the embryo -sac, even at its apex (although brought into contact with it at a subsequent period, and ultimately penetrating it), cannot re- sult from a depression or involution of the embryo-sac, as is main- tained by M. Brongniart. The pollen tubes (which after impregnation may be traced in the conducting tissue of the style) never reaching the micropyle, but pollen granules being found in abundance in the channel leading to it, and being doubtless brought into contact with the outer surface of the embryo-sac through the exostome ; and the first trace of the embryo appearing at this time in the formation of the spherical body at the inferior extremity of the primary utricle — Dr. Giraud is led to conclude that the origin of this simple spherical body results from a peculiar process of nutrition, determined by the material or dyna- mic influence of the fovilla, conveyed through the medium of the primary utricle or suspensor. The paper was accompanied by a series of drawings representing the ovulum of Tropteolum in the several stages of development de- scribed. February 15. R. Brown, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. The Meeting having been specially summoned for the election of a Clerk, Librarian, and Housekeeper in the place of Professor Don, the Vice-President in the Chair opened the business of the day, and the Members present proceeded to ballot. 1842.] Linnean Society. 121 The Vice-President appointed Mr. Bentham and Mr. Yarrell to be Scrutators, and the ballot being closed and the votes being counted, the Scrutators reported the election to have fallen on Mr. Kippist, who was thereupon declared to be duly elected. March 1. T. Horsfield, M.D., V.P., in the Chair. The Secretary reported, that since the last meeting the Society had received from W. Borrer, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S., &c., the present of a valuable Herbarium of Foreign Flowering Plants. George Grardner, Esq., was elected a Fellow. Read a paper " On some rare and beautiful Coleopterous Insects from Silhet, the major part belonging to the collection of Frederic Parry, Esq., of Cheltenham." By the Rev. F. W. Hope, F.R.S., F.L.S., &c. The number of species described amounts to fourteen, one of which is regarded by Mr. Hope as forming the type of a new genus. The following are the generic and specific characters : — LuCANIDf. Hexarthrius Parryi, niger, mandibulis exsertis subdenticulatis bidentatis, capite thoraceque scabriusculis, elytris postice castaneis. Long. lin. 3G ; lat. lin. 10. Odontolabis Cuvera, ater, mandibulis valde exsertis denticulatis, elytris pallid^ castaneis litter& V nigrk signatis. Long, (mandibulis inclusis) lin. 34; lat. lin. 11. Odontolabis Baladena, niger, mandibulis porrectis multidentatis, capite thoraceque unidentatis. Long. lin. 26; lat. 10. Dorcas Westermanni, niger, mandibulis porrectis multidentatis capite thoraceque parum brevioribus. Long. lin. 26^ ; lat. lin. 9. Dorcas DeHaani, niger, mandibulis porrectis capite pariim longioribus : dente forti fer^ trigono ante basin posito : reliquis minoribus. Long. lin. 22 ; lat. lin. 7i. Hab. in agro Assamensi. Mus. D. Hope. Lucanus Brahminus, niger, mandibulis valde exsertis denticulatis capiti thoracique sequalibus, thorace postic^ utrinque dentato, elytris glabris marginatis. Long. lin. 24^ ; lat. lin. 6^. Lucanus Buddha, niger nitidus, mandibulis vald^ porrectis capite thora- ceque longioribus denticulatis. Long. Un. 21 ; lat Up. 6. 128 Linnean Society, [March 15, RuTELID^. Mimela Passerinii, viridis, thoracis lateribus luteolis, elytrorum margini- bus elevatis pallide virescentibus, corpore infr^ roseo-cupreo, pectore ca- pillis longis flavescentibus obsito. Long. lin. d\ ; lat. lin. 4^. Hab. in Montibus Himalayanis. BuPRESTIDjE. Chrysochroa Edtvardsii, viridi-aurata, thorace cupreo-purpureo, elytris fascia irregulari maculd flava insignitis, corpore subtus roseo-cupreo, pedibus concoloribus. Long. lin. 27 ; lat. lin. 8|. This superb Buprestis approaches most nearly to that named Pe- rottetii by M. Guerin. LONGICORNES. Alofwckamus sulphurifer, corpore toto suprk et infra flavo-sulphureo, antennis pedibusque nigro cinereoque variegatis. Long. lin. 13 ; lat. lin. 4f . Purpuricenus rubripennis, violaceus, elytris rubro-marginatis macula sub- quadrata in medio disco insignitis, pedibus concoloribus. Long. lin. 15 ; lat. lin. 4. ZoNOPTERus, Hope. Caput mandibulis arcuatis, fronte declivi, cornu brevi utrinque ad basin antennarum. AntenncB 11-articulatse, articulo basali apice crassiore, 2do minimo, 3tio longissimo, 4to fer^ dimidio minore, 6 sequentibus fere aequalibus, ultimo longiore acuto. Thorax depressus, capite duplo longior. Elytra thorace triplo longiora, parallela, apicibus rotundatis. Pedes femoribus 4 anterioribus incrassatis, posticis duplo majoribus subcompressis ; tibiis posticis subincurvis. Zonopterus Jlavitarsis, niger, antennis bicoloribus, thorace nigro-tomen- toso, elytris flavo-bifasciatis, femoribus tibiisque atris, tarsis flavis. Long. lin. 15 ; lat. lin. 4. Colohothea ruhricollis, rubro-picea, antennis concoloribus, elytris nigri- cantibus maculis flavo-ochraceis aspersis. Long. lin. 15 ; lat. lin. 4. Sagrid^. Sagra Carhunculus, cyanea, elytris igne auroque micantibus, pedibus pos- ticis incrassatis ; tibiis incurvis. Long. lin. 4^. March 15. E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. Mr. R. H. Solly exhibited a Cabinet for Microscopic objects made of Cedar-wood, the specimens contained in which, consisting of thinly ground sections of fossil- wood cemented on glass, had become co- 1842.] Linnean Society. 129 vered with a very adhesive varnish. Where the fossil- wood wa« quite sound, and the cement (probably of Canada Balsam) did not project beyond its edges, very little of the varnish was deposited ; but where the fossil- wood was cracked or unsound, or where the ce- ment projected beyond its edges, it was found in considerable quan- tity ; and on the specimens not cemented to glass, it was deposited chiefly in the pores or cracks which had imbibed some of the oil used in polishing the surface. The cabinet was quite new when the spe- cimens were placed in it, and Mr. Solly supposes that the air con- tained in the drawers had become loaded with vapour from the Ce- dar-wood, which coming into contact with oil or resin combined with it to produce a varnish. Read a paper " On Edgeworthia, a new genus of Plants of the Order Myrsinea." By Hugh Falconer, M.D., Superintendent of the Hon. E. I. C.'s Botanic Garden at Saharunpore, communicated by J. F. Royle, M.D.. F.L.S., &c. Dr. Falconer refers this new genus to the Tribe Theophrastea, and characterizes it as follows : — Edgeworthia. Calyx 5-partitus ; laciniis obtusis imbricatis. Corolla hypogyna, subcam- panulata ; tubo brevi crasso, int^s squainis 5 adnatis acuminatis, cum limbi 5-partiti lobis acutis (in aestivatione contorto-imbricatis) alter- nantibus, instructo. Stamina 5, corollae tubo inserta, ejus denique la- ciniis opposita, exserta ; filamenta subulata, basi cum squamis conflu- entia ; antherae extrorsae, vei-satiles, loculis longitudinaliter dehiscen- tibus. Ovarium 1 -loculare ; placenta basilaris, parva ; ovula pauca, erecta, anatropa. Stylus elongatus, etiam in alabastro exsertus ; stigma minutum, indivisum. Drupa mono- (rar6 di-) sperma. Semen pelta- tum, hilo lato excavato umbilicatum ; testa ossea. Embryo intra albu- men (cartilagineum) ruminatum excentricus, transversa arcuatus ; ra- dicula infera. >~ Arbuscula sempervirens ; foliis alternis extlipulatist ioUtariis v. fasciculatis, ellipticis, integerrimis, coriacei^, marginaiis ; ramis spinescentibus ; pedicellis bracteolatis ; ^orihus parvis subsessilibu* in capitida axillaria subumbellata dense eoacervatis^ chloroleueis ; dnip& eduli dulci. Obs. Genus inter Theophrasteas, JacquinicB et Theophrasta ju¥ta charao- teres tribuales affine, sed ab utroque et a sociis albumine ruininato, necnon inflorescenti^ distinctum. Notatu dignissimum, stjlum etiam in alabastro exsertum ! Edgeworthia buxifolia, Hab. in collibus aridis Provinciarum Taxilae et Peucelaotia in Bactrim In- feriore; passim obvenit prop^ Peshawur, Cohaut et Attock, iiidigeuis No. XV. — Procbedings of thb Linnban Socibtt. ISO Linnean Society, [April 5, Goorgoara dicta. Floret Februario ; fructus maturescit Julio. Semina dura globosa vulgd in monilia precatoria consenintur. Dr. Falconer describes Edgeworthia as one of the most character- istic forms of Lower AfFghanistan, where it grows associated with a species of Dodonaa, Olea Laitoona, a species of Rhazya, and an un- described Asclepiadeous genus. To the latter, which he refers to the tribe of Periplocece, he gives the name of Campelepis, with the follow- ing generic characters : — Campelepis. Corolla rotata, 5-fida ; fauce coronata, squamis 5 cum segmentis alternan- tibus, brevibus^ flexuoso-trilobis, confluentibus, medio aristatis, aristis filiformibus erectis apice uncinatis ; tubo intus squamulis totidem inclu- sis, laceris, patentibus, staminibus oppositis, instruct©. Filamenta di- stincta, fauci infra squamas inserta ; antherse sagittatae, apiculo acuta terminatae, dorso barbatae, basi stigmatis medio agglutinatse. Mass(B pollinis solitarise, granulosse, corpusculorum stigmatis appendiculis di- latatis applicitae. Stigma dilatatum, muticum. FollicuU cylindracei^ laeves, divaricatissimi. Semina ad umbilicum comosa. — Frutex erectus, ramosissimus, glaber, quasi aphgllus; foliis neinpe squamcBformibus, deci- duis, remotis; cymis breve pedunculatis, paucifloris; floribus paruw, cor- riaceis ; corollae laciniis intus prope apicem barbatis, disco leprosis^ Campelepis viminea. Hah. passim in Bactrim Inferiore^ prop^ Peshawur, Attock, &c. April 5. R. Brown, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. The Secretary announced that the Society had received, in pnr suance of the bequest of the late Professor David Don, Libr. L.S., his Herbarium and collection of Woods and Fruits, with the ex- ception of such as relate to Materia Medica. Mr. Richard Kippist, Libr. L.S., was elected an Associate. Read the commencement of " A Catalogue of Spiders, either not previously recorded or little known as indigenous to Great Britain, with remarks on their Habits and Economy." By John Blackwall, Esq., F.L.S., &c. 1842.] Linnean Society, 181 April 19. E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. M. Pakenham Edgeworth, Esq., of the Bengal Civil Service, was elected a Fellow. The Secretary announced that the Treasurer had received from the Executors of the late Archibald Menzies, Esq., F.L.S., the sum of 90/., being the amount of a legacy of 100/. bequeathed by him to the Linnean Society, after deducting 10/. for legacy duty. J. O. West wood, Esq., F.L.S., exhibited numerous species of Sphingida, Nocturnal Lepidoptera, and other insects, from the collec- tion of Lieut. -Col. Hearsey, formed during a residence of thirty years in Central India. He stated this collection to be very interesting on account of its local character, and as compared with the splendid col- lections recently received from Sylhet and the Himalayas, exhibited at late meetings of this Society. In Colonel Hearsey's collection the species of the modem genus Papilio are very few in number, and well known. Of P. Hector there is but a single specimen. Tliere is not a single species of Lucanus, nor true Fulgora, in the collection ; a striking peculiarity as compared with the Sylhet and Himalayan collections. The collection, however, contains a species of Paussus and one of Diopsis, both new ; a very minute Apotomus, specimens of both sexes of the interesting Hymenopterous genus Trirogma, a number of very English-looking Harpalid/e, various Alhyrei and Bolboceri, as well as most of the new species described by Mr. Saunders in the last Part of the Transactions of the Entomological Society. Read the concluding portion of " A Catalogue of Spiders, either not previously recorded or little known as indigenous to Great Bri- tain, with remarks on their Habits and Economy." By John Black- wall, Esq., F.L.S., &c. The following is a list of the species enumerated by Mr. Black- wall :— 1. Drasstu sericeus, Walck. In several of the northern counties of En- gland and Wales. 2. Drasstu ater, Walck. Common in Denbighshire and Caernarvon- shire. 132 Linnean Society. [April 19, 3. Clubiona epimelas, Walck. Found rarely in the wooded districts of Denbighshire. 4. Clubiona accentuata, Walck. In the woods of Denbighshire and Caer- narvonshire. 5. Clubiona erratiea, Walck. Frequent in the woods and commons of Denbighshire. 6. Jrgyronefa aquaiica, Walck. In the fens of Cambridgeshire, Mr. Ba- bington ; and in small pools in Cheshire, Mr. Glover. 7. Cinifio ferox, Blackw. Abundant in England and Wales. 8. Ergatis latens, Blackw. On commons in Denbighshire. 9. Tegenaria domestica, Walck. Oxford and Cambridge. 10. Lycosa andrenivora, Walck, Commons and old pastures in various parts of England and Wales. 11. Lycosa agretyca, Walck. Old pastures in England and Wales. 12. Lycosa allodroma, Walck., var. leucophaea. Lycosa leucophsea, Blackw., in Lond. and Edinb. Phil. Mag. x. p. 104. 13. Lycosa picta, Hahn. In Cheshire and Denbighshire, frequenting^ sandy districts on the coast. 14. Lycosa lugubris, Walck. Abundant in woods in Denbighshire and Caernarvonshire. 15. Lycosa pallida, Walck. Frequent on banks of rivers in Denbighshire and Caernarvonshire. 16. Lycosa piratica, Walck. Marshes and margins of pools in England and Wales. 17. Dolomedes Jimbriatusy Walck. In the fens of Cambridgeshire, Mr, Babingtoft. 18. Salticus cupreus, Hahn. Moimtain-woods of Denbighshire and Caer- narvonshire. 19. Salticus coronatus,^\dic\iVf. A ttus coronatus, ^a/c&. Common in the woods of Denbighshire and Caernarvonshire. 20. Salticus gracilis, Hahn. Gwydir woods in Caernarvonshire. 21. Thomistcs brevipes, Hahn. In fields adjacent to woods, at Oakland, near Llanrwst, Denbighshire. 22. Thomisiis bifasciatus, Blackw. Xysticus bifasciatus, Koch. In pas- tures near Llanrwst. 23. Thomisus citreut, Walck. In the western parts of Denbighshire. 24. Philodrojnus dispar, Walck. In the wooded parts of Denbighshire and Caernarvonshire. 25. Philodromus cespiticolens, Walck. In woods in Denbighshire. 26. Philodromus oblongus, Walck. In the north of Cheshire. 27. Sparassus smaragdulus, Walck. England, Mr. Babington ; in the woods at Tan-y-Bwlch in Merionethshire, Mr. Glover. 28. Theridion denticulatum, Walck. Common in England and Wales. 29. Theridion signatum, Walck. Among heath in Denbighshire : rare. 30. Neri'ene trilineata, Blackw. Theridion reticulatum, Hahn, Under stones in the neighbourhood of Manchester. 1S42.] Linnean Society. 133 31. Neriene fframinicolens, Blackw. Sp. nov. a Neri'ene trilineatd di- versa pedibus palpisque unicoloribus nee annulatis. Old pastures at Oak- land, near Llanrwst, Denbighshire. 32. Manduculus vernalis, Blackw. Theridion vemale, Hahn. In pas- tures in various parts of Lancashire and Denbighshire. 33. Pkolcus phalangioides, Walck. Barmouth, Merionethshire, Mr. Pot- ter ; Liverpool, Mr. Glover ; Isle of Wight. 34. Lini/p/iia pallida^ Blackvr. Theridium pallidum, A'oc/i. Among grass in the grounds about Oakland. 35. Epeira bicornis, Walck. In the wooded parts of Denbighshire. 36. Epeira ageleruiy Walck. In pastures near Llanrwst, 37. Epeira scalaris, Walck. In the neighbourhood of London. 