phe & BULLETIN OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. VOL. Vie ma MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN. NEW YORK: 1880, GENERAL INDEX. (Illustrated articles are designated by an asterisk * before the page number.) Adiantum Capillus-Veneris in Kentucky, 80, 94. Albinism in Arethusa, 99. a Campanula, 113. Cypripedium, 4 e Chemistry of, 22. Algae, Fresh-water, 43, *91. Effect of on drinking-water, 100. . Motion of caused by light, 84. Anthers, alternate dehiscence of, 59. Aphyllon uniflorum, parasitism of, 67. Apple-tree, weeping, 121. Aster, concolor in Rhode Is!and, 19. Asplenium ebenoides in N. Y. State, 96. - Austin, Coe F., 38. Bees, action of toward Impatiens, 20. “and flowers, 66. ** perforating Gerardia, 114. Botanical Club, Torrey, Proceedings, 1, 13, 25, 37, 49, 61, 73, 93, 101, 118, 121. og Club, Torrey, Field Meetings, 73, 113. - ** North Jersey, 33, 49. . News, 21, 34, 57, 71, 83, 99, 119. “trip through North New Jersey, 28. Botrychium boreale, vernation in, 115. — Bryological Notes, 2, 15. California, Notes from, 97. Camptosorus, variations in, 26, 85. Carex, Sullivantii at. Yonkers, N. Y., 38. Carices, artificial synopses of, 88. Carya alba, tricotyledonous, 21, *54.: Characez: of America and Asia, similarity, 105. Cheilanthes vestita in N. Y. State, 16. Chestnut tree, a large, 81. Chlorophyll, Pringsheim’s researches on, 23. _ 5 , action of in lichens, 83. Comandra umbellata, parasitism of, 67. ConrTRIBUTORs. Austin, C. F., 2, 15. Allen, T. F., 105. : Bailey, W. W., 19, 98, 116. a Beardslee, H. C., 21, 54 Bicknell, E. P. 51, 55. Britton, N. L., 11, 18, 21, 48, 81, 108. Brown, A., 114, 122. Collins, F. L., 117. Davenport, Geo. E., 50, 85, 115. Eaton, D. C 83. ee Ellis, J. B., 90. : Gerard, W. R., 8, 17, 29, 30, 56, 67, 108, 118. Guttenberg, J., 19. : Hollick, C.’A..'11. 14. Kleeberger, Geo. R., 97. ; res ey a Smith, J. Donnell, 64, 118, 126. Trelease, William, 097." Tweedy, F., 19, 26, 56. Underwood, pci M., 86. Williamson, John, 80, 94. Wolle, France, 43, 91. Cornus. a large, 121. Croton monanth um, sexuality of, 105. deem pods, e oo of, 20 oporus, new subgenus of Fungi, 104. Cyperus ovularis, and C. cy finde *48, Desmids, new dnestoan, da, ag) Sears Geological formations and plant distribution, — Polyporus volvatus and its varieties, Donnellia, new genus of Musci, 15. Draba verna, biennial, 21. : Electric light, influence on vegetation, 59. * Electricity, influence on plant growth, 37. Fern, a new (Notholaena), *50. Ferns, Notes on variations of, 85. ‘* of the U. S., new or little known, 62. ‘© on the Cumberland, 94. ‘© Fendler’s Trinidad, 96. Field Meetings of the Torrey Club, 73, 113. = fs ‘** North Jersey Bot. Club, 49. Fig trees, Notes on behavior of, 66. : Flowers, early of spring of 1880, 25. ee and bees, 66. ‘: colors of, 71, 120. ; C origin, through insect selection, 99. a double, 128. : vd purple in Sagittaria, 28. FLora. Carboniferous, 75." Cretaceous, 77. Jurassic, 76. New Jersey, Western. 28. = Northern, 114. New York City, 51,114. - North American, Geolog. Hist. of, 73. Plainfield, N. J., 26 same tk Presque Isle, 18. ‘ on Pine Barrens, 81. Rhode 7 ps 98. ; Silurian, 74 : State and local of the U. S., 108. — Suffolk County, 17. Tertiary, 78. Triassic, 76. Frost, Charles C., 72. Fungi, new, *8, Geological history of N. American flora, 73. Gourd seeds, vitality of, 102. S Grass. a vivi ng ai ae Habenaria ciliaris, flowering of, 35. age Herbaria and libraries of the U. S. I1I.. 116. oe bya of, 126. ea Herbarium Olneyanum, 116. ee Pr Seeloapet’s, sale 06 9G oF Hairs of plants, 71. a eee Impatiens fulva, action of bees toward, 20. Insect selection, origin of flowers by, 99. Juncus maritimus, Note on, ae s* setaceus, Note on, 36. Laminaria, a new to the U. Scie pani cox = aie tubuliflorum 163 anthemum vulgare var. tubt um, 17. Sadek botanical, and Herbaria of the U. 5 ichens, action of chlorophyll in, 83. dan. abundance in Eastern States, 11. Menyanthes, alternate ripening of anthers, Nectar, its nature and uses, 91. a Notholaena Grayi, *50. a — Ophioglossum palmatum, variations of, - Parnassia, ripening of anthers, 69. Phalloids. ha ay eM Ss Be idei ‘ -5-, HS! i ee re — Be additional, 29. ee Phegopteris Drsvpreris, Note on, 118. ilosity, deforming, 120. ee Pine aren pate Rhode Island, 98. Pinus, Englemann’s revision, 39. Plants, rarer of N. Y. City, 51. — balla ** 122, Garber’s Porto Rico, 96. varying behavior of, 20. | paimsch Df, influence of elect., light, pote 9 th oa — * electricit ‘ys 60. Pollen bodies of angiosperms, 60. Pontederia, maturation of seeds, 97. Populus, Notes on, 57. : G Poison oak harmless to cattle in Calif., 97. Presque Isle, flora of, 19. Pteris with caudate pinnules, 114. Puprications Noricep. Adademy, 24. American Naturalist, 21. American Journal of Sci American Monthly Microsco 36, 72, 100. Arboretum Segrezianum, 120, Botanical Gazette, 22. 34, 60, 71, 83, 99. Botanische Zeitung, 23, 36. Botanical Index, Case's, 84. Botanisches Centralblatt, 99. Botanische Jahrbiicher, Engler’s, 72. Botanical Contributions by Dr. Gray, 112. Berliner Monatsschrift, 22. me Bartram Oak, by I. C. Martindale, 70. - California Horticulturist, 24, 72. Chemical News, 22. Cronica Cientifica, 34. Comptes Rendus, 23, 36, 92, 120, 128.. Contemporary Review, 36. CaTALoGuEs oF PLANTS, Pacific Coast Fungi, 58. North American Musci, by Rau & Hervey, 70. Trees and Shrubs in Fairmount Park,’ 70. pical Journal, 24, [Al Forest Trees of N. America, by. Cc. S. Sargent, 69. (preliminary) of Alaba: ma Plants, by Smith & Mohr, 69. Ferns, alphabetical Index of all known, 24. Fern List, Systematic, by D. C. Eaton, 112. Flora of West Indies. projected, 72. a Gardeners’ Chronicle, 71,83. 84, Grevillea. 60, 84. Garden, 35. Harper’s Magazine, 23. Impurities of Drinking Water, by W. G. | Farlow, 100. Journal of Cincinnati Soc. Nat. History, 21. _ Journal of Botany, Trimen’s, 22, 36, 57, 71, 83, Journal of = Royal Society of New South ales, 71. Midland Naturalist, 59, Nature, La, 120, Nature, 59, 84. Nectar, Its Nature and Us lease, 91. Publications received, 24. Phrenological Journal, 100. — Quarterly Jour. Microscopical Science, 60, Reyue Mycologique, 34. Report on Cotton Insects. stock, 91. San Francisco Mining & Scientific Press, 35. Science Gossip, 22, 36, 59. Rauia, new genus of the Musci, 16. Rhus, adventitious leaves in, 91, 98. _ Ricinus, a tree in California, 97. Robinia, irritability in, 92. : ittaria with dark purple flowers, 28. Salix, synopsis of Northern species, 89. : San Francisco Peninsula, changes in plant- life, 35. Sassafras tree, a lar: e, 67. s of gourd, vitality of, 102. ay 35 es, by Wm. Tre- : “ solidago, * ’ _thickly sown, influence on sex, 22. _Setaria glauca and viridis, Note on, 15. Silene, insectivorous, 34, ; Simblum rubescens, *8. Sisymbrium Thaliana biennial, 21. Sphaeria, a new on grapes, 90. Synopses, artificial, 86. Syracuse, Notes from, 96. ws : ry . ’ ence & Arts, 22, 111. . Congectieue Plants, by J. N. Bishop, ?. | In addition to those given in By J. H. Com. TERATOLOGY, 21, 67, 83, 101, 113, 121. ae Acer, polyphylly of gynoecium in, 56, 97. ‘** meiophylly ** = De. Anthoxanthum, viviparous, 98. Allium, adventitious buds in, 69. Carya, tricotyledonous, 21, *54. : Castanea, adhesion of involucres in, 121. Centaurea, proliferous, 69. Cereus, adhesion of joints in, 101. Convolvulus, petalody of stamens in, 128. Cornus, pleiotaxy of bracts in, 1. Erigeron, fasciation in, 68. Filices, fission of rachis in, 26, 85, 97. Fraxinus with hypertrophied pedicels, 113. Fuchsi& with adventive leaf, etc., 84, 98. Genista, pilosity in, 120. ; Gratiola, pleiotaxy of corolla in, 98. Hepatica, petalody of stamens in, 97. Iris, tetramerous, 73: Laelia, peloric, 84. Lilium, pentamerous, 83. ** spiral torsion in, 97. synanthy in, 97. deforming pilosity in, 120. Nesaea, petalody of stamens in, 67. . : Negundo, polyphylly of gynoecium in, 73. _ ae ae Phleum, viviparous, *118 Pirus, heterophylly in, 121. Plantago, proliferous, 67. ‘ v phyllody of bracts in, 68, _ Quercus, polyphylly of gynoecium in, 101. Ranunculus, petalody of stamens in, 113. Rhus, adventitious leaves in, 91, 98. Rosa, proliferous, 68. i : Rubus, phyllody of calyx in, 56. petallody of stamens in, 68. Salix, pistillody of stamens in, 55, 56. Sarracenia, hexamerous, 83, Saxifraga, petalody of stamens in, 69. Setaria, fission of spike in, 101. Sophora, fasciation in, 37, 68. Taraxacum, fasciation in, 68. Thalictrum, petalody of stamens in, 97. Tigridia, tetramerous, 83. Typha, fission of spike in, 68. Viola, peloric, 98. | Zea, eversion of axis in, 69, | Trees, large, 57, 67, 101, 121. eis “near New York City, | annual growth of, 71. | Trichomanes, radicans in Tennessee, 16. _ Umbelliferae, artificial synopsis of, 87. | Utricularia-resupinata, Wote on, 19. | Venation, new terminology of, 37, | Vernation of Botrychium boreale, 115, | Viola sagittata, variations in, 27, , Wolffia gladiata var. Floridana, #4. ERRATA. ' } us 81, 107. lists on pages 21, 36 and 100, the following errors should be corrected : . On p. 11, for ** Sisymbrium Thalianum” read “ S. Thaliana” ; on p15, 4th line from bottom, for “* Donneliiz” read ‘* Donnel- fia” ; on p. 34, for “ Silene Pennsylrant- cunt” read S) Pennsylranica”’: on p- 51, last line, for “* Hesperus” read ** Hes- peris 2 On Pp. 61, for ** Wollfiella” read Wolffiella”; on p. 74, 6th line from top, erase comma after * Arisaema.’ The title of Mr, Bailey’s article on p. 116 should also be corrected to read ‘* Herb- arlum Olneyanum,” the types having ride} transposed after the last proof was read. - IN BINDING. Plate I should face page 8. . Ey oe ee . 10. “ws Ill oe we we 48. uw IV ay “ a 5O. - Vv oe ua ay 91. i BULEATIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. § 1. Proceedings of the Torrey Club,——At a regular meeting of the Club held at the “Herbarium,” Columbia College, Dec. gth, the Vice-President, Mr. A. Brown, in the absence of the President, occupied the Chair. Eighteen members were present. Mr. G. M. Wilber reported having found Vio/a cucullata in flower in the middle of November, at Flushing, L: I. Mr. N. L. Britton, exhibited a number of grasses and sedges. Among these were Scirpus sylvaticus L., found on Staten Island, and new to Southern New York; ZLragrostis Purshit, Schrad., now growing plentifully in the streets in the upper part of New York city; and Zavonia obtusata, Gray, which Mr. Britton stated is quite common on Staten Island. Miss Elizabeth G. Knight reported the discovery by her, last August of the rare fern Schizaea pusilla, and of Littorella lacustris, both of which she found growing near the shores of Grand Lake, Nova Scotia. Miss Knight distributed specimens of these plants, and also of the fruit of Sa/isburia adiantifolia from Central Park. : Dr. Jarvis spoke briefly on the subject of galls, and gave an out- line ofa theory which he had formed in regard to their origin. On an invitation from the Club he signified his willingness to read & 9 = paper on the subject at the next meeting. At a meeting of the Club, on Jan. 13, 1880, there were 29. mem- bers present. In the absence of the President and Vice-President, the Chair was occupied by Mr. O, R. Willis. The Treasurer’s report for the past year was read, and. referred ae to the Finance Committee. Six new members were elected, and = two additional names proposed for membership. : es Mr, Henshaw exhibited a number of beautiful tropical orchids and euphorbias. Mr. Jos. .Schrenk called attention to the pres- ence of small tubercles on the roots of Zrifolium repens, and briefly discussed their nature and functions. Mr. N. L. Britton exhibited specimens from Staten Island of Cornus flortda with double bracts. UA : Mr. Bicknell reported the discovery by him of Hepatica triloba and — Cerastium arvense in flower on the 11th of January of the present year, at Riverdale on the Hudson. _ The present being the Annual Meeting, the Club proceeded to’ ballot for officers for the current year, with the following result : President, Dr, J. S. Newperry; Vice-President, A. BROWN}; — Treasurer, JNO. J. CROOKE ; Corresponding Seer etary, W. H. ‘Lec- GETT; Recording Secretary, G. M. WivsEr; Editor, W. H. Leccett 5 Curator, P.V. LeRoy... ue : ‘ Owing to the lateness of the hour Dr. Jarvis signified his desire to postpone the reading of his paper on “ Galls”’ till the next meeting. = a + 2 § 2. Bryological Notes and Criticisms by C. F. AUSTIN, suggested by the careful study of a paper entitled “ Descriptions of some New Species of North American Mosses ; by Leo Lesquereux and Thomas P. James. (With a Supplement by W. P. Schimper.) Proc. of the Amer. Acad. of Arts and Sciences, Boston, 1879, pp. 133-141. First there is an introduction, from which we quote :——‘Ona recent visit by Mr. James to Europe, he took with him not only spec- imens of. the species here described, but also of many of those recently described in the Scientific Journals of this country, for the purpose of critically examining the whole in co-operation with Prof. W. P. Schimper, of Strasburg. This justly celebrated bryologist has cordially given his assistance in this review, and therefore secured to the descriptions of our species a higher degree of authority.” Then follows the description of 17 species, 14 of which are claimed to be new. Upon reading the introduction, our expectations were raised to a high pitch, and we were prepared fora rich feast of bryological novelties. How we fared the sequel will show.. (1.) Sphagnum Garberi, L. & J. Hab. Florida, Garber.—The diagnosis of this “new” Sphagnum, except where it is manifestly wrong, is so very like Sullivant’s description (Icones p. 5), of Sph. humile, Scuimp., that there cannot be the slightest doubt of their identity. This view is fully confirmed by the examination of an authentic specimen kindly sent me by Mr. James, as well as of spec- imens collected in Florida by Capt. Donnell Smith and myself. Fur- thermore: Having seen many large beds of Sphagnum rigidum, SCHIMP., and examined scores of specimens, including numerous forms, all the way from British America in the North, to the Ever- glades of Florida in the South, it is equally plain to me that S. humile is only a local form of 5S. rigidum. ‘The small form (S. humile, S. & L. Exsic. ed. 2 n. 18, and Aust. Musc. Appalach. n. 8), which abounds from New Jersey to Georgia, is characterized by nothing worthy of note except its smaller size. In Florida it runs into the var. humile. Any one who has watched the growth of Sphagna in their native beds for a succession of years, must know that some of the characters emphasized by authors are of the least possible account in separating them into species; e. g., the same bed may be all the true Sph. cuspidatum one year and all the true Sph. recurvum the next! clearly proving the latter to bea mere state of the former. This year a bed may be all the true Sph. cymbifolium, and next year all the var. sguarrosulum, &c. The most opposite extremes of those characters which are plainly visible to the naked eye are apt to occur in the same species. An abundance of heat, light and moist- ure producing results very different from those produced bya defi- ciency of the same. Sphagnum rigidum varies considerably, yet I have always found it one of the easiest of species to determine. Probably the var. humile differs more from the type than any other of its forms. Yet its differences are plainly caused by the remarka- bly warm and moist climate in which it grows. In all the forms the margins of the branch-leaves are usually beset with minute blackish 3 bristle-like teeth, as in Ssh. cymbifolium and its allies. They are also very narrowly margined, and their areolz are furnished with largish more or less unequal indistinct pores. However, in the description of, Sph. Garberi, both these last characters are erroneously said to be wanting. Furthermore, the chlorophyllose cells are said to be fur- nished with “ numerous pores.” Of course, this is an optical illu- sion ; for pores belong only to areolac or air-cells. “ The inflorescence,” it is said, “is dioecious.” This needs confirmation, for four reas- ons: 1. No part of the male plant is described. 2. Allof the numer- Ous specimens I have seen, if mature, are fertile,—this could hardly happen were the plant dicecious. 3. All the other forms of Sph. rigidum are monoecious. The 4th reason will become appar- ent to the reader further on in this review. [I have not searched for the male inflorescence because my specimens were all collected when the fruit was mature, by which time the antheridia in all Sphagna, (grown in warm climates at least) have totally disappeared. | (2.) Archidium longifolum, L. & J. Hab. Florida. Garber.—I have seen no authentic specimens, the one sent me by Mr. James under this name being 4. Okioense, Scuimp. But the perusal of the diag- nosis and the habitat given, leaves no doubt of its being identical with A. Lescurii, Aust., first described in this Journal for Mar., 1877, (Vol. VL, p. 144). The authors affirm that the capsule and spores are as in A. alternifolium, Brip. Qualifying this remark slightly, they should have so extended it as to include all the other species of of the genus; and they might very properly have included the calyp- tra in the same category with the capsule and spores. (In 1868 I described and sketched this organ in a letter to Mr. Sullivant. I also described it in this Journal Vol. V., n. 7, p- 30, Bee to this day I am not aware that any one except myself and Mr. Rau ever saw it!) They also say “ Antheridia 2.” I have found as many as eight in one cluster. ; ; : .(3.) Bruchia flexuosa, SCHW AEGR.—“ Stems a half-inch or more in length. Inflorescence synoecious (fos bisexualis).” I have a large quantity of specimens of all the species of Bruchia which are common from New Jersey to Florida, all of which I have examined very care- fully; but I never saw one with such long stems (exclusive of the leaves), nor did I ever see a bisexual flower except upon the minute B. Carolinianae, Aust., and even here the inflorescence is often aut- oicous, (4.) Bruchia Sullivanti, Aust.—This is said to be autoicous, “Inflorescence monoecious, male flower gemmaeform,” and in the very next line the authors quote Sullivant’s Incones, T. 13, to substan- tiate the statement; yet it is both correctly figured in the Icones and _ described by mein this Journal, Vol. VI., n- 27, p- 143, as paroecious ! (antheridia naked in the axil of a single comal leaf.) I have never seen autoicous inflorescence in any species that could be taken for either B. flexuosa or B. Sullivanti, except in extremely rare instances, all of which will be mentioned further on. _ : : (4%.) Bruchia nigricans, Aust. (It should read BZ. nigrescens (S.& L. Aust.; B. flexuosa, var. nigrescens, S. & L., an error of mine.) —Our authors consider this a “ mere casual var. of 2. Sullivanti,” ae 4 which may be true, but I never saw that species with such large spores. The dark color of the capsule is no doubt properly attributed by them to the plants having grown in a moist depression on the top of a mountain. The inflorescence is paroecious, and not autoicous as we are led to infer. My specimen (S. & L. Exsic, Ed. 2, n. 42) comprised only a few plants, but these were all very perfect ! oe : No. 41 of the work just referred to, comprises three distinct forms, apparently collected in as many different places, and represents two : if not three distinct species; as follows :—B. Sudlivant? with paroe- cious inflorscence, medium-sized spores and smooth leaves ; 2. Don- nellit, Aust. with similar inflorescence, large spores and papillose leaves; and B. flexuosa, SuLuiv., Mosses of the U. S., with autol- cous inflorescence, minute spores and smooth leaves. It is probable the last mentioned is only a form of the first. I have never seen it from any other source. Its exact habitat is unknown. (5.) Bruchia brevicollis, L. & J. Hab. S,. Car. Ravenel.—The specimens sent to me by Mr. James under this name I had hefore from Prof. Ravenel, who informed me that he had never collected it but once. Sullivant also had it from Ravenel, and the figures in his Icones Suppl. t. 15, Bruchia Beyrichiana, HAMPE., were undoubtedly drawn from it. The inflorescence of B&B, drevicollis is not given, but we are erroneously led to infer that it is autoicous. Having seen the specimens of Ravenel and Vasey, from which the description and figures in the Icones Suppl. were drawn, I have no hesitation in saying that they all belong to B. Sullivanti. Rav- enel’s represent imperfectly developed single plants, which one may find occasionally in colonies of B. Sud/ivanti ; or sometimes (rarely) growing separately. The calyptra is not longer than in the usual forms, but the capsule being shorter makes it appear so. Inflor- escence, form and texture of- the leaves, spores, &c., precisely as in the fuliy developed plants with which they grow. Vasey’s Illi- nois specimens belong to very immature typical B. Sudiivanti s All have paroecious inflorescence. Occasionally a plant may be found with a stunted appearance, a small short columned capsule and a large gemmaeform male flower, all of which are abnormal conditions; while in all other respects the same plant will be normal. (6.) Weisia longiseta, L. & J. Hab. Florida, W. Z. Foster.— This is included in W. viriduda, var. australis, Aust. Exsic. Suppl. No. 466, and appears to. be a common form of this cosmopolitan and var- iable species in the extreme South. It is said to be dioecious. The remark, “ It cannot be taken for a form of W. viridula, Brip.,” I am obliged to dissent from; for Donnell Smith and myself not only col- lected it plentifully in Florida, but also forms connecting it with the shorter pedicelled form with somewhat shorter less fissured peristomal teeth, which appears to be the common southern form of the species, occuring as far north at least as New Jersey. (7.) Weisia Wolft, L. & J. Hab. Canton, Ill. J. WoLr.—This is also said to be dioecious. It is another form of W. viridula, larger and a little more fully developed than the form given in Musc. Appalach. Suppl. n. 465, under Weisia Rauei, (vide this Jour., Vol. V., p. 20, for description). In fact Mr. Rau never sent me the delicate gym- 5 nostomous form which bears his name but once; but has frequently sent specimens from the same spot collected since, which ate almost identical with Mr. James’ specimens—monoectous inflorescence and all. But I find no male plants in specimens sent by Mr. Wolf, which are nearly identical with No. 68 of Musc. Appalach. The forms of this species are all transient, as any one must know who has watched it grow. I have found its widest possible extremes growing from the same patch during but two successive years. The inflorescense in this species, usually autoicous, is often obscure. I have often examined specimens in which I could find no male flowers, but have no recollection of ever seeing a specimen that contained no female flowers. (No. 69 of Musc. Appalach, forms no exception to this rule, for it plainly belongs to some other species. It appears to be a Gymnostomum.) Weisia viridula, Brip., not only includes both the foregoing “new species,’ and both W. (Gymnostomum) Rauei and Brandeget, AustT., but several other about equally well characterized forms, which I am not aware have yet been described as new; and the characters in which WW. mucronata, BRUCH, coincides with one or another of the forms of W. viridula, are too striking for me to accept it as a distinct species; although it is so regarded, I believe, by all the eminent authorities of Europe. In matters of this kind I have invariably found Nature to be the best authority. (3.) Péichomitrium (Notarisia) pygmaeum, L. & J. Hab. Near the Neosho River, Kansas, and at Bolivar, Missouri, 2. Ha//—Not being able to get an authentic specimen from Mr. James, I proceeded to study carefully the description ; and soon. became so strongly im- pressed with the idea that it was at most only a form of Pt. incur- vum, SCHWGR., that I wrote to Mr. Hall for samples of the original specimens. ' He generously responded with two specimens from West Mo. One from Vernon Co., which proved to be true P¢. éncurvum, and the other from Bolivar, one of the localities given for the new moss. This is not smaller than the true P4. incurvum, as it occurs in this region (Closter, N. J.), nor are the leaves different in a single, most minute particular ; but the pedicels are a little shorter and the capsules darker and more solid, narrower, and usually more acute at the base. All the capsules are immature and shrivelled, and have a - more or less diseased: appearance. Even after long soaking I found it impossible to swell them out; or to remove an operculum without injuring the peristome, which, so far as I could see, is not different from the imperfectly developed peristome of the typical plant. The same is true of the annulus. As for the “ marked neck of the cap- sule extending one-third its length;’’ I find it to be but a trifle more marked than I have usually seen it in immature capsules of typical Pt incurvum ; in fact, upon long soaking and under slight pressure, - it is, in the best developed capsules, not more marked than it is shown — to be in Fig. 2 of Sullivant’s Icones, T. 39. The Neosho River spec- — imens, received since the above was written, differ from the last only in having all the capsules very old, and the calyptras all very young, (9.) Fissidens Garbert, L. & J. Hab. on the bark of trees, Florida. Garéer.—I have not been able to secure a specimen from 6 Mr. James; but in Mar. 1877, Capt. Donnell Smith sent me from the ‘pala River, Florida, a little Fissidens which I described at the time as new, and sent a specimen to Mr. James. He replied that he already had it diagnosed and ready for publication, under the name of Fisstdens Garberi ; so there can be no doubt of the authenticity of my specimens. I have since found it myself in southwest Florida, on shells, rotten wood and roots of trees. It also occurs on coquina rocks. Here again the authors are at fault with their inflorescence. They say “flos bisexualis.” I have invariably found the species pseudo-dioecious, e. g., as in F, obtustfolius, Wiis. _ (10.) Fissidens floridanus, L. & J. Hab. Florida, Garber. —I have not been able to get any clue to this moss, Mr. James informs me that he has none of it; having left his only specimen with Prof. Schimper. We are not told whether it grows on the ground or else- where. The leaf is said to have a “ large pellucid border.” ‘This character belongs to but two species in this country, known to me, and both of them are common in Florida. They are F. decipiens and f’. adiantoides,—the former dioecious, the latter monoecious :—(both have lateral inflorescence.) In one place the inflorescence is said to be “monoecious, with the male fils. terminal on longish lateral branches, and the female fis. axillary on the middle of the stem,” In another place, “the species,” it is said, “ is related to F. osmun- dioides HEpw. [which is dicecious !] by its monoecious, terminal in- florescence.” In one place the capsule is said to be oval-oblong and cernuous ;” in another “ oblong-cylindrical and curved.” Upon the whole, the ambiguity of the description, together with the paucity of the specimens, would seem to exclude this “new moss” from the- category of things having an actual existence. (11.) Cryphaea pendula, L. & J. Hab. Florida, 7. D. Smith. (C. glomerata, var., Aust., Muse. Appalach. Suppl. n. 526.)—In the first place I believe the specific name is not well chosen ; for, if 1 am not greatly mistaken, the plant is the reverse of pendulous. In the second place, excepting that the leaves towards the ends of the usually longer stems are longer acuminate, I am unable to find any difference between this and the common plant which is sometimes found as far north as New Jersey, and which is known as Cryphaea Slomerata, Scuimp. In the form of the ordinary stem-leaves, areola- tion of the same, perichaetial leaves, capsule, calyptra, operculum, annulus, peristome, spores, and in the ramification, I am unable to find a shadow of difference between them. In this case the authori- ties upon Cryphaea glomerata appear to have been sufficiently con- sulted; not so the typical plant itself! —(12.) Aypnum Watsoni, L. & J. Hab. Colorado, Watson.— There is a more accurate description of this species in the Bryology of the 4oth, paralell, by Mitten, under the name of Ays. plicatile. 1864.) It is undoubtedly AZyp, fleufleuri, JURATZKA, ( 1861.) compared with a specimen from Schimper kindly furnished by Mr. James.) It is also W. revolutum, Linpp., Ms. & H. recurvo-mar- ginatum, n. sp? Aust. Ms, [| have many specimens of it from Colorado, Oregon and Brit. Columbia. It also occurs in the high latitudes and alpine regions of Europe. The most striking feature 7 of the species is the (usually) broadly revolute margin of the leaf, from base to point. The capsule is curved in the middle from an erect base, the operculum is shortly conic and very obtuse. The leaves are often serrulate at the apex, shortly bicostate, and furnished with a larger or smaller, usually not well defined patch of very short and minute, more or less obscure cells at the basal angles. In mode of growth, ramification, and in the reticulation of the leaves it is variable. I have what appears to be a form of this species also from Monterey, Mexico. (13.) Hypnum Alaskanum, L. & J. Hab. Alaska, W.H. Dall.— A fine species and deserving a more complete description than our authors have given it. They describe it by now comparing and now contrasting it with Aypnum Schreberi, W1LLD, to which they in the main liken it. The form of the leaf, excepting that it is not invo- lute-acuminulate at the apex, is much as in that species; but in size, facies, closely pinnate ramification, texture of the leaves, presence of paraphyllia on the stem, &c., it is totally distinct, being a true Pleu- roztum, as the following description from specimens communicated by Mr. James will show : ' [Hylocomnium (Pleurozium) Alaskanum.—/ypnum Alaskanum, LZ. & J. in Proc. Amer. Acad., Boston, for 1879, p. 139.—Stems closely pinnately and bipinnately branched, and, as well as the branches, densely paraphyllate, about $’—} wide; branches widely spreading, (the ramuli very short and mostly divaricate), sub- depressed, obtusish or acutish. Paraphyllia much divided, the divisions capillary. Stem-leaves large, broadly ovate, rotundate- obtuse, concave, smooth, of a firm texture, even, or here and there sulcate-striate, particularly near the lower margins, which are usually (either broadly or narrowly) revolute and often apparently solid, shortly and obscurely somewhat bi-pluricostate ; the margins remotely serrate-denticulate ; ordinary cells elongated, linear, subvermicular, remarkably obtuse at both ends, more or less discrete, opakish,—the interstices more or less confluent ; the basal cells somewhat widened, but scarcely shorter, solid, dark fulvous, not well defined; both in the centre and at each margin, where they are the most conspicuous, these fulvous cells extend upwards for a longer or shorter distance, often forming coste-like strie. Branch-leaves much smallerandless denticulate, otherwise similar. Inflorescence and fruit not seen, _ Nearest to depauperate forms of H. splendens,(Hepw.) from which, however, it is readily distinguished by its more uniform less com- — pound ramification, obtuse smooth more shortly bicostate more ° opake less serrulated leaves, with more obtuse and more discrete — cells, &c.] (14.) Ephemerum spinulosum, Scuimp.—The remarks here made — by Schimper, as well by L. & J. upon both this species and Zpheme- rum crassinervium, SCHWGR., although true enough upon the whole, throw no new light upon these two protean mosses. I have spent hour after hour vainly trying to arrange my specimens and to sepa~ — rate them into intelligible forms, and should hail with delight a dis- sertation upon them that would point me the way out of the difficulty. (15.) Systegium erythrostegium, Brucu & Scuimp * ER, Phascum — 8 crispum, var. rostellatum, H. & W., in Drummond’s Southern Mosses No. to. Hab. New Orleans, Drummond.—I have not been able to see Drummond’s No. 10, but I have a Systegtum from the same re- gion, collected by Hall, Mohr and Featherman, which appears to be not rare throughout the Gulf region, and the only species yet found there ; for the diagnosis of Bruch and Schimper describes it with sufficient accuracy. Itis Astomum (Systegium) Ludovicianum, SULLIV, Icones, T. t2. The male flower is terminal, becoming lateral, as B. & S. describe it; or probably in rare instances becoming dichotomal as shown in the Icones. ae (16.) Orthotrichum brachytrichium, Scuimp.; O. obtusifolium, Drummond’s Mosses of Brit. Amer., n. 1 57. Hab. Canada East to the Rocky Mts.—There is some mystery here which I am unable to solve. Drummond’s moss is identical with the European O. obtust- folium, SCHRAD., which is most accurately described in Schimper’s Synopsis, Ed., 1860, p. 263. It is also identical with the numerous specimens which I have from the same region, collected chiefly by Fowler and Macoun. Schimper describes it as having “ apiculate acutely carinate most minutely papillose leaves, with the margins subrevolute-reflexed, inflorescence monoecious, calyptra pale straw- colored, and with a few short hairs on its apex.’’ I find the leaves to be obtuse, not carinate, mostly clothed with large papillae, inflo- rescence dioecious, calyptra with a pale base, fuscous brown above, epilose, and papillose -tuberculate. I have picked from among some Orthot. Ohioense, collected by myself in the Jordansville Swamps, N. Y., about a half-dozen sterile stems of this species. Some of these have the leaves .all obtuse, more have them nearly all acute or acutish, and one or two of the stems have the upper leaves some- what hyaline-apiculate ; otherwise they are normal. I have not seen acute leaves on any other of my specimens. There is a depauperate form of this species, always sterile, found on shade trees, old stone fences and limestone rocks, as far south as New Jersey. (17:) Plagiothecium pseudo-Silesiacum, SCHIMPER, LHypnum Sile- stacum, H. & W., in Drummond’s Southern Mosses No. 111. Hab. Near St. Louis.—I have not been able to get a fragment of No. 111, rom this collection. But since ‘nothing answering to Schimper’s description, except Plagioth. striatellum (Brip.), and P/. turfaceum, LINDB., appears to have been found in North America, at least since Drummond’s time; there can be little if any doubt of its being one or the other of these widely distributed species. The basal cells of the leaf not being described, leaves some doubt as to which of the two it belongs ; but since the description fits the former in some re- spects exactly, while it fits the latter only in a general way, and since the former is the more southern specie, it becomes quite apparent that the moss abo ve referred to j ly PL righted ERT. Muhlenbeckii, Br. Eu.) is only striatellum. ( $ 3. A New Fun us,— . Simblum 3 g By W. R. Gerarp : um ru NS, xov. 5p.—Volva subglobose, whitish, bursting irregularly into three or four lobes, which soon become very remote from the stipe. Receptacle depresso-globose, very slightly broader than the stipe, cancellate ; branches crisped, flattened, and with sinu- Plate I. Bulletin Torrey Botanical Club. ypores X 2EO", nye, (} ifs. dj DS ERARD., G SIMBLUM RUBESCENS (Natural size.) 9 ated margins, forming, by their oblique anastomosing, areolations which are nearly always quite regularly pentagonal. Stipe hollow, elas- tic, cylindrical, tapering towards the base, abruptly rounded at the apex and strongly constricted at its junction with the capitulum. Hymen- ium olive-brown (ochreous yellow when dried in a thin stratum on paper.) Spores obtusely elliptical, coor’ (.003 mm.) long, Plants from 3 to 5 inches high ; stipe six lines to one inch in diameter at the broadest part. Color deep fleshy red, bordering on vermilion in the capitulum, and paler towards the base of the stipe. The odor emit- ted by the sporiferous mass is a peculiar and indescribable one and can be best compared to that of Corynites Ravenelii—heavy and slightly nauseous, but not fetid. Shortly after the fungi are gathered, and especially while they are being dried, the smell, at a short distance, is not unlike that of benzoic acid. Habitat. Among grasses in open places, in various parts of Asto- ria, Long Island. My attention was called to this fungus by the Rev. Washington Rodman, who showed me last August, a colored drawing of it made by Miss Trask for her father, Dr. James B. Trask, its discoverer. Having subsequently received fresh specimens of the plant itself from both Mr. Rodman and Mr. Wm. B. Halsey, I recognized it as a spe- cies of Simblum—a remarkable addition to our American flora, inas- much as the genus has hitherto been considered as exclusively a tropical one. Of the species which have been described, Simblum periphragmoides Klotzsch, the large, robust species, on which the genus was founded, occurs in the Mauritius Islands; S. gracile Berk. (for a description of which I am indebted to Prof. W. G. Far- low) is found in Ceylon; §. flavescens Kurtz, in Java; and S. pilt- diatum Ernst., and _S. sphaerocephalum Schlecht., in South America. A comparison of the species under consideration with the original descriptions and figures as given by the authors of the foregoing, showed it to be quite distinct, not only as regards form but also as to color and other characteristics. Of the species just mentioned, the first and second are pale yellow ; the third sulphur yellow; the fourth white ; and the fifth, although described by Schlechtendal as ‘ more of a brick than of a flesh-red,” is figured as a brownish yel- low. Of these species, Simblum rubescens is most nearly related to S. sphaerocephalum, but differs in the form of the upper part of the — stipe; in the bright red color, which is deeper in the receptacle ; in the color of the hymenium; in the odor emitted by the sporiferous mass, which does not, as Schlechtendal expresses it, “ stink furchter- lich,” but is merely slightly nauseous ; and in the shape of the volva, the lobes of which, after bursting, expand very widely and form a very shallow cup, to the centre of which is affixed the stipe by its - exceedingly narrowed base. The plants are solitary and make their appearance after the rains of Summer and Autumn. The capitulum as it bursts from the volva, always carries up with it a small piece of the latter temporarily attached to its upper surface, as does S. gra- cile, according to Mr. Berkeley, in his description and figure of that species. A section of the stipe shows that it is composed of three layers of elongated chambers or cells, the thick lateral walls of which, 10 while the plant is still enclosed in the volva, (Pl. 1, Fig. 3), are sev- eral times plicated or folded and strongly compressed. In the ma- ture plant, the evidence of these plications is still visible, causing the expanded chambers to appear as if composed of a string of round- ish cells of nearly uniform size ; as seen in Fig. 5 of Plate 1, which | represents an edge of the’stipe in section, and shows the external aspect of the cells or cavities as seen in its interior. The external walls of this innermost layer of cells are smooth and continuous, and rarely perforated. _Those of the extreme outer layer, in the very early stages of the plant, are entire and arranged horizontally like the cells in the hymenophore of Cynophallus caninus ; but, when the fungus is fully expanded, these become minutely lacerated and_per- forated so as to give the external surface of the stipe. when viewed under the lens, a spongy aspect. ‘The apex of the stipe is somewhat abruptly rounded and perforate ; and from the margin of the aperture start the primary branches (6 to 8 in number) of the cancellate structure. These hollow branches or reticulations, septate at inter- vals, are an upward extension of the inner layer of cells; they have precisely the same structure, and only differ in being more vertically compressed and laterally flattened (Pl. 1, Fig. 4.) Occasionally two contiguous rows of cells unite to form one of the reticulations, and m this case the latter is marked throughout its whole extent by a deep central depression. In the smaller specimens of |S. rudescens ‘the areolations formed by the reticulations are in most cases quite uniformly and regularly pentagonal, but in the larger plants there appears to be a little less regularity in this respect. The outlines of Fig. 1, Plate 1, (which represents the full size apparently to which the plant attains) were copied from a water-col- or drawing executed by Miss Trask, all of the specimens which I have seen being muchsmaller. Fig. 2 shows one of these small spec- imens with the capitulum slightly elevated in order to exhibit the _ rounded apex of the stipe and its mode of juncture with the recep- cle. Although the latter features are always strongly marked in the dried specimens, they would scarcely be noticed on a mere cursory inspection of the living fungus owing to the depression of the capi- tulum around the top of the stipe, which is due to its somewhat flabby consistency. Plate 2 shows a curious departure from the nor- mal form, in which two stipes arise from the same volva and support one capitulum in common. This figure, which has been photo-en- graved from a sketch not intended for publication, is incorrect in one particular, the vertical diameter of the receptacle being represented a8 a third too great. The specimen was brought to me by Mr. : a oe In studying this plant, I have been under great obligations © Messrs. Rodman, ‘Trask, and Halsey for specimens, fresh and pre- aebhesy eager various items of information in regard to it. —. sat a relating to the American Phalloidet is somewhat panini Fe se hot prove uninteresting to botanists if I bring eta Pere P ne all the genera and species of the order which ed in the United States up to the present time. Bulletin Torrey Botanical Club. Plate Il. SIMBLUM RUBESCENS GeERarp. - (Abnormal growth.) ll List OF UNITED STATES -PHALLOIDEIL. Phallus L. (A. Hymenophallus WVees.) industatus Vent., S. Car., Pa. (Schw.), Mass. (Frost). Conn. (Eaton. ) Daemonum Rumph, Ohio, (Lea), N. Y. (Peck). duplicatus Bosc. S§ Car., Pa. (Schw.), N. Y. (Ger.), Mass. (Frost: Sprague), Conn. (Wright.) Ravenelit B. & C., S, Car., (Rav.), N. Y. (Pk.) (B.-Ithyphallus Fr.) Z impudicus L, S. Car., (Schw.), N. Y. (Pk. Ger.) Mass. (Far- low: Frost.), Ohio (Lea), (C. Leiophallus F+.) rubicundus Bosc, §. Car.. N.Y. (Schw.), Mass. (Frost.) Cynophallus Fr, caninus Schaeff. S, Car.,(Curt.) Mass.(Frost.) N.Y.(Warne.) Corynites B. & C. , Ravenelitt B.& C. S. Car., (Curt.) N. Y. (Pk.: Howe : Ger.) + Curttsit Berk. Conn. (Wright.) brevis B. & C. (Inserted in Curtis’ Catalogue but not mentioned in Berkeley’s Notices of N. A. Fungi.) Simblum Klotzsch. rubescens Ger. N. Y. (Trask; Rodman; Halsey.) Clathrus Mich. cancellatus L. Ga. (Leconte, fide Schw.) Laternea, Turp. columnata Bosc. §S. Car. (Bosc.), Ga. (Leconte.) § 4. Flora of Richmond County, N-Y.( °° 4, | Additions and new localities, 1879. \ ~~ Podophyllum peltatum L. Sparjngly near Rossville. Nasturtium palustre DC. Near Port Richmond and Woodrow. Draba Caroliniana Walt. Near Rossville. Sisymbrium Thalianum Gaud. Near Woodrow. Camelina sativa Crantz. Rossville village. Linum usitatissimum L. Sparingly at Clove Lake. _ Coronilla varia L. Roadsides near New Dorp and Giffords. Desmodium laevigatum DC. Sparingly near Tottenville. : Trifolium incarnatum L. Sparingly in waste ground near Rich- mond. Rubus strigosus Michx. Near Pleasant Plains. Fragaria Indica L. In Richmond Village. Ribes floridum L. Near Pleasant Plains. Coriandrum sativum L. Sparingly along the Sea Beach, near New Dorp. Cicuta pulpifera L. Linden Park Swamp. | Canlenhe car vilrh Lam. Near Prince’s Bay, 1870, [W. H. Leggett. } : Sericocarpus solidagineus Nees. Tottenville. Aster concolor L. Kreischerviile. Solidago patula Muhl, Clove Lake Swamp. 12 idago neglecta T. & G. Clove Lake Swamp. | Secchi in Pusmriy tues Lam. Rather abundant about Tot- tenville. : Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. Sparingly near Clove Lake. Near ichmond. : Giessen frondosa T.& G. On Goat Hill, near New Dorp, and ttenville. Frequent. : aces Peas ae GA Richmond Hill,.and near Willow Brook, Lophanthus nepetoides Benth. New Dorp. Phlox subulata L. Near Rossville. (G. W. Wright.) Solanum rostratum Dunal. A single plant near Four Corners, 1875, (W. H. Rudkin.) Artemisia vulgaris L. Port Richmond. Atriplex patula L. var, littoralis Gray. West New Brighton. Quercus Phellos L.. Sparingly at Tottenville. Sparganium eurycarpum Engl. Near Garretsons. Vallisneria spiralis L. Clove Lake Swamp. Calopogon pulchellus R. Br. Linden Park Swamp, - Habenaria ciliaris Lindl. Tottenville. Habenaria tridentata Hook. Tottenville. ; Tradescantia Virginica L. Escaped from gardens at Tottenville. Cyperus cylindricus N. L. Britton. Tottenville. Eriophorum Virginicum L. Near Richmond. Rhynchospora alba Vahl, Clove Lake Swamp. Cladium mariscoides Torr. Linden Park Swamp. Carex subulata Michx. Swamps near the railroad. (W. H, Leggett.) Carex monile ‘Tuck. Near New Dorp. Carex lanuginosa Michx. . Near New Dory. Carex sterilis Willd. Rather common. Agrostis alba L. Common. Calamagrostis Canadensis Beauy. Swamps. Linden Park, and Clove Lake Calamagrostis Nuttalli ana Steud. Watchogue and Tottenville. — Eatona iobtusata Gray. Linden Park Swamp. Glyceria obtusa ‘Trin. Tottenville. Glyceria acutiflora Torr, Near Bull's Head. ragrostis poaeoides Beauy. var. megastachya Gray. Port Rich- Uniola gracilis Michx. Tottenville. Arrhenatherum avenaceum Beauv. la ge. Andropogon macrourus -Michx. Clifton and Richmond Vil- Tottenville. : CORRECTION, © Cyperus retrofractus Tort. (?) should be C. ¢ ylindricus N. 1. Brit- ton. Sparingly at Tottenville. C. A. Horuicx, N. L. Britton. panes _ ewes — ae rR — PRIN PP Raserremaayencrasceer cc ee ee ee Terms—One dollar per ann’ beginning with the Fanuary No. Address, P. V. LeRoy, Goa ny rpatia “v+€80, 40th St. and Madison Ave., N. 0 eve ¥. - VY. Money orders on eb Pena s ~the editor should be addressed to Wo, Hi, Leccert, 54, East 81st Street, rk. ' Back Volumes f and copies of the Constit: the editor. Money cons. om Shion as and By-Laws of the Club may be obtained of The Club meets : regularly the second Tuesday of the month in the Herbarium, Columbia College, at 7/30 P.M. Botanists are jevitadicaiece : BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. Vil.) New York, February, 1880. [No. 2. _ § 5. Proceedings of the Torrey Club.—The regular monthly meet: ing of the Club was held at the “ Herbarium,” Columbia College, Tues- day evening, Feb. 10, In the absence of the President and Vice- President, Mr. J. D. Hyatt was called to the Chair. There were 24 members and 4 visitors present. The following errors in the minutes, which also crept into our preceding report, were corrected : Stellaria media, not Cerastium arvense, was found in flower Jan. 11th; and the double-bracted Cornus was exhibited by Mr. Schrenk, not by Mr. Britton, as stated. Mr. LeRoy exhibited a specimen in flower of Sarracenia flava, 1.., the roots of which had been brought from the swamps of South Car- olina. ie Mr. Wright of Staten Island exhibited a black-flowered Iris, raised from a bulb direct from Egypt. Mr. J. D. Hyatt exhibited a remarkable and beautiful woody gall, the leaf-like lobes of which were curiously carved and almost seemed executed by the hand of an artist. The specimen came from Mexico. Mr. Hollick, in behalf of the Map Committee, presented a large geological map of the district embraced within the limits of the Torrey Catalogue, the joint work of himself and Mr. Britton. ‘The Case Committee reported that the new case for the herbarium of the club had been purchased, and was now ready for the inspection of members. Mr. Samuel Henshaw was elected a member; and the names of two other persons were proposed for membership. At the suggestion of Mr. Leggett, Mr. W. R. Gerard was elected assistant editor of the BULLETIN. Dr. Jarvis read a paper on “Galls.” The author, who has made a life-long study of these organisms, briefly reviewed the opinions that have been held in regard to their formation from the earliest times up to the present, and boldly took issue with Darwin, Huxley and others in regard to the statement that these excrescences were of insect origin. He asserted that these gentlemen had merely accepted the statements of others without personal investigation of the facts. Dr. Jarvis claimed, and it was the object of his paper to prove, that all galls are normal productions of the plants on which they grow; and that these productions, by a species of evolutions of the pro- toplasm contained within them, eventually gave birth to animal life. The life history of these beings, from the formation of the primordial utricle up to the period when they make their egress in a perfect state from the zoocarp (as the author styles the gall), was minutely described by means of large diagrams and numerous specimens of galls derived from various plants. 14 Owing to the lateness of the hour, the botanical paper of the evening, by Mr. Hollick, on the “Relation between Geological Formations and the Distribution of Plants,’ was merely read by title and handed to the Editor for publication in the BULLETIN. § 6. Relations between Geological Formations and the Distribu- tion of Plants.—The notes, from which this paper was compiled were taken during the past season on Staten Island and are, therefore, very restricted and local in their nature; but even within such narrow limits, the effect which the geological formation seems to have on its accompanying flora is so marked, that it seems of vast importance, alike to the practical botanist in his collecting tours, and as a field of speculation for the theorist. We have, on Staten Island, two well marked geological features —the Drift, which covers about two-thirds of the entire Island, nearly all the northern part and extending as far south as Princes Bay, and the Cretaceous, which occupies the remaining small area in the southern and western part. This latter isa continuation of the New Jersey clay beds. The geological line of separation between the two formations is not always very distinct, but the limits of the different species of plants mark it in unmistakeable characters. The two floras are remarkably distinct. That one belonging to the Cretaceous is well represented by Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi, Aster concolor, Pinus inops, Quercus Phellos, Quercus nigra, Lycopodium inundatum, var. Bigelovit, and many more of the Pine Barren plants. Thus far I have never found one of these species to have crossed the line of the Drift, but in their stead will be found Pinus rigida, Quercus alba, Quercus rubra, etc., and the majority of those plants which grow in the vicinity of New York Island, and up the Hudson. Those plants which belong to the Drift seem to adapt themselves more readily to the Cretaceous than “vice versa,” for while we find Quercus alba and Pinus rigida growing in Cretaceous clays and sands, the Quercus Phellos and Pinus inops have never been seen out of their natural geological location. The same may also be said of the more northern species of Aster, which occur quite plentifully with Aster concolor, but this latter will not spread beyond the Cretaceous. It would be interesting to know if these facts hold good in other localities. It almost seems as if the Drift flora were gaining on the Cretaceous and gradually crowding it off the Island. __ A curious and interesting case of restricted locality, due appar- ently to geological causes, is seen in Clematis ochroleuca, which only grows on the dry hills of magnesian rocks which form the main ridge of the Island and in the vicinity of the Limonite ore deposits.—It is accompanied by Cerastium oblongifolium, which likewise seems equally restricted. Do these same conditions prevail in other localities where these comparatively rare plants occur ?——In an isolated hammock of soapstone and iron ore, fully three-fourths of a mile away from the ridge, and having no intermediate connections, Clematis ochroleuca was found. Probably by others, who have had a wider area for research, many more instances of a similar nature may have been 15 noted, as for example the well known restriction of Camptosorus rhizophyllus to the vicinity of limestone cliffs. When the effects of the geological formation on the distribution of plants and the relations between them are better known, it will certainly facilitate the efforts of the collector by directing him to localities where the geological formation is similar to that of known districts, and where he may reasonably infer that the flora will be also in keeping; provided, of course, that there is not too great a diversity in climate and physiographic conditions. Within a radius of perhaps 50 miles it would be reasonable to expect that similar geological conditions would afford similar floras. Port Richmond, S. I. ARTHUR HOLLICK. [As regards Camptosorus we may state that, according to our own observations, the plant is not exclusively calcicolous; it is not rare in the Hudson River Valley on the slates and shales of the Hudson River Group. And we may say the same of Asplenium Ruta-muraria ; which also is usually described as one of the lime-rock ferns.—Eps. | Setaria glauca, Beauv. and S. viridis, Beauv.—Last Summer I collected indiscriminately, and from many localities, specimens of Setaria. uring this Winter I analyzed about 15 of them under the microscope and found only ove specimen of the S. viridis /—Is the S. glauca so much the commoner of the two, or was this only accidental ? AE § 7. Bryological Notes, by C. F. Austin. © his Sphagnum macrophylum, BernuaArpi Var. Floridanum, Aust. —Differs from the typical form, as described and figured in Sulliv. Icon. p. 1. t. I, and as represented in various exsiccati, in its lurid green, or often albescent color; but chiefly in the areolae of the * leaves being about twice as long and furnished with 40-70 extremely minute pores, in two rows.—A remarkable var. Hab. Florida. Sphagnum cuspidatum, Eurr., Var. serratum, Aust.—Sphag- num serratum, Aust., this Journal, vol. vi., p. 245; also Musc. Ap- palach. Suppl n. 453.—Specimens collected by Capt. Smith about Lake Harris, Fla., last spring, show pretty conclusively that this is only a remarkable form of SpA. cuspidatum ; only the leaves on the uppermost branches being decidedly serrate. Bruchia Sullivanti, Ausr., Var. microtheca.—Form and texture of the leaves normal ; but the plants are much smaller than usual. | The capsule is about half the usual size and of a fine light brown color, with a remarkably short collum usually passing insensibly into the pedicel, which is geniculate when moist and straight when dry. — Sporangium round-oval, twice the length of the collum. Spores among the smallest of the genus, or about 1-1,000 of an inch in di- ameter, not papillose but very minutely granulose. Inflorescence for the most part antoicous, Hampden Co. Va. Apr., 1878. J. D.S. DONNELLIA, nov. gen. Donnellii Floridana, Aust., Fabronia Donnellit, Aust., in Bot. Gazette, vol. ii., p. 111.—‘ Folis oblongo-lanceolatis strictiusculis nonnunquam submarginatis obsolete serrulatis fere ecostatis, cellulis : perangustis, basilaribus majoribus subquadratis inflatis ; capsula ovali 16 subincurva vacua sub ore constricta, peristomii dentibus 16 majus- culis siccis subhorizontaliter incurvis humidis erectis apice leniter re- curvis, articulatiionibus dorso valde prominentibus; autoica; fl. masc. parvo juxta femineum posito. Hab. On the branches of a Live Oak, Florida, Feb. 1877, Capt. John Donnell Smith. Mode of growth and form of capsule much as in Aypnum micro- carpum, C. M., but smaller in all its parts, with narrower and more narrowly reticulated leaves not recurved on the margin, the inflated cells at the basal angles more numerous, peristome single, &c.—Re- markable for the prominent articulations of the peristomal teeth. RAUIA, nov. gen. Rauia scita, Aust.—ypnum scitum, Beauv., Prod. p. 69; Aust. Musc. Appalach. n. 300; also this Joprnet vol. Vip. 3.—- Thuidium Appalachianit, Aust., Mss. Modus vegetandi, folii formis et textura ut in Zhwédio, sed cap- sula peristomiaque leskeoidea. huidium Alleni, 7. s.—Caule erecto vel depresso fasciculatim innovando bipinnatim ramuloso dense paraphyllato; foliis siccis crispatis, humidis latissime ovatis concavis brevissime subacuminu- latis obtusis vel acutis planis vel subsulcatis, margine minutissime papillato-crenulata pro more plana, costa valida fere ad apicem con- tinua, basi auriculata subdecurrente, cellulis minutissimis plerumque distinctis rotundiusculis minute unipapillosis, basilaribus vix majori- bus ; ramulis inferioribus brevibus laxis flexuosis eparaphyllatis, foliis minutis va!de concavis ovatis obtusis, costa tenuiore et paullo breviore ; superioribus majoribus strictis paucissime brevissime para- phyllatis, foliis cum caulinis subconfoimibus; paraphylliis longis sim- plicibus vel parce divisis geniculatis; floribus et fructu ignotis. Hab. Inapeat swamp near New Haven, Conn., Jan. 1880, /r. John Allen. Communicated by Prof. O. F. Allen of the Sheffield Scientific Sehool. Resembles Thucdium minutulum \HEpDw.), but is much larger. At a casual glance it would be apt to be mistaken for Elodium paludo- sum, SULLIV. But that is never bipinnate, has leaves acutely acuminate with longish cells, which are often not papillose, &c. It gives me great pleasure to be able to dedicate so fine a species to the Allens, father and son. They have recently sent me ample specimens of some very rare mosses, all in the finest condition. Among these is Trichodon nodulosum, AUST. § 8. Cheilanthes vestita, Swartz.— Mr. Chas. N. Arnold has sent us from Poughkeepsie a number of specimens of Cheilanthes vestita, Willd., gathered near that city by Mr. Clarence Lown. A note from Mr. Lown states that this fern was first detected by him growing on the rocks in the vicinity of the river in April, 1877. Afterwards, in September of the same year, he found it again growing luxuriantly on the rocks at New Paltz Landing, just south of the ferry dock, and opposite Poughkeepsie. The only other known station in New York for this fern is Washington Heights, where it was detected some years ago by Mr. Denslow. As Mr. C. H. Peck remarks, Pough- keepsie will doubtless prove its northern limit in this State. g. Trichomanes radicans, Swz.—Mrs, F. J. Harlow has sent 17, me specimens of this fern which she collected at “ Natural Bridge,” four miles from Sewanee, Tenn. E. S. MILLER. February 13th. § ro. Leucanthemum vulgare, var. tubuliflorum,—tThe variety tubuliflorum, Tenney, of Leucanthemum vulgare, which was detected at Poughkeepsie in 1867 by Miss Crockett of Vassar College, has made its appearance in great abundance every year at the same locality where it was first found, and from which it has never spread. The ray flowers in this pretty variety are tubular, unilateral in varying degrees, and 5-lobed like the disk flower. I have found in nearly every instance that they possess two (rarely four) abortive stamens, i, e., stamens destitute of pollen. Dr. Gray, in his Manual (ed. 1868, p. 686) says of this variety: “ An abnormal state of the White Weed, with the rays transformed into large and palmately or bilabi- ately 5-lobed (rarely 3—4—-lobed) tubular corollas.” But have we an instance of what we may really call “transformation?” Should not the pistillate ray flowers of the ordinary form of Leucanthemum themselves be regarded as ¢ransformed marginal disk flowers, the unilateral development of which has adapted them to assist, as Mr. Darwin suggests, in the process of cross-fertilization by making the plants more conspicuous to insects. And would it not be more proper, then, to consider the tubular ray flowers of the variety not as cases of “transformation,” but rather as instances of partial rever- ston, by the regaining of lost organs, to some ancient form of the plant in which all of the flowers were tubular and perfect? I have a specimen of Z. vulgare in which all the flowers—those of the disk as well as those of the ray—are ligulate and pistillate ; and also a garden specimen Chrysanthemum carinatum in which, through an arrest of development, a large number of the disk flowers have lost their stamens and their purple color, and have become partially ligu- late. These two instances, which come under the head of what gard- eners call “ doubling,” I should judge are examples of what might be properly styled “ transformation.” W: R: G: §$ 11. Suffolk County Plants.—I have the pleasure of adding the following plants to the flora of Suffolk Co., L. I. Hypericum adpressum, Barton, a-few plants at the “Slough” on the East Hampton and Sag Harbor turnpike. At the same station, Habenaria ciliaris, R., Br. I also found it at Springs. At this place I found a Habenaria of a beautiful straw color, intermediate as it were between H. ciliaris and H blephariglottis. I was unable to visit the locality last year, so I cannot tell whether it is constant or not. H. blephariglottis grew in the same locality. I found in Amigansette Lilium Philadelphicum, L., though only a few plants. I was told that it grew plentifully on Montauk Point, though I did not observe it that year (1878). Last year it was out of flower when I was there. Mr. C. L. Allen discovered it in the woods near Wading River (1879) while we were out riding. I think I have never reported finding U¢ric- ularia clandestina, Nutt., at Manorville. This makes eleven species of Utricularia found in Suffolk County. I found one plant of Cont- um maculatum, 1.., in the yard around Clinton Academy, East | Hampton. Uriica urens, L., grows sparingly in East Hampton, and 18 on Gardiner’s Island. Amarantus viridis, L., grows quite plentifully in the door yards of East Hampton. TZyripsacum dactyloides, L., | have found very sparingly at Wading River. On the shore of Fort ‘ Pond Bay, Dr. T. F. Allen found Glaucium luteum, I.., very abundant in 1878. I found, the same summer, on the Point, Polygala sangut- nea, L.., and Limosella aquatica, L., var. tenuifolia, Hoffman. Last summer I found Rumex maritimus on the eastern shore of Great Pond, Montauk Point. Cystopteris fragilis, Bernh., I found in a deep ravine facing the Sound, near Wading River ; also in an old well, at Rocky Point, a few miles west of here. Spiranthes graminea, Lindl., var Walteri, Gray, East Hampton to Montauk, also at Wading River. Spiranthes simplex, Gray, grows plentifully in and around Wading River. Potamogeton gramineus, L., var graminifolius, at River Head. Pycnanthenum lanceolatum, Pursh., Rocky Point. Vaccinium Oxy- coccus, L., Wading River. Aster nemoralis, Ait., between River Head and Canoe Place. Desmodium Canadense, DC., Greenport and Gardiner’s Island. Muhlenbergia sylvatica,T. & G., River Head. Sonchus asper, Vill, Montauk Point and Gardiner’s Island. Ca/a- mintha Clinopodium, Benth., Atriplex patula, L., var., Uttoralts, Gray, and Phryma leptostachya, L., on Gardiner’s Island. I found Blitum maritimum, Nutt., at Springs. _ Gardiner’s Island is a very interesting locality for botanizing. The Island contains 3,000 acres, and is composed of a fine large farm, large grazing tracts, salt marshes, streams of water, and about - 150 acres of woodland. I was very happy to accept the kind invita- tion of Mr. J. T. Gardiner to visit the Island. My time was so short that I had but little chance to botanize thoroughly. I hope to be able to visit the Island at another season, when I think I can find more plants new to our County. Lpigaea repens, L., fruited very freely this last summer and ma- tured seed in abundance. I also found this fall a great many very small seedlings. E. S. MILuer. § 12. Juncus maritimus, Lam., a European Rush, was found on Coney Island some years ago by Mr. C. H. Peck. At the sug- gestion of Dr. Engelmann, I went, Aug. 2nd, to the locality on the Island indicated by Mr. Peck, to whom I had written for informa- tion, having in view the verification of the original discovery. I found the plant still growing where it was first collected, although in limited quantity. It is apparently indigenous, as there seems no evident manner in which it could have been introduced into such a situation. It grows, as Mr. Peck writes: “Near the western end of the Island, just over the sand ridges, on the inner shore.” I found it just at the junction of the salt meadows and the sand hills, about half way between the tower at “ Cables,” and Coney Island Point. Dr. Engelmann writes that the plant is certainly /. maritimus Lam. and not /. Roemerianus, as was originally reported in the But- LETIN. Carex extensa, Good, originally found on Coney Island by Dr. T. F. Allen, still exists, growing near the Juncus. Nid. B § 13. Presque Isle, Pa.— Utricularia resupinata, Greene. which 19 is reported from Northern New York, was also found here on Presque Isle last summer. This Peninsula was explored several years ago by Dr, Garber and by Judge G. W. Clinton, .and from these reports its peculiar and interesting flora, which represents plants from the sea- coast as well as several western forms, has become known. This year the Botany Section of our young Naturalists’ Society, under- took to follow up the discoveries of the two named botanists, and to add to their list new ones if possible. The above named little plant was the first new find. To give an idea of the character of the Flora of Presque Isle, I mention the following plants that were collected by our Botany Sec- tion during last summer. Cakile Americana, Nutt.; Arenaria lateri- flora, L,; Hibiscus Moscheutos, L.; Lupinus perennis, L.; Lathyrus maritimus, Big.; Phaseolus diversifolius, Pursh.; Potentilla paradoxa, Nutt.; P. anserina L.; Nesaea verticillata, H. B. K.; Xanthium strumarium, var. echinatum, Gray; Bidens Beckii, Torr.; arte- misia Canadensis, Mx. ; Lobelia Kalmii, L. ; Arctostaphylos Uva-— ursi, Spreng. ; Pyrola rotundifolia, L.; P. elliptica, Nutt.; P. secun- da, L.; Chimaphila umbellata Nutt.; Ch. maculata, Pursh; Ilex verticillata, Gray ; Lysimachia thyrsiflora, L.; Utricularia vulgaris, L.; U. resupinata, Greene; U. cornuta, Mx. ; Gerardia purpurea, L.; Castilleia coccinea,. Spreng.; Physostegia Virginiana, Benth. ; Scu- tellaria galericulata, L.; Lithospermum hirtum, Lehm. ; Shepherdia Canadensis, Nutt. ; Euphorbia polygonifolia, L.; Myrica cerifera, L.; Sparganium palustre, L.; Habenaria Hookeri, Torr.; Liparis Loe- selii, Rich ; Juncus Balticus, Dethard; Cyperus Schweintzii, Torr. ; Carex Pseudo-Cyperus, L. ; C. histricina, Willd. ; Eleocharis quad- rangulata, R. Br.; Scirpus Torreyi, Olney; Zizania aquatica, L. ; Sporobolus cryptandrus, Gray ; Calamagrostis Canadensis, Beauv. ; Tricuspis purpurea, Gray ; Bromus racemosus, L. Most of these plants have been reported before by the above named gentlemen. Of the plants found in the streets of Erie may be mentioned, Co- nium maculatum, L.; Blitum Bonus-Henricus, Reich.; Euphorbia | Helioscopia, L.; and E. platyphylla, L. Our Botany Section will continue their researches next summer, and hope to report new dis- coveries. J. GUTTENBERG. § 14. Utricularia resupinata, Greene.—In the BuLverin for October, 1879, are some remarks with regard to Utricularia resupi- nata, Greene. I collected that plant in August, 1875, at the same locality, mentioned in the BuLLETIN—namely, muddy shore of Beaver Lake, No. 4, Lewis Co.,N. Y. During the past season I collected quite a number of the same plant on the shore of Big Moose Lake, Herkimer Co., N. Y., and at Twitchell Lake, in the same county. Ido not think it is uncommon through Northern New York. — FRANK TWEEDY. Plainfield, N. J. § 15. Aster concolor, L., in Rhode Island.—I have to record the finding of Aster concolor, L., in Rhode Island. It was discovered by Miss Lydia Barstow, of this city, on what is known as the Old South Road, near the.village of South Kingston, and again, in larger quanties, 20 in Tuckertown, near Worden’s Pond. It adds one more to the pe- culiar southern forms which occur in this interesting district. The plant was given me, correctly named, for confirmation. Again, all credit to the ladies! Pods of Crotalaria expand with a jerk, sending seeds across my table, and then coiling spirally. W. W. BalLy. Providence, R. I. § 16. Varying Behavior of Plants.—In the BuLLETIN for 1878, ‘referring to Linum perenne; \ remarked that the behaviour of plants varied in different parts of the world. An interesting instance of this may be noted in Eggers’ “ Flora of St. Croix and the Virgin Islands,” just issued by the Department of the Interior. In that part of the world, the common Field-mustard, Sizapis arvensis, has followed the cultivator, and in February produces cleistogamous flowers only, fol- lowed by the regular flowers the rest of the year. The common Water-cress, also introduced there, has never been known to flower at all. Asthe Field-mustard has been extensively introduced into Western New York, it would be worth while for those who have the opportunity, to watch the behaviour of the early flowers there. ‘THomMas MEFHAN. § 17. Impatiens fulva, action of bees toward.— During the sum- mer of 1878 I frequently observed the bees at work on flowers of this species, without noticing a single instance of perforation of the corolla—described in the BULLETIN for Sept., 1877—until the latter part of August, although I carefully examined many flowers. Then, one day, as I was watching a busy swarm of humble and hive bees, my attention was attracted to one of the latter, which started to enter a flower, but stopped for some reason, and crept around on the out- side of the corolla, where she hung, head down, for a second, and then went on to another flower, which she entered without any hesitation. Keeping my eye on her, I picked the first flower, and found a perforation on one side of the nectary about 8 mm. from its end. Constantly watching her, I picked several flowers which she had properly entered, and found none of them perforated, but after a time she came to another flower, at which she hesitated, and then treated it in precisely the same manner as the first. This was also found to be perforated. The question now arose whether she per- forated these flowers, or whether some previous visitor had done this; so when she started to crawl back ona third flower, I frightened her away, and, picking the flower, found it already perforated. Watching other bees, I failed to see another act in this manner, and was unable to find other perforated corollas. From her actions, this bee evidently was accustomed to visiting flowers in the legitimate way, until, coming to a perforated corolla, she saw the perforation from the mouth, when she crept back on the outside and sucked the nectar from the cleft, probably being able to secure more in this way than in the other. After this I was unable to study this species till about the middle of September, when I found every full opened flower out of 55 which were examined to be perforated, some of them in at least three laces. a ft ’ in Naw ee We opened © Me Welt L, Cemnais | Quake ’ ¥ weg Afra? Kens Bs ome aed apres eb prtaertalirt, Ay —ss > 21 Not having anticipated this result, I failed to note the species sufficiently, during the season, but from this it seems that occasional observations during another season will be well rewarded. itinca, N.Y. Wm. TRELEASE. § 18. Draba verna, L.., and Sisymbrium Thaliana, Gaud., bien- nial,—I send you to-day rosettes of radical leaves [and flowers] of Draba verna, for a twofold purpose—to show that we too have an early season, and that, so far as my experience goes, Draba verna is certainly (always?) a biennial plant. The radical leaves are formed in the fall, and the stem and flowers are developed very early in the ensuing spring. Sisymbrium Thaliana has the same habit. Quite an abundant locality near me has enabled me to watch both of them closely. H. C, BEARDSLEE. Painesville, Ohio, Fed. 18. § to. Montrosity in Carya alba, Nutt.—My attention was re- cently called to a peculiar montrosity in the nut of Carya alba, Nutt. Instead of the seed being divided into two main segments, as is nor- mally the case, there were three principal divisions, separated from each other by thin partitions of the endocarp, which was itself some- what triangular in cross section. Never having noticed such a sport before, I think the fact worth putting on record. Errata.—In the list of Staten Island Plants in the Jan. No. please correct the following misprints: p. 11, 1. 6 from bottom, read “ Cicuta bulbifera ;” p. 12,1. 6 from top, read ‘Todt Hill; ” 1. 28, read ‘‘ New Dorp; ” 1. 34, read “ Eatonia obtusata.” NOL 20. Journal of the Cincinnati Society of Natural History.— The number of. this periodical, for April of last year, begins a new volume. The article of interest to botanists in this issue is Mr. Joseph F. James’ “ Catalogue of the Flowering Plants, Ferns, and Fungi growing in the vicinity of Cincinnati.’”’ The list of fungi em- braced herein is one that was published in Mr. Lea’s Catalogue in 1849, a work long ago out of print. Taking into consideration the fact that the study of Mycology is rapidly growing in favor in various parts of the country, and that the literature of the subject is greatly scattered, and some of it scarcely obtainable, the Cincinnati Society would be doing a great favor to students of this department of bot- any, as well as advancing the cause of science, by supplementing the bare list of fungi just noticed, with a republication of the descrip- tions of new species as they were originally given by Mr. Berkeley in Lea’s work. We trust the Society will some day act on this hint, since, owing to the rarity of the publication mentioned, these descrip- tions are entirely inaccessible to most students. As for the other portions of the Catalogue, the author here records, from his own observations, and from the Catalogues of Lea and Clark, 869 species of flowering plants, 5 Eyuiseta, 24 Filices, and 1 Chura. The number of species of fungi embraced in Mr, Lea’s list is 319. § 21. Botanical News.—In the January number of the American Naturalist, Dr. Fred. Brendel concludes his interesting “ Historical Sketch of the Science of Botany in North America, which was begun in the December number.” This part embraces the period from 1840 to 22 1858. The mass of information here brought together is very val- aluable, and is not easily obtainable by the ordinary botanist, unless he be in possession of the facilities offered by a very extensive library. The Botanical Gazette for January contains the following notes : “Catalpa speciosa,” by Dr. Englemann ; “Tennessee Plants,” by Dr. Gray ; ‘“ Littorella and Schizaea pusilla,” by the same, in which it noted the discovery (as already reported in the BULLETIN) of these plants in Nova Scotia by our fellow-member, Miss Knight ; “ Notes on Fungi,’ by M. E. Banning ; “Introduced Plants in Dallas Co., Texas,” by J. Reverchon; and, “ Dimorpho-dichogamy in Juglans and Carya,” by Thos. Meehan. In Science Gossif for January we find a “List of the Local Flowers of the British Islands”; “‘ A Report of the Sczence Gossip Exchange Club, for 1879’; “ Notes on some of the Smaller Fungi,” by G. E. Massee ; and, “How to Double Stain Vegetable Tissues,” an article which will prove of interest to those engaged in the micro- scopic study of plant-structure. In the January number of the American Journal of Sctence and Arts, Dr. Gray sums up the “ Botanical Necrology for 1879.’’ From this we learn that the number of well-known botanists who have passed away during last year is fourteen. The additional note in the February issue, just received, raises the number to sixteen. Last year we referred in a brief note to some investigations that had been made by Prof. Church, of England, on “ Vegetable Albin- ism,” and in which he showed that albino leaves contain less lime, but more albuminoid nitrogen than green ones, thus indicating a capability for development without actual growth. We learn from the Chemical News that, in a more recent paper read before the London Chemical Society, Dec. 20, 1879, Prof. Church shows that these albino leaves do not perform leaf-functions—that they do not possess the power, even in sunshine, of decomposing the carbon dioxide of the air, but that they add largely to the amount of that gas therein, thus resembling the petals of flowers, and the action of green leaves du- ring darkness. The author also investigated the comparative loss and gain of albino and green foliage when caused to grow under the same conditions. A recent number of the Berliner. Monatsschrift reports some interesting experiments by Prof. Hoffmann, of Giessen, on the influence produced on the sex of dioecious plants by thickly sow- ing their seeds, and from which he has arrived at the conclusion that sex does not reside in the seed but in the result of the conditions of germination. In spinach, for instance, he found that one hundred seeds crowded in a pot yielded two males to every female plant, but when seeds from the same sample were planted in the open ground, they gave an equal number of each sex. Similar results are said by Prof. Prantl, of Aschaffenberg, to obtain in the prothallia of ferns when crowded, and Prof. Pfeffer, of Tubigen, has observed that the same holds good with Equisetum, more antheridia than archegonia _ being produced. The subject of chlorophyll has been attracting considerable attention lately, and the /ournal of Botany notices the recently 23 published results of Pringsheim on the functions of this sub- stance. The author’s paper is published in the Monthly Report of the Royal Academy of Sciences of Berlin, for July, and we find it also in the Botanische Zeitung for December 12th, along with an arti- cle on the “Chlorophyll of Plants,” by F. Hoppe-Seyler. Pringsheim considers that chlorophyll, so long as it exists in the cell, protects the protoplasm from the injurious effects of sunlight, and suggests that it may serve as a regulator of respiration, by reason of its strong ab- sorption of light, especially of chemical rays. He has also detected in the ground substance of all chlorophyll grains, and of all amor- phous chlorophyll, a new body very sensitive to light, and easily de- stoyed by it, and which he calls hypochlorin or hypochromyl. This substance he considers to be the true primary product of assimilation of green plants, from which are derived by oxidation, under the influence of light, the starchy and oily contents of chlorophyll grains. Accumulation and growth of the latter proceed in proportion with a decrease of the hypochlorin in it. In darkness the starch is less stable than hypochlorin, showing that the conversion of the latter into more highly organized bodies in the cell is favored by the in- creased respiration occuring in light. In the Comptes Rendus (p. 862) of the Academic des Sciences, M. Gautier describes the preparation of chlorophyll in a crystalline form. The details of the process would be out of place here, and we need only say that the chloro- phyll, which is usually accompanied by a yellow crystallizable sub- stance, is obtained in the form of flattened needles. The author remarks that he believes chlorophyll to be closely allied to bilirubine, both in its chemical composition and its reactions. Like the latter, it can pass successively from green to yellow, red, or brown, by the substraction or addition of oxygen. ‘This relation of chlorophyll to bilirubine, and consequently to the hematine derived from the blood is of considerable interest. A continuation of these researches may possibly lead to a discovery of the means by which the change from the green coloring matter of leaves to the bright colors of petals is effected in nature, and this would prove of incalculable value to the florist. Harpers’ Magazine for February, issued as usual on the 15th of the month preceding, contains an interesting and well illustrated article on the Botanic Garden of that pioneer of American botany, Jno. Bartram, a spot, which, “Among scientific men of all countries has been the Mecca of their pilgrimage when visiting our shores.” The Essex Institute have purchased all but ten of the entire edition of Mr. Geo. E. Davenport’s monograph of Botrychium sim- plex, to be used in their foreign exchanges. The original subscribers to this paper may congratulate themselves, as the work will never be seen now “at a reduced price,” the remaining copies being held at $1.50 each. Flora of Connecticut-—Mr. James N. Bishop, Plainville, Conn., sends us a circular, advertising that he is preparing a “ Flora of the State, which will include both Phenogamia and Cryptogamia. It will be published during the winter of 1880-81.” He calls for authentic information from all quarters. 24 The flora of Connecticut is very interesting and varied. We sus- pect that, unless Mr. Bishop is already well advanced with his work, he has hardly allowed time enough for its completion. Some years since we found a number of interesting plants at Canaan, Litchfield Co.: we recall Moneses uniflora, Gray, and Betula pumila, L., and there are several lime loving ferns, especially Asplenium ebenoides, R. R. Scott, found, we see, by Mr. J. S. Adams. The California Horticulturist, San Francisco, generally contains some matters of interest to the technical botanist. In the February number, for example, is a charming account of a trip to Lassen’s Peak, by Mrs. R. M. Austin, distinguished for her researches into the flora of that State. We quote one sentence, redolent of a botanical paradise: “There are acres of Mr. J. G. Lemmon’s new Corydalis Caseana, Gray, growing along the streams which flow into the valley from the west, filling the air with its delicate fragrance,”’ The American Monthly Microscopical Journal, Romyn Hitch- cock, 53, Maiden Lane, N. Y., one dollar per annum, pp. 20, is in fact, a continuation of the Quarterly, whose supposed demise was so unexpected and so much regretted, but which proves to have been but a stage of metamorphosis. Among the articles of special inter- est to botanists are Dr. Wolle’s notes on “ Fresh-Water Algae.” The Alphabetical Index of all known Ferns—a reprint of the index to the second edition of Hooker and Baker’s Synopsis—is printed sepa- rately by Robert Hardwicke, 192, Picadilly, W. London, 1874, and is convenient for exchanges and other purposes. The Academy, Feb. 7, contains what seems to us an instructive notice of Huxley’s “ Crayfish,” by H. N. Mosely, in which, however, we find the following statement : “ A most interesting fact is that the genus Astacus is represented by several species in British Columbia, Oregon, and California, while on the other side of the Rocky Moun- tains all the crayfish belong to a different genus—Cambarus. Now, ‘the genus Astacus occurs in Japan, though not in South-Eastern Asia, Persia, Hindostan, Arabia, Syria or Africa. The connexion between the faunas of Japan and the Pacific coast of North America thus estab- lished is most interestingly borne out in the close relations which bot- anists have recognized between the floras of these two regions.” This must be Botanical News, at least to the compatriots of Dr. Asa ( xTay. § 22. Publications received. —r. Vick’s Floral Guide, 1880. James Vick, Rochester.—z. Aculeate Hymenoptera of North-western Kansas.—3. Generic Arrangement of the Bees allied to Melissodes and Anthophora.—4. The American Bembecidae; Tribe Stizini. All three by W. H. Patton, and extracted from the Bulletin of the-Geo- logical and Geographical Survey under F. V. Hayden, Washington, Nov. 30, 1879.—5. Science Advocate, Vol. I, No. tr. Henry A. Green, Editor. Issued quarterly by the Natural Science Society of Ateo, N. J.—6. The Naturalist’s Quarterly, Vol. I, No. 1, Jan., 1880, Naturalist’s Bureau, Salem, Mass., [apparently to take the place in Salem, vacated by Cassino].—7. A condensed List of a few of the most desirable Microscopes of moderate cost. R. & J. Beck, Lon- _ don and Philadelphia.—8. Arnold Puetz’s Catalogue of Rustic Work, Plants, etc., Jacksonville, Fla.—g. Luther Burbank’s Price List of Trees, Plants, Seeds, etc., Santa Rosa, Cal. BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. VIl.] New York, March, 1880. [No. 3. § 23. Proceedings of the Torrey Club.