Botanical Society of Edinburgh. Edward Vernon Harcourt. BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH. May 12, 1853. — Professor Balfour, President, in the Chair. The following papers were read : — 1. "On the Soap Beans of China," by Dr. Macgowan of Xingpo. This paper contained a popular description, chiefly derived from Chinese authorities, of two species of Ccesalpinia, which furnish the Soap Bean and the Plump Soap Bean of the Chinese. The Beans have marked saponaceous quahties, and are used as detergents, for cleaning silver vessels, &c. 2. " On the Flora of the Island of Arran," by Dr. Balfour. The author noticed the plants which occur in different districts, in con-nexion with the rocks. He mentioned that he had observed between 500 and 600 Phanerogamous plants, and 27 Ferns and Equiseta. 3. "On the Colorific properties of the Lichens. Part III. The Manufacture of the Lichen-dyes," by W. Lauder Lindsay, M.D. The author detailed the various processes of manufacture as carried on in different countries, on the large scale (by the manufacturer) and small scale (by the peasant), with the principles on which these are severally founded. June 9. — Professor Balfour, President, in the Chair. Dr. Balfour stated that some of the Palms in the Botanic Garden had sent their fronds through the roof of the Palm-House, and that unless measures were taken immediately for making an addition to the house, he would be vmder the necessity of destroying some of the finest Palms in Britain. The following are the measurements of some of them. In giving t Where there are stars it is on my own authority.
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