38. Epeira umbratica, Walck. Abundant in various parts of England and Wales. 39. Epeira fttscat Walck. In Denbighshire and Caernarvonshire. 40. Epeira antriadOf Walck. Common in the north of England and Wales. 4 1 . Dysdera erythrina, Walck. In the town of Manchester ; also in Cam- bridge, Air. Potter. 42. Dysdera rubicnnda, Koch. Cambridge, Mr. Babington. 43. Dysdera Hombergii, Walck. Plentiful in the wooded districts of Den- bighshire and Caernarvonshire. 44. Oiinops pulcher. Tempi. Deletrix exilis, Blackw., in Lond, and Edinb. Phil. Mag. x. p. 100. In Lancashire, Denbighshire and Caernar- vonshire : abundant in the two last. Mr. Blax^kwall states, that with a few exceptions, the spiders com- prised in the foregoing catalogue have never before been recognized as British species. With respect to nearly the whole of them, nu- merous facts are detailed relative to their structure, instincts, eco- nomy and haunts, with occasional remarks on their nomenclature and systematic arrangement. Read also a " Description of a new Indian species of Pausstts.*' By J. O. Westwood, Esq., F.L.S., &c. This species, which is in the collection made by Lieut. -Colonel Hearsey mentioned above, approaches Platyrhopalus in having the penultimate joint of its labial palpi about two -thirds the length of the terminal joint. In all its other characters, however, it accords so exactly with the Indian species of Mr. Westwood's second division of the genus Paussus, that were the antennae broken off, it would be almost impossible to distinguish it from Paussus cognatus. Paussus Hearseyanus, rufo-castaneus nitidus punctatus, elytris singulis plag& lata longitudinali nigr&, capite pone oculos carinft elevatft trans- versa alteraque longitudinali mediant ad nasum ferd duct&, antenuarum 1S4 Linnean Society, [May 24, clavA subovatft basi extiis in hamum producta ; margine postic^ super- neque obliqu^ 3-impres80. The only specimen known was captured by Col. Hearsey at Be- nares by night, having flown against the lamp and fallen upon the table, a habit observed in other species of the genus by several Indian entomologists. May 5. The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. Capt. ITieobald Jones, R.N., M.P., was elected a Fellow. His Grace the Duke of Northumberland, K.G., F.R.S., F.L.S., &c., sent for exhibition a specimen of the ripe fruit of Diospyros edulis, and of the female flowers of the same, grown in one of His Grace's stoves at Sion. J. A. Hankey, Esq., F.L.S., laid on the table for distribution nu- merous specimens of Fritillaria Meleagris, L., gathered by himself at Finchley, Middlesex. W. H. Rudston Read, Esq., F.L.S., exhibited a specimen of a shell {Spondylus varius, Brod.) collected at Riatea, one of the So- ciety Islands, under the enamel of which was retained for several months a quantity of water. Read a portion of Dr. Hamilton Buchanan's Commentary on the 8th Part of Rheede's * Hortus Malabaricus.' 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 Oflicers, the President opened the business of the Meeting, and stated the num- 1842.] Linnean Society, 13$ ber of Members whom the Society had lost during the past year, of some of whom the Secretary read the following notices : — John Ansley, Esq. Sir Wm. Beatty, Knt., M.D., F.R,S.» well known as having been surgeon of the Victory at the memorable action oflf Cape Trafalgar, and as having in that capacity assisted at the last moments of Lord Nelson, of which he afterwards published an account. Sir Charles Bell, K.H., F.R.S. Lond. 8f Ed., Professor of Surgery in the University of Edinburgh. The very recent death of this eminent surgeon and distinguished physiologist precludes on the present occasion any detailed account of his life and works. He was born in Edinburgh in 1778, and the early part of his life was spent in his native city as the assistant of his brother John in his surgical lectures. He came to London in 1806, and became lecturer on surgery at the Hunterian School in Windmill Street, and afterwards one of the surgeons of the Middlesex Hospital. His important discoveries in the functions of the Nervous System, by which his fame has been most widely spread, were com- municated in a series of papers read before the Royal Society, com- mencing in 1821. On the accession of King William the Fourth he received the honour of knighthood; and in 1836 he returned to Edinburgh, having been appointed to the Professorship of Surgery in that University. He died almost suddenly at the beginning of the present month. The Rev. Isaac Bell. John Eddowes Bowman, Esq., was bom at Nantwich in Cheshire, on the 30th October, 1785. He was in early life confined to busi- ness during more than twelve hours of the day, and yet con- trived, by early rising, to cultivate a taste for botany, which he had imbibed from his father. The small town in which he lived fur- nished no persons of congenial pursuits with whom he could asso- ciate, but this circumstance, though it limited his progress, did not damp his ardour. He became the manager of a bank at Welch Pool, and with an income extremely limited, was not only enabled to give a liberal education to his rising family, but, by the help of such books and instruments as he could purchase, to extend his studies to many branches of natural science with great zeal and success. In 1824 he became a partner in a banking establishment in Wrexham, from which he retired in 1830, and never entered into business again; for being in possession of a moderate competence, he willingly relin- quished together the profits and the cares of active life, in exchange for the tranquil happiness he hoped to enjoy from the undivided pur- 136 Linnean Society. [May 24, suit of those sciences of which he had ever been passionately fond. Hitherto he had been able to follow them only as a recreation, having never allowed their cultivation to encroach on the time set apart for business ; yet he had already, from the ample stores around him, ac- quired extensive collections in the departments of botany and geology, which were his favourite studies. In 1837 he transferred his residence to Manchester, where he in- tended to pass the remainder of his life. During his short abode in that great emporium of manufactures and commerce he endeavoured by all the means in his power to advance and diffuse a love for sci- ence, and especially for natural history ; and by his associates in the different societies of that place his memory will be warmly cherished. He had looked forward with much interest to the approaching meet- ing of the British Association for the Advancement of Science in that town, but this hope was not realized. He died after a sudden illness on the 4th December last. Mr. Bowman became a Fellow of this Society in 1828. He has contributed two papers to the sixteenth volume of its ' Transactions* : viz. " An Account of a new Plant of the Gastromycous order of Fungi" which is well described and figured under the name of Ener- thema elegans ; and a memoir ** On the parasitical connexion of Lathrcea Squamaria, and the peculiar structure of its subterranean leaves." The last-named paper is a valuable contribution to our knowledge of a very obscure branch of vegetable physiology, the connection, namely, of Root-Parasites with the plants on which they grow, and is beautifully illustrated by two plates of details, from Mr. Bowman's own pencil. His other natural-history publications are, with one exception, geological. They consist of, 1 . a memoir " On the Longevity of the Yew, as ascertained from actual sections of its trunk, and on the origin of its frequent occurrence in Churchyards," in Loudon's 'Magazine of Natural History for 1836'; 2. "Notes on a small patch of Silurian Rocks to the W. of Abergele, on the north- em coast of Denbighshire," communicated by Mr. Murchison to the Geological Society in 1838; 3. "On a white fossil Powder found under Peat-Bog in Lincolnshire, composed of the siliceous fragments of microscopic parasitical Conferva;" 4. "On the origin of Coal, and the geological conditions under which it was produced;" 5. "Ob- servations on the characters of the Fossil Trees discovered on the line of the Bolton Railway;" 6. "On the Upper Silurian Rocks in the Vale of Llangollen, North Wales;" (the four latter communicated to the Manchester Geological Society, and published in the first volume of their Transactions ;) 7. three papers in the * Philosophical Maga- 1842.] lAnnean Society, 187 zine* for 1840, "On the Natural Terraces on the Eildon Hills;" and 8. a memoir in the same Journal for 1841, "On the question whether there are any evidences of the former existence of Glaciers in North Wales." The Rev. Thomas Butt. Edmund John Clark, M.D. George Coles, Esq. Richard Goolden, Esq. William Harrison, Esq., Queen's Counsel, a Bencher of the Inner Temple, Counsel of the Treasury and War Office, and Attorney- General for the Duchy of Cornwall, died at his seat at Cheshunt, Herts, on the 4th of October last. He was eminently distinguished in his profession, in the parliamentary business of which he for many years took the lead. Those among us who have visited his retreat at Cheshunt are not likely soon to forget the beautiful garden, with its noble range of stoves and conservatories, which he had formed there, or the kind hospitality with which they were received. Much of his leisure was devoted to planting, and his garden exhibited, in the great variety of trees and shrubs which it contained and the taste displayed in their arrangement, ample proof of his attachment to that pursuit. James Rawlins Johnson, M.D., F.R.S., SfC, was author of "A Trea- tise on the Medicinal Leech, including its medical and natural his- tory, with a Description of its Anatomical Structure ; also, Remarks upon the Diseases, Preservation and Management of Leeches," 1816, 8vo, London; and of two papers published in the 'Philosophical Trans- actions' for 1817, entitled "Observations on the mode of Propagation of the Hirudo vulgaris, or Rivulet- Leech," and " On the Hirudo com- planata and Hirudo stagnalis, now formed into a distinct genus under the name of Glossopora." These two papers were reprinted in 1825, with some additional facts and observations, under the title of " Further Observations on the Medicinal Leech." In these publica- tions Dr. Johnson contributed much to the elucidation of the natural history of the Leech, which has since been so ably completed by Ca- rena and others. Aylmer Bourke Lambert, Esq., the last survivor of the original members of the Linnean Society, and for nearly fifty years one of its Vice-Presidents, was bom at Bath on the 2nd of February, 1761. His father, Edmund Lambert, Esq., of Boy ton-House, near Heytes- bury, Wilts., married Bridget, daughter of the last Viscount Mayo and his only surviving child, through whom Mr. Lambert inherited the family property and the name of Bourke. He was educated at 138 Linnean Society, [May 24, St. Mary's Hall, in the University of Oxford, and attaching himself early in life to botanical pursuits, joined the Linnean Society at its foundation, and became one of its warmest friends and promoters. In 1791 he also became a Fellow of the Royal Society. On succeeding to his paternal estate, he was enabled to indulge his taste for botany more freely, and laboured with great ardour and suc- cess to increase his herbarium, which at length acquired the charac- ter of being one of the most valuable and important private collec- tions in existence. Of this herbarium, and of the several collections from which it was chiefly formed, an account has been given by Mr. Don, who for many years acted as its curator, and who had also charge of Mr. Lambert's extensive botanical library. These collec- tions were at all times most liberally opened by their possessor for the use of men of science, and one day in the week (Saturday) was constantly set apart for the reception of scientific visitors, travellers and others, who either brought with them or sought for information on botanical subjects. Mr. Lambert's separate publications are two in number : "A De- scription of the Genus Cinchona," London, 1797, 4to, and "A De- scription of the Genus Pinus," London, 1803-24, in two vols, folio. Of the latter work, which is one of the most splendid botanical pub- lications that ever issued from the press, a second edition, with addi- tions, was published in 1828, and a third volume was added in 1834. A small edition, in two vols. 8vo, was also published in 1832. His other works consist entirely of papers in our ' Transactions.' They are as follows : — "An Account of the Canis Grains Hibernicus, or Irish Wolf-Dog," in vol. ii. "Anecdotes of the late Dr. Patrick Browne, author of the 'Natural History of Jamaica'," in vol. iv., containing some interesting par- ticulars relative to that intelligent naturalist, from whom Mr. Lam- bert received and presented to this Society his MS. of a * Flora Hi- bernica,' together with a small herbarium, collected in the counties of Mayo and Galway, and a separate collection of Mosses. '• A Description of the Blight of Wheat, Uredo Frumenti." " A Description of Bos frontalis, a new species from India," de- • scribed from a living specimen in the coUection of Mr. Brookes of the New Road. " Observations on the Zizania aquatica," accompanied by a figure from the pencil of Ferdinand Bauer, taken from specimens grown by Sir Joseph Banks in a pond at Spring-grove. " A further Account of Bos frontalis," containing numerous par- 1842.] Linnean Society. 139 ticulars of its habits, taken from a Letter written by Mr. Macrae. These four papers are in vol. vii. " A Description of a new Species of Macropua (M. eleg&ns), from New Holland," from a living specimen in the collection at Exeter Change, in vol. viii. "Some Account of the Herbarium of Prof. Pallas," in vol. x., which, besides a general account of the collection, then recently purchased by Mr. Lambert, contains characters of a number of new species of plants, which are figured on six accompanying plates. " Notes relating to Botany, collected from the MSS. of the late Peter Collinson, Esq.," also in vol. x., and affording many interest- ing notices relating to botanists, gardeners and gardens in England, in the middle of the last century. ** Description of a new Species oi Psidiwn" (JP.polycarpon), which had ripened its fruit at Boyton, in vol. xi. " Some Account of the Galls found on a species of Oak from the shores of the Dead Sea," and a " Note on the Mustard-plant of the Scriptures," in vol. xvii. IAt. Lambert's health had for some years been failing, and he had ceased to visit his country-seat at Boyton, but preferred, when out of town, taking up his residence of Kew, where his proximity to the lloyal Gardens, and to his friends in town, afforded him more co- pious sources of enjoyment than he could have found elsewhere. He died at Kew, on the 10th of January in the present year, and his remains were removed to Boyton for interment. He married Catha- rine, daughter of Richard Bowater, Esq., of AUesley in the county of Warwick, but was left a widower, without any family, some years before his death. Charles Lane, Esq. Richard Leigh, Esq, Archibald Menzies, Esq., who, on the death of Mr. Lambert, be- came father of the Society, was bom at Weem, in the county of Perth, on the 15th of March, 1754. He was early attached to the Botanic Garden at Edinburgh, of which his brother William after- wards had charge ; and was enabled, through the kind assistance of Dr. John Hope, then Botanical Professor in that University, who was attracted by his love for natural history and especially botany, to pass through the academical studies necessary for his education as a surgeon. In the summer of 1 778 he made a tour, under the auspices of Dr. Hope, through the Highlands and Hebrides, with the view of collecting their rarer plants, to which attention was then strongly directed by the recent publication of Lightfoot's ' Flora Scotica.