The Express.
London, England, 1847-04-10 00:00:00

BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

A meeting of the members of the above society was
held lust evening, at their rooms, 20, Bedford-street, Covent-
garden ; E. Doubleday, Esq., F.L.S., the president, in the
chair. The minutes of the ast meeting having been read
and confirmed,
Mr. REYNOLDS, the treasurer, in a highly complimentary
speech, which was warmly responded to by all present, an-
nounced that their zealous, efficient, and unremunerated
secretary, Mr. G. E. Dennes, had presented to the society,
to be hung up in their rooms, the portrait of himself, which
the members bad subscribed for, and determined on giving
him, as a testimonial of their gratitude and appreciation of
his disinterested services on behalf of the interests of science,
in that particular branch to which the society was devoted.
The intimation of the secretary's desire to leave their gift
in possession of the society was received with applause, and
the portrait, which is an excellent likeness, of which it is
sufficient commendation to remark that it was painted by
_
rhich

that admirable actin}, Mn. Carpenter, and had been
previously suspended on the wall of the apartment, was
regarded with considerable interest by those present during
the evening's proceedings.
Mr. DESNES, having briefly addressed the meeting in
reference to the subject of the establishment and progress
and utility of the society, proceeded to read the following
letter on the subject of the potato disease, from Dr. Perkily:
" Sir,—Accompanying this is a work lately published by
me on ' The Prevention and Treatment of Disease in the
Potato and other Crops,' which I have to request you will
present to the Botanical Society, in my name.
"Allow me, at the same time, to state that my object in
publishing this work has been to show that the different
forms of carbon powers the property of preventing the ravages
of the potato pestilence. Agreeing, as I do most fully, In
the conclusion drawn by so many writers, that the potato
has been too extensively cultivated, particularly in Ireland,
still, when we remember the valuable properties possessed
by this root, and the impossibility of supplying its place by
any known esculent, it becomes an object of the most
vital importance to ftwertein if any mesas exist capable
of arresting the progress of this modern pestilence at this
vegetab e creation.
" Although I have considered it necessary in that work te
state the premises from which my deductions are drawn, in
order to explain the mocha operandi of the agents recom-
mended by me, I deem it right to add, that unless my views
had been supported by practice as well as theory, I should
not have presumed to recommend to others the adoption of
means intended to remedy an evil of such magnitude. In-
dependently of the evidence there advanced in support of
the efficacy of charcoal in preventing the ravages of the
disease, it has been my object to show that the employment
of those substances which liberate carbonic acid gas has not
only been sufficient to save the crop, but that it is to this
circumstance, or the liberation or non-liberation of the gee,
we must attribute the apparent anomalies and contradictory
reports respecting the application of the different prepara-
tions of lime, and the muriuto of soda, or common salt.
"When the land has been dressed with salt and lime •
double decomposition takes place, according to Sprengei
and Bounsaingault, the acid of the salt uniting with the
lime, and forming muriate of lime, while a portion of the
carbonic acid will unite with the soda, and form carbonate
of soda. As, however, a small quantity only of the gas can
be combined with the soda, and as the remainder will be
liberated, to the action of the gas I have ascribed the benefit
that has been derived from the employment of salt and lime,
when the latter has been a carbonate. As in order to pro-
duce such a result it is necessary to employ a car:a:mate of
lime, we have an explanation afforded 01 the cause of the
failure of these spats at other times and under other
circumstances.

