Dr J. Hutchinson retired after 44 years of service in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew (May 31, 1948), as Keeper of the Museum. He will devote his time mainly to the writing of some general handbooks especially his Genera Plantarum. He was succeeded by F.N. Howes, D. Sc. Mr H.K. Airy Shaw was appointed Principal Scientific Officer, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, on Dec. 31st, 1948.