* He 140 Linnean Society, [May 24, afterwards became assistant to a surgeon at Caernarvon ; but soon quitting for a time the practice of his profession on shore, he entered the navy, and became assistant -surgeon on board the Nonsuch, Captain Truscott, in which vessel he was present at the famous vic- tory obtained by Rodney over the Comte de Grasse on the 12th of April, 1782. After the peace of that year he remained for some time on the Halifax station. In 1 786 he embarked as surgeon on board the Prince of Wales, a vessel fitted out by the enterprising firm of John and Cadman Etches and Co., and was placed under the command of Lieut, (afterwards Captain) Colnett, of the Royal Navy, for a voy- age of commercial discovery to the north-west coast of America. In this voyage he visited Staten Land, where he remained for some time, the Sandwich Islands and China, as well as North-western America, and returned from China by the direct route to England in the be- ginning of 1789. In the following year he was appointed in the capacity of naturalist, and with the rank of surgeon, to accompany Captain Vancouver, on board the Discovery, in his celebrated voy- age ; from which, after visiting King George's Sound on the south coast of New Holland, a part of New Zealand, Otaheite and the Sandwich Islands, and exploring by far the greater part of the north- west coast of America, he returned to England in the autumn of 1795. During one of the visits made by this expedition to the Sand- wich Islands he ascended Wha-ra-rai and Mowna-roa, two of the principal mountains of the island of Owhyhee, and determined their heights (that of the latter exceeding 13,000 feet) by barometrical observations made simultaneously with others on board the vessel. " Some account" of his ascent of the former was subsequently given by him in the 1st and 2nd volumes of Loudon's 'Magazine of Natural History.* From an early period of the voyage Mr. Menzies added to his duties as naturalist those of surgeon of the Discovery, and it affords a striking proof of his professional skill, that on so arduous a service and in so protracted a voyage, not a single man was lost by disease after quitting the Cape of Good Hope in their passage out. From these various voyages Mr. Menzies brought back with him to England large collections of natural history, chiefly botanical. A very considerable number of the plants which he had collected, and especially of the Cryptogamous, to the study of which he was always devotedly attached, were new to science, and have been described from his specimens by Sir James Edward Smith, Mr. Brown, Sir W. J. Hooker and other botanical friends, among whom they were most liberally distributed. His own publications were few in num- 1842.] Linnean Society, 141 ber. In the 1st volume of our 'Transactions* are contained *' De- scriptions of three new Animals [Echeneis lineata, Fasciola clavata, Vknd Hirudo branchiata'\ found in the Pacific Ocean" during his first voyage round the world ; and in the 4th, '* A new Arrangement of the Species of Polytrichum, with some Emendations/' which, to- gether with an Appendix, afterwards added, forms a valuable mono- graph of that extensive genus. In the * Philosophical Transactions' for 1796, he gave, in conjunction with Mr. (afterwards SirEverard) Home, " A Description of the Anatomy of the Sea- Otter," of which he had brought home a fine specimen, afterwards presented, with many other zoological specimens and a set of his plants, to the Bri- tish Museum. He subsequently served in the West Indies as surgeon of the Sans- pareil, commanded by Lord Hugh Seymour ; but early in the present century he quitted the sea, and continued to practise his profession in London. For some years previous to his death he had retired to Notting Hill, where he passed the tranquil remainder of his length- ened existence, eager to the last to obtain additions to his botanical collection, and enjoying the society of his numerous friends with a kindness of heart that never failed. He died on the 15th of February in the present year, having nearly reached the age of 88, and was buried beside his wife (who died five years earlier, and by whom he had no children), in the Cemetery at Kensal Green. He left his herbarium, consisting chiefly of Crypto- gamous plants, Graminea and Cyperacea, arranged with character- istic neatness on paper of an 8vo size, to the Botanic Garden at Edinburgh, where he had studied ; and also gave by his will a be- quest of £100 to this Society, of which he became a Fellow on the 19th of January, 1790, and to which he was always most warmly attached. David Pennant, Esq., son of the distinguished naturalist and ele- gant writer to whom we owe so many agreeable and instructive publications, and who, on the foundation of this Society, was elected one of its Honorary Members, died on the 24th of June, in the 78th year of his age. He edited some of his father's posthumous works, to one of which, consisting of the third and fourth volumes of the * Outlines of the Globe,' he supplied a preface containing some account of the latter days of his parent, and an eloquent tribute to his talents and virtues. He was himself one of the oldest Fellows of the Society, having been elected in 1792, Among our Foreign Mbmbebs we have sustained, in common with the whole world of science, a severe loss in the person of 142 Linnean Society. [May 24, Augustin Pyramus DeCandolle, a botanist of such [distinguished eminence as to demand from us a more than ordinary tribute of re- spect. Descended from a family which came originally from Mar- seilles, but had for more than two centuries been settled at Geneva, and which towards the close of the sixteenth century furnished one of that illustrious band of classical printers who united in so high a degree the study of letters with the art of transmitting them to pos- terity, he was born in the latter city, of which his father had been Premier Syndic, on the 4th of February, 1778. His youthful incli- nations were turned towards literature rather than science i but a residence in the country awakened in him a taste for botany, which his attendance on the lectures of Professor Vaucher confirmed, and at the age of sixteen his path in life was determined, and he devoted himself to the cultivation of botanical science. In 1795 he paid his first visit to Paris, where he attended the lec- tures of Cuvier, Lamarck, Fourcroy, Vauquelin, and other distin- guished professors ; and when Geneva was a few years afterwards incorporated with the French Republic he returned to the metropolis, where he fixed his residence for several years, attending the medical classes and pursuing his botanical studies at the same time under Jussieu and Desfontaines, with both of whom he formed a close and intimate friendship. Soon after taking up his abode in Paris he com- menced the publication of his ' Plantarum Historia Succulentarum,* which was speedily followed by his ' Astragalogia;' and in 1802 he began to furnish the text to Redoute's magnificent work, ' Les Lilia- c^es,' which he supplied up to the 4th volume. In 1805 he was as- sociated with Lamarck in the third edition of that excellent natu- ralist's ' Flore Fran^aise,' to which he prefixed an introduction, en- titled 'Principes Elementaires de Botanique,* and containing the outlines of a course of lectures which he had delivered in the pre- vious year at the College de France. A * Synopsis Plantarum in Fiord Gallica descriptarum ' followed in 1806. He had previously, in 1804, connected his medical and botanical studies in an ' Essai sur les Proprietes Medicales des Plantes, comparees avec leur clas- sification naturelle,' of which a second edition appeared in 1816. At an early period of his residence in Paris M. DeCandolle took an active part in the formation, under the auspices of Baron Benjamin Delessert, of the Societe Philanthropique for the supply of ceconomical soups to the poor and other charitable purposes, of which he con- tinued for several years to be the secretary. The Society for the Encouragement of National Industry is also stated to have been formed under his direction and management. In 1806 he ceased to be permanently resident in Paris. He re- 1842.] Linnean Society. 143 ceived in that year a commission from the Imperial Government to collect information on the state of botany and agriculture throughout the empire, and in pursuance of this commission he took for six suc- cessive years annual journeys into the several departments, the re- sults of which are contained in his ' Rapports sur les Voyages Bota- niques et Agronomiques faits dans les Departemens de I'Empire Fran^ais,* which were published in a collected form in 1813. Soon after his appointment to this important task he quitted Paris for Montpellier, where he became Professor of Botany in the Faculty of Medicine in 1807, and a Chair of Botany having been established in the Faculty of Sciences of that Academy in 1810, he attached himself with renewed ardour to the promotion of his favourite pur- suit. Under his direction the Botanic Garden was greatly improved, and a Catalogue, with descriptions of many new species, was pub- lished by him in 1813, in which year his ' Th^orie El^mentaire de la Botanique' also made its first appearance. Many valuable memoirs, scattered through various publications, but chiefly taken from the ' Annates du Museum d'Histoire Naturelle,' were in this year col- lected into a volume. After the second Restoration of the Bourbons, circumstances oc- curred which induced him to quit Montpellier and return to his na- tive city, now restored to independence. A Chair of Natural History was instituted expressly for him, of which he took possession in January 1816, and the Botanic Garden, established towards the close of the last century with the assistance of funds bequeathed for that purpose by the celebrated Bonnet, was greatly augmented, partly by assistance derived from the Government, and partly by voluntary subscription. Several Fasciculi of the * Plantes rares du Jardin de Geneve* attest the interest which he took in its success. In 1816 he visited England for the purpose of consulting the Her- baria of our country with a view to the general system of plants, the publication of which he then meditated, and during his stay here communicated to the Linnean Society a paper entitled " Remarks on two Genera of Plants to be referred to the Family of Rosacea." These are Kerria and Purshia, previously strangely misunderstood, and as strangely misplaced in distant and very dissimilar families. His me- moir on this subject, the only one by M. DeCandolle which has a place in our ' Transactions,' is contained in the twelfth volume. In 1818 appeared the first volume of his intended ' Regni Vege- tabilis Systema Naturale,* which was followed by a second in 1821. But the plan of this work was obviously too vast for accomplishment by individual industry, however great ; and after the publication of these two volumes, M. DeCandolle recognized the necessity of con- 144 Linnean Society. [May 24, fining himself within narrower limits. In the year 1 824 he commenced the pubHcation of his ' Prodromus Systematis Regni Vegetabilis,' the title of which indicates his intention at some future period to resume the more extensive work. But even this ' Enumeratio Contracta,' as he designates it, proved too mighty a labour, and in the remain- ing seventeen years of his life, all that his unwearied energy could accompHsh was the publication of seven volumes, completing pro- bably about two-thirds of the contemplated task. The value of these important manuals, in the present state of botanical science, can only be estimated by those with whom they are of necessity in daily use. On many of the more interesting families on which they treat he si- multaneously published a series of descriptive memoirs. It is the great merit of this important work, that, far more than any other approaching it in extent, it is founded on actual observa- tion. M. DeCandoUe's own herbarium was extremely rich ; he had visited and carefully examined many of the most extensive collections, and especially those of Paris ; and many entire collections as well as separate families, on which he was specially engaged, were from time to time submitted to his examination by their possessors. He had thus opportunities of comparison greatly beyond what in ordi- nary circumstances fall to the lot of an individual. His library too was stored with almost every important publication that could be required for his undertaking. With such ample materials, aided by his untiring zeal and the persevering energy of his character, he steadily pursued his allotted task, and only ceased to labour at it when he ceased to live. It was not merely as a botanist that M. DeCandolle deserved well of his country and of mankind. Both as an individual and in the Council of his native city, he was ever active in the promotion of measures of public utility, whether they related to the improvement of agriculture, the cultivation of the arts, the advancement of public instruction, or the amelioration of the legislative code. Even in his botanical lectures he never lost an opportunity of inculcating the importance of these and similar subjects. Those lectures were at- tended by a numerous class, who caught from their teacher a portion of the enthusiasm with which he was himself inspired. Some idea of the manner in which he brought their subject before his auditors may be obtained from his ' Organographie ' and * Physiologic Veg6- tale,' published in 1827 and 1832, which contain the substance of his lectures on those two great departments of the science. For some years his health had been declining, and it is to be feared that the severe and incessant attention which he paid to the elaboration of the great family of Composite had made a deep inroad 1842.] Ldnnean Society, 145 U|)on it. As a relaxation from his labours, he undertook, in the last year of his life, a long journey, and attended the Scientific Meeting held at Turin ; but he did not derive from this journey the anticipated improvement in his health, which gradually failed until his death, on the 9th of September last. He has left a son, Alphonse, well known as the author of several valuable botanical publications, one of which, his memoir on the family of Myrsinea, appeared in our ' Transac- tions/ Jens Wilken Hornemann was born in 1770, and studied at the Uni- versity of Copenhagen, where his ' Forsog til en Dansk oeconomisk Plantelsere' obtained a prize in 1795. In 1798 he commenced a botanical tour through Germany, France and England, and in 1801 became lecturer at the Copenhagen Botanic Garden. He succeeded his teacher Vahl as Regius Professor and Director of the Garden in 1804, and published in 1807 an 'Enumeratio Plantarum Horti Hav- niensis,' and in 1813 and 1815 a more complete synopsis of the plants there cultivated under the title of ' Hortus Regius Botanicus Havniensis.' In 1819 he wrote a dissertation ' De Indole Plantarum Guineensium.' After the death of Vahl he superintended the pub- lication of the ' Rora Danica,* and several papers by him have been published in the ' Transactions of the Danish Philosophical Society * and the ' Tidskrift for Naturvidenskaberne,' of which he was one of the editors. His lectures and writings have done much to extend the study of botany in Denmark, and have contributed to maintain the character acquired for Danish botanists by Koenig, Forskahl, CEder, Rottbiill and Vahl. Among the Associates we lament the loss of The Rev. Robert Francis Bree, who became a Fellow of the Lin- nean Society in 1815, and was placed on the List of Associates in 1827. He died at his residence in the New Kent Road on the 28th of January in the present year, at the age of 66. David Don, Esq., Professor of Botany in King's College, London, and Librarian of this Society, was bom in the year 1800, at Forfar, where his father, an acute practical botanist, had established a Nursery and Botanic Garden. On his father's being afterwards appointed to the charge of the Botanic Garden at Edinburgh, he attracted the notice of Mr. Patrick Neill, and was enabled to attend some of the classes in that city. His father, however, after a while quitting Edinburgh, he returned with him to Forfar, and received his early training in the Garden there. Subsequently he again visited Edin- burgh, and had charge of the stoves and greenhouses in the esta- 146 Linnean Society, [May 24, blishment of the Messrs. Dickson of Broughton near that city, then among the finest in Scotland. Late in 1819 he removed to London, and soon after became librarian to Mr. Lambert, in whose house he was domiciled, and of whose extensive herbarium he had charge. About this period he published " Descriptions of several new or rare native Plants, found in Scotland chiefly by the late Mr. George Don, of Forfar;" and wrote "A Monograph of the Genus Saxifraga," which appeared in the 13th volume of our 'Transactions.