" The same circumstances afford an explanation of the
cause of the success and failure of these substances when
used alone. Thus, when the lime has been in the form of a
carbonate, and adds existed in the soil to which it was
added, the same liberation of carbonic acid gas would take
place as in the former instance. If; however, acids or
neutral salts were not present, no decomposition would take
place, and no gas would be liberated. So, again, when salt
has been employed as a manure—a practice constanly fol-
lowed on the greater part of the coast of England—the same
extrication of gas would occur if chalk or lime existed in the
soil, while none could be effected if the latter substances
were absent. Hence the contradictory accounts that have
been given of the success and failure of these agents when
I employed separately, the same as when used in combination.
Believing that these different results from the employment
of the same agents, and their failure under the circum-
stances pointed out by:me (and, as far as my inquiries extend,
the want of success can always be traced to the causes now
assigned), confirm the truth of my deductions more than
those direct experiments with a particular substance, the
result of which has been invariably the same, I have been
induced to call the attention of the society to this subject in
the hope that more evidence may be collected in confirma-
tion of my views, as there at few farmers who, in certain
parts of England, have not employed one or other of these
agents. On a future occasion I purpose offering for the con-
sideration of the society a few remarks on the cause of the
failure, and which time does not allow me to do now.-1
have the honour to be, your very obedient servant,
"J. PARKINS.
" The Secretary of the Botanical Society."
At the conclusion of the letter the following remarks, by
Mr. Taylor, F.L.S., were read to the meeting
" Various opinions have been given respecting the ' po-
tato disease.' Some say it is owing to a deficiency of
' starch,' others say that it is consequence of the bulbs being
stored up in ' pits, which produces fermentation, and canoes
the ' tubers' to throw out radicles or wasters, u they are
termed. Now, as far as physiology is concerned, it is per-
fectly absurd, because all succulent bulbs, such se the potato,
tulip, hyacinth, and onion, are naturally full of watery
matter. This being the case, they will vegetate io any
place, whether dry or damp, hot or cold ; and, independent
, of all this, their vegetative powers are still going on, pro-
ducing fibres or' wasters,' which nature has deemed right
and roper.
fhe ' solanum,' or wild potato of the woods in America,
has been diseased in the same way as our cultivated ones,
which have never been subjected to pits, nor allowed that
privilege. This is evidently a sufficient proof the disease
does not arise from the bulbs being put into pits; not only
the potato has become diseased, but the olive plantations,
Indian corn, apple and pear crops, culmiferous and legumi-
nous planet, oleaginous plants, as well as forest trees.
" The author considered that the disease arose principally
from atmospherical changes which have taken place during
the last two years, and had caused a peculiar Effluvium to
arise in the air ; ' the celluliferous,' or cells of the bulbs be.
came impregnated with this noxious vapour, consequently,
the cellular tissue became ruptured and overcharged with ,
a mem of inorganic matter.
" There cannot be any cause for indicating, in theleast, that
the potato disease should arise from the bulbs bringing forth
' radicles' or shoots, before they are planted, because all
bulbifirous plants are full of water, which compel them
to vegetate ; for instance, culmiferous and leguminous
seeds will never have the power of vegetating, without they
' oome in cants= with air and earth. Now, it appears the
potatoe was first ictroduoed into this country by Sr Walter
It:1h, in the year 1697. More than years hare
away without having the slightest appearance of
disease. (Mind you) if the seed of the disease had been
planted 100 or 20 years ago, it is very evident it would have
made a much more rapid progrew than it has hitherto
done. It is only two years since the crop has become almost
a total failure." . .

The--
The Chatham!' begged to obese that that society en-

tirely discountenanced the notion, which was so industriously
put forward, that the potatoe disease was owing to the pre-
valence of a particular description of insect; and from va-
rious communications which he had had with the most
eminent scientific men, both here and on the Continent, the
idea that the disease was attributable to any such cause ap-
peared to be equally repudiated by them all.
A short discussion on the subject of the potato disease
then ensued, in which Mears. Perkins,yres, Hassell, and
Ward took part; after which the chairman; announced their
next meeting for the 7th of May.