—The regular monthly meeting of the Club was held at the “ Herbarium,” Columbia College, March 9, the President, Dr. J. S. Newberry, in the Chair. There were present 18 members and 2 visitors. Mr. Britton exhibited several specimens of the fruit of the Choc-’ olate tree ( Zeobroma Cacao), consisting of pods of about the form and size of a thick cucumber, each containing several rows of large beans or seeds, which after being dried, roasted, and ground constitute the cocoa of commerce. Mr. Leggett exhibited a number of the seeds of the edible pine (Pinus edulis), commonly known as “ pine nuts,” one of the main articles of food of the Indians inhabiting the regions in which they grow. ‘The seeds are about the size of small kidney beans, and have a rich oily kernel contained in a thin shell. In favorable seasons these are gathered by the Indians in large quantities and sold to the people of New Mexico, Arizona, and the border settlements of Mexico. Dr. Newberry made some interesting remarks on this and other species of pines which bear edible fruit, and spoke at some length on the subject of some of the more peculiar conifers observed by him during his explorations in the West. Mr. Le Roy called the attention of the members to a specimen of Aspidium acrostichoides in which the frond was very deeply bifurcated. Dr. Newberry exhibited a Japanese botanical work, which, judging from the very beautifully executed plates, was devoted entirely to the order Composite. Miss E. G. Knight read a short list of plants which she had ob- served in flower this season. According to her observations, made in Central Park, Acer rubrum and A. dasycarpum were in full flower on Feb. 14th; two willows (species ?) and Corylus Americana, Feb. 27th; Symplocarpus foetidus, March 1st; Populus grandidentata, March 5th; Ulmus Americana, Cydonia Japonica, and Forsythia viridissima, March 6th. Mr. Bicknell, from observations made at Riverdale on the Hud- son, made the following additions to the above list : A/nusincana and A. serrulata in flower Feb. 29th; Draba verna, March 1st; and Zar- axacum Dens-leonis, March 4th. Mr. Bicknell also stated that the Svmplocarpus was observed by him in flower at Riverdale on the 29th of February, and was then being visited by large numbers of bees. According to records kept by members of the Club as to the flower- ing of the foregoing plants in past years, the present season is just 35 days in advance of any that have preceeded it. Miss Jane T. Meigs, and Mr. B. B. Chamberlin, both of New York City, were elected active members. One new name was proposed for membership. | ee Mr, Braman read a communication from Mr. Frank Tweedy, con- 26 sisting of some valuable and interesting ‘“ Notes on the Flora of Plainfield, N. J.” After a discussion of this paper, Mr. Britton read a communication from Mr. H. H. Rusby, entitled “Notes on a Botanical Trip Through Northern New Jersey.” Like the former, this paper contained very many valuable items of interest in regard to new stations for rare plants, and gave rise to considerable discus- sion. An abstract of both papers will be found in this issue of the BULLETIN. | § 24. Notes on the Flora of Plainfield, N. J—About a mile west of Plainfield, N. J.,is a long and generally abrupt range of hills, trending to the northeast, and varying from 300 to 600 feet in height. This elevation, composed mainly of trap rock, forms a part of the triassic formation, and is known as “ First Mountain ” in the geologi- cal reports of the State. At Plainfield a deep gap occurs, through which flows Stony Brook, and on the slopes of this depression and in its immediate vicinity a number of interesting plants are to be found. On the northeast side of this gap, near the top, grows Chetlanthes ves- tita, Swartz., on a small ledge of trap rock, the plants covering an area of several square yards. I have collected specimens here that had some of the fronds branched near the apex. Here also with Cheilanthes grows Opuntia vulgaris, Mill., [?] the only locality for it that I have yet discovered near Plainfield. At the base of the ledge occurs Phlox pilosa, L., and about half way down the descent towards Stony Brook, Zizia integerrima, DC., is quite abundant. Along the stream Clematis verticillaris, DC , grows sparingly. This species I have found in large quantities, some 3 miles north of Plain- field on the same range of hills, growing with Sambucus pubens, Mich., on the western slope, rooting in rich black mould among masses of trap boulders. Crossing Stony Brook and ascending a few rods, Camptosorus rhizophyllus, Link., can be found growing abundantly on low out- cropping ledges of trap rock in the shade of a hemlock grove. It would seem, as Mr. Davenport remarks, that this fern is not by any means entirely confined to limestone formations. Fronds with auricled bases and irregularly sinuate margins are not uncommon at this locality, but the most singular abnormal form that I have col- lected is one in which the midrib of the frond forks just above the base, and, widely diverging, forms a twin or double frond, each bear- ing fruit dots and rooting from the two apices. With Camptosorus grow in profusion Polypodium vulgare, L., Aspidium marginale, Swartz, and Asplenium Trichomanes, L. At the base of the rocks and in the crevices between them the soil is kept constantly wet by the drainage from the higher land above, and here can be found several plants common to swamps and low ground, including Zri//ium erectum, L.., and Allium tricoccum, Ait. Passing up the ascent a short distance, Viola rostrata, Pursh., can be found growing abundantly in rich thickets, through which are scattered Morus rubra, L., Ulmus fulva, Michx., and Corylus rostrata, Ait. At this locality in July, 1875, 1 found Aralia guinguefolia, Gray. I have detected sparingly here also Chamelirium luteum. Willd., and Melanthium Virginicum, L. Further up the slope, in 27 rather open woods, can be found Cynoglossum Virginicum, 1.., and near by, Asclepias quadrifolia, Jacq., and Gnaphalium purpureum, L. During the past season I found a second locality here for Chetlanthes vestita, Swartz, but it was not growing in any quantity. Quite a large patch of Arabis levigata, DC., occurs on the eastern slope of the mountain, a mile north, and, near the summit, Aradis Canadensis, L. Viola cucullata, Ait., var. palmata, abounds on the summit and slopes near the gap, and it seems here to almost entirely replace the typical form. The leaves are very deeply parted, often nearly divided, and the whole plant is pubescent. The var cordata is not rare on dry open hillsides, has very short petioles, the leaves generally villous, purplish beneath, and lying flat uponthe ground. Viola sagittata, Ait., is very common but varies greatly according to the soil. ‘The form found in moist meadows has long petioles, arrow shaped or oblong-lanceolate smooth leaves, purplish beneath, and more or less cut-toothed at the base. In dry open woods the leaves are ovate-lanceolate and ab- ruptly decurrent on the short petiole, the whole plant pubescent ; this last form approaching the Viola ovata of Nuttall. At the foot of the mountain, near Somerset street, in a small stream, Orontium aquaticum, L., occurs sparingly. Further down on Stony Brook Achium vulgare, L., is abundant. Here in June, 1876, I found a Thaspium with purple flowers which in some respects re- sembled Thaspium barbinode, Nutt., but Prof. Gray identified it as Thaspium trifoliatum, var. atropurpureum, T. & G. On the bank of Green Brook, a mile southwest of Plainfield, oc- curs a large staminate tree of Megundo aceroides, Moench. It is about 30 feet in length and nearly two feet in diameter at the base. Two miles south of Plainfield in a shallow pond in sandy soil grows Utricularia inflata, Walt., abundantly with Glyceria pallida, Trin., and Proserpinaca palustris, L. During Dec., 1878, in a swamp near New Brooklyn, I found a Zemna growing in abundance which appears to be Lemna Valdiviana, Phillipi, and near it can be found Heteranthera reniformis, Ruiz. & Pav. In woods near Park Ave., two miles south of Plainfield, occurs Asarum Canadense, L., and Conopholis Americana, Wallroth, the latter sparingly ; and near by can be found Lonicera parviflora, Lam., and Lonicera sempervirens, Ait. In Cedar Brook, near Park Ave., Potamogeton crispus, L., and Ranunculus aquatilis, L., var. trichophyllus, Chaix., are very abundant—the former so much so as to choke up the stream. With these grow JVasturtium officinale, R. Br., Veronica Americana, Schweinitz, and Myosotis palustris, With- ering, var. /axa, Gray. Sisymbrium Thaliana, Gaud., occurs sparingly in a field near Evona. Stellaria longifolia, Muhl., is common in swamps and mead- ows. Symphytum officinale, \,.,and Muscari botryoides, Mill., can be found rather common in meadows around dwellings. Woodwardia angustifolia, Smith, grows in a swamp on Short Hills, and Phadarts Canariensis, L., sparingly along roadsides. Bromus sterilis, L., is abundant in Plainfield, on Grove street. Cynthia Virginica, Don, is common in dry meadows along Cedar Brook. Gentianu Saponaria, L., and Gentiana crinita, Froel., are common, the latter especially so on the wet open summit and slopes of the mountain. entstemon - 28 pubescens, Solander, abounds in dry fields, and AZagnolia glauca, L., in a swamp a mile south of Plainfield. PLAINFIELD, N. J. FRANK TWEEDY. § 25. Notes on a Botanical Trip Through North-western New Jersey.—lIf the first year’s work of the North Jersey Botanical Club resulted in nothing better, it infused a certain amount of enthusiasm for collecting, into the hearts of many persons to whom the feeling was before unknown. The result of this was the organization of a number of prolonged excursions. One of these, undertaken by two of the prominent members of the above club, and the writer, left Montclair on the afternoon of Aug. 13th, 1879. The start being made, our road lay through Verona and Pine Brook to Parsippany, where the first event was the discovery of Glyceria Canadensis, Trin. A little farther on was found Ranunculus alismaefolius, Geyer, in abundance. Passing through Drakesville and Shippenport, the only interesting plants found were AZelanthium Vir- ginicum, L., Habenaria psycodcs, Gray, and Potentilla fruticosa, L. Those not familiar with the latter plant can form no idea of the ap- propriateress.of its specific name. In the northern counties of New Jersey it frequently covers the low grounds with such a dense and hard growth, as to render the passage across a field of a few acres of it very wearisome. The magnificent growths of Apdlobium angustt- folium, L., were also remarkable. At Lake Hopatcong several days were passed. Here we saw Polygonum amphibium, L., var. terrestre,Willd., Gratiola aurea, Muhl., in abundance, and Scuéellaria galericulata, L. We also collected fine specimens of Sium lineare, Michx., and Brasenia peltata, Pursh. Corylus rostrata, Ait., was abundant in the vicinity. But the most interesting plant found here, and which I think has not been noted heretofore, was a species of Sagzttaria, probably S. graminea, Michx., with flowers varying from white to quite a dark purple, the petals having very firm texture. At Blairstown we collected two or three specimens each of Cora/- lorrhiza innata, R. Br., and C. multiflora, Nutt. Crossing the Delaware river at Colombia, we went directly to the Water Gap. On the mountain sides we found Cornus circinata, L’Her., in fruit, in which state were also Rhododendron maximum, L., and Hydrangea arborescens, L. On the banks of Broadhead’s creek, just above the Gap House, we found both species of Afocynum, Elymus Canadensis, L., var. glaucescens, Gray, and a species of Avena which we thought was A. Smuithii, T. C. Porter. As the only speci- men of the latter was lost, it must be left for some future collector to determine. The only other plants worthy of note were Cenchrus tribuloides, L., and Verbascum Lychnttis, L. We next proceeded through Blairstown to Hardroicke. It was be- tween the latter place and Stillwater that we first found those beau- tiful and delicate ferns, Pe//lea atropurpurea, Link., and Asfle- nium Ruta-muraria, L., which afterward became socommon onthe cliffs, the graceful little Asp/enium almost invariably filling the crev- ices, and edging the ledges on which grew its taller and more stately neighbor. : t 29° At Middleville we struck Swartzwood Lake and felt that we were fairly in for a few days solid enjoyment. Nor were we disappointed, as it is one of the most delightful spots for the botanist. The great profusion of Vymphea, Nuphar and Brasenia, in their deep setting of WVesea, is probably the chief feature of the locality. We secured a boat and in eager haste put off for “ Nelumbium Inlet,” at the north- ern end of the lake. While still half a mile distant, one of the party pointed out along elevated line of green as being the Velumbium luteum, Willd., the ultimatum of our journey; but the others were doubtful, on the ground that the leaves of the plant should rest upon the water. At last we discovered the individual leaves, then the petioles and finally a flower, and speculation was at an end. Wesaw before us in all its splendor this queen of the northern aquatics. Ele- vated from one to three feet from the surface of the water was this miniature yet majestic forest of leaves. Some that we measured were over two feet in diameter and almost perfectly circular, and it was only by careful selection that we succeeded in getting leaves small enough for herbarium specimens., A curious feature that attracted our attention was a narrow oblong figure stretched entirely across, and through the centre of many of the leaves. We finally discovered the cause. The leaf, before expanding, presents the appearance of two rolls, one on either side of the petiole, thus leaving a portion of the centre exposed to different conditions from the rest of the leaf. It is well for collectors to make a careful selection of a boat, and to go in force, for it is nearly impossible for one or two persons to pene- trate beyond the extreme margin of the growth. On the eastern shore of the lake we first found Camptosorus rhi- zophyllus, Link., and Taxus baccata, L., var. Canadensis, Gray. We learned from a farmer that Phalaris arundinacea, L., was much es- teemed for fodder in this region; if cut early, two good crops being annually obtained. Before leaving this place we collected Schollera graminea, Willd. . Several fine specimens of Asplenium ebenoides, R. R. Scott, were found at Newton, which was perhaps the most interesting incident of the trip ; it grew in company with A. ebeneum, Ait., and CamptosoPus, and its appearance certainly favors Berkeley’s opinion that it is a hybrid between these species. At Ogdensburg we found A¢/imudus alatus, Ait. Returning home by way of Stockholm, Pompton and Little Falls, the only note-worthy discoveries were those of Gerardia pedicularia, L., and G. quercifolia, Pursh., and of Lodelia Kalmit, L., which were found near Stockholm. : Henry H. Ruspy. Verona, N. J., Feb. 1880. _ r § 26. Additions to the U. S. Phalloidei.—t have been informed by Mr. C. H. Peck, since the issue of the January number of the BuULLE- TIN, that New York State should have been given as a habitat for Clathrus cancellatus, L.., the plant having been detected near Buffalo, by Judge G. W. Clinton. This is a very interesting discovery since it authenticates the reported occurrence of the fungus in this country. Schweinitz (on whose authority it was inserted in my list) had not 30 himself found the plant, but published it in his Synopsis on the faith of a drawing sent him by Leconte. Mr. J. B. Ellis writes me, too, that from Texas he has received Laternea triscapa, Turp., and a species of Zysurus which he deems new, and calls provisionally Z. Texensis. Laternea triscapa, I believe, has hitherto been found in the Western Hemisphere, only in Chili and St. Domingo. On the other side of the globe it occurs in the East Indies. Diligent search on the part of collectors may reveal in Texas the presence of Clethria crispa, Turp., which is known to inhabit Mexico, In the “ Medical Reposi- tory’ for 1808, in which Rafinesque gave a proem to his contem- plated revolutionizing of the American flora, he characterized, under the name of Colonnaria, a genus of the fungi, which was apparently the same as what is now known as Zaternea. He describes it thus: “ Divided into four pillars united at the top, which bear seeds in the margin.” What he had in view was evidently what is now called Laternea columnata, Bosc. ; unable, however, to restrain his natural propensities he made several species out of it, such as urceolata, truncata, etc. If my surmises are correct in regard to the identity of this Rafinesquian genus with Bosc’s plant, the latter then has a range as far north as Philadelphia at least. Another genus of the Pha/- lotdet proposed by Rafinesque was 4dycia, which evidently was what Berkeley and Curtis have since distinguished as Corynites, which, by the way, does not seem to possess very strong claims to be re- garded as different from Cynophallus, or Mutinus. The genus is thus characterized by Rafinesque :—“ Tubular, perforated at the top, gelatinous composed of utriculs (sic) containing the seeds.” The species rubra was “ cylindrical, reddish, the top covered with a brown mucilage.”’ Our author had also observed (or rather he sazd he had) _a species which was entirely white, and which he names alba-fusiform. “ Both species,” he remarks, “ have a most intolerable stinking smell.” By Mr. H. W. Ravenel I am informed that the Corynites brevis inserted in my list is merely the first Ms. name for C. Ravenelit, and was probably printed thus in Dr. Curtis’s catalogue by an oversight of the author. Before leaving this subject I must allude to an interesting matter connected with these plants, and one which, although it may have attracted the notice of others, I have never met with in print. I refer to the curious § 27. Correlation Between the Odor of the Phalloids and their Relative Frequency —I do not wish to occupy space in the But- LETIN with matter, which without explanation, would prove intelligi- ble to but few, and may therefore be excused for entering upon some preliminary remarks in regard to the structure of these fungi, and which, although they may appear trite to the mycologist, will serve to make the subject of more interest to the general reader. One of the six families into which Fries divides the fungi is that of the Gasteromy- cetes. The characteristic of this family is, that the plants which com- pose it have their hymenium or spore-bearing portion enclosed in a volva or wrapper, making them truly angiocarpous. One of the orders of this family (the Zrichogastres) contains genera whose species are | commonly known as “ puff-balls””—objects which are so familiar to 31 everybody that they need no very extended description. If acom- mon puff-ball (Zycoperdon). be broken open at an early stage of its growth, the internal fleshy substance will be found to be firm and of a creamy whiteness. An examination of a very thin section of this whitish substance under a high power of the microscope will show that it is composed of closely compacted anastomosing threads, with here and there an irregular sinuous cavity lined with closely crowded club-shaped bodies (basidia) each tipped with from four to six spicules, and each pele bearing at its apex a globular spore. When the spores are fully matured they become brownish and free, the hyme- nium is resolved into dry threads, and both together form a pulveru- lent mass. Next, the peridium bursts at the apex; and it then re- quires but the least touch from some passing animal, or even a slight pressure of the wind on the thin peridium to set free, in a single “puff,” millions of the microscopic spores, which are thus dissemi- nated far and wide. All this is very simple. Another order of the family is that of the Phallotdet, which, from the form and odor of a well-known species, is sometimes designated, with more truth than elegance, the “stink-horn ” tribe. Here we have a structure analo- gous to that found in some of the puff-balls, but with a few import- ant variations. In these fungi the volva or peridium is composed of three coats: an outer, thick white membrane; an inner, thin white membrane, and, between the two, a thick gelatinous layer. The hymenium or spore-bearing surface, enclosed within the inner mem- brane, is similar in structure to that of the puff-balls, and consists of a dense mass of threads presenting sinuous cavities lined with spore- bearing basidia. In these plants, however, the hymenium, instead of drying up into a dusty mixture of spores and threads, becomes moist, and then deliquescent ; and, at maturity, drips away in a thick tena- cious mucilage. It is evident, therefore, that were no method pro- vided for their dispersion, the spores would simply flow down into the lower cavity of the volva, and there dry up into a hard mass ; and that the plant would not only become local, but, in the struggle for existence constantly taking place in the organic world, would run the risk of extermination. Nature, however, has made a provision against such a calamity. On examining a section of the volva of one of the phalloids, we find that, according to the genus, the hymenial substance either surrounds the upper and external portion of astem ; or is enclosed in a network at the top of a stem (January BuLLETIN, Pl. 1, Fig. 3); or is enclosed within stellate rays at the apex of a stem. In all cases, this stem is composed of large pits or cells, which, while the plant is still enclosed in the volva are very strongly com- pressed (See same Figure); but as the plant goes on maturing these cells acquire a rounder or more elongated form (Fig. 5, same plate), till at length their upward tendency is so strong that the volva is ruptured (sometimes with a loud report) and the hymenium is lifted to a height of several inches in the air. In the fungi of this order which have no stems (as in C/athrus) the network of the receptacle has the same cellular structure, and has precisely the same effect in bursting the volva and lifting the sporiferous mass into the air. One step is thus taken towards spore dispersion, but this is not enough, 32 and the plant must needs have some extraneous aid; and further- more, any such aid must come quickly, inasmuch as these fungi by reason of their loose cellular structure are quite short lived. Now one of the most prominent characteristics of nearly every species of this order is that the sporiferous substance has a most abominable, fetid odor—one that can only be compared with that emitted by putrescent animal matter. In fact, so similar to decaying animal organisms is it, that even flies are deceived thereby ; and before the ill-scented mass has had time to drip away it will have been greedily devoured by numbers of these insects. As flies have “no local hab- itation ”” they give the minute ingested spores a wide dissemination by means of their ejections. It is a well-observed fact that the very common species of “ stink-horns ” (Phadlus impudicus, indusiatus, etc.) are found in the greatest abundance around human habitations, where they occur under porches, in the door-yard, and in the garden, and often in such numbers, and so frequently as to occasion serious in- convenience. This tendency to become domesticated is thus corre- lated with their fetid odor and the presence of those constant com- panions of man—the flies. More rarely, these malodorous plants are found in woods in the vicinity of villages and cities. In such locali- ties, where flies are less abundant, the same office is often performed for them by other insects—especially by beetles. The only fresh specimen of a Phallus that I ever met with in the woods was being visited by sev- eral individuals of a common species of carrion-beetle—Si/pha Novebo- racensis. A writer in the Scéence Gossip for Nov., 1879, mentions a case observed by him where a stink-horn “ had its cap almost denuded of the dark slimy mucus which covers it by swarms of ants, which were busily engaged upon what appeared to be to them a dainty feast.” There is thus evidently something in the composition of this sporifer- ous substance which proves grateful to the taste of such flesh-eating insects as are attracted to it by its cadaverous odor. Braconnot, as the result of an analysis of this fetid slime, states that it is composed of “highly animalized fungin, albumen, mucus, superacetate of pot- ash, and of a peculiar acid in combination with potash.” It follows from what has been said that those species of these plants which pos- sess ‘the most putrid odor ought to be the commonest and most widely distributed ones. ‘This, as far as observation can be made on the comparatively few species that occur in the temperate zones, is what we find to be the case. Those species, on the other hand, that do not possess a powerful odor tend to become rare. Thus, for instance, Cynophallus caninus is nearly odorless. It has a wide range, being found both in Europe and America, but it is recorded in all the books as being extremely rare and local. In the roth volume of the British Entomology, Curtis figured a peculiar species of Phallus which he states was exhaling a faint odor of violets. On this figure Mr. Berkeley | has founded a species and called it P. iosmos. This plant, although it has been carefully searched for, has never been found a second time. Has it become extinct from not offering an odor at- tractive to carrion-eating insects? Throwing out such species as have been founded on indifferent figures, and not on the plants them- selves, the number of good species of this order which have been 33 described is probably less than seventy. Of these, two-thirds, as far as known, do not occur outside the tropics, and most of them have been described from one or two specimens collected by exploring ex- peditions, or individual explorers. It is thus impossible to obtain facts relative to their distribution. In the majority of cases, how- ever, where any allusion is made to their odor, they are stated to be extremely fetid, and it is usually recorded of such species, too, that flies were observed eating their ill-smelling hymenium. In the cases of one or two Javanese species we are told that they were found growing on bamboo in the vicinity of the cottages of the natives. In some of these tropical genera the forms are extremely elegant; and especially is this the case in the genus Aseroé, the receptacle of which is divided into beautifully stellate, brilliantly colored rays. In most of the species of this genus the loathsome sporiferous substance is comparatively small in quantity, and in order to ensure of this being dispersed by insect agency, it would seem that this lack of quantity were compensated for by the bright conspicuous colors and the at- tractive forms that the plants assume. I was once asked by a friend who brought me the unexpanded volva of a Phallus as the supposed cause of an intolerable stench which proceeded from beneath a porch in front of his house, and which had caused his family great annoy- ance : “ What good are these things ; and, having such a vile odor, why do they remind us of it by so persistently thrusting themselves beneath our very noses?” ‘The first question, in the present state of our knowledge, would be difficult to answer. So far as we know, these plants are of no practical use to man—being fit neither for food nor medicine ; and, from an esthetical standpoint, the species of the temperate zones, at least, have little to recommend them to the sense of sight, as most certainly they have nothing to commend them to that of smell. The second question, I think has been sufficiently answered ; although, in connection therewith, I may repeat what has often been remarked before, that the fragrant odors or the vile smells possessed by plants have been assumed by the latter with no reference what- ever to man’s delectation or annoyance, but, on the contrary, that they may prove advantageous to the plants themselves. It was prob- ably with a feeling (shared by so many) that all things have been created for man’s benefit alone, that led Bernardin de Saint-Pierre to write: “ Plants which exhale delicious perfumes are of low stature in order that man may respire them.” But Saint-Pierre, in his conceit, overlooked the magnolias, the honey-locusts, and a host of other trees which bear their fragrant blossoms way up out of man’s reach, _ W. R..Gérad § 28. The North-Jersey Botanical Club.—The regular monthly meeting of the North-Jersey Botanical Club, was held on Saturday, March 13th, in the High School building at Montclair. Twenty-four new members were elected. The following officers were chosen for | the ensuing year: President, Henry H. Rusby; Vice-President, Miss H. Adelaide Shibley; Secretary, Walter M. Wolfe; Treasu- rer, George O. F. Taylor; Curator, Charles M. Davis; Executive _ Committee, the President and Secretary ex-officio, Chas. M. Davis, Randall Spaulding and Miss Nellie F. Bradford. 34 After the transaction of the regular business, at which it was re- solved to purchase for the library Gray’s Synoptical Flora of North America, and a set of the Pacific Railroad Reports, the Club went into session as a class and discussed the subject of “ Leaves.” A large part of the members being beginners in the study, these classes have been organized for their accommodation. The classes meet weekly, one in Montclair, one in Bloomfield, and the third in Orange. Montclair, N. J. WALTER M. Wotre, Sec’yy. § 29. Botanical News.—In a note published in the Cronica Ci- entifica (Barcelona) of Jan. roth, a writer, Sr. Bofill, calls attention to a recently issued work by Sr. D. Estanislas Vayreda on the “‘ Note- worthy Plants of Catalonia,” in which the author asserts that the vis- cid secretion which invests the internodes of the stem of Silene cras- sicaulis, Willk. and Costa, (as also, to a less degree, those of S. in- aperta, L., S. nutans, L., and a few other species) has the property not only of capturing such insects as come in contact with it (whence the English name “Catchfly”’), but also of dissolving the soft por- tions of their bodies; and that these plants might therefore be con- sidered truly insectivorous. Has it ever been noticed that our more viscid American species of “ Catchfly” (S. Pennsyvanicum, for ex- ample) possess any such digestive properties ? The January number of the Revwe Mycologigue, which now includes in its scope the subject of lichenology, contains articles by the editor on Rupinia Baylacii ; the Peronospora of the Vine; an Unexpected Occurrence of the White Variety of Cantharellus aurantiacus i Agaricus campestris and its Numerous Varieties ; the Anomalies ex- hibited by Agaricus acerbus and equestris ; anda Revision of the “Reliquice Libertiane.” Dr. Passerini describes 18 new species of Italian fungi; Baron Thimen contributes a second decade of exotic fungi; and Dr. Muller gives an enumeration of all the Egyptian lichens that are known up to the present time. The remainder of the number is taken up with the bibliography of fungi and lichens. It would prove a great convenience to readers if M. Roumeguére should have his Revue stitched instead of issuing it, as at present, in loose sheets. In the February number of the Botanical Gazette, Prof. Thos. C. Porter contributes a note on Viola tricolor var. arvensis, in which he urges that this plant has strong claims to be regarded as a native. In fact, the evidence in favor of such a view seems to be gradually in- creasing. We know of at least one New York station for this violet _ whither it is impossible that it could have escaped from a garden. Under the name of Vio/a tenel/a the piant figures in Dr. Torrey’s list of plants collected by Dr. James during Long’s Expedition to the Rocky Mountains in 1820. It was found growing along the Missouri in a district of country which at that early period must have been a wilderness. ‘The other original notes in the Gazette are on Lepidium campestre, by Rev. S, Lockwood: on Asplenium Bradleyi, by Prof. F. < L. Harvey: Bursting of the Fruit of Euphorbia corollata, by W.c. White ;'and a Reply to Mr. Meehan’s Criticisms, by M. E. Jones. In these notes Mr. Jones modifies his opinion expressed in a former 35 number, that Malvastrum coccineum proves poisonous to sheep which’ eat it. The question as to how long the seeds of different plants preserve their vitality when buried at considerable depths in the soil is one that has been much discussed but not sufficiently investigated ; and facts bearing on this subject are therefore always of interest. Ina recent number of the Garden acorrespondent gives an instance which came under his notice, in which the seeds of several species of .So/i- dago apparently remained dormant for twenty years. The ground had been covered with shrubs and carefully kept free from weeds during that time ; at its expiration the ground was cleared, and two years afterwards it was covered with specimens of So/idago three or four feet in height. In an interesting paper on “Changes in Plant Life on the San Francisco Peninsula,” read before the San Francisco Academy of Sciences, Feb. 2d, by Dr. Herman Behr, and published in full in the Mining and Scientific Press of Feb. 21st, the author points out the fact that in 1850 there were three original types of landscape which could well be distinguished on the peninsula. After enumerating the plants which characterized these three types, he goes on to state that the latter are now no longer distinguishable, the improvements of a growing city having brought them all tothe same level. The original arborescents have been cut down partly for fuel, and partly to make room for houses. Horticulture has replaced them with the conifers of the Sierras, and the evergreens of Australia, The vegetation of the peninsula is at present more Australian than Californian. But it is not only the quick growth of the city, the sudden change of grade, etc., that have disturbed the original equilibrium in nature, for there still exist places enough where an original vegetation could have re- mained undisturbed, and where it was protected even against the attacks of domestic animals. One of the most powerful agents in the destruction of the original flora is the invasion of foreign plants. Parallel with the artificial introduction of Australian arborescents has come an immigration of herbaceous plants from Europe and Africa, against which the native vegetation has very little power of resistance. “First of all;’’ says Dr. Behr,” I mention Si/yum Mar- ianum, a native of the Mediterranean region, observed by me the first time in 1854 in California, and in 1848 in South Australia. Wherever it gets a hold of the soil all native vegetation disappears. California is not the only land infested by this thistle. I have witnessed the same invasion in Australia, and have read the statement of my former teacher, Prof. Burmeister, at present in Buenos Ayres, that the same thistle protects, at the time of its vegetation, the settlers against the inroads of the Pampas Indians, as even the wild horsemen cannot cross the immense thickets formed by this plant.” Another weed, Cotula coronopifolia, does the same work in moist ground as that be- gun by the Sz/ybum in the more arid tracts of soil. This plant is a native of Africa, and made its appearance in California about 1854. This weed has transformed the varied aquatic vegetation of the places infested by it into one monotonous green mass with yellow buttons. The graceful floating Azo//a, which formerly ornamented the creeks 36. ae is scarcely to be found any more. Both of these foreigners, which may be called “the coming plants,” belong to the Compositae, an order characteristic of the most modern flora. ‘“ Now it appears that in the fight for existence the junior sons of creation have a decided ad- vantage ; and this accounts for the otherwise inexplicable circumstance that the variety of organisms decreases so perceptibly when we enter the realms of Gymnosperms, vascular Cryptogams, and all those forms of organic life that existed already in the early periods of ‘the earth.” The last numbers received of the Botanische Zeitung (Nov. 5 and 6) contain an illustrated paper by F. Hegelmaier “On the Embry- ogeny and Development of the Endosperm of Lupinus.” In the Comptes Rendus of Jan. 12 (p. 58) will be found an inter- esting and useful paper on the “ Evolution of the Inflorescence in the Gramineae,” by M. H. Trécul. ; : The Journal of Botany for February has the following table of contents: John Miers (with portrait), by W. Carruthers, F. R. S.; Alabastra diversa, by S. Le. M. Moore; Notes on the Flora of North- amptonshire, by G. C. Druce, F. L. S.; Two Additions to the British Moss-list, by H- Boswell; ‘'wo New Bromeliads from Rio Janeiro, by J. G. Baker, F. R. S.; Hampshire Botany, by F. Townsend, F. L, S.; and Notes on the Botany of the British Polar Expedition of 1875-6, by H. C. Hart, B. A. ; The Contemporary Review for February contains an interesting and instructive article by Prof. St. George Mivart on the “ Geography of Living Creatures.” It seems rather odd to an American botanist to see Ampelopsis quinguefolia classed among trees, as it is in this article ; and it is rather curious, too, to see the persistency with which some of our English cousins cling to that genus “ Welling- tonia,” when they have occasion to refer to our big California trees —the Seguoiae. es : Hardwicke’s Science Gossip, which is always interesting to the nat- uralist, treats of the following botanical subjects in the February number : “Some Probabilities Respecting Organic Species,” by W. S. Palmer; ‘‘ Notes on Phyllotaxis ” (illustrated), by H. W. Syers; and “ Primroses and Violets,” by R. M. eae The American Monthly Microscopical Journal tor F ebruary con- tains an article by Dr. F. Wolle in which he points out the fact that the fresh-water algae are quite often the subjects of pecular transfor- mations in the course of their life-history. To aid the beginner in his studies the author, in this short paper, explains some of the fallacious appearances that are likely to be met with among these cryptogams. _ § 30. Juneus setaceus, Rost.---I have received specimens of Juncus setaceus, Rost., from Norfolk, Va., collected by Mr. H. P. Worcester. This is, I believe, the most northern authentic ‘station reported for this rush, the Pennsylvania locality of Rostkovius being questioned in.Gray’s manual. NLL. B. § 31. Errata.—In the February number, there occurred the fol- lowing typographical errors, which should be corrected as follows : 1st page, line 17, insert “as if,” after “seemed ”’; line 38, read “evolution ”; p. 17 line 15, insert “here” after “we”; p. 22, line 47, for “ Tiibigen ’” read “Tiibingen ” ; p. 23, line 29, “substraction ”, set up thus by the printer in a moment of abstraction, should be “ subtraction.” BULLETIN OF THE TORREY. BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. Vil.) New York, April, 1880. _ [No. 4. § 32. Proceedings of the Torrey Club.—The regular monthly meeting of the Club was held at the “ Herbarium,” Columbia College, Tuesday evening, April 13, the President, twenty-eight members, and eight visitors being present. Mr, Leggett announced the death of Mr. C. F. Austin, an es- teemed member of the Club, and called attention to the destitute condition of his family; On motion it was resolved to purchase from the widow a set of the Musci Appalachiani and Hepaticae Boreali-Americanae. Mr. Britton of the Herbarium Committee announced the receipt from Mr. A. Brown of 250 specimens of ballast plants, collected in New York city and vicinity. Prof. D. S. Martin exhibited and ietearked upon a section of the trunk of a tree fern. Remarks upon the structure of the same - were also made by Mr. Jos. Schrenck. ’ Prof. A. Wood exhibited the fruit of Rhus diversiloba, T. & G, from California, and of Sapindus marginatus, Willd., from Southern Kansas—the latter being a hitherto unreported habitat for this plant. © Dr. Kunze exhibited a specimen of Eucalyptus globulus, consist- ing of leaves and flower buds, and made explanatory ‘remarks thereon. Mr. Gerard exhibited a monstrous specimen of Sephora Arizonica, Wats., from Texas, in which the peduncle was flattened and spread out in a fan-like manner at its extremity. Mr. Bicknell read a paper entitled “ Notes on the Flora of River- Gale N.Y,” Prof. D. S. Martin read a communication from Mr. Jno. M. Batchelder, of Boston, on the “Influence of Electricity upon the Growth of Plants.” The author sowed “ pepper-grass” seeds on cotton floating on the surface of distilled water contained in two tumblers. One of the tumblers was insulated, and in it was placed a coiled copper wire the other extremity of ‘which communicated with a revolving belt. Both tumblers were placed under the same conditions of light and heat. It was found that the electricity retarded both the germination of the seeds and the subsequent growth of the plants to a remarkable degree. At the conclusion of his experiments Mr. Batchelder discovered that while the roots of the plants in the non-electrified water were growing normally, those © submitted to the action of electricity were twisted and coiled in an intricate manner among the fibres of the cotton. Prof. A. Wood read a paper on “Some Points in Botanical Ter- minology ” wherein he advocated that the terms ordinarily in vogue _ | to designate the venation of leaves should, for philosophical reasons, be discarded ; and that in their stead should be substituted the term “ midvein ” for the principal a axis of venation, or prolongation 38 of the petiole; “veins” for the divisions (if any) of the petiole; “veinlets”’ for the primary branches sent off from the midvein or veins ; and “ veinulets ” for the secondary branches sent off from the veinlets. Mr. Bicknell stated that the total number of plants observed by him in flower this year up to date was thirty-five. Prof. Wood reported that he had received from Dr. E. C. Howe a specimen of Carex Sullivantit, Boot, collected near the Croton aqueduct at Yonkers. M. W. Van Denburg, M. D., of New York City, was elected a active member, and two new names were proposed for membership. § 33. Coe F. Austin —This well-known botanist died on the 18th of March, 1880, at his home, Closter, New Jersey, where he was born on the 2oth of June 1831. His health had been failing for a year, but the close was rather sudden. After completing his education at Rankin’s Pinkerton Academy, Austin, who was endowed with the true mind of a naturalist, devoted his time to the study of Chemistry and Botany. Becoming soon most interested in Botany, he accepted the position of Curator of the herbarium of Columbia College, but abandoned it to give his whole time to the study of the Mosses and Hepaticae, and to the search for and collection of these plants. Without a sufficient supply of books, but with an incomparable perseverance, he soon became an adept in this department of botan- ical science, and, helped by Sullivant and other American bryologists, he was able to prepare the publication of his first work on Mosses. As acollector, Austin pursued his explorations with indomitable energy and remarkable success, enriching the American flora with a large number of species, either new or as yet undiscovered in this, country. The first work of his, the Musci Appalachiant, is a collec-> tion of 450 specimens, raised to 550 by a supplement in 1878, repre- senting above four hundred species, the rest being varieties not less valuable to students.* . Mr. Austin contributed in 1869, an article to the Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, containing 47 species of Hepaticae. After which time appeared his Hepaticae Boreali-Amer- icanae which comprised 150 specimens, 30 of which were varieties, and 15 species previously published. ‘ Work of this kindcan be performed only by true devotion to science. It demands a prodigious amount of-research in the field for procuring the specimens, and an arduous labor to separate the species, (for mosses mostly grow mixed together) and then for the determination of each specimen, which has generally to be done by microscopical examination. It is therefore easy to understand * This work is the more valuable since nothing else of that kind can now be obtained for American Bryology, as no copies of the Musci Alleghanienses by Sulli- vant, nor of the Musci Exsiccati, by Sulliv. & Lesqr., are left for sale. The few copies of the Musci Appalachiani which, if I am well-informed, have been left by Austin will soon be disposed of. The same remarks are applicable to his other important work—the Hepaticae Boreali-A mericanae. 39 how much time has to be spent in the preparation of a single set, and what small material advantage can be derived from such undertakings. Austin’s name is well-known by the readers of the BULLETIN, to which he has furnished the descriptions of 110 species of Mosses and Hepaticae. Sixty-four others have been published in the Botanical Gazette. . As an anatomist and judge of the character of the Mosses, Austin had a quick perception, but was often disposed to unreliable conclu- sions, formed too confidently on incomplete materials. He has, therefore, sometimes recalled his first determinations. But who is the bryologist who has done otherwise? A large number of his species, some of them the finest and rarest in the North American Bryology, stand as wonders of his clear discrimination, and he leaves a name dear to American botanists and well-known to European bryologists. The loss of Austin is especially to be regretted for Hepaticology, of which he was the only representative in this country. He had studied the Hepaticae as his specialty, with the purpose of publishing a Synopsis, which time only prevented him bringing to completion. L [Mr. Austin left sets of his Musci, and Hepaticae, all labelled and accompanied by a catalogue and index. His private collection con- tains very numerous specimens of each species, with his notes upon their various forms in different localities. It would be an invaluable aid in making critical researches in this field of enquiry, and should be acquired by some scientific institution. ‘Those who make a study of these subjects ought to be prompt in procuring sets, both for their own sakes and for the sake of the family of this devoted scientific worker. The prices are given in the advertising page of this sheet.] § 34. The Genus Pinus.—Revision of the Genus Pinus and de- scription of Pinus Elliottii, by Dr. George Engelmann, from the Trans- actions of the Academy of Science of St. Louis, February, 1880, with three beautiful plates illustrating P. Elliottii, drawn on stone by P. Roetter. With indomitable courage, patience and skill, Dr. Engelmann attacks one after another the Doubting Castles of Botany and gener- ally succeeds, if not in utterly demolishing them, at least in opening to the light their most gloomy dungeons. Mr. Bebb will probably claim that Salix offers a more stubborn and more extensive obstacle — than Pinus, but the latter was fat enough from being reduced, be- fore Dr. Engelmann sat down before it. It is claimed that the present arrangement is as natural a one as any that can be devised, and that by it, to some extent, even geographical alliances are best preserved. Dr. Engelmann finds, “ with Endlicher, the most valuable charac- ter-in the fruit scale,” or, to speak more correctly, “that the fruit scale in this genus corresponds with a series of other characters which constitute two very natural sections of the genus ” Strodus and Pinaster. The more or less thickened exposed part of this scale, called the apophysis, is rather depressed and terminates in a blunt point in Strobus ; in Pinaster, it bears its point on the usually more thickened back, the wmdo, mostly armed with a prickle or spur, sometimes early deciduous. : ae 40 | The subsections are distinguished by the position of the resinous ducts within the leaf. These ducts, normally two, but very often numerous, lie amid the chlorophyll-bearing parenchyma cells, _ between the thick epidermis and the sheath which surrounds the vascular bundles. When close to the epidermis the ducts are called peripheral ; surrounded on all sides by the parenchyma, parenchyma- tous ; close to the sheath around the vascular bundles, zv¢erna/ ducts. The use of this position of the ducts is the main new point in the present classification. It is believed to be constant and intimately connected with the essential character of the plant. The difficulties attendant upon its use are: first, that “in some few species smaller accessary ducts do occupy an abnormal position ; secondly, that “in — pines with very slender leaves it is sometimes difficult to discover the ducts,” and in some forms perhaps they are really absent, espec- _ially in cultivated specimens; and, ¢/7rd/y, that sometimes the paren- chyma separating them from the epidermis or vascular sheath is so thin a layer that parenchymatous ducts may be mistaken for periphe- ral or internal. The other‘distinctions though mostly more obvious are less natural, only the presence or absence of hypodermal or strengthening cells is difficult of appreciation and of doubtful value. We proceed to give a somewhat abridged account of the arrange- ment, but of course the students of pines will not be satisfied with less than the complete monograph with all its details. Dr. Engelmann includes only such species or (sub-species) as he has ' been able to examine himself: “the list, however, will be found nearly complete.” The numbers prefixed to the species are additions of our own. ? SECT. I. STROBUS. § 1. Eustrobi.—Ducts peripheral. Northern or mountain species of the Old and New World. * Wings longer than the seed. 1. P. Strobus, 2. monticola, 3. excelsa, 4. Peuce, 5. parviflora, _ 6. Bonapartea, 7. Ayacahuite, 8. Lambertiana. ** Wings much shorter than seeds. 9. P. flexilis, (10, albicaulis), 11. pygmaea. § 2. Cembrae.—Ducts parenchymatous—Europe and principally Asia. 12, P. Cembra, 13. Mandschurica, 14. Koraiensis. SECT. Il. PINASTER. A. Ducts peripheral. @. Cones subterminal. § 3. Integrifoliae.—Leaves smooth-edged, their sheaths deciduous,— Western North America and Mexico, ; * Cones short globose ; scales unarmed; seeds large with a minute wing.—Cembrordes. ste 15. P. Parryana, 16. cembroides, 17. edulis, 18. monophylla., | * 41 ** Cones oval or elongated; scales armed; seeds much shorter than the wing —Ba//fourtana. 19; P. Balfouriana, (20. artistata.) $ 4. Syl vestres.—Teaves serrulate, their sheaths persistent. ~—Europe’ and Asia, one species in America. * Leaves in threes.—/ndicae. 21. P. Khasia, 22. insularis, 23. longifolia. ** Leaves in twos. Cones and seeds small ; wings large.— Lusylvestres. 24. P. sylvestris, 25 montana, 26. resinosa, 27. densiflora, 28. Massoniana, 29. ? Merkusii. *** Leaves in twos. Cones and seeds large; wings rudi- mentary. A single Mediterranean species. aoc Py Pines: 6. Cones lateral. § 5. Halepenses.—Old World. * Leaves in threes; sheaths deciduous ; umbo very promi- _ nent; wings shorter than the large seeds. Gerardianae.—Asia. 3t. P. Gerardiana, 32. Bungeana. -** Leaves in twos; sheaths persistent; cones smoothish; wings much longer than eveds. Luhalepenses.—Mediterranean regions. 33: P. Halepensis, 34- Pyrenaica, B. Ducts parenchymatous. a, Cones subterminal. § 6. Ponderosae,—Mostly American with three Old World species. * Leaves in fives ; ductsusually free of strengthening cells; : P seudostrobi. Central America and Mexico to Arizona and California. . 35. P. leiophylla, 36. tenuifolia, 37. filifolia, 38. Pseudo- Strobus, 39. Montezumae, (40. Hartwegii), 41. co 42. Arizonica, ** Leaves in . threes, sometimes in fours or fives; sheaths — persistent; strengthening cells under the epidermis, around ducts. Euponderesae—Nowthrwestern America, Mexico’ and Canary Islands. ae 43. P. Engelmanni, 44. ponderosa, (45. Jeffreyi), 46. cnet riensis. . act Leaves in threes ; . thesia: deciduous. —Mexico and _ Arizona. Bass 42 47- P. Chihuahuana. **** Leaves in twos. ZLariciones.—Europe to Asia and W. America. 48. P. Laricio, (49. Austriaca), 50. Thunbergii, 51. contorta, (52. Murrayana.) 6. Cones lateral. § 7. Taedae.—Mostly American, only one Old World species. 3 * Leaves in threes. Autaedae—North America to Mexico. 53- P. Sabiniana, 54. Coulteri, 55. insignis, 56. tuberculata. 57. Taeda, 58. rigida, (59. serotina), 60. Greggii. 61. Teo- cote. 62. patula. ** Leaves in twos; cones with very stout prickles. Pwv- gentes. t Ducts without strengthening cells,—North America. 63. P. inops, (64. clausa), 65. pungens, 66. muricata. tt Ducts surrounded by strengthening cells.—Southern Europe. 67. P. Pinaster. *** Leaves in twos, or in the first often also in threes ; cones with weak or deciduous prickles. JM/?fes—Eastern North America. 68. P. mitis, 69. glabra, 70. Banksiana. 4: ¢. Ducts internal. - § 8. Australes —Leaves in twos té fives. Timber very heavy and resinous.—Southeastern North America, West Indies, and one species in Mexico. * Cones subterminal; leaves in threes to fives. Euaustrales. 71. P. oocarpa, 72. occidentalis, 73. australis. ** Cones lateral or mostly so; leaves in twos to threes. Liliottiae. ; 74. P. Elliottii, 75. Cubensis, 76. Wrightii. Notes. Nos, 15-18. Cembroides. Dr. Englemann considers it an open question whether these four species may not properly be united into one.—19, 20 must be united.—21~23. a very natural group.—27. P. densiflora, Sieb. & Zucc., sometimes cultivated under the name of the _ following.—28. P. Massoniana, Lamb. Parlat., not Sieb. & Zucc., or _ Endlich. that is No. 50, P. Thunbergii, Parl.—29. P. Merkusit, 43 Jungh. & De Vriese, with poor specimens the affinity of this species was not certainly determined.— 34. ?. Pyrenaica. Lapeyr. fide Parla- tore, not to be confounded with 48, P. Laricio, Poir., as has been done, even by Lapeyrouse himself.—39. P. Montezumae, Lamb., species not sufficiently circumscribed.—43. P. Enge/mannt, Carriere. Wislizenus brought a single specimen from the mountains west of Chihuahua.—46. P. Canariensis, Ch. Smith, perhaps more nearly re- lated to P. Laricio, Poir. The articulation of the four involucral bracts is a curious feature which it has in common with our ?. resin- osa, Ait.—53. P. Murrayana, Balf., is only a broader leaved moun- tain form of P. contorta, Doug,—56. P. tuberculata, Gordon, not of Don, which is a form of P. insignis, Doug.—67. P. Pinaster, Ait., except by the position of the female ament, more nearly allied to P. Canariensis, lessso to P. Laricio.—z74. Pinus Eliiotti, Engelm., im- perfectly known to Elliott, was rediscovered about ten years-ago by Dr. Mellichamp, and is here fully described and illustrated. § 35. Fresh Water Algae, IV. The pursuit of my recreation, the natural history of Fresh Water Algae, has revealed to me, during the past year, new points of inter- est in the development and growth of a few, and brought to light, out of their hitherto hidden abiding places, many which previously - had not been recorded as dwelling in our land. The following list of upwards of one hundred plants, embraces at ’ least ninety which are new to the United States Flora, and of which eighteen were wholly unknown. About fifty were collected in New Jersey. This State, which has won a wide reputation for its peculiar richness in phenogamous plants, also appears in the small portion thus far explored, to be richly stocked with cryptogams. When the locality is not given in the list, it is to be understood that the plant was found in the vicinity of Bethlehem, Pa. Some were collected in the neighborhood of New York, and others in Mas- - sachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Florida, etc. To the collectors whose names are mentioned, I return cordial thanks, alike for what they have done, and for their promises of fur- ther favors. I am happy also in having several new volunteers, who await the opening of the season to begin their explorations. To O. Nordstedt, of Lund, Sweden, I am especially indebted for valuable suggestions, and for many desirable extracts from his extensive libra- ry of botanical works. Francis WOLLE. BETHLEHEM, Pa., March, 1880. PHYCOCHROMOPHYCEAE. » Oscillaria, Bosc.—O. subfusca, Vauch. Wet gneiss rocks.—O. Poret- tana, Menegh. Shaded limestone rocks.—O. tenuis, Ag. Drip- ping rocks. O. Grateloupii, Bory. Submarine waters, New — York. Coll. R. Hitchcock.—O. subsalsa, Ag., var. dulcis, Ktz. Antigua, W. I. Coll. B. Romig.—O. natans, Ktz. Ponds, New Jersey.—O. Froellichii, va. phormidioides, Rabenh. Swartwout Lake, &c., New Jersey. os Aye e Phormidium, Ktz.—P. arenarium, Ag. Florida. Coll. J.D.Smith. = qi Microcoleus, Desmaz.—M. gracilis, Hass. Dakota, per Dr. Hobby of Iowa City. Sphaerozyga, Ag.—S. Ralfsii, Thw. Ponds. > oe S. saccata, n. spec.—S. trichomatibus in thallis tubulosis, cylindrico- elongatis, simplicibus, decem plus minus aggregatis, unclam usque ad palmam longis, 2-3 lineas crassis, varie constrictis vel undulato-sinu- osis, gelatinosis vel submembranaceis, mollibus, initio affixis, mox li- bere natantibus et multum contractis ; trichomatibus subrectis, par- alleliter aggregatis vel leniter curvato-implicatis ; articulis oblongis, saepe subcylindraceis, aerugineis, arcte conexis ; sporis numerosissl- mis, cylindricis, sordide aerugineis, diametro 2-3-plo longioribus ; cellulis perdurantibus globosis vel ovalibus, articulorum diametro paulo vel duplo majoribus. Diam. art. 00016’—o002”, Spor. diam. 0003”; long. 0006”-0009""._ Hab. in stagnis, New Jersey. : This plant was found freely distributed along the shores, and in the shallow waters of Cranberry Pond, N. J. It is peculiarly dis- tinct in the cylindrical, vertical, sack-like growth of the thallus, one to three inches high. : Tolypothrix, Ktz.—T. Aegagropila, Ktz. Coll. J. S. Adam, Lime Rock, Conn. T. bombycina, n. sp. T. castaneo-brunnea, trichomatibus pseudo- ramulisque leniter curvatis, laxe intricatis, elongatis, basi breviter concretis, internis brunneis ; modo distincte modo indistincte artic- ulatis ; articulis subtilissime granulosis, diametro (.00048’’—00055”) equalibus, vel duplo brevioribus ; vaginis arctis, luteolis, leevissimis ; cellulis perdurantibus, semper basilaribus, subglobosis, singulis, vel 2—3—serlatis. Forms a dark brown silky stratum on wave-washed stones, along the shores of Hopatcong Lake, New Jersey. According to earlier authors this plant would be.a Calothrix. Gloiotrichia, Ag. —I have found a very singular form of propaga- tion in a plant of this genus. The spore contents break through the base, enter into the heterocysts ; these enlarge, change color from yellowish to bright green, and thus become sporangia, which reproduce the gelatinous cysts in which the original form is developed. CHLOROPHYLLOPHYCEAE. Gloeococcus, A. Br.—G. mucosus, A. Br. Dictyosphaerium, Naeg.—D. reniforme, Bulnh. Pond, N. J.—D. Ehrenbergianum, Naeg. Coll. R. Hitchcock, N. Y. Caelastrum, Naeg.—N. sphaericum, Naeg. Ponds, N. J. Ophiocytium, Naeg.—O. cochleare, A. Br., Ponds. -Eudorina, Ehrb.—E. elegans, Ehrb. DESMIDIACEAE. Closterium, Nitzsch.—C. Lunula, Muller. Common but not hereto- fore noticed.—C. decorum, Breb. Not infrequent. Pleurotaenium, Naeg.——P. coronatum, Breb.—P. Ehrenbergii, Ralfs. Spirotaenia, Breb.—S. obscura, Ralfs. Ponds,N. J. aa _ Sphaerozosma, Corda.—S. secedens, De By., Brown’s Mills, N. J. 45 Cosmarium, Corda. The following wéte collected in ponds, partly in New Jersey and partly in Penn.—C, sinuosum, Lund. A small variety.—C. tumidum, Lund.—C. tinctum, Ralfs.—C. Smolandi- cum, Lund.—C. sulcatum, Nordst.—C. venustum, Breb.—C. po- lygonum, Naeg.—C. homalodermum, Nordst. Aidan fiat estan st nek. = : : . BULLETIN TORREY. BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. Vil.) New York, September, 1880. [No. ry S$ 71. Proceedings of the Torrey Club.—The regular monthly meeting of the Club was held at the New York College of Pharmacy, ‘Tuesday evening, Aug. roth. In the absence of the presiding officers, Dr. J. W. Barstow occupied the chair. There were fifteen members present. : _ Plants Exhibited ——Dr. Barstow exhibited a specimen of Sarcodes sanguinea, Torr., from California. Mr. A. Brown exhibited a large number of interesting adventive plants gathered in Eighth Avenue, near the Harlem River. - Among these was Galeopsis Ladanum L.., var., angustifolium, which he stated was growing there in great abun- dance. Mr. Bicknell displayed a large specimen of Boletus felleus, Fr., from Riverdale; specimens of 7; Ipha latifolia, L., showing fission of the spike; and a specimen of Cyperus ovularts, Torr., in which one of the upper leaves had at an early stage been split at its base, and in this aperture had-grown a sessile spike of flowers. From the base of the spike sprang another leaf whose apex had grown through a small cleft in the larger leaf, thus enclosing the spike firmly in a sort of net-work. Specimens of Aspidium Goldianum, Hook., from White Plains were shown by Mr. O. R. Willis. Adventive Plants, and New Stations—Mr. Brown stated that he had recently detected Paspalum distichum, L., at Communipaw, N. J., and that Potentilla fruticosa, L., had been found by him this season at Tenafly, N. J. Tenafly was mentioned as a new station for Lypert- cum adpressum, Bart., the plant having been detected there this sum- mer on the occasion of a field meeting. Age Habenaria ciliaris, R. Br.—Attention was called to the fact that at a recent field meeting of the Club at Tenafly, this orchid was found there in great profusion—several acres of land being thickly dotted with its conspicuous orange-colored blossoms. According to obser- vations made for several years past at this station by a few members of the Club, this species of Hadenaria appears to flower only each alternate year. < Warthecium ossifragum, Huds. Mr. Leggett, during the course - of some remarks on the results of a recent field meeting held at White Plains, stated that he had examined in situ the alleged Varthecium reported from that locality at the last meeting of the Club, and had positively determined from the leaves (the plant being no longer in _ flower) that it belonged to quite a different genus. Mr. Leggett’s as- Ssertion was confirmed by an examination of dried specimens, which were exhibited to the Club later in the evening. The publication of the report before the reception of specimens was an oversight. der Dr. T. E. Wilcox, U. S. A., of Boise City, Idaho, was elected a Corresponding member. foe , 3 = ae 94 § 72. Ferns on the Cumberland.—In the BuLvetin for June I reported the finding of Adiantum Capillus-Venerts, L., in Kentucky. I promised your readers then that I would probably visit the locality and give full particulars regarding the fern flora of this unexplored region. The Cumberland River is a beautiful stream of clear water flowing _ through a very wild country and having high sandstone cliffs on each side. The mountains are well wooded. Hemlocks, oaks, chestnuts, birches, two magnolias and the tulip tree predominating ; vacciniums, laurels and rhododendrons forming the undergrowth. The river opposite our tent was about 200 rods wide, but very shallow; it nar- rows somewhat, nearer the falls. Here the river is precipitated over the conglomerate table-rock with a vertical fall of sixty-three feet. The scenery below the falls is very grand. Sailing down in a boat one sometimes gets under some great overhanging ledge whose brow is richly clothed with Polypodium vulgare. My first ramble was over the hills below the falls. I had not pro- ceeded far when I found a few plants of Lygodium palmatum, an old favorite that I first met with a few years ago in Rockcastle Co., Ky. Tramping carelessly along, the climbing beauty seemed to haunt me; if I looked up, there it was hanging in heavy tresses from the cliffs above, away out of reach; if I looked under my feet, there it was ready to entangle me in its mazy web; move in any direction, it would stare me in the face, seeming to say——“ You need not pass laws for my protection, you will never uproot me from my mountain re- treat.’” I wondered sometimes whether the Virginia creeper or this beautiful fern would have the mastery. One bench of rock project- ing out from two perpendicular cliffs, was just one mass of Lygodium ; it was impossible to separate the plants, they were so twined and twisted and matted together. . ; I journeyed on, looking out for other rarities. Asplenium pin- natifidum, A. Trichomanes, A. ebeneum and A. montanum were found quite plentiful. Here, towards the top of the range, there are a great many precipitous rocks, which are tunneled out at the base, forming dark and damp recesses. In some of these places I expected to find Trichomanes radicans, had not searched very far when my toil was rewarded. ‘There it was, growing in the greatest profusion, seeming to fancy the corner darkest and furthest from the light. With diffi- culty I removed the roots from the rock. There was little or no soil, but the roots seemed to have become part of the rock itself. This translucent beauty has evidently no desire to be removed from its secret hiding place. I also found the more common forms of ferns quite plentiful. My further walks added very little of interest. I delighted to observe the Zygodium growing in such profusion, and found a few plants of Pe//aca atropurpurea growing on a sandstone _ cliff. This to me was of some interest, as- heretofore I have always > found this plant associated with limestone. About fifty feet from this rock, I was fortunate in finding three or four plants of the Adiantum Capillus-Veneris, but they were very sickly-looking, and not over four inches in length. This, however, satisfied me that the fern was in the neighborhood and. made me resume my search. The locality already reported for this fern was 95 forty miles away ; but, from seeing these few plants, I made sure I should succeed in finding it here in greater profusion. I was disap- pointed. I searched everywhere, into every crevice and every likely ° place. Occasionaly I would come across an overhanging ledge, and find my old friend, the 7richomanes, but no Venus-hair. After a week’s diligent search, I abandoned the field and repaired to Point Burnside. Point Burnside is a station on the Cincinnati Southern R. R., at | the head of the navigable waters of the Cumberland River. The south fork of the Cumberland joins the main river at this point. The river is not so wide as at Cumberland Falls, but much deeper. I found I had got into a very different geological region from that at the Falls. The bed of the river and the range of cliffs on each side were limestone, but the high ranges were all capped with sandstone. On the lower cliffs I found in great abundance, beautiful specimens of Pellaea atropurpurea, and, to my surprise and delight, Asplentum parvulum ; but I was anxious to visit the cascade, the reputed home of the maidenhair. Getting into a canoe or dug-out, and with the assistance of a guide, I paddled down stream, about half a mile. I got out and walked towards the water-fall, and in a moment was perfectly entranced. I wondered if it was a dream or areality. Could it be possible that this lovely fern should be growing in such great profusion. Yes, there it was, having probably been growing for thousands of years, unheard of and unsung. Imagine a hill side torn asunder by some unknown force, forming precipitous crags and deep cave-like recesses, with huge masses of rocks lying at the base, and numerous streams of the clearest cold water, rushing in every direction, and all over- grown with mosses, liverworts, maidenhair and the bulbous bladder- fern. Every rock, every crevice, was just one great mass of Adian- tum. In the dark hollows, where the ‘sun seldom penetrated, the fronds were thin and delicate, with leaflets broad and fringed like those of A. Farleyense of the greenhouses. The main cascade is about eighty feet high, and over it was pouring quite a stream of water. The rim or border of this cliff was a mass of fern fronds, some about 30 inches in length from the rootstock, hanging down away out of reach of the destroyer, if he should ever find this place. With some diffi- culty I ascended the top of the hill, as I wanted to see where all the water was coming from. ‘The highest point is about three hundred feet above the river bed. A little from the top my guide showed me a cave out of which the water was flowing. The mouth of this cave measured about twelve feet in width, forming an arch of about six feet at the highest point. At the present time the water was making a pretty swift stream. The ground is somewhat flattish a little above the cascade, causing the water to distribute itself in different direc- tions before falling, thus making the beautiful series of falls, as one looks up from below. The Adiantum is growing in great profusion from the cave mouth down to the base of the cliff, and immense bunches _ of it are found on the flattish plateau immediately above the fall. In fact, it is growing in every spot where this cave water reaches it, The - whole rock is encrusted with a thick coat of carbonate of lime, and 96 the cave is a beautiful illustration of cave formation.. When a freshet or rain storm is in progress in the far-off mountains this stream is sure to be affected. Residents say that the water comes out with such force sometimes that one can hear it for miles. This then to me is the secret of the whole thing. The mountain has been burst asunder by the continued force of water. The Adantum Capillus-Veneris has certainly an affinity for this geological formation. The carbonate of lime and the water is its very life. There it grows, in its own selected home, as it never grew before ; and it is to be hoped no hand of van- dalism will ever destroy it. This scene is now a perfect gem of Na- ture’s handiwork, in every sense. I impressed Major Wallace, a- gentleman who has some influence in this quarter, with the importance of having this spot protected. Next year there will be a great rush of visitors to this place, and, with- out some restriction, they will soon uproot every frond. The fern is found plentiful about two miles further up the river ; and those desiring specimens can get them there. I may state I found this fern only in places surrounded by such conditions as have already been men- tioned. Louisville, Ky., Aug. 18. : JouHN WILLIAMSON. § 73. Asplenium ebenoides, R. R. Scott, in New York State.—I send, herewith, a frond of Asplenium ebenoides, R. R. Scott, which I found yesterday (Aug. 6th), on limestone rocks about four miles S. E. of Poughkeepsie. ‘There were but three plants, and I secured but three fronds. I will give the locality a more thorough looking over, later on, and hope to find some more. Asflenium ebeneum, Ait., and Camptosorus were, as usually the case, growing with it—all three within a space of about a foot square. In these plants the veins anasto- mose quite fréquently—about 24 times in the frondthat Ihave. Prof. Eaton describes the venation in his specimens as everywhere free. — I have never seen this fern mentioned as having been found in New York before; but, whether it has, or has not been, it certainly is very scarce, and worthy of being recorded in the BULLETIN. Poughkeepsie, N.Y. ~ t CLARENCE Lown. » § 74. Fendler’s Trinidad Ferns.—The sets of the second, or sup- plementary distribution, of this fine collection are now at Prof. Eaton’s enti ieee Several sets (including the first distribution) are still unsold. : § 75. Dr. Garber’s Porto Rico Plants are also for sale by. Prof. Eaton. The sets run from 96 to 17 species, and are mostly interest- ing plants. That most delicate of all ferns, Zrichomanes trichoideum, is in all the sets. or _ § 76. Notes from Syracuse.—P/antago media, L., has been found in the streets. It resembles P. mayor, but has soft downy leaves, and shorter petioles which are not grooved; the spikes of flowers are shorter, but the stamens are longer and brilliantly colored. Muhlen- berg found it in Pennsylvania (Cat. 1813), but Dr. Gray says it is 97 not known there in our days.—Mr. L. M. Underwood has found Zygadenus glaucus, Nutt., growing in considerable abundance in . Tamarack Swamp,” two miles east of Syracuse. He would be glad to furnish specimens of this rare plant in exchange for Orchidaceae. —The Syracuse Club has gathered Zzpactis again this year. $ 77. Notes from California—As in my occasional botanizing, I Sometimes am able to make an observation new and interesting to myself, and, so far as I can learn, not yet recorded, I accept your gen- eral invitation to “communicate,” and send you the following items : Double Flowers : While botanizing at Whitewater, Wis., in the spring of 1876, I found quite frequent specimens of Zhalictrum anemonotdes and LHepatica acutiloba with double the normal number of sepals; and in some cases, I thought I could detect indications of two circles of floral parts, as if two flowers had a common torus A few weeks ago, while botanizing here, on the mountains, I found a specimen of Lilium rubescens on which was one well-defined twin flower, with ten parts to the perianth, twelve stamens, and ¢wo pistils, proving beyond doubt the twin character of the blossoms. — : __ Rootstock of Erythronium grandiflorum.—While collecting the above plant on the foot-hills here, I discovered that it has a very delicately attached rootstock. Lilium Humboldtii—This plant, which is very abundant along mountain streams here, frequently has one of its upper whorls of leaves lengthened into a very perfect spiral. Pontederia cordata.—This plant I find growing under cultivation here; the owner says he collected it in this county, but I have not seen it wild. I observe that as the flowers wither, the stems bend downward until the fruiting spike is immersed in the water, where the fruit matures. I observed the same fact concerning it in Wis- consin. Ricinus communts.—The castor-oil plant, which is an annual herb in the Northern U. S., grows to be a perennial tree twenty feet high in Southern California. Poison Oak.—The poison oak of California, Rhus diversiloba (?) grows very abundantly everywhere on the foot-hills and mountain sides. Though quite as poisonous in its effects upon human beings as Rhus toxicodendron, the horses and cattle here eat it with relish and apparently without harm. Gro. R. KLEEBERGER. . Weaverville, Cal., July 27. - § 78. Teratological Notes. 1.—In the Horace Mann herbarium at Cornell University is a spec- imen of Botrychium lunarioides which, besides possessing the usual fruiting stalks, has two of the sterile segments replaced by fertile divisions. Dichotomous fronds of Aspidium marginale have several times been found by me at Ithaca. ee, OAs j In 1879 I collected a “twin frond” of Polypodtum incanum in _ Alabama. The stipe branched near the middle. Supernumerary carpels were frequently observed on Acer Pseudo- - Platanus at Ithaca, the number of wings sometimes reaching five. 98 Last spring I found a regular, spurless flower of Viola cucullata with revolute petals; and flowers of V. rostrata with several spurs were several times found. Woe TRELEASE. 2.—Adventitious leaves on Rhus glabra, L., are of common occur- rence hereabouts, and this season more than usual; also occasionally on Rhus copallina, L. 1 have not observed them on any other species.* Anthoxanthum odoratum, L. is common with adventitious leaves in summer. eae Many plants have made a remarkable variation in their second, or last growth, such as twin and branching or forking stems, etc. A plant of Corallorhiza odontorhiza, Nutt., threw up three scapes from one root. But the most remarkable behavior is the change in the flowers of Gratiola aurea, Muhl., some being very double, others having one flower set in another like a Primula. In some cases one or two buds would grow out of a flower. I enclose a few specimens I have at hand, not the most double. Thousands of them are found on the edge of apond. Erastus S. WHEELER. Berlin, Mass. *(Mrs. Rust, of Syracuse, sends specimens of Rhus typhina, L., in which the flowers are replaced by leaves. Eps. | 3.-—Monstrous Fuchsia.—We have received from Mr. James H. Cook, of Strathroy, Canada, a fresh specimen, accompanied by an excellent pencil sketch of a monstrous /uchsia, which shows the fol- lowing changes: From the side of the ovary, near its base, there pro- ceeds a perfect leaf; the ovary is normal, but the calyx limb is five- lobed, and there are but two petals. The stamens are eight in num- ber; one of them confluent with the margin of a petal, and an- other having a decidedly petaloid anther. The flattened pistil is co- herent with the inner surface of the calyx tube throughout the whole length of the latter, and its exposed portion is provided with a nar- row, finely-serrated lamina which extends as far as the five stigmas. ' § 79. Pine Barren Plants in Rhode Island.—I was much interested in Mr. Britton’s article in the July number, on the Northward Ex- tension of the New Jersey Pine Barrens Flora. We have a little piece of that peculiar region in Southern Rhode Island. In his list I check the following as certainly occurring with us: Hudsonia ertcoides, L., very abundant; Tephrosia Virginiana, Pers., frequent; Aster nem- oralis, Ait.; * A. concolor, L.; Chrysopsis falcata, El., abundant; Gaylus- sacia dumosa, T. & Gr.; Kalmia angustifolia, L.: Asclepias obtusifolia, Michx.; Spiranthes simplex, Gray; X ‘yris flexuosa, Muhl.; X. Caro- liniana, Walt.; Glyceria obtusa, Trin.; Coreopsis rosea, Nutt., this year superabundant ; Eupatorium hyssopifolium, L.; Aster spectabilis, Ait.; Solidago puberula, Nutt.; Cupressus thyoides,L.; Sporobolus serotinus, Gray; and Lycopodium inundatum, L. I could add many peculiar southern forms, like Lachnanthes, long ago found by Dr. Thurber and my father at ‘Worden’s Pond. I commend that locality, which is * Aster Herveyi, A. Gray, it will be remembered was also fi ithin our. limits last year by Prof. Shopak: : ge Ni a ° * 99 easily reached from Narragansett Pier or Watch Hill, to all collectors who come to the Plantations. W. W. BalLey. Providence, R. I., Sept. 10, 1880. § 80. Botanical News.—The Botanisches Centralblatt is the title of a new weekly journal published under the editorship of Dr. O. Uhlworm, of Leipzig. The object of the publication is to supply brief abstracts in each issue of every important new independent pa- per in a scientific journal, in all branches of botanical science ; a com- plete index to titles of recent botanical literature in all countries ; brief original communications ; reports of museums, gardens, bo- tanical explorations, etc. ; personal news, etc. Dr. Uhlworm has se- cured the co-operation of correspondents in the various towns of Ger- many, France, England, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Greece, Russia, Holland, etc., and invites the further assistance of botanists in all countries to render the Centra/blatt as complete and useful as possible. The Editor’s address is Sudstrasse, 82, Leipzig. Trimen’s Journal of Botany for July contains: Enumeratio Acanthacearum Herbarii Welwitschiani Angolensis, by S. LeM. Moore; Cardamine pratensis and its Segregates, by G. Nicholson ; On Lattakia Tobacco, by W. T. Thiselton Dyer; Botany of the British Polar Expedition, by H. C. Hart; and On a Collection of Ferns made by Dr. Beccari in Sumatra, by J. G. Baker. In the Botanical Gazette for July, Mr. Meehan discusses the vitality of pine seeds ; Dr. Gray calls attention to the proterandry of Zre- — murus robustus ; Prof W. W. Bailey records a case of albinism in Arethusa bulbosa ; Mr. L. H. Bailey gives a short list of Michigan Lake shore-plants ; and another writer notes the occurence of six fungi on Anemone nemorosa. Yhe Editor of the Gazette announces his intention of closing his sanctum for two months, and of partaking of a luxury seldom accorded to journalists—that of a vacation. Origin of Flowers through Insect Selection.—Not long since, Dr. Herman Muller, it will be remembered, published a work in which he endeavors‘to explain the existing variations in the forms of flowers on the principle of “selection.” His supposition is that insects of different tastes breed peculiar flowers just as men breed peculiar racés of cattle. Carrion-loving insects breed their kind of flowers ; long-tongued insects the tubular kinds; and many other classes of insects have each bred the flowers they love best. Dr. Miller has a note in Wature of July 8th, in which he points out that the European Saxifraga umbrosa has been adorned with its present brilliant colors through selection by dipterous insects of the family Syrphidae. He Ayes ‘“‘Among Diptera the most assiduous visitors of flowers are cer- tain Syrphidae, which, elegantly colored themselves,.are fond of splendid flower-colors, and, before eating pollen or sucking nectar, — like to stop awhile, hovering free in the air, in front of their favor- ites, apparently fascinated, or at least delighted, by the brilliancy of = theircolors. ‘Thus I repeatedly observed Syrphus balteatus hovering before the flowers of Verbascum nigrum,and often before Melano- _ stoma mellina ; Ascia podagrica betore Veronica chamaedrys ; ae ey * i ue FE a : 100 the Alps the lank Sphegina clunipes before Saxifraga rotundifolia and in my garden Ascza podagrica before Saxifraga umbrosa. Of Verbascum nigrum the main fertilizers are humble-bees, Dip- tera co-operating only in a subordinate degree; in the case of the three other species, on the contrary, the above-named Syrphidae are such frequent visitors and cross-fertilizers that we may safely conclude that it is by their selection of elegantly-eolored varieties that these flowers have acquired their beautiful ,peculiarity. Hence, in order to estimate the color-sense of these Syrphidae, it is worth while to consider what color-combinations they have been able to produce _by their selection. ) Saxifraga umbrosa being, as far as hitherto known, their finest masterpiece, we may in the first place look at the variegated decora-. tion of this species. Its snow-white petals are adorned with colored spots, which in size and intensity of light gradually decrease from the base of the petals towards their extremity. Indeed, nearest to their base, within the first third of their length, there is a large irreg- ular spot of an intense yellow ; about the middle of their length there follows a narrower cross band of red:color, vermilion towards the base, intensely pink towards the outside, not reaching the margins of the petals, sometimes dissolved into several separate spots ; lastly, beyond the middle of the length of the petals there are three to eight smaller roundish spots of a paler violet-pink color. . The flowers of Veronica chamaedrys prove that also gay blue colors are perceived and selected by Ascia. On some Impurities of Drinking-Water:—Under this title, Prof. W. G. Farlow has recently sent us a pamphlet recording the results of his investigations, extending over several years, as to the causes of the “ pig-pen ” odor which occasionally makes its appearance in water stored up for the use of cities. The subject is discussed in a popular form, and from strictly a botanical point of view. Prof. Farlow has traced the cause of the odor in question to the putrefac- tion of algae belonging to the order Phycochromaceae. ‘This order contains certain genera, three at least of which have been found in decay to cause disagreeable conditions of drinking-water ;*these genera being C/athrocystis, Caelosphaerium and Anabaena. So far as known, the so-called ** cucumber taste,” which also sometimes makes its appearance in drinking-water, is not due to the growth or decay of any species of plant; nor can any cause—botanical, zoological, or chemical be assigned for it. A perusal of Prof. Farlow’s paper will serve to allay the fear of those who see in every minute alga floating in water the germs of disease. The August number of the Pérenological Journal, received July . 2oth, containsa portrait of the late Charles C. Frost, accompanied by a biographical sketch from materials furnished by Rev. Lucius Holmes. _ To the American Monthly Microscophical Journal Dr. Wolle con- tributes another note on fresh-water algae; the subject treated is the genus Bulbochaete, and figures of six species illustrate the text. § 81. Erratum,—lIn Mr. Ellis’s description of a new Sphaeria, P- 90, 6 lines from the bottom of the page, strike out the comma after the word * sporidias.” Although Mr, Ellis's communication is dated May 26th, it was not received by us till the latter part of July. . Soe.” 2 BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. ViI.1 Maw Wome October 1860.” INA ee § 82. Proceedings of the Torrey Club.—The regular meeting of the Club was held at the New York College of Pharmacy, Tuesday evening, Sept. 14th. In the absence of the presiding officers, Dr. T. F. Allen occupied the chair. There were sixteen members and three visitors in attendance. Plants Exhibited.—Mr. Wright exhibited a number of dried plants from Mt. Riga, Conn., and distributed, on behalf of the sender (Mr. Wm. Chorlton), some specimens of exotic flowering plants and ferns. Mr. Britton distributed seeds of Megarrhiza Californica and Nelum- dium luteum, Willd., and exhibited specimens of Phoradendron flaves- cens, Nutt., taken from JVyssa in the pine barrens of New Jersey. Mr. Brown showed a large number of specimens of adventive plants from Communipaw. Specimens of Speranthes simplex, Gray, from Wood- lawn Cemetery, and of Si/phium perfoliatum, L., from Fort Washing- ton, were shown by Mr. Bicknell. Mr. Le Roy stated that the last mentioned plant was introduced into the upper portion of New York Island many years ago by a gentleman who sowed the seeds broadcast in several localities. Mr. Gerard brought specimensof Opuntia vul- garis, L., from the King’s Bridge Road (directly west of High Bridge), and of O. Rafinesguit, Englm., from Fort Washington, and pointed out the difference between the twospecies, which are often confounded. Prof. Martin exhibited and remarked upon specimens of carnauba wax—the product of the leaves of Copernicia cerifera, a Brazilian palm. Prof. Martin stated that his specimen was portion of a cargo of this product recently brought to New York, but which had met with no sale, the impossibility of bleaching it rendering it unfit for many purposes in the arts and industries. peer Teratology.—Dr. Kunze brought for the Club’s inspection a living specimen of Cereus, which had been received by him from Venezuela, and in which the upper joints were gréatly deformed -and closely co- herent, forming a compact, nearly globular mass. The changed ap- pearance of the plant was so great as to render identification of the species impossible. Mr. Wright exhibited a specimen of Sefaria viridis, Beauy., showing fission of the axis and a consequent forma- tion of two well-developed spikes at the apex of the same culm. Mr. Bicknell showed a fruit of Quercus Prinus, L., the cupule of which contained a supernumerary, although compressed and sterile acorn, Large Trees.—Mr. Britton stated that during his recent explora- tion of the pine barrens while in the employ of the N. J. Geological Survey, he observed in Manahawken Swamp, Ocean Co., a Magnolia glauca, the trunk of which was 32.25 inches in circumference. ‘This tree when felled was found, on counting the rings, to be about 15° years old. In the same swamp was found an //ex opaca of unknown age, with a trunk 36 inches in circumference. Mr. Britton had seen 102 in the museum of Rutger’s College a section of the trunk of Lérioden- dron having a circumference of 21 feet. The specimen was obtained at Marlborough, N. J. ; Vitality of Gourd Seeds ——A ‘remarkable case of duration of vitality in the seeds of a cucurbit was mentioned by Mr. Le Roy. In the Torrey coilection there is a specimen of a gourd which was ob- tained between the years 1838 and 1842, in Patagonia, by the Wilkes Exploring Expedition. Finding three seeds still remaining in the specimen, Mr. Leroy planted them in his garden. Two of, the seeds germinated, and the plants are now in fruit. For want of the neces- sary figures and descriptions, the species has not yet been identified. Dr. T. F, Allen read a paper on the “Similarity between the Characeae of America and those of Asia.” ‘ § 83. Polyporus volvatus, Peck, and its Varieties.