* These publications brought him into favourable notice, and in the year 1 822 he became Librarian of the Linnean Society, an ofllice which he con- tinued to hold till his death, and in which he acquired the universal respect and esteem of the Members by the wide extent of his infor- mation and the liberality with which he was at all times ready to impart it. On the death of Prof. Burnet in 1836 he succeeded to the Bota- nical Chair at King's College, which he also retained till his decease. His constitution was apparently robust, but towards the end of 1 84Q a tumour appeared in his lower lip, which it was found necessary to- remove. The disease, however, after a short respite, reappeared in the neck, and assuming by degrees a decidedly malignant character, left no hope of his long surviving. He died on the 8th of December last, worn out by severe suffering, which he bore with the most exemplary fortitude, and was buried on the 15 th of the same month in the Cemetery at Kensal Green. He was married, but left na children. As a systematic botanist his character stands deservedly high. His knowledge of plants was most extensive, and his appreciation of species ready and exact. The most important of his publications are his "Prodromus Florae Nepalensis;" his monographs oi Saxifraga and other genera, and of the fg^mily of Melastomaceee ; his memoirs on Composite, in our ' Transactions ;' and his papers, especially those on the plants of Peru and Chile, in the ' Edinburgh Philosophical Journal.' ITie following is believed to be a nearly complete cata- logue of his works : — I. In the ' Transactions of the Linnean Society :' 1. " A Monograph of the Genus Saxifraga" in vol. xiii. 2. " Descriptions of nine new species of Carex, natives of the Hi- malaya Alps in Upper Nepaul," in vol. xiv. 3. " Description of Cowania, a new genus of Plants ; and of a new species of Sieversia," in vol. xiv. 4. ** Description of a new genus (Lophospermum) belonging to the Natural Family of Plants called ScrophularinecB" in vol. xv. 1842.] lAnnean Society. 147 5. "On the Origin and Nature of the Hgulate Rays in Zinnia, and on a remarkable multiplication observed in the parts of fructification of that genus," in vol. xvi. 6. *' Descriptions of the new genera and species of the Class Com- posita, belonging to the Floras of Peru, Mexico and Chile," in vol. xvi. 7. " On the Plant which yields the Gum Ammoniacum," in vol. xvi. 8. "Observations on thtTVopeeolum pentaphyllum, Lam.," and "Ad- ditional Observations " on the same, in vol. xvii. 9. "On the modifications of ^Estivation observable in certain plants formerly referred to the Genus Cinchona," in vol. xvii. 10. " Remarks on some British Ferns," in vol. xvii. 11. "Descriptions of five new species of the Genus Pinus, disco- vered by Dr. Coulter in California," in vol. xvii. 12. " Descriptions of Indian Gentianece," in vol. xvii. 13. "Descriptions of two new genera of the Natural Family of Plants called Conifers," in vol. xviii. 14. " Description of a new genus of Plants (Catophractes) belong- ing to the Natural Family Bignoniacea," in vol. xviii. 15. " Descriptions of the Indian species of Iris," in vol. xviii. 16. "An Account of the Indian species of Juncus and Luzula," in vol. xviii. 17. "A Monograph of the Genus Disporum," in vol. xviii. 18. "A Monograph of Streptopus, with the Description of a new genus (Prosartes) now first separated from it," in vol. xviii. II. In the * Memoirs of the Wernerian Society of Edinburgh :' 19. " Descriptions of new or rare Native Plants, found in Scotland by the late Mr. George Don of Forfar," in vol. iii. 20. " Descriptions of new Plants from Nepaul, in the Herbarium of A. B. Lambert, Esq.," in vol. iii. 21. " Illustrations of the Natural Family of Plants called Melasto- macetK," in vol. iv. 22. " A Monograph of the Genus Pyrola" in vol. v. 23. " On the classification and division of Gnaphalium and Xeran- themum of Linnaeus," in vol. v. III. In the ' Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal :' 24. " Observations on Philadelphea and Granatea, two new Fa- milies of Plants," in vol. i. 25. " On the Affinities of Empetrea," in vol. ii. 26. " On the Rhubarb of Commerce, the Purple-coned Fir of Ne- paul, and the Mustard- tree," in vol. ii. 27. "Description of the Grenus Malesherbia of the Flora Peru- viana, with remarks on its affinities," in vol. ii. 148 Linnean Society. [May 24, 28. '* Obsen'ations on the Cow-tree of the Cataccas, and on the culture of the Nutmeg," in vol. iii. 29. *' Remarks on the Irritability of the Stigma, and on the Origin and Nature of certain parts of the Fructification in Pinus LaHx," in vol. iv. 30. *' On the general presence of spiral Vessels in the Vegetable Structure," in vol. vi. 31. "Descriptions of the Genera Columellia, Tovaria and Francoa," in vol. vi. 32. "An attempt at a new Classification of the Cichoracea," in vol. vi. 33. " On the Characters and Aflinities of Darwinia, Brnnsfelsia, Browallia, Argylia, Eccremocarptts, and of a Plant improperly re- ferred to the latter genus," in vol. vii. 34. " On the Affinities of Vellozia, Barhacenia, Glaux, Aucuba, Viviania, Deutzia, and of a new genus of the Order Rubiacea," in vol. viii. 35. "On the anomalous Structure of the Leaf oi Rosa berberi- folia," in vol. viii. 36. " A Monograph of the Family of Plants called Cunoniacete,'* in vol. ix. 37. " On the Characters and Affinities of certain Genera, chiefly belonging to the Flora Peruviana," various papers in vols. x. — xiv. 38. " Descriptions of some new species of Malesherbia, Kage^ necJcia, Quillaja, and of a new genus of Salicaria," in vol. xii. 39. " Additional Remarks on Er cilia, Macromeria, Aitonia and Citronella," in vol. xiv. 40. " On the ConifertB at present growing in Australia," in vol. xiv. 41. " On the Characters and Affinities of the Genus Codon," in vol. XV. 42. " On the Connexion between the Calyx and Ovarium in cer- tain Plants of the Order Melastomaceee," in vol. xv. 43. " Some Remarks on the Plant which yields the Cascarilla Bark," in vol. xvi. 44. " An attempt at a new Arrangement of the Eticacea," in vol. xvii. 45 . "On the Characters of certain Groups of the Class Personata," in vol. xix. IV. Miscellaneous: 46. " Prodromus Florae Nepalensis," 12mo, 1825. 47. The Text of the new Series of Sweet's "British Flower- Garden." 1842.] Linnean Society, 149 48. "A List of the Plants collected by Mr. Fellows in Asia Minor, with descriptions of some new species," appended to Mr. Fellows's Narrative of his Travels. Mr. Charles Edward Sowerby (son of the late James Sowerby, and brother of James De Carle and George Brettingham Sowerby, who still survive to maintain the reputation of the family name,) was principally known as a naturalist by the smaller and cheaper edition of the ' English Botany,' which he superintended and which is now nearly completed. He died on the 7th of the present month. The President also announced that ten Fellows and three Asso- ciates had been elected since the last Anniversary. At the Election which subsequently took place, the Lord Bishop of Norwich was elected President ; Edward Forster, Esq., Trea- surer; 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. The Right Hon. the Earl of Beverley ; John Alexander Hankey, Esq. ; John Miers, Esq. ; Roderick Impey Murchison, Esq. ; and Alfred White, Esq. The President announced that Vol. XIX. Part 1. of the Society's • Transactions ' was ready for distribution. In accordance with the Resolution of Council of the 26th ultimo, the Secretary read the following Statement : — " The Council having had under their serious consideration the financial affairs of the Society, submit the following Statement to the Fellows at large. '* The cost of the Collections and Library of Linnaeus, together with those of the first President Sir James Edward Smith, purchased of the Executors of the latter in 1828, amounted to £3000. Of this sum about £1500 were then raised by subscription ; and to meet the remainder a debt on bonds was incurred, which now amounts to £1300, paying interest at 5 per cent. " In consequence partly of this amount of interest, and partly of a diminution in the Annual Receipts, there has been accumulated within the last few years a further debt of about £500. " By recent arrangements a saving of some amount has been effected in the Expenditure ; but the Council are convinced that no further material reduction can be made without greatly impairing the effi- ciency of the Society, and they desire to avoid, as far as possible, the necessity of calling upon the Fellows to agree to a small charge being 150 Linnean Society, [May 24, placed upon the Society's Publications, that appearing to be the most obvious means of supplying the deficiency in the Annual Receipts. *' With this view they propose a General Subscription, which, they trust, may reach such an amount as to meet the present liabilities, and to relieve the funds of the Society from the burthen of debt and interest. "They therefore earnestly recommend the Subscription to the Members of the Society." * • The following is a List of the Subscriptions up to the 20th of October ; — The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President His Grace the Duke of So- merset His Grace the Duke of North- umberland The Rt. Hon. Earl Brownlow William Anderson, Esq Chas.Cardale Babington, Esq. Rev. John Barlow Thomas Bell, Esq John J. Bennett, Esq., Sec. Rev. Miles Joseph Berkeley. John Black wall, Esq Francis Boott, Esq., M.D. ... William Borrer, Esq WiUiam Borrer, Jun., Esq. ... William Arnold Bromfield, Esq., M.D Henry Alexander Brown, Esq, Robert Brown, Esq., V.P. ... Walter Buchanan, Esq William John Burchell, Esq., LL.D Jonathan Couch, Esq Hugh Cuming, Esq Rev. William Cuthbert, D.D. Charles Daubeny, Esq., M.D. David Elisha Davy, Esq. ... Lewis Weston Dillwyn, Esq. John Shute Duncan, Esq., D.C.L Alexander Erskine, Esq. ... Edward Forster, Esq., Trea- surer and V.P Edward Forster, Jun., Esq. .. Thomas Forster, M.D George Townshend Fox, Esq. John Guillemard, Esq Rev. John Hailstone John Alexander Hankey, Esq. £ s. 50 26 5 50 21 10 5 5 21 21 5 10 10 21 5 5 5 5 5 21 5 5 5 1 5 5 5 5 10 5 10 10 21 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 26 5 Rev. Henry Hasted Charles Hatchett, Esq John Hogg, Esq Sir Wm. Jackson Hooker, V.P. Rev. Frederick William Hope Thomas Horsfield,M.D., V.P. Frederick H. Janson, Esq. ... Joseph Janson, Esq Mr. Richard Kippist Rev. William Kirby John Leonard Knapp, Esq. .. Henry Lee, Esq., M.D William Horton Lloyd, Esq. Sir John Wm. Lubbock, Bart. Duncan M'Arthur, Esq., M.D. Gideon Mantell, Esq., LL.D. John Miers, Esq Joshua Milne, Esq George Moore, Esq Rev. Thomas Newton William Ogilby, Esq John Parkinson, Esq Frederick J. Parry, Esq. ... Algernon Peckover, Esq Louis Hayes Petit, Esq William Pilkington, Esq. ... William Wilson Saunders, Esq. Daniel Sharpe, Esq Richard Horsman Solly, Esq. Sir George Thomas Staunton, Bart Charles Stokes, Esq Richard Taylor, Esq James Thomson, Esq Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, Esq. John Obadiah Westwood, Esq. Alfred White, Esq Jas. Edw. Winterbottom, Esq. Joseph Woods, Esq William Yarrell, Esq £ s. 3 3 5 3 3 21 21 8 8 5 5 50 5 5 5 5 5 2 2 50 5 5 1 I 5 5 5 50 . 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 10 10 10 5 5 5 5 21 10 10 21 5 5 10 7 7 10 10 21 26 5 1842.] Linnean Society. 151 June 7. The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. An Address to Her Majesty, on the late treasonable attempt on Her Majesty's life, was read and agreed to. Joseph Hooker, Esq., M.D., was elected a Fellow. The Hon. H. Wright, of the Ceylon Civil Service, presented spe- cimens of the inner bark of the Cinnamon Tree (the fine Ceylon Cin- namon of commerce), peeled of an unusual length (nearly eleven feet). Read " An Account of a Fish, nearly allied to the genus Hemi- ram;?AM5, taken in Cornwall." By Jonathan Couch, Esq., F.L.S., &c. Mr. Couch states, that in the month of August 1841, several indi- viduals of this little fish were found swimming at the surface of a large pool in the rocks near Polperro, where they had been left by the receding tide, having been swept thither by a continued south- west wind, which had also driven in many individuals of Motella glauca and other fishes that do not ordinarily select such a situation. Their length was half an inch ; the head proportionately large, espe- cially across ; the body slender ; eye large ; snout in front of it short and abrupt ; upper jaw arched ; under stout, projecting to a considerable extent, but in some specimens more than in others, the point declining, and the sides not appearing to be formed of parallel rami of the jaw, but rather of a cartilaginous substance ; vent placed posteriorly ; body, which is equal from the head to this point, taper- ing thence to the tail ; lateral line, so far as could be distinguished, straight ; dorsal and anal fins single, posterior, opposite, the latter beginning close behind the vent, and both reaching nearly to the tail, their membrane at first broader, but narrowing in its progress ; pectoral fins and tail round. The colours of different specimens varied greatly, some being dark with a tint of green, others cream- coloured but sprinkled with specks ; regular and thickly set narrow stripes passed from the back obliquely forward, breaking into dots at the sides, in the darker coloured specimens ; belly dark. Mr. Couch was unable to discover ventral fins even with the aid of a lens. He has no doubt of the specimens being in a very early stage of their existence, but cannot refer them to any known species. 