PARISH OF ST. STEPHEN, WALBROOK.—A meeting
was held yesterday, in the vestry-room of the parish of St.
Stephen, Walhrook, pursuant tr., the following notice:
" biotice is hereby given, that a meeting of the select vestry
of this parish will be held in the vestry-room of the church
of St. Stephen, Walbrook, on Friday, the oth inst., at eleven
o'clock in the forenoon precisely, for the purpose of electing
churchwarden" and other officers for the said parish, for the
year ensuing, and on other affairs. Dated this 3rd day of
April, 1847.—William Alexander, churchwarden; Joshua
Ramsay, overseer.”—Before eleven o'clock the Rev. Dr.
Croly, rector, and his solicitor, Mr. Crosby, were in attend-
ance in the vestry room. Shortly after eleven o'clock Alder-
man Gibbs and three other gentlemen entered the room.
Alderman Gibbs announced th►t the vestry was a select sae,
and that strangers could not he present. He was asked if
the press were to be excluded, and the reply was in the affir-
:native. The reporters accordingly withdrew. The follow-
ing proceedings took place after strangers had retired
Mr. Crosby observed that he attended as Dr. Croly's
solicitor; that Dr. Croly was anxious only that the legal
right should be speedily and fully ascertained; and that in
the spirit of peace he was willing to give every suitable op-
portunity to effect that object. Mr. Crosby then retired.
Dr. Croly then said that Mr. Crosby had only expressed his
sentiments with respect to offering no obstruction to what-
ever proceedings might be proposed to bring the parish diffi-
culties to an end. But that he attended on the present
occasion merely to apprise the meeting of the vestry law as
laid down in Steer's Parish Law, and in Dr. Phillimore's
opinion, which be held in his hand. Both were to the same
effect, namely, that churchwardens were merely ministerial,
and that they could not call a vestry without the consent of
the minister of the parish. Dr. Croly was then asked to
take the chair, which he declined to do. Mr. Alderman
Gibbs then took the chair. Mr. Atkins read a paper, gating
that, having been summoned as a select vestryman, he had
attended to do whatever he was required by law to do in that
capacity. The appointment of Mr. Alexander as senior
churchwarden was then moved and carried. The appoint-
meet of Mr. Ramsey as junior churchwarden was then moved
and carried. Mr. Phillips was re-appointed vestry-clerk.
The meeting then adjourned.