—Since the publication of the description of this fungus in the Twenty-seventh New York State Museum Report, other forms of the species have come to my knowledge, and other observations have been made which render some additional notice of it desirable, since it pre- sents two characters which may perhaps be deemed of more than mere specific value. The most conspicuous one is the remark- able prolongation of the margin of the pileus. This extends beyond and beneath the mouths of the pores like a thick coriaceous veil, and either wholly or partly conceals them from view. In two of the vari- eties* the veil opens below by a well defined circular or subellipti- cal aperture, usually about one-fourth of an inch in diameter. Through this aperture the spores have a way of escape, although it is so much smaller than the hymenial surface that it is not unusual to find little heaps or even masses of spores retained within the veil. These heaps of spores are generally permeated by minute filaments which apparently aid in holding the spores together. The aperture is not exactly in the centre of the veil, but nearer the posterior than the anterior surface of the fungus. The veil is a little thicker just anterior to the aperture than it is elsewhere. The thin epidermis generally disappears from the veil, so that in mature specimens this part is often a little paler than the rest. If this is cut away the re- maining part of the pileus is nearly hemispherical. The hymeno- phore or non-porous part of the pileus, in fresh specimens, is separa- ble into two parts. The exterior, which, by its continuation beyond the mouths of the pores, forms the veil, may be torn away from the thin interior part which lies next to and is intimately connected with the pores, very much as the rind of an orange may be peeled from the pulp. The thin interior stratum is also slightly prolonged beyond the mouths of the pores and its prolongation forms a kind of promi- nent margin to the hymenial surface. The other character is found at the mouths of the pores. Not only are the dissepiments here dif- ferently colored, but they are also decidedly and permanently thicker than they are elsewhere, thus making the diameter of the pore much _ * Inthe variety Zorreyi no aperture has yet been seen, but one probably ex- ists in fully and properly developed specimens : 103 less at the mouth than it is a little distance above. The hymenial surface appears very much as if it had been thinly overspread by some colored, yielding but inelastic substance, and then punctured by the point of a pin just over each pore. The prominence of the interspaces causes the pores to appear as if in little depressions. Are the characters now noticed of generic value? Possibly some may so regard them; and, certainly, genera of fungi have been constituted upon far less obvious characters than these; but until other species are known which shall give emphasis to the importance of these char- acters it seems best to me to consider them merely sectional or at most subgeneric. Without them the species would naturally fall in the Suberose section of the Placoderme?. In this section is the birch Polyporus, (P. betulinus,) a species in which also the margin of the pil- eus extends beyond the mouths of the pores, but to a far less extent. It never even partially conceals them from view. In this species also, the pores and a very thin layer of the hymenophore to which they are attached are separable in the fresh plant from the main part of the pileus. Thus it makes an approach to the aberrant characters of P. volvatus ; slight, indeed, but sufficient to indicate the relation- ship of the latter to more typical Po/ypori and to cast a doubt upon the generic value of the characters indicated. ‘That the mouths of the pores should present a color unlike the rest might not, of itself, be considered a very important or novel feature, but the permanent thickening of the dissepiments at this place and the consequent dim- inution here of the diameter of the pores is a character not clearly shown by any other Polyporus known to me. It may, therefore, be well to make at least another section of the Placodermei for the re- ception of this fungus. The typical form of the species has been found on dead trunks of. the black spruce, Ades nigra. It occurs on these plentifully in some parts of the Adirondack forests of New York, where it follows the de- vastating track of the spruce-destroying beetle. Dozens of speci- mens may be found on the trunk of a single tree, and generally each specimen covers a perforation previously made in the bark of the tree by the attacking beetle. The mycelium grows beneath the bark and the perforations afford a convenient passage-way to the external air where the fungus is developed. Any crevice in the bark, how- ever, will answer the same purpose, so that the fungus is not depend- ent on the perforations of the beetle for its full development and the continuance of its species. The average size of the specimens is from one-half to three-fourths of an inch in diameter. Rarely do they exceed one inch in diameter. The color of the mouths of the pores is a pale cinnamon-brown. A second form has been collected in California by H. W. Hark- ness, M.D., who finds it on the twisted pine, Pinus contorta, and on one or two other coniferous trees. A single specimen was once found by the writer. It grew on pitch pine, Pius rigida, near Albany, — New York. This form is generally larger than the other, its average — diameter being about one inch. The mouths of the pores are also — generally darker colored. Specimens of it were sent to England and there received the name Polyporus obvolutus Berk. and Cke., (Grev- 104 : illea, Vol. vii. p. 1.) but no description was published with the name. It can not well be considered a distinct species, as the differences be- tween it and the other form are only those of size and color. Speci- mens of it have been distributed by Mr. J. B. Ellis in Century IV, North American Fungi. A third and more distinct form comes also from California. For my information concerning it I am indebted to Mr. W. R. Gerard who informs me that the herbarium of the late Dr. Torrey contained three specimens (all that are known) which . bore the record—“ In Sandy Desert, California.” All had a distinct lateral stem, as shown in the annexed figure, and, in all, the veil-like prolongation of the margin of the pileus was entirely closed. Never- theless the spores were well developed and the mouths of the pores . had the dark-brown color that exists in the other Californian speci- mens. No record was found concerning the matrix on which the specimens grew, but Mr. Gerard suggests that it was probably some small twig, judging from the appearance of the base of the stem. The size of the pileus was about the same as in the other Californian specimens. The following is a brief characterization of the section, species and varieties of this fungus. CRYPTOPORUS. (A section of Placodermei.) Pileus at first subcarnose, becom- ing harder or corky, sessile or stipitate, the margin greatly prolonged beyond and beneath the mouths of the pores and wholly or partly concealing them from view, generally opening beneath by a small aperture; pores not stratose, the dissepiments thickened at the mouths and there differently colored. a Seo SO The only speties yet known is POLYPORUS VOLVATUS, Peck. Pileus globose or subglobose, sessile or rarely stipitate, even, : 105 glabrous, azonate, whitish, often somewhat tinged with yellowish or reddish-brown ; pores equal to or longer than the thickness of the hymenophore, the mouths punctiform, light cinnamon-brown or dark- brown ; spores pale, with a flesh-colored tint, .00035-.0005 of an inch long, about .o002 offan inch broad. Var. typicus. Smaller, 6-9 lines in diameter, sessile, mouths of _ the pores light cimnamon-brown. On Adzes nigra. New York. Var. obvolutus. (Polyporus obvolutus, Berk. & Cke.) Larger, 10 —15 lines in diameter, sessile, mouths of the pores usually dark-brown. On Pinus contorta, etc., California. On Pinus rigida. New York. Var. Zorreyt, Gerard, Ms. Larger, 10-15 lines in diameter, stip- itate, mouths of the pores dark-brown. California, (Zegi# John Torrey, M.D.) CHARLES H. PECK. EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES.—Fig. 1, the stipitate variety Torreyt, of Polyporus volvatus, Pk., natural size. Fig. 2, vertical section of the same. Fig. 3, spores x rooo, seen in three positions. § 84. Sexuality of Croton monanthogynum,—In 1878 I col- lected a few seeds of Croton monanthogynum, which were sown in the spring of 1879. These germinated in the spring of 1880, and are now in flower. There are four plants. Two are wholly pistillate, and two wholly staminate. So far as these four plants go, it would seem that the species is dioecious and not monoecious as described in our ref- erences. : It is interesting to note that these male plants are not half the size of the females, and this accords with similar facts in hemp, spinage and others; and with the general views explained in my Salem and Troy papers (American Association for the Advancement of Science) that a greater vital,(nutritive) power is associated with the production of female than of male flowers. It is not always, however, that the lower © power of nutrition is evidenced throughout the whole plant as illus- trated in these instances. Often it is only on the weaker branches of the same plant that the male flowers are borne—the ones the most — highly vitalized resulting in female flowers. oa a . THOMAS Msesan: § 8s. Similarity between the Characeae of America and Asia.-— Prof. Asa Gray has well shown the similarity of the floras of the eastern parts of the two great continents in relation to other groups of plants, and I now propose to show that this resemblance extends to the Characeae, although as yet our acquaintance with the forms of this order, both Asiatic and American, is comparatively slight. My knowledge of Eastern Characeae is obtained wholly from some . articles by the late Prof. A. Braun, in Zinnaea, Vol. 17, Ser. 1. Charae Preissianae, and in Vol. 1 of Hooker’s Journ. of Botany, 1847, Char- : aceae Indiae Orientalis etinsularum Maris Pacifici. The former arti- cle treats of the Australian species ; the latter of those of India, Cey- lon, the Sunda, Mariana and Sandwich Islands, and is of the greater interest tous. In his preface Prof. Braun says: “ It is remarkable — 106 that several of the East Indian species agree with those of South America and the warmer parts of North America.” _ The first species to which I desire to call attention is NITELLA POLYGLOCHIN, A. Br.—This name was proposed by the late Prof. Braun in his Characeae of Africa, te include V. Roxburghit, A. Br., Hooker's Journ., 1, 292, Chara furcata, Roxb., C. soluta and Lysimocepas Voigtit, Griffith’s posth. papers. Itis the type of a series of forms which belong to the Diarthrae-monoicae division of the genus Nitella. The species of this large division possess two-celled termi- nals and are divided into two series—the M/wucronaia with single tips and the Polyglochin with multiple tips, (the Greek words from which it is derived signifying many points). /Vitella Roxburghit, of the coast of Coromandel near Madras, answers perfectly to the specimens that I have found in this country. The plant is not known in Europe, neither is there any representative there of this Poly- glochin series. Nothing can exceed the superb beauty of masses of this Vitel/a as brought up from deep water in Litchfield Lake, Conn., where it grows along with the roots of Marsilia guadrifolia, L. The antheridia are not red as in most Characeae but a very delicate green, with a shade of old gold ; and one afternoon when I captured a mass half the size of my boat while the setting sun shone across it as it lay just beneath the surface, my enthusiasm was unbounded. It there grows from two to four or, I believe, even six feet in length. I have also gather- - ed it in New Jersey, and have received it from the West and from Box- _ ford, Mass., by the kindness of Mr. John Robinson, of Salem. ‘Twen- ty years ago, when I sent the small-fruited variety to Prof. Braun, it was then considered distinct (JV. microcarpa A. Br., Characeae of Cen- tral America). These two forms of the Polyglochin series differ from other allied species by their clustered fruit ; I often find four or five sporangia in one verticil, reminding me of the Zolypellae. They seem to be widely distributed over the American continent. Cuara Hypropirys, Reichenb. This species belongs to the Hap- lostephanae, Bistipulatae, Diplostichae Monoicae division of the genus Chara. The name was first bestowed on specimens from Surinam. In 1830 Salzmann gave the name C. longibracteata to some speci- mens from Brazil, and Prof. Braun in his Characeae of Central America gives Dutch Guiana, Brazil, Mexico, the South-Sea Islands, Van Die- man’s Land, Australia, Southern Africa, and the East Indies as hab- itats for it. In Hooker's Journ., 1, 297, 1847, it is reported from the coast of Coromandel, Assam, and Busna in India. It is a beautiful microscopic object; the leaves are either entirely naked or have two or three corticated nodes. The finest specimens are found in New Jersey, where it is abundant (Panther Pond, Sussex Co., and Morris Pond, Sparta). I have also gathered it in Apponaug Pond, Rhode Island. Ihave received the naked-leaved form (Chara Cham- acpitys, A. Br.) or a_ variety nearly allied to it, from Florida (Curtiss). It is thus apparent that the species is widely diffused in this country; but no plant of this division is known in Europe. I have also a dioecious Chara of the same section, either a variety of C. Dichopitys or a closely allied new species, which was sent me by Mr. Curtiss from Key West. The fruit is much larger than in C, Hook- 107 ert, A. Br., and C. Preissit, A. Br., (both of which Prof, Braun in- cludes under C. Déchopitys), and more closely approaches that of C. Ecklonii from Africa. Should this prove distinct, I propose to name it C. Curtissit. All of these Charae are always gymnopodous, that is the first inter- node of the leaf is naked. The variations in the cortication of the other internodes are great; this naked internode is usually quite as long as any of the others, thus differing from the Gymmnopodaz of the Diplostephanae section. The development of the stipules serves to distinguish one from the other; besides, the stem cortication of the latter plants is ¢riplostichous while that of the former is diplostichous. TheseGymnopodae of the Diflostephanae section of the genus Chara are also peculiar to-America as compared with Europe, and common to America and Asia. Notasingle species is known in Europe ; while in America, North and South, the islands of the Pacific, Asia and Africa, there are numerous species and varieties. In the United States we find C. sejuncta, A. Br., two varieties ; C. gymnopus var. elegans, A. Br.; var. Humboldtii, A, Br.; var. trichacantha, A. Br.; var. Michauxii, A. Br.; var. conjugens, A. Br. In the Sandwich Islands, var. Meyeni?, In India, var. Ceylonica. In Africa, var. De- lilet. In some of the West India Islands, var. Berterot, besides the following allied species: C. Javanica, A. Br., C. inconstans, A. Br. Central America; C. Criigeriana A. Br., Trinidad; C. Angolensis, A. Br., and C. Commersonii, A. Br., Africa. It is interesting to note that this species, with its sub-species and varieties, is widely known except in Europe. For the determination of other forms we find ourselves obliged to consult the East. T,: Ei ALLEN; § 36. Large Trees near New York City.—The following trees of considerable size were measured during the month of July. The cir- cumferences are nothing extraordinary for the respective species in their most favored localities, but are perhaps as great as any to be found in this neighborhood. In the town of Bayonne, Hudson Co., N. J., on the New Bergen Road, just south of the M, & E. Canal bridge, there is a remarkable group of Castanea vesca, L., var. Americana, Michx., one 16 feet, two over 12 feet, and seven over ro feet in circum- ference at 5 feet from the ground. They have been almost entirely deprived of their bark, and all are dead or dying; but the trunks show no signs of decay. : see Populus monilifera, Ait. A beautiful tree, 14 feet in circumfer- ence, measured at 5 feet from the ground, adorns the lawn of Philip S. Crook, Jr., at the corner of Flatbush and Caton Avenues, in the village of Flatbush, Kings Co., N. Y. Some years since it was struck by lightning, but shows little sign of injury. The owner, being a gentleman of taste, saved the tree by the application of a great metal band around the base of the lowerlimbs, Juglans nigra, L. A specimen 12 feet in circumference, on Mr. Crook’s lawn, makes a worthy fellow of the Popu/us. In the forks of its branches, at 20 feet from the ground, there has sprung up a bush of Ribes rubrum. 108 Quercus alba, 1. In a wood on the south side of the Astoria and Flushing Road, near the school house, a quarter of a mile east of the Trains’ Meadow Road, in the town of Newtown, Queens Co., N. Y., the following trees were measured : two of g feet each in circumference, at 5 feet from the ground; one of 11 feet 9 inches; one of 9 feet 7 inches; one of 12 feet 3 inches; one of ro feet 6 inches; and one of 13 feet; the last with a spread of 85 feet. The wood of which the above forms a part has recently had much timber cut in it, and there is little doubt that these fine trees will soon fall before the axe. Liriodendron Tulipifera, L. . A few trees from 10 to 12 feet in circumference still remain on Bergen Neck, near the M. & E. Canal. Before the establishment of a saw mill on the side of the canal, there was a great variety of splendid forest trees in the Pamrapo woods. ! Platanus occidentalis, L. This seems to have been a favorite shade tree in the olden time. In Brooklyn the course of the primi- tive country roads, long since closed, may be traced by their frequent occurrence, often in pairs, as they stood in front of the farm houses. A pair in front of 121, McDonough Street, measure respectively 14 feet, and 14 feet 8 inches in circumference. Another pair still flour- ish on the Jamaica plank road, in New Brooklyn. ‘They are roand 11 feet in circumference. A single tree in front of 684, Atlantic Avenue, measures 11 feet, The almost entire absence of large forest trees, which is very noticeable on Long Island, is accounted for by Stiles, in his History of the City of Brooklyn, (Vol. 1, page 310), as follows: “In. the fail of every year the Long Island counties would be assessed for many thousand cords of wood, to be cut down and delivered at certain points for the use of the British garrisons in New York and vicinity. In this manner both Queens and Kings Counties were utter- ‘ly despoiled of the abundant forests which had been their pride; and when the British finally left the island, scarcely a stick, except a small piece of oak woods a few miles beyond Jamaica, which belonged to a strong Tory, had escaped the axe. All the woodlands now in these counties have grown since the year 1783.” Either the above statement is too broad, or the locality “ beyond Jamaica” is a mistake. The Newtown oaks mentioned above are certainly older than 1783. The oaks of the same species in Flushing, under which George Fox preached in 1672, and which were then presumably large trees, when measured by Messrs. Bruce and G. Furman 153 years afterwards, were but 1 3 feet and r2 feet 4 inches in circumference, or about the size of the two largest Newtown oaks. (Furman’s Antiq. of L. L, 1875, page 97). The annals of Newtown and of Queens Co. fail to throw any light on the exact locality of the oak woods, which Dr, Stiles states were spared during the Revolution. i Brooklyn, July 30, 1880. W. H. Rupkin. 87. Contributions toward a List of the State and Local Floras e United States.—It is proposed in this and subsequent num- _ bers.of the BuLLETIN to enumerate, as far as known to us, all the 109 State and local floras that have thus far been published. ° Large num- bers of short lists of plants of various localities have appeared from time to time in the BULLETIN, the Botanical Gazette, and in numerous scientific publications not devoted especially to botany; but only the more important and longer lists from such sources are referred to in the following catalogue. As the subject covers a wide field we can- not hope, unaided, to elaborate it perfectly ; and it will doubtless be found that we have overlooked many publications of importance, We would esteem it a favor, therefore, if those who notice such omis- sions would Kindly call our attention to them, in order that the omitted titles may be published as an appendix and the record thereby be eventually rendered as complete as possible. In the followin catalogue, bare lists of plants without stations are denoted by “(A)”: those with stations, by “(B)’’; those with stations and occasional de. scriptions of new or old species, by “(C)”; and those floras, in which a description, popular or scientific, is given of every plant enumerated, by “(D.)” Where these bracketed letters are omitted, the title of the flora has been obtained by us at second hand, and we have had no opportunity of verifying it. peor Wek. Goa Nie I.—THE EASTERN STATES. Ce } An account of some of the vegetable productions growing in this part __ of America, botanically arranged. By Rev. M. Cutler. (D.) In Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts & Sci. Vol. i. Boston, 1785. *L Enumeration of some New England Lichens. By Edward Tuck- erman. (D.) 3 a age to New England Mycology. By Chas. J. Sprague. (B. In Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. Vols. v and vii, 1856 and 1858. ee ‘+ Further enumeration of New England Fungi. By Chas. C. Frost. (A.) | : as In Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. Vol. xii, 1868. & Notice of some rare Plants of New England, with descriptions o some new’species. By Wm. Oakes. (C.) From Hovey’s Mag. Horticult. 8vo. pamph. pp. 8. Boston, 1841. (|. Notice of some of the Plants of New England. By Wm. Oakes (B.) In Hovey’s Mag. Horticult. Vol. xiii. Boston, 1847. MAINE. 7 A Catalogue of the flowering Plants of Maine. (Includes vas- cular Cryptogams.) By George L. Goodale. (B.) In Proc: Portland Soc. Nat. Hist. Vol. i. Portland, 1862. ¥ Decades of Maine Fungi. By M.C. Cooke. (D.) In Proc. Portland Soc. Nat. Hist. Vol. i. Portland, 1862. G The Portland Catalogue of Maine Plants, (A.) — _ Pub. by Port. Soc. Nat. Hist., 8vo. pamph. pp. 12. Portland, 1868, Baa NEW HAMPSHIRE. a | © Catalogue of the Plants of New Hampshire. By Wm. F. Flint. (A.) | In Geol, N. Hamp. Vol. i. Concord, 1874. . oe _ {¢ List of the Plants found in New Hampshire only on Alpine Sum- ae mits. (A.) (Ibidem.) | me ‘110 '* Canadian Plants naturalized on Mt. Washington. (A.) (Ibidem.) '= Catalogue of the Alpine and Sub-Alpine Flora of the White Moun- tains of N. H. By Prof. J. W. Chickering. (A.) In “ Field and Forest.” Vol. ii. Washington, 1876. : ' <# List of Plants collected by E. W. Southwick on the White Mountains of New Hampshire, July 15, 1841, with notes and references. , By J. Barratt. M.D. 4B From the “Classic.’”” 8vo, pamph. pp. rr. VERMONT. /* Catalogue of Vermont Plants. By Wm. Oakes. (B.) In Thompson’s Nat. Hist. Vt. Burlington, 1842. 1 Appendix to Oakes’ Catalogue of Vermont Plants. By Joseph Torrey. Ibidem. Ed. 1853. /7 Catalogue of Vermont Plants: Phaenogams by Geo. H. Per- kins ; Cryptogams, by Chas. C. Frost. (B.) An Archives of Science. Vol. i. McIndoes Falls, 1872. | * List of Vermont Equisetaceae and Filices. By Chas. C. Frost. In Trans. Orleans Co. Soc. Nat. Hist. Vol. i, Newport, 1871. /7 Catalogue of the Plants of Middlebury. By Edwin James. In Hall’s Statist. Acc’t. of Town of Middlebury, 1821. MASSACHUSETTS, to Catalogue of the Plants growing without cultivation in the vicinity of Amherst College. By Edward Hitchcock. (B.) 8 vo. pamph. pp. 64. Amherst, 1829. 2{ Catalogue of the Plants growing without cultivation in the State of Massachusetts. By Edward Hitchcock. (B.) In Rep. on Geol., etc., of Mass. Amherst, 1833. ~~ Massachusetts Catalogue of Plants. By Edward Hitchcock. (B.) : 8 vo. pamph. pp. 54. Amherst, 1835. > Report on the herbaceous Plants of Massachusetts. By Chester Dewey. (D.) In Zool. and Botan. Survey Mass. 8vo. pp. 278. Boston, 1839. Report on the Trees and Shrubs growing naturally in the forests < of Massachusetts. By Geo. B. Emerson. (D.) * Boston, 1850. 2° Musci of Eastern Massachusetts. By Rev. J. L. Russell. (B.) In Jour. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. Vol. v., 1845. : Catalogue of the Plants growing.without cultivation within thirty miles of Amherst College. By Edward Tuckerman and Chas. C. Frost. (B.) 8vo. pamph. pp. 98. Amherst, 1875. Berkshire County. _ &\ *Catalogue of Berkshire County, Plants. By Chester “Dewey. Bristol County. — >” Catalogue of Plants found in New Bedford and its vicinity. By E. W. Hervey. Pamph., 1860. 4 Dukes County. ‘~~ -Flora of Penikese Island. By D.S. Jordan. (A:) In Amer. Naturalist, Vol. viii, 1874. * We have mislaid dur reference to this list, and publish the title hoping some reader of the BULLETIN may be able to supply the date and place of publication, 24+ 16 rv ~) 111 Essex County. List of Plants collected in Salem and its vicinity, in 1857. By S, B. ~ Buttrick. (A.) In Proc, Essex Inst. Vol. ii, Salem, 1860. List of the Ferns of Essex County. By John Robinson. (B.) In Bull. Essex Inst. Vol. vii, Salem, 1875. Suffolk County. ‘Florula Bostoniensis ; a collection of the Plants of Boston and its vicinity. By Jacob Bigelow, M.D. (D.) 8vo., pp. 268. Bos- ton, 1814. (enlarged editions, 1824 and 1840.) 7 Beautiful Plants growing wild in the vicinity of Boston. By E. B. Kenrick, (D.) In Gardeners’ Mag. Vols. i and ii’ Boston 1835-6. List of Fungi collected in the vicinity of Boston. By D. Murray and Charles J. Sprague. (A.) In Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. Vol. vi, 1856. / List of Fungi found in the vicinity of Boston. By W. G. Farlow, M:D.24A,) In Bullet. Bussey Inst. Mar. 1876 and Jan., 1878. RHODE ISLAND. ’ Catalogue of Rhode Island Plants. By S. T. Olney. (A.) Published by the Franklin Society. 8vo. pamph. pp. 8. Providence,1844. Catalogue of Plants collected by the Botanical Department of the Providence Franklin Society, principally in Rhode Island, in 1844. Additions to the published lists of the Providence Franklin Society. By S. T. Olney. (B.) In Proc. Providence Franklin Soc. Vol. i, 1846 and 1847. CONNECTICUT. . List of the marine Algae growing in Long Island Sound within twenty miles of New Haven. By F. W. Hall. (B.) In Bullet. Torr. Bot. Club. Vol. vi. New York, 1876. ' List of Lichens growing within twenty miles of Yale College. By F. W. Hall. (B.) In Amer. Naturalist. Vol. xi. 1877. Catalogue of the flowering Plants and higher Cryptogams growing without cultivation within thirty miles of Yale College. (B.) Pubd. by the Berzelius Soc. 8vo, pamph. pp. 72. New Haven, 1878. Litchfield County. ’ List of Plants growing spontaneously in Litchfield and in its vi- cinity. By John P. Brace. (B.) In Silliman’s Journal, Vol. iv. 1 ser. 1822. New Haven County. Catalogue of the phaenogamous Plants and the Ferns growing with- out cultivation within five miles of Yale College. By William Tully, M.D. (A.) From Appendix to Baldwin’s Hist. Yale College. 8 vo. pamph. pp. 38. New Haven, 1831. : § 88. Publications.—1. American Journal of Science, July—October, There are several valuable notes by Dr. Gray in these numbers. In that for July the action of light on vegetation is discussed briefly in view of the recent investigations of Schubeler, Siemens, Flahault,and Prings- heim, He points out that the familiar case of a bright green embryo 112. in the seed of radish, violet, maple, etc., is not properly due to the for- mation of chlorophyll in darkness, for during growth the coverings are to a considerable extent translucent, but the peculiarity is that .this chlorophyil remains for a very long while unaltered in darkness. As regards the nutritive value of more light and less heat it is too soon for final conclusions. [See also Gilbert’s address on Agricultural Chem- istry, Mature, Sept. 16, 1880]. In the August and September numbers is a review of De Candolle’s Phytography, a volume, Dr. Gray says, which is “a needful supplement to the PAilosophica Botanica of Linnaeus, and the Théorie Elémentaire of the elder De Candolle, the two classical books which the serious botanical student should early and thor- oughly master. We believe that if Dr. Gray’s notes could be obtained separately they would form a valuable appendix to the original vol- ume, from which it is our. intention to publish’ some extracts soon, on the value of herbaria.. : 2. Botanical Contributions, by Asa Gray, (Proc. Am. Acad, Sci., Vol. XVI.) These contributions consist of four sections. The first, on some Composttae gives some of the results reached for the Synopti- cal Flora of North America, as this portion of that work cannot im- mediately be published. For those who have to determine specimens, particularly of Western plants, it will prove in the meanwhile indis- pensable. Vernonia altissima, Nutt., is restored; Coelestina maritima, T. & G., becomes Ageratum littorale ; Eupatorium parvifiorum, El1., becomes £. ambiguum, Hook.; Liatris fruticosa, Nutt., is placed ina new genus, Garberia ; Greenella is also.a new genus, with the species Ar?- szonica, of S. Arizona. Among So/idagos we notice that Chapman’s S. odara becomes a new species, S. Chapmanii. Butnot to go into particu- lars, those interested in Zownsendia, Erigeron and Aster in particular, must have recourse to these notes. Part second gives six new Ascle- piads; part third, Geniostemon, a new genus of Gentians; part fourth, miscellanies, among which we notice Sedum Meehani from Utah, and Reverchonia, a new genus of Euphorbiae from Texas, allied to Phyl- lanthus. 3. Systematic Fern-List, a Classified list of the known Ferns of the the United States, with the geographical range of the species, by Daniel C. Eaton. _New Haven, 1880. There are here given 151 species of ferns, including the Ophioglossaceae, and also one or two species which came too late for insertion in the Ferns of North Amer- ica. In a preliminary note it is stated that since Mr. Brandegee has discovered Cystopteris montana in Colotado, there remain no ferns known as inhabiting British America which are not also found in the United States. The list is intended as a check-list, and may be ob- tained from the author at the price of ten cents for-single copies, or one dollar for fifteen copies, or will be sent in exchange for good speci- mens of rare or interesting ferns. : We take this opportunity to congratulate the author and publish- er on the completion of the ‘‘ Ferns of North America,” which makes two handsome volumes, with preface, additions and corrections, list of plates, conspectus of scientific arrangement, and index. We under- stand that Mr. Cassino, if sufficiently encouraged, will make arrange- ments to publish such additional discoveries’ as may from time to time occur, BULLETIN > TORREY BOPANICAE CLUB. Vol. Vite) New York, November, 1880. [No. if § 89. Proceedings of the Torrey Club.—The regular meeting of the Club was held at the Herbarium, Columbia College, Tuesday evening, October 12th, the Vice-President in the chair. There were sixteen members and four visitors present. Plants Exhibited—Mr. Britton exhibited a section of the trunk _ of the cork oak, Quercus Suber, L., brought by Mr. I. C. Russell — from Morocco, and a pod of Cassta fistula, L., from Cuba, where the plant has been introduced from the East Indies. Mr. Brown showed a number of adventive plants gathered on the ballast grounds _ at Communipaw. Among these was Richardsonia scabra, St. Hil., (the Mexican clover), Waltheria Americana, L., and Malvastrum tricuspidatum, Gray. Ce ee ee Teratology.—Mr. Leggett exhibited a specimen of /raxinus Amer- icana, from Albany, in a hypertrophied condition—the terminal pedi- cels being swollen and distorted and the flowers entirely wanting. Miss Knight reported the detection by her of the white-flowered va- riety of Campanula rotundifolia, L., at Mount Desert Island, during _ the summer. : Field Meetings —The complete report of the Committee on field - meetings for the year was read and accepted. From this, the follow- _ ing notes are selected as worthy of record: At the meeting of June. 12th, in the low grounds and woods at the base of the first Newark ae Mountain, Pilox pilosa, L., Aristolochia Serpentarta, Ls Eugnymus ie Americanus, L. (typical form), Hadenaria virescens, Spreng., were found. On June 26th, at Little Ferry, N. J., Aedes Sarinosa, L., and a considerable quantity of a‘ double-flowered form of - Ranunculus repens, L., were collected. At Ridgewood, L. ae July” 1st, some of the more noteworthy plants collected were Elatine Americana, Arnott, Monarda jistulosa, \.., Ertocaulon decangulare, 1, Glyceria obtusa, Trin., (new to Long Island), and a — species of Zsoefes.. August 7th, White Plains was visited and found to be a new station for Lechea Novae-Cuesareae, Aust., Heliopsts laevis, Pers., Chamaelirium luteum, Gray, and Aspidium Goldianum, Hook. On Aug. T4th, an excursion was made to Fort Lee, N. J., an old sta- tion for Pogonia pendula, Lindl. The plant was again detected, and _ in considerable quantity—both the white and purple-flowered varie-_ ties being represented. The stems of some of the plants bore as many — as six flowers. On September 11th, the Club visited Huguenot, Sta- ten Island. JA/imulus alatus, Ait., (new.to the Island), was found here, as was also the fungus, Boletus albo-ater, Schw., which, accord- ing to local catalogues, does not appear to have been hitherto detect- ed since the time of Schweinitz. Atthis locality the member s had an _ Opportunity of observing the behavior of humble-bees in gathering ‘nectar from Gerardia pedicularia, .. In no case did the insects enter 114 the door that was wide open to them but invariably perforated the base of the corolla (Cf. Bailey, BULLETIN, il, p. 39)- At Tenafly, hee J., Sept. 25th, Gentiana crinita, Froel., was found in profusion, and a single specimen of the curious fungus, A/ztremyces, was detected. October 2nd an excursion was made to Tottenville, S. I., a locality possessing a flora similar. to that of the pine barrens of New Jersey. Opuntia Rafinesquiit, Englm., and O. vulgaris, Mill, were both found here, growing in the sand. It was observed that nearly all the Pterts aguilina, L., growing in this sandy tract had caudate pinnules, asin the variety caudata, Hook., of that fern. Prof. Eaton, however, to whom specimens were submitted, says he ‘cannot regard the form as the genuine cawdaza, inasmuch as the pin- nules are not nearly narrow enough. October 9th, at Woodlawn, the only plant found worthy of record was Aster multifiorus, Ait. Leontodon autumnale, L.—Mr. J. DY Hyatt, in some remarks on this plant, stated that he had been much struck by its abundance in the cities and villages of the Eastern States—particularly at Boston and Newport, where it seems to be as common as is the dandelion *( Taraxacum) with us. Notes on the Local Flora.—Mr. Brown remarked that, under the guidance of Mr. Bower, the spot where Cheilanthes vestita, Swartz, was some years ago found by Mr. Denslow, was visited in August, and this fern, so rare in the State, was detected still flourishing in a little patch of about two feet square. Near it were found in abundance, Commelyna Virginica. L., Stylosanthes elatior, Swartz, and Opuntia, vulgaris, Mill. Mr. Brown further stated that on the western border of “ Train’s Meadow,” near Woodside, L. I., Gentiana crinita, Froel., Parnassia Caroliniana, Mich., Spiranthes graminea, Lindl., var., Waltert, Gray, and Sorghum nutans, Gray, are to be found in abun- dance. Mr. Bicknell reported the following new stations : Prunus Pennsylvanica, \.., and Viola pedata, L., Var., bicolor, Gray, below Inwood ; Sagina procumbens, L. and Sparganium eurycarpum Eng\m., in vicinity of Williams’ Bridge; Sabéatia chloroides, Pursh., less than a mile north of King’s Bridge ; Asclepias obtusifolia, Michx., along Harlem River above Morris’ dock; Scirpus polyphyllus, Vahl., by Tibbit’s Brook, at city limits; Oryzopsis melanocarpa, Muhl., rocky woods, city limits, with Brachyelytrum aristatum, Beauv.; Glyceria elongata, Trin., Tibbit’s Brook, city limits; and Andropogon Virgini- cus, L., wet meadow at tide water, about a mile north of King’s Bridge. § 90. Notes on the New Jersey Flora.—During August, in the vicinity of Long Branch, the following plants were observed, at sta- tions not, I believe, previously reported in the BULLETIN: At Neversink Highlands, Monarda punctata, L., Eupatorium album, — L., and Quercus Prinus, L., var. monticola, Michx.; the latter abun- dant, with acorns 15” long and with cups perfectly conical (6” long and broad), which Gray's Manual speaks of as not having been seen __ by the author in full grown specimens, ene: a _ At Seabright, Helianthus angustifolius, .., Habenaria tridentata, _Hook., Botrychium ternatum, Swartz, var obliguum, Milde. At Monmouth Beach Centre, Zripszcum dactyloides 1, and Aster. — multiflorus, Ait. BR i ace Tiel ae oe The bud is nearest to that of B. Zunaria but the apex of the sterile 115 At Ocean Grove, Quercus Phellos, L., (tree 40 feet in height), and Nicandra physaloides, Gaert. At Spring Lake, ELryngium Virginianum, Lam. (abundant), Zu- phorbia corollata, L., Eupatorium pubescens, Muhl., Wreractum Grono- vil, L., and Gratiola aurea, Muhl. ADDISON Brown, (— New York, Oct. 7th, 1880. $ 91. Vernation of Botrychium boreale, Milde.—The re-dis- ” covery of Botrychium boreale in Unalagka by Mr. L. M. Turner, 1s not only a pleasing testimony to the accuracy of that distinguished cryptogamic botanist, Dr. Milde, but has been the means of placing in my hands two very fine root-specimens, and thus given me an Opportunity to re-examine the vernation in this species. In my paper on “ Vernation in Botrychia,” published in THE BuLLETIN, January, 1878, it was stated that the description and fig- — ures of the bud in this species was based on a single specimen, and — that, as the character of the bud-form in the other species had been — found to be constant, it was assumed that such would prove to be the case with B. doreale also. But an examination of the present buds renders some modification of the previous description necessary. _ The general character of the bud is the same in all three speci- mens, but the two buds now examined show that the appearance of the apex of the fertile portion outside of the sterile in the original bud, as shown in the published figure on the plate which accompan- ied my paper, was due to the manner in which that particular bud | was pressed, the over-pressure having forced it out from its natural — position. The oblique arrangement of the sterile segments in that bud, as shown by the dotted line through the figure cited, may also_ have been due, in part, at least, to the same cause, as it is less marked in the present buds. If pressed perfectly flat, however, with the fertile portion forced out of its place, these buds would correspond very well with the published figure. - The apparent difference betweer them may be thus explained. | - eae _ Since the publication of my paper, I have examined a large number of additional freshly-gathered, as well as dried specimens of ZB. — matricariaefolium and B. lanceolatum, as well as many of B. simplex, and #. Lunarta—no specimen being allowed to pass through my hands without such an examination—in all stages of growth, and found the bud-form in those species an unvarying test-character. Whether it will prove to be so in &. doreale, or not, can only be _ determined by the examination of a larger amount of material; but it appears safe to assume, from analogy, that it will. portion overlaps, and turns downward over the fertile further; the mid- _ vib is stouter, and the distinct character of the sterile segments is _ plainly to be seen. On examining the buds of the two species to- - gether, I find no difficulty in separating them. More material is” _ needed before a permanently satisfactory description can be given, _ _. My thanks are due to Dr. J. Schneck for so kindly contributin; 116 to the herbarium these valuable specimens—apparently representing the forms evolutum and affine as described by Angstrom, and quoted by Milde in his “ Botrychiorum Monographia ”’ Gro. E. DAVENPORT. Dav. Herb., Oct., 1880. § 92. The Herbaria and Botanical Libraries of the United States, III.—Tue Herparim OLNEYANUUM OF BROWN University.—The herbarium of the late Col. Stephen T. Olney of Providence, R.L,. was left by his will to Brown University, on condition that it be : placed ina fire-proof building. It is probably known to the readers © of the BULLETIN that Col. Olney was an invalid and incapacitated for business during the last years of his life. At that time the herbarium, which had been stored by the owner in Butler Exchange, was trans- ferred by the trustees to the fire-proof library building of Brown University, the only edifice possessed by the college which would | fulfil the requirements. The present writer was requested to examine and arrange the collections, which he did in connection with Mr. James L. Bennett of this city.. He is greatly indebted to this gentleman for valuable suggestions and assistance which his natural neatness of method and mature experience rendered easily possible. He it was who arranged the Carices, (which were Col. Olney’s spe- cialty), together with the lower Cryptogams, many of which he had himself collected. bes We found this elegant herbarium, one hardly surpassed by any private collection in America, badly injured by insects. The first work, then, was to poison what could be saved. It is not an exag- geration to say that one-third of the Phanerogams had suffered. In places a whole genus would be riddled by the Anthrenus. It was a sad sight ; for the specimens had been prime, were superbly mounted, and many of them impossible to replace. Col, Olney was so neat in his methodsthat he disliked to see a blemish on any paper ; hence his very sense of order was perhaps a means of loss. Every plant had to be thoroughly poisoned: Now that the college has come into pos- session, it will be necessary to throw out mutilated specimens and teplace them by others. Mr. Bennett and the present writer stand ready to fill the vacancies from their own herbariums. The collection is a fine one in every way. In Rhode Island plants it isonly equalled by that of Mr. Bennett. It is very rich in South- ern and Western plants of Hale, Chapman, Curtis, Ravenel, Fendler, Parry, Thurber and many other well known collectors. There is a fine set of Wright’s Cuban plants, of Robin’s Potamogetons, of Sulli- vant’s and Austin’s Mosses, etc., etc. Indeed, the owner spared no expense (and he was a wealthy man) to build up his herbarium. In the genus Carex it must long remain unique and classic. There is much raw material and many duplicates in Carex. As Col. Olney’s correspondence shows him to have been in debt as regards _ exchanges, the writer, who now has charge of the herbarium, would be pleased to communicate with such botanists as have not received _ returns. He will then, acting under the direction of the college au- _ thorities, endeavor to discharge all such obligations. Col. Olney be- 117 queathed a fund of $10,000 for the increase of his herbarium and library. The latter, containing 712 volumes. also comes to Brown University, together with his Chevalier and Smith & Beck’s micro- scopes and much valuable apparatus and material. With another $25,000 left by the deceased Colonel, a professorship of Natural History has been created. One of the duties of the professor is to give lectures on Botany. In these random notes are stated only a few of the points suggested — by the subject. It will be seen that Brown University has received a royal legacy, and has the nucleus upon which to build up a really fine herbarium. The present situation of the plants, while meeting the requirements of the will, is not at all what a botanist could wish. The shelves are crowded and unfit for the purpose; there is no work- room, and most of all, the books one needs for consultation are at the extreme other end of the building. These draw-backs will be rectified, no doubt, as time goes on. Our college is growing in every way, and is making especially rapid strides in science since the ad- vent of Dr. A.S. Packard, Jr. He asks the assistance and co-operation of botanists throughout the country. Such as assist us will receive every courtesy. ; Col. Olney’s library contains many valuable illustrated books, to- gether with those which are indispensable to a working systematist. It is weak in morphological and histological works, but the Univer- sity is fast supplying the deficiency. The botanical correspondence covers many pages, and is carefully filed. Original letters from Torrey, Gray, Hooker, Englemann, Canby, Thurber, and a host of others, will always afford a treasure house of information. W. W. BAILey. Brown University, Providence, Sept. 10, 1880. Let me add, by way of postscript, that the Providence Athenaeum _ now possesses many fine botanical works, and that the Public Library has requested: the writer to make out a list for purchase. These, — with the collections of the college, of Mr. Bennett, of Mr. Arnold — Green, and the writer, afford a pretty good opportunity for useful — work, Wot S, § 93. A Laminaria new to the U. gin the month of August last, I collected on the coast of Maine, a Laminaria which I think must be the species described by Agardh in his Species Algarum as L. longipes, Bory. I have not been able to make comparison with an authentic specimen of this species, but my plant corresponds very well with Agardh’s description. se The most striking character of the plant is its extreme length compared with its breadth. In what appeared to be full grown plants, the length was from one to two metres, and the breadth two to seven centimetres, the last breadth being found only in the longest and oldest plants, the tips of which had already begun to decay. I have > one specimen which now, in the dry state, measures as follows : length of stipe, 12 cm.; lamina, 1 m. 45 cm.; breadth of lamina exactly 1 cm. I think such proportions have never been met with in any other 2 Laminaria. ie pike ”) 0 fe Br Perbow heh sue The so Vr, 2 3 SAAB Arcs . Yr: , U 118 The stipe of this species is solid and quite terete, and always ex- ceeds in length several times the breadth of the lamina. The latter is strong, and as thick as in a plant of Z. saccharina, Lam. of the same length; is not at all wrinkled, and, with the exception of a short tapering at the base and apex, is absolutely linear, the edges for the whole length being as perfectly true as if cut by machinery. I found this plant growing at a place known as Fox Island (though it is not an island) near the mouthof the Kennebec, The whole rock, from a short distance above low water mark to an unknown depth, was completely covered with it, no other Laminaria growing with it. All the other rocks in the neighborhood were covered by either Z. saccharina, Lam., or L. longicruris, De la P., and I saw none of this plant among them. I also found a few fronds of Z. dermatodea, De Ja P., cast up by the waves ; but I saw no specimens that seemed in the least to connect the new form with any other species. FRANK S. COLLINs. - Malden. Mass. $ 94. Phegopteris Dryopteris, Fée—Is not Hampshire Co., W. a.,a much more southerly station for this fern than has been yet reported? In June last it was growing finely and profusely on the right bank of New Creek, two miles above the junction with the ‘ Potomac. r JoHn DonNELL SMITH. Baltimore., Oct. 27. _ § 95. A Viviparous Grass.—Mr. FE. S. Wheeler has kindly sent _ me from Berlin, Mass., specimens of *Ph/eum pratense, L., in which the changed appearance of the spike is so Complete and so great that it would puzzle any one but an expert agrostologist to decide posi- tively as to the species. Speaking of the metamorphoses of the floral organs of grasses into leaves, Dr. Masters (Veg. Teratol., p. 168) says: In these cases it generally happens that the outermost glumes are changed ; sometimes, however, even the outer and inner paleae are wholly unchanged, while there is no trace of squamulae or of stamens and pistils within them, but in their place is a small shoot with min- iature leaves arranged in the ordinary manner.”” The changes in the - Phleum under consideration come under none of these categories, but agree, rather, with those observed by {Mohl in a viviparous state of Poa alpina, L.—a study of which, in its various stages, led him to the conclusion that the inferior palet is but a bract from whose axil the floral axis takes rise, and not, as Brown had theorized, a perian-_— thial leaf. Inthe PAleum sent me by Mr. Wheeler, every one of the _ inferior palets has been transformed into a perfect leaf, with its ]a- _ _ Mina, ligule, and sheath ; the latter proceeding from _a joint on the 4 "In the Flora of Richmond Co., (p. 33), this same form is seid ics bs ges ally abundant late in the season, on Staleg Island. 8 ce ‘tAnn. & Mag. Nat. Hist., Vol. ay: p: 174, from Botanische Zeitung wary, 1845. = ae ce 119 slightly prolonged rachis, as seen in the accompanying sketch, in which the leaf is shown detached and raised above the glumes. On laying open one of these leaves, I find, in the majority of cases, seated ona minute prolongation of the rachis, three stamens ; their immature green anthers lying side by side, and being subtended by a membranous bract having a nar- row, green, minutely mucronate keel. This bract occu- pies the position of the superior palet ; but, unlike the latter, it has a strongly pointed tip. In two instances, I detected a still further change in this bract, which, 4 elevated yet higher within the investing sheath, had assumed the form shown at 4 in the annexed fig- ure. Here, the structure was intermediate between that of a glume and that of the blade of a young leaf, the : bract being carinate, and strongly compressed; having scarious mar- gins, with about three veins on each side of the broad, dark green, minutely mucronate keel; and being tipped with a scabrous awn. At the base was a rudimentary sheath, and in the axil of this were seated the three stamens. The development of the sheath subsequent to the formation of the lamina in these instances is in accordance with observations already made by {Van Tieghem. In none of these monstrous flowers is there the least trace of ovary or of the scales which usually accompany it; but in every case the stamens are pres- ent. In the annexed figure, the metamorphosed flower is repre- sented about double natural size; while the stamens (a) and the transformed superior palet (4) are shown magnified about four diam- eters, W. R. GERARD. § 96. Botanical News—7he Color of Flowers—At a recent meeting of the Vaudois Society of Natural Science, says Za ature, Prof. Schnetzler read an interesting paper on the color of flowers. — Hitherto it has genetally been supposed that the various colors ob-— served in plants were due to so many different matters—each color — being a different chemical combination without relation to the others. Now, however, Prof. Schnetzler shows by experiment that when the color of a flower has been isolated by putting it In alcohol, one may, by adding an acid or an alkali, obtain all the colors which plants exhibit. Plants of paeony, for example, yield, when macerated in alcohol, a violet-red liquid. If some acid oxalate of potassa be added, the liquid becomes pure red; while soda changes it, according to the proportion used, into violet, blue, or green. — In the latter case, the green liquid appears red by transmitted light, just as solution of chlorophyll does. The sepals of paeony, which are green, bor- dered with red, become wholly red when placed in a solution of acid oxalate (binoxalate) of potassa. ‘These changes of color, which may be obtained at will, may quite well be produced in the plant by the same causes; since, in all plants, there always exist acid or alka- _ line matters. Further, it is stated that the transformation from green into red, observed in the leaves of many plants in autumn, is due to — ; Ann. des Sci. Nat. Ser. 5, Tome XV., 1872, p. 236. 120 the action of the tannin which they contain, on the chlorophyll. Thus, without desiring to affirm it absolutely, Prof. Schnetzler supposes a friort that there is in plants only one coloring matter—chlorophyll, which, being modified by certain agents, furnishes all the tints that flowers and leaves exhibit. As for white flowers, it is well known that their cells are filled with a colorless fluid, opacity being due to air contained in the numerous lacunae of the petals. On placing the latter under the receiver of an air-pump, they are seen to lose their opacity and to become transparent as the air escapes from them. Pilosity as a Teratological Phenomenon.—Hitherto, teratologists have considered undue pilosity, or the adventitious production of hair in plants, as a matter of minor importance, but M. Ed. Heckel, in a recent note to the French Academy (Comptes Rendus, xci., p- 349), insists that there are certain phases of this sort of change in plants which have a higher significance than that of a simple variation. He proposes to divide the phenomenon into the following three categories: 1.) Physiological Pilosity, which includes the formation of hairs, or the increase in number of these, on the parts of plants where they are normally present, or even entirely wanting. Such cases are oftenest seen when plants change their habitat from a wet toa dry soil. This ' sort of physiological adaptation takes place within quite narrow lim- its; and it varies from glabrousness to pilosity unaccompanied by any alteration of specific characters. — (2.) eratological Pilosity, which begins at the moment the spe- cific habit is altered, and acquires its maximum when the modifica- tions are profound enough to suggest the idea of a new species. A Jarge number of conditions capable of producing nutritive troubles in plants may give rise to this peculiar phenomenon, which M. Heckel __ proposes to introduce into teratological literature under the dis- tinctive term of. “‘ Deforming Pilosity ” (Pilosisme deformant). (3.) Pélosity due to the Sting of Insects or to Organic Variations, which is clearly distinguished from the former in being very localized (e. g. certain galls, the filaments of Verbascum with aborted anthers, etc.,) and which cannot change the habit of the species. Of changes due to deforming pilosity, M. Heckel gives two promi- _ nent examples which he has studied, Zi/ium Martagon, L., and Gen- tsta aspalathoides, Lam. The alterations in the last-named plant are so profound that its monstrous state has even been described by De Can- dolle as a species, under the name of G. Lobe/ii 3 while by Morris it has _ been regarded as a marked variety, and named by him var. confertior. _ § 97. Publications.— Arboretum Segresianum, Icones Selectae Ar- borum et Fruticum in Hlortis Segreszianis Collectorum. Descriptions of figures of new, rare, or critical species of the Arboretum of Segrez. By Alphonse Larallée. We are indebted to Mr. F. W. Christern for a _ specimen copy of Livraison J of this magnificent work. It contains six plates as follows: I and II. JSuglans Sieboldiana, Maxim; III. _ Ostryopsis Davidiana, Decaisne; IV. Elaeagnus longipes, Gray; V. Crataegus cuneata, Sieb. & Zucc.; VI. Jamesia Americana, T.& G., © Flor. N. Amer. Vol. I (wot Il) p. 593. “Ihe work will form two vol- will be published every three mo rill be p nths one /ivrafson, of 6 plates with — descriptive text, at 10 francs eac ep ape umes 4to, jésus (fol. 11x 15 inches) of 60 plates each ; and there ~ BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. Vil] New York, December, 1880. [No. 12 § 98. Proceedings of the Torrey Club.—The regular meeting of the Club was held at the Herbarium, Columbia College, .Tuesday evening, November oth, the President in the chair, and nineteen members and one visitor in attendance. The donation to the Club’s library was announced of two num- bers of the Characeae Americanae by the author, Dr. T. F, Allen. Plants exhibited —Prof. Wood exhibited and remarked upon a number of specimens of (jlants from the North-western Territories, many of which are undescribed in American botanical works, and will probably prove to be new species. Among other interesting things was a specimen of Aster pracaltus, a species which has long been lost sight of. Mr. Tweedy brought specimens of Adiantum Capillus-Veneris, L., gathered in Texas, and of Aspidium aculeatum, Swartz., var. Braunit, Koch, from Crane’s Mountain, Warren County, _ N.Y. Miss Knight called attention to the fact that the last-mentioned fern was found by Prof. Benedict many years ago on Mount Marcy, _ and again in 1874 by Miss Edith Gleason, on the trail to Preston Ponds, in the Adirondack region, Essex County. New Stations—Mr. Bicknell gave the upper end of New York Island as a station for Aster amethystinus, Nutt., Pycnanthemum Torreyt, Benth. and Desmodium viridiflorum, Beck. : Albinism.—Mx. Britton reported that a white-flowered variety of Cypripedium acaule, Ait. had been detected the present season near — Bridgeton, N. J., by Dr. J. Potter. Large Cornus.—Mr. Britton also stated that at the last-named locality he had observed a specimen of Cornus florida, L., the trunk of which measured five feet and four inches in circumference, h Teratology.-—Mr. Bicknell exhibited several chestnut “burs,” each of which was composed of two involucres which had cohered by the edges of their contiguous valves so as to form but a single individual having six valves and enclosing seven nuts, one of which was seated directly on the line of cohesion. Mr. Bicknell also showed examples of heterophylly in the apple-tree. The leaves exhibited were nearly all deeply cut-lobed and sharply toothed, resembling those of Crataegus coccinea, and were taken from a tree which had run wild in the upper part of New York Island. ‘ A Weeping Apple-tree. Mr. Britton remarked on an accidental variety of the common apple-tree which he had observed at Bridgeton, N. J., the present season, some of the pendulous and trailing branches of which were ten feet in length. The tree grew on the farm of Dr. J. B. Potter. __ The President remarked at some length on the plants observed by him in the Western Territories this season, and signified his intention _ of exhibiting specimens to the Club as soon as they should be properly arranged. One corresponding and two active members were elected. 122 § 99: Ballast Plants in and near New York City.—In continuation of the lists of adventive plants found in and near this city in 1878 and. 1879, previously reported in the BULLETIN (Vol. VI, pp. 256, 273, and 355), I give below the additional species found during the past season in the same localities. i ti The ballast grounds, however, at Hunter’s Point, so fertile last year in species new to this region, and most of the grounds at Go- wanus, have been almost wholly occupied for business uses, so that scarcely anything could be gathered there. At Communipaw Ferry, also, the ballast deposits. have been fre- quently dug up or covered ; and since the middle of July a corps of laborers has been constantly employed in traversing the grounds about the railroad tracks where most of the plants were procured, and in digging up by the roots all traces of vegetation. What has been obtained there has been found during the intermission of their rav- ages. : : At the 8th Avenue station and at to7th Street the grounds have been mainly undisturbed, as have a part of the grounds at Com- munipaw and Hoboken. It is somewhat remarkable that so many new species have been found this year on these old deposits, as the seeds must have been brought there with the ballast at least four years ago, and would have been noticed had they produced plants last year. The greater part of the plants from Communipaw in the following list are, however, from mew ballast earth used for filling about the railroad tracks, though the “ wharf” before referred to has been undisturbed. In May, and again in July, Mr. Martindale, who in previous years | has collected so many ballast plants from the deposits about Phila- delphia and Camden, went over our chief localities, and a number of _the following species were first noticed by him as indicated in the list subjoined. I am indebted to him also as well as to Mr. Jones, at the Cambridge Herbarium, for the determination of some other species, and to Dr. ‘Thurber for grasses. A few corrections should be made in the list for last year. No. 76, for Brassica monensis read *B. CHEIRANTAUS, Vill. No. 117, for Zrifolium elegans read T. HYBRIDUM. rc : No. 182 is Echium vulgare, with lon g spreading branches, very different in appearance from the usual form. No. 240, for Anthericum ramosum, read *AsPHODELUS RAMosus, L. (A. microcarpus, Vis.) Of the 258 species previously reported, upwards of 200 were found again this year; and if the species be omitted that were only found last year at the stations at Hunter’s Point and Gowanus since destroyed, more than nine-tenths of laét year's species re-appeared this year at the same localities. In the following list the plants not in Gray’s | Manual are printed - in ééalics or in small Capira nal Ls, the latter designating such as are not known to the writer to have been previously published as found in _ this country. Those not previously reported within our local limits (30 miles) are indicated by an asterisk (*) ; and the dagger (t+) indi- 123 _ cates those which Mr. Martindale reports also from Philadelphia or Camden. The station near Communipaw. Ferry is indicated by Com.” ; Hoboken by “Hob.”; Hunter’s Point by “H. Pt.”) and ‘ Gowanus by “ Gow.” Where not otherwise stated the plants are be- heved to be European. A number belong to the shores of the Medi- - terranean, a few are from South America, and others from the Southern . or South-western Statés: $259.* Ranunculus arvensis, Li—May—June. Com. 8th Ave. _ 260.* RANUNCULUS LANUGINOSUS, L.—May. Com. 1 plant only. Wharf. +261.* Papaver Argemone, L.—May-June. 107th St., 8th Ave. +262. Argemone Mexicana, L.—July.. Com.. 1 plant. +263.* Eschscholtzia Californica, Cham.—June.. Com. 1 plant Cal. +264.*. Sisymbrium Irto, 14.—June-July. Com. 8th Ave. 76.* BRASSICA CHEIRANTHUS, Vill:—June-July. “Hob. . Abundant. +265.* Diplotaxis muralis, DC.—May-July.. 107th St. Same as var. integrifolia in former No. 75. * $266.* DipLoTAXIs }ERUCOIDES, DC.—Aug.-Oct. Com. Flowers white. » $267.* Lepidium intermedium, Gray.—May-June.; Com. Western. 26g.* LEPIDIUM he Hook.—July. Com.. 2 plants. (Martin- dale. | a 269.* IoNIDIUM PARVIFLORUM, (?).—Aug.—Sept. Com. So, Am, -4270.% Dianthus barbatus, L.—July. Com. Both white and pink flowers. 271.* Sitene Irauica, Pers.—June-July. Com. Wharf, 272.* SILENE PENDULA, L.—July.. Com. plant. $273.* Lychnis diurna, Sibth—May-July. Com. Wharf. 8th Ave. 274.* Lychnis Flos-cuculi, L.—May. Com. Wharf. 1 plant.\ +275.* Stellaria aquatica, Scop. ( Cerastium, L.)—Aug.—Oct.. 8th Ave. 4276.* Corrigiola littoralis, ¥.—June-Nov.. Com. Spreads upon the 5 ~ sand like carpet-weed. An interesting addition to our few representatives of the order Paronychicae. +277." Malvastrum tricuspidatum, Gray.—Sept. Com. Scarce. S, W. 4278." Sida carpinifolia, L., var. brevicuspidata, Griseb, (S. stipulata, Cav.)-—-Sept. Com: S; W. | 279.* Pavonia hastata, Cav.—( P. Lecontei, T. & G.) Sept. ‘Com. 2 plants... SW. 280.* Waltheria Americana, L.—Sept- Com, Not in flower. S. W. 4281.* Geranium molle, L.—May... 107th St. 4282.* Geranium dissectum, L.—May. Com. +283.* EropiumM MALacuoipes, Willd.—May. 107th St. _ 4284,* Oxalis corniculata, L,—Sept—Oct. .Com.. Stipules small but evident. +285.* Ononis REPENS, L.—July. 107th St. Prostrate ; spines 9”. O. arvensis, L. was also found again this year at 8th Ave. It resembles O. repens, but is wholly. without spines. . _ $286.* Ononis. spinosa, L.—June. . Hob. Sub-erect; branches — spreading, rigid, thorny. se % 124 \ t287.* TRIGONELLA CAERULBA, Ser.—July. 8th Ave. (Martindale. ) {28g.* ANTHYLLIS VULNERARIA, L.—June-July.. Com. 8th Ave. _ Also var. rubifiora (A. Dilenii, Schultz. ) : t289.* TRIFOLIUM MARITIMUM, Huds.—July. 8th Ave. (Martindale. ) 1 plant. 290.* peiedireis DALMATICUM, Vis. (?).Faly: 8th Avev One plant; may be 7. tenuiflorum, Ten.; it has the long axillary sessile heads of 7. stréatum,-but the smoother, rigid leaves of Z. scabrum; with similar beautifully-arched: veinlets ; plumose teeth of calyx unequal, exceeding its tube, and equalling half the rosy corolla ; decumbent: t291.* MEDICAGO MARGINATA, Willd.—July. Com. Wharf. $292.* Medicago falcata, L.—July.. Hob. (Martindale.) 1293.* Medicago minima, Lam.—May-Aug. Com. 8th Ave: t294.* MeLILoTus sutcaTa, Desf.—July. Com. - 295." Dorycnium HirsutuM, DC., ( Lotus, L. J—May=June. Com, Wharf. 296.* ORNITHOPUS COMPRESSUS, L.—Sept. Com. 1 plant: S.'Am:> 297." ASTRAGALUS GLYCYPHYLLOS, L.—May-Aug. Com. Wharf. 298.* ADESMIA MURICATA, DC., var. DENTATA, (?).—Aug. Comet ° plant. Chili. . t299.* Vigna luteola, Benth. ( V. glabra, Sav. J—Sept. Com. Young pods very hairy. 300.* VICIA HYBRIDA, L.—May-July. ro7th St. Standard and pods ° hairy. Flowers yellow. 301." Rhyncosia minima, DC_—Oct. Com. South. 302." Desmanthus brachylobus, Benth.—Sept. Com. W. t303.* Poterium Sanguisorba, L.—June—Aug. 8th Ave. Com. t304.* Alchemilla arvensis, Scop.—H. Pt. (J. Schrenk, 1879.) 305.* Potentilla recta; L.—July. 8th Ave. (Martindale.) 306.* Apium leptophyllum, F. Muell. ( fHelosciadium, DC.) Com. S.W.: 307.* HERACLEUM SponpyLium, L.—July. 8th Ave. t308.* Anethum graveolens, L.—July. 8th Ave. 309.* CHAEROPHYLLUM TEMULUM, L.—June-July.. Com. 1310.* Scandix Pecten-Veneris, L. May. Com. (Martindale.) - t311.* GaLiuM PaLustRE, L.—July. 8th Ave. : t312.* Richardsonia scabra, St. Hil—Aug.—Sept. Com. S. Am. 1313. Fedia olitoria, Vahl.—May. 8th Ave. 314. Dipsacus sylvestris, Mill.—July. 8th Ave. 314a.* BUPHTHALMUM SALICIFOLIUM, L.—July. Hob. 1 plant. Shortly afterwards plants all cut down. t315.* Eclipta erecta, L.—July. Com. Quite erect. South. 3°. +316.* Acanthospermum hispidum, DC.—July-Aug. Com. South. +317. Achillea Ptarmica, L.—July. Com. Scarce. 318.* CENTAUREA PHRYGIA, L.—July.- Com, Appendages very’ long recurved fimbriate. - t319.* Senecio Jacobaea, L.—July-Aug. 8th Ave. Hob. (Mar- tindale). +320. Onopordon acanthium, L.—July. 8th Ave. Hob. (Mare. tindale), 125.. +321.* Carduus acanthoides, 1.—July—-Aug. 8th Ave. Hob. (Mar- tindale). 322.* Carbuus crispus, L.—July. 8th Ave. 323.* CARDUUS MULTIFLORUS, Gaud.—July-Aug. Gow. 172.* HiERACIUM UMBELLATUM, L.—Aug. Com. 1 plant. No. 172 of last year. +324.* Picris hieracioides,L.—July. Com. Wharf. (Martindale). +325.* Scolymus Hispanicus, L.—July. H. Pt. Hob. +326.* Heliotropium Curassavicum, 1..—July-Oct. Com. +327.* Heliotropium anchusaefolium, Poir.—July-Aug. Com. +328.* Heliotropium Indicum, L.—June. © Com. +329.* BoRRAGO OFFICINALIS, L.—July. 8th Ave. | 1 plant. +330.* Myosoris coLuina, Hoff. (M7. Aispida, Schlecht. )—Aug. Com. +331.* Myosotis arvensis, Hoff. (MZ. intermedia, Link)—Aug. Com. - +332. Symphytum officinale, L.—July. Com. Hob. The latter with purple flowers. 333." Dichondra repens, Forst.—Sept. Com. Not in flower. S. +334. Ipomoea coccinea, L. (Quamoclit, Moench.) Sept. Com. South. +335.* Ipomoea commutata,R. & S.—Oct. Com. South. +336. Solanum: nigrum, var. Dillenii, Gray (sp. Schult.)—Sept.—Oct. Com. +337.* Solanum sisymbriifolium, Lam.—July. 8th Ave. Gow. Also- in 1879. South. 338. Solanum tuberosum (?)—July-Oct. Com. Perfectly regu- lar leaflets, filamentary white roots, no tubers. West. 4339.* Hyoscyamus albus, 1.—July. Com. (Martindale). | 340* DiciTaLis LuTEA, L.—July. 8th Ave. 1 plant. — +341.* Scoparia flava, C. & S—Sept. Com. 2 plants. So, Am. +342. Veronica hederaefolia, L.—May-Aug. 8th Ave. Hob. Com. +343.* Orobanche minor, Sutt.—May. 107th St. 1 plant. 344." AyUGA GENEVENSIS, L.—May-June. 107th St. Scarce. +345. Origanum vulgare, L.—Aug.—Sept. 8th Ave. +346.* Salvia verbenaca, L.—Aug. Com. 1 plant. : +347.* Galeopsis angustifolia, Eth. (G. Lad. var. ang.)—July—Oct. : 8th Ave. Abundant. . 348.* GALEOPSIS vERSICOLOR, Curt.—July. Com. _$349.* Sracuys recta, L.—July-Aug. Com. Wharf. ( Martindale.) +350.* Plantago coronopus, L.—June. Gow. 4351.* Amarantus blitoides, Watson.—July. 8th Ave. (Martindale.) 352.* Cladothrix lanuginosa, Moq. (Alternanthera, DC.)—July- Sept. Com: S. W. 353. Polygonum ig sca Michx.—July. 8th Avenue. (Mar- tindale. 4354.* Phyllanthus polygonoides, Spreng.—Sept. Com. Mex. #355.* CyPERUS UMBELLATUS, Vahl._—Sept. Com. China? +456.* Carex hirta, L—May. 8th Ave. (Martindale.) 357.* PHLEUM ARENARIUM, L.—May. 8th Ave. (Martindale). _ +358.* Sporobolus Indicus, Br.—Sept., Com. 359. Eleusine Indica, var. *BRACHYsTACHYS, Trin.—Sept. Com. 496 360.* GLYCERIA PROCUMBENS, Sm.—June. 8th Ave. 361. Poa trivialis, L—May. 107th St. 362.* Festuca Myurus, L.—May. 107th St. .1363.* Hordeum murinum, L.—July. Com. 8th Ave. 364.* Paspalum distichum, L.—June-Aug. Com. So. 365.*. Equisetum variegatum, Schlecht.—June. Com. New York, Dec. 3, 1880. : ADDISON Brown. § roo. The Value of Herbaria.—The following extracts fromi Za Phytographie par Alph. De Candolle, Paris, 1880, merit the consider- "ation of those who may have it in their power to promote the growth _ of our public collections of dried plants : _ The purposes of Herbaria are to acquaint us with the exact names of plants, to furnish the materials necessary for their description, and to preserve the evidences or explanations in regard to descriptions already published. : _ Collections of this nature are superior to those we can have in Zoology. Dried plants are in a condition of completeness or nearly so. whereas shells, skeletons or stuffed animals exhibit merely certain portions of the organism. ‘They have usually several flowers or fruit, and these admit. of additional dissection for their verification. Spec- imens are so little altered in drying, that it is easy by means of a sim- _ ple immersion to view the most minute and delicate organs. In cer- tain cases we see them. even better than-in the living plant; as for instance when we examine ovules involved in a pulpy sub- stance, or membranes that become very nicely separated by desiccation. If we compare collections of dried plants with those of living ones, the respective advantages are more evenly balanced than is gener- ally supposed. In a Herbarium we see simultaneously specimens of neighboring species, and of those from different localities ; also spec- imens of different ages, or of different states of the same species. We know the name of the plant if the collection has been well deter- mined, and are referred directly to.the authors who have spoken of it. We are sure of its place of origin, as it is indicated on the label. The living plant, on the other hand, affords more opportunities for certain anatomical observations; it admits of a better description of some characters of little importance, stich as color, odor, etc. But plants in. the field and forest are not named, and in Botanical Gar- dens they are often very badly named. The geographical origin of their plants is almost always uncertain or unknown. Individuals are often modified by cultivation and by hybridation ; seldom can we see fruit along with the flower; seldom numerous individuals of the same species ; and more seldom still is a botanist permitted to gather suf- ficient specimens of an exotic plant, so that he can examine it as he would, and can preserve the evidences to substantiate his work. When we reflect upon these differences, we are surprised to'see so much lukewarmness shown by anatomists and physiologists to all that - concerns Herbaria. Without: their aid these gentlemen could not be sure of the name of any plants except the most common ones, They go 127 at hap-hazard from one species to another, from one genus to another, without being advised of their affinities by classification and the view of numerous specimens, such as are to be found in a Herbarium. They can themselves testify, how much more considerable an amount of work has been done in the Herbarium than in the Gardens, and that, too, in regard to microscopic organs, such as pollen, ovules,em- bryos, archegonia or spores. Without Herbaria we should not have had, at this moment, either good general treatises or good floras ; and published descriptions would have been without material evidences, just as are those in the works of Rumphius and Plumier, skilful naturalists though they were. It would have been just as it is with a good many of the observations made with the microscope : the ele- ments for such observations, obtained by some happy section, have ceased to exist. The indifference of public administrative bodies in regard to Her- baria is as extraordinary as is that of anatomists and physiologists, when we consider how small is the- cost of collections of this nature, as compared with that of Gardens. . This comparison has never been been made, and it is worth while to say a few words on the subject. Leaving out of view the cost of ground and buildings, which is — however insignificant for a Herbarium, but considerable for a Botan- ical Garden, let us look merely at the relative expense of keeping up the two kinds of collections. ~ An extensive private Herbarium costs on an average only 3,000 or 4,000 francs a year for purchase of plants, paper and other materials, and for the salary of a custodian employed during a portion of the day. A public Herbarium of corresponding importance, more completely accessible to botanists, and consequently having more employés, and directed by a professor, a portion of . whose salary should be charged, costs or ought to cost say 10,000 francs per annum. The great majority of public Herbaria do not cost so much; and this may be perceived from their pitiable condition. There are perhaps not ten public Herbaria in the world with resour-_ ces sufficient for a proper increase, and for a good arrangement of what they have. Perhaps all the public Herbaria of the five parts of © the world do not cost altogether in their present condition more than 200,000 francsa year. And yet it is with this that nine-tenths of all the good work in descriptive botany has-been done, and horticul- turists, anatomists and physiologists have been furnished with the means of knowing the exact names of plants, and of making those ‘researches, for which exsiccatae ate particularly suited. A Botanical Garden of moderate size costs not less than 4~5,000 francs a year. Many others take to-15,000 francs, and the extensive Gardens, which may be compared with the grand Herbaria, expend as much as 60-80 or 100,000 francs annually. Take a list of the one hundred most important Botanical Gardens, beginning with those of Kew, Paris, Buitenzorg, Calcutta, St. Petersburg, &c., then those attached to universities, and finally others in places without univer- | - sities, the average annual expense would be at least 15,000 francs for _ each establishment, or one and a half million francs for the hundred © Gardens. The total number of these Gardens being greater than one 128 hundred, it is probable that there is expended for the keeping of living plants, a part of which die each year, nearly two million francs per annum. Deduct what is proper to be charged to the amusement of the public and the instruction of students, there still remains an expenditure five times greater than that for Herbaria, and all fora vastly inferior scientific result.* ; If governments could only agree to devote to the Hortus siccus a portion of the sum they apply to Botanical Gardens, a singular impulse would be given to Botany. By promising, for instance, to purchase collections of exsiccatae from countries not yet explored, they would advance the knowledge of all the plants of our epoch, in the _ double point of their nature and of their geographical distribution. A few thousand francs appropriated to Herbaria, on the part of which there might be an engagement to perform a certain,amount of work in the way of arrangement and of determination, would cause many an existing collection to emerge from its present chaotic condition. Anatomists, physiologists, horticulturists and directors of Botanic Gardens could at least determine plants with certainty and without too great trouble ; but, above all, authors of floras and of monographs | would be able to work with good materials, and would give us fewer of those deplorable descriptions that I have characterized as enig- matical. if § ror. Double Flowers.—M. Heckel, in a note to the Academy (Comptes Rendus Oct. 4th, p. 581) attributes the formation of double flowers, through petaloid development of the stamens, to long-continued self-fertilization. His observations have been made on Convolvulus ar- vensts, L., the flowers of which vary from deep rose-color, through white with purplish markings, to immaculate white. He regards the last named (pure white) as an example of the Darwinian idea that flowers ~~ lose their color through close fertilization. The two white varieties ob- served by M. Heckel were found to have a frequent tendency to be affected with petalody of the stamens. Believing this to be due'to the same cause, close-fertilization, he undertook a series of experiments on the plant, extending over a period of three years. The results reached are in perfect accordance with the opinion that he had formed, the third generation of the plants giving him an abundance of double flowers. While M. Heckel’s observations are important, it cannor be that double flowers are wholly due to the causes he ad- duces, since we have numerous examples of such among insect-fertil- ized flowers, of which the rose furnishes a conspicuous example. --*The author elsewhere compares the value of plates, engravings, &c., with that of dried specimens, and gives the following statistics of their relative cost : The number of botanical plates in existence exceeds 120,000, and they have cost at least twenty-four million francs, This is the valuation of the stock deposit- ed in libraries! Have the results been commensurate with this vast expenditure ? - Twill leave it to each one to answer this question according to his own ideas. But as a term for the comparison, I will add, that a very rich Herbarium, of one hun- dred thousand species and one million specimens, does not represent more than 3 or 400,000 francs of successive’ expenditures. Seven or eight hundred Herbaria, pa in size to the best twenty in existence, would represent the same cost as the plates, GENERAL INDEX. (Illustrated articles are designated by an asterisk * before the page number.) Agrostis elata, cohesion of glumes, *78. Albinism, notes on, 125. : Algae, American fresh-water, *1, 37. Asclepias, a new species of, 5. oe abnormal habit in, 87. Aspidium Lonchitis in Colorado, 105. _. Ballast-plaats near New York, 141. Blackberry, a white-fruited, 129. Botanical Club, Torrey, Proceedings, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 84, 108, 132. obs Club, Syracuse, 24, 60. ff Literature, 11, 21, 35, 48, 59, 71, 83, 94, 106, 130. = “Notes, 8, 19, 116. Botrychium simplex, new station, 93. Botrychia, vernation in, 100 Branches, rooting at tips of, 44. Carices, notes on a few, 77. ‘ Cell-formation, new illustration, *10. Cereus, cross-fertilization in, 92. Cheilanthes myriophylla, 116. Chemung Co., N. Y., notes from, 115. Chlorophyll in epidermis of leaves, 20. Clover, abnormal growth in, 113. sag fertilization of, 117. Colors of flowers, and altitude, 8. CONTRIBUTORS : ; Arthur, J. C., 52. Bailey, W. W., 71, 93, *128, 129. Boltwood, Brainerd, Ezra, 6. Britton, N. L., 7, *126 Brown, ‘Addison, 81, 141. Clapp, Henry L., 127. Davenport, Geo. E., 30, *61, 83, 100, 10), 116 Eaton, D. C., 4, 99, 107, 111. Ellis, J. B., 27, 29, 51, 64, 74, 89, 123. Farlow, W. G., 67, 85. Gerard, W. R.. 7, 14, 16, 33, 81, 105. Greene, Edward L, 5, 25, 97, 121. Guttenberg, G., 28. | H. W., 27, 51. 16, 81, 111, 114, 116, 30. 780, 113. Mellichamp, J. H., 47, *112. Peck, Chas. H., *49. Porter, Thomas C., 91, 129. Prentiss, A. N., 104 Rau, E. A., 114. Ravenel, H. W., 87. : Redfield, J. H., 42, 80, 105, 112. Trelease, William, 13, 68, #133. Tuckerman, Edward, 66. Underwood, L. M., 78, 101. Wilber, G, M., 129. Willey, H., 6, 47, 140, 144. Willis, O. R., 53, 79, 127, 128. . Wolle, Francis, *1, 37. Coprinus, unusual habitat, 67. Cross-fertilization in Cereus, 92. Cynosurus cristatus, note on, 35. Cypripedium, aie fo lee x 117; Darlington, unpublished letter of, 142, Delaware, floras of, 83. Dendrometer, a simple, *41. Desmids, new species of, *1. Dicotyledon, a locomotive, 116. Exogens, growth of, 127. Fasciation, note on, 93. ¥endlera, genus, emendation, 25. Ferns beta! PE S., new or little-known, 4, “of New York State, 78. “ * New Mexico, Rusby’s, 36. Ss, ** variations in, 60. Fern, a new American, *61. T7 no . é tes, 88. ; Fertilization of clover, 117. re ** Scrophularia, *133. ‘* Rhexia, *102. - cross, in Cereus, 92. Flora of Middlesex Co., N. J., 7. * * Northampton Co., Pa., 114. “ * Presque Isle, Pa., 28. ‘© -* Richmond Co., N. Y., 48. e BP acertae «3 Go., Ni ¥s,:116; Floras, local, of U. S., lists of, 7, 16, 81. Fiowers, perforation of, notes on, ‘ . Alpine, fertilization, 113. colors of, 8. Flowering of plants in autumn, 129. Fools-parsely not ee 9. Frond, what is a ? 7. : Fungi, curious in Nevada mines, 19. “from New Mexico, 34. en “ WN. American, new species, 26, 34 #49, 51, 64, 73, 89, 123. ie preservation of, 14, 21, 27, 32, 56. Gilia, new species of, 70. Grape-vine, a large, 116. Grass new to California, 59. ‘* an adventive, 129. | Grasses of N. America, Scribner's, 59. Gymnosporangia, notes on, 85. Herbarium of Mass. Horticult Soc., 30. a “ Phila, Acad. Nat. Sciences, ; 42. a Lapham, 52. ze poe 80. we of Cornell University, 104. Helonias bullatain New Jersey, 91. Hieracium aurantiacum, note on, 112. Idaho plants, 81. Ilex opaca with entire leaves, *112. e ** note on, 128, posroneginae kg ag fae ves, peculiar, in Quercus, ls “6s epidermis, chlorophyll in, 20. Lechea and Polygala, note on, 115. Leontodon, virescence in, *128. Lichens or fungi? 66. “of Africa and America,similarity,6. Listeria australis, parasitism, 47. Loranthus, a locomotive, 117. Maine, floras of, 8. ‘ Malvastrum angustum in Il,, 144. Marsilia quadrifolia in Mass., 127. us) $ note on, 144. Maryland, floras of, 83. Massachusetts, floras of, 8. Mertensia Virgmica in New Jersey, 58. oe * note on, 79. Mitchella, white-fruited, 111. Names of plants, popular, 105, Necrology, 12. New England. new finds in, 6. New Jersey, floras of, 81. New Mexico, new plants of, 97, 121. New York, floras of, 16. New York City stations, new, 130. Oaks, hybrid, 132. Onoclea sensibilis, obtusilobata, 101, 109. Pennsylvania, floras of, 81. Plants and plant-stations, 45. ** new species af, 97, 121. ‘* popular names of, 105. flowering of, in autumn, 129. “ballast, New York City, 141. “New York City, 130. Plant-exchanges, 93.. ** stations wanted, 71. Polygala and Lechea, note on, 115. Polygonum Careyi, note on, 48. Portulaca oleracea, note on, 115. ry Pusiications NorTiceD: American Naturalist, 11, 22. oe Monthly Microscopical Jour- nal, 11. Annales des Sciences Naturelles, 22, Botanical Gazette, 11, 35, 59, 96, 119. Botanische Zeitung, 22. : Botany for High Schools and Colleges, by C. E. Bessey, 118. Botanical Collector’s Hand-Book, by Ww. W. i 6 25, 130. Catalogue of Michigan Plants, by Wheeler & Smith, 120, of Indiana Plants, by Coul- ter & Barnes, 131. of Flora of New Jersey, by N. L. Britton, 119. celepeg Soe Her Botanique, 23, “ a“ Erie Nat. Hist. Society, Historical Sketch, 11. : Flora of Essex Co., Mass., by John Robinson, 23. Geological Survey of California any), by Sereno Watson, 22. Grevillea, 11, 96, 120, Gymnosporangia of the U. S., by W. G. Farlow, 71. Hedwigia, 96, 108. é Dlustrations of British Fungi, by M. 0. e, 108. — of Botany (Trimen’s) 11, 21, 35, Journal Rx Micros, Society, 22. La Sap Venezuela, by A. Ernst, (Bot- Marine Algae of New England, by W. G. Farlow, 94. Memoria sobre el Embarbascar, by A. Ernst, 106. Nova Scotia Fungi, by J. Somers, 131. Our Native Ferns and How to Study Them, by L. M. Underwood, 88. Phalloidei novi vel minus cogniti, by ©. Kalchbrenner, 95. j Plants of Northwestern Australia, by Baron von Mueller, 120. Revue Mycologique, 35, 108. Sea-Mosses, by A. B. Hervey, 107. Quercus alba, peculiar leaves in, *126. Ranunculus Cymbalaria, hirsute, 59. Rhexia, fertilization of, *102. Rhode Island, fioras of, 8. Rondeletia cordata, note on, 71. Salix, stamens within ovary of, 76. Salicornia, note on, 130. Scrophularia, fertilization of, *133. Silene with 5-merous ovary, 82. Simblum rubescens in Iowa, 126. Sphaeria atm dag development, 29. Staten Island, N. Y., notes from, 144. Symphoricarpus racemosus, var., 114. TERATOLOGY ! Albinism in Pontederia, 125. ae ‘* Epilobium, 126. Albino fruit in Rubus, 129. ie “* “ Mitchella, 111. Adventive leaves in Pogonia, 108. Cohesion of glumes in Agrostis, *78. ‘*“* and adhesion in Fuchsia, 60. Fasciation in Rondeletia, 71. us ** Compositae, 93. Fission of scape in Dicentra, 84. Heterophylly in Desmodium, 12. oy ‘* Hepatica, *36, = ‘** Clematis, 108. Meiophylly in Lysimachia, 60. "2 ’ Multiplication of a in Richardia, 182, se he + Sa in Fagus, a ca eat flowers in Hepatica, Polyphylly in Asclepias, 132. f “* Eupatorium, 132. bg ** Lysimachia, 60. af ‘* Silphium, 1 Phyllody of calyx in Trifolium, 113. - “* ovule in Leontodon, 128 Staminody in Narcissus, 60. Suppression of leafiets in Carya, 132. Virescence in Leontodon; *128. bes ** Thalictrum, 60. diameter. Vernation in Botrychia, Woe ctoesifos Sn, wardia, 0. ich., 47. Wood, Al #53, | Woodsia, obtusa, 116, Bulletin Torrey Botanical Club. BULLETIN ‘TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. VIEI.| New York, January, 1881. _[No. |. _ § 1. American Fresh-Water Algae. By Francis WoLLE. we: *Species and Varieties of Desmids new to Science. & (PLATE VI.) Micrasterias Mahabuleshwarensis, Hobson, var. AMERICANA. 2. var. {Plate VI., Fig. 1). This plant does not quite conform to the one described by Hobson. It has similar end-lobes, but the margins of the lateral ones are more like those of AZ. Americana, Ehrb. The lobes themsélves are unlike ; in the one they are entire, in the other they are divided into two lobules. (Cf. Figs 1 and 2.) This may be a variety referred to by Rabenhorst in his Flora Luropaea Al- garum, Vol. IIL, p. 196, where he says : “JZ. Americanae forma esse videtur.”’ “ Micrasterias Americana, Ehrb., var. recta, Wolle (Plate VI., Fig. 2). Described in BuLLETiN, Vol. VI. -p. 122. MICRASTERIAS PSEUDOFURCATA, 2. sp. (Plate VI., Fig. 3). M. magna, levis; semicellulis trilobis; lobis basalibus attenuatis, pro-— funde incisis; lobulis plus minus divergentibus, apice bidentatis ; lobo polari anguste cuneato; angulis longe sub-rectis productis ; apice trifurcatis. Diam. .006”—.007”. ‘Hab. Ponds, New Jersey and Florida. - This form is similar to 47, furcata, Ag., but differs in the absence of the middle lobe. MICRASTERIAS TRIANGULARIS, #. sp. (Plate VI, Fig. 4.) M. permagna, orbicularis; semicellulis quinquelobis ; lobo polari trian- gulari, lateralibus rectis vel leviter undulatis, subaequalibus, angulis, - lateris in mucronem productis ; lobulis et lobis intermediis aequali- — bus, repetito-bilobulatis - lobulis bifurcatis, angulis cum spinis curvato- — divergentibus elongatis armatis. Diam. 009 —.0l , Pe Hab. In pond on Broadtop Mountain, Pa. The lobules next the sinus, and next the polar lobe are not unfre- quently a simple point, not bifurcate. Micrasterias pinnatifida, Ktz. var. inflata, Wolle. (Plate VI, Fig. 5.) Described in Buttetin, Vol. VI., p. £22. Cosmarium irregulare, Wolle. (Plate VI, Fig. 6.) Described in Buttetin, Vol. VL, p. 186. : : CosMARIUM MARGARITUM, 2. 