152 Linnean Society, [June 21, He thinks it indeed doubtful whether they really belong to the genus by the name of which he has provisionally designated them, or even to the same family, some parts of their structure seeming to indicate an affinity with the genus Ammodytes. The paper was accompanied by magnified figures. Read also the commencement of a paper " On the Sea Cocoa- nut of the Seychelles, Lodoicea Ser/che/larum, Comm, and Labill." By Clark, Esq., a gentleman long resident in those islands. June 21. Edward Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. John Bright, Esq., was elected a Fellow. Read ** Observations on the Growth and Reproduction of Entero- morpha intestinalis." By Arthur Hill Hassall, Esq. Mr. Hassall states that, in the earliest stage of their development, the tapering filaments consist of a single series of cells placed end to end. Each of these cells afterwards becomes bisected by a longitu- dinal line, and other lines subsequently appear, so that the original cells are ultimately divided into several, each of which in its turn enlarges and is in like manner divided. From the continued growth and unlimited division of the cells, the filaments increase to an in- definite size, soon lose their original confervoid character, present a reticulated appearance, and instead of being attenuated become cy- lindrical and hollow. Mr. Hassall proceeds to state, that in each articulation of the fila- ments, and often when they are not thicker than a horse-hair, a dark central nucleus is gradually developed, which is the reproductive germ. He thinks there can be little doubt that this, as well as the cell in which it is contained, undergoes repeated division in the same manner as the reproductive globules of the Ulvce. These reproductive bodies germinate while still inclosed within the cells in which they were developed, and while the parent filament retains all its fresh- ness and vigour, giving rise to the jointed and tapering filaments first described ; which in this state, after the rupture of the parent cell, and while their bases are still fixed within it, bear a strong re- 1842.] Linnean Society. 153 semblance to a parasitic Conferva. This development, division and growth of cells and reproductive bodies appears, Mr. Hassall adds, to be going on continually and successively, so that most specimens of the plant present examples of each different stage of its formation. These observations lead Mr. Hassall to regard Enteromorpha m- testinalis as having a twofold relation, viz. to the Conferva in its young articulated filaments, and to the Ulva in its reproduction from globules which undergo repeated division. He objects to the tauto- logy of the specific name, and proposes that of lacustris in its place. Read also the conclusion of Mr. Clark's paper " On the Sea Cocoa- nut of the Seychelles, Lodoicea Sechellarunit Comm. and Labill." Mr. Clark's paper contains a complete history of this remarkable palm, on which so much has been written ; but in the following abs- tract only those points are noticed which appear either to have been overlooked, or not to have been sufliciently attended to by former observers. Mr. Clark states the Lodoicea to have been completely extirpated on Round Island, and to exist at present in a state of nature only on the Islands Praslin and Curieuse. The few which are found on the other islands of the Seychelles Archipelago have all been planted, and only two or three of these appear to thrive. The trunk yields to the slightest breeze, and when the wind is moderately strong, the huge leaves are crashed together with an astonishing noise. The part of the trunk immediately above the surface of the ground forms an inverted cone, which is terminated below by an hemispherical base, from whence spread in all directions a great number of cord-like roots, penetrating to a considerable distance around, and having a tough brown bark surrounding a soft internal substance. These roots remain long after the destruction of the plant to which they belonged. In spots that have been burned, or in some of the oldest clearings, where the trees have long since perished and disappeared, a black circle on a level with the surface of the earth indicates their former existence. This is the base of the cone before mentioned, and now forms the brim of a huge bowl, often filled with decayed vegetable matter ; on removing which, the internal surface is found to be pierced by a vast number of holes, forming the openings of the tubes into which the roots have been converted by the decay of their internal substance. Such tubes are generally large enough to admit the end of the fore finger, and are compact and sonorous, but brittle. So firmly are the leaves attached to the trunk, that Mr. Clark No. XVI. — Procbbdinos op the Linnban Sociktt. 154 Linnean Society, [June II, ttfttes a man may seat himself at the end of one of them with per- fect safety. The texture of the leaflets (the largest number of which yet found was ninety-seven) is very strong, and consists of fine threads or fibres disposed in three layers. The direction of the two outer layers is longitudinal, that of the central layer transverse ; when denuded by the decomposition of the parenchyma, their tissue resembles coarse book-muslin. Mr. Clark estimates, that three of the leaves, only one of which is produced each year, occupy eight inches on the stem, and that consequently a tree of eighty feet in height must be about 400 [360] years old. According to Mr. Clark, both the male and female spadix, instead of rising from the angle of the accompanying leaf-stalk, pass through a fissure in its base. The drupe attain© the length of fifteen inches, is about three feet in circumference, and weighs from thirty to fifty pounds. When the fruit has reached its full size, but is still soft (in which state it is called Coco tendre), it may easily be cut through with a knife. A transverse section, Mr. Clark states, successively displays the husk, green on the outside but whitish within, of a harsh astringent taste, much like the husk of the common cocoa-nut, inside of which is the substance which is destined to form the shell ; next follows a layer, more or less thick, of a mealy insipid substance, of a white colour, covering a yellow substance, of a very decided bitter and said to be poisonous, which incloses the perisperm. This is a white translucent mass of a gelatinous consistence and sweetish taste; taken at the proper period it furnishes an agreeable food, much esteemed by the SecheUoiSr In the centre of this, at the spot where the two lobes of the perisperm unite, is the germ, at this period scarcely visible. The germination of the seed sometimes commences before the fall of the fruit, but most frequently after. It is prevented by burying the nut, but readily takes place on the surface of the earth, in a situa- tion not too much exposed to the sun. The length of time from the germination to the period when the trunk begins to be formed above ground, is stated at from fifteen to twenty years ; and even in favour- able situations the Lodoicea is full twenty-five years before producing flowers. Mr. Clark states, that although the tree puts forth only one spadix in a year, ten or more may be seen flowering at the same time ; this is explained by the multiplicity of flowers in each catkin, which blos- som successively. The female trees bear flowers and fruit in all their diff^erent stages at the same time. As many as seven well-formed 1842.] Linnean Society. 155 drupes are sometimes produced on a single spadix. It sometimes happens that the fecundation is imperfect, in which case the ovary expands and lengthens, but does not assume the usual form, and at the end of two or three years it drops off; but seven or eight years are required for the full maturing of the nut. This fact Mr. Clark states to have been ascertained on one of the female Lodoiceas planted at Mah^, which had flowered for several years without producing fruit, owing to the absence of a male plant. A male flower was pro- cured from an estate a few miles distant and suspended in the tree, and about two months afterwards one of the buds expanded and finally arrived at maturity. The experiment was made in 1833, and the fruit fell at the latter end of 1841. November 1. R. Brown, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. Mr. Joseph Henderson and Mr. Thomas Shearman Ralph were elected Associates. J. E. Bicheno, Esq., F.L.S., late Secretary of the Society, pre- sented his portrait by Mr. Eddis, and the best thanks of the Society were ordered to be returned to Mr. Bicheno for his very acceptable present. Jonathan Pereira, M.D., F.L.S., presented specimens of the dif- ferent varieties of Ceylon, Malabar and Java Cardamoms, &c. Prof. Owen, F.L.S., exhibited a specimen of the animal of the Pearly Nautilus, with its shell, brought from Amboyna by Captain Belcher, R.N., C.B. Read *' A Notice of the African Grain called Fundi or Fundungi." By Robert Clarke, Esq., Senior Assistant Surgeon to the Colony of Sierra Leone. Communicated by Jacob Bell, Esq., F.L.S. This Lilliputian grain, which is described by Mr. Clarke as being about the size of mignonette-seed, is stated to be cultivated in the 156 Linnean Society. [Nov. 1, village of Kissy and in the neighbourhood of Waterloo by indus- trious individuals of the Soosoo, Foulah, Bassa and JolofF nations, by whom it is called " hungry rice." The ground is cleared for its reception by burning down the copse-wood and hoeing between the roots and stumps. It is sown in the months of May and June, the ground being slightly opened and again lightly drawn together over the seed with a hoe. In August, when it shoots up, it is carefully weeded. It ripens in September, growing to the height of about eighteen inches, and its stems, which are very slender, are then bent to the earth by the mere weight of the grain. They are reaped with hooked knives. The patch of land is then either suffered to lie fal- low, or planted with yams or cassada in rotation. Manure is said to be unnecessary or even injurious, the plant delighting in light soils and being raised even in rocky situations, which are most frequent in and about Kissy. When cut down it is tied up in small sheaves and placed in a dry situation within the hut, for if allowed to remain on the ground or to become wet the grains become agglutinated to their coverings. The grain is trodden out with the feet, and is then parched or dried in the sun to allow of the more easy removal of the chaff in the process of pounding, which is performed in wooden mortars. It is afterwards winnowed with a kind of cane fanner on mats. In preparing this delicious grain for food, Mr. Clarke states that it is first thrown into boiling water, in which it is assiduously stirred for a few minutes. The water is then poured off and the natives add to it palm oil, butter or milk ; but the Europeans and negroes con- nected with the colony stew it with fowl, fish or mutton, adding a small piece of salt pork for the sake of flavour, and the dish thus pre- pared is stated to resemble kous-kous. The grain is also made into a pudding with the usual condiments, and eaten either hot or cold with milk ; the Scotch residents sometimes dressing it as milk-por- ridge. Mr. Clarke is of opinion that if the fundi grain were raised for exportation to Europe, it might prove a valuable addition to the list of light farinaceous articles of food in use among the delicate or convalescent. Specimens of the grass accompanied Mr. Clarke's communication, and were examined by Mr. Kippist, Libr. L.S., who added some ob- servations on its botanical characters. It is a slender grass with digitate spikes, which has much of the habit of Digitaria, but which, on account of the absence of the small outer glume existing in that genus, must be referred to Paspalum. 1842.] Linnean Society, 157 Mr. Kippist regards it as an undescribed species, although speci- mens collected at Sierra Leone by Afzelius are in the collections of Sir James E. Smith and Sir Joseph Banks, on the former of which Afzelius has noted that it is much cultivated by the negroes in Sierra Leone. Mr. Kippist distinguishes the species by the following characters: — Peupalum exile, glaberrimum, caule Aliformi, racemis subternis digitalis, axi partiali spiculis singulis angustiore, spiculis parvis sub-biserialibus pedicellatis, glumis ovatis acutiusculia paleis sequalibus, foliis lineari- lanceolatis tnargine serrulatis. Gramen sub-bipedale, inferne ramosum ; racemi tenues, 3 — 4-pollicares, subsessiles ; axes partiales angustissimse, planae, margine minute den- ticulatse ; spiculae vix lineales ; glumae exterioris respectu racheos, (val- vulse floris masculi superstitis) nervi 7 — 9 aequidistantes, interioris 5, quorum laterales approximati ; paleae minutissim^ striatse ; folia plana ; vaginae longissimae ; ligulae truncatae integrse. Read also a letter from N. B. Ward, Esq., F.L.S., containing a statement furnished to him by Mrs. Williams, the widow of the late missionary of that name, respecting the transportation of the Mtisa Cavendishii to the Navigators' Islands, and its culture there. Mr. Williams left England on the 11th of April 1839, and arrived at Upolu, one of the Navigators* Islands, at the end of November. He carried with him, in one of Mr. Ward's glazed cases, a young plant of Musa Cavendishii, which bore the voyage well. It was trans- planted into a favourable situation, and in May 1840 a cluster of fine fruit (in number exceeding 300) was produced ; after which the parent plant died, leaving behind more than thirty suckers, which were distributed to various parts of the island. In May 1841, when Mrs. Williams left to return to England, the greater part of these were in a fructifying state, so that there cannot be a doubt of this valuable plant quickly becoming abundant, not only in Upolu, but also in the neighbouring islands. Mrs. Williams further states that the fruit is highly prized by the natives as being much finer and very different in flavour from any of the species or varieties previously growing in these islands. Read also a continuation of Mr. Hope's memoir on new and un- described Insects from Sylhet. 158 Linnean Society. [Nov. 15, November 15. E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. Frederick John Parry, Esq., was elected a Fellow ; and Mr. Samuel P. Woodward and Mr. John William Salter, Associates. Mr. T. S. Ralph, A.L.S., presented numerous fruits and seeds col- lected in the neighbourhood of Aurungabad. Read a Note ** On the permanent varieties of Papaver orientale, L." By T. Forster, M.B., F.L.S., &c. Dr. Forster states, that ever since the introduction of Papaver brae- teatum, Lindl., into England, he has regarded it as a permanent va- riety of P. orientale, of which P. bracteatum, as having fertile seeds, while those of P. orientale are usually sterile, was to be considered the original plant. He retains, however, the name of orientale for the species, both as being the earlier and as being applicable to all the varieties, four of which he now distinguishes as permanent by the following characters : — 1. P. orientale bracteatum, characterized by its height, its bractese, its large and deep red petals, and its uniformly perfect seeds. 