Proceedings for the month of May, 1886

The monthly meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, May 18, at the Museum. Lieut. C. E. Beddome (I.N.) in the chair.
Includes Fellows elected and list of additions to the Library.
A paper was read by Mr. Bastow on the "Peronospora infestans" or potato disease, in which he pointed out the life history of this destructive fungus.
An interesting paper was read by Mr. R. M. Johnston, P.L.S., on the Longford coal. The paper was illustrated by diagrams, and he dealt with the various seams worked up to the present, giving analysis prepared by Mr. W. F. Ward, Government analyst, of a sample of the coal.
Mr. Abbott, superintendent of the Botanical Gardens, wrote stating that a telegram from Melbourne that appeared in The Mercury of the 6th April re evidence given by him before the Royal Commission on Vegetable Products, "viz., that fruit-growing in Tasmania was on the decline," was incorrect and instead claimed that fruit was grown extensively in Tasmania and that during the last year or two there was actually an over-abundance of fruit.
Mr. Stephens referred to a paper read last session, written by Baron Von Groddeck, Germany, entitled, "Remarks on the tin ore deposits at Mount Bischoff," translated by Mr. G. Thureau, F.G.S. Mr. C. J. Atkins exhibited specimens mounted for the microscope, a fresh-water algae; (Anacharis alsinastrum), commonly called in England the water thyme.