5f. (Plate VI, Fig. 7, front view; 74 side view; 74, end view; 7¢, zygospore with young plants attached). C. parvum, variabile, suborbiculare, modo depressum, modo ad ter- tiam longius quam latius; sinu anguste lineari ;_ semicellulis subor- bicularibus, ambitu undulato-crenatis, crenis lateribus plerumque triundulatis, scrobiculis basalibus modice instructis ; dorso convexis | nonnunquam retusis; a vertice yisis ovalibus, medio ventricosis inflatis; _ *A few of these forms were described in the BULLETIN, Vol. VI., pp. 121-123, a and 186, and, as figures have been asked for, they are herewith given on the ac- companying Plate (Plate VI). ae : od a cytiodermate leve ut margarita nitente. Zygosporis sphaericis, spinis elongatis apice bifidis obsitis. Diam. .co0g”—.oor”’. ‘Hab. Splitrock Pond, New Jersey. : s This plant might pass for a variety of C. venustum, Bréb., or C. Naegelianum, Bréb., had the end no central inflation. C. phaseolus, Bréb. possesses the inflations, but is entire. Cosmarium pectinoides, Wolle. (Plate VI, Fig. 8, front view; 8a, side view). Described in BuLLEtIN, Vol. VI., p. 122. This may be a variety of C. pulcherrimum, Nordst. It differs from that species, however, in the more numerous radiating rows of granules. Cosmarium dentatum, Wolle. (Plate VI, Fig. 9). Described in Buttetin, Vol. VL., p. 122. A fine, distinct species. It approaches’ C. Brebissonti, Menegh., but is more than twice the size. It exhibits the conical granules, like teeth, on the sides of the cells. The ends are devoid of teeth. Not infrequent in Pennsylvania and in New Jersey. CosMARIUM DONNELLI, #. sf. (Plate VI, Fig. 10, front view; 10a, end view). C. mediocre, plerumque fere tam longum quam la- - tum, suborbiculare, sinu anguste-lineari; semicellulis subsemicircu- laribus, dorso plus minus depressis, margine circiter 18 margaritis ovalibus, in series singulas, composito. Diam. et lat. .0o15’’—.0018”. Hab. Ponds, Florida. Collected by Capt. J. Donnell Smith, 1879. This species comes nearest C. monomazum, Lund, but is a dis- tinct form. STAURASTRUM ODONTaTUM, 7. sf. (Plate VI, Fig. 11 front view; 11a, end view). St. magnum, tam longum quam latum; semicellu- lis a fronte visis, quadrangularibus angulis superioribus in cornu gracile elongatis, incurvis vel rectis, marginibus plus minus profunde serrato—dentatis in apicem furcatum productis; angulis inferioribus dentibus armatis, a vertice visis quadriradiatis. Diam. sine rad. 0008” _—.0o1”; cum rad., .0016”—.003” ; long, .0016”—.0018”, Hab. Splitrock Pond, New Jersey, July, 1880. This plant has much in common with some varieties of S7. gracile, _ __ Ralfs, but is more robust, has quadrangular semicells, is larger, and is furnished with teeth near the sinus. Staurastrum cuneatum, Wolle. (Plate VI, Fig. 12). Described in Butetin, Vol. VL, p. 123. STAURASTRUM BOTROPHILUM, #. sf. (Plate VI, Fig. 13, front. view; 13a, side view; 13¢, end view). St. mediocre, paulo longius quam latius, distincte granulosum; granulis in series regulares ordi- _ natis; a fronte, semicellulis triangularibus, angulis inferioribus rotun- -datis subito in dorsum late truncatis, a lateribus, late ellipticis di- vergentibus, a vertice, triangularibus. Diam. .oor 5’—.0016”, Hab. Swampy places near Bethlehem, Pa. This form belongs to a class like St. pygmaeum, Bréb., St. punctu- datum, Bréb., St. rugulosum, Bréb., etc., but is separated by the Cos-. _ marium-like, truncate form as seen in front view. : ee STAURASTRUM PRINGLEI, #. 5p — (Plate VI, Fig. 14, quadrangu-. _ lar-end view; 14a, front view; 14d, side view; rqc, triangular-end view). St. parvum, distincte granulatum, tam longum quam latum, 8 medio plus minus constrictum ; sinu acutangulo ampliato; semicellu- lis subtriangularibus, lateribus rotundatis, dorso subplanis, medio convexis, subapice retusis, angulis acutis; a vertice visis tri-vel tetra- gonis; in forma trigona lateribus fere rectis; in forma tetragona re- _ tusis, angulis acutis. . Diam. .oo11’”—.0013”. Hab. Nebraska Notch, Vt. Collected by C. G. Pringle. } The form nearest to this is St. Kye//mani, Wille, collected in Nova Zembla, but it differs in size and in proportions of length to breadth; in having the angles acute, not rounded, and turned upward in the direction of the sides, not straight; in having triangular, not ellipti- cal semicells; and in its back being straight, elevated in the centre, and retuse, not rounded. STAURASTRUM DONNELLI, 2. sf. (Plate VI, Fig. 15.) St. par- vum, duplo longius quam latius, oblongo-quadratum; cytiodermate punctato et sulcato; semicellulis quadratis, angulis basalibus rotunda- tis, lateribus leviter sinuato-retusis; angulis superioribus (quatuor) in cornu breve obtusum divergenter productis; a vertice visis, quadran- gularibus.. Diam. .c006”. Hab. Florida. Collected by Capt. John Donnell Smith. ie The form nearest this plant is S¢. pé/eolatum, Bréb., but it differs in having the ends furnished with three conical processes, and in being triangular in end-view. . STAURASTRUM PENTACLADUM, 7. sf. (Plate VI, Fig. 16 and 16a, front and end views) St. mediocre, granulato-asperum; semicellulis ventre inflatis, dorso rotundatis, angulis in cornu apice distincte tri- furcatum productis; a vertice visis quinque-radiatis; radiis substric- tis, margine serrato-dentata. Diam. .oo15”. Hab. Splitrock Pond, New Jersey, July, 1880. ea gece? St. gracile, Ralfs, comes near this form, but its end-view 1s trira- diate. N. Wille, of Norway, has published a variety, nanum, which is quadriradiate. My plant has five arms, and the membrane is un-— usually rough; and, in addition, the points on the ends of the arms are very prominent and divergent. . Staurastrum grallatorium, Nordst., var. UNGULATUM, %. 2a7. (Plate VI, Fig. 16.) Var. cornu in apicem aculeis singulis curvatis, similibus aquilae ungulis producto. : : Staurastrum cructatum, Wolle. (Plate VI, Fig. 18.) Described in BuLLETIN, Vol. VI, p. 123. ; STAURASTRUM HELENEANUM, #. sp. (Plate VI, Figs rg and 19a, front and end views.) St. parvum, granulato-asperum, granulis in series transversas ordinatis ; semicellulis subellipticis, dorso modice convexis, ventre tumidis; angulis in cornu productis; a vertice tri- radiatis; radiorum basis inflatis, marginibus prominentibus apice furcatis vestitis. Diam. .oo12”—.0015". Hab. Splitrock Pond, N. J., frequent. 1880. There is a similarity between this desmid and S¢. vestetum, Ralfs; but, while the latter has two slender forked spines at the middle of each side, mine has stouter forked processes on the inflated base of © each arm; and, in addition to this, the plant is only about half the. = size of St. vestitum. : ; . EUASTRUM ATTENUATUM, 2. Sf. (Plate VI, Fig. 20, front view; _ ra 20a, side view.) E. mediocre, diametro duplo longiore; semicellu- - lis pyramidalibus, basi dilatatis utroque margine laterali semel sinu- atis, in lobum polare rectum truncatum attenuatis; apice crenato-ro- tundatis; lobo polari uno et lobo basali duobus vel tribus tumoribus instructo; cytiodermate subtillissimo punctato. Diam. et lat. .oot a; long. .0026”’. Se Hab. Ponds near Bethlehem, Pa. Docipium sPINULOsUM, 2. sf. (Plate VI, Fig. 21, a semicell.) D. valdidum spinulosum subcylindricum undulatum octies—decies longius quam latius, medio valde constrictum; semicellularum stric- turis margine 3-4 plus minus prominentibus, modice attenuatis; cy- tiodermate dense spinifero ; spinulis apicis rotundatis duplo majori- bus aliis. Diam. .0016”—.0018”, Hab. Pond, Dennisville, N. J., July, 1880. Pleurotaenium nodulosum, Bréb., Docidium hirsutum, Bailey, and D. nodosum, Bailey, have features in common with this form. I _ separate it because of the armor of spines with which it is clothed. These are not hairs—not gelatinous contractions, but decided spines, and those of the ends of the cells are longer and stronger than those on the body of the cell. § 2. New or Little-Known Ferns of the United States. No. 9. 28. CYSTOPTERIS MONTANA, ‘Bernh.—When I had occasion _ to describe“ this fern in the “Ferns of N. America” it had not _been found anywhere in the United States, the American range being from Labrador to the Rocky Mountains of British America. In Rothrock’s report I ventured to say that it might possibly occur in California or Colorado. _ Last summer it was found in Colorado by Mr. T.S. Brandegee, on the Mt. Antero Spur of the Sawatch Range, at 10,400 feet above the sea. Mr. Brandegee writes that “two colonies of it grow there twenty feet apart in damp moss about the roots of Ades Engelmann.” The fern has a very slender creep- ing rootstock, and the scattered fronds are from three to five inches. long, broadly ovate-pentagonal in outline, and very delicately three to four times pinnate. The species occurs in the mountains of Europe, from Scotland and Norway to the Appenines and the Carpathians 29. ASPIDIUM ACULEATUM, var. PROLIFERUM, Wollaston (sud Polysticho angulari). This is the most delicate and finely divided’ form of the species; a large frond of it is figured on plate 13 of Moore’s “ Nature-printed Ferns.” The character given by Moore reads thus: “ Fronds lanceolate, lax, bi- or tri-pinnate; pinnules nar- row, attenuated, distinctly stalked, usually deeply lobed with the lobes widely separated ; proliferous on the rachis.” This form has _ been found in two or three places in England, and is very common in cultivation. Not long ago it was sent me from Chicago marked “Californian.” I learn that it was found in company with a nar- _ row form of the less divided var. Zobatum by Mrs. A. E. Kent, of San’ _ Rafael, who writes that “it is very abundant in the southern part of _ California, and is commonly called “ San Diego fern.” It is some- : _ what strange that none of the San Diego botanists has sent it here 5 but now that it is reported it is to be hoped they will search for it. 5 The great delicacy. of the very.narrow ultimate pinnules will render its . identification easy. Ihave noticed no proliferous buds on the Calforn- ian specimens, but otherwise they are precisely like the cultivated plant. 30. PELLAEA ANDROMEDAEFOLIA, var. PUBESCENS, Baker.—This form, incidentally mentioned in the “Ferns of North America,” is very rare in collections, It has been found near San Diego by Prof. Wood ; in the mountains near “ Live-Oak Creek” by the botanists of the Mexican Boundary Survey; and recently, on the San Francisco Mountain, in Arizona, by Rev. E. L. Greene. Mr. H. H. Rusby has. also. collected it somewhere in Arizona or New. Mexico, and through an error of mine has distributed it as P. flexuosa. In gen-_ eral, the pinnules are larger than in the smooth forms of P. androm-, edacfolia, and often more cordate ;_ the rachises are finely pubescent and almost, glandular, and the frond shows such an approach toward _ the characters of P. flexuosa that one might easily be in doubt to— which species a specimen should be referred. The real P. flexuosa _ has the primary pinnae more.or less deflexed, often.very much so, and, occurs with the rachis either smooth or pubescent. _ New. Haven,.Dec..13, 1880. na . DiC: EATON... § 3. A New Asclepias from Arizona.—In the early days of Sep- _ tember, 1880, while enjoying a botanical excursion among the San Francisco Mountains, in the extreme eastern part of Arizona, I no- ticed. growing. among the rocks, under the pine trees, clumps of a bush which I should certainly have passed by as mere pine bushes, but for. the fact that they bore, toward the extremities of their pine- leaved branches, the follicles of a silkweed. I gathered into my port- folio a goodly number of these follicle-bearing branches, on one of | which I was glad to notice a few undeveloped and withered flower- buds. Carefully preserving these, I afterwards soaked them out and found this remarkable shrub to be a genuine Asclepias. On revisiting the locality, on the first day of November, I was site. s prised to find the bushes enjoying a second season of flowering. The species appears to be most nearly related to 4, Linaria, Cav,, of Cen- — tral.and.Southern Mexico; but it differs from that altogether, in floral character, as also in habit, being wholly shrubby and strictly evergreen, and the leaves persisting, as In many pines, until the aus * tumn of the second year. In November, 1880, the leaves which had put forthjin the spring of 1879, were yellow and ready to fall ; all the rest.were bright and firmly persistent. The woody stems, even to near the base, bear the scars of the fallen foliage of preceding years, just.as do the branches of pines, | The half hardened wood of the present year’s growth has the milky juice of the genus in general; but itis not found in the older wood. I append to this record of its dis- covery, the specific character of this most interesting new species, . with the name which its appearance most readily suggests. __ASCLEPIAS PINIFOLIA,—Stems three feet high, branching, slender and shrubby, the young branchlets somewhat puberulent, evergreen . leaves alternate, much crowded, narrowly linear, an inch or more _ long, with revolute margins and ending in a sharp callous point; _ umbels rather few, on peduncles much. shorter than the leaves, and — hss 6 of about equal length with the pedicels; corolla-lobes oblong, white with greenish tips; hoods white, spatulate-oblong, twice the length of the anthers, with a straight, thick, obtuse, moderately exserted horn ; anther-wings very broad and conspicuous for the size of the flowers, and minutely notched at the base ; column short, but dis- tinct ; follicles smooth, ovate, with rostrate-attenuate apex. Silver City, New Mexico. Epwarb Lrrt GREENE. § 4. New Stations for Tillandsia.—It may possibly not be generally known to botanists that the “long moss,” Zi//andsia usne- oides, L.., grows on the peninsula of Eastern Virginia ; at Teast I have seen no record of its gccurrence north of the Dismal Swamp. In crossing the peninsula from Cherrystone to Cobb’s Landing, this southern parasite may be seen growing at twoor three stations, about half way across; in one place festooning the top of a rather tall holly (Zlex opaca) directly by the roadside; and at another, wreathing the trunks of the large pines (Pius australis?) One “streamer” of at least twelve feet in length was observed. I was informed by an in- telligent inhabitant of the town of Capeville that it extends to the northern limit of Northampton County, or to about the 38th parallel of North latitude. Washington, D. C. R. Ripcway. so: New Finds for New England.—A new station for Pole- monium caeruleum, L., was discovered a few years since in the Green Mountains. It is in the town of Ripton, Vt., at a small pond 1,500 feet above sea-level, and over.a mile from any house or clearing. Nearly an acre of the boggy delta of a small brook was covered with thousands of these bright blue flowers. In August, 1879, I discovered a few specimens of Zygadenus &/aucus, Nutt., growing on the north side of a steep rocky headland of Lake Champlain, near the mouth of Otter Creek. ; Carex, Grayii, Carey, C. flexilis, Rudge, C. formosa, Dew.. an Juncus Canadensis, J. Gay, var. brachycephalus, Engelm., I find in the vicinity of Middlebury, Vt. They have not, I think, been re- ported from this region before. Middlebury, Vt. EzRA BRAINERD. § 6. Similarity between the Lichen Flora of Africa and South Arnerica.—Dr. J. Miiller, of Geneva; Switzerland, in describing a re- . cent collection of Lichens from the western coast of Africa, calls at- tention to the remarkable fact that although there is little in common _ between the phaenogamous floras of that coast and the eastern coast of South America, yet out of 4o previously known /ichens in this col- | _ lection 32 also occur in South America. More than half the entire collection, of 60 species is common to both continents. He attrib- utes this to the strong aerial equatorial current which blows steadily _ from east to west, and can transport such light bodies as the spores . and soredia of lichens from Africa to America, while the seeds of _ plants are too heavy to be transported in this way. He observes that _ this means of dissemination renders it necessary to be strongly on ae ea guard against describing a lichen as new ; and that the same facts in regard to distribution prevail among the fungi, mosses and other of the lower plants, as among the lichens. This coincidence with reference to the Characeae, between Americaand Asia, was noticed by Dr. Allen in the October number of the Buttrtin. It might be interesting to attempt to trace it also between Western Africa and Eastern Asia. H. W. § 7. What is a Frond ?—Some pteridologists insist on limiting the idea of a frond to what would be the lamina in an ordinary leaf, but the popular idea embraces both stipe and frond. Even botanists, — usually critical when referring to ferns, sometimes relax the rigid rule and take in the stalk and all when speaking of palms. . I sympathize somewhat with the popular view. We have a double meaning for the ordinary leaf, and why not for the “leaf” of the fern? Ifa student be asked to describe a leaf le rightly tells of the lamina, the petiole and. the stipules. If we read that a plant has the. peduncles longer than the leaves, we do not understand that comparison is limited to the leaf-blade alone. Indeed, the very term “leaf-blade”’ involves the _ idea that something else than “ blade” is wanting to make the idea perfect. Yet, when we come to describe a leaf in its stricter sense, — we say it is coriaceous, or serrate, or ovate, and we understand that we then limit the idea to the lamina alone. Why cannot we rightfully have the same duplex idea in pteridology? Indeed, the classical frons was certainly not limited to the green blade, nor does it seem probable that it was so intended when introduced into botanical language. THOMAS MEFHAN. § 8. Notes on the Middlesex County, N. J., Flora——The fol-— lowing are new stations for a few somewhat rare plants detected in Middlesex Co., N. J.: Scuteliaria integrifolia, L., at South Amboy ; Quercus Phellos, L., at South River ; Euphorbia corolata, L., and ag number of pine barrens plants at Burt’s Creek ; Orontium aguancum, L., and Hadenaria blephariglottis, Hook, at Sayreville ; Podophyllum peltatum, L., at Perth Amboy ; Zchium vulgare, L., in great abun- dance, Stylosanthes elatior, Swartz and Bromus sterilis, L., at New Brunswick. The Zchium occurs all along the track of the Pennsyl- vania Railroad, from Jersey City westward, : Prof. Geo. H. Cook reports the occurrence of Lygodium palmatum, Swartz, at Craner’s Mills, just south of New Brunswick, and of | Xerophyllum asphodeloides, Nutt, about three miles south of the same = place. These localities are rather extra-limital as regards the Torrey Re Catalogue, but are nevertheless worthy of record. This is the most northern point at which the Xeropiyl/um has been found in New _ Jersey. : N. L. BRITTON. ton vit 9. Contributions toward a List of the State and Local Florasof — Us" the United States Appenpa To Part I. Ciel. 7: P (OF oe Since the publication of our first list we have discovered a few more catalogues, and, through the kindness of correspondents, have ae had communicated to us the titles of still others relating to the flora of — ae THE EASTERN STATES. : *List of the Seaweeds or marine Algae of the south coast of New 8 England. By W.-G. Farlow, M.D. (B). In Reps. U. S. Fish Commission, Washington, 1871 and 1872. MAINE. _ List of Plants noticed in the Maine woods in the years 1853 and 1857. By H. D. Thoreau. (B). In Appendix to “ Maine Woods,” Boston, 1866. ‘ | *List of marine Algae collected near Eastport, Me., in August and September, 1872, in connection with the work of the U. S. Fish Commission under “Prof. S. F, Baird. By Daniel C. Eaton. (B.) In Trans. Connec. Acad. Sci. Vol. ii., New Haven, 1873. MASSACHUSETTS. List of the native Trees of Massachusetts, with notes upon cer- tain naturalized species. By F. B. Hough. _ In Rep. on Forestry, pp. 406=416, Washington, 1877, t+ Essex County. Studies of the Essex Flora ; a complete enumeration of all Plants found growing naturally within the limits of Lynn and the towns adjoining. By C. M. Tracy. (B). 8vo. pamph. pp. 87. Lynn, 1856. %3 Woody Plants of Essex County; a list of Trees and Shrubs natur- ally growing in the County, and of those extensively introduced. By John Robinson. (B). In Bullet, Essex Inst.,Vol. xi. Salem, 1879. * Trees and Flowers of Cape Ann, by Calvin W. Pool; and of Pigeon Cove and vicinity, by Henry C. Leonard, (A). Bostoa, ia Coben ‘ts Flora of Georgetown, Mass. By Mrs. C. N. S. Horner. (A). __ Pub, in Georgetown Advocate, Feb. and Mar., 1876. 4 Flora of Essex County. (Includes Phaenogams, vascular Cryp- togams, Lichens, . Mosses, Hepaticae, Characeae, and marine Algae with extensive notes, and historical preface and sketch of : early Essex County botanists). By John Robinson: - Pub. by Essex Institute, 8vo., pp. 170, Salem, 1880. ; RHoDE IsLAND. 4) Algae Rhodiaceae. A list of Rhode Island Algae. By Stephen T. Olney. (B). In Lens. Vol. i., Chicago, 1872. .4€ Contributions toward a complete list of Rhode Island Diatoms: ; By S. A. Briggs, (addition to Olney’s catalogue). — 5 In'Lens. Vol. ii., Chicago, 1873. EWN REP NYL: BS _ § 10. Botanical Notes.—/nfluence of Altitude on - Colors of Flowers.—M. Gaston Bonnier, ac-ording to Za Mature, has recent- | — ly been making observations in Austria and Hungary on the modifi- cations exhibited by the same species of plants at various altitudes, _ and his researches have especially been directed towards the differ- _ ences shown in the coloration of flowers. - A comparison of the tints of _ a large number of species in two, three, four and sometimes five lo- _ Calities of increasing altitude has shown a notable deepening of the © _ color with the increase in height of the station. This variation was _ found to be remarkably pronounced in J ‘yosotis sylvatica, Campanula rotundifolia, Ranunculus sylvaticus, and Galium cruciatum ; but, onthe © _ contrary, not well shown in Thymus Serpyliam and Geranium sylvati- * “Communicated by Mr. F.S, Collins. + # ** Mr. John Robinson. aS 9 cum. In proportion as we ascend, a rosy color is quite frequently seen in such flowers as are, at lower stations, ordinarily pure white or nearly colorless, such as S¢ene inflata, Silene rupesirts, Bellis per- ennis, etc. A microscopic examination made on the spot, in several cases, showed that the increase of color was not due to a change in the distribution of the coloring matters, but to an increase in the number of the granules of the pigment in a given surface. It has been shown that, in consequence of the purer atmosphere and the less quantity of aqueous vapor, solar radiation on mountains increas- es with the altitude ; and the production of coloring matters would Seem to vary in the same direction... Although the amount of such variation 1s very. different in different species, M. Bonnier has drawn from his observations the conclusion that “in the same species the coloration of flowers of equal age increases in general with the altitude, all other conditions being equal.” “ Fool's Parsley” not Potsonous.—For several centuries the plant’ Ethusa Cynapium, 1.., has been the object of suspicion, and classed among poisons by botanists and toxicological writers. But now Dr. John Harley, of England, comes forward and presents a vindication - of what he call “an innocent and harmless plant.” In the St. Thomas’ Hospital Reports he relates a number of facts to prove the — correctness of his conclusions. The juices of the plant, from the root as well as from the leaves, were obtained by expression just be- fore flowering, and also after the plants had reached maturity and set fruit. Being thus provided with a supply of material representing the active properties of the plant, he exhausted it upon four patients, one a little girl4 years old, who took the extract in quantities ranging from 2 drachms to 2 ounces; himself, who took it in quan- tities ranging from 2 to 4 fluid ounces; and two other adults, who | were the subjects of spasmodic wry-neck. These two took one or | other of the juices in doses ranging from 1 to 8 fluid ounces. Effects — were anxiously looked for, but absolutely none followed in any of the cases. Dr. Harley therefore feels compelled to assert that Zthusa — Cynapium of Sussex, Essex, Kent, Surrey and Hertfordshire is not only absolutely free from the noxious properties attributed to it, but that it is pleasant to sight, smell and taste, and, in the absence of the more fragrant and succulent plants, might well be used as a pot-herb or salad. He is satisfied further, that his conclusions are in- dependent both of locality and season, and that the only influence which these conditions have on fool’s parsley, as on hemlock (Contum . maculatum), is to increase or diminish its succulency. Dr. Harley some years ago made some observations on the last-mentioned plant, and came to the same conclusion in regard to its innocuous nature that he has concerning that of the 4//usa. In connection with this it may be stated that Comium maculatum in northern latitudes—Rus- _ sia for example—is eaten with impunity, although precaution is taken’ to first boil it in several waters. This subject of the harmlessness._ under certain conditions of plants reputed to be poisonous, recalls to mind the statement of Linnaeus, in his //ora Lapponica, that the — _Norlanders prepare froin the leaves of Aconitum Napellus a broth, which they eat without any injurious effects resulting therefrom. 10. New Silustration of Cell-Formation.—Mtr. D. S. Holman, of Philadelphia, has recently devised a very neat and simple apparatus, useful to teachers, whereby the method of formation of cells in veg- etable structure may be conveniently shown to an audience. It con- sists merely of a tank formed of two pieces of plate glass, held apart at the.bottom and sides by a rubber strip and kept in place by. four clamps. Into this receptacle is poured a solution of soap, which is raised in bubbles by a current of air blown into it through a fine glass tube. As the bubbles are formed, their tendency to become spheres is overcome by the capillary attraction of the sides of the tank. As a natural consequence, the films extend across the tank perpendicular to the walls, and the pressure of one bubble upon another causes the formation of polygonal forms, analogous to those which we see In cross-sections of wood-fibre. The accompanying figure, which we borrow from the Journal of the Franklin Institute, gives an idea of the appearance presented by the tank when thus filled with bubbles, but gives no conception, it is said, of the beauty of the projection of it which may be made upon a screen. The pencil of rays. passing | from the condensing lens of a stereopticon is convergent ; and, as a _ consequence, many rays fall upon the soap films at such a large in- _ Cident angle that they are almost entirely reflected, and consequently are tinged with the rich colors resulting from the interference of the rays that fall on thin films. We thus have before us a proof of the tenuity of a layer which is between the limits of r-1z000th and 1-1 5-: ocooth of an inch—the latter limit being reached when the color of the film disappears. The same illustration also affords an exempli- fication of the principle (shown in Nature in the structure of the honey-comb) that the pressure of equal circles on each other pro- duces a hexagonal structure. Cornell University.—We learn from the daily papers that the Bo- _tanical Department of Cornell University has recently been the re- cipient of a gift of ten thousand dollars from the Hon. H. W. Sage, of Ithaca. ‘At § rr. Botanical Literature.—Trimen’s Journal of Botany for December contains ‘ Musci Praeteriti,’ by Richard Spruce; ‘ Enumer- atio Acanthacearum Herbarii Welwitschiani Angolensis,’ by S. LeM. Moore ; ‘Ile of Wight Plants,’ by Rev. W. M. Rogers ; and ‘ Collec- tion of Ferns from Madagascar,’ by J. G. Baker. To judge from the editor’s remarks at the close of the volume, English botanists are slow to give journals devoted to their specialty that cordial support that they should. We regret to learn that the Journal, as old as it is, and the only one of its kind in England, “is still in need of finan. cial support, and that additional subscribers, as well as contributors,” are wanted. In Grevillea, for December, the editor sharply defends his spec- _ ialty against the incursions of Mr. Saville Kent, who, in his recent work on /vfusoria, has attempted, as others have done before him, to rob Mycology of the A/yxagastres and transferthem to the an- imal kingdom. Mr. Chas. B. Plowright gives an interesting account of spore diffusion in the larger Elvellacei, and Mr. Greenwood Pim contributes a valuable ‘ Index,to the British F ungi described or no-_ ticed in Grevillea, Vols. i.—viii.’ The Botanical Gazette for December has an interesting account of a ‘Summer on Roan Mountains,’ by Prof, J. W. Chickering; an account of some experiments with ‘Carnivorous Plants,’ by W. K. Higley; ‘Notes from Utah,’ by Marcus E. Jones; and a description of a new species of Wabalus (NW. Roanensis}, by Prof Chickering. To the American Naturalist for December, Prof C,; E. Bessey contributes an interesting ‘Sketch of the Progress of Botany in the United States in the year 1879.’ In the department of Botanical Notes (which we are pleased to learn will hereafter be edited by Prof. Bessey), L. P. Gratacap gives a list of plants observed by him growing spontaneously last summer in Manhattan Square, New York City, and W. W. Bailey, in the same place, describes and illustrates a a case of dispermy in Quercus Prinus. The Amertcan Monthly Microscopical Journal for December con- tains a short article by William Farnell on ‘ Plants (insectivorous) in | Florida.’ The editor announces that during: the present year the subject matter of the Journa/ will be increased by the substitution of smaller types'for those heretofore in use, the number of pages re- maining the same. This periodical contains matters of interest to nearly ail botanists, and should receive their support. — Erie Natural History Society.—This is a historical sketch of the Society, with the Constitution and By-laws, a list of members and a few of the papers read before the association. The members are divided into two classes—those who contribute, and those who work ; the fees from the latter being of course smaller. The active mem- bers are again divided into four sections, corresponding to branches _ of the Natural Sciences, viz: Geology and Mineralogy, Botany, Zoology - and Chemistry. Of the five papers published, two are botanical, a: Mr. G. Guttenberg is President and Miss Sarah Madole Correspond- ing Secretary for 1880. ae Ere; Pai, vivat | t _ occurred at his residence in Augusta, Illinois, Nov. t1th, 1880, 12 -§ 12. Proceedings of the Torrey Club,—The regular meeting of the Club was held at the Herbarium, Columbia College, Tuesday evening, December 14th, the President in the chair, and sixteen members and five visitors present. ; Dr. T. F. Allen presented to the Club’s herbarium Fase, I, of Characeae Americanae L£xsiccatae, and made a féw remarks on the structure, classification, and past and present history of this order of _ Cryptogams. . Dr. T. F. Lticy remarked on'a few New York plant-stations, In Gray's Manual it is stated that fydrangea arborescens, L. grows on —“tocky banks, New Jersey to Illinois and southward,” but Dr. Lucy had found it at two stations in the town of Ashland, Chemung County, New York, one of these being rocks at the Wellsburg Suspen- sion Bridge, and the othera cool ravine called “ Hog Hollow,” at a mile or a mile and a half west,on the north bank of the Chemung River. He had also detected in 1879 two specimens of Platanthera flookert, Torr., on the top of Sullivan Hill, in the same township and- county, Heterophylly—Mr., Britton showed specimens of Desmodium pan- iculatum, DC., in which, while some of the leaflets were of the nor- mal lanceolate form, others were orbicular like those of D. rotundtfol- Lhe Herbarium.—The Chairman of the Herbarium Committee re- ported that 650 specimens of plants had recently been mounted and properly arranged in the case. ; a4 see On motion, the President appointed a committee of three to pre- pare a ticket containing the names of officers and committees to be balloted for at the annual meeting in January. § 13. Necrology.—We. regret to announce to our readets the death, on the 4th inst., at his residence in West Farms, New York, of Prof. Alphonso Wood, whose name is widely known throughout the United States, not only in connection with his text books on __ hereafter, We regret, also, to learn of the death of Dr. S. B. Mead, which oS Se eTIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. VIE. New York, February, 1881. [No. 2. $ 14. The Fertilization of Alpine Flowers,—In a newly-published, large octavo volume of 612 pages,* Dr. Hermann Miller makes us acquainted with his observations on the relations between Alpine flowers and insects, many of which, as well as some of the more important of his conclusions are already known to readers of Mature, Kosmos, etc. After describing the individual peculiarities of 422 spe- cies of phaenogams (the descriptions. being supplemented by many excellent figures such as characterize his earlier work—the Befruch- tung der Blumen}, and enumerating the insects found on each; the author considers at length the significance of these peculiarities; dis- cusses the adaptations of flowers to insect visits and the extent of these visits; the adaptations of insects for floral activity; and the variability of Alpine flowers; and makes an extended comparison ‘of Alpine flowers with those of the lowland. Much that is interesting might be culled from this part of the — work, but we must content ourselves with a very few extracts. As _was to be expected, the author finds that everywhere, even to the limit of phaenogamous life—the line of perpetual snow—the rule holds that cross-fertilization, constant or occasional, is provided for in every species, so that not a single flowering-plant is known which is incapable of being crossed at sometime. A series from the sim- plest anemophilous flower, whose only attraction to insects lies in its pollen, to the most highly adapted bee or butterfly flower, with fra- _ " grance, attractive form and coloration, and nectar, is fully traced and illustrated by many examples. A valuable feature of the work is the large number of comparative tables, which bespeak a great amount of = labor on the part of the author, and enable the reader to see at a glance, relations which, without this aid, would require much study for their detection. These show very clearly that as flowers ascend _ in the scale of development, their visitors, though often decreasing in actual number of species, become limited more and more to certain groups whose floral activity is great, and from whose visits they re- ceive the greatest profit. é ; : In spite of the frequently-recorded scarcity of insects at high al- titudes, under some conditions, the author says: “I have not been able to convince myself that, in the Alps, flowers as a whole are rela- tively less visited and crossed by insects than in the lowland.” This results partly from the consolidation of vegetation into veritable flower-gardens—a circumstance very favorable to insect visits any- where; and it is found that while, in the pleasantest weather, a mod- erately cool breeze suffices to quickly drive the insects under shelter, a quiet, sunny day, coming suddenly after several cold and rainy ones, brings them out in great abundance, their enforced conceal- * Abienbiuimien, ihre Befruchtung durch Insekten, und ihre Anfassungen an — / f? dieselben. (Engelmann, Leipzig, 1881.) ~ Tix “ A Th ment and fast having whetted their appetites and rendered them ex- _ ceedingly active in their visits to the flowers. This is strikingly il- lustrated by the fact that 1877, which was cold, damp and rainy, but besprinkled with quiet, warm days, was not less productive of obser- vations than the preceding summer, when, for weeks together, there was scarcely a cloud overhead. So while one day there may not be an insect visible, the next may witness them in such abundance that, as the writer expresses it, one could wish for twenty eyes and hands that nothing might escape him. From a table showing the abundance and activity of the different orders of insects, it appears that in ascending the mountains the rela- tive number of Coleoptera and Hymenoptera decreases, while that of Diptera and Lepidoptera increases. Thus, in the lowlands, of every 100. flower-visiting insects, 15.3 are Coleoptera, and 30 Diptera, while 43.6 are Hymenoptera, and but 9.3 Lepidoptera; but above the timber line, with 6.8 per cent. of Coleoptera, we have 43.6 per cent. | Diptera, and with 18.3 per cent. of Hymenoptera, 30.7 per cent. of Lepidoptera. ‘his renders intelligible the great abundance of narrow and partly-closed flowers, and of those which, like many species of Saxifraga and Veronica, are especially attractive to Syrphidae and other Diptera; whereas, without a knowledge of the relative dis- tribution of the flower-frequenting insects it would be a hopeless rid- dle. : The author has followed the excellent plan, adopted in his earlier ° book, of compiling a systematic index to the insects observed, con- necting with each species the flower, it frequents and the degree of their adaptive development. It is to be regretted, however, that, in the alphabetical index to the plants observed, he refers only to the page on which their flowers are described and their visitors noted, and not to the places where they receive mention in the chapters devoted — to generalization and conclusions, since numerous biological notes of value occur in these latter places. _ Cambridge, Mass., Jan.-11, 1881, WILLIAM TRELFASE. § 15. The Preservation of Pileate Fungi for the Herbarium. — As well known to those who have studied the Fungi and have had some experience in attempting to preserve them for purposes of future ref- erence, the most difficult kinds to manage are the fleshy pileate species commonly called “toadstools.” A great number of ex- periments have been made from time to time with a view to dis- cover some plan by means of which the forms and colors of these short-lived plants might, like those of other cryptogams and the phaenogams, be retained for an indefinite period ; but the results at-_ tained thus far have not proved in all respects satisfactory. In 1794, Dr. William Withering communicated to the Transactions of the Linnaean Society (Vol. ii., p. 263) a paper entitled “A new Method of Preserving Fungi,” and in which he recommends that the specimen | be immersed temporarily in a “ pickle” consisting of an aqueous” solution of sulphate of copper or of acetate of zinc, and afterwards be _ permanently kept in hermetically-sealed glass jars filled with water mixed with a small percentage of alcohol. In the first volume of 15 his Arrangement of British Plants, this author gives us an improve- ment on his original recipe, based on further experimentation, but the materials employed are the same as before. He claims that by his method “ fungi may be preserved pretty well.” Since Dr. Wither- ing’s time various other solutions of chemicals, such as those of sul- phate of zinc, chloride of sodium, sulphite of sodium, salicylic | acid, etc., as well as various liquids other than alcohol, such as glyc- - erine, petroleum, benzine, etc., have been tried and recommended for a like purpose, only to be finally abandoned as worthless. A good liquid preservative of the higher fleshy fungi still remains a desider- atum. Another method of preserving these plants is described in a work* by Lidersdorf, whose plan, very briefly stated, is to slightly dry the toadstool and then immerse it in melted mutton-suet at a temperature of from 125° to 130° F. After the tissues of the fungus have been thoroughly permeated by the fat, the specimen when hard is mounted on a pedestal and kept under a glass shade or in a case. The author claims that ‘“‘ fungi prepared in this manner preserve the exact shape and color of the living individual”; but Dr. Klotzsch (Hooker’s Botanical Miscellany, Vol. ii.) denies this statement 7” foto, | No better results, either, seem to have followed the plan of first im- mersing the fungus in alcohol and then in “soluble glass” (silicate — . of potash or soda). The specimen thus prepared becomes almost as hard as stone and speedily loses its color, whatever be the care ex- ercised by the operator. The only person who appears to have suc- cessfully solved the problem of preserving fungi with the exact form and color that they possessed in a living state is Mr. J. English, a naturalist at Epping, England. The specimens prepared by this gentleman are said to preserve their original characteristics and nat- ural size perfectly, and have received the approval of Dr. Hooker and other distinguished botanists. As Mr. English prepares his speci- mens for sale he has deemed it prudent to withhold the secret of. his method of operating, and all that is known about it is contained ina short note by him in the Zransactions of the Botanical Society OL. Edinburgh, and in which he merely states that the fungi are preserved by waxing them. * a bets _ However successful may be any mode, such as the foregoing, of preparing fungi, it is obvious that specimens so preserved are fit only for the purposes of museums or other establishments where a large amount of space is available for displaying them; and for this reason the ordinary mycologist finds himself obliged to have recourse to the simple method employed for other plants—that of drying them for the herbarium. The most satisfactory mode of making good herbarium specimens of the fleshy Agaricint and Soleti is the oft-quoted one pointed out by Lasch in Linnaea, Vol. v., 1830, and by Klotzsch in Hooker's Botanical Miscellany, Vol. ii., 1831. This method, in the form left by its authors, yields very fair results in a goodly number of cases, while in some it proves a total failure. After eight years of experimerftation, however, Herr G. Herpell, of St. Goar, has finally _ — * Das Auftrocknen der Pflanzen firs Herbarium und die Aufbewahrung der Pilze nach einer Methode, wodurch jenen thre Farbe, diesen ausserdem auch ihre _ Gestalt erhalten wird, Berlin, 1827. bias! 5 & succeeded in so modifying this method that the prepared fungi ex- - hibit and retain for an indefinite period the size, form, color and all other essential characteristics of the living plant; and,.carrying his experiments still further, he has discovered a method of fixing the fallen spores durably on paper so that collectively they form a per- fect negative of the gills in the case of an Agaric or of the pores in the case of a Boletus, and exactly imitate a fine engraving. European mycologists who have seen these preparations state that the speci- mens, from every point of view, leave little to be desired. The full details of this new process were generously made known by its author last year in a paper read before a German scientific society, and were afterwards published in its proceedings.* A copy of this publication having come into my hands, I propose in subsequent numbers of the _ BULLETIN to publish a translation (perhaps somewhat condensed) of Herr Herpell’s paper for the benefit of those who may not have access to the original. Having, with these few preliminary remarks, intro- duced the author, I shall hereafter allow him to speak for agers : W. R.G. : : ‘tt 6 Carne vl § 16. Contributions toward a List of the State and Local Floras of the United States. (V'''~ 7 ) II. THE MIDDLE STATES. .,@ Flora of the Northern and Middle Sections of the United States, north of Virginia. By John Torrey, M.D. (D.) 1 vol. 8vo. Albany, 1819. _-o Compendium of the Flora of the Northern and Middle States; con- - oe taining generic and specific descriptions of allthe Plants, exclu- sive of the Cryptogamia, hitherto found in the United States “north of the Potomac. By John Torrey, M.D. (D.) 12mo, pp. 403. New York, 1826. 5‘ Botany of the Northern and Middle States, north of Virginia. By L. C. Beck; M.D. (D:) : : r2mo, pp. 471. Albany, 1833. _ %* Musci Appalachiani ; tickets of specimens of Mosses collected mostly in the Eastern part of North America. By C, F, Austin. (C. ) 8 vo, pamph. pp. 92 (Supplement I, 16 pp.) ,Closter, 1870. ee New York. : , ~~ 3 Catalogue of Plants indigenous to the State of New York. By Rea: Jacob Green. (A.) : ioe In Trans. Soc. Promot. Useful Arts. Albany, 1814. . _ Su Catalogue of the Medicinal Plants, indigenous and exotic, grow- ing in the State of New York. By Charles A. Lee, M.D. a 8vo, pamph. pp. 64. New York, 1840. © Catalogue of the Plants of the State of New York, of which specimens eo are preserved in the Cabinet at Albany. By John Torrey, M.D. (A.) : In 2d Ann. Rep. of Regents on Cabinet. Albany, 1849. _ ¢\ Catalogue of Plants indigenous to the State of New York. (Ran- unculaceae to Melastomaceae). By John Torrey,M.D. (B.) *Verhandlung des naturhistorischen Vereins der preussischen Rheinlande und _ Westfalens. IV Folge. 7 Jahrgang. Bonn, 1880. a 17 __ In 3d Rep. Geolog. Survey of State. Albany, 1839. _ / Catalogue of Plants of New York State. By John Torrey, M.D. (B.) In 4th Rep. Geolog. Survey of State. Albany; 1840. : *© Flora of New York State. By John Torrey, M.D. (D.) 2 vols. 4to. Albany, 1843. sq Botany of New York, or the New York Flora. By John Torrey, : M.D. (A.) In Catalogue of Cab. Nat. Hist. N.Y. Albany, 1843. 60 List of Plants described in the State Flora; and of Plants discoy- ered and collected since the publication of the Flora. By John Torrey, M.D. (A.) _. In 6th Ann. Rep. Regents on Cabinet. Albany, 1853. ® *List of Plants growing spontaneously in the State and not inclu- ded in Torrey’s Catalogue. By G. W. Clinton. (B.) In 18th and roth Ann. Rep. Regents on Cabinet. Albany, 1865-66. >. List of Mosses of the State of New York. By Charles H. Peck. (C.) _ In 19th Ann. Rep. Regents on Cabinet. Albany, 1866. 6~ List of the Ferns of New York State. (A.) In Bullet. Tor. Bot. Club. Vol. vi. 1878. Cayuga County. Be. o* Catalogue of the Plants found in the vicinity of Aurora, 1840. By Alexander Thomson, M.D. (A.) In 54th Ann. Rep. of Regents. Albany, 1841. Chautaugua County. 5* The Chautauqua Flora. By Edward S. Burgess. (A.) 8 vo, pamph. pp. 38. Clinton, 1877. Columbia County. : a Lb Catalogue of the indigenous Plants found growing in the vicinity of Kinderhook Academy. By W. V.S. Woodworth. (A.) In 52d and 53d Ann. Rep. of Regents. Albany, 1839-40. Delaware County. a a _ ©? Plants collected by the botanical class in the Delaware Literary _ : Institute during the summer of 1840. By M. Platt. (M.) : In 54th Ann. Rep. of Regents. Albany, 1841. Duchess County. ; _ (,© Catalogue of the phaenogamous and acrogenous Plants growing : without cultivation within five miles of Pine Plains. By Lyman Hoysradt. (B.) Supplement to Bullet. Torrey Club. 8vo, pp. 32. New York, Po. 18 78-79- oe hee ae g List of Plants of Fishkill and its vicinity. By Winifrid A. a Stearns. (B.) i 16mo, pamph. pp. 24. 1880. Erie County. : ee 70 Preliminary list of the Plants of Buffalo and its vicinity. By ae George W. Clinton. (A.) * eS In 17th Ann. Rep. Reg. on Cabinet. Albany, 1864. (The same also in 8vo, pamph. pp. 12, Buffalo, 1864, from Bullet. Buff. Soc. — Nat. Sci.) : aS *These lists and eadiions have been continued in the succeeding Annual Re- oe ports by Mr. Cc. H. Peck. at ee. 1 Essex County. 7) Plants of the summit of Mt. Marcy. By Charles H. Peck. (A.) From 7th Rep. Survey Adirondacks. 8vo, pamph. pp. 12- Al- bany, 1880. Lewis County. : 72Catalogue of the indigenous, naturalized, and filicoid Plants of Lewis County. By Franklin B. Hough (B.) In Ann. Rep. Regents. Albany, - - Madison and Onondaga Counties, ; pa jy List of Trees and woody Plants growing spontaneously in Madi- e son and Onondaga Counties. By L. M. Underwood. (A.) In “Geol. Formations Mad. and Onondaga Cos,” 8vo, pamph. Syracuse, 1879. a ; id Bee Monroe County. _ 7* Catalogue of Plants, and their time of flowering, in and about the city * of Rochester, for the year 1841. By Rev. Chester Dewey. (A.) In 55th Ann. Rep. Regents. Albany, 1842. ‘ New York County. 9S Catalogus Plantarum quas sponte crescentes in insula Noveboraco a observavit Johannes Leconte. (A.) , In Amer. Med. and Philsoph. Register, Vol. ii. New York, 1812. 7 Catalogue of the Plants growing spontaneously within thirty miles of the city of New York. By John Torrey. (B.) cee _. 8vo, pamph. pp. 100. Albany, 1819. 77 Synoptical view of the Lichens growing in the vicinity of the city oa of New York. By Abraham Halsey. (C.) — In Annals Lyc. Nat. Hist. Vol. i. New York, 1824. 1¥ *Revised Catalogue of Plants growing within thirty miles of New : York City. By the Torrey Botanical Club, (B.) In Bullet. Torrey Bot. Club. New York, 1870-74. 7q Catalogue of Plants gathered in August and September, 1857, in the rae of Central Park. By Charles Rawolle and Ig. A. Pilat. 8vo, pamph. pp. 34.. New York, 1857. - @o List of Plants introduced {in vicinity of New York) with ballast, _ and on made land. By Addison Brown. (B.) _. In Bullet. Torrey Bot. Club, Vols vi and vii. New York, 1879-80. _ *' Catalogue of the Plants collected in Manhattan Square, New © : York City, in the summer of 1880. By L. P. Gratacap. (A.) In Amer, Naturalist, Vol. xiv. Philadelphia, 1880. Oneida County. : Ree 2 Catalogue of Plants found in the County of Oneida. By P. D. e Knieskern, M.D. (B.) ce In 55th Ann. Rep. Regents. Albany, 1842. 4 - &3 Catalogue of Plants found in Oneida County and vicinity. By John A. Paine, Jr. (C.) In 18th Ann. Rep. Regents on Cabinet. Albany, 1865. ~ Orange County. oo : -¥™ Plantae Coldenghamiae, in Provincia Noveboracensi Americes — tt a " *Not yet completed. 19 sponte crescentes, quas ad methodum Cl. Linnaei sexualem anno 1742, etc., observavit et descripsit Cadwallader Colden. (D.) In Acta Societ. Reg. Sci. Upsala, 1749-51. a Onondaga County. s* Filices Onondagenses. By Mrs..S. M. Rust. (A.) Syracuse (no date). ; Queens County. ~‘e Plantae Plandomenses, or catalogue of Plants growing near Plan- dome, Long Island.. By C. W. Eddy.. (A.) In Medical Repository, Vol. xi. New York, 1807. 67 Richmond County. Flora of Richmond County. By Arthur Hollick and N. L. Britton.(B.) 8vo, pamph. pp. 26. Staten Island, 1879. (Addenda in Bullet. Torrey Club, Jan., 1880.) a Rensselaer County. . ny & ¥ Catalogue of Plants growing in the vicinity of Troy. By James Hall and J. Wright, M.D. (B.) . 8vo, pamph. pp. 42. Troy, 1836. _ Schenectady County. ee “9 Catalogue of the flowering Plants of Schenectady County.: By E. ~ W. Paige. (B.) a 8vo, pamph. pp. 48. Albany, 1864. eae Suffolk County. ee eS ° Catalogue of the phaenogamous and acrogenous Plants of Suffolk County. By E. S. Miller and H. W. Young. (A.) oe 8vo, pamph. pp. 19. Port Jefferson,1874. (Addenda in Bullet. Tor. _ Club, Vols. vi and vii.) e ‘Tioga County. ; : Pe 71 Catalogue of forest Trees growing wild in the town of Nichols, Tio- _— ga County. By Robert Howell. (A.) In Ann. Rep. Regents. Albany, 1852. a Yates and Seneca Counties. Perr 7 ~ Catalogue of Plants growing without cultivation in the vicinity of — Seneca and Crooked Lakes, in Western New York. By H. P. — Sartwell, M.D. In Ann. Rep. Regents. Albany, 1845. Westchester County. 6% Catalogue of Plants growing in the vicinity of North Salem Acad- emy. By S. B. Mead. (A.) = In Ann. Rep. Regents. Albany, 1831-2. so 9” Report on the Flora of Westchester County. By O. R. Willis. (B.) Appendix to Bolton’s Hist. Westchester Co. New York, er a WwW. eG: Noi S. § 17. Botanical Notes.—Curious Fungi inthe Nevada Mines.—The — Virginia City (Nev.) Enterprise, speaking of the old deserted Mexican and Ophir mines, says that fungi of every imaginable kind have “— taken possession of the old levels. “In these old mines, undisturbed for years, is found a fungus world in which are to be seen counterfeits of almost everything seen in our daylight world. Owing to the . warmth of the old levels and to the presence in them of a certain _ e 20 ° é amount of moisture, the timbers have been made to grow some curi- ous crops. Some of the fungi in the old chambers are several feet in height, and, being snow white, resemble sheeted ghosts. In places representations of goats with long beards, all as white as though carved in the purest marble. The rank fungus growth has almost closed some of the drifts. The fungi are of almost every imaginable variety. Some kinds hang down from the timbers like great bunches of snow-white hair and others are great pulpy masses. These last generally rise from the rock forming the floor of the drifts and seem _ to have grown from something dropped or spilled on the ground at the time work was in progress years ago. These growths have in several places raised from the ground rocks weighing from ten to fifty and even one hundred pounds. Some of the rocks have thus been lifted more than three feet. In the higher levels, where the air is comparatively dry, the fungi are less massive in structure than be- low and are much firmer in texture. Some resemble ram’s horns, as they grow in a spiral or twisted shape, while others, four or five feet in length and about the thickness of a broom handle, hang from the cap-timbers like so many snakes suspended by the tails. One kind, after sending out a stem of the thickness of a pencil to the length of a foot or two, appears to blossom; at least it produces at theend a bulbous mass that has some resemblance to a flower, In all the in- finite variety of these underground fungi it is somewhat strange that not one was seen at all like those growing upon the surface in the light of day. Nothing in the nature of toadstools or mushrooms was found.” os The fantastic forms assumed by the higher fungi when growing under abnormal conditions of light, heat and moisture, like those above-mentioned, are certainly very curious, and have been the sub- ject of frequent comment. A work descriptive of some of these sin- _ gular productions found growing in similar situations in Europe was _ published by George Hoffman in 1811, under the title of “ Vegeta- bilia in Hercyniae subterraneis Collectae.” In all these instances _ the metamorphosis of the fungus remains incomplete, and, in many nature, its thwarted growth being limited to a monstrous modification of this mycelium,” or to a sort of exuberance which is opposed to the _ formation of fruit-bearing organs; just as a too luxuriant vegetation often opposes an obstacle to the flowering or fruiting of phaenogams. _ An example of one of these imperfectly-developed fungi was exhibit- _ ed by Mr. Fairchild at the January meeting of the Torrey Club. - Pennsylvania. It was an elongated growth, about two feet in length _ and two inches in diameter, consisting of a succession of swellings points to produce a pileus. Chlorophyll in the Epidermis of Leaves ——In a paper contributed “Annales des Sciences Naturelles, 1860, p- 24. ~, _ are what at a little distance appear to be white owls, and there are cases, the plant (to use the words of Fries*) “preserves its mycelium - _ This specimen, which, judging from its texture, color and polished - surface was Polyporus lucidus, Fr., was obtained from a coal mine in - __and appearing as if the fungus had made an attempt at each of these to the Scientific Proceedings of the Vienna Academy, Herr A. Stohr, - enema hs f according to Mature, details the results of investigations on the pres- ence of chlorophyll in the epidermis of leaves. Hitherto it has gen- erally been supposed that submerged phaenogamous plants, with a — few exceptions, contain chlorophyll in their epidermis, while terres- trial phaenogams, also with a few exceptions, have an epidermis des- titute of chlorophyll. Herr Stohr’s experiments, however, point to a different conclusion. He finds that while chlorophyll is contained in the epidermis of most of the broad-leaved gymnosperms and of by — far the greater number of terrestrial phaenogams, it is absent from that of the needle-leaved gymnosperms and the terrestrial monocoty- ledons. In most cases the chlorophyll does not occur in the epider- _ mis of the upper surface of the leaf, being quickly destroyed on its formation by a too intense light; but is only to be found in that of the under surface and also of the leaf petioles and stipules. So far as the evolution of the chlorophyll bodies was observed the latter showed themselves as starch-chlorophyll bodies. These experiments were made upon the leaves of nearly one hundred species. Changes in the Diameter of the Trunks of Trees.—According to the Gardeners’ Chronicle, MM. Kraus and Kaiser have been making some researches from which it appears that the trunks of trees under- _go daily changes in diameter. From early morning to early after- noon there is a regular diminution till the minimum is reached, when the process is reversed and the- maximum diameter ‘attained at the time of twilfght; then again comes a diminution, to be succeeded by an increase about, dawn—an increase more marked than that in the evening. The variations in diameter coincide, therefore, with those of the tension, but they are shown to be inverse to the temperature, © the maximum of the one corresponding roughly to the minimum of the other, and so on. : ge Preparation of Toadstools for the Herbarium.—In a recently-re- ceived check-list of plants sent us by the Schlesischen Botanischen Tausch-Veretns, we find a method, as practised by Herr E. Jacobasch, of Berlin, of preparing fleshy species of fungi for the herbarium, and which, briefly stated, is as follows: The ‘perfectly fresh toadstool is divided vertically through the centre and the two halves are laid down © on stout paper with liquid glue and then submitted to a gentle pressure. The glue immediately penetrates the substance of the fungus and ex- — pels all the water contained therein, and so quickly too that in a few minutes the whole surface of the pileus will be seen covered with bead- like drops of moisture. The glue, moreover, drives out or destroys all the insect larvae that may be present. ‘The preparation after one or two days will be found thoroughly dry, and its color, with the ex- | ception of being a little darker, will be perfectly preserved. The ~ _ spores having been collected on paper in the usual manner, are af- fixed thereto by immersion in milk. Further notes on this same | subject will be found on another page. ; § 18. Botanical Literature.—Trimen’s Journal of Botany for Jan- uary contains articles on ‘Chara obtusa, a species new to Britain,’ by -H.and J. Groves; ‘History of the Scorpoid Cyme,’ by Sidney H. Vines; — ‘ Potamogeton lanceolatus of Smith,’ by C. C. Babbington;‘ Musci we S ~S 22 Praeteriti,’ by Richard Spruce; and ‘Plants of Aran Island, Co. Don- egal,’ by H. C. Hart. : - +» Botanische Zeitung (No. 52) Dec. 25th. ‘ Researches on the Or- igin of Starch-granules,’ (with a plate), by A. W. F. Schimper. Annales des Sciences Naturelles, Tome X, Nos. 2 and 3. ‘On the In- fluence of the Intensity of Light on the decomposition of Carbonic Acid by Plants,’ by A. Farmintzin; ‘Researches on the réle of Light in Germination,’ by A. Pauchon. : American Naturalist for January. ‘On the Fertilization of Ca- lamintha Nepeta,’ by William Trelease; ‘ Botanizing on the Colorado Desert,’ by Edward Lee Greene; ‘Method of distinguishing species of Populus and Juglans by the young naked branches,’ by W. J. | Beal. : Journal of the Microscopical Society, Dec., 1880. Williams & Norgate, London and Edinburgh. In this bi-monthly of nearly two hundred pages, there is a vast amount of interesting matter, original and selected. We quote an item of the latter: “Contrary to the _ views of Reess and Darwin, E. Regel finds that the plants (Droserae) thrive best when not treated with animal food.’ ‘This may be the tendency of Mr. Higley’s experiments recorded in recent num- bers of the Botanical Gazette; yet, with the evidence of our bogs, where one seldom finds a well-developed Drosera without the débris of in- sects on its leaves, it is hard to admit that the plants are not benefitted by their prey. Geological Survey of California, Botany, Vol. II1.—The first - volume of this work was issued in 1876, the Polypetalae by W. H. _ Brewer and Sereno Watson; the Gamopetalae by Asa Gray. The Legislature of California having withdrawn its aid, we are indebted (as Prof. Whitney states in a prefatory note) to S. C. Hastings and other gentlemen of San Francisco for the publication of these two _ noble volumes. The Flora of the second volume—Apetalous Dico- tyledons to the end of Afusct and: Sphagnaceae—is edited by Sereno Watson. Dr. George Engelmann has elaborated the Oaks, the Pines and their allies and the Loranthaceae; M. S. Bebb, Esq., has done the same for the Willows; Wm. Boott, Esq., has supplied the portion upon _ the Carices; Dr. George Thurber the Grasses, and Prof. Daniel C. Eaton the Ferns and other higher cryptogams. If the publication has ~ necessarily been delayed on this account, the superior character of _ the work is an ample compensation. The extent of the additions that have been made to our knowledge of the flora of the State during the _ past four years may be seen by reference to the many papers devoted _ to them—6z pages of additions and corrections. There still remains _ ample opportunity for good botanical work at almost every locality , among the mountains, hills and valleys of the State. tee The second volume is provided with analytical tables and a com- _ plete index to the ten volumes, and with two appendices, numbered I, and IV. Appendix I. is a glossary of botanical terms employed, =— - and IV. is a list of, persons who have made botanical collections in _ California, by W. H. Brewer. To this is added a supplement, by Mr. _ Watson, of especial acknowledgment to those whose contributions _ have aided essentially in the preparation of the work, and among these > [95 are several ladies whose names must be familiar to our readers. The hiatus in the numbering of the appendices is owing, we suppose, to the omission of the accented list of generic names, with their deriva- tions contemplated in the first volume, and to the omission of the - mere lists of some of the lower cryptogams, which was all that their incomplete collection and study would authorize. After the men- tion made of the master hands engaged upon this work, we have no need to commend it further to our readers. The volumes, one or both, can be obtained from Sereno Watson, Botanical Garden, Cam- bridge,Mass. The price per volume to botanists is $5.00. Advise whether to be sent by mail (postage 40 cents avolume) or by express. The Flora of Essex Co., Mass., By John Robinson, Essex Insti- tute, Salem, Mass. After the preface comes the literature of the sub- ject, and then an introduction giving a general account of the character of the flora. The land plants of the county belong decidedly to the northern flora, although not so arctic in their character as the | lichens and algae. “There is an almost total absence of many species ~ common from Cape Cod southward and often found just south of Boston. In contrast to this the Magnolia glauca is still quite abun- — dant at Gloucester, but not found again north of New Jersey. At Cape Ann is the southern limit of the little Sagzna nodosa, and there’ is also found Poftentil/la tridentata, familiar at the Isle of Shoals and op Mt. Washington. Essex County seems also to be the southern limit, for this region, of Pinus resinosa (red pine), Abies nigra (black spruce), Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea, Viola rotundifolia, etc.,as it is the northern limit of Cupressus thyoides (white cedar), Quercus prinoides (chinquapin oak), — _ Polygonum Careyi, Draba Caroliniana, Lygodium palmatum (climbing — fern), and others. At Boxford is what has proved thus far to be the only New England station for Sa/ix candida ; and another bog willow, — Salix myrtilloides, is occasionally met with, At Andover a locality for Calamagrostis Pickeringit was discovered in the summer of 1879; this species has only been known before at the White Mountains.” After the Introduction we have a sketch of some of the early botan-— ists, and then the Flora, which takes in the Algae, but omits the Fungi. Prof. Robinson has had the aid, in various of the more dif-— ficult orders, of specialists to whom he makes his acknowledgments, particularly of Mr. Chas, J. Sprague in the Lichens, and of Mr. Austin in the Musci and Hepaticae. There is a good index at the end. Those who know Prof. Robinson’s love of good work will not be disappointed in this catalogue, though some of the determinations, in so wide a range of orders, many of them yet imperfectly studied, - may admit of difference of opinion. i Correspondance Botanique—Prof. Ed. Morren of Liege, Belgium, sends us his annual list of Botanic Gardens, Chairs, Nurseries, Re- views and Societies. The United States seem to be quite well — reported. Price 3 francs. : Botanical Exchanges.—We have frequently been asked the address of European botanists who would exchange European for American” plants. We have before us the Nineteenth Annual Exchange-List of ; the Schlesischen Botanischen-Vereins. Address Adolph ‘Toepffer, _ Brandenburg a { H, Prussia. Sore an - A , ae - §$ 1g. The Syracuse Botanical Club.—Some time since, the Syra- cuse Botanical Club conceived the idea of an Author’s Party, whereby the treasury of the association could be benefitted, and at the same time those contributing to aid the association might com- bine pleasure with business. Mrs, Rust threw open the doors of her spacious mansion for the good cause, and invitations were extended to those citizens who were expected to be present. The responses to the invitations were very numerous, and the assemblage included many of the more prominent citizens of Syracuse. At an early hour the guests began to assemble, and a diversified, quaint and motley appearance they made in their various character-costumes. They were received by a,committee designated for the purpose and an- nounced by their proper tickets. All sorts of characters were represented. The amount realized was about ninety dollars, which is to be used for purchasing microscopes, books, etc. for the Club’s work... During the last season, beginning with April, the Club made twenty-nine. field excursions and realized there- -from twenty-two dollars, A club room has been rented, a her- barium case purchased, and classes have been organized for the study of structural botany, under instruction of the President, The Club has undertaken the collection of all the lists of plants that have been made by different observers, and intends in the course of time to publish a complete flora of Onondaga County. The officers for the present year are as follows: President, Mrs. S. M. Rust; Vice-President, Mrs. H. S. Girrorp; Treasurer, Mrs. A. D. _. Fairpanks; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. M. J. Myers; Record- ing Secretary, Mrs. H. Row Linc. _ + § 20. Proceedings of the Torrey Club,—The regular meeting of the Club was held at the School of Mines, Columbia College, Tues- day evening, January r1th, the President in the chair, and twenty-six members and fourteen visitors present. After opening the meeting the President announced to the Club _ the great loss that it had recently sustained in the death of its valued member, Alphonso Wood, and, in a few brief remarks, paid a grace- ful tribute to his memory. On motion, a committee of three was appointed to draft appro- priate resolutions expressive of the esteem and respect in which Prof. Wood was held by his fellow-members; and extending to his family the Club’s deep sympathy. : This being the annual meeting, officers for the present year were balloted for with the following result: President, J. S, NEwBerry; Vice-President, A. Brown; Treas- urer, W. H. Rupkin; Corresponding Secretary, B. Braman; Re- cording Secretary, G. M. WILBER; Editor, W. H. Leccrert; Curator, _ P, V. LeRoy. According to previous announcement, Mr. C. F. Cox read a very __ Instructive and interesting paper on a subject of which he has long made a specialty—Plant Hairs—and which was well illustrated by _ beautiful: microscopic preparations thrown upon a screen. ‘The paper was of such a nature that justice cannot be done it by a mere abstract _ _ especially without illustrations). BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUS: Vol. VIII] New York, March, 1881, _[No. 3. § 21. Emendation of the Genus Fendlera. By Epwarp LEE GREENE. Last September, while exploring the highest rocky summits of the San Francisco Mountains of South-eastern Arizona, I came upon some bushes growing in the rocky crevices, and the first sight of which _ called forth the exclamation: “ A second species of Fendlera !” __ With the typical species of that genus the shrub was indeed con- siderably at variance. The flowers instead of being solitary were in small cymes; the petals were five instead of four; and the filaments were merely subulate, lacking those linear lobes which, in /. rupi- cola, are produced beyond the anthers. I was nevertheless very con- fident that the supposed new species would have to go into Fendlera, although the published character of the genus would need modifica- tion in order to admit it. Without giving the plant further study, I labeled my specimens Fendlera cymosa, n. sp., and so distributed a number of them among my correspondents. Familiar as I am with the types of both Fendlera and Whipplea, and knowing that there had been a second species from Utah added to the latter genus within a few years, it never occurred to me that my Arizona shrub could pos- sibly be a Whipp/ea, until one of my correspondents wrote: “I rec- ognize in your Fendlera cymosa, Mr. Watson's Whipplea Utahensts.” On receiving this somewhat mortifying bit of intelligence, I brought forth my best specimens of the two genera, and, with the original de- scriptions and plates before me, commenced a critical study of all the materials; the result of which is, a settled conviction corresponding with my first impression, that the Whipplea Utahensis, Wats. is not of that genus, but a Mendlera ; and in accordance with that convic- tion I subjoin an emendation of the original characters of Fendlera, with. descriptions of the two species, fully confident that if my esteemed friend Mr. Watson had been very familiar with W4ipplea modesta and Fendlera rupicola in their native haunts, and had been favored with good specimens of this in some respects intermediate species, he would unhesitatingly have placed it in Fendlera. FENDLERA, Engelm. & Gray. 7. Wright. 1., 77: Calyx green-herbaceous, the turbinate tube 8-ro-costate, more or less adherent to the ovary, limb of 4-5 lanceolate segments, valvate; petals 4-5, unguiculate, erose, convolute in bud; stamens 8-ro, inserted with the petals, filaments broad and flat,anthers 2-celled,introrse; styles 3-4, stigmas simple; ovary semi-superior, 3-4-celled, with 1 to several ovules in each cell; ovules pendulous, anatropous; capsule crustace- ous, ovoid— or oblong-conical, more or less adherent to the calyx- tube, splitting from the apex, the divisions pointed ‘with the persist- ent style; seeds with a loose, membranous, reticulated testa, which is winged at the base. oie 8 : = } _ Erect, much-branched, rigid shrubs, with opposite, entire, subses- 26 sile, deciduous leaves; the branchlets terminating in a solitary flower, or in a-cymose cluster. : Natives of the arid, rocky districts of the South-western United States, east of the Sierra Nevada. § 1. EUFENDLERA,. Flowers solitary or in threes, 4-merous; filaments lin- ear, with two linear-attenuate lobes which are produced beyond the anthers ; cells of the capsule several-seeded. FENDLERA RUPICOLA, Engelm. & Gray.—Shrub 3-6 feet high; leaves lanceolate, about an inch long; hairs of the upper surface of the leaves very short, stout and erect, of the lower, long and ap- pressed; flowers large and mostly solitary at the ends of the branchi- lets; calyx-tube short-turbinate ; segments triangular-lanceolate; petals ovate-deltoid, with a long claw, deciduous; stamens 8; styles 4; ovary 4-celled; capsule ovoid, the calyx-tube adherent only to its base. A beautiful shrub of the mountains of Texas and New Mexico, putting forth in May a profusion of large, white or rose-colored flowers, which give it the aspect of a small peach-tree. § 2. FENDLERELLA. Flowers in compound cymes, 5-merous; filaments broadly subulate; cells 1-seeded. FENDLERA UTAHENSISs.—Shrub 6 inches to 2 feet high, much branched; leaves oblong, attenuate to the base; sparingly long-hairy, 3-nerved; flowers small, in a compound cyme; calyx cylindrical-tur- binate, the lobes subulate; petals oblong, unguiculate, white; stamens 10; styles 3, stigmatic portion on the inner side, near the summit ; capsule oblong, adherent to the calyx-tube for half its length. Whipplea Utahensis, Watson, Amer. Wat., vii., 300, and Bot. Calif. i., 203. Inhabiting dry rocky mountain summits of Utah and Arizona. While #. Ufahensis certainly brings the genera Wdipplea and Fendlera into closer juxtaposition, it does not at all invalidate the former, which still rests upon good characters of its own, that are to be sought chiefly in the calyx, capsule and seed. Its calyx, instead of being green and of a sub-coriaceous thickness of texture, is thin and whitish; the calyx-tube is hemispherical, rather than turbinate ; its capsule is nearly globose; its seeds are not winged; its petals are imbricated in the bud, and have the margins involute, while both species of Fendlera have a convolute aestivation, and petals with erose margin. Wipplea has, moreover, a centripetal inflorescence; the flowers being mostly opposite in a long-peduncled raceme; and, in habit, as well as from a geographical point of view, it is most unlike Fendlera. It is a weak, half-reclining undershrub of the deep, moist woods of the Coast Range of California. Both Fendlerae are rigidly erect, brittle, hard woody shrubs of the dry, sun-burnt rocks of the interior desert regions of the South-west. § 22 Some New Species of North American Fungi. By J. B. Er.tis and H. W. Harkness, M.D. ASCOMYCES ANOMALUs, E, & H.—Albus, orbicularis vel sub- confluens ; ascis oblongo-cylindraceis sporida octo oblonga hyalina foventibus. 27 On bark of old pine logs lying on wet ground, Newfield, N. J., Oct., 1880. Forming thin white, suborbicular or subconfluent patches 1-8’— 1-4’ across, so that the bark appears as if splashed with white-wash. Sporidia oblong, about .ooo15’ long. Remarkable for its unusual place of growth. DENDRYPHIUM HarKNESssII, Ellis. —Nigro-olivaceum, cespitosum; hyphis erectis, superne ramosis; conidiis cylindraceis, 3—6 septatis. On bark of a cedar log in wet woods, Newfield, N. J., Oct., 1880. Tufts nearly black when fresh, olivaceous when dry; fertile threads sparingly branched above, and bearing at their tips 3-5 con- catenate, cylindric, 3-6—septate conidia, .0012'—,0015'x.0003’. a distinguished from D. £i/isit, Cke. by its tufted mode of growth. Var, LEPTALEUM, found at Northampton, Mass., by Dr. Hark- ness, on bark of grape-vine, differs in its more dwarfish habit and smaller conidia, which are generally only 3-septate. HELICOSPORIUM THYSANOPHORUM, E, & H. Cinereum, dense cespitosum; conidiis thysanoideis spiris 8-10 convolutis. ao ae the pitchy bark of an old pine log. Newfield, N. J., Oct., 1880. Cinereous, densely cespitose, tufts about the size of a large mustard-seed, sometimes effused, conidia cylindric; open at each end, and consisting of 8-10 coils, .oor’ long by about half as wide. The fertile threads, which arise from a brown, branching, rather sparing, creeping mycelium, are very short, nearly transparent and coiled upon themselves above so as to form the conidia, which re- semble coils of rope or curls. Sometimes the erect thread appears to divide above and produce two coils. Fusarium Scuweinirzu, E, & H. Tuberculiforme, albo-fuscum, superne leviter concavum; conidiis oblongis, obtusis, subcurvatis. In cracks of the bark of a dead grape vine. Newfield, N. J., Oct., 1880. : a Tuberculiform or substipitate, discoid above, dark cinerous with the exception of the pulverulent pallid disk; conidia oblong or clav- ate-oblong, obtuse and generally slightly curved; borne on the tips of compacted threads, which form the body of the fungus. Allied to Fusarium album, Sacc. ’ : : CreRcosPporRA LirIopENDRI, E. & H.—Hyphis fasciculatis, brev- | ibus; conidiis suboblongis, uniseptatis, hyalinis. On leaves of Liriodendron Tulipifera. Vineland, N. J., Oct., 1880. ey Hypophyllous, seated on small (1-16’ diameter) brown spots bounded by the veinlets of the leaf; fertile threads fasciculate, short, sparingly septate and bearing at their tips the irregularly-oblong uni- septate, hyaline, .0008’x.0002’ conidia. Cercospora Macno.iag, E. & H.—Hypophylla, maculis puncti- formibus; amphigenis; hyphis fasciculatis, atris, septatis; conidiis clavatis. On living leaves of Magnolia glauca. Newfield, N. J., Nov., 1880, age 28 Spots suborbicular, minute, less in size than the head of a pin, visible on both surfaces of the leaf and surrounded by a raised bor- der. Fertile threads fasciculate, septate, black or dark-brown, .oo1 —.oo15' in height, bearing at their tips the clavate, 3-5-septate, .0008’—oo18’ long conidia; Only about two to four tufts of the fungus grow on each spot. aoe SEPTONEMA TABACINUM, E. & H.—Pulvinulis e tabacino nigris, sparsis; hyphis simplicibus, echinulatis, in conidiis cylindraceis, 3-4— septatis facile dilabentibus. On indurated pitch on the bark of an old pine log. Newfield, N. J.; Nov., 1880. — Tufts scattered, about the size of a small mustard-seed, snuff- colored at first, then becoming nearly black; erect threads simple, echinulate, constricted at intervals and separating into cylindrical, 3-4-septate, .0008’—.001’x.oo014’ conidia. § 23. Notes on the Flora of Presquellsle, Pa.—Several visits which I paid last year to our large peninsula enabled me to add a few more species to the already large list of interesting plants found on that remarkable piece of land. The water in the ponds being unusually low during the latter part of the summer facilitated access to some places hitherto not visited. The muddy shores of the ponds abounded in Utriculariae, of which six species were found: JU. vulgaris, L., U. minor, L., U. intermedia, Hayne, U. gibba, L., U. resupinata, L., and U. cornuta,L. Sparganium minimum, Bauhin, Fries, was found with prostrate leaves on places usually inundated. Polygonum amphibium, 1.., and P. Careyi, Olney, grew side by side on the mar- gins of some of the ponds. Growing in shallow water, I found Sezr- pus fluviatilis, Gray, Carex aguatilis, Wahl., and C. filiformis, L. Eleocharis quadrangulata, R. Br., was never so thrifty before; both it and the wild rice (Zizania aquatica, L.) covered acres in the ponds, and presented a serious obstruction to the passage with boats. The wild rice was sown here a few years ago by the members of our, Game and Fish Association in order to induce the ducks and reed-birds to make their homes on the peninsula. The soil and surroundings seem to be genial to this western grass, for it conquers more and more ground from year to year. On dried, sandy places I found in spring, Carex umbellata, Schk., plentiful, and Oryzopsis asperifolia, Michx., sparingly; later in) the season I added Panicum glabrum, Gaudin, Bromus racemosus, L., and Lechea major, Michx., as new acquisitions to my list. : There is one spot near the eastern end of Presque Isle, that is a perfect paradise for the botanist—a greater variety of beautiful and interesting plants being seldom found on so small aspace. PAyso- _ stegia Virginiana, Benth., is the first to adorn this spot with its long spikes of handsome purplish-tipped flowers, and it is closely fol- lowed by Sadbatia angularis, Pursh, finer specimens of which I have seldom seen. Gerardia purpurea, L., Lobelia Kalmii, L., Linum Virginianum, L.., Utricularia cornuta, Michx., occupy the ground al- — most all at the same time, and are followed by Spiranthes cernua, Rich. A pleasing background to this natural flower-bed is afforded 29 ‘ by a thrifty growth of Cladium mariscoides, Torr., Carex Gderi, Ehrh. and Juncus alpinus, Villars, var. insignis, Fries; while a few steps further off we find Z7riglochin palustre, L. Prunus pumila, 1.., is described in Gray’s Manual as “ depressed and trailing, 6’—18’ high,” but on Presque Isle we find this cherry often from 40°—6o° in height. My most interesting find, perhaps, is a willow, which Mr. Bebb has now under examination, and which may be a variety of Salix adenophylla, Hook. .Few new discoveries were made in the vicinity of Erie, the most interesting find being a patch of A/thaea officinalis, L., discovered east of the city by J. Miller, a member of our Botany Section. G. GUTTENBERG. | § 24. The Development of Sphaeria Solidaginis, Schw.—This fungus, which is common on various species of So/dago all through the Atlantic slope of the United States, was first collected by Schweinitz in Carolina over half a century ago and described in his Synopsis Fungorum Carolinae, as Sphaeria Solidaginis; but in more recent times it has been referred to the genus Dothidea. Those who have observed this species in a living state have doubtless noticed the fact mentioned by Schweinitz that it is often found in company with an Uredo. It is to this peculiarity that I wish to call attention. As early, at least, as September the lower surface of the leaves on the Solidagos affected with this fungus will begin to show the presence of the Uredo (U. Solidaginis, Schw.), which, as Baron de Thumen has shown (Vol. vi, p. 216 of this journal), is really a Coleosportum. The radical leaves will generally be the first affected, but, soon after, also those of the stem and even the bract-like leaves among the inflorescence. In some species, especially Solidago lanceolata, the branches of the panicle and the main stem itself are thickly dotted with the Col/eosporium. By the middle of October, or sooner, it will be noticed tha the orange-red color in many of the clusters of Colea- sporium spores (especially those on the radical and lower cauline leaves) has changed to a dark-brown or nearly black, and an €xam- ination with a lens will show, not the spores of the Co/eosporium, but a little black, subglobose, crustaceous stroma about the size of a large mustard-seed, and which is in fact the pycnidium of the Dothidea, and contains hyaline, fusiform, uniseptate stylospores, .0006 —.0007 x .ooo1s’, The perfect fruit or sporidia, which much resemble the stylospores, will not appear till the following spring or summer. Further examination will show that some of the Coleosportum' clusters appear partly orange and partly brown or black; and, if a section be made of one of these and examined under the microscope, it will be seen that in the midst of the cluster of Co/eosporium spores, the black, cellular, crustaceous stroma of the Dothidea is in process of formation. : From repeated observation of the facts here briefly stated I be- lieve the Coleosporium to be the rudimentary stage of the Dothidea, and hope to be able during the coming season to collect and dis- tribute, in the ‘‘ North American Fungi,” specimens to illustrate this view. Newfield, N. J., Feb. ro, 1881. J. B. Exuis, 30 § 25. The Herbaria and Botanical Libraries of the United States, 1V.—Tue Massacuuserts Horticutturat Society. 1. The Bo- — tanical Library.—\f the value of a Library depends more upon the character than the number of the volumes which it contains, and upon its adaptability to the purposes for which it was designed, then the library of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society is one of the finest, if not ¢he finest in the United States. i As might be expected from the nature of the Society and its work, the greater number of its books are devoted to Horticulture and Ag- riculture, departments in which it is unexcelled; but, recognizing the importance of botanical knowledge to the intelligent cultivator, this department has been wisely and generously fostered—many rare and valuable works having been purchased from time to time—until at present full twenty-five per cent. of the whole number of volumes is devoted to Botany. Many works not strictly botanical might be added to the list. increasing the proportion to nearly one-third. Of this latter class are many valuable works of a semi-horticultural and botanical character, on the culture of orchidaceous plants, and which are not included in the present estimate. The number of books in the library at the present time exceeds 4,000 volumes. As stated by Mr. Manning, in the History of the Society, the number at the close of the year 1878 was 3,400 books ~and 600 pamphlets, but this number has been since increased by some valuable additions. All the current text-books on botany—including some old and rare editions long out of print—are to be found upon the library shelves. The names of Gray, Torrey, Chapman, Bigelow, Beck, Darby, Wood, Eaton, Nuttall, Barton, Balfour, Hooker, Greville, Bentham, Henfrey, Harvey, Berkeley, Thornton, Cooke, Sachs, Thomes, Prantl, Dresser and Bessey are sufficient to indicate the character of this section. : Of the more important works may be mentioned: Alph. de Can- dolle’s*‘ Laws of Botanical Nomenclature,’ ‘Prodromus Systematis,’ ‘Collection de Mémoires,’ etc.; A. Ph. de Candolle’s ‘ Géographie Botanique’; A.and C. de Candolle’s ‘Monographiae Phanerogamarum’; Linnaeus’ ‘Systema Plantarum,’ ‘Species Plantarum,’ etc.; Le Maout and Decaisne’s * Traité Général de Botanique’ (Mrs. Hooker’s trans- lation;) E. St. Pierre de Germain’s ‘Dictionnaire de Botanique’; Loudon’s ‘ Hortus Brittanicus’; Plumier’s ‘ Plantes de l’Amérique’; Draakenstein’s ‘Hortus Indicus Malabaricus’; Gmelin’s ‘ Flora Siberica’; Grisebach’s ‘Plantae Wrightianae’; Batsch’s ‘Genera Plantarum’: Robert Brown’s ‘Flora Novae Hollandiae’ (London ed. suppressed by the author); ‘Journal of the Proceedings of the Linn- ean Society’; Curtis’ * Botanical Magazine’; ‘Flora Londinensis ’; Sowerby’s ‘ English Botany,’ first and second editions, etc., etc., while the names of Braun, Steudel, Koch, Fries, Siebold, Lemaire, L’Heritier, Walpers, Thunberg, Michaux, etc., suggest other works of great importance and value. Sk Cryptogamic botany has not been overlooked, and the favor ac- corded to fern books, even by those who are not specially interested in the subject of which these treat, is particularly noticeable here, 31 where pteridologists and pteridophiles alike will find ample material to aid them in their studies. Hooker’s (and Bauer's) ‘Genera Fili- cum,’ ‘Icones Filicum,’ ‘ Century of Ferns,’ ‘Species Filicum,’ ‘Sy- nopsis Filicum ’ (editions 1868-74), ‘ Filices Exoticae,’ etc.; Smith’s ‘Historia Filicum’ and ‘British and Foreign Ferns’; Moore’s ‘Nature-Printed Ferns’ (octavo and folio editions); Lowe’s ‘New and Rare Ferns, etc.; Newman’s ‘ British Ferns’; Sowerby’s, John- son’s, Anne Pratt’s and Heath’s fern books; Presl’s ‘ Pteridographia’; Kunzius’ ‘ Index Filicum’; Swartz’s ‘Synopsis Filicum’; besides many valuable papers scattered through other works are here, along with Eaton, Robinson, Williamson and the present writer, to repre- sent our American fern literature. In the mosses and other lower cryptogamia, we have Sullivant’s ‘ Mosses of Eastern North America,’ etc.; Berkeley’s * British Mosses’; Schimper’s ‘Bryologia Europaea’; Harvey’s ‘Nereis Australis,’ ‘Nereis Boreali-Americana,’ ‘Phycologia Australis,’ ‘ Phycologia Britannica,’ etc.; with many other invaluable works, by Bischoff, Fée, Agardh, Schweinitz, Dillenius, Acharius, Greville, Hoffman, Eschweiler, Kutzing, Pringsheim, Thuret, Leighton, Tuckerman, ete., etc. It is not possible in a notice of this kind to do more than indi- cate the character of the whole by the selection of a few; and an examination of the library itself, or of its catalogue, will alone show its value and importance to botanists. In 1869 ex-President Josiah Stickney bequeathed to the Society the income from $12,000 for thirty years, $700 of which are devoted annually to the purchase of books. With this means—termed the ‘‘ Stickney Fund ’’—at its dis- posal, and with such additional sums as the Society may appropriate from time to time, the Library Committee is able to take advantage of every opportunity to procure desirable works; but as these are gen- erally expensive, the number of books added yearly is limited. The library has received many additions by donations from various sources, the most important accession being that of the extensive collection of books bequeathed by Rev. John Lewis Russell, of Salem, who for many years was professor of botany and horticultural phy- siology to the Society. Prof. Russell’s private library was especially rich in works on cryptogamic botany—embracing many invaluable papers, pamphlets and local catalogues, all of which came into the possession of the Society soon after his death, forming an en- during monument to the memory of a fine botanist and a beloved clergyman. ; : The library is open for reference at all times, and the genial Librarian is ever ready and pleased to assist strangers in finding such works as they may wish to consult. : : ; 2. The Herbaria.