2. P. orientale preecox, the common " Monkey Poppy'* of the old gardeners, and the most common variety in England, distinguished by its somewhat depressed capsule and sterile seeds. It flowers along with the former, generally about the 10th of May, the flowers being of a fine deep orange inclining to cinnabar. 3. P. orientale serotinum, resembling the last except in that its petals incline more to what is called salmon-colour, but principally characterized by its flowering nearly a month later, along with P. somniferum, L., early in June. Dr. Forster has several times tried in vain to make it flower with the commoner sort. The seeds are always imperfect, and the flower and capsule of the same shape as in the last. 4. P. orientale, capsuld et floribus longioribus, which are its prin- cipal distinguishing characters. It flowers in May a few days after the old English sort, but is only met with on the Continent : the petals are of the same colour, but the leaves are rather smaller. Dr. Forster states it to be common in the gardens of Belgium as the only variety cultivated, the two last-named varieties being there 1842.] Linnean Society, 159 unknown. It holds a middle rank between them and P. orientale bracteatum, being tall and bearing seeds, which are sometimes pro- lific, and well deserves to be introduced into English gardens. Dr. Forster adds, that about ten years ago Mr. Curtis showed him a bed of seedlings of the second year in full flower in May, which had round capsules and orange flowers like P. orientale, but which he stated to have been derived from seeds of P. bracteatum. Mr. Cur- tis attributed the change to the bees having transported the pollen of that plant, but the uniform appearance of the whole bed led Dr. Forster to think this explanation doubtful. He further states, that he has been assured in the South of Europe that the best opium and in the largest quantity is obtained from P. orientale bracteatum ; and as this plant suits the English soil and seeds freely, he thinks it might often be advantageously substituted for P. somniferum. Read also a Note " On Secale cornutum, the Ergot of Rye ;" and " On a species of Asplenium, related to A, Trichomanes, L." By A. Haro, M.D., of Metz, communicated by the Secretary. In the latter communication Dr. Haro calls attention to a fern dis- covered by himself in the well of an old castle. The well in which it was found is described as being large, four-cornered, and having at the top on one side a square window, freely admitting air and light. The opposite wall is lined with the fern, which lies flat upon the stones, to which the fronds are said to be attached throughout their length by slender roots, rendering it diflScult to remove them even with a knife. Dr. Haro submitted the plant to a Professor of the faculty of Nancy, who regarded it as a new species, more distinct from A. Trichomanes than A. viride or A. PetrarcJue, and supplied the following descriptive characters of these four species : — A. Trichomanes, frondes patultB, glabrce, impari-pinnatae ; stipes nigres- centi-vernicosus, suprk membranuld crenulatd et ab insertioiie pinnu- latum utrinque decurrente manifest^ appendiculatus ; pinnulae mediae ovatee inaequilaterales, superiores oblongae et basi obliqu^ cuneatae, impar crenulata, omnes obtusae obtusec\\xe crenatae. A. Harovii, frondes decumhentea saxoque fibrillis tenuissimis adfixae, glabra, impari-pinnatae ; stipes nigrescenti-vernicosus, suprii membra- nulfi, obsolete et ab insertione pinnularum utrinque decurrente appen- diculatus', pinnulae mediae hastato-rhomboideee, trilobattB, superiores oblongae basi obliqud attenuatae vel cuneatae, impar pinnatifida, omnes obtusae sed acute dentatae. A. viride, frondes ereclo-patultB, glabra, impari-pinnatae ; stipes viridis, supr^ canaliculatus, inappendiculatus ; pinnulae mediae fere omnes ovato- 160 Linnean Society, [Dec. 20, rhomboidese, insequilaterales, impar crenulata incisa, omnes obtusae obtuseqiie crenulatoe. j4. Petrarchce, frondes erecto-patula, glanduloso-villoscBy impari-pinnatae ; stipes obscur^ nigrescens, suprk applanato-canaliculatus, inappendicu- latus ; pinnulae mediiB oblonga basi obliqu^ truncatse vel cuneatee et inde valde insequilaterales, pinnatiiidae, lobulis obtusis insequaliter ere- nulatis, superiores supra rachin decurrentes. December 6. E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. William Roden, Esq., was elected a Fellow. Mr. Lovell Reeve, A.L.S., exhibited a fine specimen preserved in spirit of the animal of Panopaa Aldrovandi, one of the largest of Acephalous Mollusca. Read a portion of " An Essay on the Distribution, Vitality, Struc- ture, Modes of Growth and Reproduction, and Uses of the Fresh- water Conferva.** By Arthur Hill Hassall, Esq. Communicated by the Secretary. December 20. E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. A. H. Hassall, Esq., exhibited an Apple in which decay had been artificially induced by inoculating it with decayed matter from another apple containing filaments of Entophytal Fungi. Read a continuation of Mr. Hassall's memoir on the Freshwater ConfervcB. Read also " Some further Observations on the Nature of the Ergot of Grasses." By Edwin John Quekett, Esq., F.L.S. 1842.] Limtean Society. I6i This paper contaias the results of experiments made by the author with the view of determining the mode in which the sporidia of the fungus which he regards as the cause of Ergot are introduced into the infected grass. lo ooiio. nobcia an :;>:„; In March 1 840 twelve healthy grains of rye, of wheat and of bar- ley were placed in a shallow glass vessel containing a sufficient quantity of distilled water to moisten them, and covered with a glass shade. When germination commenced an ergot of wheat of the pre- ceding year was immersed in the water, the sporidia on its surface were detached, and the ergot itself was then removed. The same experiment was performed with sporidia obtained from an ergot of Elymus sahulosus. Several days afterwards, when the leaves had attained a length of three or four inches, the young plants were conveyed into the country and planted side by side in a garden. At the period of harvest there remained alive only four plants of the rye (one of which had been infected from the ergot of Elymus, and the remaining three from that of wheat), three of the barley and four of the wheat. Of the rye scarcely a single ear produced healthy grains, the paleae being generally quite empty ; but nine of the ears contained ergots, some furnishing only a single specimen, and others as many as six. The ears of the barley were filled with healthy grains, and only one apparently diseased grain was detected ; while in the wheat the ears were full and without disease. As in these experiments no grains from the same sample were sown which had not been subjected to the influence of the sporidia of the fungus, Mr. Quekett made in the following autumn another experiment with the view of supplying this deficiency. Twelve grains of rye, of wheat and of barley were again made to germinate under similar circumstances to the last, and the sporidia obtained from the surface of one of the ergots of rye produced in the first ex- periment were diffused in the water in which they grew. These were planted in October on the same estate, but not within half a mile of the former spot ; and twelve healthy grains of each kind which had been carefully kept apart from the others were planted in the same locality. Very few of the plants arrived at maturity, and in August last there remained of the infected plants only two of rye, two of wheat, and one of barley ; and of the uninfected plants one of each kind. On each of the plants of rye which had been subjected to the influence of the sporidia an ergot was discovered, and the ears as be- fore were almost entirely devoid of healthy grains ; while the plants of wheat and barley subjected to the same influence produced perfect ears and healthy grains. The three plants of rye, wheat and barley No. XVII. — Proceedings of the Linnean Society. 162 Linnean Society, [Feb. 7? 'planted at the same time without exposure to the sporidia of the fungus presented no unhealthy appearance. Mr. Quekett argues that all the grains of rye subjected during germination to the influence of the sporidia of the fungus in both sets of experiments having produced plants infected with ergot, while the plants derived from grains not so subjected escaped disease, a convincing proof is aff^orded that their infection could not have been the eff^ect of chance, but must have resulted from the artificial intro- duction of the sporidia ; and that the infection of the rye only, while the wheat and barley escaped, is to be attributed to the greater sus- ceptibility of the rye to infection, as proved by the much greater fre- quency of the production of ergots in that species of grain. January 17, 1843. E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. Francis G. P. Neison, Esq., William Maddox Bush,-M.D., and William Osbern, Esq., were elected Fellows. William Taylor, Esq., F.L.S., presented specimens of the seeds, oil, and oil- cake of Camelina sativa, Crantz, accompanied by some observations strongly recommending its cultivation in preference to that of flax for the production of oil. Read the commencement of a memoir " On the Ovulum of San- talum, Loranthus, Viscum," &c. By William Griflath, Esq., F.L.S. &c. February 7. E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. Edward Forbes, Esq., Professor of Botany in King's College, London, was elected a Fellow. The Rev. William Hincks, F.L.S. , exhibited a specimen believed to belong to Neottia gemmipara, Smith. The specimen, which was 1843.] Linnean Society, 163 from the collection of Dr. Wood of Cork, was obtained by him from very near the original locality named by Mr. Drummond. Mr. Hincks • stated that he had taken some pains in comparing the specimen, not only with the description, but also with the original sketch made by Mr. James Drummond on a blank leaf of the pocket-book in which he noted down the occurrences of the tour upon which he made the discovery of this curious plant. The specimen now exhibited was marked by Dr. Wood when fresh, and he had no doubt of its identity ; and the result of Mr. Hincks's examination was a confirmation of this opinion. Read the conclusion of Mr. Hassall's " Essay on the Distribution, Vitality, Structure, Modes of Growth and Reproduction, and Uses of the Freshwater Conferv(B" The author commences his memoir by a general notice of the cir- cumstances under which the freshwater Conferva are found, and the distribution of various species. As regards their vitality he is in- clined to think that the lives of few species, if any, extend beyond the period of a year ; while it is certain that very many perish after a few months or even weeks, and are reproduced, under favourable circumstances, twice or thrice in the course of the year : their tena- city of life is also very great. In structure they exhibit great uniformity. An outer transparent membrane destitute of markings, but whose ultimate structure Mr. Hassall believes to be fibrous, invests a simple series of cells placed end to end, and containing a turbid cJmost colourless fluid, in which float a number of vesicular bodies of various sizes, the uses and na- ture of which are not satisfactorily ascertained. In some of them Mr. Hassall has noticed a dark central nucleus ; and it is supposed that they are connected with the function of reproduction, and that they supply the material for the formation and growth of the cells and their investing membrane. Each cell, the author thinks, may be regarded as possessing a separate and independent existence ; and consequently the entire Conferva is to be looked upon, like the asso- ciated zoophytes, as a compound or aggregated being. The principal part of Mr. Hassall's observations on the growth of Conferva has been already published in the ' Annals and Magazine of Natural History,* vol. ix. p. 431-2 ; and he has, since the reading of the present paper, published his observations on a mode of deve- lopment not previously noticed by him, in the same Journal, vol. xi. p. 359. At the period of the former publication he was not aware of the observations of M. Morren, M. Dumortier and M. Mohl on the growth 164 Linnean Society, [Feb. 7? of ConfertXB by the subdivision of their cells ; but he states that his views of the mode in which this subdivision is effected differ consi- derably from those of M. Morren. He does not believe that when the endochrome of a cell has become separated into two masses, leavinj^ a transparent space between them, this space is occupied by a formative intercellular matter such as M. Morren describes. On the contrary, he states that the first indication of the partitions which are to divide the parent cell into two consists of a solution of the continuity of a portion of the periphery of the cell, the divided edges of which become inflected and gradually approach the centre, where they coalesce. After dismissing as unphilosophical the doctrine of spontaneous generation, as well as the more recent theory which attempts to de- duce the origin of productions so widely differing in their structure and modes of growth as Mosses and Conferva from the same germ developed under different circumstances or in different media, the author proceeds to pass in review the mode of reproduction of the several genera of freshwater Cbrifervce, adopting for the most part the divisions of Vaucher, and comparing his own observations with those of that distinguished algologist. In his account of the reproduction of the genus Vaucheria, he dif- fers from Vaucher, who states that the horns (which he regards as the anthers) approach the globular cell containing the future spore. On the contrary, he affirms that it is the spore which approaches the horn, in contact with which it remains for some hours ; and he adds that the sporiferous cell is perforated or prolonged into a tube at the l>lace where it comes in contact with the horn. Of the function at- tributed to the latter by Vaucher he has no doubt. He finds also, in contradiction of Vaucher's statement, that enlargements of the filaments, distinct from the reproductive apparatus, occur in all the species of Vaucheria ; but he regards their presence as unconnected with reproduction, their purpose being possibly to assist in sustain- ing the plant on the surface of the water. llie most important of Mr. Hassall's observations on the genus Conjugata of Vaucher (including the more modern genera Zygnema, Tyndaridea and Mougeotia), viz. the development of the spores with- out conjugation of the filaments by the confluence of the contents of two adjoining cells of the same filament, was published by him in the ' Annals and Magazine of Natural History,' vol. x. p. 34. To his account of the reproduction of this genus he adds, that the filaments of the different species never grow in an entangled manner, but on ♦he contrary always lie, when undisturbed, parallel to each other> 1843.] Linnean Society. 