SEAMAN'S HOSPITAL SOCIETT.—A quarterly meet-
ing of the members was held yesterday at the office in King
William-street. Mr. J. lAbf uchere presided. The report
stated that during the list quarter 724 patients had been
admitted. The receipts from all sources, including the last
balance, were 3,7901. ; and, after paying all expenses, and
purchasing 2,0001. stock, a balance remained of 4WI. 14s. 6d.
the society was generally in a very flourishing condition.
The usual complimentary votes concluded the proceedings.
WESTMINSTER COURT OF SEWERS.—A general
court of the commissioners of sewers for the city and liberty
of Westminster was held yesterday, at the Sewers Court,
Greek-street, Soho-square. Capt. Geo. Bague, R.N., in the
chair. There was a very full attendance of commissioners
to consider Lord Morpeth's Bill for the improvement of the
health of towns. After the transaction of some routine
business, Mr. Smith, the solicitor to this commission, detailed
the effect of the various provisions of the bill. The clerk
announced that he had received a letter from the City of
London commission of sewers setting forth that, as it
seemed desirable that the united energies of the metropo-
litan commissions should be used in opposition to the pro-
visions of the said bill, they invited the cooperation of the
Westminster commission therein. A resolution was then
adopted to the effect that a committee be appointed to
take into consideration the bill for the improvement of the
health of towns. After some formal business, the court
adjourned.
COMMISSIONERS OF SEWERS, GUILDHALL.—LORD
HORPRTH.I4 HEALTH OF Tows BILL.—On Thursday, •
special general meeting of the commissioners of sewers for
the City of London took place at the Court of Sewers, for thee.
purpose of adopting such measures as would tend to exempt
the City of London from the operations of Lord Morpeth's
Health of Towns Bill. The Richt Hon the Lord Mayor, on
taking the chair, said that, in thus calling their early afien-
tion to the measure of Lord Morpeth and Sir G. Geer, it was
to prove that the City of London did not require such an en-
actment; for, so extensively had the commission carried out
the objects for which they had been appointed, that upwards
of forty miles of sewerage had been made in the City of Lon-
don alone within the last sixteen years; and that at an
expense of only 200,0001. There remained not above half a
mile to be completed, when the whole of the City of London,
including every street, court, and alley would possess an effi-
cient sewerage. There was another point to which he was
anxious to direct their attention, and one to which he most
certainly attached the greatest importance—it was, that
the bill went to affect the rights lad privileges of the City of
London.—Sir Peter Laurie fully concurred is the opinions
which had just been expressed by the Lord Mayor; and
unless a firm and determined stand were made on the present
occasion, their rights and privileges would be lost. The ob-
ject of the bill was to give the entire power into the hands of
tho government, to do away with all popular institutions, and
,to crush for ever everything like local government.—
He should, therefore, recommend a strong and united oppo-
sition to be made by all boards and trusts of every parish
that would be affected by the proposed measure—Mr. Law-
rence conceived the hill to be one of the most atrocious
measures that had ever been introduced into parliament; but
afterwards declared he was willing to admit that some
points of the bill were good, if the power were to be vested
in the inhabitants instead of a central board, and he should,
therefore, call upon them to appoint a deputation to wait
upon Lord John Remelt, to request him to use his strenuous
opposition to the measure.—Mr. R. L. Jones was of opinion
that the City of London ought, in the first instance alone,
to oppose the bill, and that they should ask Lord John
Russell, as one of the members for the City of London, to
get a clause introduced to exempt the city from the operation
of its enactments—Mr. Masterman, M.P., remarked, that
the powers which the proposed bill sought to vest in the
government, were sufficient to alarm the citizens of London,
and, at the proper stage, he should give the measure all the
opposition in his power, as regarded its effect upon the
City.—Mr. Patteson, M.P., also expressed his determination
to oppose the bill, unless the City of London were exempted
from its operations.—lt was unanimously resolved that
, the Lord Mayor and all the members of the two courts
who were members of parliament, together with
Lord John Russell, Meters. Masterman, Lyall, and Patte-
son, the four representatives of the City of London, should
wait upon Lord Morpeth and Sir G. Grey, to request them
to exempt the City of London from the operation of the
bill.—A vote of thanks to the Lord Mayor, for calling the
present meeting, was then passed, and the meeting broke up.
MEDICAL REFORM.—Sir,—It would seem from the
reports on medical reform which have appeared in your
paper, and from your notice of this day, April 7, that the
Council of the College of Surgeons must be rather odd fel-
lows to have maltreated their brethren in the manner stated.
It is possible, however, that these gentlemen are painted
blacker than they deserve, and that they are not per taps
such scurvy fellows as they are represented. It has got
abroad that the Council of the College of Surgeons did not
apply to the late Secretary of State for an alteration of their
charter; that the Secretary of State, on the contrary, com-
pelled them, against their earnest representations, to con-
form to his wishes, and to accept and to ask for the charter
Ihe was pleased to dictate. It is even whispered, and indeed
asserted by some few people, that the leaders of the medkal
association are aware of the fact. If this should turn out to
be true, lied that the reel culprit, after all, is the late Secre-
tary of State, I will venture to hope that the members of the
profession of surgery who have been insulted, and feel them-
selves aggrieved, will saddle the right horse with their
grievances.—ANTl-HUSHISO.
CAPACITY OF THE NEW OPERA HOUSE.—The
number of pereons who may be seated in the house may be
stated as follows : there are eight proscenium boxes, thirty
in the pit tier, thirty-four in the grand tier, thirty-four in
the third tier, twenty-eight in the fourth tier, twenty-eight
in the fifth tier, and twenty-eight in the sixth tier, or 190 in
all. Allowing six persons to • box, these will seat commo-
diously 1,140, the stalls hold 266, the pit 263, the am-
phitheatres 296, the gallery 300; making in the whole
2,256 exclusive of standisg room. Judging, however, from
the number of persons in many of the boxes on Tuesday
night, this may be considered under the mark.—Builder.