—The Society’s herbaria consist of several dis- tinct collections of plants from different sources, but the special col-- lection of North American Ferns to which the Torrey BULLETIN gave the name of “ Davenport Herbarium ” is the only one generally known. In May, 1857, the Society received a collection of fifty species of plants from Crete, presented by Dr. Giuseppe Monarchini, U. S. Consul to the Island of Crete, and a corresponding member of the Society. 32. In August of the same year, “A lady in Roxbury ”’ (Mass.) pre-. sented a small collection of flowering-plants and grasses. | In 1856, Mrs. Isaac Clements, of Mechanicsville, Saratoga Co., N. Y., pre- sented a collection of native plants, for which she was awarded the Society’s Silver Medal In 1864, the daughter of Dennis Murray (then deceased, but a former member of the Society, a frequent exhibitor of native plants and an excellent botanist) presented a collection of one hundred and twenty-five species of native flowering-plants, collected near ‘Boston; eighty species of vascular cryptogams from America and Great Britain; and sixty species of native and introduced grasses. There is also a collection of thirty species of native and garden-plants from an unknown source. : In June, 1875, Mr. George E. Davenport presented the collection of American ferns now everywhere known as the “ Davenport Her- barium.” At present writing there remain no actual desiderata except root-specimens of Chetlanthes leucopoda and Pellaea aspera, and native specimens of Pel/aca ternifolia and Adiantum tricholepis; but these are deficiencies that cannot remain long unsupplied if we consider how many ferns, long regarded as rare and difficult. to ob- tain, have been placed within the reach of all through the exertions of recent collectors. _ The collection now contains over 600 mounted sheets representing 31 genera, 149 species as here recognized (or 151 by Prof. Eaton’s Fern List), and some twenty-two or twenty-three hundred specimens. Many sheets of other vascular cryptogams have been mounted and are nearly ready to add to the herbarium. © Besides these collections, there is a small one of ferns from Pulney Hills, Southern India, presented in 1878 or ’79 by Mrs. Van Brunt. * Boston, Feb. 1881. Geo BaD, § 26. A Silene with Pentamerous Ovary.—The symmetry in the flower of the” genus Silene is destroyed by the suppression of two carpels in the gynoecium (sepals 5, petals 5, stamens 2xs, pistils 3). In a specimen of Silene Pennsylvanica, Michx. I have detected a well-developed ovary formed of five carpels, which, had they been permitted to ripen, would certainly have opened by ten teeth. This pod shows, if nothing else, how closely Silene and Lychnis are related; so closely, in fact, that if such a case as this were of frequent occur- rence there would be little left to distinguish the two genera. Hoboken, Feb., 1881. _ Josepy ScHRENK. § 27. The Preparation of Fleshy Pileate Fungi for the Herbar- ium.*—For all preparations of fungi, with the Exception of those of spores, I use, as a supporting material, paper coated with gelatine, and which I shall call ““gelatine-paper.” This is prepared by dis- *G. Herpell in Verhandt. des naturhistorisch. Vereins der preuss. Rheinlande u. Westfalens, 1880. é 33 solving one part of gelatine, broken in small pieces, in five parts of boiling-hot water, in the following-manner: A deep porcelain dish ‘is placed on the top of a vessel of boiling water in such a way that the bottom of the dish is kept constantly immersed in the latter. The proper quantity of boiling water is then poured into the dish, and the gelatine is introduced by degrees and stirred about until the last portion is completely dissolved. While the dish is still resting on the vessel of hot water, very stout writing-paper is coated by means of a brush with the warm solution of gelatine and allowed to dry. The solution must be spread over the paper as thickly as possible. With a solution of one ounce of gelatine in five ounces of water I generally coat 34 quarto sheets of writing-paper. A stock of this paper is kept constantly on hand so as to have it in readiness when it is de- sired to prepare fungi for the herbarium. ‘To use the gelatine-paper both surfaces of one of the quarto sheets are moistened, and the sheet, with its prepared side up, is laid on a flat dish which has been pre- viously made wet. The gelatine very quickly swells up by reason of the imbibed moisture and is then in a condition to adhere to the like- wise moist, prepared fungus-sections. ‘The paper being ready for the reception of the specimen, the latter is prepared as follows: With a sharp, thin knife a vertical section is made down through the toad- — stool so as to divide it into two equal portions. Next, from the inner portion of one of the halves a thin vertical slice is removed and laid upon the moist gelatine-paper. Then another specimen is taken, its stipe is cut off close to the pileus, and the latter, as well as the stipe, is divided vertically into two parts. Then, by means of a sharp knife with a curved blade, the greater portion of the fleshy substance is removed from the under side of the divided pileus so as to leave but a very thin layer, and the two portions thus treated are laid, this side downward, upon the gelatine-paper. The two halves of the stipe are prepared in the same way. For the sake of economy the prepa- rations are laid closely side by side upon the paper, and when the — sheet has been filled it is ready for the press. The prepared sheet is then underlaid and overlaid with six or eight sheets of bibulous white paper, and on the top of the whole is placed a piece of board, which is loaded with a weight of about 55 pounds. For pressing, I always employ a weight and never a press. The pressure of the former is continuous, while a screw-press does not act upon an ob- ject which shrinks greatly in drying. I have found that for the ma- jority of fungus-preparations the weight already stated (55 pounds) is most suitable. -At the end of 24 hours the driers are to be changed. On carefully removing the under dryer from the surface of the prep- arations these will be found already fast adherent to the gelatine- paper, although the free portions of the latter do not stick to the dryer. After substituting dry sheets of paper for the damp ones, the whole is submitted to pressure as before. After three or four changes, and also at the end of the same number of days, the prepa- tions will be thoroughly dry. Fungi which contain a large amount © of moisture would better be changed the first time at the end of twelve hours. Preparations made on successive days, must, when placed under the same press, be separated from each other by thick 34 card-board, so that partially or nearly dry specimens may not absorb moisture from the fresher material. The pileus-preparations of some fungi may be affixed to the gelatine-paper without the intervention of pressure. The method of procedure in this case I shall describe farther on. Owing to the quick adherence to the gelatine-paper of these preparations made from the living individual they cannot in the least contract on drying. For this reason they retain a nearly un- altered external form; and, as the gelatine as here employed is like jelly, it does not penetrate the preparation and so the latter keeps its color. In the manufacture of the gelatine-paper.a very stout kind of writing-paper must be employed, since thin paper is powerless to pre- vent the wrinkling up of many preparations—it contracts along with them and becomes crumpled and folded. The preparations thus dried on the gelatine-paper are finally cut out with a pair of scissors and affixed to card-board with gum arabic in the following manner. First the stipe is gummed down and over its upper extremity is placed one of the pileus-sections, so that the preparation exhibits a profile-view of the fungus. By the side of this is gummed one of the vertical sections. Owing to the paper being gelatinized the gum arabic cannot come in contact with the preparation and thus affect its color.* These two preparations—the vertical and profile views—along with the spore-preparation (to which I shall devote a special chapter), exhibit the most prominent characters of a species. In the vertical section is to be seen the thickness and color of the flesh of the pil- eus; the diameter of the stipe from base to apex; whether the stipe is continuous with the substance of the pileus or separable therefrom, and whether it is hollow, or stuffed, or solid. Furthermore, in the sections of lamellate species are to be seen the width and mode of in- sertion of the gills and the character of their edges; and, in those of species of Boletus and Hydnum, the length, diameter, etc. of the pores and spines. The profile view exhibits the size, form and the external nature, such as color, markings and investiture, of the whole fungus. The spore-preparations possess the natural color of the spores and give likewise an exact negative copy of the under surface of the pileus. § 28. Some Fungi from New Mexico.—A small package of fung recently sent me from New Mexico, by Mr. H. H. Rusby, included the following species: Polyporus nitens, Fr. (imperfect, but apparent- ly this species); Podaxon carcinomalis, Fr.; Geaster hygrometricus, Pers.; Scleroderma Geaster, ¥r.; and an undescribed 2cidium, which may be named fictpiumM Ruspyl, 2. sf.—Peridia elongated, slender, cylindrical, white, rosy at the base; mouths surrounded by fringe-like teeth; spores deep orange-yellow. Seated, mostly in parallel series, along the midrib on the under surface of leaves of Hendlera rupicola. Sper- mogonia in circinnating clusters on a thickened purplish-brown sub- iculum. W. R. Gerarp. *The author has referred, in his prefatory remarks, to the injurious effects ex- erted on the colors of fungi by allowing the specimens to come in direct contact with mucilage of gum arabic, the bright red color of such a species as Agaricus muscarius, for instance, being quickly changed thereby to a dirty reddish-yellow. 35 § 29. Note on Cynosurus cristatus.—In the last number of the Botanical Gazette, Mr. G. Guttenberg mentions finding Cynosu- rus cristatus, L., near Lake Chautauqua, N. Y., last summer. I col- lected this plant at Bangor, Maine, in 1876, and at Portland in 1878 —in localities where it was evidently introduced. The late Mr. Coe F. Austin collected it in some abundance at Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1868. It seems to have gained an extended footing in this coun- try, and may be regarded a well-established species. This grass is common in England, where it is perennial and is known as “ crested dogs-tail grass.” Girard College, Philadelphia. § 30. Botanical Literature.—The Revue Mycologique. The first part (dated January) of the current volume of this Mycological and Lichenological French quarterly has just come to hand, and con- tains more original communications than usual. Descriptions of new fungi are furnished by MM. Gillet, Brunaud, Karsten, Kalchbren- ner, Roumeguére and Saccardo; a new systematic arrangement of several orders of the Hymenomycetes is contributed by M. Karsten; and notes and comments on various subjects relating to the fungi and lichens and their literature make up the remaining portion of the number. Five plates are furnished to illustrate the text. The loose manner in which the pages are thrown together makes reference to this periodical very inconvenient. In the Botanical Gazette for February, Dr. Howe presents evidence to show that Carex Sullivantii should not be regarded as a genuine species, but as merely a hybrid between C. graci//ima and C. pubes- cens. Mr. Higley gives another instalment of his experiments on car- niverous plants; Prof. Bessey describes two easily-constructed appa- ratus for measuring the longitudinal growth of plants; and Dr, Vasey describes a new species of 7vichostema (7. Parishi) from California. In Trimen’s Journal of Botany for February, R. A. Pryor has some ‘ Notes on the Herbarium of Abbott’; Dr. Hance describes a new Melastome of the genus Ofanthera; W. A. Beckwith presents some ‘Notes on Shropshire Plants’; and G. S. Jenman gives a ‘ Third Supplement to the Ferns recorded in Grisebach’s Flora of the British West Indies.’ ae The Botanical Collector's Hand-book.—Under this title, Mr. George A. Bates, of Salem, Mass., proposes to issue early in the spring of the present year, a work which will prove of value not only to young botanical collectors but also to older and more experienced workers. The author, Mr. W. W. Bailey, who is well known to gur readers, has had long experience as a collector, and no one could be found better qualified to undertake the elaboration of such a work. In the preparation of his manuscript Mr. Bailey has had the hearty co-operation of Prof. D. C. Eaton, of Yale College, Prof. John Rob- inson, of the Essex Institute, Prof. W. G. Farlow, of Harvard Uni- versity, and many other prominent American botanists. Some of these gentlemen have contributed full details of processes in their special departments of study. The work is to embrace the following subjects: Some account of botanical excursions, their uses and F. LAMSON SCRIBNER. 36. methods ; a description of the collector’s outfit; field-work, how per- formed; closet-work and care of herbarium; correspondence and ex- changes; and some account of public herbaria and museums of vege- table products. Apparatus will be fully illustrated. The work will be placed at so low a -price as to bring it within the reach of all; but, as a further inducement, the publisher offers a dis- count of ro per cent. from the prospective price of $1.50 to all who subscribe before the book is published. $ 31. Proceedings of the Torrey Botanical Club.—The regular monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Herbarium, Columbia College, Tuesday evening, Feb. 8th. In the absence of the presiding officers the chair was occupied by Mr. J. D. Hyatt. There were present eighteen members and two visitors. Mr. Britton read an interesting communication from Mr. H. H. Rusby, giving a sketch of the general character of the flora of New Mexico, Plants Exhibited —Mr. Wright exhibited a beautiful collection of Australian ferns which were sent by Mr. Chorlton for the Club’s herbarium. Mr. Gerard exhibited an example of feterophylly in Hepatica.—The leaf shown was one of several similar fas ones taken from the same plant, and each of which possessed a like pe- culiarity—the middle lobe being deeply trilobate and the lateral ones bilobate (as seen in the annexed figure), thus making an approach toward the leaf-forms found in the genus Anemone into which the old genus /efpatica is now merged Mr. Schrenk showed and re- marked upon a specimen of Silene Pennsylvuanica having a pentamer- ous ovary, and which is referred to at more length on another page of the present number. A note from Mr. O. R. Willis was read, stating that the biograph- ical sketch of the late Prof. Wood in course of preparation by him would be presented before the Club at the next meeting. § 32. Ferns of New Mexico.—For the benefit of lovers of ferns, we give the following list of the r4 species which are comprised in the sets now being distributed by Mr. Henry H. Rusby. The speci- mens were collected in Grant County, New Mexico, during the fall of 1880, and no pains have been spared by Mr, Rusby to have them complete, perfect, beautiful and ample. Those of our friends who have purchased sets are highly pleased with them. Gymnogrammnte hispida, Mett., Notholaena Stnuata, Kaulfuss, WV. Hookeri, D. C. Eaton, VV. dealbata, Kunze, Cheilanthes W, rightiit, Hook., C. lanugt- nosa, Nutt., C. Eatoni, Baker, C. Fendleri, Hook., C. Lindheimeri, Hook;, Pellaca atropurpurea, Link, P. W rightiana, Hook., P. an- dromedaefolia, var. pubescens, Baker, P. terntfolia, Link, and Woodsia Oregana, D. C. Eaton, variety. BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. Vill.) New York, April, 1881, _[No. 4. § 33. Fresh-Water Algae. V. By Francis WOLLE. In making a brief record of the results of another summer among those humble, yet often marvellously beautiful microscopie plants— the Fresh-Water Algae, I gratefully refer to the valuable aid furnished by anumber of contributors, the names of some of whom occur in the list below. Among others, this year, I am especially indebted to F. H. Hosford, assisted by C. G. Pringle, who proved himself an indefati- gable collector. Vermont was never so searched out before. Among the large collections of Capt. J. Donnell Smith in Florida, in 1879, I was delighted to find a number of Desmids which were overlooked on the first examination. It is gratifying to notice a gradually-awaken- ing interest in this study, for a large field yet remains to be explored. ‘Every research brings out some new plant, or throws some new light on the life-history of species already known. Last year, the literature of this subject received some valuable additions, a passing notice of which will suffice here. N. Wille con- tributed a review of the Ch/orophyllaceae of Norway ; a paper on the cell-division of Confervaceae; and another on a new genus of Algae. Paul Petit, of France, published a paper on the trichogyne of A/7/- denbrandtia rivularis, and an illustrated prodromus of the Spirogyrae of the environs of Paris. Paul Richter published an able paper on the forms and manner of development of the cells of Glococystis, but did not exhaust the subject. In amore recent article he questions the possibility of unicellular Phycochromes changing their generic char- acter. ‘This is of special interest as an endorsement of the more ad- vanced views on the subject. Wittrock and Nordstedt, of Sweden, have issued two more fasciculi (the 17th and 18th) of their “ Exsic- catae,” each containing fifty-five specimens of dried Algae beauti- fully arranged, one kind on a page, in book form. : The plants in the following list are, with few exceptions, new to the recorded Alga-flora of the United States. PHYCOCHROMOPHYCEAE. SYNECHOCOCCUS, Naeg.—This genus embraces a number of the many forms which probably belong to an intermediate developing condition in the life of fresh-water algae. I add another species, which may have no more claim as a distinct plant than the others. It is a distinct form, however, and until its relations shall be deter- mined it may be recorded as SYNECHOCOCCUS RACEMOSUS, %. 5f.—S. amorpho aeruginoso; cel- lulis minutissimis saepius regulariter perpendiculare densis aggregatis, oblongo-cylindriceis utroque polo rotundato, diametro {.00008”) du- plo, triplo, raro quadruplo longioribus; cytioplasmate homogeneo laete aeruginoso. Hab. Glass sides of aquarium. 38 The size of the cells, the bright-aeruginous color.and particularly the vertical arrangement of the cells, so as to form a dense stratum, separate this species from all other described forms. _ PHORMIDIUM, Ktz.--Ph’. membranaceum, Ktz., and Ph. interrup- tum, Ktz. Two Esse collected by F.. H. Hostocd i in Vermont. MICROCOLEUS, Desmaz.—M. /acustris, Rab. Hab. Pond, Atsion, N. J. LYNGBYA, Ag.—Z. tiestuarii Jurg. Hab. Ponds of submarine waters, Dennisville, N. J}. RIVULARIA, Ag. —R. radians, Thut., var. minutula, Kirch, Col- lected by Dr. Hobbe i in a lake in Minnesota, July, 1880. He reports it “very abundant, covering the surface of the lake fora consider- able extent. The natives consider it to be grass-seed washed into the lake.” The thalli are in size like small poppy-seeds. Cohn de- scribes a similar appearance on a lake in Silesia. He says that the thalli appear in masses resembling the spawn of fishes. ISACTIS, Thur.—JZ. fluviatilis, Rab. Collected by F. H. Hosford, Vermont, from pebbles and stones on the borders of lakes. Found also in Green Pond, N. J. SCYTONEMA, Ag.—Sve. gracile, Ktz, var. TOLYPOTRICHOIDES, m. var., Witt.: Pseudoramuli plerumque solitarii; heterocystae et basilares et interjectae. Diam. fil. 13@—21y. Hab. In Morris Pond, N. J. Represented i in Wittrock and Nordstedt’s “ Exsiccatae,” No. 389. Sc. cincinnata, Thur. This plant has been previously noticed as Lyngbya cincinnata, it having appeared to the describer of the species, Kutzing, of Germany, to belong to that genus. Thuret found the same plant in France, but called it a Scyfenema. Kirchner collected it in Silesia, and finding the generic character of neither Zywzydya nor Scytonema, made a new genus—Chrysostigma—to include this partic- ular plant. Each quotes the plant of the other authors, implying that they did not see correctly. ‘The fact is that all were right, but that each saw the plant in different conditions. I find the plant ina pond near by. Sometimes it may be olassed with one, and then again with the other genus. Its usual appearance is that of a Lyng- éya, but sometimes it assumes the form under which Kirchner saw it, and at other times it is a perfect Scytonema, with yellow heterocysts and single and double branches. CALOTHRIX, Ag.—C. radiosa, Ktz. = var. fuscescens, Ktz. Col- lected by F. H. Hosford in Vermont. C. Orsinianum, Thur. New ‘Jersey and Pennsylvania. -.. CALoTHRIx Hosrornu, 2. s6.—C. strato olivaceo, trichomatibus aggregatis, laete aerugineis, subdichotomo-fasciculato-pseudoramosis, flagelliformibus, in basi crassis (.co1”) in apice hyalinis longe cus- pidatis, leniter flexuosis; articulis diametro triplo- -quadruplo breviori- bus; vaginis crassis, distincte lamellosis; in basiluteis sursum achrois -hyalinis; cellulis perdurantibus basalibus- singulis subhemisphericis, trichomatibus diametro pete gagncabiss ‘Diam. trich. s. vag. .o004”"— 0005”; vag. ad .001”—.o0012”,_ Collected by F. H. Hosford in Ver- mont. ' This plant is nearest to Calothrix ( Schizosiphon, Ktz.) Meneghi- 39 ana, Ktz., but differs in the size of the filaments, which are usually twice the diameter, and in the articulations, which are one-half the length. : CALOTHRIX LACUCOLA, 7. sf.—C. natans, fuscescens, trichomatis pseudoramosissimis; ramis subpatentibus, non concretis, modice at- tenuatis, apice obtusis, leniter curvatis, elongatis, laxissime intricatis; internis sordide aerugineis vel fuscescentibus, homogeneis vel in- distincte articulatis; articulis diametro aequalibus ad duplo triplove brevioribus; vaginis arctissimis achrois vel luteolis; cellulis perdur- antibus globosis, luteis, plerumque singulis, ad pseudoramulorum basim, trichomatibus diametro aequalibus. Diam. max. cum vag., a basis .0006”—.0008" (15 4—20/4). Hab. Splitrock Pond, N. J. This form appears to be very distinct. It bears a resemblance to Tolypothrix in the mode of branching, but is unlike the plants of that genus in having the filaments moderately attenuated from the base to the apex. : HAPALOSIPHON, Naeg.—/Z. Brebissoniz, Ktz., and A. tenuts- simus, Grun. Hab. Ponds at Dennisville, N. J. SIROSIPHON, Ktz.—S. coralloides, Ktz. I once received a very small specimen of this plant from the late C.F, Austin, but now dis- cover the same form in abundance on stones along the shores of Green Pond, N. J. When remoistened, it emits a strong fragrance of orange or jessamine-blossoms—a peculiarity not noticed in any other species of this genus, but not unlike that observed in the Chroolepus, found on the Swiss mountains and known as the “ veilchenstein.” CHLOROPHYLLOPHYCEAE. COELASTRUM, Naeg.—C. sphaericum, Naeg.,and C. microporum, Naeg. Hab. Ponds, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. PANDORINA, Bory.—P. morum, Bory. PENIUM, Bréb.—P. Brebissonit, Ralfs, and P. polymorphum, Perty. Hab. Ponds, New Jersey. 2 g CLOSTERIUM, Nitsch.—C. decorum, Breb., and C. Ralfsit, Bréb, Hab. Ponds, Atsion, N. J. DOCIDIUM, Bréb.—D. dilatatum, Cleve. COSMARIUM, Corda.—C. venustum, Bréb.; C. pusillum, Bréb.; C. gquadrangulatum, Hass.; C. exiguum, Archer; C. nasutum, Nordst.; _C. elegantissinum, Lund; C. pseudopyramidatum, Lund; C. subspecio- sum, Nordst.; C. variolatum, Lund. _The last four species were col- lected by Capt. J. Donnell Smith in Florida. C. sexangulare, Lund. - New Jersey. C. trachypleurum, Lund. Pennsylvania. C. pycnochon- drum. Nordst., collected by C. G. Pringle, in Vermont. 4 CALOCYLINDRUS, DeB.—C. curtus, Breb.; C. Cucurbita, Breb.; C. Palangula, Bréb.; C. pseudo-connatus, Nordst. Pennsylvania and New Jersey. EUASTRUM, Ehrb.—Z. intermedium, Cleve. Dennisville, N. J. MICRASTERIAS, Ag.—dZ. Baileyi, Ralfs, and M. Torreyi, Bailey. Splitrock Pond, N.J. . ; “These two forms were recognized by Prof. Bailey thirty years ago, but have probably not been rediscovered since. The latter species is our largest form in this genus. JZ. fimbriata, Ralfs, var. apicudata, Meneg, and MZ. papillifera, Bréb. Atsion, N. J. poe . 40 STAURASTRUM, Meyen.—S¢. trifidum, Nordst.; St. Brasiliense, Nordst.; St. senarium, Ehrb.; St. guadrangulare, Bréb.; St. aculea- tum, Ehrb.; S¢. setigerum, Cleve.; St. Manfeldii, Reinsch; S¢. rotula, Nordst.; and St. Meriant, Reinsch, var. minus-pentagonum. These nine forms were collected by Capt. J. Donnell Smith in Florida St. rugulosum, Bréb. Pennsylvania. St. Ophiura, Lund; St. arcu- atum, Nordst.; St. Haaboeliense, Wille; and St. gemmatum, Nordst. New Jersey. Sz. terebrans, Nordst. Pennsylvania and New Jersey. ARTHRODESMUS, Ehrb.—A. divergens, Rab., and A. jubulatus, A. Br. Collected in Florida by Capt. J. Donnell Smith. XANTHIDIUM, Ehrb.—X. asteptum, Nordst., and X. antelo- pacum, var. polymazon, Nordst, and var. triguetrum, Nordst.—the latter finely in fruit. Pennsylvania. SPIROGYRA, Link.—S. punctata, Cleve. Atsion, N. J. ZYGOGONIUM, Ktz.—Z, anomalum, Hass., var. CRASSUM, n.var. In measurement near Z, crassum, Ktz., but having the sheath of Z. anomalum. Diam. .0025”—.0026”; arts. 1-3 diameters. CONFERVA, Link.—C. amoena, Ktz. Mountain streamlet, Penn- sylvania. C. /aeve, Ktz. Madison Lake, Wisconsin. Collected by Rev. H. D. Kitchel. RHIZOCLONIUM, Ktz.—R. Julianum, Ktz. Connecticut and Massachusetts. OEDOGONIUM, Link.—OZ. Franklinianum, Witt. For diagnosis wide No. 309 of Wittrock and Nordstedt’s “Exsiccatae.” Collected in Franklin Pond, New Jersey. OZ. stagnale, Ktz. Bound Brook, N.J. OZ. zigzag, Cleve, and OZ. acrosporum, DeBy. Pennsylvania. BULBOCHAETE, Ag.—B. rectangularis, Witt. Pennsylvania. B. ‘mana, Witt. Pennsylvania and New Jersey. B. mirabilis, Witt. New Jersey. MICROTHAMNION, Naeg.—M. Kutzingianum, Naeg. Water- - troughs, etc. Pennsylvania. DRAPARNALDIA, Ag.—D. spinosa, Ktz. In streamlet, Glen Onoko, Pa. ENTOCLADIA, Wille.—Z. Wittrockit, Wille. Parasiti€ on aquatic plants. ULOTHRIKX, Ktz.—U. Lenormandi, Ktz. This is a submarine plant and was collected by C. G. Pringle, at Presque Isle Lower Canada. It is nearly related to Hormotrichum (Ulothrix) Young- canum, H1. Carmichaeliz, etc. It presents a peculiar character in the longitudinal division of the cells of some of the filaments, which di- vide and re-divide a number of times. | Normally, there should be only one row of cells in each sheath; but specimens are found having from two to ten rows. In such a case the sheath widens at each di- vision. A similar, seemingly abnormal appearance is often observed in a Ulothrix (Hormidium) found in Sweden. _ In this case, the di- vision continues indefinitely until the leaf-like form (known as Pras- tola crispa) is produced. The question is, what is Ulothrix under such circumstances? Is it not an undeveloped form of Prasiola ?° RHODOPHYCEAE. PORPHYRIDIUM, N aeg.—P. cruentum, Ag. Not infrequent on moist earth and on shaded pavements. 41 / ¢ wee, _— § 34. A Simple Dendrometer.—This instrument is constructed essentially as follows: A tube, 4, about two inches in diameter, and nearly or quite a foot in length, is supported in a vertical position by two pins, ff, near its upper end; and these pins rest upon a ting, 7, forming a simple gimbal which allows the tube by its own Fin the mirror 4 can easily be brought into the same horizontal line as the base of the tree (represented by a); then, by moving towards or away from the tree, its apex (represented by 4) may be brought into - view as it is reflected to the eye (c) from the mirror &. When both apex and base of the tree are seen at the same instant, the distance from the instrument to the tree along the horizontal line x-a@ is equal to the. weight to assume an exactly vertical po- sition. In the lower ] end of the tube two mirrors, A and 8B, are placed side by side, each occupying one half of the sec- tion of the diameter of thetube. One of these mirrors (A) is inclined at an angle of 45° to the horizon when the tube is in a vertical position, and the other (A) . has.an inclination of 224°, One side of the tube is properly cut away (as shown in the accompanying figures) so that when it is held vertically the mirror 4 shall transmit to the eye (at c) at the top of the tube, the hor- izontal ray a, and the mirror Z, the ray 4, which makes an an- gle of 45° with the horizontal. The method of using the instrument is simple. By hold- ing the supporting ring, 7, in the hand in the proper posi- tion, the centre of A B c ' 1 ! ' oO i ' ' ) i ' 1 1 ‘ 1 1 { 1 ! t ' [ { } ! | { I i | 1 { ! t ! | ! 1 ' | t ! i I i t I } | | ! ! { } mye 42 altitude of the tree.* A simple measurement of this horizontal, by pacing the distance, or by other means, thus gives the height of the tree. Fig. 1, front view of the instrument. Fig. 2, vertical section of the same, side view. Ames, Iowa. ° C. E. BEssry. § 35. The Herbariaand Botanical Libraries of the United States. V. HERBARIUM OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILA- DELPHIA.—The Academy of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia, was founded March arst, 1812, by a few citizens “ interested in the study of the works and laws of the Creator.” From the outset, the depart- ment of Botany received a due share of attention, and the first con- tribution to the Academy’s Herbarium consisted of a collection of plants made in the environs of Paris and presented by Nicholas S. Parmentier, and still in excellent preservation. During the years which followed, this little nucleus received con- stant accretions from the working botanists of the day, and the names of Collins, Elliott, Pursh, Baldwin, Leconte, Conrad, Nuttall, Torrey and Pickering are noted upon many of the early tickets of the Her- barium. In 1834, the Academy received the bequest of the collections made by Rev. Lewis David Schweinitz during a period of forty years. Most of the North American species were collected by himself, but many came from Dr. Torrey, Major Leconte, Rev. Mr. Dencké, and other correspondents. The European species were contributed by Weldon, Bentham, Brongniart, Schwaegrichen, Steudel and Zeyher. ‘The Siberian plants were furnished by Ledebour, and those of India by Wallich and Steinhauer. Many Chinese species were collected by Mr. James Read; and from the arctic regions were plants collected by the navigator Parry, and received through Sir William Hooker; while from South America were rich collections made by Von Martius, Huffel, Hering and Baldwin. But perhaps the most valuable portion of the bequest consisted of the extensive series of the lower cryp- togams, of which Schweinitz had made a special study. Other valuable contributions followed the bequest of Schweinitz, _ among which may be specified the Poiteau collection of St. Domingo plants; Chilian plants from Dr. Styles and Dr. Ruschenberger; Nut- tall’s collections made in his expeditions to Arkansas, Oregon and the Sandwich Islands; Menke’s herbarium of 7,000 species of Euro- pean plants derived from ‘Thunberg, Sprengel, Bernhardi, Trevi- ranus, Mertens, etc.; the Ashmead collection of marine algae; Lesquereux’s collection of over 700 species of algae, authenticated by the best algologists of the age, and a large collection of cryptogams from Ravenel. More recent additions are the herbaria of the late Thomas G. Lea, of Cincinnati, and of Dr. Joseph Carson, late Professor of Materia Medica in the University of Pennsylvania; a large collection from Southern Europe and from India, made by the late John Stuart | .* The letter @, omitted by the engraver, is supposed to be at the point of inter- section of the lines a, 4 and ¢, 43 Mill, received from Miss Taylor through the Director of the Kew Gardens, and the kindness of Dr. Gray; the collections of the late Dr. Charles Pickering made in his journeyings through oriental regions in 1844 and 1845; Syrian and Algerian plants from Dr. Geo. E. Post, of Beirut; Floridan plants from Dr. Garber; Mexican plants collected by Parry and Palmer; anda_-set of the mosses and hepaticae of North America, collected and named by the late Coe F. Austin. But the most important accession to the Academy’s Herbarium is yet to be mentioned. After the death of Dr. Charles W. Short, of Louisville, Ky., in 1863, the splendid collection of American and ex- otic plants which he had accumulated and arranged, in sumptuous manner, became the property of the Academy, on condition that it should be kept distinct and apart, and open to the inspection of botanists, under the name of the “Short Herbarium.”’ For this, the Aademy was indebted to the strenuous exertions of Dr. Gray in its behalf, and to the liberality of Dr. Short’s family. The plants of this collection are uncommonly choice specimens, from all the active collectors up to 1863, and are laid in sheets of extra size, arranged in 325 book-form cases, of which the North American species occupy 261, and the exotic species 64. Even without the restriction under which this collection was received, there would have been abundant reason for keeping it apart, sacred to the memory of the accomplished botanist who formed it, and to whom Dr. Gray dedicated the rarest and one of the most beautiful of North American genera.* The work of arranging the earlier collections of the Academy, was mainly accomplished by Nuttall and Pickering, followed later by Goddard, Bridges, Zantzinger, Durand, Burk, Meehan, Redfield and Scribner. Until the removal to the new building, in 1876, the arrangement had been after the Linnaean system, in large cumber- some port-folios, in a narrow, dark and inconvenient hall. The re- moval gave opportunity for entirely new arrangement, more In ac- cordance with the progress of the science, on enclosed shelves after the most approved modern methods, and in well-lighted apartments convenient for reference and study. The work of mounting the plants upon standard paper has been begun. : In 1854, the lamented Elias Durand began the work of forming a special North American Herbarium from the stores of the Academy, contributing largely from his private collection, of species collected by Lindheimer, Fendler, Wright and others. In this labor he was occupied for four years. Since his death the work of perfecting this department has been continued, and nearly all of the collections made in our newer territories by Parry, Lemmon, Palmer, Kellogg, Ward, Rothrock and others have been contributed at various times by Gray, Canby, Parker, Meehan, Rothrock, Martindale and Red- field. ‘This collection and the “Short Herbarium” occupy the upper _of the two rooms devoted to Botany, while the lower room contains the General Herbarium, and a large case devoted to the reception of fruits, seed-vessels and other vegetable productions. *For a tribute to the botanical labors of Dr. Short, and some further account of his herbarium, see Dr. Gray’s obituary notice in the Amer. Journ, Sct. 2d series, Vol. Xxxvi., p. 130, Nov. 1863. 44 All these collections are now in charge of the Botanical Section of the Academy. Their chief value lies in the large number of species from early collectors, and of type specimens of early authors. Most of Nuttall’s early species are deposited here and have been the vouchers used by Torrey and Gray in deciding upon their specific validity. Schweinitz’s own types of his new fungi, lichens, etc., are here, as well as many of the types collected by Bigelow and others in the Whipple Exploration, bearing tickets in the beautiful chirography of Dr. Torrey. So old a collection, much of it running back for sixty or seventy years, might be expected to have suffered from the ravages of insects, and from the crumbling effects of time. Some portions have, indeed, thus suffered, but careful attention and thorough poisoning have kept this destruction within narrow limits. Many of the species from tropical regions have remained undetermined, and are in fragmentary condition. Dependent as the Academy has mainly been, upon vol- unteer and occasional supervision, it has been impossible fully to determine all new accessions, or even properly to care for the old. All should be carefully worked over, the redundancies sifted out, the hiatuses filled, and the work of mounting carried on to comple- tion. It may be hoped that ere long some public-spirited individual will be incited to make an endowment that shall provide for this and other needed botanical work. It is always difficult to ascertain the number of species in a large herbarium, and estimates are apt to be excessive. In collections received from many sources, there will of course be a large amount of duplicating. Doubtful, imperfect and undetermined specimens increase the difficulty, and the varying ideas as to the true circum- scription of specific limits add another element of doubt. The _Academy’s Herbarium has been estimated to contain as high as 70,000 species, an estimate made doubtless without proper regard te the large number of species common to the several collections of which itis made up. Recent estimates, based on portions which have been carefully worked over, would give the number as not less than 40,000, nor more than 45,000 species. In preparing this notice, free use has been made of the history of the Academy’s progress and condition, prepared by Dr. Ruschenberger, who has been for nearly fifty years one of its most active members, and for the last eleven years its presiding officer. J. H.R. § 36. Rooting at the Tips of the Branches.—According to Wa- ture of Dec. 23d, Francis Darwin read a paper before the Linnean So- ciety, Dec. 16th, on “‘ The Theory of the Growth of Cuttings, illus- trated by Observations on the Bramble, Rudus fruticosus.” His ex- periments indicated that root-budding took place generally at or near the tips or distal ends, rather than at or near the basal ends of the branches, and he evidently deduces therefrom the fact that for the plant it is better that it should perpetuate itself by thus rooting at the tip-ends of the branches. _As this is so contrary to the belief and the practice of all horticulturists, I think one should hesitate to 45 formulate such observations, in order that science may not be brought to do mischief. It will be in point if I mention a practical instance or two. When the Delaware grape-vine first came into market, I bought a young vine. It had a large root, but it was a cutting from the tip-end of the branch: The cupidity of the trade spared no part of the branch m making cuttings. The result was that after nursing my vine for several years, it was still a worthless, feeble plant. At the time of the introduction of the Lawton blackberry, a farmer not far away raised a plantation of the canes, and offered them for sale at a round price, from which he would not deviate. A farmer bar- gained with him at a fixed price per thousand for a part of the plan, tation. This was in spring. It was agreed that the plants, without any extra cost to the buyer, should be allowed to stand until fall, till which time the purchaser should be allowed to do anything he pleased to or with the plants. In a word, he bought that part of the planta- tion. To the dismay of the dealer, his patron came at the proper time with an immense number of little forked sticks; and, taking one — of them in one hand and bending down the tip-end of a cane with the other, he pinned it firmly to the ground. This was done with his entire purchase. He then advertised a stock of Lawtons for sale in the fall, mixing the feeble plants begotten from the tips in with the stronger ones. I heard that this bit of sharp practice proved a good “spec.” The original planter in his chagrin declared it a “ “#p-top fraud.” : Freehold, N. J. SAMUEL LoCKWOOD. § 37. Plants and Plant-Stations.—A station for Zygadenus glaucus, Nutt., in Central New York, given in the September number of the BULLETIN, recalls another locality, Mumford, Genessee Co., in the western part of the State, where this and other interesting plants may be found. While passing a few days in the vicinity, in the summer of 1879, a visit to the fish-breeding station of the New York Fish Commission led to my botanizing in the adjoining woods and marsh. Some remarks on the flora, and a comparison of the habits of a few plants with what I have seen in other localities, may prove of interest to the readers of the BULLETIN. _ It was like being placed in some familiar spot in the Northwest, farther up the St. Lawrence System, and such as may be found in the north part of Michigan. At Mumford there is a cedar swamp, through which runs a stream of clear, cool water called Spring Creek. This starts from large springs at Caledonia, a short distance above, and is fed by numerous little streams from springs which burst out of the limestone ledge or ridge to the south of it. Its course of about three miles is mainly along by or through the swamp to its outlet in the Oatka, where, as well as at Caledonia, it furnishes the water for several mills. This cool stream is the natural home of the speckled trout, and the waters from it and the rills from the rocks of limestone have deposited in the bogs and swamp an abundance of travertine, thus in some places partially drying the ground. Hence a varied flora. One finds the living plant, and, if geologically inclingd, can dig into the rocks of travertine and find it fossilized. 46 Zygadenus glaucus, of which but few specimens were found, grew by the margin of the creek. This contrast in habitat and surround- ings, with those of localities where I had found it at Petoskey, Mich., by the shore of Little Traverse Bay, could not fail to be noticed. While collecting,in different parts of the country, I have frequently met with like surprises, such as finding Cypripedium spectabile on hill- sides or hill-tops, in Southeastern Minnesota, or Lodelia Kalmii on the rocks at Niagara Falls, but, on the contrary, in wet sands near the south end of Lake Michigan. At Petoskey, Z. g/aucus grows in the dry sand, close by the sand-ridges made by the winds along the shores ° of the bay. It is on the edge of a forest of pines (Pinus Srrobus and P. resinosa), and its smaller neighbors are such plants as Campanula rotundifolia, \., var. linifolia, Gray, Vaccinium ‘Canadense, Kalm, (the form which approaches V. Pennsylvanicum) and the character- istic plants of pine woods. Close by, in the more shifting sands of the shore, grow Triticum dasystachyum, Gray, Cirsium Pitcheri, Torr. and Gray, Solidago Virga-aurea, L., and Juniperus Sabina, L., var. procumbens, Pursh. The Cirsium and the Solidago grow together in the sands at the head of the lake, but the Zygadenus I do not find. Gray’s Manual gives Bergen Swamp, Genesee Co., a cedar swamp about ten miles west of Mumford, ag a station for Z. g/aucus. Another plant of interest, for these and other reasons, was Parnassta Caroliniana, Michx., growing on the thin soil of rocks and fallen timber by the water-side. | At Englewood, just south of Chi- cago, it is abundant on the sandy and originally wet prairie, which is now dry through drainage. It is very common in the sandy ground beside the “sloughs” in thé pine barrens of Indiana, at the south end of Lake Michigan. In Northern Michigan I have found it under con- ditions similar to those near Mumford—by the borders of streams in cedar swamps, or rooted in the soil’of-fallen timbers which span, and in places, almost conceal from sight the streams of cold water. Its companions there were such plants as Valeriana sylvatica, Richards, Cystopteris bulbifera,Bernh., (with fronds often two or three feet long), flalenta’ deflexa, Grisebach, Moneses untflora, Gray, Mitella nuda, L., and such mosses as Afcesia uliginosa, Hedw., Mnium serratum, Brid., Dichelyma capillaceum, Dill. (floating), and Hypna of many kinds. Fifty miles south of Chicago, at Kankakee, Ill, I have found it in the wet clay of the river banks, and among plants widely dif- ferent—a common one being /uncus Canadensis, J. Gay, var. coarctatus, Engelm. At Mumford, one of its near neighbors was Ranunculus Pennsylvanicus, L. To enumerate all the plants that grow with it in the prairies, ftom Hypoxis, Sisyrinchium and the vio- lets of spring to the Gerardias, Asters and Solidagos of summer and fall, would require quite a catalogue; and, were the pine-barren plants added, the list would be far more extended. In all these stations, widely separated, there are analogous but varied conditions. This study of a plant’s company and environment is one of the most pleas- ‘ing and profitable parts of collecting. How different are the plants of a cedar-swamp, a pine-barren, a prairie, a clay-bank and of a boulder of water-limestone. Yet this little plant, Parnassia, finds a home in each, and doubtless is to be found under many other condi- 47 tions equally suggestive. It cannot be said that every plant at least is known by the company it keeps. Another plant gathered by Spring Creek was Potentilla fruticosa, L., which is abundant in the swamps and wet sands by our lakes, and throughout Michigan. In the dryer places of the swamp occurred the pretty Linnaea borealis, Gronov., which is common across the lake in Michigan, and also to be found at Pine Station, Lake Co., Ind., fifteen miles east of Chicago. This is the most southerly station of which I am aware for this plant, away from mountains or hills. The region at the head of Lake Michigan is a meeting-place for plants from many directions; and, in consequence, furnishes a remarkably varied and interesting flora. : ‘Two more of the plants of Mumford called to mind the Lake Michigan flora; these were Juncus Balticus, Dethard,(abundant in all moist sands on or near the shores) and /. Canadensis, J. Gay, var. brachycephalus, Engelm., quite often met with here. Nor should the stations be omitted of two ferns, in localities not far away. One of these, Camptosorus rhizophyllus, Link, is common on ledges of lime- stone in the eastern part of Le Roy, Genesee Co., in the deep ravines of a forest locally known as the “ North Woods.” The other, Botrych- tum lanceolatum, Angstroem, is sparsely found in woods in the south part of Attica, Wyoming Co. Englewood, Ill. By. ALi § 38. Note on the Round-leaved Violet.—Mr. Robinson's “Flora of Essex County ” is in error in stating that that county is the south- ern limit, in Massachusetts, of Viola rotundifolia. ‘This plant occurs , in the vicinity of New Bedford, some sixty or seventy miles further south, in a single locality, in which, within the past few years, it ap- pears to have become more abundant. New Bedford, Mass. Rees ©. S. § 39. Apparent Parasitism of Listera australis.—I send a few green specimens of Listera australis, which has been blooming since the middle of the present month (February). Last winter the plants flowered in January, I think, (Chapman says July). This plant seems almost semi-parasitic on Osmunda cinnamomea, from the root-stocks of which these specimens were dug. Bluffton, S. C., Feb. 20, 1881. J. H. Meviicnamp. § 40. Woodwardia angustifolia in Michigan.—Last September I was shown a sterile frond of a fern collected at South Haven, Mich., by Mrs. L. A. Millington, which she supposed to be Wood- wardia angustifolia, Sm. A few days later I founda patch of the same, containing well-developed fertile and sterile fronds, in a dark, damp and forbidding hemlock forest, fourteen miles south of South Haven. It was W. angustifolia, the rare fern of the Atlantic sea- board. The localities where it was found were on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, in densely shaded lowlands. Only a single iso- lated patch was discovered, about two feet wide by twenty long. _ South Haven, Mich. | L. Hi Basiny; 18... 48 § 41. The Flora of Richmond County, N. Y.—Appirions.— Since the publication of our last list, the following additional species have been noticed: Stel/aria uliginosa, Murr., Rossville; Afalva mos- chata, L., Court House; AM/imulus alatus, Ait., Princes Bay; Galeopsis Ladanum, L., Staten Island (See BULLETIN, Vol. vi, p. 115); Smilax tamnotdes, L., “ Staten Island, one plant only.” T. F. Allen, in 18th ~ Annual Report State Cabinet Nat. Hist. p. 202. ArtHur Ho tick and N. L. Britton. § 42. Note on Polygonum Careyi.—From the notice in the BuLLETIN on “The Flora of Essex County, Mass.,” I see that Prof. Robinson speaks of the county as being the northern limit of Polyg- onum Careyt, Olney, as well as of some other plants. If it is the northern limit of the other plants named, it is not so of the Polygonum, for I found it, years ago, growing in Cumberland, Me., and, later, in Gilmanton, N. H., though never but in one place in either of the towns. Andover, Mass. JosepH BLAKE. § 43. Botanical Literature.—The contents of Grevillea for March are: ‘Californian Fungi,’ by M. C. Cooke and Dr. H. W. Harkness; ‘Notes on British Desmids’ (with two plates), by M. C. Cooke; “New British Fungi,’ by M. C. Cooke; ‘On Zhelephora Lycii,’ by M. C. Cooke; ‘Some Exotic Fungi’ (with a plate), by M. C. Cooke; ‘ New Jersey Fungi,’ by M. C. Cooke and J. B. Ellis; ‘Reliquiae Li- bertianae,’ by M. C. Cooke and W. Phillips; ‘ Fungi Macowaniani,’ by C. Kalchbrenner. The editor calls attention to the fact that he has in contemplation the publication of a series of illustrations of the British Hymenomycetes. The work is to be published in parts, each ‘consisting of sixteen 8vo colored plates, and four parts are to be issued during the year. ‘Fhose who subscribe now will be able to ob- tain the work at a much reduced price. In the March number of the Botanical Gazette, Mr. J. C. Arthur shows, by the aid of a plate, the various forms assumed by the trich- omes of Lchinocystis lobata; some new plants of New Mexico and Arizona are described by Rev. E. L. Greene; Prof. C, R. Barnes gives directions for making botanical charts; Prof. J. W. Chickering describes a new species of Rudbechia (R. rupestris), from North Car- olina; and Prof. F. L. Harvey gives a list of the ferns of Arkansas. § 44. Proceedings of the Torrey Club—The regular monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Herbarium, Columbia College, Tuesday evening, March 8th, Mr. J. D. Hyatt in the chair and _ twenty-two members and eight visitors present. Specimens of plants from the South were shown and commented upon by Mr. Hyatt and Miss Knight. Dr. O. R. Willis read a “ Biographical Sketch of Prof. Alphonso Wood,” an abstract of which will be given hereafter. One corresponding and two active members were elected. ERRATUM.—On page 29, sixth line from the top, the o should be erased after the figures 4 and 6, so as to reduce the height of Prunus pumila to 4°-6°. The error was ours. Bulletin Torrey Botanical Club. Plate VII. ASCOMYCETELLA QUERCINA, Pgcx. BULLETIN | TORREY BOTANICAL. CLUE, ’ Vol. Vibi.] New York, May, 1881, [No. 5. § 45. Two New Species of Fungi. By Cuas. H. Peck. ; An interesting, and, so far as I have been able to ascertain, an un- described fungus was recently sent me from Illinois. It inhabits oak leaves and occurs in two forms, one conidial, the other ascigerous. The conidial form grows in minute white tufts, having a somewhat radiate or stellate appearance, especially when viewed through a mag- nifying glass. These tufts occur on the lower surface of the leaf and are generally sufficiently numerous to cause the leaf to appear as if it had been sprinkled on that surface with flour. The upper surface is obscurely mottled with minute pale or yellowish spots, which are placed opposite the tufts beneath. The hyphae or flocci are com- pound and are composed of several somewhat obconic masses of obovate or short-clavate cells, the masses being placed one above another in a proliferous manner, and together forming a sort of short, thick, submoniliform filament or pagoda-like structure. The conidia are also in masses or tufts, which are nearly elliptical in outline, and arranged in verticels around the flocci, they being attached to the upper or thicker exterior part of the component cells. In each tuft there are usually seven, though sometimes but six, oblong or subcyl-: indrical, slightly curved, colorless conidia, compactly arranged in a circle and forming a kind of cylinder or palisade around a single’ centralone. Thus each tuft contains in all seven or eight conidia... This form of the fungus develops a little before the ascigerous form. In the specimens before me, some of the leaves have only the conid- ial form on them, others have both forms intermingled. In the lat- ter, the ascigerous form appears frequently to have developed on the ~ yery spot previously occupied by the conidial form. The ascigerous form consists of numerous black dots or cushions scarcely broader than the conidial tufts. Both surfaces of the leaf are more or less tinged with brown in the places where these fungus dots are the most numerous. A thin, flat, pale, soft or waxy stratum or receptacle first makes its appearance. This produces numerous globose asci, which are at first pale and contain eight oblong triseptate spores, one or more of the cells of which are divided by short longitudinal septa, so that the spores might be called muriform. They are at first pale or colorless, but soon become very dark-colored, and give the black hue to the fungus dots. Theasci develop in the stroma-like receptacle, but, when mature, they appear to lie upon or near the surface, and almost cover the receptacle and conceal it from view. _™ a few instances they become slightly longer than broad and take ‘a somewhat ovate shape, but usually they are globose even when ma- ture. and am therefore obliged to institute one for it. I know of no genus to which this fungus can properly be referred, g a 50 ASCOMYCETELLA. : Parasitic; receptacle thin, flattened, soft or waxy when moist, su- perficial, separable; asci globose or subglobose, eight-spored; spores colored when mature; paraphyses. none. : This is evidently a genus belonging to the Discomycetes, but ap- parently is to be classed among the lowest forms of that division. Its parasitic character and almost naked superficial asci indicate a rela- tionship with the genus Ascomyces, while the presence of a receptacle, though it is but a slight one, connects it with more highly developed Discomycetes, ASCOMYCETELLA QUERCINA: Contdial form.—Hyphae tufted, colorless, compound, composed of superimposed, somewhat obconic masses of obovate cells placed side by side and bearing on the upper and outer margin of the masses verticels of conidia; conidia oblong or subcylindrical, slightly curved, colorless, .ooo5—.0006 of an inch long, .00016—,0002 of an inch broad, produced in subelliptical tufts or masses, .0005—.0006 of an inch long and about .o005 of an inch broad, each tuft composed of seven, occasionally six conidia, compactly placed side by side in a circle, and forming a cylinder around a central one. Ascigerous form.—Receptacle thin, minute, suborbicular, .or—.o2 of an inch in diameter, whitish or pallid; asci numerous, globose, rarely obovate, .cor2—.o016 of an inch broad; spores irregularly crowded, oblong, obtuse at each end, .coo8—.o009 of an inch long, .0004—.0005 of an inch broad, triseptate, some of the cells divided by short longitudinal septa, at first pale or colorless, colored when mature. Living leaves of black oak, Quercus tinctoria, Union County, Hll- inois. September and October. F. S. Earle. The conidial form of the species bears some resemblance extern- ally to Microstroma quercina, but is very different in structure. Mr. Earle informs me that in one instance nearly all the leaves on a tree were affected by the fungus, while in another, only a few leaves. He invariably finds the two forms associated together. He does not think that the tree suffers any serious injury from the attacks of the fungus. It was first observed by him in 1879. ; There has been sent to me also, from Maryland, a very remark- able species of Polyporus. The substance of the fresh plant, when cut, exudes a milky juice similar to that which, under similar circum- stances, oozes from the wounds of Zactarit. The spores of this Poly- porus are also similar in size, shape and sculpture to the spores of Lactarit. Inasmuch as the most obvious character of the genus Lactarius is the milky juice of the species, some may regard this character in a Polyporus as sufficient to justify the formation of a new genus. To me it seems unnecessary to found a new genus on a single character of this kind so long as it is known to exist in but a _ _ single species. When its value shall be enhanced by its known pres- ence in other species, it may be well to consider the question. So far as can be ascertained from the published characters of Polyporus : - Berkeleii, Fr., our plant must resemble it externally, but no mention — : _ 4s made of a milky juice in connection with that species; and, as such 51 a noticeable character would scarcely have been overlooked or omit- ted from the description, had it existed, I deem our plant worthy of specific distinction; and, partly from the dried specimens, but more from full notes and colored sketches by Miss Banning, who dis- covered and communicated the specimens, I have drawn up the fol- lowing description : Potyporus (MerisMA) LACTIFLUUS.—Pilei growing from a common tuberiform base, variously lobed, confluent or imbri- cated, sometimes imperfectly infundibuliform, six to ten inches broad, subtomentose or pubescent, whitish, marked with broad ferruginous or subochraceous zones, rough with slight radiating ridges, the margin thick, obtuse, sometimes flexuous; flesh white, firm, hard when dry, and exuding freely a milky juice where cut when fresh; pores medium size, unequal, irregular, often angular of flexuous, decurrent, white, at first short with thick dissepiments, then longer with thin but entire dissepiments; spores globose, rough, .0003—.00035 of an inch in di- ameter. Old stumps. Near Baltimore,Md. M. E. Banning. EXPLANATION OF THE PLATE.—Ascomycetella quercina, Pk.— Fig. 1. Leaf of black oak bearing the fungus. A. The conidial form of the fungus. B. The ascigerous form of the fungus. Fig. 2. A tuft of the conidial form magnified. Fig. 3. A stem with six of its tufts of conidia still attached, x 400. . Fig. 4. Vertical view of a tuft of conidia, x 400. Fig. 5. Side view of a tuft of conidia, x 400. Fig. 6. A tuft of conidia pressed apart, showing the separated conidia, x 400. Fig. 7. A cluster of asci and their receptacle, magnified. Fig. 8. A single ascus containing immature spores, x 400. Fig. 9. Two free immature spores, x 400. Fig. 10. Two free mature spores, X 400. § 46. Some New Species of North American Fungi.* By J. B. Ettis and H. W. Harkness, M.D. SPHAERONEMA CAPILLARE, E. & H.—Perithecia capillary, black, 1” high, slightly enlarged at the base and also at the apex; terminal — globule pale; stylospores cylindric, obtuse, more or less bent Oba curved, with several transparent nuclei, .oo1’—.0015’x.0015'—.002. On bark of chestnut logs, Bethlehem, Pa., October. Sporrpesmium Rauvu, E. & H.—Tufts suborbicular, scattered or subconfluent, salmon-colored, minute; conidia obovate, composed of many compacted, partly transparent cells, with a large hyaline - vescicle at the base, about .oors’ long, with the basal cell, and .0007’ _ —,0008’ wide. Differs from S. moriforme, Pk., only in color. ___ On bark of an old grape-vine, Bethlehem, Pa., November, 1880. E. A. Rau. : MytTitinipion Cairornicum, E. & H.— Perithecia conchi- | ___ form, .035’ long, faintly striate; lips closely compressed at first, at length partially open ; asci clavato-cylindric, .0o17’x.0003'; spo- _ ridia_ biseriate, oblong-fusiform, yellowish, triseptate, sometimes — _ slightly constricted at the septum, .0005’—~.0006" long. . : On foliage of Seguoia gigantea (“Big Trees”), California. H. W. Harkness. 15 Sar 2 Sana ie “Continued from page 28. ee, 52 SPHAERIA cConsociaTa, E. & H.—Perithecia depressed-mam- miform, .oo15” diameter, with a short nipple-like,black ostiolum; asci narrow ; sporidia fusiform, acute, 2—3—nucleate, .o004’—.0005’ long, subhyaline or yellowish. On foliage of Seguoia gigantea, California. H.W. Harkness. Note: On page 27, under the description of Fusarium Schwein- itzii, E. & H., for “ Newfield, N. J.,’’ read Bethlehem, Pa. § 47. The Herbaria and Botanical Libraries of the United States. VI.—The Lapuam Herpartum.—The herbarium of the late Dr. I. A. Lapham was purchased by the State of Wisconsin and deposit- ed in the State University at Madison. It embraces the whole range of the vegetable kingdom, with a similar treatment for all examples from the highest to the lowest, and constitutes an uniform herbarium of 24,000 specimens belonging to 8,000 species. The specimens of each species, with their labels, are placed loosely between folded sheets of white paper, a little larger than the standard size, and arranged al- phabetically in colored genus-covers. The genera are distributed in strong portfolios, a portion alphabetically under the larger orders, and the remainder alphabetically under the several classes— without reference to orders. This arrangement answered well for a private herbarium, but is very inconvenient for general use. To make the collection more serviceable it is now being mounted on half sheets of heavy white paper, the specimens and labels fastened with white glue, and the sheets placed in manila genus-covers. There has been built especially for the collection, a cabinet with pigeon-holes in which the arrangement of the genera and orders will be systematic and in accordance with the latest information. Dr. Lapham had the inborn love of preserving and accumulating valuable or curious objects which bespeaks the careful and assiduous collector. The specimens of his own gathering are exceptionally per- fect and finely preserved. He indirectly did much to improve the quality of herbarium specimens in this country. Dr. Short, of Ken- tucky, and others also, often referred, in correspondence, to the great improvement in the specimens received, and attributed it to the good example set by Dr. Lapham, Wm. Oakes, of Ipswich, Mass., and a few others. The most active period of his collecting and exchanging was between 1830 and 1855. During this interval he made a very complete set of the plants of Wisconsin. His earlier correspondence included nearly every American bot- anist and a large number of foreign ones. In many instances the _ Correspondence was continued until interrupted by his death. | Ex- changes were arranged with most of his correspondents, and prob- ably no specimens were purchased. Two very large additions, prin- cipally of European plants, were received from Dr. F. J. Jung and Dr. E. Wunderly, of Germany. A fine set of Australian plants was communicated by Fred. Mueller, of Melbourne. — Many plants were received indirectly from the herbaria of Alex. Braun, of Carlsruhe, Germany, Sir Wm. Hooker, of England, and Gouan, of Montpellier, France. The largest American contributors were C. W.:- Sheckler Kentucky, A. W. Chapman, of Florida, Wm. Oakes, of Massachusetts, ae 53 S. B. Mead, of Illinois, W. S. Sullivant, of Ohio, Wm. Darlington, of Pennsylvania, F. Lindheimer, of Texas, Geo. Engelmann,of Missouri, Wm. Boott, of Massachusetts, and T. J. Hale, of Wisconsin. Sets from the Red River of the North, collected by C. A. Hubbard, and from Texas by Berlandier, still contain many specimens not fully determined. The list of those making smaller additions is very long, and a few names only need be mentioned : Chester Dewey, John Torrey, Asa Gray, Leo Lesquereux, J. W. Robbins, Geo. Vasey and Alphonso Wood. Dr. Parry sent Colorado plants, and S. B. Buckley and M. A. Curtis Southern plants. This list of distinguished bot- anists will indicate the valuable character of the specimens, some of which are accompanied by the collector’s comments or memoranda. The most important series of published Zxsiccat/ in the herbarium are “Herbarium Juncorum Boreali-Americanum” of Engelmann, con- taining roo numbers, and “ Specimina Exsiccata Muscorum”’ of Sul- livant and Lesquereux, containing over 350 numbers. The genus £rica embraces 75 species, mostly from the herbarium of N. P. Sart- well, and gathered at the Cape of Good Hope. The Characeae, fill- ing two portfolios, are now in the hands of Dr. T. F. Allen for verifi- cation. The herbarium is especially complete in grasses and sedges, probably the result of a study of these orders in preparing his volume on the “ Gramineae of the United States.” This work, which still re- mains in manuscript, was begun under the direction of the U. S. Patent Office, but for some unexplained reason was summarily inter- rupted by the Commissioner. Some idea of the fulness of the re- mainder of the collection may be conveyed by stating that the genus Ranunculus contains 83, Aster 123, and Solidago 117 specimens, rep- resenting nearly as many species. noe This, like many large private herbaria, has been greatly injured by insects. Even at the present time no provision is made to have their ravages checked, although it is known that the whole collection is badly infested. Besides the herbarium proper there is a large number of duplicates intended for exchanges, good condition. : I take pleasure in acknowledging my indebtedness for informa- tion regarding Dr. Lapham’s botanical labors to members of his fam- ily, and especially to his daughter, Miss Julia A. Lapham. _ Madison, Wis. J. C. ARTHUR. -§ 48. Alphonso Wood.—In the death of Alphonso Wood, which occurred at his residence in West Farms, N. Y., Jan. 4th, 1881, Nat- ural History loses an enthusiastic, hard-working devotee, and the me Boag! ey Botanical Club one of its most useful and respected members. _ Prof. Wood was born in Chesterfield, N. H., Sept. 17th, 1810, and ____ Was consequently at the time of his death in the 71st year of his age. tending the village school and academy. Subsequently, his winters : hich are mostly in| : His ancestors emigrated from England eighteen years after the land- ing of the Pilgrims, and settled at Concord, Mass., in 1638. Hewas the sixth remove from William Wood, the founder of the family in America. His boyhood up to the age of 15 was spent athomeonthe =— farm, where he divided his time between rural employments and at- _ 54 were occupied in teaching in village schools and carrying on his own studies. At the age of 20, having been trained to self-reliance, he entered the sophomore class in Dartmouth College, from which he was graduated with honor in 1834. On account of his scholarly at- tainments at college, he was invited, after his graduation, to accept the position of instructor in Latin and natural history in the Kimbal Union Academy, at Meriden, N. H., where, with the interruption of one year only, he remained for fifteen years. This year of absence he spent at Andover, Mass,, in the study of theology. Soon after this he was licensed, after examination, to preach the Gospel, but his ministry was never more than an occasional service among neighbor- ing churches, in connection with his labor in the Academy. It was during his residence at Meriden that he first conceived the idea of ~S ALPHONSO WOOD. preparing a text-book of botany, and this idea arose, first from his great fondness for the science, and secondly from his want, as a teacher of natural history, of a suitable work. The botanical text- books then extant were Eaton’s Manual, Mrs. Lincoln’s Botany, Bigelow’s Florula Bostoniensis and Torrey’s Compendium—all on the Linnean system. Dr. Beck’s work, on the natural system, was not suited for class instruction, owing to the paucity of information in the introductory part. Dr. Gray's text-book was too voluminous and learned, and contained no flora. Prof. Wood visited Dr. Gray and suggested that the latter should pr but Dr. Gray either did not think such a book was then needed or had no time to devote to its preparation. Prof. Wood then deter- _ mined to set about the preparation of a small book for use in his own’ classes. He contemplated nothing more t local flora on the plan of that of Bigelow, but according to the natur- _ : al system, and preceded by an introduction to contain the elements of the science, with analytical tables. As he proceeded, the work | epare amoreelementary work; han a pamphlet or small _ shanty, the stockade of the herdsman’s ranche, or the Governor’ 2 rough trappers and miners he not unfrequently found educated, 55 grew on his hands, and, after ten years of preparation, collecting of materials and teaching from the manuscript, the “Class Book of Botany ” was put into the hands of the printer. The work, being an experiment, was not stereotyped, and only 1,200 copies were printed. An unexpectedly great demand soon exhausted this edition. In pre- paring for a new edition, the author passed the spring and summer of 1846 in the Western States (whither his parents had then removed), botanizing on prairies and in barrens,in order to extend the limits of his flora as far west as the Mississippi River. Having impaired his health by close attention to his duties, Prof. Wood was advised by his phy- sician to seek some active out-door employment Acting on this ad- vice he resigned his professorship in the Kimbal Union Academy, . and sought and obtained the position of chief engineer in the con- struction of a railway from Rutland, Vt., to Albany, N. Y. On the completion of this road, in 1852, he removed with his family to Cleveland, Ohio, where, in the Cleveland Female Seminary he re- sumed his protession as ateacher. Two years afterwards he disposed of his interest in the school and removed to College Hill, nearCmcin- nati, where he became professor in the Ohio Female College, and after: wards president of that institution. Here he passed six years; the | College buildings in the meantime having been destroyed by fire, were rebuilt under his own supervision and restored to prosperity. — In 1858, having transferred to others his interest in the College he resigned the presidency, and established, in connection with a friend, — the Terre Haute Female College, an institution which ina very short _ time rose under his administration to great prosperity and usefulness. In the fall of 1860, in order to facilitate the reprinting of his books, Prof. Wood removed with his family to Brooklyn, N. Y. Previous to this time, in the year 1857, he had, for the purpose of collecting ma- terial for an enlargement of his “ Class-Book,” made an exploration of the Southern States, lasting six months, and another shorter one — in his own carriage. Having completed the third reprint of the — “ Class-Book,” he again resumed the profession of instruction, open- ing in 1861 the Brooklyn Female Academy, which, in spite of the war, proved a great success. But the love of his favorite science again enticed him away ; and, in 1865, after placing his affairs in Brooklyn in trusty hands, Prof. Wood, leaving his wife at Freehold,N. J., and his son at the New York University, set out alone for Califor- nia. In this excursion he spent more than a year, travelingfrom San ‘Diego to Puget’s Sound, and returning by the way of the Isthmus in November, 1866. Much of this journey was done on horseback, and a part of it on foot and alone, and amid many hardships, dangers and privations. Prof. Wood loved to bear testimony in after years to the - i hospitality which was everywhere accorded him in this excursion. If night overtook him at the door of the trapper’s hut, the miners ‘mansion, the same kind greeting met him in each case. Among ‘th cultured men, who rendered him no little assistance in his pursuits. Arriving at his home in Brooklyn, in 1867, he disposed of his terests there and collected his family into a new home in the villa ag 56 of West Farms, which was then a suburb but is now a portion of the _ City of New York. The last years of Prof. Wood’s life were mainly employed in revising and republishing his several text-books on bot- any, which include the following works: “Class-Book of Botany,” _ (1845); “ Object Lessons in Botany” (1862); “ Botanist and Florist 1870); “Plant Record” (1872); “Fourteen Weeks in Botany” 1879, written jointly with Prof. J. D. Steele); and “Flora Atlantica’”’ (1879). In addition to these educational works, Prof. Wood wrote a “ Monograph of the Liliaceae,” which was communicated to the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, and published in its Pro- ceedings of June, 1868. At the time of his death he occupied the Chair of Botany in the New York College of Pharmacy, a position which he had filled for two years.* § 49. The Preparation of Fleshy Pileate Fungi for the Her- barium.t—To the preparations previously described, still others may be added. If it be desired to exhibit, in a lamellate species, a view of the under surface of the pileus with the gills, the fleshy portion of the upper surface of one of the halves must be shaved off close to the gills, and the preparation laid, gills upward, on moist gelatine- paper, and submitted to pressure as before described. This pro- ceeding is not well adapted for all lamellate fungi, but succeeds best with those species which, like Cantharedlus, have decurrent gills; for these it is of great value. To prepare such fungi as these, a vertical section is made and from one or both of the halves the flesh is so nearly all removed that but just sufficient is left to support the gills. Then the flesh is removed from the interior of the stipe, and the fungus is ready for the gelatine-paper and press. ‘Ihe very small lamellate fungi, whose fleshy substance is very thin, may be simply dried between bibulous paper, under pressure, without any prepara- tion, and afterwards be kept in paper envelopes. Of most of these species, however, there can be made very good vertical sections, which, after being dried on gelatine-paper, may be placed in the en-’ velope with the other specimen. The species of the genus M/aras- -mius are composed of a tough substance, which, after being dried, __ becomes soft again when placed in water. _ The larger fungi of this _ genus likewise may, therefore, be dried without preparation, since __ the specimens thus treated, on being moistened with water, assume again their original form, just as mosses and lichens do under the same circumstances. It is, nevertheless, recommended that a few specimens Of each species of this genus be also prepared by the method under consideration. re __ We now come to the details of the method, which hitherto has been described only in a general way. In most of the Agaricini there are found between the lamellae _ which radiate from the stipe to the circumference of the capa few _ shorter ones, which start from the edge of the pileus but do not reach the stipe; and these are of various lengths. Often, too, the lamellae. __._ *Abstract of a “ Biographical Sketch of Prof. Wood,” read by : An enumeration of the indigenous and naturalized Plants found growing in Bucks County. By J. S. Moyer, M.D. 8vo, pamph. pp. 28. Doylestown, 1876. 3 Chester County. . ff Florula Cestrica; an essay towards a Catalogue of the phaenogamous ’ * Plants, native and naturalized, growing in the vicinity of the bor- ough of West Chester. By Wm. Darlington. (D.) 8vo, pp. 152. West Chester, 1826. ; ' Flora Cestrica; an attempt to enumerate and describe the flowering and filicoid Plants of Chester County, in the State of Pennsyl- vania. By Wm. Darlington, (D.) 1 vol., 8vo. West Chester, 1837. (Enlarged edition, Philadel- phia. 1853.) Cumberland County. Contributions towards a Catalogue of the Trees and Shrubs of Cumberland County. By Spencer F. Baird. In Rec. and Jour. Linn. Assoc. Pennsylv. Coll. Vol.i. 1845. : Lancaster County, fee Index Florae Lancastriensis. By Henry Muhlenberg. (A.) In Trans. Amer. Philosoph. Soc. Vol. iii, rst ser. Philadelphia, 1793. ie foS Supplementum Indicis Florae Lancastriensis. By Henry Muhl- enberg. (A.) (ibidem) Vol. iv, rst ser. ¢ «A Catalogue of the filicoid and flowering Plants of Lancaster Co., ar- ranged in conformity with Endlicher’s Genera Plantarum. By Wm. Darlington. (A.) . In Rupp’s History of Lancaster Co. Lancaster, 1844. (7 Enumeration of the indigenous and naturalized Plants found grow- ing in the County of Lancaster. By Thomas C. Porter. (B.) In Mombert’s Authentic Hist. Lancaster Co. Lancaster, 1869. Philadelphia County. Be -je® Compendium Florae Philadelphicae; containing a description of the indigenous and naturalized Plants found within a circuit of ten | miles around Philadelphia. By William P. C. Barton. (D.) 2 vols., 12mo, pp. 252 and 234. Philadelphia, 1818. jo Florae Philadelphicae Prodromus. By William P.C Barton. (D.) _, 4t0, pp. roo. Philadelphia, 1815. * es _.. _ List of Plants found inthe neighborhood of Philadelphia, Feb. to ies Oct., and list of Ferns, By Dr. Darrach. (A.) mee pe. es _ In Proc, Phila. Acad. Sci. 1860, oe - \\._ On Colonies of Plants observed near Philadelphia. By Aubrey H. _ a _ Smith. (B.) . Boe ies oe ie DE Glew, ~ o, eS ©) En Proc. Phila. Acad. Se, 1867. : ese eee ee __ \\w Foreign Plants introduced in the vicinity of Philadelphia. By I.C. | He : Martindale. : ee ee wr Tae cecieoeeeaht 83 In Botan, Gazette, Vol. ii. Logansport, 1876. List of Plants recently collected on ships’ ballast in the sein keochens of Philadelphia. By Isaac Burk. (B.) In Proc. Philada. Acad. Sci. 1877. Ms orthampton County. i, List of the rarer Plants found near Easton. By L. De Scweinitz. (A-) In Amer. Jour. Sci. and Arts, 1 ser. Vol. iii. 1824. Catalogue of. Botanical Specimens collected by J. Wolle and A. L. Huebener during the year 1837 in the nest of Bethlehem and other parts of Northampton County. (A.) In Amer. Jour. Sci. and Arts, 1 ser. Vol. xxxvii. 1839. Fresh Water Algae collected during three years, mostly within a cir- cuit of about twenty mae around Bethlehem. By Francis Wolle. (C.) In Bullet. Torr. Club. Vol. vi. 1876. DELAWARE. New Castle County. Catalogue of the phaenogamous and filicoid Plants of New Castle County. By Edward Tatnall. (B.) Pub. by Wilmington Inst. 8vo, pamph, pp. 112. Wilmington, 1840. Catalogue of the phaenogamous and filicoid Plants of New Castle County. : Pub. by the Botanical Soc. of Wilmington. Pamph. Wilmington, 1844. MARYLAND. Baltimore County. Catalogue of phaenogamous Plants and of F erns, native and natural- ized, growing in the vicinity of Baltimore. By Wm. E. A. Aiken, M.D. (B.) In Trans. Md. Acad. Sci. Vol. i, Baltimore, 1837. . District oF COLUMBIA. Florula Columbiensis. (Anonymous.) Pamph. Washington, 1819. ee Prodromus of the Flora Columbiana. By J. A. Brereton, M.D. (A.) 16mo, pp. 86. Washington, 1830. Flora Columbiana, or Catalogue of Plants growing without cultivation, collected by the members of the Potomac-side Naturalists’ Club in the District of Columbia and its immediate vicinity. (A.) From Field and Forest. 8vo, pamph. Washington, 1876. Mosses of'the District of Columbia. By Rudolph Oldberg. (A.) An Field and Forest. Vol. ii, Washington, 1876. Wide AS i ae ee | § 79. Botanical Literature—Our Native Ferns and How to : Study them: with Synoptical Descriptions of the North American Species. By Lucien M, Underwood, Ph. D, (Illustrated). Bloom. — ington, Ills. 1881. It is remarkable, considering the length of time ferns have been popular objects of interest and study, that there should not have been until now _any low-priced hand-book containing acom- plete account of our native ferns that could be used for the determi- 84 nation of the species. In the present work the author gives us short chapters on habits and distribution, morphology, fructification, ger- mination, structure, classification and nomenclature, how to study ferns, and fern literature, then the classification and description of the North American species. There is also an excellent glossary of technical terms, and one of specific names, and a copious index. The illustrations, although not of superior excellence, convey all the in- formation required. Great care has evidently been expended upon the key to the genera and species, which has readily taken us to the plants as far as tried. It is to be regretted that the chapter on the literature of ferns is so brief, as it could have been extended; and we nctice that the name of Mr. C. E. Faxon, who drew the plates for the second volume of Eaton’s Ferns, and decidedly the best plates in that work, is omitted entirely from the notice of that book. Mr. | Underwood is to be congratulated upon the success of his work, and it is to be hoped that he will soon have cause to prepare a second and perhaps enlarged edition.—J. R., Salem, Mass. § 80. Proceedings of the Torrey Club.—The regular meeting of the Club was held at the Herbarium, Columbia College, Tuesday evening, May roth, the President in the chair and twenty-six mem- bers present. . : Miss Knight read a list of 28 plants found during the field meet- ing, May 7th, at Bronxville. - This locality was found to be a new station for Dentaria diphylla and Mitella diphylla. - Plants exhibited —Mr. W. F. Miller exhibited an interesting col- lection of Alpine plants. Dr. Kunze, in behalf of Mr. I. S. Buchan- an, distributed flowering specimens taken from a graft grown from the noted pear-tree which, up to the time of its destruction in 1867, stood on the corner of Third Avenue and Thirteenth Street, a local- ity in the early history of the island forming a portion-of the farm of Petrus Stuyvesant, the last Dutch director general of New Netherland (New York). Mr. Bicknell exhibited and remarked upon the following Teratological specimens :— Dicentra Cucullaria, DC., showing fission of the scape as far as the flowering portion extended ; Anem- one [Tepatica, L., having three flowers, subtended by a common in- volucre, at the apex of the scape; catkins of Sa//x, some of which were proliferous and bore two diverging ovaries on a common pedi- cel, and one of the specimens, moreover, bearing ovaries, within many of which were found poliniferous anthers. Mr. Brown remarked on the similarity of habit of several Compos- itae, such as Anthemis Cotula, DC., Anthemis arvensis, L.. Matricaria Chamomilla and Chrysanthemum inodorum, and gave some practical hints as to’ how they might be readily distinguished from each other. The presentation, by Mr. Willis, of specimens of Cypripedium pu- bescens, from White Plains, gave rise to a discussion on the subject of orchids which consumed the remainder of the evening. soae The resignation of Mr. Schrenk as a member of the field-day committee was accepted, and Dr. Schony was appointed in his stead. One active member was elected. 7 oe ErrAtuM.—In the June number, page 68, thirtieth line from top, the word ‘tas should be inserted between “ascending” and ‘‘ when,” to give the sense the _ be author intended. Se ae ss BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. VIN] New York, August, 1881, [No. 8. § 81. Notes on Gymnosporangia. os By W. G. Fartow. Since the publication of my paper on the Gymnosporangia of the United States I have received several communications with regard to the distribution of our species; and, as one of my principal objects was to investigate the supposed genetic connection between the gen- era Roestelia and Gymnosporangium, any information with regard to the distribution of the species of the two genera is of interest. At the time when my paper was originally presented to.the Boston Nat- ural History Society I had never seen specimens of Gymunosporangium spectosum, Peck, described in the Botanical Gazette of October, 1879. Recently I have received fresh material from Mr. T. S. Brandegee, by whom the species was originally discovered on Juniperus occiden- talis,in Colorado. The specimens received show fusiform swellings of the branches and irregularly-flattened sporiferous masses of the pale yellow color usually seen in specimens of the genus which have been expanded by rains and then dried. The species is evidently closely related to Gym. biseplatum and intermediate between it and Gym. clavipes. It resembles the former in the distortions produced, and in the general appearance of the sporiferous masses; and the spores, although larger and on stouter pedicels, are frequently com- posed of three cells as in Gym. biseptatum. The spores germinate at the septum, and I have seen no case of germination at the apex as is usual in Gym. clavipes. Gym. speciosum should be added to the num- ber of species enumerated in my paper, but its relations to any spe- cies of Roestelia cannot, at present, be discussed because the myco- logical flora of the Rocky Mountains is still too little explored. Some instructive specimens have also been received from Dr. J. H. Mellichamp, collected at Bluffton, S. C. Amongst others, are specimens which approach more nearly the true Gym. fuscum of Europe than any that I have examined from the Northern States. The specimens in question were on Juniperus Virginiana; and, besides the common globose form, there were two specimens in which fusiform enlargements of the branches were formed, and the sporiferous masses were quite similar to those found on junipers in Europe. It seems probable, then, that what I have called Gym. fuscum, var. glcbosum, is in reality merely a variety, and not a distirict species. In passing, I would remark that all the specimens sent by Dr. Melli- champ seem to indicate a more luxuriant development of the differ- ent Gymnosporangia in South Carolina than in the case of the same ‘species when growing in New England. ‘Thus, several specimens of _ Gym. macropus exhibit knots so large that the branch above is strang- _ led, and the leaves distorted, whereas such is only very rarely the _ case in Eastern Massachusetts. oe With regard to the prevalence of Gym. macropus in Ilinois, Prof. T. J. Burrill writes as follows: “ Gymnosporangium macropus is very 36 common here (Champaign) on /uniperus Virginiana; and a Roes- felia on the orchard apple and on Pyrus coronaria appears as com- mon. But I do not find any interdependence between them. Juni- pers are not indigenous, and great areas, many miles in extent, exist without a Specimen, yet the Roestelia seems to occur in such places as commonly as near the affected trees.” Prof. W. R. Dudley writes that “at Bloomington, Ind., last spring, the cedar (J. Virginiana) was comparatively abundant both in and around the town, although not a native of the section. I think I never saw the Gymnosporangium macropus so abundant as on these trees. In the latter part of April, during certain rainy days, they were particularly noticeable, giving the branches an orange hue at a distance and weighing down the branches as much as two or three inches of light snow might. I no- ticed also there were many of the old apple carcasses of previous years.” Mr. Wm. Trelease, also, informs me that he found Gym. ma- cropus to be not rare in the vicinity of Madison, Wis. In conclusion, a word as to the inferences which can logically be drawn from the relative abundance and proximity to one another of the different Gymnosporangia and fosteliae. Because one finds, for instance, a certain Gymnosporangium on Juniperus Virginiana in the immediate neighborhood of apple trees which are attacked by a Roestelia is no proof whatever of any genetic connection between the two. One would undoubtedly also find an abundance of Puccinia Graminis near the same apple trees; and, although no one supposes any connection to exist between the Puccinta and Roestelia, yet, on logical grounds, we might just as well believe in a connection in the latter case as in the former. On the other hand, however, if we find a teleutosporic form, as Gymnosporangium, occurring in districts re- mote from the aecidial form, as Rostelia, we are warranted in inferring that there is no necessary connection between them. Now in the case of some of our species of Gymnosporangium, which are found also in Europe, it is certainly true that they occur only at very great distances from the Roeste/ia with which they have been associated by European botanists, and yet the teleutospore form itself is very abundant. The case of Puccinia Graminis is in this respect still stronger, for, althou gh very common in the grain fields of the West, its supposed _aecidium, which occurs only on the barberry, is there quite wanting.’ It may be said that, in the West, Aecidium Berberidis is replaced by some other Aecidium; but, what it is, is certainly not known, nor even suspected, Perhaps the strongest case is that of Calyptospora Goeppertiana, which grows on Vaccinium, and the aecidial stage of which is said by Hartig to be Aecidium columnare, which grows on firs. Although not rare in the Rocky Mountains and westward, the Calyptospora is certainly rare near Boston, and I have found it only once on a single plant of Vaccinium corymbosum, which. grew in a deep swamp at Newton amongst Cupressus thyoides. The fungus was well developed on the Vaccinium, but it is impossible that the Aecidium columnare could have been present, as there were no fir trees anywhere to be found; and, in fact, I have never been able to detect Accidium columnare anywhere near Boston. The species of Uredincae found in the neigh- borhood were Gymnosporangium Ellisii and Gym. biseptatum, which ot og For Na Alhel nse, iw Prarie 1 Tibet Gee Met yang : / . yé ae . U3-nete | . e ae : . 87 could have had no connection with the Calyptospora. How are we to ac- count for the presence of the Ca/yptospora on a moderate sized Vaccinium bush in a deep cedar swamp, if one of the necessary stages of its de- velopment is Aecidium columnare? Here then we have three different genera, including teleutosporic forms found both in Europe and this country, and yet what is assumed in Europe to be the necessary aecidial form is wanting with us. But certainly we must assume that, in matters of development, what is true of a fungus in one coun- try must be true in another. In the present question, it will be ob- served that the cumulative character of the evidence is of value. § 82. Abnormal Habit of Asclepias amplexicaulis. By H. W. RAVENEL. About ten years ago, in a note to Prof. Gray (which he afterwards presented with his comments at the meeting of the Amer. Assoc. for Adv. of Science in Indianapolis, 1871*) I called his attention to the seemingly one-ranked leaves of Baptisia perfoliata; and traced the cause of this anomaly to the peculiar attachment of the leaves to the stem. I have lately observed the same thing in Asclepias amplexi- caulis—the only difference being that in the case of the lattey the leaves are opposite—in the former, alternate. The habit of Asclepias amplexicaulis is to throw out several (2 or 3 to a dozen) stout stems from the roots, all diverging at once and assuming a recumbent position. The stems are almost universally unbranched, and the inflorescence occupies the axils of the upper leaves. The stems being horizontally reclined, the leaves all assume a vertical position, exposing both surfaces alike to the sun. The leaf arrangement is evidently distichous (phyllotaxis 4), and the twisting of the stem, alternately from right to left and left to right (the torsion taking place whilst the leaves are unfolding) brings them ultimately to a double, one-ranked series. As in the case of Baftisia perfoliata, the alternate torsion of each internode in opposite directions can be traced on the stem, but is more clearly seen by stripping off a leaf with the adhering bark downward from one node to the next, when it is seen to pass spirally through half the diameter of the stem, from right to left and from left to right alternately through its whole extent, the torsion being pretty uniform through the internodal spaces. This alternate twisting in different directions relieves the stem of a continuous torsion through its entire axis. The equilibrium is thus restored, each alternate pair of leaves standing in its proper normal position. The upper pair of leaves, where the vegetative strength is nearly exhausted, is smaller, and re- _ tains very nearly its normal position at right angles with the next lower pair. The specific name, amp/exicaulis, is rather a misnomer if critically considered. The base of the petiole is not enlarged nor clasping. _ The thick, fleshy, succulent leaves are strictly cordate, with obtuse rounded points, the petioles so short that the auricles or lobes encir- cle the stem, thus giving the appearance of true amplexicaul leaves. * Proceedings, p. 391. . 88 The peculiar .habit of the plant presents some interesting ques- tions in vegetable morphology. 3S 1st. On the supposition that the stomata are about equally distribut- ed on both surfaces—-do the leaves assume this vertical position (as Dr. Gray queries in the case of Baptisia perfoliata) because the stomata are thus equally distributed—or are the stomata so arranged to suit the habit of the leaf? 2nd. What is the correlation between the recumbent position of the stem and the vertical position of the leaves? The stems are stout, and apparently quite large and strong enough to support the foliage, if growing upright,—but in that position the sessile leaves with clasping auricles could not possibly bring both surfaces to the light. There is apparently no mode by which this can be accomplished but by these two abnormal processes operative to- gether, the stem assuming a recumbent position, and the alternate twisting of each internodal space, to bring the leaves into their double one-ranked position. The whole habit of the plant seems therefore modified by the peculiar conformation of the leaves, their mode of attachment to the stem and their functional requirements. I may state, in conclusion, that the root (perennial) is long, fleshy, unbranched (or rarely so) tapering downwards, with few or no fibrous rootlets, from 18 inches to 2 feet or more in length, and grows in poor sandy soil where other vegetation would hardly subsist. The whole plant above ground is highly ornamental. Aside from its unique habit, which would at once attract attention, the flowers of cinereous, ashen ‘hue, have a soft delicacy of tint, which renders them objects of beauty; whilst the symmetrically disposed, large, fleshy leaves, with pinkish translucent midribs and laterals, anastomosing in every di- rection, contrast with the dark green of the parenchymous tissue and make it more attractive than many of the so-called “Foliage Plants’ in cultivation. Held up to the light, when the ramifying net-work of veins may be seen extending throughout the green tis- sue, the leaf presents an object of marvellous beauty. Aiken, S. C. § 83. Fern Notes. Il. By Geo. E. Davenport. TAENITIS LANCEOLATA, R. Br. (Lingua Cervina, Plum., Amer. 28, t. go; Fil. 116, t.132. Pvteris lanceolata, Linn.)}—I have the pleas- ure of announcing the discovery of this interesting fern on Old Rhodes Key, Florida, in May last, by Mr. A. H. Curtiss, the well known botanical collector. The history of the species is interesting as showing the various views held by different authors in regard to its generic distinction. Originally described and figured by Plumier in 1693, it was after- wards removed to Preris by Linnaeus, and by him named P#ris dan- ceolata, whence its present specific name. os Later, Robert Brown (Prodromus, p. 154, in obs.) excluded it from _ that genus and referred it to Ywenitis, where it was subsequently — placed by Kaulfuss, and latterly retained by Hooker and Baker. J. Smith, however, breaks ‘up the latter genus, distributes the dif- 3 \ 89 ferent species in his Eremobrya and Desmobrya divisions, according as their vernation is “articulated” or “adherent,” and adopts _ the present species as the type of Fée’s genus Wevrodium (Hist. Fil). Presl referred it to Paltonium; Desvaux, to Preropsis; and Moore, to Drymoglossum, in accordance with J. Smith’s earlier views. In view of the many changes which the species has already undergone, there is no certainty that it has yet reached a definite abiding place. There is an excellent (colored) plate of a full plant in Hooker's “ Filices Exoticae,” where it is figured (t. 45) as Pteropsis lanceo- lata, Desv., and of a single frond in Lowe’s “ Exotic Ferns” (Vol. 2, pl. Ixiv), and “ Les Fougéres ” (p. 33, pl. 9), under the name “ Wev- rodium lanceolatum, Fée.’, For the benefit of those who may not have access to the authori- ties quoted, I give the following brief description of Mr. Curtiss’s specimens: Rootstock creeping; stipes 1 to 2 incheslong; laminae 8 to 13 inches long, 4 to ? of. an inch broad, tapering both ways, entire, or slightly sinuose at the margins, midnerve prominent; veins im- mersed, anastomosing, the exterior free, and, as well as the free vein- lets within the hexagonal areoles, clubbed at their apices; fructifica- tion ante-marginal, in a continuous line near the apex. Habitat.—Old Rhodes Key, Florida, on soft-barked trees. _Dis- covered by A. H. Curtiss, May, 1881. Heretofore collected in St. Domingo, Jamaica, Martinique, Guadaloupe, Cuba, and not uncom. mon in the West Indies generally. Mr. Curtiss’s specimens are somewhat narrower than the pub- lished plates and descriptions call for, but some of Chas, Wright’s Cuban specimens are quite as narrow. Mr. Curtiss having placed in my hands all of his duplicate speci- mens, they will be distributed among the more prominent herbaria as far as their limited number will go. CHEILANTHES TOMENTOSA, Link.—Mr. C. G. Pringle sends speci- mens of this rare fern from the Santa Catalina and Santa Rita Mountains, Arizona, and reports Aspidium patens and Woodwardia radicans from the same region. PELLAEA GRACILIS, Hook.—Shortly after reading Mr. Rusby’s Interesting notes on the New Mexican ferns in the Botanical Gazette, in which he describes the bifurcations of Woodsia Oregana (var. ?), ~ I had occasion to look over my duplicates in order to select a few specimens for a correspondent; when, almost the first thing that met my eye was a double-fronded specimen of this delicate fern (P. gra- cilis). The stipe had forked near the top into two short divisions, each bearing a perfectly-developed, fertile lamina. Medford, Mass., July, 188r. § 84. New Species of North American Fungi. a By J. B. ELtis. ___ VALSA TUBERCULOSA.—Perithecia 8—1o0, about .o18’ diameter, _ subcircinating and buried in a stroma formed entirely of the sub- _ Stance of the bark, (the latter not being discolored, though rendered more compact) and surrounded by a black circumscribing line, which is very distinct and penetrates the wood beneath; ostiola short-cylin- » A 90 drical, thick, stout, obtuse, with an: irregular opening ; asci_broad- lanceolate, sessile, .003'x.0006'; sporidia biseriate, oblong-elliptical, hyaline, uniseptate and slightly constricted at the septum, .0005 x .0003', with two large transparent nuclei, at length separating in the middle. ‘ The bark of the limb finally decays and falls away, leaving the tuberculiform stroma adherent to the surface of the wood. On dead limbs of Amelanchier Canadensis. April. LopHIOSTOMA TINGENS.—Perithecia buried in the wood, mostly compressed, thick and leathery and of medium size; ostiolum barely visible on the surface, not projecting and only slightly compressed; asci cylindrical, .0035’x.0004’; paraphyses linear; sporidia uniseriate, oblong, obtuse, brownish, 3-septate, with a longitudinal septum more or less distinct, often slightly curved, variable in length, mostly about ,0007'X,000275°, es On dry, decorticated maple limbs. February. SPHAERIA FUNICOLA.—Scattered, minute, ovate-globose, seated among the fibres of cotton; ostiolum not prominent; asci turgid-cyl- indrical, .0025'x.0007’; paraphyses connate and brown above; spo- ridia_ biseriate, oblong-elliptic, hyaline, 3-septate, slightly curved, -00075' —.0008'x.0003’. On old cotton twine, exposed on a grape trellis. Iona, N. J. January. Rev.Isaac Leonard. - SPHAERIA LATEBROSA.—Perithecia minute, gregarious, sub-glo- bose, covered by the epidermis, which is elevated and blackened above and soon pierced by the subconic ostiola; asci clavate-cylindric, about .0035° long; paraphyses filiform, abundant, interwoven, longer than the asci; sporidia biseriate, fusiform, slightly curved, 4-6-nucle- ate, about .oo1’ long. On basal sheaths of old Andropogon. September. SPHAERIA (DIAPORTHE) GALLOPHILA.—Densely gregarious, peri- thecia sub-cuticular, depressed-hemispheric, .ooog’—.o01’ diameter, rugose; ostiola cylindric, obtuse, minutely roughened, .c006’—.001' long; sporidia biseriate, oblong-fusiform, hyaline, 2-4-nucleate, and mostly constricted; when young faintly appendiculate at each end, slightly curved, variable in length, .o005’—.0007’ long. The part of the matrix occupied by the fungus appears to th naked eye as if covered with a black pubescence, so thickly is it dot- ted with the hair-like ostiola. On dead canes of Rubus villosus. September. SPHAERIA (LEPTOs.) DEFODIENS.—Perithecia depressed-globose, .0085'—.o1’ diameter, covered with fragments of the ruptured epi- dermis, at length deciduous; ostiolum subglobose, large, prominent ; asci broad, clavate-cylindric; paraphyses abundant; sporidia biseriate, fusiform-oblong, hyaline, 3-5-septate and at length constricted at the septa, .0008’—.0012’x.0002’—.0003’, with an apical bristle-like appendage when young. : On Juncus. Jona, N. J. September. - : SpHaeria (Lepros.) MerTENstar.—Subcuticular; ostiola papilli- form; asci clavate-cylindric, .003’—.004’x.0006’—,0007’; sporidia crowded, linear-lanceolate, yellowish, nucleate, uniseptate at first, — 91 becoming at length 5- (or more) septate, constricted near the middle and more or less swollen, .00015’—.02’x.00015’—.0002’, Nearly allied to S. Ogélviensis, B. & Br., but the sporidia are larger and the perithecia not flattened nor*collapsed. - On dead-leaves of Mertensia. American Fork Canyon, Utah. M. E. Jones. July, 1880. . ' SpuHaeria (Lepros.) LEIOSTEGA.—Perithecia gregarious, pustuli- form and entirely covered by the cuticle, which is scarcely blackened above them; asci cylindrical; sporidia uniseriate, elliptical, nearly hyaline, 3-septate, .0008’x.00035’—.0004’. Allied to S. fuscella, B. & Br. On various dead twigs—Carya, Rosa, Vaccinium, etc. SPHAERIA ECKFELDTII.—Minute, scattered, erumpent, pustuli- - form, membranaceous, black, at length pierced; asci bag-like, ob- ovate, about .0025’x.001’; sporidia inordinate, oblong, sub-hyaline or fuscous at first, soon becoming brown and 3-septate, .0013'x.0003’. On bleached wood of Castanea, near Philadelphia. January. J. W. Eckfeldt, M.D. (Ellis, V. 4. Fungi, No. 593-) MELIOLA MACULOSA.—Forming patches 1-4th inch across, on the under side of the leaf. Perithecia subglobose, perforated above, seated on a mycelium of brown, branching, sparingly-septate, pros- trate threads, and surrounded at the base with a few straight black spreading hairs, about equal in length to the diameter of the peri- thecium ; asci sessile, cylindric, .002’x.0004’; sporidia irregularly uniseriate, subhyaline, elliptical or ovate-elliptical, .oo04’—.00045’x .0002’, uniseptate and constricted at the septum. On fallen leaves of Amdromeda(?). June. (Venturia maculosa, NV. A. Fungi, No, 200.) ASTERINA NIGERRIMA,—Perithecia flattened, minute, .003’—.004’ diameter, of a radiate, cellular structure; asci oblong-clavate, sessile, .0013'x.0004'; sporidia crowded, oblong-clavate, slightly curved, nearly hyaline, 4-nucleate, .o0045'—.00015'; paraphyses none. The portion of the stem occupied by the fungus is blackened as - if charred. On old stems of EZrigeron(?), lying on the ground. October.* § 85. Helonias bullata, L., in Morris Co., N. J.—A reliable re- port that this plant had been gathered by a lady, in a bog near the town of Dover, induced me to hunt for it. My informant, Rev. E. E. Butler, formerly rector of the Episcopal church of that place, and fa- miliar with the vicinage, kindly offered to go with me and act as guide. On the 12th of May we went from Easton to Dover by rail, and drove thence four miles westward, to the village of Succasunna, which lies on a plain of the same name between the mountains, at an elevation of about 600 feet above tide. Passing along its single street from south to north, we stopped at the last house, tied our horse to a tree and followed the road on foot toward an extensive wooded . swamp, which it crossed, a little distance beyond. Not a hundred yards from the house, I spied in a fence-corner a leafless shrub bear- *In the present and foregoing articles, where no locality is given the spe- cies were niiael in the vice Newfield, N, J. | PIs i 92 ing one opened bunch of rose-colored blossoms. To my surprise it proved to be Rhododendron Rhodora, Don. Further search brought us two additional specimens, for it had barely begun to bloom. August,1881 to April, 1882, will be Emilienstrasse, 18, Leipzig, Saxony, whither he goes to continue the Axsiccati of the late Dr. Rabenhorst. . BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. VIII] | New York, September. 1881, —_[No. 9. § 92. New Species of Plants, chiefly New Mexican. By Epwarp LEE GREENE. ASTRAGALUS GILENSIS.—Argophylli; perennial; subcaulescent, / white-silky with a fine, closely-appressed pubescence; peduncles num- erous, slender, scape-like, bearing a short, dense, subcapitate raceme ; corolla 3 lines long, pale blue ; pod 3 lines long, coriaceous, silky- pubescent, ovate, not obcompressed nor either suture at all im- pressed. \ 2 _ Ona high summit at the mouth, of the canyon of the Gila River, in New Mexico. April, 188r. Plant with the habit of 4. M/issouriensis, but very much smaller every way, and very distinct by characters of flower and fruit. ASTRAGALUS Mocot.onicus,—Afollissimi ; perennial, nearly stemless, densely clothed with yellowish, woolly pubescence; pedun- cles short, scape-like; racemes dense, subcapitate; flowers large, greenish-yellow and purple; pod 4 lines long, nearly cylindrical, completely 2-celled, hardly at all incurved, very densely white-woolly. Bleak, grassy summits of the middle elevations of the Mogollon Mountains in New Mexico, flowering in April, 1881. As compared with its nearest ally, 4. Bigelovit, the plant is a dwarf, being barely a span high. Its still smaller pods are much more densely woolly, and nearly straight in maturity, in which latter character, however, the species is at variance with the rest of the Mollissimt. / POTENTILLA SUBVISCOSA.—Ascending, a span to neafly a foot high, clothed sparingly with straight, villous hairs, and with a denser coat of short, viscid-glandular ones; leaves digitate ; leaflets 5, cuneate-oblong, $—1 inch long, the margin with close, oblong, not very deep lobes ; cyme very loose; pedicels slender, an inch long, deflexed after flowering; petals yellow, 4-5 lines long, nearly twice the length of the calyx-lobes, and narrow; carpels mbout'rs: * On a dry southward slope of the Mogollon Mountains, flowering in April, 1881. ee A well-marked species, peculiar in having two so distinct kinds of pubescence as to make it both soft and clammy to the touch. The narrowness of the petals is also quite remarkable, some of them appearing almost oblanceolate. Mrcarruiza GILENsIs.—Leaves deep green on both sides, not at all glaucous, somewhat scabrous above, smooth beneath, orbicular- cordate, the sinus mostly closed, 5-7-lobed almost to the base, the divisions not broader above, entire, or with a single pair of large teeth a little above the middle, each lobe and tooth tapering to an acute, or a slender point; fertile flowers with rudiments of stamens; fruiting pedicels slender, an inch or two long; fruit an inch in diam- eter, globose, with a rounded base and sharply beaked or pointed apex, clothed usually very densely with soft spines, some ot which 4 98 ms are straight, others hooked, 4-celled, 4-seeded ; seeds somewhat flat- tened, broadly ovate or more or less irregularly orbicular, attached to the outer side of the cell near the base. er nity Growing in deep sand on the banks of the Upper Gila River and its tributaries, climbing high over willows, flowering in February and March. Specimens collected several years since, at Willow Springs, Ari- zona, by Dr. Palmer, are, by Mr. Watson, identified with this. — Mr. H. H. Rusby obtained the same in flower only in a canyon of the San francisco River in the same T erritory, a few miles above the con- fluence of that stream with the Gila; but the material whence this description is drawn, was obtained by the writer in March and April of this year, at a locality still further east, namely, the canyon of the Upper Gila in Grant County, New Mexico, within fif- teen miles of the dividing ridge between the Pacific and Atlantic slopes of the continent. The species is most nearly related to W/. _ muricata, Watson ; but that has its leaves strongly glaucous beneath, with lobes widening above and showing a continuously-toothed mar- gin, fertile flowers without abortive stamens, and with fruit which 1s nearly or quite smooth. Its globose, marginless seeds are also pe- culiar. Mature seeds of AZ. Gilensis have not, indeed, been seen, but in the fruits collected in April they were full grown and partially hardened, showing the flattened, irregularly-orbicular outline of those of WV. Marah, Watson, between which and MM. muricata this new species will have to be placed. iY SENECIO CARDAMINE.—Completely glabrous; radical leaves on slender petioles, cordate-orbicular or -ovate, the margin sinuate-den- ticulate, the under surface purple, the upper dark green and marked with conspicuous, whitish or purple veins, those of the stem remote and inconspicuous, from lyrate-pinnatifid to triangular-lanceolate, all with a broad clasping base; stems a span to a foot high; heads of middle size, solitary or 3-5 corymbosely arranged; involucre 3 lines long, scarcely calyculate: rays about 8, rather pale yellow. On cold northward slopes of the higher Mogollon Mountains. April, 1881. In the dried specimen the color of the rays has become almost gold-yellow, and the plant seems closely to resemble certain common states of S. aureus, L., a species which also abounds in the Mogollon © Mountains, running into many variations. From all these, however, the living plant here characterized differs so strikin gly in aspect that when I first saw it, showing the leaves only, I judged it to be some species of Cardamine, and was greatly surprised when, in flowering, it manifested itself a Senecio. The dark-colored, beautifully-veined leaves lie flat upon the ground, and have strongly the appearance of those of Cardamine purpurea, Vorr. & Gray. SENECIO HoWELLII.—Less than a foot high, all the younger parts five with a dense close wool, much of which disappears with age; / leaves rather long-petioled, the lowest ovate to oblong with margins ' sinuate-toothed, the upper oblong-lanceolate in outline, and irregu- larly-pinnatifid; heads few, large, in a terminal corymb ; involucres 5 lines long, naked at base, scales broad and rather obtuse; rays 8— 99 to, oblong-linear, yellow; style-branches with a short sparse fringe around the base of the nearly truncate tip, which bears a stout, ap- parently deciduous, central bristle. — Collected on the upper Columbia River in Oregon, June, 1881, by T. J. Howell. A most interesting ally of the rare S. Greene’, Gray. The re- markable central bristle of the style-tips is not found save in the young flowers, whence I infer it to be deciduous ‘ PoLtyGonum (AvicuLaria) Parryt.—Annual, 2-3 inches high, diffusely branched, stems smooth and sharply angled; leaves $—1 inch long, linear, acute, 1-nerved ; bracts similar to the leaves :‘ sheaths broad and rather large, parted half way down into a fringe of seti- form, crisped lobes ; flowers sessile, a line or less long ; akenes chestnut-brown, very smooth and shining. Yosemite Valley, California, June,188r. Collected by Dr.C.C. Parry. - Near to P. imbricatum, Nutt, which it closely resembles; and, since the locality has been gleaned by nearly all the botanists who have collected in the State, it will’ not be strange it the species has . been collected by others and referred to P. imbricatum. It is only under a lens that the excellent characters, found in the stipules and akenes, become apparent. Mr. Watson, however, assures me that nothing like this has before been received at Cambridge. Berkeley, Cal., July, 7881. $ 93. New or Little-Known Ferns of the United States. No. 10. ; By D. Cy Eaton. 31. ASPIDIUM TRIFOLIATUM, Swartz.-- This is another of Mr. A. H. Curtiss’s interesting discoveries in Florida. He found it on a rocky hummock in Hernando County, in the middle of April last, and secured a sufficient stock for distribution in his Fascicle II of Florida Ferns. This species belongs to a different section of the genus from any other of our North American species of Aspidium. The section is named. Euaspidium in Synopsis Filicum, and is char- acterized by the ferns composing it (only 7 or 8'in all) having ample foliaceous fronds or pinnae, with copiously-reticulated veinlets and the orbicular indusium of § Polystichum. Mr. Baker’s diagnostic character of the species reads thus: “Stalks tufted, 1 foot or more long, brownish, scaly only at the base ; fronds 12-18 inches long, 6-12 inches broad, with a large ovate-acuminate terminal pinna nar- rowed or forked at the base, and one or two lateral ones on each side, the lower mostly forked; texture papyraceo-herbaceous ; pri- mary veins distinct to the edge; areolae fine, copious, with free included veinlets ; sori in rows near the main veins; involucres one line broad, orbicular, peltate.” The range is from Florida, Mexico and Cuba throughout South America to Brazil and Peru. It is a common fern in those countries, and presents some diversities in the shape or cutting of the pinnae. The smaller specimens are’ three- lobed or trifoliate, whence the specific name, originally bestowed by Petiver and Linnaeus. Plumier called it “‘ Hemionitis maxima tri- folia,” and gave a good account of it, and an acceptable figure in his classic work on American Ferns, 100 32. PELLAEA ANDROMEDAEFOLIA, var. PUBESCENS.—More speci- mens of the fern called by thisname in the BULLETIN of January, 1881, have been received, including some from Saltillo, Mexico, collected by Dr. Edward Palmer. Mr. Davenport informs me that Mr. Baker refers this fern to Pellaea cordata, which it resembles about as much as it does P. andromedaefolia. For the present 1 must regard its position as doubtful. Dr. Palmer collected many interesting ferns last year, in Northern Mexico and in Western Texas. Among them are the long-lost Ped/aca aspera, and the very scarce Anemia Mext- cana. He found Wotholaena Grayi with both white and yellowish powder, and J. sizuata ina great variety of forms. I hope to have - a full account of his ferns ready before very long. Ee 33- ASPLENIUM PINNATIFIDUM, Nutt.—Writing of this little: fern at page 63 of Ferns of N. America, Vol. I., I said : “I find one or two instances of a slight enlargement of the apex, as if there were an attempt to form a proliferous bud.” I have now received a plant. in which one of the fronds has produced a terminal bud, which has developed five little fronds. The plant came with the following letter from a venerable botanist to whom all. fern lovers have long been under obligations. Moulton, Ala., June 28, 1881. My dear Sir : I picked up on the 2rst of June, the fern which you will find enclosed, Asplenium pinnatifidum, N utt., which exhibits as clear an instance of growing from the tip of the frond as Asplenium rhizo- phyllum (or Camptosorus rhizophyllus), I have.seen one specimen of like character before ; and Mr. John F. Beaumont, now dead, advised me that he had found a like plant in South Alabama. Very truly your friend, Thomas M. Peters. 34- Borrycuium MATRICARIAEFOLIUM,- Al. Braun.—Mr, and Mrs. Morgan found good specimens of this rare fern near Columbus, Ohio, June roth, 1881. Professor Joseph Milliken was also associ- ated with them in the discovery. This is the first record of this plant growing west of the Alleghanies and south of Lake Superior. New Haven, August 12, 188r. § 94. Vernation in Botrychia.—I have had placed in my hands for examinatlon two Botrychiums whose buds have thrown a doubt, for the first time in my experience, on the reliability of the bud-form as a test for the determination of the smaller species of the genus. One of these specimens is a large, finely-developed, unquestiona- ble specimen of B. simplex of the compositum form, and nearly ternate ; the other is a specimen of BZ, matricariaefolium of good size, and with the sterile division cleft nearly into two portions. The specimens were collected in the Lower Merrimac. Valley, Essex Co., Mass., by Mr. W. P. Conant, who is thus entitled to the credit of adding another station to those already recorded for that once rare fern—and still rare in Massachusetts—JP. simplex, Hitch. _ The peculiarity about the buds of these two specimens is that in the specimen of BZ. simplex, contrary to all the examples hereto- 10] fore examined, without any exception, the apex of the sterile divis- ion ts bent over the apex of the fertile division, in a manner approaching the bud of B. Lunaria; and in that of B. matricariaefolium the apex is only slightly bent downward, scarcely more than occurs in the bud of B. doreale ; the apex, however, is more acute than in B. boreale, and otherwise the bud has the characters of B. matrica- riaefolium, Just what bearing these specimens may have upon my Vernation Notes (Torrey BuLLETin, Jan., 1878) and how far they may go toward invalidating the position therein taken, Iam not prepared to say. If we consider that the number of specimens which one may be able to examine, however great, may still: bear a very small propor- tion to the total number of speciméns in existence, it will be seen that if a deviation from an assumed type occurs even once in spec- imens examined it may occurmany times in Nature. As, however,,this is purely conjectural, and we cannot know the actual number of specimens in existence, nor what proportion such deviations may bear to them, and as we can only base our rule of judgment upon such data as have actually come under our observa- tion, and as it is not possible to establish any absolute rule—one that will not admit of some exception—an occasional deviation, such as this, does not seem to destroy the value of a character that is shown to prevail as a rule, and to be constant in the great majority of in- stances, But I leave the discussion of inferences until such time as they can be more intelligently considered, and content myself with simply placing on record the above facts. Medford, Mass. Gro. E. DavENnporR’. § 95. Onoclea sensibilis, L., var., obtusilobata, Torr.—Spend- ing a portion of my summer vacation in Litchfield Co., Connecticut, I have made some observations among the ferns of this section which are found in abundance and profusion rarely equalled. Camptosorus grows to some extent on the granitic rocks of this vi- cinity. I have never found it before except on highly calcareous rocks. Ophioglossum vulgatum, L.., is found in bogs, the sterile segment fully 33 inches long. _ “ Frondosa forms” of Osmunda cinnamomea, \.., occur, some with the fronds half sterile, half fertile, while Osmunda regalis, L., occa- sionally has the frond fertile in the middle! The most interesting forms, however, were the variations of Ono- clea sensibilis, 1... which would have furnished ample constructive mate- rial for some of our more ardent variety manufacturers. In a low, ‘rocky meadow near West Goshen the following graded series was found : A. Normal fertile fronds with secondary rachises erect and -ap- pressed to the primary. B. Fertile fronds. Segments all normally bead-like ; secondary rachises spreading, regularly inclined to the primary about 35°. ‘ 102 C. Fertile fronds. Fully bipinnate; lower segments bead-like, the upper partially unrolled; secondary rachises spreading. ; D. Var. obtusilabata, Torr. Pinnae pinnatifid throughout their whole extent; segments very strongly revolute, those nearest the base of the pinnae sometimes bead-like, as in normal fertile fronds ; spo- rangia present in some of the indusia, even when the segments are only moderately revolute. oe ; E. Sterile fronds. 4-4 the normal size; pinnae cut entirely to the midribs in their lower half; primary rachis wingless; margins moderately revolute; indusia present, conspicuous, 2-6 to each seg- ment; sporangia none, or merely rudimentary. FB. Sterile fronds. Form similar to ““E” but. with pinnae less deeply cut and with mere traces of indusia on the basal segments. G. Sterile fronds. Size and utline normal; primary rachis only slightly winged ; margins slightly revolute. ; H. Normal sterile fronds with primary rachis broadly winged, except between the lowest pairs of pinnae. : It will thus be seen that there may occur all possible forms in- termediate between the sterile and fertile fronds, and that Dr. Tor- rey’s var. obtusilobata is on the boundary line between the two. In the present instance the cause of this variation seemed very apparent. The meadow in which these forms were found was cut late in June, before the fertile fronds were grown, thus destroying the earlier-formed sterile fronds. The vitality of the plant thus find- ing no outlet save through the growing fertile fronds, and the plant requiring an expanse of foliage, a result was reached intermediate between the fertile and sterile fronds. The following facts may serve to substantiate this view : 1. Wherever the sterile fronds had been entirely cut away, the variations appeared which approximated most closely to the sterile fronds. : 2. Where the sterile fronds were only partly destroyed on one thizoma, variations appeared not very divergent from the normal fertile fronds. 3. Where the sterile fronds remained intact, no variations were found, even after diligent search, 4. In places where the plants were too much reduced to bear fer- tile fronds under favorable conditions, no variations occurred, even when the sterile fronds were entirely cut away. Whether the above explanation will prove satisfactory for all forms of the so-called var. obtusilobata wherever found, remains an open question ; as a true variety, however, odtusilobata has no place, and it would be well if many more of other numerous forms that have been raised to the dignity of varieties could be consigned to a grave "sO secure. West Goshen, Conn. Lucien M. Unverwoop. Khexia and Cassia, indehiscent, with small and, in the present case, almost invisible pores. Nuttall seems to have felt the same diffi- 103 culty; for, as quoted by Prof. Goodale, in “ Wild Flowers of Amer- ica,” he thinks that the pollen of Rhexfa escapes by a clandes- tine Opening, protected by a seta near where the filament unites with the connective. I have not the book at hand to quote the precise words, but the fact that Prof. Goodale, who is well aware of the pore at the top of the anther-cell, quotes Nuttall’s explanation, seems to imply that he himself was not satisfied as to the capacity of the pore to provide escape for the pollen. Insects are so clever in get- ting at the florai reservoirs in spite of the contrivances of Nature, that Nuttall may have been misled by some of their operations; but, as we shall see, there is abundant means for the escape of the pollen in the regular way. If we open the bud of a Rkexia just about to expand, we find the pistil rising considerably above the circle of 8 stamens which surround it, but with the lobes of the stigma yet unseparated. In this stage the stamens are inflexed; so that the anther is enclosed be- tween the filament and the style, the back of the connective resting on the style and the poliniferous tube confined between the con- nective and the filament. ‘The “ seta,” or small spur at the base of the connective, is pressed between the latter and the style. Evi- dently there is no room here for cleistogamy. But, when the flower expands, the stamens arrange themselves in two sets, four on each side of the style, as shown in the side view, Fig. 1. Each anther stands atip on the top of its filament, so that, while the vertex is turned toward the lower part of the flower, it is nevertheless much more elevated above the floral plane than the puffed-out lower portion. The poliniferous portion of the anther, Fig. 2, consists of a %ingle sack, which may be described as consisting of three parts: an inflated lower portion (@); a narrow tube; anda very small oblate spheroid (c), flattened parallel to the upper surface of the anther, and, of course, having its ‘axis perpendicular to that surface. The upper pole of this tiny spheroid contains a pore, so small as to be hardly discernible to the naked eye. Owing to the curve of the anther this pore faces towards, but upwards from its base. Under the poliniferous sack is the connective (4), oS reaching from the top to near the lower end, where jit is overlapped by the inflated portion. A very little above the base of the connective the filament is attached, and just above this again, the small spur-like process (¢) issues from the connective and presses with its point the upper part of the filament, whose extreme top is bent slightly backward. While the stamens have been attaining their position, the style elongates, bends downward and turns up its stigma, which thus be- comes considerably below and behind the anthers. At the same time its lobes separate and the viscid stigmatic surface is exposed. In this position the stigma affords the first resting-place for a bee alighting on the flower, and must catch any pollen that may be ad- qd hering to its abdomen. As the bee advances upward toward the tube of the calyx, he treads upon the inflated sacks at the base of the anthers, which yield to the pressure and, acting like a bellows, force through the minute pore a jet of the minuter pollen directly upon the rear or side of the intruder, but directly away from the stigma. I have seen an humble-bee upon a flower, pressing with his feet on the bellows, but, of course, could not get near enough to see the play of the pollen. It may easily be seen, however, by touching the bellows with a blunt point, when a surprising quantity of pollen will be thrown upon the instrument. A sharp point, like that of a pin, would be apt to perforate @nd spoil the delicate bellows. When touched in this way, it will be noticed that simultaneously with the jet of pollen the anther springs forward as if to aid the expulsive force, and then immediately springs back. In fact, my first impression was that it was this jerk which discharged the pollen. It is easily accounted for by the disposition of the parts as I have described them. ‘The spur of the connective seems to act as a buttress to keep the anther in its tilted position. . It is evident that here is a very perfect contrivance for securing cross-fertilization, at least to a considerable extent. Though each plant of AAexta produces a number of flowers, yet only one or two are usually in bloom at the same time, and these probably in differ- ent stages of advancement. The petals, which are the signals in- viting insects, last but for a day or perhaps even a shorter time. There are other points in the structure of Rhexia; the glandu- lar hairs on the petals as well as other parts of the plant; the wing- angled stems, etc., which would repay study, if one had the plants accessible. For some of these observations I: am indebted to my associate, Mr. Gerard. , In the case of Cassia Marilandica, 1 have watched an humble-bee hugging an anther, and apparently, so to speak, milking out the pollen. WT. hs oo. $ 97. The Herbaria and Botanical Libraries of the United States. VIIl—The Herearium or CorNELL UNIvERSITy numbers not far from 18,000 species. The larger part of the collection is made up of the herbarium of the late Horace Mann, Jr., which was purchased by President White and presented to the University soon after its opening in 1868. This is a general collection, but is especially rich in Sandwich Island plants. The principal additions since made include the Brazilian plants collected by the officers and students of the University in their expedition to South America in 1870; the Western United States plants collected in connection with the Gov- ernment surveys of the Western Territories; small collections, some of them European, donated from various sources; and a very nearly complete collection of the plants growing in Central New York, com- prising especially the flora of Cayuga Lake Valley. A full set of the latter, numbering about 1,300 species of phaenogamia and vascular cryptogamia, and known as the “local herbarium,” is kept separate from the main collection for the convenience of students making a somewhat careful study of the whole or of some group of the local 105 flora. There is also a nearly complete set of N. A. Atlantic coast sea-weeds, and above a thousand species of fungi. In addition, the University has a somewhat extensive collection of woods, fruits, seeds, fibres, and various -commercial, medicinal and economic vegetable products, Ithaca, N. Y. A. N. PRENTISS. $ 98. Aspidium Lonchitis, Sw., in Colorado.—Mr. T. S. Bran- degee has recently found this fern in a damp sand-stone canyon in the Elk Mountains of Colorado, at an elevation of 9,800 feet. Dr. - Parry and others had previously collected it in Utah, but we are not aware that it has been seen in Colorado till. now. Aspidium Filix- mas and Pellaea gracilis, already known to the Colorado flora, also exist near the same locality. Philadelphia, Pa. yc Het _ § 99. The Popular Names of Plants.—Dr. Gray, in a notice, last year, of the third edition of Dr. Prior’s interesting work “On the Popular Names of British Plants,” remarked : ‘ What we here need» is a supplement to Dr. Prior’s volume, recording the changes which have occurred in the application of English popular names to North American plants, and giving the history and application of our in- digenous plant-names.” It seems to us that there is no better time than the present to begin the collection of material for such a sup-. plement. We have already gathered from, various sources a large number of popular names by which our native plants are, and have been known ; but there are one or two points on which we need in- formation that can only be obtained by the kind co-operation of the readers of the BULLETIN. We should like to find out, for instance, to what extent the English names applied to our plants in botanical manuals are mere book-names, and to what extent, and where they are in use among those who have no knowledge of Botany. We wish to ascertain, too, where many of the popular names that we have collected are at present in use. We know of no other way to obtain such information than to ask our readers to aid us by collecting lists of the popular names by which our plants are known in their neigh- borhood and sending them to us from time to time when convenient. When sufficient material hasebeen collected the BULLETIN will pub- lish it. It would be of interest, too, to put on record the names by which our plants are known to the aborigines, and we should like information on that point also, with the etymology of the names wherever obtainable. A hearty response to a request like this made through the columns of the Science Gossip, a few years ago, has en- abled Messrs. Britten and Holland to compile an exceedingly inter- esting “ Dictionary of English Plant-Names,”* which has now reached its second part, ending with the letter O. It is hardly necessary to say that, to make them of value for our purposes, the popular names should be accompanied by their scientific equivalents. . 3 W.R.G. *A Dictionary of English Plant-Names. By James Britten, F.L.S., and Robert Holland. Part I, 1878: Part II, 1879. London, Triibner & Co. 106 § roo. Botanical Literature.—AMemoria botanica sobre el Embar- bascar 0 sea la Pesca por Medio de Plantas Venenosas. Por A. Ernst. (Del Tomo I de los “ Esbozos de Venezuela se 2 8vo, pamph., pp. 16. Caracas, 1881. There has long existed among various peo- ples, civilized and otherwise, in all quarters of the globe, a method of catching by stupefying them—this result being attained by throwing into the water, plants, or parts of plants, which have been ascertained to possess a narcotizing effect upon these animals. This reprehensible practice, against which laws have been enacted in most civilized countries, is concisely expressed in the Spanish word embar- éascar, which forms the title of an interesting botanical memoir in which Dr. Ernst has brought together all the facts that he has been able to gather on the subject. The verb eméarbascar is derived from the old Spanish word Bar- éasco, which in turn comes from the old Latin plant-name Barbascum which in modern times has been altered to Verbascum. It seems that several species of this genus of plants have long been used for this method of fishing, and that the seeds of one of them—V. Thapsus, the common mullein—were thus employed in Spain as long ago, at least, as the 14th century, when the practice was prohibited by a de- cree of Juan II. These poisonous properties of Verdascum seem not to have been known to Roman authors, or at least are not mentioned by them ; but, Aristotle, among the Greeks, refers in his History of Animals to a plant called zA0 os as being poisonous to fishes, and states that it was employed in some places for fishing. It is in- teresting, from an etymological point of view, to know that this mode of fishing was expressed by the Greek verb m0 M16@, which was thus used in the same sense that the Spanish employ embarébascar. The word zAoos has been rendered by translators as Verbascum, and probably correctly, since, according to Sibtherp (Flora Graeca), V. stnuatum and several other species are known in Modern Greece as ahomos or plomos. Dioscorides likewise mentions a plant, ri0v- Hahos zhatu@pvilXos, which, he states, will kill fish when it is trit- urated and thrown into water. ‘This plant, which has been identi- fied as Euphorbia platyphylla, L., is still used in Europe for fishing. Coming down to modern times we find the number of plants used for this purpose to be quite extensive. The enumeration ap- pended to Dr. Ernst’s paper embraces the names of 60 species dis- tributed among 17 orders ; but this list is by no means exhaustive, and might be largely increased by reference to works of African travel, and by an examination of Lindley’s Vegetable Kingdom, wherein are given the names of a number of ichthyotoxic plants which are not found in the paper before us. One of the plants enum- erated by the author, Polygonum acre, HBK, we should scarcely have suspected of producing narcotic effects upon any animal, but it is used, nevertheless, it Seems, as a stupefacient of fishes in South America. Dr. Ernst’s paper, which, with him, we think is the first that has been. written on this particular subject, forms a valuable addition to the literature of the economic uses of plants. We acknowledge the receipt, also, from Dr. Emst, ‘ ; of a copy of his work entitled 107 Las Familias mas importantes del Reino Vegetal 4 4 % que estan representadas en la Flora de Venezuela, an octavo pamphlet of 80 pages containing diagnoses of all the orders and families of the plants of Venezuela, designed chiefly for the use of the author's bo- tanical class in the Central University, but also adapted to the wants of those who desire to acquire a knowledge of the more essential facts relating to the flora of that country. On the geographical Distribution of the indigenous Plants of Europe and the Northeast United States. By Joseph F. James. From the Journal of the Cincinnati Society of Natural History, April, 188r. Dr. Gray has made us acquainted with the relations of our Atlantic flora to that of Eastern Asia; in this essay Mr. James discusses the forms common to Europe and North America. He confines him- self, however, chiefly to those included in Gray’s Manual. Of these, he mentions 360 identical species, and remarks that, if to these we add the closely related or representative species, we shall find that one-third of the indigenous species given in the Manual resem- ble European forms. He accounts for this result by their common origin in the land about the North Pole, and their southern migra- tion at the glacial period. That- some species reaching a high lat- itude in Europe are not found in America as far north by 20 degrees, he explains by the present climatic conditions. Sea Mosses; a Collector's Guide and an Introduction to. the Study of Marine Algae. By A. B. Hervey, A.M. Boston: S. E. Cassino, 1881. A small octavo of 281 pages and 20 colored plates. This book makes no claim of adding anything to the scientific knowl- edge of Marine Algae; but is rather intended to supply a want hitherto greatly felt in America; the want of a book of moderate price which should tell in popular language just as much about our sea-weeds as collectors and amateurs generally would wish to know. To this end all the characters used in describing the genera and the species are such as may be seen with the unaided eye, or at least with a pocket-lens of very moderate power. This mode of studying sea-weeds may not be very scientific, nor does it pretend to be thorough, but it certainly gives pleasure and satisfaction to many persons who would never have the skill nor the patience to make the microscopic examination necessary to accurate knowledge of these plants. A lady who can prepare pretty speci- mens of “ pink-leaf,” or of “ chenille” may like to know that the one is Grinnellia Americana, and the other Dasya elegans ; and there is certainly no good reason why she should not be gratified. The author of this little book has included the best known of the sea-weeds of California and Oregon, several of these being figured as well as many of the species of our Atlantic coast. These figures are taken from specimens in Mr. Hervey’s collection, and most of them well represent the species intended. Mr. Hervey’s account of some of the “ great kelps ” of the Pacific is very interesting. With this book for an introduction, and Professor Farlow’s Re- port for a thoroughly scientfic text-book, the student of sea-weeds, “ in New England certainly, is well provided with literature. What he wants next is a good microscope, and, I may add, untiring patience.—D. C. E. 2 108 Illustrations of British Fungi. By M. C. Cooke. 8vo, Williams & Norgate, London.-—This very beautiful series of colored illustra- tions of Agarics, which has now reached Part IfI, is deserving of a more extended notice than we can give it at present, but we hope before long to refer to the subject again. Asa large number of the species represented is common to our own country, the work, when completed, will prove fully as valuable to American as to English botanists, and we trust that it may be liberally supported by both. In Hedwigta, for July, Prof. G. Von Niessl describes seven new species of Pyrenomycetes, and Dr. Rehm reviews Century V_ of Mr. J. B. Ellis’s “ North American Fungi.” The Lexue Mycologique, for July, contains : ‘Additions to the Mycological Flora of the Department of Saéne-et-Loire,’ by Messrs. Lucand and Gillot ; ‘ Fungi Helvetici Novi,’ by Dr. George Winter ; ‘Reliquiae Mycologicae Libertianae,’ by Messrs. Roumeguére and Saccardo; and a large number of extracts from other journals. § ro1. Proceedings of the Torrey Club.—The regular monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Herbarium, Columbia College, Tuesday evening, June 14th, the chair, in the absence of the presid- ing officers, being occupied by Mr. G. W. Wright. There were eighteen members and three visitors present. The committee on field meetings reported on the meetings held at Cranford, N. J.; West Brighton, S. I.; Newton, N. J., and Fort Lee, N. J. Nothing worthy of note was found on any of these ex- cursions. Mr. Gerard read a communication from Mr. H. W. Ravenel onan abnormal habit of Asclepias amplexicaulis, Michx. Specimens Exhibited —Mr. Britton showed specimens of Clematis ochroleuca, Ait., from Todt Hill, S. L, having three to five-lobed leaves, and also a specimen of Pogonia verticillata, Nutt., having an adventitious leaf on the stem, ananch or more below the whorl at the summit. Dr. Schony exhibited specimens of Geaster hygrometri- cus, Fr., and remarked upon the hygrometric properties of the plant. Dried specimens of various species of Cerastium were shown and discussed. Mr. Britton distributed specimens of Wolfia gladiata, collected by the late C. F. Austin. Judge Brown remarked upon the persistency of certain foreign plants which have been introduced into the vicinity Of the city in ships’ ballast. Mr. Hollick stated that he had detected, this spring, at West New Brighton, a tricotyledonous seedling of Fagus Serruginea. The three cotyledons were of equal size and perfectly distinct, 7. é., No two were united by their margins, as in the case mentioned by Dr. Masters ° in his work on Teratology. Messrs. Leggett, Brown and Gerard were appointed a committee to revise the constitution and bye-laws of the Club. Messrs. Rudkin, Schrenk and Martin were appointed a committee with power to call meetings during the summer months, if deemed advisable. | One corresponding member was elected, and one name proposed for active membership. oer ins BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB, Vol. Vili.) 2 New York, October. 1881, [No. 10. § 102. Onoclea sensibilis, var. obtusilobata, By Geo. E. DAVENPORT. The notes on the variations in Ovoclea by Prof. Underwood in the September number of the BuLLETIN lead me to contribute some of my own observations toward supplying data for an explanation of the causes by which the odtust/obata form is produced. I have collected this interesting form of the Onoclea so many timés, under conditions that utterly precluded all possibility of the speci- mens being the result of interference with the free growth of the plants which bore them, that I have long been inclined to regard it as an outcome of some inherent tendency on the part of the nor- mal(?) form of the species to break up into other forms, or as a fos- sible reversion to an older type. I have collected specimens late in the season, in open meadow lands, where its appearance subsequent to mowing time suggested a probable cause and effect, but, as I also collected it plentifully in sit- uations where no scythe ever ventured, and where the plants were not only as well protected from accident as it is possible for plants in nature to be, but were otherwise perfectly developed—the sterile fronds being well grown—and in some cases bearing normally-de- veloped fertile fronds as well as the variation, I was led to believe that the plants in the meadows might still have produced obtuszlobata forms even if they had not been interfered with by the mowers. I was further confirmed in this view by finding one season, near a rivulet, and on a stony patch /e/t unmown at the edge of a meadow newly mown, some of the finest specimens of odtusilobata that I have ever collected. From one plant I obtained four specimens of odtust- lobata. This plant I marked, and, re-visiting it the following season, found that it had resumed its normal habit and produced fertile fronds of a normal character ; yet there had not been any change whatever in the conditions by which the plant was surrounded. Now what caused this plant to deviate from its normal habit one season and return to it another under conditions apparently similar—so far as any ordinary observation could judge—in both seasons, and when there was no ' perceptible outside disturbance to interrupt or interfere in any way with its free growth ? I collected one season sixty specimens of odtusilobata, in various stages of development, in one locality from plants, some of which had been injured in various ways and some of which were well supplied with healthy sterile fronds; but the next season I was unable to find a single specimen of the variation there, although I searched care- fally, and found plenty of plants injured as before, the locality being one that was exposed to all sorts of accidents. During the seasons of 1873-74 I made a series of experiments for 110. the purpose of ascertaining, if possible, how far injuries to plants might go toward producing the odtusilobata forms. ‘These experiments were begun as early as May, and continued at intervals of a fortnight, up tothe rst of September. During that time some hundreds of plants (the species being everywhere excessively abundant, there was, of course, no danger of exterminating it) in widely different localities were mutilated in every conceivable manner, but no odtustlobata was obtained in any instance. ; These experiments were continued during the next season with the same unfavorable result, and seemed to show that the variation was not due to any interference with the natural growth of the plants by injury, or mutilation of any kind, whether accidental or designed, and that some other explanation was to be looked for. Within a month I have collected three specimens of obtustilobata on plants with well matured, uninjured sterile fronds, and the appear- ance of the plants indicated that they had not been disturbed since they first started to grow in the spring. ee These observations appear to show that the variation is due to some cause within the plant, rather than to any outside influence, however much such influence may assist in developing an impulse already existing. Finding, as I have more than once done, two plants growing side by side under precisely the same conditions, one with mutilated and the other with perfect, sterile fronds, yet each produc- ing this variation, what other explanation is there than the one found in that disposition to vary which is*inherent in the very nature of all plants, and which is likely to manifest itself at any time whenever the right conditions are favorable for such manifestation. Take the kindred examples of variation in Osmunda. The laws which govern the variations of Onoclea ought to prevail here as the variation is similar in kind in both genera ; yet, in my own experi- ence, I have never seen a plant with the frondosa forms that did not have a plentiful supply of good healthy sterile fronds, and could never discover any difference in the conditions by which the plants were surrounded in the seasons when they produced the variation and in those when they did not. The fact seems to be that there exists in all plants a tendency to- ward variation that will manifest itself occasionally whether the plants are injured or not. That changed conditions will oftentimes assist this pre-existing tendency to develop itself is probable, as we know that plants are so affected, but they cannot be regarded as the real cause of these variations which occur quite as often, and, in my experience with the variation under consideration, oftener without such assistance. Injuries to plants are more likely to produce monstrously aborted forms, and while it cannot be denied that Nature herself, in her ef- forts to create varieties, oftentimes produces unnaturally abortive monstrosities, yet her efforts are oftener, and as a tule, directed to- ward the production of improved forms. Now the obtusilobata form of Onoclea is not in any sense an abortion, but in its most perfect state Is an Interesting and elegant form. Whether it is to be considered as evidence of an effort on the part of the species to create a variety, i111 Or as evidence of veversion is an open yuestion. If we accept the doctrine that Nature’s efforts are constantly exerted in the direction of duality—a separation of sexes—then the latter theory is not im- probable ; but if we look upon odtusilobata as a sport—an effort on the part of one species to break up into other species through vari- etal transitions—then it is not impossible that it may yet become so firmly fixed in its habit as to demand recognition as a good variety, although its present status as such has long been determined ad- versely. ' Medford, Mass., Sept., 1881. § 103. New or Little-Known Ferns f the United States, No. 11, By D. C. Eaton. 35. _Woopsta Mexicana, Fée.—‘ Fronds lanceolate; pinnules (pinnae) sub-opposite, crenate, short-stalked, very obtuse, smooth ; stalk and rachis smoothish; sori near the margin, broad, confluent ; receptacle dot-like, scales four, laciniated, narrow, divided at the end into articulated hairs; sporangia nearly sessile; ring 18-jointed; spores. oval.’”’ 7me Mém. p. 66, t. 26. f. 3. This fern is not recognized in the Synopsis Filicum, and Fournier has referred it to W. mollis, which is a larger and much more rigid fern, and has the involucre at first sub-globose, and enclosing the sori. The true W. Mexicana has the involucre cleft almost to the base into 3 to 5 segments, and these divided half-way down or more into a few slender articulated filaments, much as in W. Oregana, but on the whole decidedly more conspicuous. The fronds vary from 3 to 8 inches long, and might easily pass for W. obtusa, but for the involucre. The segments of the frond are finely but rather deeply toothed, and the teeth end in delicate and semi-transparent tips which are ciliated in the young fronds. When the fronds are mature this ciliation mostly disappears, and the involucre is lost, and then it becomes difficult to distinguish the fronds from those of W. Oregana on one side, and W. obtusa on.the other. To W. Mexicana I refer Drs. Parry and Palmer’s No. 1,000, from near San Luis Potosi, Mexico; Dr, Palmer’s plants from Coahuila ; Mr. George R. Vasey’s (son of Dr. Vasey, of the Agricultural De- partment, Washington) from Organ Mts., New Mexico (just re- ceived); Rev. E. L. Greene’s No. 430, from Pinos Altos Mts.,’and Mr. Rusby’s New Mexican fern distributed as W. Oregana, var.’ To these I venture to add Mr. Charles Wright’s No. 2,120, collected in New Mexico thirty years ago, and referred to W. obtusa in the Botany of the Mexican Boundary. (Pia §$ 104. White-fruited Mitchella repens, L.—I have received specimens of a white-berried form of this plant from Dr. Chas. At- wood of Moravia, Cayuga Co., New York. Dr. Atwood writes. that it was abundant over a few square feet, and that no red berries were found within the area occupied by the plants with white ones. This variation has also been noticed at Canaan, Conn., and recorded in the BULLETIN. See Vol. iii, p. 43. ae & Weehan . Orer, (uld a0 i¢ 7% 3¢3- N. L. Britton. Y : 112 § 105. Hieracium aurantiacum, L.—This native of elevated regions in Central Europe, was noticed by Mr. G. M. Wilber, at New Dorp, Staten Island, in 1875, and by Mr. N. L. Britton near the same place in 1877, as recorded in the BULLETIN, Vol. vi, pp. 56, 178. On the 26th of August, this year, I found this plant growing abun- dantly and wide-spread over a stony hillside pasture near the Parker Notch, about two miles north of Tannersville, in the Catskills of Greene Co., N. Y., at an elevation of about 2,500 feet. It seems likely to become a permanent resident, for its prolific runners enable it to increase with rapidity, and the farmers there are already complaining of it as a troublesome, bitter weed. At the above date the plants were just coming into flower, the scapes being only 3 to 6 inches in height. A week or two later would find them in full maturity and of the size of European specimens.* Philadelphia, Sept. 6, 1881. Joun H. REDFIELD. § 106. Ilex opaca with entire Leaves.—We take the liberty of publishing the following note from Dr. Mellichamp. We had not known before of the tendency of the American holly to produce its upper leaves without spines and sinuosities, although we find on reference to Withering’s Botany that such a thing occasionally occurs in Llex Aguifolium, the English holly. We remember reading in boyhood, in the Penny Magazine, a poem of Southey’s, entitled “The Holly Tree,” where this peculiarity is noted and thus pleas- antly moralized : Below, a circling fence, its leaves are seen Wrinkled and keen ; No grazing cattle through their prickly round Can reach to wound ; But as they grow where nothing is to fear, Smooth and unarm’d the pointless leaves appear. Thus, though abroad perchance I might appear Harsh and austere, To those who on my leisure would intrude Reserved and rude, Gentle at home amid my friends I’d be, Like the high leaves upon the holly tree. And should my youth, as youth is apt, I know, Some harshness show, All vain asperities I day by day Would wear away, Till the smooth temper of my age should be Like the high leaves upon the holly tree. The high leaves upon our holly, however, it will be noticed, are * Since writing the above, Mr. Meehan informs me that various correspon- dents in New England have sent him this species under the belief of its being in- digenous. He also tells me that Miss Cope, of Germantown, also found it this season in the Catskills, whether at the same locality I cannot say. on. & . 113 spiny-pointed. Whether the teleological purpose is that indicated by the poet’s intuition is open to question.* Dr. Mellichamp writes : I send for examination several specimens of a spineless holly (//ex opaca)+ which I first observed last year; and I would like to learn whether such a condition is not un- usual. The tree, which was quite vigorous, and about 20 feet high, was growing in a swamp almost touching a young gum tree, both of them hav- ing been prostrated in the late severe storm. The roots were both so closely intermingled that it was dif- ficult to distinguish them. [| at first supposed that no spiny leaves could be found on the whole tree, but, after more careful examination, I found a few on the lower branches, but none anywhere else. Two or three fine specimens of //ex Dahoon grew quite near, the surrounding growth being Vyssa, Gordonia, sweet- gum, etc. Not far off I also ob- served another holly,f much larger ‘than the former, and, on this, at least half, or perhaps two-thirds, of the leaves were spineless. This had no fruit, and the leaves, as you will observe from the specimens sent, are very much smaller. Is this ' a male? I enclose leaves of An- adromeda nitida (from the same swamp) which the spineless holly leaves somewhat resemble. Bluffton, S. C., Sept. 3, 1881. J. H. Mevuicnamp. § 107. Abnormal Growth in Clover.—-The newspapers of Eastern ~ \ Pennsylvania have had numerous complaints from farmers about the general failure of clover blossoms. Some brought to my attention had the teeth of the calyx developed to leaflets. The petals were wholly aborted, and the stamens reduced to small, green, and partially flattened filaments. The most singular change was in the style and stigma, the former being a perfect petiole, with an articulation and single leaflet in the place of a stigma. In a few instances there were three leaflets, the pistil thus becoming a perfect clover leaf. If there was any doubt about the accepted morphological views of the typical : “Dr Withering says in a foot-note: “It has been observed, I think by Linnaeus, that the lower branches within reach of cattle bear thorny leaves, whilst the upper ones, which stand in need of no such defence, are without them.” t One of the specimens is shown in the accompanying cut,—Eps, } This, too, had been thrown down, 114 structure of flowers, they would fade before such illustrations as these. The great prevalence of this character in clover this season was certainly remarkable. I saw fields in which perhaps one-fourth the crop had heads like these ; though rather in patches than spread regularly all over the ground. There was also a perceptible yellowish tint in the patches with the most of these abnormal characters. I could not find any trace of fungus development in these specimens, yet from analogy—the pale tint following fungus attacks in other plants—I think it must have been from such organisms below the reach of ordinary microscopic power, interfering with nutrition, that these curious morphological results were developed. My observa- tions of plants generally lead me to believe that we must look to the physiological functions of plants, and the laws which affect them, before we can comprehend the morphological change which they undergo. _ Germantown, Pa. Tuomas MEEHAN. § 108. Plants of Northampton and adjoining Counties, Penn,— While making occasional botanical trips for the past few years to Nockamixon Township, Bucks County, I detected the following plants, which Dr. J. S. Moyer, of Richland Centre, who has pub- lished a catalogue of plants of this county, informed me are new to the flora : : Liparis Loeselii, Richard, found growing along a wet mossy bank near Narrowsville, July, 1874. - Struthiopteris Germanica, Willd., found in profusion and great luxuriance along the bank of the Delaware River neat Narrowsville, May 22, 1879. From the mountains near Bauer’s Rock, Lehigh County, Robert Rau in 1868 collected the rather scarce and local plant Pogonia pen- dula, L.indl., which is the only source of specimens I have for this region, Reseda lutea, L., and Glaucium corniculatum, Curtis, I found grow- ing in tolerable abundance upon piles of African iron ore near the works of the Bethlehem Iron Co. Mr. I. C. Martindale, to whom I am indebted for the identification of the species, states that both plants are natives of Europe; whether also of Northern Africa he does not state, although it seems not improbable. Atriplex patula, L., var. hastata, several years ago made its appéar- ance along the railroads near Bethlehem. Lepidium campestre, Linn., was collected by R. G. Bechdolt alon g roadsides south of Bethlehem. , Bethlehem, Pa. me A. RAV, § 109. Symphoricarpus racemosus, Michx., var. pauciflorus, Robbins, in New York State.—I have specimens of this plant which I collected in July, 1878, at the top of a bluff on the western shore of Lake Champlain, near Port Henry, Essex Co., N. Y. Quite a large patch was growing there, and its small leaves and few flowers mark it as a good variety. ; Ny Ag Brirron. 115 § rro. Portulaca oleracea, L.—Is common purslane cleistoga- mous ? Picking up a piece of purslane, while waiting for*a train, I ‘was struck by the fact that none of the many flowers on it seemed ever to have opened. Most of them were distinctly marked with the line of future dehiscence, and contained well formed ovules, the more advanced ones already turning brown. In the smallest flowers ex- amined the ovules had assumed form, but the anthers had not yet discharged their pollen. In those a little larger this discharge had taken place, while in those still more advanced the deliquescent flower was entirely enclosed. In all of them the outer sepal embraced the inner, surmounting it with its pointed crest, and showing no signs of their ever having been parted for the displ ayof the flower. Considering how many competent observers have studied this » plant, none of whom, I believe, has noticed its cleistogamy, and how little opportunity I have had for watching its flowering, it is with dif- fidence that I raise the question, and would be glad to have my notion confirmed or disproved. In Le Maout and Decaisne,French edition, p. 442, are figures better illustrative of this point than Sprague’s in Gray’s Genera, particularly a section of an unopened flower. The aril-like expansion of the end of the funiculus does not appear in Le Maout and Decaisne’s illustra- tion, and is hardly adequately represented in Gray, Tab. 99, Figs. 8 and 9. Sept. 17, 1881. W. Ades § 111. Notes from Chemung County, New York.—I had the good fortune to find on the fourth of July, 1881, good flowering plants of Ziparis Loeselit, Richard. It was growing in patches on the moist ledges of the Wellesburg Narrows, amongst moss. This is the only locality for it known to me in this part of the State. In 1874 I found one specimen of Cacalia atriplicifolia, L., at the side of the railroad at Wellesburg, but have never seen another since. May the seed have been dropped from a passing train? I also found one clump of Arisaema Dracontium, Schott , and Lophanthus scrophular- iaefolius, Benth., last season on the bank of the Chemung; Lilium superbum, L., also grows sparingly along the Chemung, and in 1874 I found there oné specimen of Cassia Marilandica, L. I will exchange for rare plants from other parts of New York, and desire to correspond with working botanists in all parts of the State. Lowman, N. Y. T.. EF Lvcy, BD. § 112. Notes on Polygala and Lechea.—In August, while ram- bling about Cotuit Port, on the south shore of Cape Cod, I picked up a piece of Polygala Senega, L.. in an open woods; there did not seem to be much of it just in that spot, and my companion, not being a botanist, did not leave me time to search for it at my, leisure, espe- cially as I had forgotten that this is further east than it has been re- ported. Not a great ways off, Genista tinctoria, L., was found grow- ing thriftily in several patches. Lechea maritima, nobis, L. thymifolia, Gray, not Pursh, abounds 116 about Cotuit. I saw no other species of Zechea abundant there; though LZ.” major, Mchx., and LZ. thymifolia, Pursh, (ZL. Novae-Caesa- reae, Austin), are found in the vicinity. Z. maritima was constantly under my eyes, but I never saw the flowers opened, till on a bleak, sunless day, during a northeasterly gale, about the 18th of August, I noticed that the Lecheas in a hollow through which I was passing were all in bloom. So different was the aspect of the plant, that it at once arrested attention. The next day, and the next, I found other patches in bloom, patches with which I was familiar, as they were near the house. Rosa, a child of ten, who knew pin-weed quite well, brought me a piece of the full-blown plant to learn its name. She did not recognize it in its new dress. The small petals were of a brownish-red, but the conspicuous stigmas were white with a yellowish tinge. This is the only time I have seen Zechea in full poet Ae © ORE § 113. A large Grape-vine.—In a wooded ravine near Egbert- ville, Staten Island, there is a vine of Vitis cordifolia, Michx., having a circumference of twenty-five and one-half inches at a point three feet above its base. It completely covers three cedar trees, each at least thirty feet high, and is a very beautiful plant. . i ia § 114. Cheilanthes myriophylla, Desv.—I desire specimens of this fern, with root-stocks, from Mexico or South America, for a special study of the Myriophylla-Fendlert group of Cheilanthes. I will be glad to communicate with any one who can put me in the way of obtaining them, and to return specimens of other species in exchange. Address, Medford, Mass., U. S. A. Gro. E. DAVENPORT. § 115. Woodsia obtusa, Torrey.—I would like to obtain some full suites of specimens of this species in different stages of develop- ment, from the Middle, Southern, or South-western States, and will be glad to make such exchanges for them as I can. Medford, Mass. Gro. E. DAVENPoRT. § 116. Botanical Notes—A Locomotive Dicotyledon—An_ inter- esting case of voluntary motion among dicotyledonous plants, in a species of Loranthus, has been discovered by Dr. G. Watt, of the Ed- cational Department, Bengal Lower Provinces, and made known in a recent number of the Gardeners’ Chronicle. It is only while the seed is germinating that the motion takes place, but the mode of travelling is very peculiar and quite different from that of any other known plant. The plant is a native of Bengal, and like all other members of the genus is parasitical, growing upon a. few evergreen trees, particularly upon some species of Memecylon. The fruit, like that of its relative, the mistletoe, and nearly all other members of the order, consists of a mass of very viscid pulp surrounding a single seed, and on separating from the parent plant adheres to whatever it may chance to fall upon, and after a time begins to germinate. It is 11% only during the first stage of germination that the motion to be de- scribed takes place, and it is evident that the power of being able to move about is to enable the plant to find a suitable place to grow upon. The radicle at first grows out, and when it has attained a length of about an inch it develops upon its extremity a flattened disk, and then curves about until the disk is applied to any object that is near athand. If the spot upon which the disk fastens is suit- able for further development of the plant, germination continues, and no locomotion takes place; but if, on the contrary, the spot should ‘not be favorable, the germinating embryo has the power of changing its position. This is accomplished by the adhesive radicle raising the seed and advancing it to another spot; or, to make the process plainer, the disk at the end of the radicle adheres very tightly to whatever it is applied ; the radicle itself straightens and tears the viscid berry away from whatever it has adhered to, and raises it in the air. The radicle then again curves and carries the berry to another spot, where it again fixes itself. Dr. Watt says he has seen this re- peated several times, so that to a certain extent the young embryo, still within the seed, moves about. It seems to select certain places in preference to others, particularly the leaves, which in the AZemecy- . ‘on are evergreen and very dense. The berries on falling are almost certain to alight on the leaves, and, although many germinate thereon, they have been frequently observed to move off the leaves on to the ‘stems, and finally fasten there. Fertilization of Clover.—Meehan’s Gardener's Monthly for Sep- tember contains, as usual, some matters of special interest to botanists. \ . Prof. J. W. Beal gives the result of three years’ experiments to ascer-/\_}» tain whether ed clover not visited by bees will produce seeds. The ° experiments were made by covering some heads and comparing them with others uncovered. It would appear that the covered: heads often produced a considerable number of seeds ; but, as sometimes they produced none, and, “in nearly every case, the heads which were covered soon fall to the ground, where they remain until ripe,” the experiments seem inconclusive and require to be repeated with more care and with a larger number. The germinating powers of the seed should also be tested.* Gordonia pubescens—In the same number of the Gardener's Monthly, Mr. Ravenel gives a history of the discovery and loss of Gordonia pubescens, L’Her., which was last seen in the uncultivated state, by Moses Marshall in 1790, as stated in a letter in Darlington’s Memorials of Bartram and Marshall, which does not seem to be re- ferred to by Watson in his Bibliography. A monstrous Cypripedium.—iIn the September number of The Druggist, Chicago, Professor Bastin describes and figures a mon- strous Cypripedium found last June in the pine barrens at the south- ern end of Lake Michigan. It had all three sepals distinct and of equal size, and the three nearly equal petals were shaped alike, differ- ing from the sepals only in being a little narrower and of course al- _ “In an editorial Mr. Meehan refers to these experiments in corroboration of his own experiments and conclusions that there are many reasons why clover does not seed, aside from mere questions of pollinization. 118 ternating with them. The Ovary was not twisted, and only slightly bent to one side, so that the flower faced more nearly upward than in the ordinary form. The column, as usual, consisted of united stamens and pistils, but it was much less bent to one side, and the union of parts was not nearly so complete. There were three dis- _ tinct anthers instead of two, alternating with the lobes of the dis- tinctly three-lobed stigma. Instead of one large, dilated, triangular, fleshy body, apparently occupying the place of the third stamen in the ordinary form, and heretofore supposed, in fact, to be homologous with the third stamen, there were two of these bodies alternating with the petals and evidently belonging to a distinct whorl. They may really be the homologues of stamens, but, if so, the plan of the flower contemplates two distinct sets of stamens; or we may regard them as petals belonging to an inner whorl that alternates with the first. C. spectabile with a double labellum is recorded in BULLETIN i, 23, § 117. Botanical Literature,— Botany for fligh Schools and Col- leges, by Chas. E. Bessey.—American Science Series, Henry Holt & Co., N. Y.—This book has been more than year before the public, and has, we have been assured, been found of great practical value. It may not, however, be too late for us to record our sense of its merits. It is thus far the only work which affords to students in this country a full introduction to the latest results of vegetable biological studies, within moderate compass and at moderate cost. Professor Bessey . Iowa Agricultural College, and he. is the botanical instructor in the has learned by experience what are the needs of American students, and constantly refers to native plants for his illustrations, The first twelve chapters are devoted to vegetable biology in the more limited sense, from protoplasm, cells, tissues and organs to the chemistry of plants and their relations to external agents. This part is founded mainly upon Sachs’s Lehrbuch, though frequent reference is made to other recent authorities, but as Prof. Bessey is himself an investigator and has to teach others to investigate (which indeed is tHe leading idea of his book), he by no means follows his authors in a servile manner. It seems to us, nevertheless, that he is a little infected with German dryness as is not unnatural in a first edition of a book on a technical subject, in which the Germans are masters. The book was intended as a companion for the laboratory, and as such, perhaps, we should not complain of it, but it was also intended for the general reader, and in his interest we recommend a little greater solution of the solid contents. For it must be borne in mind want to learn from this book who have not the instruction, at least of an introductory char. _ What with compound and binocular micros Germany without these. Some account 119 dissecting microscope, and the methods of hardening or softening objects for slicing, etc., we think should accompany every popular botany. We would not be understood, however, as implying that this work is more than usually deficient in this respect, on the » contrary, the reverse is the case; but still, far too little is done. We notice that in the American Naturalist for September, of the Botanical department of which Prof. Bessey is editor, that he has frequent calls from learners on this subject, and suggests that some microscopist should prepare a certain set of specimens. That, no doubt, would be one step toward the desired object, as showing the student what to look for, but not aiding him much in his own inves- tigations. The remaining chapters, to the 2oth inclusive, contain an account of the classification of plants with notes upon their economic value. In the arrangement of the lower orders the author has made some innovations which, in practice, he finds useful. This list of alliances and orders, which in the Dicotyledons comes near to that of Bentham and Hooker, is a convenience which adds greatly to the usefulness of the work. ; The last chapter, xxi, is on the number of species of plants, their affinities, and their distribution in time. Full indices to the text and illustrations complete the work, which well. meets an increasing desire for information on its subject. ; Preliminary Catalogue of the Flora of New Jersey, compiled by N. L. Britton, for the Geological Survey of New Jersey.—A consid- erable number of copies of this Catalogue have been distributed among those who have worked in this field, that by their assistance errors may be eliminated and additions made either of plants or lo- calities that have escaped the notice of the energetic and scrupulous compiler. It is requested that the books be returned to Prof. Geo, H. Cook, State Geologist, New Brunswick, N. J., at the close of the season of 1882. The list takes in all the botanical orders as far as the workers have reported. This Catalogue promises to be the most complete of any in this country, and it is to be hoped that all who have any old observations to report, or who have the facilities for investigating further in this field, will make use of this rare opportunity tocontribute to what will long be the guide to the study of the New Jersey Flora. Trimen’s Journal of Botany tor September contains: ‘In Memory of Hewett C. Watson’ (with plate), by J. G. Baker; ‘Synopsis of the Genus Prtcairnia, by J. G. Baker; ‘On a New Araliacea of uncer- tain Origin,’ by H. F. Hance ; ‘A New Tree Fern from Jamaica,’ by G. S. Jenman ; and ‘In Memory of Reginald Pryor,’ by James Britten. : The Botanical Gazette for September contains: Notes on Chap- manna and Garberia, by A. H. Curtiss ; Botanical Notes from Illi- nois, by Rev. E. J. Hill; Masturtium lacustre, by A. F. Foerste ; Albinism, by Thomas Meehan, in which the author notes a case of reversion of white to blue flowers in Wahlenbergia grandiflora ; Note on the rootstocks of Convolvulus sepium, by W. W. Bailey; and an article by Davis L. James, describing the method of dissemination of the seeds of Mymphaea odorata. : 120 Grevillea for September contains a lengthy and interesting article by Mr. Charles B. Plowright, on ‘ Mimicry in Fungi;” ‘ New British Lichens,’ by Rev. J. M. Crombie ; ‘Observations on Parmelia ol- vacea and its British Allies, by Rev. J. M. Crombie; and ‘ New Zealand Desmidiaceae,’ by William Archer. We acknowledge the receipt of the Nineteenth Annual Report of the Schlesischen Tausch-Vereins, from Mr. Adolph Toepffer, Bran- denburg a. d. Havel, Prussia. : Plants of Northwestern Australia.—We are indebted to Baron F. von Mueller for a copy of his notice of the plants collected by the Messrs. Forest and Carey in the little-known district about Nickol Bay and King’s Sound. Without going into the subject of the bear- ing of the collections on the knowledge of the distribution of Aus- tralian plants in particular, we think our readers will be more inte- rested in seeing what familiar genera are represented in these lists. The author has a suspicion that Phaseolus vulgaris may have str yed from cultivated grounds (there is a scanty overland travel with flocks); perhaps traffic may account for some others. i Nymphaea, 1 species; Lepidium 3, L. ruderale, L., among them; Cleome, 2; Capparis spinosa, 1.: Polygala, 1; Drosera, 2; Claytonia, 1; Sida, 6; Abutilon, 4; Hibiscus, 4; H. Goldsworthit, F. v. M., “a highly ornamental shrub; Waltheria Americana, L., and W. Lndica, L.; Erodium, +; Strychnos Nux-vomica, L.; Euphorbia, 2% Salsola Kali, L.; Atriplex,2; Polygonum lapathifolium, L.; Celas- trus, 1; Cassia, 3; Crotalaria 2; Phaseolus vulgaris, L.; Indigofera, 3; Lephrosia,t; Galactia,1; Rhyncosia,1; Ammania,1; Olden- landia, 1; Pluchea,1; Aster,1; Flaveria,1; Gnaphalium,1; Lo- belia, 1; Ipomoea, 5; Convolvulus, 1; Evolvulus, 1 ; Samolus, i ; Heliotropium, 8, H. curassavicum, L., one of them ; Justicia, 1 ; Mim- wlus, 2; Solanum, 3; Commelyna,2; Potamogeton,1; Fimbristylis, 2; Huirena, 2; Rhyncospora, 1; Scirpus litoralis, Sch., S. maritimus, L., and S. supinus, L.; Cladium, 2; Cyperus, 5; Sporobolus, 1; Eragrostis 3; Panicum, 3; Aristida,1; Setaria viridis, Beauv., S. verticillata, Beauv., and S. glauca, Beauv.; Andropogon, 4; Erian- thus, 1; Phragmites, 1; Acrostichum aureum, the only fern. Oryza sativa was found by the author in 1856, near the West Australian boundaries. Macrozamia Moorei is a new Zamia from the mountains of ~ Queensland, described by Baron F. von Mueller in the Victoria Pharm, Jour., March, 1881. A stem four feet high and five and a. half in circumference has been sent to Kew. ~ Catalogue of the Phaenogamous and Vascular Cryptogamous Plants of Michigan, indigenous, naturalized and adventive. 