16S thus allowing of the regular union of the filaments, which could not otherwise take place. So remarkable is this arrangement, that Mr. Hassall states it to be alone sufficient to enable us at once to recog- nize a species as belonging to the Conjugating Conferva.i^nrn 'd'l On the reproduction of Hydrodictyon and Polysperma (Lemania, Bory) Mr. Hassall offers no observations of his own. The account given by Vaucher of that of Batrachospermum (including also Chato- phora and Draparnaldia) has been since doubted, but Mr. Hassall thinks that he has verified it by observations on B. plumosum. On the other hand, he believes Vaucher's account of the reproduction of Prolifera to be in a great measure inaccurate. The enlargements of the filaments are doubtless connected with reproduction, but not, he thinks, in the manner supposed by Vaucher, while what Vaucher re- garded as the young proliferous offspring appear to him to be para- sitic growths, to which Conferva are peculiarly liable. Having completed his review of the genera of freshwater Conferva noticed by Vaucher, Mr. Hassall next proceeds to call attention to the mode of reproduction occurring in a group of which he believes himself to have first ascertained the true characters, and which he has denominated VesiculifercB. His observations on this group have been already published in the ' Annals and Magazine of Natural History,' vol. x. p. 336, &c. In these observations he had described as the usual mode of reproduction in that group the formation of the spores without union of the filaments by the intermingling of the contents of two contiguous cells in the same filament; and had questioned the motion and development of the zoospores as described by M. Agardh the younger. In his communication to the Society he adds some extracts from letters which he had since received from Mr. Ilalfs, who describes the disintegration of the sporular masses and the vivid motion of the separated granules in Draparnaldia tenuis and Spharoplea crispa, and adduces the testimony of Mr. Borrer and Mr. Berkeley to the same fact. And Mr. Hassall himself, in a note under date of the 7th of April, retracts his objections to the motion and development of zoospores in the Vesiculifera, and states his be- lief that they possess a double mode of reproduction, that which he had described as occurring by means of true spores being the perfect form. Mr. Hassall's observations on the reproduction of the branched Conferva have been published, since the reading of his paper before the Society, in the * Annals and Magazine of Natural History,* vol. xi. I).360, &c. With regard to the genus Meloseira, Mr. Hassall believes, from the occurrence of vesicles in the filaments similar to those of the 166 lAnnean Society, [March 7^ Vesiculi/era, that its true position will be with them» The Vesi- culifera composita, Hass., Ann. Nat. Hist. x. p. 394, is identical with Meloseira varians, Agardh. Tlie paper concludes with some remarks on the various uses of the freshwater Conferva. February 21. E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. Frederick Blundstone White, M.D., and Edward Doubleday» Esq., were elected Fellows. The Rev. F. W. Hope, M.A., F.L.S., &c., exhibited an extensive collection of engraved Portraits of Linnaeus, accompanied by a list of such as had fallen under his observation, and notices of the more important among them. March 7. The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. Thomas Corbyn Janson, Esq. and WiUiam Hammond Solly, Esq., were elected Fellows. J. O. Westwood, Esq., F.L.S., presented specimens of the aerial processes of the roots of Sonneratia acida, L., sent by Mr. Templeton from Ceylon, and described by him as affording a wood of an ex- tremely light and close texture, admirably adapted for lining insect- boxes, on account of the facility with which it admits, and the tena- city with which it retains, the finest pins. Read a continuation of Mr. Griffith's memoir " On the Ovulum of Santalum** &c. 1843.] Linnean Society, 167 March 21. The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. Mr. Arthur Henfrey was elected an Associate. J. Janson, Esq., F.L.S., exhibited living flowering plants of the "hungry rice" of Sierra Leone, Paspalum exile, Kipp., described at p. 157, raised from seeds brought from Sierra Leone by Robert Clarke, Esq. Read a memoir *' On Pectinura, a new genus of Ophiurida, and on the species of Ophiura inhabiting the Eastern Mediterranean." By Edward Forbes, Esq., F.L.S., Professor of Botany in King's Col- lege, London. Professor Forbes states that in his late researches in the iEgean Sea he found ten species of Starfishes of the order Ophiurida, several of which are undescribed. In the present memoir he confines him- self to those belonging to the genus Ophiura, and to an allied genus, hitherto uncharacterized, to which he gives the name of Pectinura. This genus is founded on a small starfish brought up by the dredge from the depth of 100 fathoms on the coast of Lycia, and is charac- terized as follows : — Pectinura. Coi-pus orbiculare, squamosum, granulosum, ad peripheriam radiatum ; radiis simplicibus, squamosis, in corporis discum subprolongatis; squamis radiorum lateralibus adpressis, in marginibus superioribus spiniferis ; ossiculis ovarialibus binis in corporis lobos non productis. P. VESTiTA, disco orbiculari, radiis convexiusculis ; squamis SHperioribus rotundatis : lateralibus 8 spiniferis. — Lat. disci ^ unc. Professor Forbes states that he should scarcely have ventured to establish a genus on the single specimen of this species which he possesses, and which is somewhat imperfect in the rays, had he not had an opportunity of examining a large foreign species, which shows it to be a well-marked genus, having a rather closer affinity with Ophiura than with Ophiocoma. It differs from the former in having the disc clothed with granules, in the absence of the pectinated scales embracing the origins of the rays, and in the ovarian plates (not soldered into one as in Ophiura) not encroaching on the body ; and from Ophiocoma by the lateral ray-plates overlapping each other and the posterior ray-plates as in Ophiura, and instead of having the spines on a transverse ridge or keel having them articulated to their superior margins, so that when the animal is dead they lie close to the rays and do not bristle out as in Ophiocoma. 168 Linnean Society. [April 18, Of Ophiura Professor Forbes found three species, 0. texturata, O. albida, and a new species to which he gives the name of 0. ahyssicola, on account of its being found in deeper water than any recorded starfish, at the depth namely of from 150 to 200 fathoms. A com- parison of the characters of this new species with those of its de- scribed allies, has enabled him to revise the characters of the genus Ophiura as follows : — Ophiura, Lam,, Agass. Corpus orbiculare, squamosum, Iseve, ad peripheriam radiatum ; radiis simplicibus, squamosis, in corporis discum prolongatis, ad origines squamis pectinatis adpressis; squamis radiorum lateralibus adpressis, -'-• in marginibus superioribus spiniferis ; ossiculis marginis ovarialibus simplicibus, in corporis lobos productis. The following are the specific characters of the ^gean species : — O. texturata, Lam. Squamis pectinatis ad radiorum origines plus quam i\ii. 20-dentatis, ossiculis ovarialibus lyratis, radiis carinatis ; squamis supe- Uri.. rioribus transverse oblongis : lateralibus 7 spiniferis. , 0. albida, Forbes. Squamis pectinatis ad radiorum origines 16-dentatis, ossiculis ovarialibus scutatis, radiis convexis ; squamis superioribus tri- angularibus : lateralibus 4 vel 5 spiniferis. O. ABYssicoLA, squamis pectinatis ad radiorum origines binis 5 — 9-den- tatis, ossiculis ovarialibus pentagonis, radiis carinatis ; squamis supe- rioribus quadratis : lateralibus 3 vel 4 spiniferis. — Lat. disci -rV unc. Read also a continuation of Mr. Griflith's memoir " On the Ovu- lum of Santalum,'* &c. April 4. E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. George Suttor, Esq., was elected a Fellow. Read a continuation of Mr. Griffith's memoir " On the Ovulum of Santalum'' &c. April 18. The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. Robert Armstrong, M.D., Nathaniel Buckley, Esq., Charles Pope, M.D., and Thomas West, M.D., were elected Fellows. Read the conclusion of Mr. Griffith's memoir " On the Ovulum of Santalum, Loranthus, Viscum," &c. 1843.] Linnean Society. 1CJ> In this paper, dated " Malacca, March 28th, 1842,*' Mr. Griffith proposes to 8upi)ly many of the deficiencies in his two memoirs on the ovula of SuHtalum, Loranthus and Fwct/m, published in the 1 8th vol. of the Society's " Transactions," to correct some important mis- takes, and to extend his inquiries to another pjenus of the natural family of Santalacea, viz. Osyris. With this view he gives a detailed description of the progress of the development of the embryo, so far as he has been enabled to observe it, in Santalum album, Osyris Ne- palensis, Loranthus bicolor, Loranthus globosus and two species of Viscum ; eacTi of which subjects is illustrated by an extensive series of microscopical drawings. In connection with these details he pro- ceeds to remark at some length on the four following points : — 1. the solidity of the ovarium and the appearance of the ovulum after fecun- dation, or rather after the action of the pollen on the stigmatic sur- faces; 2. the reduction of an ovulum to the nucleus or to the embryonary sac ; 3. the embryonary sac ; and 4. the origin of the embryo. The following is the summary given by him of his ideas of the structure of Santalum, Osyris, Loranthus and l^iscum : — *' In Santalum the ovulum consists of a nucleus and an embryonary sac, prolonged beyond both the apex and base of the nucleus : the albumen and embryo are developed in the parts above the septum [in the exserted portion of the sac] , the parts below and the nucleus remaining unchanged. The embryo is developed from the poUinic vesicle. The seed has no actual proper covering, and no other theo- retical covering than the incorporated upper separable parts of the embryo- sac. '• In Osyris the ovulum is reduced to a nucleus and an embryonary sac, which is ])rolonged in the same directions as in Santalum, but not to such a degree beyond the apex of the nucleus. The seed is formed outside the embryo-sac, and is absolutely without proper tegument, or whatever covering it may have did not enter into the composition of the ovulum. The embryo appears to be developed at some di- stance from the anterior end of the pollen tube. " In Viscum the modifications appear to me to be two : in the one an evident cavity exists in the ovarium, and the ovulum appears to be reduced to an embryonary sac hanging from one side of the base of a nipple-shaped or conical placenta. In the other the ovulum is reduced to an embryonary sac, but this is erect, and has no such ob- viously distinct point of origin as in the first. In both the albumen has no other proper covering than the incorporated embryonary sac ; and, at least in the last, the embryo appears to be a direct transfor- mation of the pollinic vesicle. No. XVIII. — Brocebdings of thk Linnean Society. 170 Linnean Society. [April 18, ** In Loranthus each ovulum appears to be reduced to an embryonary sac, the albumen is developed either partly within the sac, or entirely, or almost entirely, without it. The embryo is a growth from the ends of the continuations of the pollen tubes outside the anterior ends of the embryo-sacs, and is, in one modification, exemplified by L. globosus, up to a certain period exterior even to the albumen. In L. bicolor the albumen has no proper tegument ; in X,. globosus it may be supposed to have a partial one in the incorporated albumi- nous part of the embryo-sac. " The gradation of structure appears to me to be tolerably complete. One modification of Viscum, in my opinion, tends to show that in San- talum the first steps towards the disappearance of the usual nucleus take place. Osyris seems to me to indicate that a similar tendency may aflfect the embryonary sac ; and Santalum appears to me to allude to a reduction in the embryo-sac to the form of that of Osyris. Nor is this all, Osyris has its albumen and embryo developed outside that end of the sac to which the pollen tubes are applied : Loranthus bicolor has the same developed outside the opposite end of the sac. And the partial development of the albumen in the embryo-sac of Loranthus globosus may perhaps be a passage to its development out- side that sac in L. bicolor. " The novel points of structure and development pointed out in this paper are, so far as I know, the possibility of the separation of a continuous membranous embryo-sac into two distinct parts, of which the lower remains unchanged, though it would almost appear from Osyris to be the most permanent ; the presence of the embryo- sac not being necessarily connected with its forming one of the con- stituent parts of the young or of the mature seed ; the longitudinal percursion of the embryo- sac by the pollen tubes ; the formation of the albumen either only partially within the embryo- sac, or almost entirely, if not quite so, without it ; the confluence of the albumina of several sacs into one albumen ; the growth of the embryonic tis- sues from the continuations of the pollen tubes outside the embryo- sac ; the possibility of one embryo resulting from a combination of several pollen tubes, and of its becoming interior to the albumen, although it may have been for some time entirely exterior to it. " I make no mention of the posterior prolongations of the sacs, in doubt of the true nature or origin of the so-called chalazal apparatus of Thesium ; or of the growth of the embryonic tissues from the ends of the pollen tubes, in doubt of my having misunderstood the obser- vations of M. Schleiden, and in ignorance of those of M. Wydler." In a subsequent note Mr. Griffith notices certain peculiarities in 1843.] Linnean Society, 171 the development of the embryo in Avicennia, and in a genus which, notwithstanding its very curious anomalies, he considers referrible to Santalales, and to which he gives the following characters : — MODECCOPSIS. Ca/y^ superus ; limbo minutissimo, 5-dentato. Petala 5, disco epigyno inserta, basi utrinque uni-glandulosa. Stamina 5, petalis opposita. Ovarium omnind inferum, 1-loculare. Ovula 3, ex apice loculi I pen* dula, anatropa! Stylus brevis. Stigmata 3, subcapitata. Fructui subdrupaceus, monospermus, calyce demiim soluto quasi 5*valvi8 1 1 Semen unicum, pendulum; endocarpio osseo incluAum. Albumen co- piosum. RadiculcB locus superus. Frutex scandens, cirrhifer, cirrhis axillaribus. Folia alterna, exstipulata, oblongo-ovata, basi suhcordata et quinque-venia. Flores mimitiy incon- spicui. Glandulae apice pilifera ! Fructus abortu solitariust cum pe- dicello clavato-pyriformis ; valvae intus rubra. Habitus Modeccce \ Rhamneis mediante Gouanid analoga ? Santalaceis potiiis afHnis. Hah. in Assami& Superiore, Oris Tenasserim, Mergui Provinci&, Ma- lacca. May 