THE GUN-COTTON.—M. SCHONBEIN'S SPECIFICA-
Tio,t.—The specification of this patent (taken out in the
name of Mr. John Taylor, of the Adelphi,) became due and
was enrolled yesterday. The following is a correct abstract
of its contents:—The patentee states that the invention con-
sists in the manufacture of explosive compounds applicable
to mining purposes and to projectiles, and as substitutes for
gunpowder, by treating and combining matters of vegetabls
origin with nitric end sulphuric acids. The matter of vege
table origin which he prefers, as being best suited for the
purposes of the invention, is cotton, so it comes into this
country, freed from extraneous matters ; and it is stated
to be desirable to operate on the clean fibres of
the cotton in • dry state. The acids are, nitric acid
of from 1.46 to 1.60 specific gravity, and sulphuric acid of
1•86 specific gravity. The acids are mixed together in the
proportion of 1 measure of nitric acid to 3 measures of sul-
phuric acid, in any suitable or convenient vessel not liable to
be affected by the acids. A great degree of heat being
generated by the mixture, it is left to cool until its tempera-
ture falls to 60 or 60 degrees Fah. The cotton is then ins-
merged in it, and, in order that it may become thoroughly
impregnated or saturated with the acids, it is stirred with
a rod of glass or other material not affected by the acids.
The cotton should be introduced in as open a state u practi-
cable. The acids are then poured or drawn off, and the
cotton gently pressed by a raiser of glued
earthenware, to press out the anvil, after whack it
lie covered up in the vessel, and allowed to stand for
about an hour. It is subsequently washed in a
continuous flow of water, until the presence of the acids is
not indicated by the ordinary test of litmus paper. To re-
move any oncombined portions of the acids which may
remain after the cleansing process, the patentee dips the
cotton in a weak solution of carbonate of potash, composed
of 1 ounce of earbonata of potash to 1 gallon of water, and
partially dries it by pressing, as befire. The cotton is then
highly explosive, and may be used in that state ' • but, to
increase its explosive power, it is dipped in a weak solution
of nitrate of potash, and, lastly, dried in • room heated by
hot air or steam to about 160 degrees Fab. It is con-
sidered probable that the use of the solutions of
carbonate of potash and nitrate of potash may be dis-
pensed with, although actual experience does not warrant
such an omission. The patentee remarks, that nitric acid
may be employed alone in the manufacture of explosive own-

pounds; but that, as far as his experience goes, the article
when so manufactured is not so good, and far more costly.
When used, care should be taken to employ a much lea
quantity by weight, to produce the same result, than of
powder ; and it 1555 been found that three parts by weight of
the cotton produce the same effect as eight
parts li7 weight of' the Tower.proof gunpowder. The cotton, when prepared
in the manner before mentioned, may be 'amend into I
piece of ordnance, a fowling-piece, or musket ; or may he
made up into the shape of cartridges; or may be pressed,
when damp, into moulds of the form of the hen
of the piece of ordnance for which it is intended, 10
that, when dried, it shall retain the required Ileum ' • and it
may also be placed in caps, like percussion cap., and made
to explode by impact. Lastly, the patentee gates that,
although he prefers the use of cotton, other matters of vege-
table origin may be similarly treated with acids to form an
explosive compound, and that Wide of an inferior specific
gravity may be employed. The patentee having thus de.
scribed the nature of the invention, and in what manna the
same is to be performed, states that he does not confine
self to any of the details above specified, so long as the pees
liar character of the invention is retained, viz., the manufac-
ture of explosive compounds from matters of vegetee4
origin by means of acids. But, to ado,-.t the patentee's owe
expression, " What I claim is, the manufacture of explosive
compounds from matters of vegetable origin, by means of
nitric acid, or nitric and sulphuric acids."—Meeltanice
Magazine.