8vo, pp. 105. By Charles F. Wheeler and Erwin F. Smith. Hubbardston. Mich.- - This useful, recently-published catalogue contains the completest li that has as yet been given of the plants of Michigan. The numb +r of species enumerated is 1,634, but it is expected that these figures will be considerably increased after certain unexplored portions 0} the State have been visited. The work is very neatly printed an-. i accompanied by a colored map of the State, and a preface giving | account of its botanical features, BULLETIN OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. Vill.| New York, November, 1881, [No. it. § 118. New Species of Plants, chiefly New Mexican. By Epwarp LEE GREENE. TALINUM CONFERTIFLORUM.—Root perennial, thick, fleshy and more or less branching; stems several, branching and leafy; leaves fleshy, terete or nearly so, an inch or more long; peduncles leafless, slender, 3-5 inches high, each bearing acrowded cyme at the summit; bracts subulate; sepals ovate, with thickened, purple tips; corollas small, apparently white; stamens 5; capsules triquetrous; seeds small. : Collected in the Pinos Altos Mountains in 1880, by the writer in too advanced a state, and distributed under the name “ 7. parzviflor- um, Nutt.” Dr. Gray afterwards informed me, from Kew., that it was not that species, but probably a new one; and now I have a spec- imen from Mr. Rusby, collected this year in the Mogollon Moun- tains, showing the five-stamened flowers. The species, except as regards the number of stamens, and the compact cymes, is much like the Eastern 7. ¢eretifolium., Y -SAXIFRAGA FRAGARIOIDES,—Cespitose, the short, much-branched caudex thick, woody and clothed with the dark brown, persistent, petioles of preceding seasons; leaves an inch or more long, cuneate- obovate, entire below the middle, above coarsely and deeply toothed, the under surface pale, the upper dark green, with a few scattered hairs along the five prominent veins, some short, minute, glandular ones on both surfaces, and the margins sparingly ciliolate ; petioles § inch long, dilated at base; scape rigid, a span high, glandular-hir- .sute, naked, or with one or more small leaves below; cymes subtend- ed by small, lanceolate bracts, and arranged in a narrowly thyrsiform panicle ; flowers 3 lines broad; petals spatulate, greenish, a third longer than the ovate-lanceolate, spreading sepals, persistent ; carpels distinct nearly to the base. High mountains west of Mt. Shasta, California, August, 1881. One of several most charming novelties brought in from that inter- esting, but not very new region, by that most zealous and careful collector, C. G. Pringle, Esq. The leaves of this fine saxifrage are a most precise imitation of the leaflets of the common wild strawberry, both as regards their form, color, texture, and even size. Rises (Ripesta) MoGo_tonicum.—Glabrous and sparingly glan- ¥ dular, 6—10 feet high; leaves 1-3 inches wide, 5—lobed; the lobes triangular, doubly serrate; petioles one inch long; racemes few- flowered, subcapitate, on erect peduncles which surpass the petioles; bracts rhombic-ovate, the lowest somewhat spatulate, their margins glandular ; flowers small ; ovaries clothed with stalked glands ; calyx- tube very short ; sepals ovate-oblong, campanulate-spreading, green- ish and marked with dark green or purplish veins ; petals white, spa- tulate, very small ; berry smooth, black, edible. _ ee Gg 122 Deep, cold ravines near the summits of the Mogollon Mountains. Collected by the writer in flower in April, 1881; also observed in fruit, in the same locality at a later date by Mr. Rusby. The foliage has some of the odor of the English black currant, and the nearest ally of the species is RX. foridum of the Eastern States, from which it is readily distinguished by its short racemes on erect peduncles. PrimuLa Ruspyi.—Green and glabrous except the upper portion of the pedicels and the base of the calyx, which are densely white- mealy ; leaves thin, spatulate-oblong, 2-4 inches long, pale beneath, . the margins rather strongly denticulate ; scape 6-10 inches high, slender, 6-10-flowered ; bracts of the involucre ovate- or lanceolate- subulate 2-5 lines long; pedicels 4-14 inches ; calyx ovoid-campan- ulate, the triangular-subulate lobes much’ shorter than the tube ; corolla deep purple with yellow eye ; the obcordate lobes 4-5 lines long, each bearing a small, subulate, central tooth ; the tube nar- owly funnelform, twice as long as the calyx; root a rather dense tuft of somewhat fleshy fibres. -On rich, moist slopes, near the summits of the Mogollon Moun- tains in New Mexico, August, 1881. Collected by Mr. H. H. Rus- by, whose zealous labors amid so many dangers and difficulties as attend all botanizing in that field, are now crowned by the discovery of so splendid a new species, as rarely falls to the lot of any bot- anist, now-a-days, to find. Since the discovery of Primula Parryi of the Colorado Mountains, that superb species has held an unques- “~~. tioned title to the first rank, in point of beauty, among American species of this elegant genus. In P. Rusbyi it has a formidable rival. This plant, while having corollas fully as large, and as richly colored, has a more slender and graceful habit ; moreover,.its calyces and pedicels, so conspicuously white-farinose, contribute much to its beauty. Being indigenous to both a lower latitude and a less altitude than P. Parryz, it would doubtless be much more easily brought into, cultivation, when it could not fail to take rank among the most ad- mired members of this favorite family. : » PHACELIA COERULEA.—Near P. crenulata, which in foliage and pubescence it closely resembles, but taller, 1-2 feet high, commonly with a few erect branches from near the base; corollas less than half as large, 2-3 lines broad, pale blue; styles and stamens not exserted; seeds 4, barely one-third as large as in P. crenulata, almost linear in shape, minutely reticulated ; fresh herbage with a sharp mephitic , odor.—P. crenulata of the Synoptical Flora in part, but not of Bot. King. Southern New Mexico and Arizona; common in rocky can- yons, and on precipitous mountain sides. True P. crenulata, Torr., common in the same region, is found only on open plains or grassy hillsides, and differs in its twice larger, deep violet corollas and long- exserted styles and stamens, as well as in its lower and stouter habit. The circumstance which led to the distinguishing of the two species © _ was the striking difference in odor of the tresh herbage. P. crenu- fata has a heavy, sickening, canine odor; /. coerulea has the sharper, but less offensive smell of the skunk. : URTICA GRACILENTA.—Annual, 3-6 feet high, simple, or sparing- 123 ly branched from the base, nearly glabrous, and with scattered bristles ; leaves thin, the lower orbicular-, the middle ones rhombic- ovate, and the uppermost ovate-lanceolate, mostly acute, and all very coarsely and incisely toothed, 3-4 inches long on very slender petioles two-thirds as long;. stipules small. lanceolate; racemes slender, nearly equalling the petioles. : ; This remarkable nettle I first saw in the Mimbres Mountains of New Mexico, in thg month of May, 1877. Again, early this year I found dead stems of it, fully six feet high, in canyons of the Mogol- lones in the sathe Territory. Still later, in the herbarium of Mr. — Lemmon at Oakland, I observed dried specimens of very young plants, collected in the Santa Cataline Mountains of Arizona in the spring of 1880. Mr. Rusby has more recently sent me, from the Mogollones, specimens in flower, collected in August of this year. It appears‘to be dioecious; at least my specimens show only male flowers. ZYGADENUS PORRIFOLIUS.—Bulb oblong, an inch or more long, with white outer coats; stem 2 feet high; leaves thin, pale, some- what glaucous, 3-6 lines wide and a foot or more long ; raceme simple, or below sparingly branched, rather loosely flowered ; bracts ovate-lanceolate, green and glaucous; pedicels $-1 inch long; flowers small, nodding; perianth adnate, and persistent upon the capsules until the ripening of the fruit ; segments broad, 3 lines long, greenish, none of them unguiculate of much contracted at base; gland elongated, truncate or obcordate ; capsule 6-8 lines long. Mogollon Mountains, near the summits, 1881. The pale and soft, garlic-like leaves, and the last season’s dead stems bearing empty capsules, were observed by myself last April. The specimen, in flower, from which the description is drawn, was collected by Mr. Rusby in August. ' L § 119. New Ascomycetous Fungi.* By J. B. ELtis. Prziza (DasyscypHA) MrLeacris.—Sessile among the loosened fibres of the wood, brownish-purple, spherical at first and tardily ex- ' panding, .oo3’ in diameter, clothed externally and the margin fringed with purplish, sparingly-septate, minutely-roughened hairs, which are attenuated and lighter colored above so that the marginal fringe appears nearly white; disk dull white; asci sessile, oblong- cylindrical, .002’x.00025’ ; paraphyses stout, 2-3-septate and abruptly . pointed above ; sporidia simple, hyaline, oblong, .0003 x.coor’, mostly collected in the upper part of the asci. On weather-beaten wood. May. (No. 71.) PezizaA (DasyscypHa) CENANGIOIDES.—Sessile, urceolate then expanded, .c03’ in diameter, clothed externally and the margin fringed with brown, rough, septate hairs ; disk dull white; asci cyl- indrical, .0025’x.coo25’; paraphyses stout, septate bélow. scarcely thickened above, obtuse ;_sporidia 8, fusiform, hyaline, straight or slightly curved, and mostly narrowed at one end, .0006’~.0007 long *Collected in Pleasant Valley, Utah, by S. J. Harkness during the spring and summer of 1881. (Station about 6,000 feet above the level of the sea.) 124 On dead herbaceous stems. (No. 66.) : Prziza (DasyscypHa) CROssoTA.—Sessile, greenish, spherical at first and with a narrow opening, expanding to concave, margin thickly fringed with greenish, straight, 4—-6-septate, obtuse hairs, about .003 long by .0003’ thick; disk livid when fresh, pale greenish when dry ; asci cylindrical, abruptly narrowed below into a short ‘stipe ; paraphyses linear, faintly septate, stout, not thickened above; spo- ridia reniform-oblong, hyaline, continuous, .0003 —.00035'xX.000125’. On weather-beaten wood with No. 73. May.® This and the two foregoing species are closely allied, but are easily distinguished by the characters given. Peziza (‘Fapesia) EARINA.—Thin and soft, seated on a loose mycelium of dirty-white, matted, cottony hairs, orbicular, about one line broad, fibrous in texture ; disk brick-red when dry; asci cylin- drical, .005’x.0005’; paraphyses rather stout, thickened above ; spo- ridia_uniseriate, elliptical, hyaline (mostly with a nucleus,) about -0006'x.0003’, On dead stems and leaves of grasses and on weather-beaten wood still partly covered with snow. April and May. (No. 67.) : PROPOLIS SPHAERELLOIDES.—Erumpent, orbicular, .oo8 -0085_ in diameter, scarcely prominent when dry, but swelling out in little tubercles when moist and exposing a pale, flesh-colored disk sur- rounded by a subfimbriate, dark brown margin; asci clavate-cylin- drical, .co18’~.0023’x.0003’—.0004’; paraphyses stout and mostly thickened above; sporidia biseriate, oblong or clavate-oblong, 2-4- nucleate and finally uniseptate, .0005 'X,000125'~.00015” Sometimes several individuals, ranged side by side, form an ir- regular ring around the stem of the Juncus on which the species is parasitic. Looks much like a Sphaerella when dry. (No. 79.) ACROSPERMUM CORRUGATUM.—Liguliform, black, erect, .065’— .o7’ high and .o2’ wide, surrounded at the base by a mycelium of brown, matted hairs, strongly transversely striate on both sides, compressed and truncate above so that the apex is in shape like the edge of a chisel; asci linear, long and narrow, .018’—.02 x.0004’ ; paraphyses filiform, abundant, endochrome many-parted ; sporidia linear, nearly as long as the asci, separating into cylindrical, 3-sep- tate joints, .0007’—.0008’ long. On weather-beaten wood. (No. 73.) DOTHIDEA TUBERCULIFORMIS.—Stroma disciform, contracted be- low into a thick, narrow base, submarginate above, .003’-.904’ in diameter, of coarse, cellular structure, ascigerous cavities minute ; asci oblong-cylindrical, .o013’x.0006’ ; sporidia biseriate, subhyaline, granular, uniseptate, .c006 —.0007'x.00017 5’,septum mostly nearer one end. On bark of dead twigs of some unknown tree or shrub. (No. 68.) LEPTOSPHAERIA TENERA.—Gregarious, seated just beneath the _ cuticle, which is blackened by the mycelium of dark, sparingly-sep- tate, branching threads ; asci narrowly clavate, -003 X.0002’—.00025' ; paraphyses nucleate; sporidia overlapping and crowded above, fusiform, 5-septate, yellowish, slightly constricted at the septa, and the next to the upper division slightly swollen, mostly straight, 125 . 0006 ~.0007 x.c001’—.000128’; perithecia small, .005'—.a08’ in diam- eter, conic-hemispheric ; ostiolum obtuse and somewhat shining, Cn dead herbaceous stems. PLEOSPORA CILIATA.—At first covered by the cuticle, but at length partly erumpent, .o05’~.007 in diameter, hemispheric, ostiolum large, surrounded by a fringe of stout, black, reflexed hairs ; asci broad, oblong-elliptical, muriform, yellow, slightly constricted across the middle, .oo13 x.0006. This appears to be sufficiently distinct from the other species of P/eospora with ciliated ostiola. On dead stems of Phlox with Puccinia phlogina, Pk. Mr. M. E. Jones. ae ’ SpHaerta (ROSELLINIA) OvaLIs.—Gregarious or subcespitose ; perithecia ovate, rough, about .o13’ in diameter, ostiolum papilli- form; asci narrow, cylindrical ; sporidia uniseriate, simple, brown, variable in size and shape,from short-elliptic to oblong, .0003’-00035 x ,0002 —.00025 . : On sage brush. (No. 10.) CUCURBITARIA OCCIDENTALIS.—Perithecia crowded, depressed- hemispheric, quite flattened above, a little over .or3’ in diameter ; ostiolum papilliform ; asci .0035’x.0005’; sporidia biseriate, oblong, slightly curved, yellowish, 4-5-septate, constricted in the middle, .0009 ~.001'x,00025'; paraphyses abundant, matted together at the tips. The part of the branch occupied by the fungus is swollen as in Sphaerta morbosa, Schw., but not so much so. On sage brush. (No. 11.) CUCURBITARIA SOLITARIS.—Perithecia solitary, cylindric-ovate, rough .o2’ in breadth and height, Ostiolum strongly papilliform; asci cylindrical, .005’—.0055’x.0007’; sporidia oblong-elliptical, con- stricted in the middle, uniseptate at first, soon becoming muriform and yellowish and finally dark brown, .oo1’—.0013’x.0005”. ~ On sage brush. (No. 12.) SPHAERELLA FUSCATA.—Perithecia minute, densely crowded, forming elongated, dark-colored patches half an inch or more long, and half as wide; asci obovate, .oor5 —.002 x.0006 ~.0007 ; sporidia oblong, uniseptate, mostly narrow at one end, hyaline, .0007 x.o0025 , Perithecia ovate-conic, rough, subcuticular, but at length throwing off the epidermis and blackening the matrix. On dead herbaceous stems. (No. 83).* § 120. Albinism.—I found on the shores of Elizabeth Pond, in the Adirondacks, Aug. 16th, a great many plants of Pontederia cor- data, L., bearing white flowers. In several of the patches where the blue and white were mixed, the latter were in the majority. I also noted along the road near Indian River P. O.a patch of white- flowered Lpilobium angustifolium. ge s EvizABeTH G. KNIGHT. “Under Lophiostoma tingens, page 90. Vol. viii of this Journal, it should have been stated that the wood on which this species grows is tinged with a dull red color. This Zophiostoma is almost invariably found in company with Phoma consorta, C. & E., which is probably its pyenidial stage.—J.B.E. ~~ 126 § 121. Peculiarly-lobed Leaves in Quercus alba, L.—The leaves | of oak trees present so great a diversity of shape and outline, that any attempt to indicate unusual or peculiar forms may be considered superfluous. A case however, of so great a divergence from the typical form as represented in the ac- companying sketch, drawn from one of many similar specimens in my possession, may prove of sufficient interest to be placed on record. The tree from which the leaves were taken grows on the farm of Dr. J. B. Potter at Bridgeton, Cumberland Co., N. J., and is now some six or seven feet in height. Its leaves all have the peculiar lanceolate, or oblanceolate outline, and narrow, mostly acute lobes of the one shown in the sketch, and, indeed, some are still more elongated. The peculiarity has existed ever since the tree was first noticed, a few years ago; there are no other trees like it in the vicinity, and Dr. Potter has never before seen anything / resembling it. A number of other species of Quercus grow in the neighborhood, but there is nothing to indicate that this is a hybrid form, and - it probably is merely a sport ¢ of the white oak. N. L. BritTTON. § 122. Simblum rubescens, Gerard, in lowa.—To-day a young man in one of my classes in botany brought me several specimens of a plant which had excited his curiosity. Upon examination they proved to be Simblum rubescens, Gerard, described in the BULLETIN in January, 1880. Two of the specimens showed the abnormal double stipe.* I fail to see any departure in the Iowa specimens from the form of the species so well described by Mr. Gerard, Ames, Iowa, Oct. 5, 1881. C. E. Bessey. * Illustrated in Plate ii, Vol. vii. 127 § 123. Marsilia quadrifolia in Massachusetts.—It seems to be the opinion of the most eminent writers on botany that the Marst/ia quadrifolia is found in this country only at Bantam Lake, Conn. Dr. Gray makes such a statement in his Manual; but in the BULLETIN, lil, p- 3, he states that it is well established in Fresh Pond, near Cambridge, Mass., although known to have been first introduced from Connecti- cut. Prof. Meehan, in his “ Native Flowers and Ferns,” writes that “doubt is thrown on its existence in Texas, of indeed anywhere but in the one locality at Bantam Lake.” In Si//iman’s Journal some years ago Dr. Gray put the question: “Is its rarity a sign that it be- longs to a very old family about becoming extinct, or is it one of the newer introductions of Nature, which has not yet had time to spread here to any great extent.” The latter supposition seems the more probable, as I have found several comparatively large areas of the plant in a remote part of the Charles River, above Dedham, Mass. The long distances of these habitats from settled districts forbid the supposition that the plant was introduced there from Connecti- cut, though that is not impossible. Its thrifty appearance gives no indication that it is gradually dying out, but rather that it is spread- ing. Not only does it take possession of a large water area in the places where it was seen, but it encroaches a foot or more on the low margin of the river, where the leaves, although densely crowded, are very much smaller than those on the surface of the water. The sporocarps seem to be most numerous just at the edge of the water. Roxbury, Mass. Henry L. Cuapp. § 124. Growth of Exogens. ll.—Mr. John Foster, of Pleasant- ville, 2n intelligent member of the Society of Friends, and a practi-- cal nurseryman, after reading my article on the Growth of Exogens published in the BuLLETIN of March, 1878, writes me as follows: “I can scarcely say that I am a full convert to thy theory of the forma- tion of rings in the growth of timber, or hardy trees and shrubs of our climate, I have so often verified the correctness of the theory of one rinz in a year. There is one particular case to which I should like to draw thy attention. A few years agoatract of woodland was cleared off which stood directly west of Robert Parson’s house in the village of Flushing, L. I., and, no doubt, has been frequently noticed by thee. An old gentleman, a member of the Society of Friends, told me that he recollected seeing it cut off by the British soldiers during the Revolutionary War, when he was thirteen years old. At the time it was cut off the second time, I counted the rings of many of the cross-sections of the largest trunks and found that the number of rings answered with wonderful regularity to the number of years which had elapsed since the timber was cut before. Many of the trees were chestnut, and we know that this genus sends up shoots the next season after the parent tree iS felled, hence we were enabled to calculate with accuracy the age of the trees. I think very few trees make a distinct second growth in the same season.” : I quote the above passage from Friend Foster’s letter in order to present both sides of this interesting subject, for the example cited . . 128 is certainly a very striking one in the argument to sustain the one ring theory. But he, immediately after, in the same letter, helps the other side by a statement which is just as strong, if not more conclu- sive, for the second growth hypothesis. He goes on to say: “ Young pear stocks do make a second growth as I have in thousands of cases seen. The seedling or sucker, as the case may be, if cut off within a foot or fifteen inches of the ground and then transplanted, after growing rapidly say a month or six weeks forms a terminal bud, which after a little period of rest pushes again, sometimes as late as September, the sap flows a second time, and inoculation may now be accomplished if it had been neglected during the first flow of sap.’ This last statement shows, in a most conclusive manner, that a second growth may, and does take place in our exogens of this lati- tude. I hope to show in a future article that, in regions of no frost, this is still more frequent. We see by Mr. Foster’s statement. that so far as the pear tree is concerned, the occurrence is by no means abnormal. I have reason to believe that it is frequent in other genera, and, though usually the second ring is less distinct than the first, yet in some cases ‘it is quite as prominent. : O. R.. WILuIs. § 125. Virescence in Leontodon.—My attention was attracted to-day to asickly-looking,malformed specimen of Leentodon autumnale, in which all the heads were green. Examination shows the florets to be constructed about as represented in the accompanying sketch. The corollais ligulate and - exhibits its normal dentation, but is green in color. In place of the usual tawny pappus there is an in- definite number of laciniate green expansions, inte- resting perhaps as showing from reversion what may be the morphology of pappus. The androecium ap- pears normal. The pistil, however, is quite changed, the usual filiform style being much thickened and the branches aborted to the two teeth shown in the figure. In several florets I detect what appears to be phyllody of the ovule. I have specimens in alcohol for further investigation. Brown University, Sept. 30,1881. § W. WuitrMan BalLry. § 126. Note on Ilex opaca, Ait—I found this plant in a dwarf state last summer at Rockaway beach. I also saw it on the Nave- sink Highlands in abundance, and every specimen that I examined showed signs of winter-killing at the top. The head had evidently been damaged by frost every successive winter during the life of the plant. I have a specimen growing on my lawn, which for twelve successive winters has been killed at the top, up to last winter, when | it lost its leaves, but the head did not die ; yet the temperature fell lower than in any previous winter for the last twenty years. The thermometer indicated a temperature ranging from five to fifteen de- grees below zero for several successive days, | White Plains, Oct. 13, 1881. O. R. Witus. 129 § 127. A white-fruited Blackberry.—In the eastern part of Dutchess County, N. Y., there is a large, rocky, wild and uninhabited tract of land, elevated about five or six hundred feet above the val- ley below. The adventurous hunter and enthusiastic naturalist are about all that traverse this region. In the summer of 1879, whilst crossing this tract, I found growing a specimen of Rudus villosus, Ait., with white ripe fruit, as sweet and as pleasant to the taste as the black berries of the same species. The plant was apparently as vig- orous as its normal neighbors which grew quite sparingly in the same locality. The foliage had that lighter colorso common to plants that have become white-flowered. I carefully removed the bush to the garden of a farmer, who gave it kindly care, and it has since flourished, bearing its white fruit each season. _I also sent some of the seeds to Mr. Chorlton of Staten Island, who planted them, and who will, in due time, report whether they reproduce their albino parent. About twenty-five or thirty miles northeast from the place that I have mentioned is Mount Riga, on the border of the State of Mass- achusetts. On this mountain, about a thousand feet in height, I also found a single specimen of the white-fruited &. vi//osus. I have heard that persons in search of berries occasionally find, in this lo- cality, similar plants. _ If this be true, these ridges must favor the growth of this peculiar variety. G. M. WILBER. § 128. Flowering of Plants in Autumn.—About the first week in July of the past summer, I visited the province of New Brunswick. In botanizing about the capital city, Fredericton, which is about sixty miles inland, I was impressed with the curious mingling of early summer and autumn flowers. Inthe same field would be seen, in blossom, Leucanthemum vulgare, Ranunculus acris in profusion, and several solidagos and asters. The short summer of the region seems to crowd the seasons together; “spring and autumn here dance hand in hand.” The above note suggests a similar topic. As the autumn advanced here, in Providence, R. I., my four-o’clocks (Mirabilis Jalapa) bloomed regularly in the morning, from six to seven o'clock to ten or thereabouts. The morning-glories bloomed in the afternoon. On- the now famous “ yellow” day, or dark day, as it is called, I am told that sunflowers in this neighborhood were blighted. _I cannot sub- stantiate the statement, which is curious if true. Did any one note the nyctotropic conditions of leaves at that time? Oct. 12, 1881. W. W. BAILey. § 129. An Adventive Grass.—Towards the end of last August, the Rev. E. E. Butler of Easton, Pa., collected in a wild ravine near Dobb's Ferry, N. Y., where it grows in considerable abundance, a grass which proves to be Festuca gigantea, Villars—another addition to our long list of plants introduced from Europe. Tuos. C. PORTER, 130 § 130. Note on Salicornia.—As my observations of Salicornia herbacea, ., and Salicornia mucronata, Lag., differ so materially from. the descriptions given in Wood’s Class Book of 1867, the only bo- tanical work to which I have access, I will, although but an amateur . botanist at most, endeavor to make a few remarks thereon. Instead of the Aerdacea flowering in August and the mucronata in September, as stated in the foregoing work, I find the mucronata now (August 8th) in full bloom, while the Aerdacea perhaps will not blossom till September. Instead, also, of the mucronata turning red, as stated in the above-named work, (while no such thing is mentioned of the herbacea), 1 found about the 25th of September last that the spikes of the herbacea were generally of a deep red color throughout, while the mucronata was tinged but slightly, or sometimes not at all. In- stead, also, of Long Island being the southern limit of the mucronata, as stated by Wood, I find it growing in this county as mentioned in my communication in the BULLETIN of June last. Messongo, Accomac Co., Va. Eviis Mears, ‘ §$ 131. New New York City Stations.—An hour’s exploration of Croton Point on the Hudson River, in company with Dr, A. K. Fisher, on July 24th last, revealed the following interesting plants, most of which give a rather southern character to the flora: Anemone cylindrica, Gray. A group of fruiting plants growing in sandy soil near the shore. Heretofore there seems to have been no authentic record of the occurrence of this plant within the limits of the Torrey Club Catalogue ; Tephrosia Virginica, Pers.: Lupinus perennis, L.; Cornus circt- nata, LHer.; Eupatorium sesstlifolium, L..; Verbena angustifolia, Mx. 1 do not think that this plant has before been reported within the limits of our Catalogue north of New York City, but it was found at several places on Croton Point. I found a single plant in July at the locality, near King’s Bridge, dis- covered several years ago by Mr. Leggett ; Leucrium Canadense, L.; Onosmodium Virginianum, DC., a single plant ; Pycnanthemum clinopodioides, T. & G., a narrow-leaved form, seeming to approach P. Z% orreyt, Benth.; P. linifolium, Pursh.; Asclepias obtusifolia, Mx.; A. vertictllata, L.; Salsola K. ali, L.; Cyp- ripedium acaule, Ait.; Zisania aquatica, L., abundant and conspicu- ous near the shore; Zricuspis seslerioides, Torr.; and specimens also of Solidago arguta were found in full flower at this date. E. P. BIcKNELL. $ 132. Botanical Literature—7%e Botanical Collector’s Hand- book. By W. Whitman Bailey, B.P., Olney Professor of Natural History (Botany) in Brown University, pp. 140. George A. Bates, Salem, Mass.—This work, of which we gave a prospectus in our March number, has at length made its appearance, forming No. 3 of | the neat and useful publications which are from time to time being vost by Mr. Geo. A. Bates, under the title of “N aturalists’ Handy eries.”’ That the “want of a manual,” to use the author’s words, “such iets 131 as exists in other countries for the guidance of botanical collectors and amateurs, has long been felt in our own,” was well shown by the large number of orders which, we are informed, were received for the Handbook, from all sections of the country, months previous to its publication. After a careful perusal of the work, we take pleasure . in stating that it fills the long-existing hiatus in our botanical litera- ture in a manner which reflects great credit on both its author and its publisher, and in a manner, too, which cannot prove otherwise than satisfactory to the large number who will have occasion to con- sult its pages for their guidance. In writing the Handbook, Prof. Bailey has not relied entirely upon his own long experience as a collector, but has sought and ob- tained the aid of other workers who are prominently known in their several specialties. For example, Mr. Charles Wright has contributed an article on the preparation of Cactaceae, etc.; Mr. Thos. P. James has furnished directions for the collection and preservation of mosses; Prof. Edw. Tuckerman has given the result of his experience in the preparation of lichens ; Rev, Francis Wolle has furnished notes on the collection and preservation of fresh-water algae ; and Mr. Chas. H. Peck has contributed an entire chapter on the subject of collect- ing, preparing and mounting fungi, while instructions for gathering and mounting marine algae have been gleaned by the author from the writings of Profs. Eaton, Harvey and others. The notes of these various collaborators, along with those of the author on herborizing, fill the first three chapters of the book, the remaining ones being devoted to the subjects of : ‘Closet-Work;’ ‘The Herbarium ;’ “Bib- liography ;’ and ‘ Public Herbaria.’ The book is well written throughout; the directions are plainly and concisely expressed; the copious illustrations are well executed; and the work, while it should find a place in the library of every working botanist, must prove especially valuable to that large class of beginners and amateurs who have hitherto been seeking in the dark for just such instruction as is here given within so small a compass and at so low a price. ; Nova Scotian Fungi by J. Somers, M.D. In this pamphlet, kindly sent us by the author, are enumerated the names of 81 species of fungi collected during the year 1880 in the vicinity of Halifax. This list is a continuation of an enumeration published in Vol. v of the Transactions of the Nova Scotia Institute of Natural Science. Catalogue of the Phaenogamous and Vascular Cryptogamous Plants of Indiana. By the Editors of the Botanical Gazette and Prof. Charles R. Barnes. 8vo. pamph. pp. 38. Crawfordsville, Ind.— The completion of this catalogue, which has been issued during the year in the form of extra sheets to the Botanical Gazette, gives us the most perfect enumeration of Indiana plants (exclusive of other than the vascular cryptogams), that has ever been published. The number of species enumerated is 1,432, which embraces only those plants whose occurrence the authors were able to authenticate by speci- mens, it having been the very commendable plan, rigidly ad- hered to from the outset, to admit the name of no species on hearsay. The catalogue is preceded by an account of the botani- 132 cal and topographical features of the State, and by a very convenient outline map showing the location of the counties, : : Trimen’s Journal of Botany, for October, contains the following articles: ‘On the Natural Order Taccaceae, by H. F. Hance; ‘On Lrythraea capitata. Willd., var. sphaerocephala,’ by F. Townsend ; ‘On the Production of Hybrids in the Genus L£pilobium, by R. A. Briggs. $_ 133. Proceedings of the Torrey Club.—The regular monthly meeting of the Club was held Tuesday evening, Oct. 11th, at the Herbarium, Columbia College, the President in the chair and twenty members and two visitors present. Plants Exhibited —Mr. Leggett presented specimens of Zsuga Caroliniana, Englem., from the Carolina Mountains (Caesar’s Head, Greenville Co., S. C.), sent by Capt. J. Donnell Smith, and spineless leaves of //ex opaca, Ait., from South Caroline. Dr. Newberry ex- hibited a beautiful collection of Western plants collected by him on a recent trip through Colorado and Idaho, and also remarked upon the characteristics of the Western Coniferae. Mr. Gerard exhibited a specimen of Richardia thiopica, the spadix of which was subtended by three spathes, sent by Miss Palmer from Louisville, Ky. Prof. Schrenk showed specimens of plants collected by ‘him in New Hamp- shire during the summer, and placed them at the disposal of the mem- bers present. fybrid Oaks.—Mr. Britton remarked upon some singular forms of hybrid oaks found by Mr. Rudkin and himself growing in abun- dance at Keyport, N. J., and which are now under investigation with a view of determining, if possible, the parent species. A series of leaf specimens was shown exhibiting various transitional forms, ap- parently between Quercus Phellos, L., and Q. nigra, L. Serratula tinctoria.—Specimens of this adventive plant, which has become pretty well established in a few places on Staten Island, were sent by Mr. Wright from West Brighton, for the Club’s inspection. Polyphylly.—Mr. Bicknell reported the detection by him this sea- son of a plant of Asclepias Cornuti, Decaisne, having its leaves in whorls of three, and also of a plant of Si/phium perfoliatum, L., with leaves in whorls of three and with a 6-angled stem. Mr. Britton re- marked that he had observed precisely the same change this year in specimens Eupatorium teucrifolium, Willd. — Suppression of Leaflets in Carya.—Mr. Britton showed leaf speci- mens of a trifoliate form of Carya_porcina, Nutt., detected in New Jersey, and stated that all the leaves on the tree whence these were taken exhibited the same suppression of the usually two or four ad- ditional leaflets. New Stations.—Mr. Bicknell read a list of new stations for plants belonging to the City’s flora. Mr. Rudkin gave White Mills, New Lots, Queens County, as a station for Zripsacum dactyloides, .., a plant not reported as belonging to the State flora, and exhibited spe- cimens gathered at that locality ; One person was elected an active member, and two names were proposed for membership. ; : : BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. ~ Vol. Vill.] New York, December, 1881, [wo. 12. § 134. The Fertilization of Scrophularia. : By WILLIAM TRELEASE. If one might judge from the number of published accounts, the process of pollination in all its details should be, in few genera, better known than in that which forms the subject of this note. Unfortunately, however, the student who compares these accounts finds that they differ greatly among themselves, while not a few fail to agree with what he observes for himself in studying the plants. For this reason it has been thought: not unprofitable to combine an. account of some observations made during the past three years by the writer, with a critical summary of the literature that he has had access to. Unless otherwise stated, what is said relates to S. nodosa, L. The tube of the irregular gamopetalous corolla is inflafed approxi- _ mately to a sphere (Figs. 1 and 4), its limb projecting from the sonie- _what constricted mouth. The bilobed upper lip and the lateral lobes of the trilobed lower lip project straight forward, giving the flower some resemblance to the old-fashioned poke bonnets one occasion-— ally encounters in country places; while the middle lobe of the lower lip is reflexed and closely applied to the outside of the tube. _ This structure, and the color, inconspicuous though it be, of the _ corolla, lead us to believe the flowers zoophilous, a belief strength- — ened by the fact that nectar is abundantly secreted from the expan- — sion of thé flower until some time after fertilization has been effected. The organ which secretes this fluid is an irregular annular disk — which surrounds the base of the ovary (Figs. 2 and 3). Commonly, but not invariably, it is more prominent on the upper side; and unless the quantity of nectar is very great, it collects in one or more drops at the upper side of the ovary, though it has occasionally been ~ found in sufficient quantity to fill the basal part of the corolla. When a flower is about to open, its style will be found bent upward, the already mature stigma lying against or close to the top of the corolla, while the four immature stamens are crumpled down into its base, near the ovary. When the flower has opened, these _ organs retain essentially the same position, the style. being so curved that the stigma lies just below the middle of the mouth of the ccrolla (Fig. 2). In this state the flower is functionally pistillate. After a varying period, depending Jargely upon the temperature pre- _ vailing at the time, the stamens begin to appear at the mouth of the ~ corolla, successively taking their places close to the base of the ~ _ reflexed lobe of the lower lip, and shedding their pollen. A consid-_ erable number of observations show that the inner (or lower) pair matures first, in some-cases the one on the right appearing first ; in others, that on the left. “If, as is constantly the case in pleasant ___ weather, when the insects which will be shown to visit the flowers are most active, the stigma has been fertilized before this, its sty 134 will have bent downward and become closely appressed to the reflexed lobe of the corolla (Figs. 1 and 4); but in case no pollen has reached it, it will have moved little, and the relative position of the parts will be that shown in Fig. 3, where one pair of stamens is mature. In the former case the plant will be functionally staminate ; The species is, therefore, protogynous, as first noted by Sprengel (1, p. 323%). Ricca (1, p. 261) potices the reflex- ion of the style, supposing it merely a preventive of close-fertilization. Theoretically, there should be five stamens in Scrophularia, but as a general thing only four are found, attached to the corolla near its base, the fifth being represented by a small truncate or notched scale adnate to the corolla just below the point of union of the lobes of the upper lip. That this body represents the missing stamens is shown by its position and occasional development into a polinifer- ous organ (Miiller, 1, pp. 281-2). A natural question as to the reason for the common abortion of this stamen finds a ready answer in the latter, perfect. in the mode of pollination. The stigma, and the anthers of the developed stamens lie at the bottom of the opening into the corolla, Fig. 3. Fig. 4: just where they are most effi- cient when the flower is visited for nectar by an insect; forthe . latter, occupying the same rel- | ative position on all flowers visited, brings the same part of.its body into contact with the mature organ, be it stigma or anther. Were the fifth stamen developed, it could be of no use while occupying its nor- mal position, since its pollen would always be received by that part of the insect which never touches the stigma (Ogle I, p. 51). The only alterna- tives are its suppression and its growth so as to iie with the others, at the lower side of the flower. The latter bringing the filament obliquely across the cavity of the flower, and obstructing it to a certain extent, even though the filament were closely applied to the side, is less practicable than the former, which, accordingly, Nature has adopted. Were it entirely useless we should expect it to be removed in toto; but the fact that a remnant constantly occurs, though differ- ing greatly in size in the different species of the genus, leads us to look for some useful purpose that it serves. Sprengel (7. ¢. p. 322) saw in it a means of arresting any stray rain drops that might have : crept under the rim of the bonnef, for he saw clearly that, for some reason, there is almost always a provision in nectariferous flowers for : * ‘Where references are made as here, the first numeral indicates the book or article similarly numbered under the author's name, in the list at the end of this article. 135 protecting their honey from dilution by rain.* While, as he showed, the scale serves to a certain extent as a nectar-guard, its chief use appears to be that of guiding insects which visit the flowers so as to force them to enter all in precisely the same manner. This thought was first suggested by the longitudinal furrow on the lower side of the scale, the two sides projecting downward as far as their width. permits. In this form it renders it far easier for insects to enter bodily or insert their heads immediately over the middle line than at either side. The position of the grooved scale, opposed to the sexual organs to which it serves as a guide, corresponds precisely to that of the guiding groove found in Zaédiatae, orchids, etc., and the very slight development of this* body in some species is no stronger argument against this view of its function than the slight development of tlie guiding groove of some plants in the orders just mentioned is against its usual function when well developed. An interesting fact, first observed last spring, is that soon after fertilization has been effected and the stamens have shed their pollen, a slight jar causes the corolla to break loose from the receptacle ; immediately after which the calyx begins to close, forcing the corolla off much as in Verbascum and Veronica. Several times, I saw this brought about by thé visit of wasps belonging to the genus Lumenes. Finding itself, and the corolla to which it clung, suddenly removed from the nectar it was after, appeared to be matter of much surprise to the wasp, which visited no more flowers on that _ plant. This phenomenon doubtless aids in securing the crossing of _ the different plants, in the genera in which it occurs. So far as made out, the process is quite similar in the three genera named ; though whether it is to be attributed to irritability or not is a matter about which opinions differ. In Rhinathus major and R. minor the corolla is also deciduous; here it does not fall from the receptacle, but tears Pad aa the base, as stated by Rossmann (Sot. Zeitung, 1860, p- 217). so The inconspicuous lurid flowers, with but a faint variation of — color pointing to the nectar, and their unpleasant odor, are less attractive to bees than to wasps, and it is upon these insects that the flowers chiefly depend for their cross-fertilization. Sprengel states that he has seen a large and a small wasp collect nectar from S. nogosa (l.¢. p. 324). H. Miiller found the most frequent visitors for nectar to be Vespa vulgaris, V. rufa, V. Germanica, us media, and V. holsatica. In smaller numbers he found the following bees ‘ Bombus agrorum (once), Aalictus sexnotatus, H. zonulus,H. flavipes, (1, p, 283). The same observer records Bombus senilis as also visit- ing the flowers for nectar (2, p. 267). Darwin speaks of the flowers. of S. aguatica as being fertilized by wasps (1, p. 176; 2, p. 147) * The notion formerly was that nectar, being less attractive to insects after dilution, was protected from the rain by these devices. Since, however, the osmotic nature of the secreting process seems probable, it is likely that the neces- sity for maintaining a dense syrup on the surface of the gland is the principal reason for the existence of these nectar-guards, though the reason first mentioned is undoubtedly of considerable importance. Some remarks on this subject may be _ found in the Botanical Gazette for Nov., 1881, p. 287. 4 ae co. Feu ba tool oe Cu RA Sh Ae Kareem - Pare of a | On” ~~ 136 Prof. Farlow saw only hive-bees collect nectar on .S. nodosa (Gray, 1, p. 151). Meehan finds S. canina visited by “small sandwasps and other winged insects” (1, 108). Dr. Gray states that S. nodosa is visited by hive-bees (2, p. 111; 3, p. 363 4, p. 220); and Darwin quotes this statement (3, p. 424). Wilson observed a wasp while collecting nectar from S, nodosa, and quotes Miller and Darwin on* the visits of wasps to this species and to S. aquatica (1, pp. 565-6). - Delpino finds wasps on the flowers in Italy (1, p. 212), and Lubbock also speaks of their visits (1, p. 137). Finally I have observed Eumenes fraterna and Odynerus albophaleratus collecting nectar from the flowers several times in New York, New Jersey and Wisconsin, and small bees belonging to two or more species of Halictus were occasionally noticed similarly employed. The former cling’ to the flower, inserting only their heads, as Sprengel and Miller have shown to be the case with the larger wasps ; the latter creep bodily into the corolla. Both are forced by the shape of the corolla and the presence of the arched fifth stamen to enter in the median line. The nectar is also attractive to certain large ants, which, were they more active, would give efficient aid in the transfer of pollen from flower to flower; their sluggishness, however, renders their services of little value and, as they seldom travel from plant to plant, the - crossing they do effect is merely between flowers of the same stock. The flowers are also sometimes visited for their pollen ; Sprengel found “ein Insekt welches eine Aehnlichkeit mit einer Biene, und auch einen Stachel im After hat, aber viel kleiner ist, als eine "Biene ” (probably a Hadictus) engaged in collecting pollen from S. nodosa (4. c. p.. 324); Miller saw Halictus sexnotatus employed in the same manner; and near Madison I had an opportunity to watch a species of the same genus as it collected pollen. From the above state- ments it appears that the nectar of Scrophularia is attractive to wasps, bees, and ants, principally the first-mentioned ; and there is every reason for believing that the entire genus is adapted to profit especi- ally by the visits of these insects, which appear to find the nectar more palatable than do bees. As in Symphoricarpus racemosus and Ribes Cynosbati,* which are also largely visited by wasps, and also - have corolla tubes of comparatively little depth, Scrophularia nodosa is occasionally perforated (Sprengel, 1. c., p. 324), and here, as there, the depredator is, no doubt, one of the larger species of Vespa, though direct observation has failed to discover its identity, as yet. Sprengel saw that insects must transfer pollen from older to younger flowers while gathering nectar, and that the result was crossing, and not close-fertilization; and most later observers agree with him. Mr. Wilson is, however, the first who has tried to show how the inconspicuousness of the flowers and the proterogyny are of _ value to the plant (1, p. 565), both being correlated with the adapta- tion of the flowers to wasps, these partly predaceous insects being enabled by their acute senses to discover inconspicuous objects with: little difficulty. Mr. Wilson believes, and rightly, that a flower __ adapted to fertilization through their agency can reach its highest _ * BULLETIN TorREY CLoR, June, 1881, pp. 689. 137 perfection only when, being easily discernible by them, it is as little attractive as possible to other insects. The color and odor of the flowers of Scrophularia, and the quality of their nectar evidently tend to this end. The same observer, watching a wasp on SS. nodosa, found that the first flower on the stem which it visited was the top =" one; from this it passed to the others in a somewhat irregular man- ner going downwards, and finally left the plant from the lowest flower (4. ¢., p. 565). This procedure was said to bring the insect first to the younger, pistillate flowers ; then to the older, staminate - ones. My own studies show a very great irregularity in the visits of wasps, but this irregularity is largely conducive to cross-fertilization in its widest sense. So far as I know, the insects which visit the : flowers for pollen go only to those whose anthers. are dehiscent, and can have little influence in effecting pollination, except in cases where the stigma is still unfertilized when the stamens begin to mature. So far as may be judged from reliable statements, and from per- sonal observation, Scrophularia is therefore perfectly adapted to- cross-fertilization by the aid of insects, and the favored visitors are wasps. Sprengel could not believe that if, as Kolreuter and Medi- cus insisted, fertilization was intended to be effected by the success- ive rising of the stamens and their bursting beside the stigma, the flowers would remain merely pistillate for some two days before the stamens came up to fertilize them. He went, however, to the other extreme, believing that fertilization has always occurred, and the style bécomes reflexed before the anthers dehisce, self-fertilization or close-fertilization by any means being thus excluded. Henschel, though far from a believer in Sprengel’s views, found that before the anthers of .S. Scorodonia and 5S. glandulosa had come to maturity the style was reflexed (1, p. 103). Dr, Miiller was the first to show that Scrophularia is far better fitted to maintain existence than its adapta- tion for cross-fertilization alone implies ; for he found that, as has — been stated in describing the order of maturity of the organs, if — unfertilized—and this frequently occurs in damp, cold weather, when insects are least active in their visits—the stigma remains in its posi- tion until the stamens mature, and so, in a sense, the belief of Kol- reuter and Medicus is realized. This fact is of easy observation,. and no doubt accounts for the similar belief of Mr. Meehan whose keen eyes detected insects upon the flowers of S, canina, but could find no pollen upon the stigma of a flower until after the dehiscence of its own anthers. Henslow (1, p. 371), with a strong predisposi- tion to see adaptations for regular self-fertilization, comes to the same conclusion from a study of dried specimens of this species, and finds his belief confirmed by what Mr. Meehan saw. Dr, Gray, like Sprengel, looking at the matter’ from another standpoint, seems to have overlooked the provision for regular self-fertilization in case | crossing has not occurred, though it is to him that we owe the inter- pretation of Nature's golden rule to flowers: “ get fertilized, cross-fer- __ tilized if you can, self-fertilized if you must, but at all events get fertilized.” Speaking of S. nodosa he says: “self-fertilization here can hardly ever take place, and only through some disturbance of the natural course” (4, p. 220); a similar statement is also made in ia 138 2, p. 111, From flowers which, if not crossed, are self-fertile, it As but a step to such as are regularly self-fertilized, but with a possibil- ity for occasional crossing ; and a step further leads to cleistogamous flowers, incapable of crossing, and constantly self-fertilized. It is a significant fact that the latter are never produced to the exclusion of others capable of being crossed, their occurrence under any circum- stances being merely a sure means of securing some. offspring with as little drain as possible upon the system of the plant. Through the kindness of Mr. Watson, I have been able to exam- ine the specimens of Scrophularia in the Gray herbarium, with the following results. So far as could be judged from dry s ecimens, . protogyny with the characteristic relations of stamens and pistil found in S. wzodosa, occur in S. aquatica, S, bicolor, S. calliantha, S,. canina, §. chrysantha, S. floribunda, S. glabrata, S. grandidentata (?), S. hirta, S. Hispanica, S. incisa, 8. laciniata, S. mellifera, S, multicau- ‘lis, S. Oliveriana, S. peregrina, Sracemosa, S. sambuctfolta, S. Scopolit, S. Smithii, S. sylvatica, §. tricopoda, S, trifoliata, and S. vartegata, In all of thése, crossing appears well provided for, while the posi- tion of the parts in some flowers of several species render it proba- ble that'self-fertilization is possible, later, if this has not occurred. — No species were found in which there was reason to believe that synacmy and regular self-fertilization occur; but in a considerable number the specimens did not allowan opinion to be formed. Cleis- togene flowers were found only in S. argufa, where they were first detected by Durieu de Maisonneuve in 1856 (1, p. 569), and later mentioned by Kuhn (1, p. 67) ; and it is needless to say that open entomophilous flowers occur on the same plants, although the speci- mens do not allow me to state whether dichogamy is present, or not. Before closing, reference must be made to several conflicting state- ments about the sort of dichogamy found in this genus. As stated before, Sprengel found that the pistil matures before the stamens; this and Z£uphorbia being the only genera known to him as _possess- ing what he called “ weiblich-minnliche Dichogamie.” Axel (1, p. 39) doubts this without having studied the plant; but Hilde- brand (1, p. 21), Miiller and others have no difficulty in finding this _ State of things which we call to-day protogyny, and I know of no statement implying the reverse, saving that by Prof. Beal (1, p. 202), which is a slip’as shown by, the context. Mr. Pryor makes the follow- ing statement about .S. aguatica which at first seems unintelligible: “ The anthers may be seen (a) projecting some distance above the lower lip of the flower, while the style is still undeveloped, and con- _ cealed some way down in the tube, In other cases (4) the stamens and styles alike have risen, but not to the same extent as in a, above _ the level of the surface; while in a third instance (0 the anthers are. _ barely visible, but the greatly lengthened style is closely reflexed — over the lower lip of the corolla, and indeed almost reaches the upper border of the sepals. Are these several changes only the - result of growth, oris there anything like trimorphism in these plants? More probably, perhaps, as in case of some of their nearest allies, they are regularly protandrous, and these appearances would thus | _ find a ready explanation” (1, p, 259). Stages 6 and care readily under- _ 139 stood, being nearly what we show in figures 3 and 4, their order of succession being reversed. Mr. Pryor appears to have entirely over- looked the first stage, shown in figure 2, and his @ is an abnormal state of things which the writer has seen a number of times, the style being dwarfed and the stigma usually incapable of fertilization. When such cases are seen on the living plant it is very easy to convince oneself that such styles never elongate so as to give rise to J and ¢. As to the organ which secretes the floral nectar, mention is made of it in many of the essays and theses on “ nectaries’’ which were the fashion fifty to seventy-five years ago, the usual statement being that the glandular organ is the disk described above. ‘This view is also held by Sprengel, Miiller and Delpino; the latter, however, con- sidering it a part of the ovary rather than of the receptacle (1, p. 93). Dr. Gray (1, p. 151) states that “the nectar sought by insects is here secreted abundantly by the corolla, at its base at the posterior side, and to some extent by the disk which girts the base of the ovary ; the posterior face of the scale which represents the anther of the fifth stamen is apparently glandular, but hardly if at all nectariferous.” That the corolla takes any part in the secretion appears to require further demonstration. : Ae If, as we hope is the case, the conflicting statements concerning © xiv. 201-4). z Darwin, C.: (1). On the sexual Relations of the three Forms of Lythrum Sali- is caria, (Jour. Linn. Soe., Bot., 1864, viii, 169). (2). Different Forms of _ Flowers on Plants of the same species. New York. 1877, (3). Cross and — Self-Fertilization in the Vegetable Kingdom. New York, 1877. . Delpino, F.: Ulteriori Osservazioni sulla Dicogamia nel Regno Vegetale, Parte ii, Fasc. 2. (Atti Soc. Ltal. di Sct. Nat.) Milan, 1573-4), 93, 176, — ‘180, 212. = ee a ee as - Durieu de Maisonneuve ; Various Notes (Bull, Soc. Bot., France, 1856, ili, 565-570). — Gray, Asa: (1). Arrangement for Cross-Fertilization of Scrophularia nodosa — A (Amer. Jour. Sci. and Arts, 1371, 3 ser. ii, 150-151.) ; (Journal of Botany Dee., 1871, ix. 375). (2). Fertilization of Flowers by Insect agency, (Proc 140 Phila. Acad., 1876, xxviii, 110-112. (3). How Plants Behave. New York, 1875. (4). Structural Botany. New York, 1880. Henschel, A. : Von der Sexualitat der Pflanzen. Breslau, 1820. : : Henslow, Geo, : On the Self-Fertilization of Plants, (Zrans. Linn. Soc., 1877, 2 ser., Bot., i, 317-398). ae Hildebrand, F.: Die Geschlechter Vertheilung bei den Pflanzen. Leipzig, 1867. Kuhn, M. : Einige Bemerkungen iiber Vandellia und den Bliithenpolymorphismus (Bot. Zeitung, 1867, xxv, 65-7). Lubbock, Sir John: British Wild Flowers in Relation to Insects, London, 1875. Meehan, T.: Fertilization of Flowers by Insect Agency. (Proc. Phila, Acad., 1876, xxviii, 108-112). Masters, M. T.: Cleistogamous Flowers in Scrophularia arguta. (Vegetable Ter- atology. London, 1869, p. 334). fae7, Miiller, H.: (1). Befruchtung der Blumen durch Insekten. Leipzig, 1873. (2). : Alpenblumen; ihre Befruchtung durch Insekten. Leipzig, 188r. = Ogle, W.: The Fertilization of certain Plants, (Pop. Sci. Rev. , 1870, ix, 45-56). Pryor, R. A.: On the Fertilization of certain Plants, (Sez. Gossip, 1873, 258-9). Sprengel, C. K.: Entdeckte Geheimniss der Natur. Berlin, 1793. Ricca, L.: Alcune osservazioni relative alla dicogamia nei vegetali, (Azt#z. Soc. ial. ai Sci. Nat., 1871, xiii, 261.) Wilson, A. S.: On the Association of an inconspicuous Corolla with proterogynous Dichogamy in insect-Fertilized Flowers. (Kep. British Assoc. Adv. Sti., 1878. 564-7). Abstract, ( ¥ournal of Botany, 1878, xvi, n. s,, vii, 314-315). § 135. A New North American Lichen. By H. Wi1tey. _ Mr. C. G. Pringle, who in the past two years has added to our knowledge of the Lichen Flora of Northern New England and Lower Canada, last spring collected in Arizona, some lichens, among which there is one that is new and particularly interesting. This lichen, for an inspection of the specimen of which I am in- debted to Charles J. Sprague, Esq., of Boston, was collected in the Santa Rita Mountains, Arizona. It belongs to the genus Omphalo- dium, and is considered by Prof. Tuckerman to be a subspecies of O. ffottentottum, (Thunb.), and is to be distinguished as O. Hottentottum, var. ARIZONICUM, ‘Tuck., ined. The genus be- longs to the family Umbilicariae, and is distinguished from Uméil- carta by the thalline margin of the apothecia, on which account Q. flottentottum and the only other species, O. Pisacomense, May. & FL, a South American lichen, are referred by Nylander to Parmelia. O. Hottentottum is a rather rare Cape of Good Hope lichen marked by the ciliate margins of the thallus and of the apothecia ; though _ this character is not constant. In var. Arizonicum the lobes are more rounded and crenate than in Hottentottum; the upper side is smooth and greenish-glaucescent, the under side fuscous-black, naked, smooth at the centre, and be- - coming lacerate in anastomosing ridges towards the circumference. The apothecia are numerous, scattered, at first concave, then plane, _ with an inflexed, entire or more slightly crenulate thalline. margin, reaching gmm. in diameter ; the disk dark chestnut ; the hymenium, which rests in the gonidial Stratum, is pale; thekes inflated ; spores in 8s, ovoid or elliptical, colorless, measuring from 11— to 15-thou- sandths of a millimetre in length and from 6 to 9 in breadth. The Spermogones are numerous near the margin of the lobes, black, more « 141 prominent than in /ofttentottum ; sterigmas simple ; spermatia staff- shaped, g— to 11-thousandths of a millimetre in length. Reaction of the hymenium from blue becoming vinous-red. Gonidia from 13 to 18 mmm. in diameter. A thin section of the thallus shows it to be composed of a com- pact medullary tissue of longitudinal fibres, which pass perpendicu- larly to the surface on either side, the gonidial stratum being about one millimetre below the upper surface. After treatment with pot- ash, sulphuric acid and iodine, the hymenium assumes a deep blue color, the hypothecium a pale yellow, and the internal contents of the spermogones a vinous-red, and the hyphae of the thallus become a palé blue, which is deeper when the section is of some thickness. In the only fragment of O. Hottentottum which I have seen, the la- ciniae of the thallus are narrow and elongated, the upper surface is darker than in var. Arizonicum and the lower surface uneven but not lacerate, with stiff fibres at the margin, The apothecia are also cili- ate and the margin is more inflexed than in the other. A thin section shows the structure to be the same in both plants, the inferior stra-. _ tum being, however, somewhat narrower in Hottentotlum ; the gonidia — all about 13mmm. in diameter. On the application of potash, the — gonidial stratum becomes a bright red, a change which does not occur © in var. Arizonicum. The spores in Hottentottum (seen only in the thekes where they often are smaller than when free) are like those of the other plant, but from 9 to 1rmmm. in length. Reaction of the hy- menium with iodine, blue. The hyphae of the lower stratum are con-— tinued into the solid fibrils. _It is curious that two other Cape lichens, Parmelia molliuscula, Ach., and Pertussaria ambigens, (Nyl.) Tuck., have also been found _in the western regions, the one being not uncommon in the Rocky — Mountains and the other occurring in Oregon. a § 136 Ballast Plants in and near New York City.—I have found but little opportunity during the past season to continue the observation of adventive plants introduced with ballast, reported in previous numbers of the BuLueTin, (Vol. vii. p. 122). The princi- pal grounds near Communipaw, containing the freshest deposits — of ballast have been frequently dug over to destroy weeds, so that there was little chance for any mature growths. No new ballast has been brought there this year, and there are doubtless other places near New ¥ork where it has been deposited which if sought out and watched during the next féw years would richly repay attentive — observation. The results of a few visits to the grounds at Communipaw Ferry are given below, with the names of several species which were col- — lected in 1880, but omitted by mistake in last year’s report. — Many, if not most, of those previously reported continue to re~ — appear where the ground is undisturbed. Asperugo procumbens, Neslia — paniculata, and Sisymbrium Irio were found in considerable masses in - places quite distant from where first found; and Lepidium Dradba, _ exterminated where it had flourished several years, appeared from fresh seeds in another quarter. —- oe 142 In the following list, the plants not in Gray’s Manual are printed n in zfa/ics or in small caprrats, the latter designating plants not ~ a before reported here so far as known. The asterisk (*) indicates . ‘ those not previously found within our local limits, the dagger (t), - those found by Mr. Martindale or Mr. Parker near Philadelphia. The numbers are continued from the report of Dec. 1880. In No. 298 (Dec. 1880) erase “ var, dentata.”’ 1366. *SisympriuM PANNoNICUM, Jacq. 8th Avenue, July, 1880. +367. Sisymbrium Thalianum, Gaud. Com. May. +368. Lepidium ruderale, L. Com. May-June. The European form, with root-leaves (4’—-6') in a dense rosette, bi-pinnatifid, lobes linear, very slender and graceful. 369. *TRIFOLIUM OCHROLEUCUM, L. Com. May. +370. *TRIFOLIUM LAPPACEUM, L. Com. Aug. 1 plant. +371. *“Hippocrepis comosa, L. Com. May Flowers only. Scarce. 372. *Colutea arborescens, L. Com. June. Wharf. . +373. *Bupleurum protractum, Link. Com. June, 1880. +374. *Caucalts (Troilus) infesta, Curtis. Com. June. +375. * Hemizonia ramosissima, Benth. Com. July. . *Matricaria discoidea, DC. Com. Aug. Western. . *Tussilago Farfara, L. Com. May. : on . *CENTAUREA AusTRIACA, Willd. Com. June. The same as last year called C. PArygia, L., from which C. Austriaca is distin- . guished by its three upper series of scales surpassing and not covered by the long recurved lower appendages. . *WAHLENBERGIA LINARIOIDES, DC. Com. July, 1880. Chili. . *Gilia achillaefolia, Benth. Gowanus, July, 1880, West. . *Amsinkia intermedia, ¥. & M. Gowanus. July, 1880. West. . *VERBASCUM SINUATUM, L. Com. July, 1880. ie . Roubieva multifida, Mog. Gowanus, Aug., 1880. . CHENOPODIUM OBovATUM, DC. Hunters Point. July, 1880. . *Euphorbia Esula, L. Com, Cct. 1880. . Alopecurus geniculatus, L. 8th Ave. Aug. . *ALOPECURUS BULBOsUS, L. Com. Aug, New York, Nov., 1881. AB § 137. An Unpublished Letter of Wm. Darlington.—By the courtesy of Robert C. Davis, of Philadelphia, who possesses the origi- nal, we are permitted to present our readers with the following letter, which, as partof a correspondence between two eminent-botanists of a past generation, has much interest. We need not regret that De ndolle’s genus Darlingtonia had to give place to Willdenow’s Des- ming for him the magnificent California pitcher-plant. : ater bongs . West CHESTER; Penn., Feb. 7, 1829. _ forwarded a few days since, you will perceive that I had previ- ously received the frs¢ portion. I feel much indebted for your com- plimentary Letter; for, although the compliment is véry extravagant _ there is such an air of blunt frankness about it, that I cannot help — inthus, since this enabled Dr. Torrey to compliment his friend by » = Dear Sir:—Yours of the 1st inst. was received this day, together i th a second portion of the 5th Edition of your manual. By my Let- 143 prizing it highly. I sincerely wish it was merited to the one-half of its literal extent. As to undertaking a work on the Botany of N. America, it is entirely out of the question, with me. I have, indeed, commenced a Herbarium, with a view to become acquainted with American Plants; and, if I live, mean to persevere until I possess specimens of our Plants, as far as possible. Should I be reasonably successful in the undertaking, I shall be happy to aid any gentleman in preparing such a work as you allude to, and which, I think, will ere long be much wanted. I hope some one will be prepared to attempt it, before a great while. I have been trying to persuade Dr. Torrey, for two or three years past, to undertake it; but his other en- gagements seem to prevent him, even from completing his Northern Flora. In the mean time, however, your manual will make a pretty good substitute, if you carefully introduce all the known plants into this 5th Edition. You askif I amrich, and at leisure? 1 am (whether fortunately, or unfortunately, I know not) neither the one, northe other. I have a large family, with but little except a country practice of Physic, to maintain them, and a petty appointment of Clerk of our Court, which — I hold temporarily. Of course, I have but little leisure to prosecute unproductive studies. I nevertheless take great delight in devoting what time I can seize, to my favorite pursuit of Botany; and, per- haps, do it with more zeal than I should do, if 1 was wealthy and dis- engaged. Iam but about six years younger than yourself; and there- fore have got rather past the time of life when I might have traversed the country, free from family clogs, in pursuit of Botanical treasures. agreeably to your request, I now send you what information I am possessed of, relative to Professsor De Candolle’s genus Darlingtonta. It was first published, I believe, in the “ Annales des Sciences Nat- urelles,” in 1824, in a paper entitled “ Notices sur quelques genres et espéces nouvelles des Legumineuses;” and soon afterwards, in his _ ““ Memoires sur la famille des Legumineuses,” page 427 ; (Memoire 12, sous-Ordre AZimosees,)—where he has these observations, which I give you in his own language.t * * * Inaddition tothe above Dr. Torrey has described D. intermedia, in Annals of N. York Lyceum. _ I have seen but one species of this genus; and that I have grow- ing in my garden. I got it by the name of D. drachylvda, and it agrees exactly with the figure, in de Candolle’s Memoires, but not with the description. There is some mistake about it, which, for want of pos- sessing a// the species, or supposed species, I am unable to clear up. The books all describe the Legumes of D. brachyloba, as straightish and lanceolate, (rectiusculis), whereas in De Candolle’s f/ate, and in my specimens, the Legumes are quite fa/caze; precisely as those of D. glandulosa are said to be. I got my specimens from Bartram’s old Botanic garden, where the plant has long been known by the origi- nal name of Mimosa tllinoensis; and yet this discrepancy exists. Whether, or not, there is vea//y more than one species, 1 am unable to ‘say; and I think there is more information wanted, before that point — can be determined, satisfactorily. The Plant which I have growing : iv 4 We omit at this point a lengthy quotation from De Candolle.—Eps. 144 is I think, quite distinct from both Acacia, and Mimosa. It is, as D. C. observes, Hermaphrodite, or bears perfect flowers; and, having constantly 5 stamens, I believe ought to be placed in the class Pent- andria. You will perceive that your generic description will admit of some amendment, as few seeded, instead of “ many ”’ seeded, &c. I observe a few typographical errors in the sheets last received from you ; but as it will probably be too late to correct them, I will not trouble you now with enumerating them. I am pleased to see, by last Silliman’s Journal, that Dr. Beck is going to publish a work on our Ferns and Mosses. I have long wanted such a work, to enable me to study those plants with more success than I have heretofore had. I hope he will point out the proper season for investigating each tribe with most advantage. Be pleased to suggest to him to designate the month, or time, when the fructification of each plant is in the best state for examination, somewhat as the flowering of phoenogamous plants is usually noted. I wish I could aid you in your Seological researches, by remarks or otherwise, but I am too much of a ¢yro in that science to venture. It is quite a favorite subject with me, but I do not feel competent to offer suggestions on it at present. Excuse my tedious epistle. : Yours respectfully, Prof. AMos Eaton, ; Ws. Dar.incton. Rensselaer School, Troy, N. Y. § 138. Malvastrum angustum in Illinois—I have found in this neighborhood Malvastrum angustum which was found by Eng- elmann and Parry on Rock Island, ona spot now covered with build- ings. It was supposed to be extinct in Illinois. Wood does not recognize it. It was found late in the season, and I have only fruited specimens for exchange. Of these I can furnish a considerable num- ber. ; Ottawa, Ill. H. L. Bottrwoop. § 139. Marsilia quadrifolia.—The mention of this plant in the November number of the BuLLeTin reminds me that many years ago the late John L. Russell, of Salem, gave me a specimen of it, which he told me he had cultivated in his garden from plants procured by him at the original station. It is not unlikely that he also planted it in ponds in that vicinity, and that its occurrence there now is due to this propagation. oe New Bedford, Mass, HW: — § 140. Notes from Staten Island.—Rjxs copallina, L. This _ Species, commonly known as dwarf sumac, is described by Gray as _ being from 1-7 ft. in height. ‘I have commonly found it higher tha _ that, and one individual, near the Church Road, Port Richmond, $. _ L, is full 25 ft. in height and towers considerably above the tops of _ Carpinus, Cornus, etc., with which it grows, oo _ Viola cucullata, Ait, On Saturday, Oct. 22nd, cies in full bloom and with other buds in different _ and development, near Richmond, S, I. On the I found this spe- ARTHUR Houck. ' Stages of growh _ : oo : : 2 following ‘day i. _ found several specimens of Viola pedata, L., near New Brighton, oe ee GENERAL INDEX. (Illustrated articles are designated by an asterisk * before the page number.) Adhesion between two beeches, *91. Albinism i in Cirsium lanceolatum, 11, 56. ‘ Geranium maculatum, 36 ‘* Lonicera oblongifolia, 36. s ** Iris versicolor, 128. Alder catkins, note on, 57, '4, Algae, New England, notes on, 65, 69. “fresh-water, *25. Andropogon Jamesii, note on, 52. Arceuthobium, new station for, 33. Arisaema, Figen comaig? “8 of spadices, 90. Arthrocladia villosa, 127. Beech, a protection from lightning, 116. hesion in, *91. v7 ight es Sa Hla Be in, ene Blackberry, white Bonpland, origin of esas eae. 92, Botanical Clu fo Goce 36, 132, 156. ‘ Torrey, 12, 24, 60, 96, 119, 144, 155. sa Literature, 57, 94, 108, 118, 132, 143, “". Notes, 92, 106, it 129, 141, 153. chium, abnormal, 23, 1 , 116. lifornian plants, new, 15, 31. Galician new genus of fungi, *62, Cambium-layer, phenomena, *137. Carex riparia, new variety of, 151. “s Deweyi, query concerning, 35. Carices, errors in descriptions, 82. Carrot, prolification in, 151. Chara, development of cortex in, *37, Chemung Co., N. Y., notes from, 72. Chlorophyll, 141. Compositae, new species of, 15, 1L9. Concentric annual growths, 10. Coniferae, preservation of specimens, 96. ae rer CONTRIBUTORS: Allen, T. F. 5 Bailey, L. eae ey, W. Wow. it #50, 57, 90, 106, 114, 116, 129, 152. Banni Bats E., 125, 153. Beal, W. J., ,C.E. i Britton, 1 iS MPS #13, 101, 149. Chickering, ma W., dfs; 140. Clapp, H. L., 34. Cleveland, D., 55. Collins, F. S., 69. Cope, Mary $ , 12. Days DoE E , 20, 68, 71, 99, 108. Day, Eaton, - 6. Geor e, 127. Farlow, W. os = > Gray, Asa, 72, Greene, Edw. See 15, 62, 109, 121, 145. Haberer, mfg, oe 33. pag, a B., es 126. Hollis an anh 12, *129, 149. foes E. C., 35, 82. 90. Jones, M. E., 5, '81, 91, 92, 116, 124, 128. Lockwood Lucy, T. F., 72. | Grape Meehan, Thos., 10, 11, 55, 82, 151. Mellichamp, J. a. 115, 1 128. Parry, C. C., *30, 97. Peck, Chas. 'H., a, *61, *123. , 105. Ravenel, H. W., 23, 112, 128, 140. Rusby, H. H., 53, 73, 106. Rust, Mary O., 6, 17, 37. __ Schrenk, Joseph, *47, #83, 90. Scribner, F. 32, 34, 52 134, 145, iss. Smith, ‘Chas. ¥ , 83. Stone, W. a} 84. Tracy, C. T. "84. Trelease, Wnm., *102. Trimble, Wm., 10, 140. Tuckerman, Edw., 143. Tweedy, Frank, 23 Vroom, J., 92. wane’ Henry, 6, 38, 57, 152. illis, O. R. Wolke P.. #25. 15, 86, 151. T. Fil Wriebt, =e Corema Conradii, new station for, 83. Corona of the Narcissus, 106. Crucifer, a new Mexican, 124. Cucurbita, the fruits of, *30. Dandelion, adventitious leaf on, 11, 129. Dicentra , tubers of, 90. rootstock of, *47, Dishhwaiee a new species of, 86. Dickie, Dr. G., death of, 120. Echinos um Greenei, 128. Electric phenomena in plants, 142. Eleocharis nodulosa, note on, 56 Epigaea repens, late flowering, 12. Epipactis elleborine, new station, 127. Evolutionist, a forgotten, 93. Exogens, growth of, 8. Ferns, po on, 20, 68, 91, 99, *129. , 56, 74, 86, 103, the U. eF PT aap or little-known, 49, Flora, ee Ae of Nowpork . L, notes on, 23. bi “* Richmond Go.. N. Y., 149. 4 ** Utah and Nevada, ae: on, 5, 7 ‘a of U. oh tit. of, 80. Flowe e colors si cross-fertilization by insects, 131. ‘* of alenyanthes, dimorphous, 92. Fruits of Cucurbita, *30, Fuchsia, monstrous flowers in, *102. Fungi, a American, 18, *61, 73, ‘* in wrong genera, *1. “expansive power of, 129. «preservative for, 153. -vines, , 11, 23. Grass, change 0: name in, 3 Grasses of ka and Calldetala, 74, ‘North American genera of, 134, ‘* of Oregon, note on, 34 98, Grasses, note on, 153. Gratiola, prolification in, 139. Gymunocladus a fly-poison, 130. Helonias bullata, new station for, 101. Heterocentron roseum, note on, 11. Hieracium aurantiacum, 12. Holozonia, new genus, 122. es filipes, note on, 145, Tlex, a yellow-berried, 152. Tris, albinism in 128. “versicolor, germination of, *83. Leaf-forms, design of some, 34. Leaves, dimorphic, of aquatic plants, 141. pe anon William Henry, 85. Lichens, theory of, 33. Lily, an electrified, 153. Massachusetts, notes from, 56, 84, Mayflower, the name, 92. Menyanthes, dimorphic flowers of, 92. Migrations of plants,.11. Mummy garlands, 142. Myco-lichens, 6. Narcissus, corona or cup of, 106. Nevada, notes on flora of, 5. North Carolina, notes from, 115. Nutation in Epilobium, 8. Oak, hybrid, near Keyport, *13. Oaks, hybrid, 55. ‘* variability of, 118 Onoclea sensibilis, var. obtusilobata, 6. Ophioglossum vulgatum, 55. ah nudicaule, 71. Oriole’s nest, vegetable fibres in, 57. Parmelia furfuracea in embalming, 152. Phaeosaccion, new genus of algae. 66. Phalloid, an imperfectly described, *123. Physalacria, new genus of fungi, *2. Physarella, new —_ of fungi, *61. Plants. aquatic, dimorphic leaves, 141. “Californian, new, 31. drying of fleshy, 92. electric phenomena in, 142, exchanges, 84. migrations of, 11. Western, new, 62, 121. Psilotum triquetrum, new station, 128. PusiicaTions Noricep: Annual Report Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., 95. British Fresh-water Algae, by M. C. Cooke, 94. Bulletin Buffalo Soc. Nat. Science, 132. Catalogue of Hanover (N, H.) Plants, by H. G. Jesup, 95. Contributions to Flora of Iowa, by J. C. Arthur, 118. Contributions to American Botany, by 8. Wai «182, Darwin, par A. De Candolle, 119. Darwin, Charles R., by J. F. James, 119. Dictionary of Popular Names of Plants, by John Smith, 155. Flora of bur ena Co. (N. Y.), by O. Proceedings of Boston Soc. Nat. Hist . 119. He Davenport Acad Sci., 143. _ Philadelphia Acad. Nat. Sci., 119. 19. Report U, S. Commission of Fisheries, — 132 Sur un Caractére de la Batate, par A. si wranbee te PA Saccardo, 118 Sylloge rum, by P. A. cardo, 118, fiymbolne Licheno-Mycologicae, by Dr. A. Minks, 143. Synopsis of N. Amer. Lichens, by E. Tuckerman, 57. The New Botany. by W. J. Beal, 119. Transactions of Mass. Hort. Soc., 119. Woody Plants of Ohio, by Jno. A. Warder, 5 te 155. Purslane, night-closing of leaves, 153. Quercus palustris, striped acorns, 57. Khus cotinoides, rediscovery of, 153. Rosa minutifolia, fruit of, 127. Rose, new North American, 97. Salix, brittle branches of, 82, 89, 90. Seeds, latent vitality of, 131. Snake, lignified, *137, 152. : Sphagnum, notes on the genus, 105. Staphylea, late flowering of, 144. Suggestion, a, 82. . Sweet potato, a character of the, 130. ° Teratological notes, 10, #102, 140. 55. : in Rubus, 120. Adventive leaf in Taraxacum, 11, 129, Fasciation in Ranunculus, 10, a Fission of Heteroph Meiophyl y in ria, 141. snipe in Convallaria, 120. ly in Fagus, 144. Fuchsia, *102. Urginea, 103. nego vere of spathes in Symplocar- pus, 10, 84. Multiplication of spadices in Arisaema, 90. Phyllody of bracts in Alnus, 120. Polyphylly of corolla in Houstonia, 10. cee «sin Claytonia, 140. ne “ eynoecium in Fraxinus, 11 “* bracts in Hepatica, 10. Prolification in Daucus, 151. me ig ron, 141. = Gratiola, ory ni maar ama ahs ymplocarpus, 10. ** Verbena, 141. Suppression of bathe ge m9 Anemone, 120. se Grevillea, 144 Torenia Asiatica, fertilization of, *51. Index to the genus Carex, by J. F. James, of the South-west, y 118. Tricardia Watsoni, 92, 116. _ Manual for the Preservation of Fungi, by Tuckahoe, etymology of 115. J.L. English,59. - notes on, 125, 140, Names of Herbes, by Wm. Turner, 58. Verbascum, a hybrid, 10. 141. Notes ¢ on Eo g of the Lower Wabash, Vincetoxicum m, 106, 120. “y y. . ‘ds Sco rium, 115. Our Native she a a Underwood, | Weeds, the migration of, 112. , 119, Westchester Co., N. Y., gleanings in, 35. Plate IX. ~ Figs. 6 to 11, Secotrum Wanner, Pk Bulletin Torrey Botanical Club. ~ Fige. 3 to 5, PHYSALACRIA INFLATA, BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. 1X.) New York, January, 1882, (No. |. rans in Wrong Genera. y Cuas. H. Peck. . More than fifty years ago L. de Schweinitz sent specimens of a small American fungus to Prof. Elias Fries. He gave it, in his letter, the manuscript name, Leotia inflata; but Fries, taking it to be a species of Mitrula, published a description of it in Elenchus Fun- gorum, Vol. i, pp. 234 and 235, giving it the name Mitrula inflata, with a reference to the manuscript name of Schweinitz. In Epicri- sis, p. 584, he repeats his diagnosis of the species thus: “ JZ. inflata albida, capitulo subgloboso, inflato, stipite filiformi elongato.” In 1878, M. C. Cooke republished this diagnosis in Mycographia, p. 204, under the name Sfathularia inflata, though it is not clear why the species was referred to Spathularia, for the plant has not a laterally-decurrent club, an essential character of that genus. He also published a figure of the plant, with the remark, “sporidiis ignotis.”” Inasmuch as this figure gives no representation of the fruit, it has seemed best to give a new one, representing the fungus more in detail. The reference in Micographia, /. c., “ Leotia inflata, Schw., Syn. Car. 1120,” is erroneous, for-this number belongs to “ L. circinalis,” which was evidently intended for L. circinans, as is shown by 738 Syn. N. A. Fungi. It does not appear that Schwei- nitz ever published a description of this fungus, and in the work last mentioned, at number 1068, he adopts the name Mitruda inflata, with a reference to the description in Elenchus Fungorum. Having recently found and examined fertile specimens of this fungus, I have been forced to the conclusion that it belongs neither to the genus Leotia nor to Mitrula, nor yet to Spathularia, but to an undescribed genus of Hymenomycetes, belonging to the order Clavariei and related to the genus Pésti/laria. ae The plants usually grow in tufts of few or many individuals. Sometimes the heads are so closely crowded that they grow together, and frequently the stems are united at the base. Luxuriant speci- mens are about an inch high, but ordinarily they are one-half to three-fourths ef an inch high. At first they are pure white, but with age the heads or clubs acquire a yellowish tint and then soon _ decay. The stems often remain firm and upright after the heads _ have decayed. The walls of the hollow club are very thin but rather tough, and when moist they will stretch considerably before the tissue will separate. Oblong, club-shaped bodies are scattered here and there in the hymenium which covers the head or club. These bear a strong resemblance to asci, and they may possibly have been thought to be such by those authors who first referred the fungus to Ascomycetous genera; but I am confident that they are not asci. I have not been able to detect spores in them, even in specimens which produced spores in abundance. They are usually a little narrowed or even contracted just below the 2 ‘ apex, and probably correspond to the cystidia of Agarici, The basidia or sporophores are much smaller and more numerous. They form a thin stratum over the surface of the globose head. I have not clearly seen them with more than two spicules each. The genus and species may be described as follows: PHYSALACRIA, Gen. nov. (From gvoadis, & bladder, and a&xpa, the top.) Club subglobose, inflated, thin, somewhat tenacious, everywhere covered by the hymenium, supported on a distinct slender stem. ‘ Distinguished from Pisti/aria by the thin, inflated, bladder-like club and the distinct slender stem. The following is at present the only species known : ; PHYSALACRIA INFLATA.—White, becoming tinged with yellow ; club subglobose, submembranaceous, glabrous, flaccid, more or less uneven with irregular depressions ‘or wrinkles, two ‘to four lines broad; stem slender, equal, firm, straight, solid, four to.nine lines high, minutely hairy or subfurfuraceous, mostly caespitose; spores minute, narrowly elliptical, colorless, .ooo16-.o002 of an inch long, and about . half as broad. . Decaying wood and bark in woods and shaded places. It occurs especially in mountainous or hilly districts in summer. The fungus described in the BULLETIN, Vol: vi, p. 77, under the name Lycoperdon Warnei, was referred to the genus Lycoperdon with some misgivings, because the spores and capillitium presented char- acters not quite in harmony with the characters of that genus, Afterwards, specimens of the same fungus were sent me from Wis- consin by Mr. Bundy, but some of them showed a distinct stem. This indicated that the species might belong to the genus Podaxon, to which, in aremark in a paper on United States species of Lyco- perdon, it was erroneously referred. Since that time, other speci- mens have been received from various sources, and a careful exami- nation of them makes it necessary to refer the species to the genus Secottum. Besides, the plant is so very variable that a more com- prehensive description is desirable. SecoTiIum Warnel.