2. The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. M. Achille Richard and M. Joachim Frederic Schouw were elected Foreign Members ; John Salt, M.D., was elected a Fellow ; and Mr. Thomas Sansom an Associate. In consequence of the recent death of H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex, the Meeting adjourned. Anniversary Meeting. May 24. The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. His Majesty the King of Saxony was elected an Honorary Member. The President opened the business of the Meeting, and having stated the number of Members whom the Society had lost during IJ2 Linnean Society, [May 24^ the past yt^r. the Secretary read the following notices of some of them : — The deaths among the Fellows have been six in number. The Rev. James Dalton was educated at Clare Hall, in the Uni- versity of Cambridge, where he took his Bachelor's degree in 1787, and that of Master of Arts in 1790. He was much attached to bo- tanical pursuits, and well acquainted with our native plants, and especially with the Carices and Mosses. Among the latter he was the first discoverer of several new species, and his name has been commemorated by Sir W. J. Hooker in a well-known genus. Many of his observations are recorded by Sir James E. Smith in his ' En- glish Botany ' and ' English Flora.' He became a Fellow of this Society in 1 803 ; and in 1 805 he was presented by the King to the living of Croft in Yorkshire, where he continued to reside until his decease, on the 2nd of January in the present year, at the age of 78. John Latham, M.D., formerly a physician of considerable emi- nence and extensive practice, was born at Gawsworth in the county of Chester, Dec. 29, 1761, and educated at Brasen-nose College, Oxford, where he took his Doctor's degree in 1788. In the same year he established himself in London, and became successively physician to the Middlesex, the Magdalen, and St. Bartholomew's Hospitals, and Fellow and President of the Royal College of Physi- cians. He was elected a Fellow of this Society on the 16th of March 1790, and was consequently its senior member. He died on the 20th of April in the present year at Bradwall Hall, Cheshire, to which place he had retired from the fatigues of practice in 1829. His published works are wholly medical. James Lynn, M.D. Rev. Thos. Newman, M.A. Rev. Thos. Newton, M.A. John Gage Rokewode, Esq., for many years Director of the Society of Antiquaries, was the fourth and youngest son of Sir Thomas Gage of Hengrave Hall in the county of Suffolk, the sixth baronet of that family, and brother of the late Sir Thomas Gage, also a Fellow of our Society and a botanist of considerable attainments, especially in his knowledge of the family of Lichens. On the death of his second brother, he assumed the name of Rokewode and entered into posses- sion of Coldham Hall and the property belonging to it, in pursuance of a settlement executed in 1728 by one of his ancestors. Mr. Gage Rokewode was devoted from an early period of his life to the study of the antiquities of his native country, to the illustration of which his numerous publications in the ' Archwologia,' in the ' Vetustu 1843.] Linnean Society, 173 Monumenta,' and in various separate works, have greatly contri- buted. The Society has also to regret the loss of two of its Associates. Mr, Daniel Cooper was the second son of Mr. John Thomas Cooper, well known as a distinguished practical chemist. He was educated for the medical profession, and assiduously devoted himself to the study of natural history, and more especially of botany and concho- logy. He took an active part in the establishment of the Botanical Society of London ; and subsequently became one of the Assistants in the Zoological Department of the British Museum, and delivered Botanical lectures at various Medical Schools. On quitting the British Museum he entered the Medical Service of the Army, and was for some time employed in the Museum at Fort Pitt, Chatham ; whence he was appointed Assistant- Surgeon to the 17th Lancers, then sta- tioned at Leeds. He died at the early age of 25, in the Cavalry Bar- racks of that town, on the 23rd of November 1842, about two months after joining the regiment, of a sudden attack of inflammation of the veins. Soon after the establishment of the Microscopical Society he com- menced the publication of a ' Microscopic Journal,' of which he edited nearly two annual volumes, the latter in conjunction with Mr. Busk. He published also a ' Flora Metropolitana,' 12mo, 1836, which constitutes a useful guide to the stations of the rarer plants found within a walk of the metropolis, and includes ' A List of the Land and Freshwater Shells found in the environs of London.' To this little work a Supplement was added in 1837 ; and he also super- intended a new edition of Bingley's ' Useful Knowledge ' remodelled and with considerable additions. Mr. Alexander Matthews, an active and intelligent botanical col- lector, died at Chachapoyas on the Andes of Peru, on the 24 th of No- vember 1841. He had been engaged for many years in forming and transmitting to Europe collections of Peruvian and Chilian plants ; and was the first discoverer of many species of great interest and beauty, which have been described, from the specimens gathered by him, chiefly in Sir W. J. Hooker's various publications, in which also occasional letters from him on the subject of his botanical pursuits will be found. The President also announced that two Foreign Members, eighteen Fellows and six Associates had been elected since the last Anni- versary. At the election which subsequently took place, the Lord Bishop of 174 Linnean Society, [June 6, Norwich was re-elected President ; Edward Forster, 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. Arthur Aikin, Esq. ; Rev. Frederic William Hope ; William Horton Lloyd, Esq. ; Richard Owen, Esq., and William Yarrell, Esq. The Treasurer reported that the Subscriptions hitherto received in aid of the fund for relieving the Society from its incumbrances amounted to 982/. 14*.* June 6. Edward Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. Thomas Turner, Esq., and James TuUoch, Esq., were elected Fellows. Read the conclusion of Professor Forbes's memoir " On the Ophiu- rida of the ^Egean Se&." The author commences this portion of his paper by a revised cha- racter of the genus Ophioderma of Miiller and Troschel, as follows ; — • The following Subscriptions have been received subsequent to the pub- lication of the List given at p. 150, making the total amount received up to the 31st of July, 994/. Ss. William Atkinson, Esq 2 Robert John Ashton, Esq. ... 5 Henry Beaufoy, Esq 5 William Bridgman, Esq 5 Lieut.-Gen. Sir Thomas M. Brisbane, K.C.B 5 Harford James Jones Brydges, Esq 5 James Charles Dale, Esq. ... 5 M.PakenhamEdgeworth,Esq. 5 Mr. James Forbes 1 Rev. Henry Hasted (2nd subscr.) 3 Rev. Henry Hawkes 5 Mr. Joseph Henderson 1 Thomas Charles Hope, Esq., M.D 5 £ s. James Charles Hurst, Esq.... 2 2 Mr. Abel Ingpen 1 1 Capt. Theobald Jones, R.N., M.P 5 Benjamin Kennedy, Esq. ... 2 John Kidd, Esq., M.D 6 Mr. James Main 1 1 Thomas White Mann, Esq.... 4 4 John Martin, Esq 1 1 Jonh Miers, Esq. (2nd subscr.) 5 5 Roderick Impey Murchison, Esq 10 Mr. William Pamplin 1 1 John Reeves, Esq 5 Edward Rudge, Esq 5 Rev.George Thackeray, D.p. 5 5 John Windsor, Esq 3 3 1843.] Linnean Society, 175 Ophioderma. Corpus orbiculare, squamosum, granulosum, ad peripheriam radiatum ; radiis simplicibus squamosis ; disco in radiorum origines prolongate, infrk poris genitalibus viginti ; squamis radiorum latcralibus adpressis, in marginibus superioribus spiniferis, spinis simplicibus ; ossiculis ova- rialibus parvis, oralibus pectinatis. The species on which this genus is founded, Ophiura laCertosa, Lam., is stated to be rare in the ^gean Sea, and is thus character- ized : — Oj)h, lacertosa. O. radiis convexiusculis ; squamis superioribus transversa oblongis : late- ralibus S-spiniferis : inferioribus quadratis. Of the genus Ophiomyxa of the same authors. Professor Forbes also gives the following revised character : — Ophiomyxa. Corpus pentagonale, coriaceum, laeve, ad peripheriam radiatum; radiis simplicibus, interrupte squamosis ; disco in radiorum origines prolon- gato ; squamis radiorum lateralibus spiniferis, spinis serrulatis ; ossi- culis ovarialibus binis parvis, oralibus spinis serrulatis armatis. The ^.gean species, 0. lubrica, Forbes, was found in between ten and twenty fathoms water in the sea of the Cyclades. For a new species not uncommon in the seas of the Archipelago, the author establishes the genus — Ophiopsila, Forbes. Coi-pus orbiculare, coriaceum, laeve, ad peripheriam radiatum ; radiis sim- pliciter squamosis, infra discum insertis ; squamis lateralibus subcari- natis spiniferis, spinis simplicibus ; ossiculis ovarialibus parvis, oralibus ad latera nudis. , Oph. Aranea, Forbes. Another new genus is constituted for the reception of the long- rayed, scaly and smooth-bodied Ophiuridce, with simple tentacula and smooth spines, and is characterized as follows : — Ampiiiura, Forbes. Corpus orbiculare, squamosum, laeve, ad peripheriam radiatum ; radiis simplicibus squamosis, infra discum insertis ; squamis lateralibus sub- carinatis spiniferis, spinis simplicibus ; ossiculis ovarialibus parvis, ora- libus ad latera nudis ; cirrhis simplicibus. Three species inhabit the iEgean Sea, of which one is undescribed. Their characters are thus given : — A. FLORiFEKA, Forles. « A. disco squamis centralibus maximis rosulatis, scutellis ovalis disjunctis, 176 Linnean Societt/, [June 6, squamis radiorum superioribus quadratis : inferioribus trilobatis : late- ralibus 3-spiniferis ; spinis brevissimis liuearibus simplicibus. A. neglecta, Forbes. A. disco squamis centralibus parvis rosulatis, scutellis oblongis conjunctis, squamis radiorum superioribus quadratis : inferioribus oblongis : late- ralibus 4 — 5-spiniferis ; spinis brevibus simplicibus. Ophiura neglecta, Johnston. A. Chiajii, Forbes. A. disco squamis minutis rosulatis, scutellis cuneatis divergentibus apici- bus approximatis, squamis radiorum superioribus lenticularibus : infe- rioribus quadratis sulcatis : lateralibus 4-spiniferis ; spinis longis sim- plicibus. Ophiura filiformis, Chiaje (nee Miiller). Lastly, the author adopts the genus Ophiothrix of Miiller and Troschel, with the following revised character : — Ophiothrix. Corpus orbiculare, spinosum, ad peripheriam radiatum ; radiis simplicibus, squamosis, squamis superioribus imbricatis, lateralibus carinatis spi- niferis; spinis serrulatis; ossiculis ovarialibus parvis, oralibus ad latera nudis ; cirrhis pinnatis. Ophiothrix Rosula is common in the Mgeaxi Sea. Figures are given of all the new genera and species, with nume- rous magnified details. Read also a " Description of Peltophyllum, a new genus of Plants allied to Ti'ivris of Miers, with remarks on their Affinities." By- George Gardner, Esq., F.L.S. &c. The plant described in the present communication was discovered by Mr. Gardner in the province of Goyaz, in the interior of Brazil, and the few specimens which he possesses are unfortunately all female. The following are its characters : — Peltophyllum, Gardner. Floret dioici. Masc. ignoti. Foem. Perigonium 6-partitum, coloratum, patens, persistens ; laciniis ovatis, longe acuminatis ; acumine piano. Ovaria plurima, in tori apice sessilia, adpressa, libera. Styli ad apiceni incrassati, oblique truncati. Fructus ignotus. Herba parvula Brasiliensis. Folia a scapo distatitia, longe peiiolata, pel- tata, valde reticulata. Radix tuberosa, fibrosa. Scapus siibramosuSy hasi squamosus ; pedunculis basi bracteatis, unijloris] floribus luteis. Peltophyllum luteum, Gardn. Herb. Bras. n. 3570. Mr. Gardner compares the female flowers of his plant with those of Triuris, to which it is evidently nearly related ; and discusses at some length the subject of their proper position in the natural system, 1843.] Linnean Society. Ill which he believes to be along with Smilacea and the other orders of the group to which Prof. Lindley gave first the name of Retosa and subsequently that of Dictyogens. He proposes to form a distinct order for their reception under the name of Triuracejb. Herho in mare furcato, piloso ; in fa?niina simpHci. Tibice ante apicem cspinosae. Cljpeus profundi emarginatus. Labrum orbiculare: mavdibuUc gradles, acutae, altera donticulo intenio mi- 1844.] Linnean Society, 18? nuto: maxillte subacquuliter bilobae; palpi mediucres, 6-articuIati, arti- culis tribus busalibus {e(|ualibu8, secundo tcrtioque crassis, quarto pauld niinorc, quinto omnium minimo quadrate, sexto gracili, baud reliquis longiore : menlum sub-semiovatum ; palpi tuberculis promi- nentibus affix!, breves, crassi, 4-articulati, articulo secundo latiore, tertio omnium gracillimo lungitudine primi : labium latum, trilobum. This genus is most nearly related to Schizocerus, Latr. The species on which it is founded is named by Mr. Curtis Dielocerus Ellisii, and is described at length, and the distinctions pointed out between it and Hylotoma formosa, Klug, to which Mr. Curtis was at first inclined to refer it. Its economy is totally different from that of any other known species of Tenthredinidee ; the caterpillars of the solitary saw-flies, especially the larger species, forming single oval cocoons of a very tough and leathery material attached to twigs ; and those even of the gregarious species placing their co- coons (which are oval cases of silk and gum) in an irregular manner with no unity of design. The caterpillars of Dielocerus Ellisii, on the contrary, which are evidently gregarious, unite to form on the branch of a tree, an oval or elliptical case, four or five inches long, narrowed superiorly, very uneven on its surface, and of a dirty whitish ochre in colour. The cells, thirty-eight in number in the nest examined, are placed at right angles to the branch, piled hori- zontally one above the other, unequal in size and irregular in form, those next the tree being pentagonal, the central ones hexagonal, and some of the outer ones nearly round or oval. In one of these cells Mr. Curtis found a dead female, and most of them had the exuviae of the caterpillars remaining, but no shroud of the pupae ; he thinks the smaller cells may have been occupied by the males. At the end of each cell is a circular lid, formed of the same leathery material as the rest of the comb, which being cut round by means of the sharp mandibles, leaves an opening through which the saw-fliet make their wfiy. In two of the cells were found the dead cater- pillars, which closely resemble those of the genus Hylotoma. The author observes upon the dissimilarity of the mode of forma- tion of this nest to that of any previously observed, the compound nidus (as far as hitherto known) being always the work of the parent insects for the protection of their young through the first three stages of their existence. In this case, however, it is formed by the larvae themselves for the purpose of their own metamorphosis. The nearest approach to this economy seems to be the nidus formed by the mag- gots of some of the Ichneumoncs adsviti, whose silken cells are placed regularly in rows. 188 Linnean Society. [Feb. 6, Mr. Curtis then proceeds to describe two species of Schizocerus from his own cabinet with the following characters : S. nasicornis, ribusque rufis. Long.