ACCIDENT AT THE HOME-OFFICE. Yesterday
afternoon, while a number of men were employed at the
Home-office, Charing-cross—which is now beiug attached to
the Treasury—a labourer, named David nutty was stand.
ing at the foot of the scaffold, when a large brick
suddenly fell upon him, from a height of some 50 feet
lie was instantly struck to the ground, his skull fractured,
and one arm and a collar bone broken. He was placed on
shutter in a perfectly insensible condition, removed al
quickly as possible to the Charing-cross Hospital, and was
attended by one of the house surgeons, but so serious ass
his injuries, that no hopes are entertained of his recovery.
INQUESTS, YESTERDAY.—THE DAT OP THE WED-
ntao.—Before Mr. Baker, at the British Oak, Baltic-street,
St. Luke's, on the body of Lucy Lames, aged 22 year.—On
Tuesday morning lest, the demised was in excellent health
and spirits, and was married at Spa Fields Chapel. After
eating a very hearty dinner, her husband proposed that they
should take a walk. On their return home the deemed
complained of severe pains in her stomach. Mr. Mungo
Park, a surgeon, was immediately sent for, win admuna
tered some medicine, but she expired shortly afterwards.
Mr. Park said he had made a post mortem examination of
the body, and discovered that the contents of the stomach
after passing into the abdomen, had produced inflam-
mation of the intestines, and caused death. In
his (Mr. Park's) opinion, it was caused be ex-
citement. Verdict, " Natural death."—Btair ro
Daunt.—Before Mr. William Carter, the coroner, at
the Black Lion Inn, Leatherbead-road, Kingston, on the
body of Elizabeth Stetow, awed 16 years. On the evening of
Tuesday last, about six o'clock, whilst lighting the lire, a
spark flew out of the grate unknown to her, and ignited her
dues. Wheat about to leave the apartment, she felt a great
heat at her back, and before she had time to ascertain the
cause, her gown suddenly burst out in a blue. She called
for aid, and a man who was near the bowie hastened to her,
and with much difficuly extinguished the flames, which com-
pletely enveloped her body. The tire was not subdued until
the unfortunate female was most shockingly burnt over the
whole of her person. She expired at an early hour on Than.
day morning, from the effects of the injunes. The coroner
having remarked upon the melancholy nature of the
ease, the jury returned a verdict of " Accidental death."—
ACCIIMNT AT AN IRON FOHNDRY.—Before Mr. W. Carter,
at the Duke's Head, Lemon-street, St. Saviour's, South-
wark, on the body of John Morris, aged 63 years.—The de-
ceased wustorekeeper in the employ of Messrs. Grissell and
Co. iron founders, of Eagle wharf,. Horton New Town. Oa
Tuesday week, the deceased was descending • staircase from
one of the upper store-rooms, when he was seized with a
swimming in the head, end fell to the bottom. A noise
was heard by one of the clerks in the counting-house, who
ran to the deceased, and found him lying on his back gaits
insensible, and bleeding from the ears. lie died on Tuesday
last. Mr. Odling, a surgeon, attributed death to laceration
of the membranes of the brain, together with congestion, evi-
dently the result of a fall. The occurrence appeared to be
clearly accidental; the jury therefore returned a
verdict of " Accidental Death. " ADMINISTERING
POPPY-WATER TO CHILDREN IN EDMONTON UNION.
—Before Mr. Higgs, in Edmonton Union, Chase.
aide, on Thursday, on the bodies of Foundling Burke,
ued nine months, and Eliza Cave, aged ten months
Harriet Stolworthy said that, about five weeks ego, May
Ann Cave, the mother of one of the children, was admitted
with her illegitimate child, and the other deceased. At
that period the children appeared perfretly well, and they
remained so until last Tuesday week. when they seemed in
a complete state of stupor. From the symptoms witness
thought they were suffering from the *Recta of some nar-
cotic. She immediately informd Mr. Barker, the master of
the union, and a surgeon was sent for, who attended the
children until their decease. Mary Ann Cave had told
witness that she had given one child some decoction of
poppies. The mother of the deceased child Cave, having
been cautioned by the coroner, said that about a fortnight
since she sent for a large poppy head, and put it into 3 pinta of
water, which she boiled ontil the liquid was reduced to 1 pint.
She gave two tea-spoonsfull to th.. child Burke on several
occasions, to make him sleep, because she wished to wean
him, having to suckle both children. She gave the mixture
openly in the house, and was recommended to do so by Ca-
therine Bradshaw, one of the nurses. Mr. J. V. Asbury,
surgeon, had opened the bodies of the children, and found
that Burke had died of inflammation of the bronchial tubes
and lungs ; and Cave from inflammation of the pericar-
dium. He could not gay that death was occasioned by the
opiate taken. Verdict in accordance with the medical testi-
mony, and the jury expressed their abhorrence of the prsc-
tic* of giving preparations of opium to young children for
the purpose of preventing their being troublesome to their
nurses.