—Peridium subglobose ovate or oblong, one to four inches high, one to three inches broad, squamose, white, gray or brownish, sessile or with a short stem, when mature rupturing lon- - gitudinally at the base into four to six lobes or laeiniae ; internal mass at at first whitish, then dingy-yellow, finally olivaceous-brown _ or snuff-brown; spores subglobose or broadly ovate-elliptical, col- _ ored, .00025—.0003 of an inch long, ca Fields, pastures and waste places. Illinois; H. A. Warne. Wis- _ consin; W. F. Bundy. Iowa; C. E. Bessey. Nova Scotia; A. H. _ McKay. Pennsylvania; Lizzie G. Barnett. This fungus occurs especially in wet weather in summer and autumn*. The species is related to S. Szabolesiense, Hazl., which is described as having the internal mass (when mature) chestnut-col- ored and the peridium glabrous and splitting into ten to twelve *Miss Barnett writes that she has also found it in May, ae 3 lobes at the base, characters not shown by our plant. The scales in our plant are thin, whitish or brownish and generally appressed and spot-like. Sometimes they are evanescent in the dried specimen, but generally they are distinct. The internal mass or hymenium is at first white and seems to vary somewhat in its appearance. Miss Barnett says concerning these fungi, that, when cut, the inside resembles white crape all crumpled up, but after exposure this becomes brown and then dusty like ordinary Lycoperdons. Prof. Bessey writes that, upon cutting open one or two of these fungi, he observed a most remarkable regularity in the spore-bearing surfaces, and that they bore a resemblance to the gills of unexpanded ,Agari- cini. The arrangement of the variously folded and united hymenial plates and their intercellular spaces is clearly not uniform, but I doubt if any characters for specific distinction can be drawn there- from. I certainly find no satisfactory characters for distinguishing the Pennsylvania from the Iowa specimens. This species (and indeed the whole genus) is very interesting, affording as it does a beautiful connecting link between the Hymenomycetous Agaricini and the Gasteromycetous Trichogasters. The distinct stem shown | by some of the Wisconsin specimens adds another feature of resem- blance between the two groups, for it would be difficult without a close examination to say that one of these stipitate specimens was not an unexpanded Agaric. When mature, the spores may, by sudden pressure, be expelled through the chinks of the peridium in little smoke-like puffs, in the same manner as the spores of puff-balls. One other species of Secofium has occurred in this country, viz., Secotium Texense, B. & C., which, according to the description, has the hymenium black, the spores but .coo2 of an inch in diam- eter and the stem ventricose and three inches high. Note.—I have just received specimens of Secotium Warnei, with notes thereon, from Miss E. Butler of Minnesota. These indicate — a still greater variation in the specific characters than that provided — for in the description already given. First; the scales of the peri- dium are sometimes quite thick and broad, and are somewhat reflexed — so that they give to the plant a rough or even a shaggy appearance. Second ; the size is sometimes greater than the dimensions given in the description. One specimen before me measures five inches in length and the same in breadth in the widest part, and that too in the dried state. In the fresh condition it would be likely to be still larger. Third; the plants sometimes grow in tufts or compact clusters. Thelarge specimen already mentioned is irregular in shape, the irregularity having been produced by the crowded mode of growth and the mutual pressure of contiguous individuals. The _ smallest specimen of the group from which the large one was taken — is only three-fourths of an inch high and broad in the dried state. Miss Butler mentions two clusters or colonies, one composed of ten, the other of thirteen individuals. She says of the specimens, “ they grew among rank weeds on waste land where garbage had been’ - thrown.” It is possible that in such situations they grow more luxuriantly than in open fields, Most of the Minnesota specimens 4 - % + sent me, as well as those from Pennsylvania, are subglobose, from which I infer that in these localities this is the prevailing form. EXPLANATION OF THE PLATE.—Physalacria inflata.—Fig. 1. a cluster of plants. Fig. 2, a single plant enlarged. Fig. 3, three cystidia x goo. Fig. 4, five basidia, one of them bearing two spores x 400. Fig. 5, six spores x 400. p Secotium Warnei.—Fig. 6, an obovate plant. Fig. 7, a small ovate plant with a distinct stem. Fig. 8, a small subglobose umbonate plant. Fig. 9, vertical sec- tiom of an oblong plant, showing the hymenial plates and percurrent stem. Fig. Io, a basidium bearing four spores x goo. Fig. 11, seven spores x 400. Additions to the Flora of the United States.—Crataegus arbores- cens, Ell., is not uncommon in the rich alluvions of the Mississippi River, near St. Louis, and probably inhabits the banks of this river and its lower tributaries down to its mouth. It has not been recog- nized of late and seems to be quite rare in herbaria, and is probably not in cultivation. I have not much to add to Elliott’s, Torrey and Gray’s and Chapman’s descriptions, but may say that in this neigh- borhood it is the largest species of the genus, making trunks from 8- 12 and, as Mr. Eggert informs me, even 18 inches in diameter, 5-7 feet high, fluted or grooved, and with a broad top, rarely bearing any thorns. The leaves,cuneiform at base,undivided or,at the end of shoots, 3-lobed, resemble in form those of C. zomentosa, but are smaller, much thinner and smoother, even when young, often with soft down in the axils of veins underneath; flowers in loose corymbs, only 7 or 8 lines wide; calyx smooth, neither pubescent nor glandular, with triangular acute lobes; styles 5; drupes depressed-globular, 4-5 lines thick with 5 (or rarely more) stones grooved on the back, bright red or rarely orange-colored, persisting through winter, when those of our other species, C. coccinea, Crus-galli, subvillosa and tomentosa drop oft. Sagittaria natans, Michx., has béen noticed by Mr. C. E. Faxon, since a number of years in Charles River, Mass., “at the depth of 2 to 4 feet, and entirely above the influence of tide-water,” and also, as he informs me, in Neponset and in Ipswich Rivers, where Mr. J. Rob- inson found it. It flowers there from the middle of June to the end of July, but never perfects fruit, and thus is evidently not at home in those northern waters, where it has a precarious existence by stolons; these can only winter where deep water protects them from frost. The seed was probably first brought there from the South, by water-fowl who disseminate so many water-plants. Scape and phyl- lodia 2-4 feet long, barely reaching the surface of the water, leaf- blades rarely developed, and then linear-lanceolate; racemeas well as pedicels often elongated in order to reach air and light ; flowers 6-7 _ lines wide, opening in forenoon, submerged again toward evening, only one or two of the lowest whorl fertile, the others all male; male — - flowers with 6-exterior and 1 or 2 central stamens; filaments about — as long as the nearly orbicular anthers, bulbous at base and smooth ; pistils of the female flowers numerous, minute, erect, style as long as the ovary; fruit (never matured in the North) in southern speci- mens marked by several (5 or 7) denticulate crests on back and sides. — 2 : _ Sagitiaria pusilla, Pursh., must be considered as a subterrestrial — form of this species, distinguished only by its size and by a 3-crested achen. S. graminea, with which I had confounded the northern 3) form, is distinguished by the great number of stamens and the papil- lose filaments, even where the fruit can not be compared. G. ENGELMANN. Notes from Utah and Nevada.—It was my good fortune on returning from California to spend a day or two in the East Hum- boldt Mountains, Nevada, where Mr. Watson botanized years ago. Some very interesting plants were found ; among them, Aspidium acu- leatum, var, scopulinum. This grew in the crevices of rocks at gooo feet altitude. On reaching Salt Lake City, I had occasion to botan- 1ze at Wasatch, 20 miles southeast, at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, (altitude about 5000 feet); there I found the same fern growing in the crevices of wet rocks. It has the habit of Aspidium Lonchitis, and closely résembles it. I see no resémblance to A. acu- Zeatum and cannot see how it came to be referred to that species. I understand that Prof. Eaton contemplates transferring it to 4. moh- rioides. 1 was able to secure quite a number of fronds and two liy- ing plants, by which it will be possible to study it still more closely. I am indebted to Mr. Davenport for the detérmination. Prof. Eaton, in Bot. Wheeler’s Rep., says that the sterile fronds of Pellaeca densa are rare. This is not the case in-Utah. They are on almost every root of plants that grow at high altitudes. The spore-cases of Votholaena dealbata are quite interesting. They are oval, light chocolate-brown, splitting entirely in two, one half - remaining behind like the lower half of the pod of Portulaca, making the frond appear as if covered with minute shells. In my specimens of Sida/cea malvacflora the pods are reticulated, not smooth as stated in Botany of California. Datlea polyadenia is thorny and makes unpleasant swellings, when the thorns pierce the flesh, as though it were poisonous. Astragalus multiflorus dries black, and is almost the only species that I know which does dry thus. The appressed hairs of Zownsendia scapigera are almost always two-jointed and bent at the joints and so appressed. : I have specimens of Chaenactis Douglasii from Nevada, with a) the five outer pappus-scales black at base and almost as long as the _ akene, the five inner scales narrow, half as long; akene hirsute. : In Chaenactis carphoclinia the chaff subtends only one or two rows of outer akenes in my specimens. Allium validum has a narrowly-winged stem, and bulb-coat reticulated, much like 4. anceps; the style is not always “longer than the stamens.” In other respects my specimens agree with Watson's, which were gathered in the same mountains. IT have Carex luzulaefolia from the East Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, as well as from the Wasatch. -_. I noticed in a former article that the shape of the sterile filament __ is now given up as atest in Scrophularia Californica. The Utah _ plants which I have seen have the leaves‘of nodosa and the inflores- cence of Californica, which adds another to the strong points against _ the specific value of S. Californica. { found a number of plants this i : season which were devoid of any vestige of a sterile filament. _ iJ 6 The flowers of Phlox canescens are very often pink or purple, as well as “ white.” ; The seeds of Erythraea Douglasii are not “globular” in a great many plants. They also vary in size. Salt Lake City, Utah. ' Marcus E. Jones. Onoclea sensibilis, var. obtusilobata.—Seeing the notes in the September and October BuLuetins on that form of Onoclea sen- stbilts usually called variety odtust/obata, 1 thought it might be of in- terest to state in what localities we have found it, and something of my experience in trying to cultivate it in my garden. I first found, growing in profusion, in a low marshy meadow, some of the finest fertile ob/wsi/obata forms, from the same rootstocks on which were the ordinary sterile fronds. Growing side by side in this meadow were all the forms mentioned by Mr. Underwood, as well as some with acute segments open in fructification. When I first visited this spot and found the finest specimens, it had not been mown over; but since that it has been mown every year, and the speci- mens are not so fine vdtwstlobola. | have also found it growing by road- sides at Pompey Hill, in dry localities, regularly mown. There, most of the fronds more nearly approached the normal sterile form, some having one-half entirely sterile and not at all contracted. Last year, on our first visit to Cicero Swamp, Mrs. Myers found a great abundance of obtusilobata in a portion of the swamp which had been cleared of trees, but not burnt over nor at all cultivated. In the sphagnum, near by, we found Chiogenes hispidula and Gaul- therta procumbens. : In a swampy woods, near Centerville, we have found, several years in succession, fine specimens of obtustlobata, while on the Jamesville Road, a few years ago, there used to be a long stretch of the beautiful Onoclea sensibilis (never any of the variety) skirting a rich low wood ; but the hand of the spoiler felled the woods, and since that time it has all died out without ever showing any obtusilobata forms. _ Often, when I have found what seemed to me the most perfect obtusilobata, I have brought it home and planted it in my fern-bed in the garden only to have it show fine normal sterile fronds (no fertile ones whanaees while by its side Struthiopteris Germanica, collected from similar localities, would send up year after year good healthy fertile fronds. Whether all of this will aid much in proving that odtusi/obata is no variety and that it is an effort of the species to form a variety, or whether a reversion, I greatly doubt . Syracuse, N. Y. . Mary Orivia Rust. Myco-Lichens.—In the recent work by Dr. A. Minks, entitled Symbolae Licheno-Mycologicae, devoted to maintaining that a large number of Fungi, amounting to several thousands, are properly tobe __ regarded as Lichens, a list of a considerable number of these Fungi, — or Myco-Lichens is given. me country, a list of them may be As several of these occur in this _ ee of interest to American fungologists, — = ” and is given below. The plants considered, are arranged in series, probably to indicate their affinities, though it is not so stated. In the following list, the series are separated by a dash, and the page on which they are mentioned is given. Dr. Minks is the most vigorous opponent of the Schwendener _theory, that so-called lichens are only fungi parasitically associated with algae, who has yet appeared. His studies have been extensive and exhaustive. Unfortunately, the style in which his views are ex- pressed is so difficult as to be anything but attractive; and few in this country, probably, will have the patience to read his work, Das Microgonidium, in which his doctrines are conveyed. He has many original opinions, some of which have not been verified by other observers; but several have seen the microgonidium, the organ which, according to Minks, is the fundamental one of lichen structure, and which distinguishes it absolutely from all fungus structure. The microgonidium is an extremely small, simple cell, which, under proper treatment, can be seen in all parts of lichens—in the hyphae, the paraphyses, the spermatia, and the spores, and its history and development are very fully treated in the work above-mentioned. A few words will elucidate Dr. Minks’s mode of treatment. A thin section of the thallus or apothecium of a lichen is to be soaked for a short time (from five to ten minutes), in /7guor potassae. It is then to be washed and placed in dilute sulphuric acid for about three-quarters of an hour, or until it becomes of the consistence of soft putty. It is then to be placed on a slide, in water, and a small portion of solution of iodine added. With a suitable light, and suf- ficient magnifying power, the microgonidia are then visible, as minute cells of a bluish-green color. Dr. Minks recommends the use of an immersion lens, and a magnifying power of 1000, with the light reflected from a cloud. It is the detection of microgonidia in the | tissues of the fungi enumerated, which leads Dr. Minks to include © them among lichens; and a wide field is here opened for those who use the microscope. — 1. Zympanis picastra, Berk & Curt. . wilds, Pe T1S » ZL. Raveneii, Bee : S. Capr., p. 12. . Phacidium elegans, B. & C. . : LV. Car., p. 12. . Lympanis viticola, (Schwein) Fr. XN. J., p. 36. . I. conspersa, Fr. ; : : OV. J.; p. 48. . I. fasciculata, Schwein. NV. J., p. 48. . Cenangium Cerast, (Pers.) . _ MMass., p. 52. . C. Magnoliae, B. & C. #ila., p. 54. . Nodularia acericola, Peck . d N.Y, Dp. 55. . Dermatea carnea, Cooke & Ellis. . ,. WV. /., p. 56. . D. carpinea, (Pers). : a Mass. N.Y. pi 59: . Patellaria Rubi, Lib. - WV. J, p. 63. . Dermatea tabacina, Cooke. LV. J., p. 69. 14. Cenangium turgidum, Fr. oN J DB k 5. Lecidea resinae, Fr. . . XV. £., p. 73. . Lecanidion fusco-atrum, Rehm. : a a pe eke: 6.355) NM Fig pO Bae 7. Patellaria atrata, (Hedw. 8 18. P. indigotica, Cooke & Peck. . ae Ds BF: 19. £. cucurbitaria, Cooke. ; : : LV Sy De She 20. P. dispersa, Gerard. : Ne ds Pose 21. Cenangium triangulare, (Schw.). NW. /., Mass., p. 114. 22. Phacidium crustaceum, B. & C. Mass., p. 115. 23. Phacidium autumnale, Fckl. . : +d OME, D. 13%. 24. Patellaria ferruginea,C. & E. . : NV. J., p. 150. 25. Phacidium dentatum, Schmidt. : OE og Rs 26. Discella discoidea, C. & P. ; NX Base, 27. Phacidium carbonaceum, Fr. ; ae , Kage aye: 28. Discella leguminum, Cooke. ; i Texas, p. 174. 29. D. macrosperma, Peck. . : ; lve i he oe. 30. Hustegia, Magnoliae, Peck. : : so. Ger pe 275. 31. Patellaria, lignyota, Fr. : : a: da Pg De RE: New Bedford, Mass. SW: Nutation in Epilobium angustifolium, L.—This plant, which is put down in the botahies as willow-herb, but is more frequently called fire-weed, exhibits the phenomenon of nutation in a very _ marked and interesting manner. The young flowers-buds at the tip of the raceme are erect. A little later, as the stem (axis of inflores- _ cence) elongates, they point downwards and are closely pressed against the stem. Still latér, the peduncles of the half-grown flower- buds begin to rise, and soon form nearly a right angle with the stem. Later still, when the buds are fully developed and begin to open, the angle is lessened to about forty-five degrees; while the fruits, when mature, are, for the most part, nearly or quite erect. Thus the flowers, or at least the ovaries, from the time of their formation to their fruiting, traverse, twice over, the arc of a circle of nearly ninety degrees. What advantage the plant gains by these movements it might be difficult to say. Possibly the movements may have some relation to those which are known to pertain to the stamens and style. Observations during the growing season, by any one having the opportunity, would no doubt bring out some interesting facts. Cornell University. A. N. PRENTISS. Growth of Exogens. III. —This subject is one of such import- ance to science that I feel anxious to put before the botanists of the country all the information that comes into my possession. . : _ In a conversation with one of the professors of Washburn College, — _ Topeka, Kansas, on the growth of Exogens, he informed me that for _ some years he had charge of the trees upon the college grounds. | ___ In order to get shade as soon as possible, the cottonwood (Popu- tus monilifera) had been set alternating with other trees, with the de- sign of removing the cottonwoods as they grew large enough to in- - = _ terfere with the growth of the more desirable trees. a _ In that locality a dry season occurs with marked constancy, be- 9 ginning about the first of July and ending about the first of Septem- ber, while September is usually a wetand warm month, In watching the remarkable growth of the cotton-woods, the professor’s attention was drawn to what he thought was a check in their activity in the lat- ter part of the dry season, and the pushing of the terminal buds in September and early October. He became deeply interested in what he regarded as an abnormal condition, and watched with great care until he was convinced that a new, or second tube of wood was formed during this second growth. To test the matter fully he examined cross-sections of some branches whose age he knew, and found that the number of concentric rings exceeded the number of years they had been growing. In 1877 the dry season set in earlier, commencing about the 2oth of June and ending about the roth of September. This year was pe- culiarly well suited to testing the truth of second growth, as the dry season was succeeded by wet and warm weather. As soon as frost set in and vegetable growth had ceased, he made cross-sections of several young branches and found that two distinct tubes of wood had been added during the year. ‘ In further proof of the second growth hypothesis, I add the obser-_ vations and experiments of Désiré Charnay, who is now exploring | ce the ruins of Central America. He had grave doubt as to the great antiquity assigned to some of the ruins that had been laid bare ; and he learned, moreover, that the conclusions had been arrived at by _ counting the rings in the cross-sections of large trees which had grown > upon the ruins, some of which exhibited rings enough to indicate that _ the trees were 2,000, 2,500 and even 3,000 years old—calculating upon the basis that one ring is made in a year. Mr. Charnay, had his atten- tion drawn to the investigation of the one ring theory in cutting down a sapling which he knew to be eighteen months old, and on whose cross-section he counted 4o concentric rings, making more than two for every month of the plant’s life: These observations were followed up by Mr. Charnay, with the same comparative result, 7. ¢., that more than one tube of wood is made during the year; hence he was forced to the conclusion that no reliance could be placed upon that mode of determining the date of the ruins. On acareful examination of the mangrove I was led to the belief that exogenous growth in regions of no frost is very different from . that in the regions of frost, where most of our trees make but one distinct ring. I am sure that most of them during some seasons make indistinct rings. ; The mangrove puts forth a very vigorous growth, then rests appar- _ ently from exhaustion, having formed terminal buds in allits branches. _ After a short period of rest it pushes its buds and a new growth takes place ; then, after another period-of great activity, there ensues another rest, and so on. In each case a new tube is formed, so that . two or many may be made in a year. i I have procured from Southern Florida and Southern Texas speci- mens of many sorts, all of which confirm my belief in the hypothesis — that our exogens in regions of frost, as well as in the Tropics may, © 10 : and frequently do, make two or more distinct tubes of wood in one growing season. White Plains, N. Y. — O. R. WILLIS. Concentric Annual Growths.—There is no.connection between the longitudinal (branch) growth of plants, and the generation of the cells which form the annual layers of wood in the trunk. Quercus Robur often has two distinct periods of longitudinal growth the same season in Europe, and in our country nearly always three—but -I have never seen more than twelve annual circles of wood in a twelve- year old tree, though I have seen and counted many when cut down for poles at that age. ; . THomas MEEHAN. Teratological Notes. (From observations made during the season of 1881).—Symplocarpus foetidus, Salisb., with two spathes, one within the other, the opening of the inner facing the back of the outer; no spadix. Also a specimen of the same plant with a tuft of well-de- veloped leaves from the centré of the spathe, in place of the usual spadix. gee Podophyllum peltatum, L., with a single peltate leaf, having a flower-bud about one inch below it, and with one of the bud-scales at the surface of the ground bearing at its summit a small sub-peltate leaf. Also a specimen of the same plant with three peltate leaves; two of these forking above the insertion of the first, and bearing the flower in the axil. Hepatica triloba, Chaix., with four involucral leaves, the outer of which was enlarged, and evidently three-lobed. Claytonia Virginica, L., with unequally bifid, or slightly laciniate ‘petals. fToustonia caerulea, L., one flower having six sepals and six petals, and two or more flowers with five sepals and petals, growing close | together, but not from the.same root. The six-parted one had also a four-parted flower on a branch of the same stem. Al&o, in an- other locality, a plant with a three-parted flower. Ranunculus bulbosus, L., with the principal stem flattened, about , one-half inch wide, and terminating in a distorted head of fruit.* Also a scape of Zaraxacum detormed in a very similar manner to the above. ' Plantago lanceolata, L., bearing two diverging spikes from the summit of the same scape. Ze _ Vesbascum; evidently a hybrid, and probably V. Blattaria, bay fertilized by V. Lychnitis, L. It had the general appearance of the _ former, but tended to branch more paniculately, and to have more flowers (about 4) from the axil of the same bract. The stem was _ slender, with the leaves more tapering and more woolly than in the _ last, and the flowers were also slightly less. The pods did not seem. to develop fully, and, as far as observed, no seed perfected. —S-_ * Fasciation in this species, as well as in repens and acris, was more than ordi. Be narily common in the vicinity of New York last spring —Eps, es 11 Cirsium lanceolatum, Scop., with pure white flowers. A seed of Fraxinus Americana, L., with triquetrous wing. Taraxacum, with scape bearing about midway a foliaceous bract, and a similar one just below the involucre. Concordvillle, Pa. WILLIAM TRIMBLE. Heterocentron roseum of the conservatories acts in the same exquisite manner as its cousin Rhexia. The eight stamens are in two sets, one set dehiscing before the other. In the bud, the anthers are so thrown over that their backs are against the style. The long con- nective is, at its union with the filament, bifurcated into two diverg- ing “setae” in the outer stamens, while the other set is devoid of these appendages. I have been delighted to find that, upon pressing the bellows-like anther with a blunt pencil, the pollen was ejected to a full inch in distance and with great force. W. W. Bailey. Migrations of Plants—Some years ago I sold a piece of ground through which a street was made, forming in one part, by damming the surface water, a small marsh. A few years afterwards I found ~ one plant of Zypha /atifolia growing there. It did not at that time _ grow naturally within many miles. I feel as sure as we can be of most things, that the seed did not get there by human agency. I had seen snipes in the little marsh, and I concluded it the most probable that the seed had been brought with the mud in the feet of aquatic birds. It seems possible for many plants to be distributed by this means, and possibly the Marsilia guadrifolia found above Ded- ham by Mr. Clapp, may have been introduced to the Charles River in that way. If this should prove a sound guess, it may come about that the Connecticut plant is a comparatively modern introduction through the agency of some larger arctic water bird which wandered there from Siberia, where the plant is known to grow, or some nearer place perchance, where it has not been collected yet. It seems to me that when plants which may be easily distributed are found but in limited localities, we may act on the presumption that they are recent introductions. I think it would help geographical botany very much if the first appearance of even common plants in any new lo- cality were placed on record. In this respect, Mr. Lester F. Ward’s notes on the flora of the vicinity of Washington seem to my mind, very valuable. THOMAS MEEHAN. __ A large Grape-vine.—Many years ago I found a colony of large grapes-vines, supposed to be Vitis Ladbrusca, L., in Wayne County, Ohio. A few years ago I revisited the spot for the purpose of making measurements. The trunks (for such they were) ranged _ from three inches to over a foot in diameter, the longest one having _ a circumference of thirty-seven inches at about four feet from the - ground. ae . CE, Bessey. ..< Ames, Iowa. hope to print at some other time. 12 Hieracium aurantiacum, L.—This is generally considered as an introduced species, but lately there seems to have been considerable doubt expressed on the subject by many observers. During the summer of 1878 I found it growing in the wild region near Port Henry, N. Y., where few introduced plants had yet gained a foothold. Others have also noted its occurrénce in situations that almost preclude the possibility of its having been introduced. The © locality mentioned was quite thickly wooded and_ broken with cliffs and outcrops of limestone. In the immediate neighborhood were none but native species such as Asplenium cheneum, Camptosorus rhizo= phyllus, Linnaea borealis, etc. It would be of interest to know the character of the surroundings in other localities where it has been observed. ARTHUR HOLLICK. Hieracium aurantiacum.—I see in the October number of the TorREY BULLETIN a notice by John H. Redfield of Aieracium aurantiacum. He says he found the plant among the Catskills on the 26th of August, and that it was then just coming into flower, the scapes being: from 3 to 6 inches high. The locality he describes must be the same at which I found it much earlier in the season. About the 4th of July it was in full bloom, with scapes from 6 to 12 inches in height. By the last of July the bloom was over. Up to that time the grass had not been cut. Germantown, Pa. Mary S. Cope. Epigaea repens.—Mr. James L. Bennett writes us that this plant was in flower in Providence, R. I., during the last week in December, Proceedings of the Torrey Club.—The regular meetin g of the Club was held at the Herbarium, Columbia College, Tuesday evening, Nov. 8th, 1881, the President in the chair and fifteen persons present. Dr. Kunze exhibited an ear of corn raised from a seed alleged to have been taken from a Peruvian mummy, and which was sup- posed to be 1,500 years old when planted. This gave rise to a lengthy discussion on the vitality of seeds, at the conclusion of which Dr. Kunze announced that he would prepare a paper on the subject for the next meeting. The President exhibited an additional collection of plants from the Western Territories. ; Judge Brown presented for the Club’s herbarium a number of adventive plants from ballast grounds near the city. Three persons were elected active members. At the regular meeting of the Club held Tuesday evening, Dec. 13th, the President occupied the chair and twenty-three members were present. Dr. Kunze read a paper on the “ Vitality of Seeds,” which we ms CoRRECTION.—By an oversight in our December number, Omphalodium Hotten- _lottum “ Arizonicum was indicated as a variety, instead of a sub-species as it should have been. ertussaria, in the same article, should read Pertusarig Bulletin Torrey Botanical Club. Plate XI. Ficures 6, 7.----Q. PHEttos, L., X Q. nigra, L.,— Q, Rupxint. Ficure 8..__.__Untosep Q. nicra, L. (Q. rerrucinga, Micux.) . Bulletin Torrey Botanical Club. Plate X. Ficurz 1.-___Quercus PuE.tos, L, Figures 2, 3, 4,5. ----Q. PuEttos, L., X Q, icra, L.,= Q. Rupxint, Bulietin Torrey Botanical Club. oe Plate XII,” Fravars 9, t0..---0. Pusiios, LX Q. mice, Loo aie Ficure. 11s... Lone OQ, wise oo BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. 1X.) New York, February, 1882, [No. 2. as re ns On a Hybrid Oak near Keyport, N. J. ‘ spe By N. L. Britton. 5) (Plates x, x1 and xi.) In the early part of September, 1881, Messrs. W. H. Rudkin and Wm. Bower, while botanizing between South Amboy and Keyport, New Jersey, noticed a number of oak-trees whose leaves and acorns seemed different from those of any species known to grow in the vicinity of New York, and which apparently indicated every form of outline and lobing between those of typical trees of Quercus nigra, L., and Q. Phedlos, L., which grew in company with them. Since the date of the discovery of the trees, two other excursions — have been made to the locality by members of the Torrey Club, and — the result has been a confirmation of the impression first formed, and all who have seen them are of the opinion that they are hybrid forms between the black-jack and willow-oaks, and, as such, have not been noticed in our botanical literature up to the present time, as far as I can ascertain. The number Of trees observed was about ten, of widely different ages, indicating either that the process of hybridization has been in progress at different times, or, that if it all took place the same sea- son, some of the acorns have germinated sooner than others. * The outlines and modes of venation of the leaves of the new hy- brid are exactly represented in the accompanying plates. These show the principal variations towards the unlobed or | slightly lobed leaves of typical Quercus nigra. L., and _ the much-lobed leaves of what Dr. Engelmann regards as a juvenile, sterile state of the same tree, but which is often seen in large fruiting specimens—the Q. ferruginea of Michaux. These _ leaves vary in outline from lanceolate or oblong unlobed leaves _ (Figs. 2 and 6), not unlike those of Q. imdricaria, Michx., to those where a slight, obtuse lobe appears on one side (Fig. 3); or slight on one side and more pronounced on the other (Fig. 4); or well marked on both sides (Figs. 5 and 7) ; or obtuse on one side and acute and bristle-pointed on the other (Fig, 9) ; or acute and bristle-pointed on both’sides (Fig. 10), to the leaves of Q. nigra, L. (Figs. 8 and 11). It appears as though the specimens reproduced on Plates x and XI were transitions towards the slightly lobed or unlobed Q. nigra, L., while the two lower figures on Plate xu indicate transitions towards the more lobed forms ; and the figures have been grouped with re- gard to this fact. The petiole is also seen to vary, though not very prominently shown in the leaves figured, from very short in Phellos — to a considerable length in zigra. The amount of pubescence on __ the lower surface of the leaves, very slight or absent in Phellos, varies on leaves of the hybrid to the heavy, rusty covering of migra. 14 The acorns vary considerably. Those of Phel/os are nearly glob- ular, with a low, saucer-like cup (Fig. 1 in the cut): in nigra ovoid or oblong, with a top-shaped cup (Fig. 5). In the hybrid they vary ° on the different trees; the one represented in Fig. 2 came from the tree bearing the leaves figured 2 and 3 in Plate X; it is seen to be slightly longer than the acorn of Phel/os, and to have a slightly deeper cup with broader scales. The acorn represented in Fig. 3 grew with leaves like those figured 4, 5, 6 and 7; this is much deeper-cupped and longer, with broader scales. The trees which bore leaves like those figured 9 and 10, had acorns like the one represented in Fig. 4 of the cut. This is short-ovoid in shape,with a very wide broad-scaled cup, and does not seem to be intermediate between those of the parents, but is peculiar to itself. Fig, 1. Fig. 2. Fig. 3. Fig. 4 Fig. 5. The primary venation, which is simply pinnate, with short veins in Phellos, and irregularly-pinnate, with veins of very unequal length in #igra, presents every variation between the two in the leaves of the hybrid. The Plates do not represent, by any means, all the variations which were found; but are only intended to illustrate the most com- mon forms which occur. The bark of the hybrid trees is most nearly like that of nigra, being black and quite rough, though varying somewhat in the different trees. I have thought it not improper to name this hybrid oak—probably the plainest of them all—after the gentleman who first discovered it, Mr. W. H. Rudkin. In connection with this subject, I take the liberty of making the following extracts from Dr. Geo. Engelmanu’s paper on *“‘ The Oaks of the United States,” in order to enumerate the hybrids already noticed in this country. Dr. Engelmann says: “White oaks and black oaks are too distinct to be crossed. * * * Among the white oaks, hybrids seem to be much rarer than among black oaks. Of the former, I have thus far been able to trace but 3 forms only, which I take to be hybrids, and all of them point to Q. alba as one of _ the parents. = Q. alba x macrocarpa is sent by M.S. Bebb from Northern Illinois. Q. alba x stellata. A specimen from the Same careful observer must, I believe, be referred here. Q. alba x Prinus. A single tree, now unfortunatel stroyed was observed by Dr. G. Vasey near Washington. oe The hybrid black oaks are much more humerousor * * #* * Trans. St. Louis Acad, Sci., Vol, iii, Nos, 3 and 4, 15 more have thus far been noticed. * * * Our black oak hybrids are the following : Q. Catesbaet x aquatica; Q. sinuata, Wait. It is quite probable that in the tree observed by Dr. Mellichamp, * * * near Bluff- ton, S. C., we meet with Walter’s obscure and long ignored species. : Q. Catesbaet x laurifolia, a \ate discovery of Dr. Mellichamp, is found in the same neighborhood. : Q. imbricaria x nigra; Q. tridentata, Eng. in Hb. A single tree, rather small * * * was found by me in the autumn of 1849 on the hills 6 miles east of St. Louis. Q. imbricaria x palustris was observed by me a few yéars ago, 8 miles west of St. Louis. Q. imbricaria x coccinea was first described and figured by Nuttall about thirty years ago under the name of Q. Leama. The original tree was discovered by Mr. T. G. Lea near Cincinnati, and is still in existence. Q. ilicifolia x coccinea, Robbins, discovered by Dr. Robbins at Ux- bridge, Mass., in 1855.” Quercus heterophylla, Michx., regarded by Dr. Engelmann as a a ~ hybrid between Q. Phellos and coccinea, or some other oak with deeply lobed leaves, is considered by Mr. I. C. Martindale,* who has given the matter much careful study, to be worthy of specific rank, and is excluded from the foregoing list. New Species of Compositae chiefly Californian. By EpwarpD LEE GREENE. “ VIGUIERA ParisHit.—Shrubby, much branched and scabrous-his- pid ; leaves mostly opposite, an inch or two long, including the short petiole, ovate, acute, the margins with a few coarse triangular teeth ; flowering branches long and flexuose, nearly naked above, and— each bearing a single head; involucre short, its scales ovate-lanceo- late; rays about 10; receptacle convex; bristle-like awns of the pappus about equalling the finely ciliate akenes, and deciduous; the intervening scales apparently persistent, numerous and acute. . (N spar at San Luis Rey, April, 1881, by the Messrs. Parish 0. 963). Dr. Gray writes that he has the same from the Colorado Desert, collected by Mr. W. C. Wright. fa VHemizonia (HAaRTMANNIA) HeeRMANNI—Near Z. virgata, but densely short-hirsute and very viscid-glandular throughout ; stem 1-3 feet high, parted below the middle into many graceful wand-like, loosely racemose or racemose-paniculate branches ; cauline leaves an inch or more long, linear, entire, those of the sterile branchlets ob- long-linear, 2-3 lines long and crowded, of the flowering ones still _ smaller, bract-like, ovate-oblong, scattered and more or less appressed, each tipped with a truncate gland which is nearly or quite sessile ; heads of medium size ; rays 5-8, broad, 3-4-toothed, bright yellow and showy ; disk-flowers ro-15, their corollas glandular; fertile * Notes on the Bartram Oak, Quercus heterophylla, Michx., by Isaac C. Mar- _ tindale, Camden, 1880, 16 ‘ akenes black or nearly so, more or less tuberculate, and with a prom- inent curved ‘beak ; sterile ones half enclosed by the chartaceous chaff of the flat receptacle. : Tehachapi Pass, Kern County, near Keene Station, abundant in groves of Quercus Douglasii; collected by Dr. Parry and the writer, Sept. 9, 188t. ‘ An interesting discovery, as being a near relative of the peculiar H. virgata, Gray, from which species it differs by its habit, pubes- cence, sparse foliage, larger heads and dark tuberculate akenes. I distributed too early, a few specimens of this fine novelty under the name ZH. parvifolia, n. sp., and Dr. Gray, having seen one of these, kindly informs me that a fragment in his herbarium, collected by Heermann and referred by Durand to H. macradenia, and another collected by Rothrock (No. 176) and by that author referred to /. ramosissima, both of which Pr. Gray had put in with H. virgata, are of this present species. At the suggestion of Dr. Gray I dedicate the species to Dr. Heermann who first collected it, the name at first proposed being hardly a distinctive one. Hemizonta (HartTMANNIA) Parryi.—Simple below, corym- bosely branched above, rigid, a foot or two high, sparingly hirsute and minutely glandular, the glands yellow, resinous, and nearly ses- sile; cauline leaves remotely pinnatifid or toothed, those of the branches entire, linear-subulate, rigid and, with the long involucral bracts, spinulose-tipped ; rays numerous, exceeding the disk, linear- oblong, 2-toothed ; akenes black and smooth, the sterile ones of the disk bearing a pappus of about 3 (rarely 4 or 5) narrowly-linear chaffy scales which taper to a slender point and equal, or even ex- ceed the corollas ; chaff of the convex receptacle thin, villous on the margin, acute, obtuse, or sometimes with a resinous-glandular tip, but never at all pungent. f * At the Calistoga Springs in the upper part of Napa Valley; col- lected by Dr. Parry and the writer June 30, 1881, and, again in July, maturer and better specimens by Dr. Parry. Since this description was written Dr. Gray has sent word that the species has long existed in the Cambridge herbarium, being Dr. Torrey’s No. 243 from Napa Valley, and Bolander’s No. 2614 from Clear Lake, and that it had been referred as a variety to H. Fitchia, Gray. In aspect it is almost precisely like A. pungens, T. & G., from which its fragrant, balsamic glandulosity, remarkable pappus, soft chaff and black akenes abundantly distinguish it. ¥ Hemizonia luszulaefolia, DC,, var. LUTESCENS, differs from the ordinary, and hitherto only known form of the species in having bright yellow leaves. It grows in great abundance toward the north end of San Francisco Bay, in the vicinity of San Pablo, and at Valejo, Se _ where it seems to altogether take the place of the white-flowered type. _» Hemizonia (CaLycapenta) spicata.—Slender, a foot high, sim- ple or branched, setose-hirsute ; heads sessile, spicately crowded on the whole length of the stem and all the branches; flowers white : ray-akenes densely clothed with long, appressed, villous hairs ; those of the disk less silky and with a pappus of 10 unequal, subulate, awn- ‘pointed scales, | 17 Collected at Milton Station, in the neighborhood of Stockton, Oct., 1881, by Dr. Parry. The specimens are rather old and quite destitute of leaves ; but the densely spicate heads, and very silky akenes indicate a good species, to come in between H. Douglasii and H. multiglandulosa. It is glandular, after the manner of the group, and exhales an odor more agreeable than that of either of the aforenamed species. /Y CHAENACTIS SANTOLINOIDES.—A cespitose perennial, the stems; less than a span high, and, with the foliage, densely white-woolly ; leaves linear to linear-lanceolate in outline, 1-2 inches long and 1-3 lines wide, somewhat quadrangular with the numerous, small, crowded and imbricated leaflets; heads large, solitary, on naked peduncles 5-8 inches high; corollas apparently white ; pappus of I0-I5 very unequal, oblanceolate scales. Collected by S. B. and W. F. Parish (No. 1045) in the San Ber- nardino Mountains, August, 1881. Only two or three specimens were obtained and these long past their flowering. A few ripe akenes were detected adhering to the woolly and matted leaves, from which the peculiar character of the species was made out. It is near to C. Douglasti and C. Mevadensis, but differs from them, and all other known species, in its very num- erous and very irregularly-unequal pappus-scales. VRAILLARDELLA PRINGLEL—Stem a foot and a half high, leafy at base, naked and glandular above, leaves linear, glabrous, 3-4 inches long, some of the radical ones remotely and obscurely serrate; head solitary, terminating the long scape-like stem, large (an inch high and about 40-flowered), with about 10 broadly cuneate, deeply 3- cleft rays of a deep yellow or orange-color ; scales of the involucre distinct to the base; rays fertile, and bearing a pappus similar to that of the disk-florets, of about 15 rather slender and soft plumose bristles equalling the disk-corollas. High mountains west of Mt. Shasta; collected by C. G. Pringle, in August, 1881. of Dr. Gray, in Bot. Cal. 1, 618, in describing his Raillardella Mui- rit, looked on it as constituting a well marked second section of the genus, distinguished from the first by its leafy stem, and involucral scales distinct to the base. The species now described appears to destroy Dr. Gray’s proposed sections, inasmuch as it combines the naked, scape-like, monocephalous stems of the first, with the dis- tinct involucral scales of the second. But &. Pringle surprises us with large, showy ray- flowers, which, however, ought not to have been so unexpected, for in some of Dr. Bolander’s duplicates of &. scaposa, I find a few rays; but they are smaller, and of a paler yellow than those of this new species. Hieracium aurantiacum has been collected here for the past two seasons, but always in situations which seemed to indicate that it was an introduced species. It has been found growing on Prospect Hill (a hill situated in the centre of the city and but thinly settled), in open lots and by roadsides, in the grounds of Yates’ Castle and in Oakwood Cemetery; but nowhere else that any of us members of the S. B. C. know anything of. Mary Orivia Rust. 18 New North American Fungi. By J: B. Excis. PAXILLUS AURANTIACUS.—Pileus more or less excentric, concave, innate, tomentose, dirty yellow-brown, 14’—2}’ across, margin involute when young, expanded when mature; flesh dirty yellowish-white, compact in the centre; lamellae bright orange, paler at first, deepening to orange-red when dry, decurrent, 4-6-times forked, edges entire, obtuse, scarcely exceeding 3’ wide, moderately crowded ; stem solid, spongy, short, 1’ long by #’-1’ thick, subequal, mostly curved, covered with a short rusty-brown tomentum ; spores white, oblong- elliptical, .0002’x.00015’. Pileus subviscose in wet weather. On moss-covered decaying cedar logs and stumps in a swamp, November, 1881, : AGaRIcus (PLEUROTUS) NIPHETUS.—Pileus lateral, subimbri- cated thin, flabelliform, spathulate-reniform, 2-3’ wide and long, narrowed to the sessile base, but without any distinct stipe, convex, innate-tomentose, snow-white throughout, becoming yellowish in drying ; lamellae narrow, unequal, crowded; spores white, nearly orbicular, .00015’~.000275’ in diameter with a large nucleus, or two or three small ones. Cn decaying logs and stumps of pine and cedar in a swamp, Oct., Nov. Peziza (Sarcoscypna) AURANTIoPsIs.—Sessile, about one inch across, with a coarse, felt-like, black-brown mycelium at the base, matting together the leaves, etc., on which it grows; the outside of the cup also coated with coarse (.00025’ diam.) brown, smooth sparingly-branched, continuous hairs ; disk clear pale yellow, nearly sulphur-yellow, becoming dull orange when dry ; margin thin, pale, narrow, erect; flesh white, thick (3-4), firm, elastic, dry ; asci cylindrical, subtruncate above, -0013-.0014x.0006' ; paraphyses stout, septate, slightly thickened above; sporidia oblong-elliptical, granular, .0009'—.001'x.0006’, epispore smooth. On the bare soil and on decaying wood and leaves in low, sandy, oak and pine woods, Sept. 188r, Peziza (Sarcoscypna) SCUTELLOIDES.—Sessile, }’-1’ across, outside sparingly clothed, and margin fringed with dark brown, 1-3- septate hairs ; disk, bright red, as in P. scutellata, L., which this out- wardly much resembles; asci cylindrical sessile, .006'X,0007’ ; paraphyses stout, clavate, thickened above and filled with orange- colored granular matter ; sporidia uniseriate, globose, smooth, with a single large nucleus, about .ooos’ in diameter. _ Ondamp ground, West Chester, Pa., June and July, 1881, Haines, Everhart, Jefferis and Gray, Nos. 165 and 180, ; _ Peziza (DasyscypHa) LATEBROSA.—Stipitate, yellowish-white, - _ .o15" high, clothed throughout with short, spreading, glandular hairs; _ disk concave, .o1 across, dull white, with a faint tinge of rose-color ; _ ‘Margin incurved and fringed with straight, rough hairs, faintly septate __ below, obtuse or slightly enla-ged above, and about .002’ long; asci _ ¢lavate-cylindric, .co1’~.0013’ long by .oo015’ wide ; paraphyses stout, _ ? linear, not pointed above ; sporidia biseriate, simple, hyaline, .coor5’— 19! 0002’ long. Resembles P. virginea, Fr., but that is whiter and taller, with capitate hairs and lance-pointed paraphyses, and has sporidia .0003’ or more long. \ On the inside of a moldy pine box ina cellar, June 15, 1881. _ Peziza (DasyscyPHA)- RHABDOCARPA.—Scattered, sessile, .o2’ in diameter, thin and of a close, vesiculose-cellular structure, margin fringed with short, black, fasciculate, obtuse, clavate-capitate hairs ; asci oblong-cylindrical, sessile, obtusely pointed above, .0025’x.0003'— .0004'; paraphyses stout, scarcely thickened above; sporidia linear, multinucleate (becoming multiseptate ?) yellowish, nearly as long as the asci, and a little over .ooo1’ thick. : On dead twigs of Comp/onia, Sept., 1881. Peziza (TapEsiA) PHLEGMACEA.—Gregarious, sessile, orbicular, plane, thin, white, soft, seated on a subiculum of delicate, creeping, white, loosely-matted threads; asci cylindric-clavate, abruptly pointed above, .003'X.0005’; paraphyses scarcely thickened above; spo- ridia linear-fusiform, attenuated below to a slender point, .0013 x.ooor’. On decaying Magnolia, June to Sept. ; _ PEZIZA (Motuis14) ABDITA.—Disk orbicular, pale, .028 -03' in diameter, with a narrow, jagged, membranaceous margin, protruded — when fresh through a narrow slit in the epidermis, from which it is again withdrawn and entirely disappears when dry; asci sessile, oblong-cylindrical, .0015’—.002’x.000175'—0002"; paraphyses_ thick- ened above; sporidia biseriate, clavate-oblong, about .0004 X.0001’, Resembles P. profrusa, B. & C., in habit. When dry its presence is indicated only by a narrow slit in the epidermis. On fallen petioles of /ug/lans regia, June. DIATRYPE LATERITIA.—Seated in the bark and not penetrating to the wood, which is not marked or discolored by it atall. Stroma at first concave and of a dull brick-red color, at length convex and olivaceous with a distinct margin like a He/otium 4'-}’ in diameter, thickly dotted with the papillate, black ostiola; perithecia carnose- cartilaginous, small and numerous (50-75) in two layers near the surface, leaving the lower part,of the stroma entirely barren ; asci clavate-cylindrical, .oo4’x.0003 ; sporidia overlapping, lanceolate, curved, pale brown, 3-septate .0008’~.001'x,0002’, On dead limbs of Carpinus (?), West Chester, Pa., Aug. 1879, Haines, Everhart, Jefferis and Gray, No. 2. LopHlOSTOMA VERMISPORA.—Perithecia scattered or subgregari- ous, depressed-spherical, .oo6’ in diameter, seated under the epidermis, which is pierced by the stout, black, narrowly-compressed ostiola ; asci clavate-cylindrical, .008’x.0005’—.0006’; sporidia vermiform, gradually tapering towards the base, about 7-septate and slightly constricted at the septa, yellowish or nearly hyaline, each of the divisions with 1-2 large nuclei, .003 —0035’ long by .o0015'—.0002' thick. _ The sporidia are those of OpAiobolus but the compressed ostiolum — is that of a Lophiostoma. On old stems of OZnothera biennis, August. ~ lence DIAPORTHE APICULOSA.—Perithecia buried in the substance of © the stem; ostiola rather stout and slightly projecting, so as to _ roughen the surface of the stem; spore-bearing part of the asci < 20 .0016’—.0003' ;_ sporidia biseriate, yellowish, elliptical, 2—-3-nucleate, with a faint apiculus at each end, .00035 —.0004’x.000175’. Grows only on the root and basal portion of the stem. On decaying stems of Zrigeron Canadense lying on the ground, Aug. ASTERINA RAMULARIS.— Perithecia subcuticular, orbicular, .0008 — oor in diameter, or subelongated, scattered or subconfluent, with a very scanty mycelium ; margin of a distinct radiate-cellular structure ; asci oblong, spore-bearing portion .002’x.0o1,, stipitate at first, stipe at length absorbed ; sporidia 8, crowded, elliptical, coarsely granular, with 1-2 large vacuoles at first, about .0006 x.0004’. Perithecia permanently covered by the epidermis, which is black- ened above them. On dead twigs of Lindera Benzoin, West Chester, Pa., Oct. 1881, Haines, Everhart, Jefferis and Gray, No. 326. NECTRIA SQUAMULOSA.—Gregarious, minute, .oo4’ in diameter, ovato-globose, covered, excepting the brownish, obtuse, slightly prominent ostiolum, with a light-colored, squamulose coat ; asci lan- ceolate, narrowed and subtruneate above, .0013’x.00025'; sporidia biseriate, clavate or cylindric-oblong, .0002’-.0003’ long by rather less than .ooor’ wide, binucleate, probably becoming uniseptate. On decaying wood of a fallen limb, No. 81. CERATOSTOMA CAPILLARE.—Perithecia capillary, nodulose, with short, spreading, hyaline hairs below, scarcely enlarged at base; asci elliptical, .0013’x.00035’; sporidia 8, crowded, fusiform, nearly hyaline, indistinctly nucleate, straight or slightly curved, .o0045’— .00055/X.000125". On decaying sterile catkins of Alnus serrulata, June. DINEMASPORIUM CRUCIFERUM,—Minute ; marginal fringe of dark brown bristle-like hairs, .co3-0035” long; spores pale flesh-color in the mass, oblong, slightly curved, .0003’-.00035’x.000125, with a slender, oblique, bristle-like hair, about as long as the spore itself, projecting from each end, and a shorter one from near the middle of the convex side, and often another extending in an opposite direction from the middle of the concave side. Sometimes two hairs project from the convex side of the spore. On decaying culms and leaves of various grasses, June. VOLUTELLA ComaTa.—Receptacle disciform, orbicular, .0017’— .0o2’ in diameter, attached by a central point and easily separating from the matrix; margin fringed with slender, septate, minutely- roughened, slender-pointed hairs ; mass of spores flesh-colored, and convex when fresh; spores fusiform, .0005’~.00035’ long. _ Differs from V. ciliata, Berk., in its larger spores. On fallen petioles of Rodinia, June. Unless otherwise stated, the above-described species were collected at Newfield, N. J. Fern Notes. Ill. By Gro. E. Davenport. Asplenium ebenoides in New York State—The discovery of this rare fern near Poughkeepsie was recorded by Mr. Clarence Lown in the BULLETIN for September, 1880. Mr. Lown, in company with 21 Mr. Henry Booth, has now had the good fortune to find another plant of the same species in the limestone region of Saugerties, in Ulster County. The plant was found on the 15th of November, 1881, growing in a clump of Camptosorus. Mr. Lown writes that the limestone-loving ferns Asplenium Ruta- muraria and Pellaea atropurpurea were plentiful in the vicinity, but that there was no ebenewm nearer than fifteen feet. That distance, however, is plenty near enough (as, indeed, a much greater distance would be), to admit of the intermixture of spores, and consequent hybridization, if to that source the origin of cdenoides is really to be attributed. In the specimens previously recorded, Mr. Lown described the venation as being more or less anastomose. This is the case in the frond which I received from Mr. Lown at that time, and also in at least one of my specimens from Alabama ; but in the present plant the venation is everywhere free, while the plant itself looks very much like a form of A. pinnatifidum (a species not yet, but which ought to be, found within the limits of New York State) with black stipites, the tips of the fronds being less prolonged than usual. _ It is to be hoped that some one, with means and opportunities for investigation, will yet be able to settle the question of this fern’s origin ; for, while the evidence is strongly in favor of the hybrid theory, it is by no means conclusive. In view of the possibility of such an investigation the following points are presented here as having an important bearing upon the question : _ 1.—In every instance thus far, wherever edenoides has been found, Camptosorus and Asplenium ebeneum have both been present. 2.—The affinity of certain characters possessed in common by ebenoides and Camptosorus—the prolonged, attenuated proliferous” apices, anastomosing venation (BULLETIN Z ¢.), and now the signifi- cant position in which Mr. Lown found his last plant—point to _ Camptosorus as the mother plant; while, on the other hand, certain characters possessed in common by ebenoides and Asplenium ebeneum —the deeply pinnatifid, sometimes nearly, or quite pinnate (at least below) laminae, and ebeneous stipites—point to the latter species as the probable source from which hybridization proceeded : the infer- ence from these facts, and the constant presence of A. ebeneum and Camptosorus being that the prothallus of some Camp/osorus had be- come fertilized from the prothallus of an ebeneum, resulting in the pro- duction of a hybrid combining in itself the characters of both spe- cles. 3.—The extremely variable and irregular form of ebenoides—the often grotesque variation appearing as the result of two opposing in- ternal elements struggling for the mastery—is exactly what might be expected from the hybridization of the two ferns mentioned. — Aspidium Filix-mas, Swz., in Arizona—The discovery of Chei- — ae lanthes tomentosa, Link., Aspidium patens, Swz., and Woodwardia radicans, Smith, in Arizona, by Mr. C. G. Pringle, has already been recorded in the BuLLeTin for August, 1881 ; I am now able to record 22 the additional discovery of Gymnogramme triangularis, Kaulf., and Aspidium Filix-mas, Swz., by the same indefatigable collector. The first was collected in April on the Santa Catalina, and the last’ on Mt. Washington, in the Santa Rita Mountains, in June, 1881. This discovery of A. Filix-mas so near to California ren- ders its presence in that State probable, and will encourage Califor- nia botanists to search for it. Some forms of A. rigidum, var. argutum Yun very near to, and have frequently been mistaken for it, but no authentic specimens have as yet been received from Cali- fornia. The species is most readily distinguished from argutum by the character of the serrated margins, these never being spinulose as in the latter species, which resembles A. sfinulosum in this respect more than it does Filix-mas. The under surface is usually more chaffy in Fi/ix-mas than in ar- - gutum, the laminae narrower below, and the scales at the base of the stipes more or less ciliate-toothed, as pointed out by Prof. Eaton in his splendid work on our North American Ferns. ' Mr. Pringle has also collected in Arizona, besides the ferns already mentioned, Votholaena Grayi, N. Lemmoni, Gymnogramme hispida, a very pubescent form of Pe//aea atropurpurea, Chetlanthes Lindheimeri, C. Fendleri, C. Eatoni, and others,* while among his ferns from Oregon and California are Polypodium falcatum, very large forms of P. Scouleri, Phegopteris alpestris and Aspidium Mohrioides. : The excellence of Mr. Pringle’s collections is now too well known to need any special commendation. He will probably make some arrangement before returning to the Pacific Coast (being at Char- lotte, Vermont, at present) by which those who may desire sets of his ferns can obtain them. An unusual form of Asplenium ebeneum—From Miss Kate Fur- bish, of Brunswick, Me., comes a very interesting form of this spe- cies, one frond, measuring about 12 inches in length by 2 in breadth across the middle, and having unusually narrow, deeply-serrated pin- nae, 1 inch long, less than 4 of an inch in breadth at the base, broad- ening to about 3 lines at the centre where they are still more deeply serrated, the lobes again serrated, and then tapering gradually into an acute tip. The pinnae are obliquely set to the rachis, and some of them lose their auricled bases altogether. - The specimen is apparently one of those variations which are not likely to occur twice upon the same plant, and it does not, therefore, seem worth while to give it a name. Miss Furbish is rendering a _ splendid service to the Maine flora by a series of admirably executed and accurate analytical illustrations from nature, intended to include _* Mr. Pringle also collected, early in 1881, a few specimens of the Woodsia which Prof. Eaton has referred to W. Mexicana. Later, Mr. Lemmon sent the same fern to me with the name WV. Plummerae attached, with a request that Ishould _ describe and publish it. _ This I declined to do. If now the fern which he has — published as a new species in the Botanical Gazette under that name is the same _ plant, then it is to’be seriously challenged, and I do not believe it willstand. The _ same MWoodsia had previously been collected by Mr. Rusby, Mrs. Bagg, Dr. Palmer and Dr. Parry. Oh ge are alee 23 the entire flora of the State. It is to be hoped that she will not only be able to complete her “labor of love” but that it may some day be placed where it will remain as a monument to her untiring industry and love for the wild plants of her native State. _ : Abnormal Botrychium matricariaefolium.—wWhile looking over some duplicates recently I came across a specimen of this fern with a fertile branch growing out from the stipes about 1 inch from Its base. The branch had grown out in such a manner as to cause the stipes to diverge from its proper perpendicular course, and to form a curve which gave it the appearance of being forked. Medford, Mass., Jan. r2th. 1882. Large Grape-Vines.—In the January BULLETIN, Prof. Bessey gives the measurement of a grape-vine in Wayne Co., Ohio, (supposed to » be V. Labrusca) of thirty-seven inches in circumference at four feet from the ground. In March last, whilst in Darien, Ga., I rode out to Baisden’s Bluff on the coast, some twelve miles N. E. of Darien to see a celebrated grape-vine. It was just in leaf, but from the wood and bark I judged it to be V. aestivalis. It grew near to (touching) a large water-oak, and the large trunks clambered up to the top of the tree. I measured it at eight feet from the ground, and found it forty-four inches in circumference. I also measured, in the streets of Darien, two large live oaks, one giving a circumference of twenty-one feet, at three feet from the ground, and the other, eighteen feet at the same distance. I also measured two trees of Melia azedarach (pride of India) one eleven and a half feet, the other nine and a half feet, both taken about three feet from the ground. This exotic is a fast grower but the large size proves that this tree must have been intro- duced in the early settlement of the State. Aiken, S.C. H. W. RAVENEL. Notes on the Flora of Newport, R. I.—During the past season I have found a few interesting plants at Newport, R.I. A small patch of | Rhinanthus Crista-galli_ grows in a swamp about a mile S. W. of the city. It was probably introduced here. : Epilobium hirsutum, L., is not uncommon in waste ground sur- rounding dwellings. Genista tinctoria, L., occurs sparingly on some rocky hills, and Trifolium hybridum, L., in fields near the sea-shore. /ris Virginica, L., grows abundantly in swamps. Alopecuru@ gentculatus, Lj and. Leontodon autumnale, L., are found everywhere. Hydroctyle umbel- Jata, L., grows in shallow water on the border of Lily Pond. Bromus mollis, L., is found in great abundance in a piece of ground near Bellevue Avenue. It growsin such profusion that at a distance it might be taken for a field of grain. ‘The following species also. occur here: Potentilla anserina, L., Glyceria acutiflora, Torr., Pha- laris Canariensis, L., Bromus tectorum, L., Galinsoga parviflora, Cav., Centaurea nigra,, 1.., Clethra alnifolia., L., Euphorbia Peplus, L., Triglochin maritinum, L., Arethusa bulbosa, L., Habenaria lacera, 24 R. Br., Polygala polygama, Walt., Ranunculus Cymbalaria, Pursh. Lathyrus palustris, L., and Discopleura capillacea., DC. Newport, R. IL., Dec. 22, 188. FRANK TWEEDY. The White-fruited Blackberry —In the November BULLETIN G. M. Wilber speaks of finding a white-fruited specimen of Rubus villosus, Ait.,in New York. This anomaly was found quite com- monly on the high lands along the Michigan lake shore at South Haven, Mich., when the country was first settled. It was transplanted to gardens in many places and has spread vigorously under cultiva- tion for many years, constantly maintaining its original character. The fruit is every way equal to the typical Dlack-fruited blackberry, but is inclined to be somewhat sweeter. It is generally known as the “white blackberry.” The whole aspect of the plant is peculiar and striking. It deserves to be recognized as a variety in our botanies. Lansing, Mich., Dec. 29th, ’8r. L. H. Batey, Jr. Proceedings of the Torrey Club —The regular meeting of the Club was held at the Herbarium, Columbia College, Tuesday even- _ Ing, Jan. rith, the President in the chair and twenty-two members and five visitors present. Plants Exhibited —Dr. Barstow exhibited specimens of fruit and leaves of the Japanese persimmon, Diospyros Kaki, and flowers of Irish furze. Mr. Charlton sent a collection of plants for the Club’s inspection and for deposit in the herbarium. Miss Knight showed several specimens of mosses in fruit, among which was the rare Bux- baumia aphylla, Haller, collected at Dedham, Mass. Some Notes on the Flora of Newport, R. I., by Mr. Frank Tweedy, ° were read by Mr. Britton. Mr. Schrenk read a paper on the “ Development of the Rootstock of Dicentra.” Late Flowers.—Mr. Bicknell stated that he had obtained in flower at Riverdale, between Dec. 25th and Jan. ist, Taraxacum Dens-Leonis, Callitriche verna and Verbascum T. hapsus. The Constitution and By-laws, as amended at a previous meet- ing, were passed, and ordered printed in pamphlet form. One name was proposed for active, and one for corresponding membership. oe Election of Officé®s.—This being the annual meeting, the Club balloted for officers with the following result : President, J. S. NEw- _ BERRY ; Vice-President, Appison Brown ; Recording Secretary, G. _ M. Wiper ; Corresponding Secretary, BENJAMIN BraMAn ; Treas- _ urer, W. H. Rupkin; Editor, W. H. LEGGETY ; Associate Editor, — — R. Gerarp; Librarian, N. L,, Britton ; Curator, P. V. LE Roy. : ; ee The President appointed Messrs, Leggett and Gerard a commit- ee _ tee on admission of members, 2 : ae e F tl < 3 < . w _ < 2 | Club New Fresu- Torrey Botanica mn Bullet Bulletin Torrey Botanical Club. Fruits or CucurBITa. BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. 1X.) New York, March, 1882, (No. 3. -Fresh-Water Algae. V1. By Francis WOLLE. (Plate xm.) The following is a partial list of fresh-water algae collected by myself and by interested contributors during the past summer (1881). The addition to the recognized forms of the algae of the United States is not so large as that made in some previous years ; neverthe- less it indicates that our waters have not yet been fully explored. More forms ought to be found ; indeed, some genera are not as yet represented. Why do we find no Sphaeroplea? Good forms of Prasiola have not yet occurred, except from the Rocky Mountains ; while less conspicuous forms, well known in Europe, are also wanting. GOMPHOSPHAERIA, Ktz:—G. aponina, Ktz., var. CORDI- - FORMIS, #. var. (Plate xi, Fig. 11). G. thallo primario laete aeruginoso, deinde pallide aurantiaco, vel expallescenti; tegumentis achromati- cis, subcrassis ; cellulis numerosis, densis; cellulis marginalibus dis- tincte cordiformibus, paullo longioribus quam latioribus ; cellulis in medio, a vertice visis, bicocciformibus ; cytioplasmate granulato aerugineo vel expallescente. Diam. cellul. .ooo5’”—.0006” ; long. .0006'—,0008” ; crass, .0003”—.0004. Hab. Small ponds near Bethlehem, Penn. e This plant differs fromG. aponina, Ktz., in the form of the cellules, which are decidedly heart-shaped, not “cuneate.” The coenobia _ and the cellules are fully twice the size of those of the only species _ described. e SPIRILLUM, Ehrb.—S. undula, Ehrb. Hab. Small ponds, Penn. — SPIRULINA, Link.—S. /Jenneri, Hass. Hab. Ponds, Petites: OSCILLARIA, Boss.—0O. /ittoralis, Carm.; coll. by R, Hitchcock in submarine waters, New York. 0. crassissima, Rab., in trenches, — Penn. O. detersa, Stitz.; coll. by Dr. A. Seipt in a pool in Luray Cave, Va., 260 ft. below the surface. oes PHORMIDIUM, Ktz.—P. inundatum, Ktz., on moist earth, S._ Car.; coll. by H. W. Ravenel. /P. tinctorium, Ktz,, coll. by C. G. Pringle, April, in springs, Arizona. : : ) CALOTHRIKX, Ag.—C. gracilis, Rab., on river stones in shallo water, Penn. C. afinis, Menegh., through R. Hitchcock, from Sandwich Islands. DIMORPHOCOCCUS, A. Br.—D. dunatus, A. Br., New Jersey. PALMODACTYLON, Naeg.—P. simplex, Naeg., coll. by R. Hitchcock, in Croton water, New York. OOCYSTIS, Naeg.—O. Maegelii, A. Br., frequent in ponds, Penn. 2 and New Jersey. . ee PEDIASTRUM, Meyen.—P. simplex, Meyen ;_ typical form (Plate xin, Figs. 1 and 1’; two new varieties, Figs. 1” and 1’”.) P. ce _ biradiatum, Meyen; all collected by R. Hitchcock in the New York — City supply of Croton water. Cy i ce as : 26 SORASTRUM, Ktz.—S. echinatum, Ktz., ponds, N. J. and Pa. GONIUM, Miiller.—G. pectora/e, Mull., in ponds, N. J. » POLYEDRIUM, Naeg.—P. minimum, A. Br., in ponds, Penn. - SPIROGYRA, Link.— S$. orbicularis, Hass., abundant in fruit in asmall stream, Bethlehem, Pa. Sf. de//is, Hass., Budd’s Lake, N. J. Sp. condensata coll. by H. H. Rusby near Silver City, New Mexico. Sp. guadrata, Hass., in river near Bethlehem, Pa. Sf. setiforme, Roth., not new except in the condition of the spores, which present the early stages of development. Sf. fluviatilis, Hilse. European authors are united in declaring the fruiting of this species unknown. October 8th last I was fortunate in finding the plant in fine fruit in a pond near Bethlehem, Pa. The diagnosis should be corrected to read, “Sp. saturate viridis, minus lubrica; articulis sterilibus cylindricis, diametro (.1014”-- .00159) 2-6-plo longioribus; sporiferis valde tumidis; sporis aut ovalibus aut late ellipticis; diametro .0021”-.0023”; long. .003’— .0033 ; fasciis spiralibus 4 sublatis, anfractibus densissimis.” MESOCARPUS, Hass.—AJMZ. deprassus, Hass., Mobile, Ala., coll. by M. S. McNeil. JZ. recurvus, Hass., St. Lawrence River, coll. by I. M. Adams. ~ STAUROSPERMUM, Ktz.—S. guadratum, Ktz., in small _ stream, S. Carolina, coll. by H. W. Ravenel. | -RHIZOCLONIUM, Ktz.—Ru. Hosrorpn, 2. sf.—Rh. laete _ saturate viride, vel luteolo-viride, crispatum, rigidum, filis ramulos -breves unicellulares numerosos emittentibus; articulis diametro (0.016”) 2-4-6 plo longioribus ; cytiodermate crasso hyalino homo- eneo. - Collected near Aurora, N. Y., by F. H. Hosford. It is nearest Rh. Casperi, Harw., but is much firmer, nearly twice the size ; and is purely a fresh-water plant. ULOTHRIX, Ktz.—U. /Jurgensii, Ktz., coll. by H. W. Ravenel in rice-field ditches near Darien, Ga. CLOSTERIUM, Nitzsch.—C. Ehrenbergii, Menegh, var. IMMANE, n. var., differs from the typical form mainly in size. Measures .0083”" diameter, nearly twice the diameter of the largest variety of this . genus on record. Collected in Budd’s Lake, N. J., Aug. 1, 188r. COSMARIUM, Corda.—C. anisochondrum, Nord., in Denmark Pond,N. J.C. direme, Nord.,in ponds, Penn. and N. J. C. Clepsydra, Nord., Budd’s Lake, N. J. C. globosum, Bulnh., in ponds, Penn. and N. J. C. galeritum, Nord., in ponds, N. J.C. Holmiense, Lund., on _ Mt. Mansfield, Vt., coll. by F. H. Hosford. C. nitidulum, De. Not. _ coll. by F. H. Hosford. | C. orthostichum, Lund., in Denmark Pond, ‘N. J.C. punctatum, Breb., Penn., N. J. and Mass. C. pseudograna- tum, Nord., N. J.C. quadrifarium, Lund., Mt. Marcy, Vt. C. ru- es Naeg., Mt. Marcy, Vt. C. taxichondrum, Lund., Mt. Marcy, — named species I have since found not uncommon in New’ Jersey.) ne. monomazum, Lund., near var. polymazum, Nord., ( ‘igs. _ 15 and 15°), but differs in having 6 papillae on each side. _ cells instead of 1 on one side and 4 on the other, _ Cosmartum Kircue un, #. sf. (Plate xi; Jenmark Pond, N.J. _ Fig. 3, front view ; t. (The last three were collected by Rev. H. D. Kitchel. The last- a 3 : Plate xin, Figs. 4 of the semi- . 27 3, side view ; 3”, end view.) C. submediocre diametro quarta parte longius, profunde constrictum; sinu lineari angusto ; semicellulis perfecte semicircularibus; angulis inferioribus subrectis, in margine verrucis circiter 18, et intra marginem seriebus 1 vel 2 concentricis verrucarum ornatis; in centro granulis plerumque 6 in series 2 trans- versas ordinatis; e vertice visis ovato-ellipticis, granulis in medio seriebus 4 ordinatis; utrinque ternis granulis ornatis ; a latere visis © circularibus, granulis utrinque 2 ét in medio seriebus 4 ordinatis, Latitudo isthmi tertia pars diametri transversalis corporis; long. .00133”” (341); lat. .0016” (—goy.) Hab. In a pond, Hammonton, N. J. Collected by Rev. H. D. Kitchel. This species is readily recognized by the end or side view; in the former, by the two large marginal granules, and in the latter by the four rows of smaller central granules. . BAMBUSINA, Ktz.—B., pe.icatissima, 2. 5f.—B.° fasciis prae- longis, nodosis; cellulis cylindricis, diametro (.00023”—.0003”) 4-5-plo longioribus, a medio duabus vittis transversis annuliformibus i structis; annulis plus elevatis quam latis. Trichomatibus, cum annulis, .0006""—,0007”, tates fos. Hab. In a pond, Pleasant Mills, N. J. a4 fee ee Ihave deemed this plant worthy of separation from the usual form: it has only. about one-third the diameter of the trichoma — proper, the rings are much more elevated, and the length of the cells , is usually fully four times the diameter. | EUASTRUM-Ehrb.—£. inerme, Lund., and £. erosum, Lund., both from ponds in Penn. and N. J. &. divaricatum, Lund., in pond, is New Jersey. fe GONATOZYGON, De By.—G. pitosum, 2. sp. (Plate xu, Fig. 16.) G. cellulis elongatis diametro 12-20-plo longioribus, laxe connexis, cytiodermate plus minus dense spinuloso; spinis tenuibus, rectis, hirsutis ; cellulis cylindricis utroque polo non constrictis, nisi. cellu- lis terminatibus modice attenuatis, polo rotundato. Diam., sine spinis, .0006’~-.0006” ; cum spinis cor”. ge ee ar Separated from other forms mainly by the vesture of hairs, Fre- — quent in ponds of New Jersey. : : pie POE MICRASTERIAS, Ag.—J. foliacea, Bailey. Prof. Bailey discov- ered this plant in Rhode Island more than thirty years ago. After seven years of searching I have at last rediscovered it in Denmark Pond, New Jersey, where it occurs in abundance. Dr. Nordstedt _ found it in Brazil. Studying from the somewhat imperfect figure, he | made a new var. orzata. There is no doubt that I have the original form, and that the Brazilian plant is the same. A peculiarity of this ‘species is that it is rarely found singly. The polar lobe projects con- siderably, and is furnished with two surface teeth. As the plant mul- _ tiplies by division, these projecting lobes lap over each other and _ cling together; they are usually found in series of 4-10. Sie In the same pond are also interesting varieties of Micrasterias truncata, Corda., one only .0o2” in length and breadth. JZ. muricata, Bailey, occurred frequently last summer, as-did also JZ. . aticeps, No which is the same as Wood's dispudata of laterdate. = _ STAURASTRUM, Meyen.—S¢. muricatum, Bréb. St. pecten 28 Perty. St. Brasiliense, Nord., (first discovery of this plant north of the Gulf States). S¥. rotula, Nord.. (Plate x1u, Fig. 9.) St. Ophiura, Lund., in two new varieties, described by the names TETRACERUM, (four-armed) (Plate xm, Fig. 4.) and PENTACERUM, (five-armed) (Plate, x1, Fig. 5.) All of these were collected in Denmark Pond, New Jersey. S¢. furcatum. Ehrb., in Croton water, New York, coll. by R. Hitchcock. St. Pseudosebaldi, Nord., in Budd’s Lake, N, J. STAURASTRUM DIVARICATUM, #. sf. (Plate xl, Fig. 12.) St. parvum, paullo longius quam latius, granulato-asperum ; sinu lineari angustissimo ; semicellulis subquadratis, angulis superioribus in cor- nu elongatum divaricatum, apice bifido, productis; a vertice visum forma pentagonali, quinque-radiatum. Diam., sine cornibus, .co15”’. Hab. In a pond, Hammonton, N. J. Coll. by Rev. H. D. Kitchel. This species approaches my .S¢. pusi//um, but is somewhat larger and has not 4 but 5 arms, which are not obtuse but bifid. STAURASTRUM CORONATUM, 2. sp. (Plate xim, Fig. 16.) ‘St. sub- magnum, dupla parte circa latius quam longius ; sinu angusto-lineari; semicellulis fere obovatis, lateribus in cornu incurvum productis, sursum sensim dilatatis, in apice convexo processibus dentiformibus in coronam ordinatis ; semicellulis a vertice visis 6-radiatis, in medio coronula papillarum ornatis; radiis apice subtiliter trifidis, margini- bus delicate serrato-dentatis. Long. .0018” ; lat. .0033”’ ; isth. .oo1”. Hab. Denmark Pond, New Jersey. This plant has the crown-teeth of S¢. rofuda, Nord., but not the size, number of arms, nor the serration. : STAURASTRUM DISTENTUM. #. sf. (Piate xi, Figs. 7 and 7’.) St. mediocre, leve; semicellulis fere obovatis, sursum sensim dilat- atis, apice convexo-crenulatis; angulis superioribus in radium elonga- tum gracilem substrictum productis ; margine non denticulato, apice profunde trifido distento. Semicellulis a vertice visis 5-vel rarius 6- radiatis, .apice radiorum tridentato, dilatato, inter bases hastatas sinu profunde lineari. Diam. et long., cum rad., .0016”. Hab. Ponds, Sussex Co., N. J. : The sinus between the hastate bases of the radii, reminds one of my St. pulchrum (TorrEY BUuLt., April, 1880,) but the sinuses are linear, not circular, and the ends of the radii are not obtuse but tri- fid, with the three teeth unusually large and spreading. STAURASTRUM FUSIFORME, #. sp. (Plate xi, Fig. 8.) St. sub- magnum, semicellulis angusto-fusiformibus, angulis lateris in proces- sus longissimos achroos margine crenato-dentato apice bifurcato productis ; dorsum subacutangulare, crenatum; semicellulis a vertice fusiformibus, lateribus in radios rectos, gracillimos attenuatis, apice bifido. Diam., cum rad., .005”—.0055” ; long. .oors”. : This species appears to be related to S¢. /eptocladum, Nord., and __ St. grallatorium, Nord., but differs from both in form of ‘cell ; from _ the former in the length of body, and from the other in the absence of _the produced back and the aculei. ae _ Staurastrum Kircuetn, 2. sf. (Plate xm, Figs. 2 and 2’.) St. parvum, circiter tam longum quam latum, leve; semicellulis ellip- — ticis divergentibus, introrsum ventricosis, dorso plus minus infla- _ to, angulis in processus bifurcos productis, a vertice triangulari- __ but of dark purple color, verticils far apart and branchlets long 29 bus, medio processibus similibus tribus radiatis ordinatis. Diam. .0015"~.200”, Coll. by Rev. H. D. Kitchel in Gilder Pond, Mt. Marcy, Vt. Ralf's Sz, spinosum bears a similarity, but is separated by having two or more spines on each side beside the one terminating each angle. St. furcatum, Ehrb., is also akin, but has more spines. These forms are moreover, granularly roughened, not smooth. The spines are not properly “lateral’’ but central, the ends projecting over the sides. Staurastrum proboscidium, Bréb., var. AMERICANUM, ”. var. (Plate xm, Fig. 10.) This plant was collected in Crystal Bay, St: ‘Lawrence River, Canada, by J. M. Adams. It bears some simil- arity to a variety of St asperum, described by Brébisson, and also to a form, /avanica, described by Nordstedt; but it differs in the ar- rangement of the granules and in the shape of the rays (proboscidii), — which are longer and more cylindrical. oe STAURASTRUM TRIDENTIFERUM, #. 5f. (Plate xm, Fig. 13.) St. exiguum leve, sinu amplissimo; semicellulis ellipticis, dorso convexo, vel subplano, angulis in aculeos tres rectos divaricatos productis, - a vertice visis triangularibus, lateribus modice retusis, tribus aculeis — in angulos impositis. Diam. sine aculeis .0008”; cum ac., oor”. Hab. in a pond near Bethlehem, Pa. This plant is nearest a form of S¢. deyectum, but is separated by the three spines at the angles. XANTHIDIUM, Ehrb.—XANTHIDIUM TETRACENTROTUM, #. Sp. (Plate xm, Figs. 14 and 14’, front and end view. X. parvum, cir- citer tam latum quam longum, leve, constrictione acute cuneata (non | lineari) ; semicellulis subreniformibus vel subhexagonalibus, basi __ subplana, dorso late rotundo-truncato, uno angulo mediano utrinque in aculeos geminatos breves acutos producto ; tuberculo centrali minus elevato; cytiodermate levi vel serie singula’ parvularum granularum praedito. Diam., siné sp. .0013'—.0015 ; cum Sp. — .0024'—.0025" ; long. .0015"’—.0016”. : Hab. Ponds, Sussex Co., New Jersey. : : The shape of the semicells is very near that of X. fasciculatum, but they are much smaller and bear only two pairs of aculei, not four Or six. BATRACHOSPERMUM, Roth.—JB. vagum, Roth., var. RAVEN- ELM, 2. var. B. bi-tri-polices longum, crassum flavo-aerugineum, sine corticulo, vel rarius ramulis accessoriis; articulis diametro- (ad.o06”.) plerumque aequalibus vel paulo plus minus, acbrois; ramis primariis Parcis; ramulis verticilli plerumque brevibus ; verticillis confertissi- mis, nonnumquam nullis, sed saepius quoque geniculo cum 2-3 fasciculis brevissimis instructo. Collected by H. W. Ravenel, at St. John’s, Berkley, S. C. This is a distinct form, particularly in the absence of the acces- — sory filaments which constitute the corticular covering or rind of the _ primary filaments. Bory is credited with a variety of like character, _ Mine on the contrary is of yellowish green or light aeruginous color, __Verticils very close and branchlets very short. The articulations or - . 20 cells of the stems are short, colorless, often much contracted at the joints ; this feature causes some parts of the filaments to have a strik- ing resemblance to forms of Draparnaldia. The Fruits of Cucurbita. By C. C. Parry. (Plate xiv.) It naturally happens that the fruits, even of common plants, especially those of a fleshy or bulky character, are poorly repre- sented in herbaria. In consequence of this fact, the descriptions in systematic works are often defective in this important, particular. I propose, as a small contribution towards supplying such defects, to present some outline sketches, and diagnostic characters of three species of Cucurbita that have lately come under my notice. In all the generic descriptions of Cucurdita, the fruit is repre- sented as three-celled, 7. ¢., with three placentas. : _ It is now over thirty years since my attention was cursorily called to the fact that a species of Cucurbita, not uncommon in the vicinity of San Diego, California, was quite constantly 5-celled. From want _ of sufficient material this species remained unnoticed, till lately described by Mr. Watson as Cucurbita palmata, but without his noticing its 5-celled fruit. _ Another still older species, of Arizona, Cucurbita digitata, Gray, is also found to possess the same character, having 5 placentas. It is perhaps something more than a coincidence, that both these species, as well as the doubtful Cucurbita Californica, Watson, have five- lobed leaves, as distinguished from Cucurbita perennis, Gray, in _which the leaves are triangular, and the fruit normally 3-celled. The accompanying sketches (all natural size) will help to exhibit these characters, and also show the usual variation in size of fruit and seed. es Referring to each in regular order we note the following diag- nostic characters : r, 5-celled (rarely 6); ight yellow, longitudinal ‘ escent form. It is, however, a mistake I think, to refer a thick- — Tooted perennial to a slender annual. It is undoubtedly distinct, even if Z. monanthum is a perennial (contrary to all our previous — knowledge of it) for the true Z. monanthum, if other specimens so — and very conspicuous. parison of several hundred specimens in various stages of develop- | _ ment, I find it shows a transition or simili 31 corresponding to internal divisions; placentas thickened; seeds plump, whitish, broad-ovate, somewhat irregular, 5-6 inches long. DEscrIPTION OF PLATE XIV.—Fig. 1., Cucurbita perennis, Gray. a, cross- section of mature fruit; 4, a seed. Fig. 2., C. digitata, Gray. a, cross-section of mature fruit ; 4,a seed. Fig. 3., base of fruit of C. digitata, showing 10 longitudi- nal markings, Fig. 4., C. pa/mata, Watson, a, cross-section of fruit ; 4, a seed. New Californian Plants. By Marcus E. JONnEs.. VTRIFOLIUM MULTICAULE.—Stems many from the summit of a thick, upright, perennial root, diffusely spreading, very slender, 6’—12’ long; leaflets three, 3-4” long, 1’—13"" wide; lowest obovate, cun- eate, notched ; upper ones oblanceolate, obtuse, (central one cuneate), _ finely serrate ; stipules ovate, toothed ; peduncles axillary, 1’ long, twice as long as the leaves ; involucre }—1” long, 3-5-cleft, divisions — entire or 2-cleft ; flowers 5’ long, narrow, not inflated, not recurved, — very shortly pediceled ; calyx sparsely hairy, 10-nerved, teeth subu- late or long-triangular, one-nerved, scarcely aristate, edge smooth ; corolla yellowish-white with a purple keel; pod 2-seeded ; lower petioles short ; pubescence villous, spreading. Soda Springs, near Summit, Cal., July, 1882. : se This is apparently very distinct from any other 77¢fo/zwm, and 1s one of the prettiest species. fis Mr. Watson informs me that this plant is 7. wonanthum, the pub- referred by Mr. Watson are correct (and there is no doubt of his ac- ; curacy in the matter) is a very delicate, prostrate, glabrous plant, — with slender, creeping, perennial rootstocks, while Z. multicaule has — a thick, vertical root, which producés many ascending stems ; the : plant is softly hairy, and the flowers have a more conspicuous InvO~ — lucre and are more numerous. . GRINDELIA Pacirica.—Stems clustered, 6’ high, erect or ascend- ing, branching toward the top ; root-leaves filiform, 2-4 long, vary- ing to very narrowly oblanceolate with a long filiform petiole, entire or with a tooth or two at the summit ;. upper stem-leaves oblong- ae lanceolate ; short, sessile, with a broad, cordate, clasping base, entire 73 or sparsely toothed ; tippermost leaves passing into the involucral a scales, which are lax'and with filiform herbaceous tips 3°—12 long; involucre not over 6” broad ; rays yellow, 3” long ; heads terminal. On the hills at Santa Cruz, Cal. Very peculiar in the filiform root-leaves. Spraguea umbellata, Torr., var. MONTANA.—Petals white, stamens — yellow ; scarious bracts 2-4” long, very broad, equalling the sepals Soda Springs, near Summit, Cal., July, 1882. _ This plant appears to be very distinct, but, after a careful com- imiliarity in other respects, though 32 not in the characters given above. The bracts of S. umbe//ata are from 1” to 14” long, usually } smaller than the sepals, the upper scales on — _ the stem are slightly hyaline at base ; seed black, shining and ftuder- culate in pretty evident circular lines, not striate as figured by Torrey. The bracts of var. montana are scarcely ever shorter than the sepals, but often longer ; upper scales on the stem hyaline all over, the hya- ‘ line part on each side being twice the width of the green centre. The heads of .S. wmbellata are usually divided into many small, dense, round glomerules: in the var. they are all compacted into one large dense head, the peduncles seldom being longer than the bracts. The bracts of S. wmbel/ata are obvate ; those of the var. are ovate-oblong or (usually) orbicular. The var. grows at a higher altitude than the typical form, generally close to snow. vy. Oxyrueca Reppinci1ana.—Bracts united only at the base, linear, hirsute, aWwnless, gradually reduced ; leaves very narrowly linear- oblanceolate, 1” long, less than 1” wide, hirsute; involucres 4-cleft below the middle, the short, ovate hyaline margined lobes barely acute, 4” long, awnless ; pedicel glabrous, reddish, capillary, from 2 to 10 times the length of the involucre : flowers 1” long, deep rose- colored, the centre of the segments almost black and the edges white het or yellow, segments ovate, rounded, somewhat ‘narrowed at base, . _ are pubescent with stalked glands. Resembles Gilia pusilla, and is scarcely less delicate. sparsely hairy along the centre. The main stem and all its branches — Near the snow-sheds at Soda Springs, near Summit, Cal., July, | 1882. Dedicated to Mr. B, B. Redding, to whom we are indebted for much of our knowledge of Californian botany. Though his in-— terest has been greater and his aid more substantial than that of almost any other man, his services have never yet been recognized. I therefore take this opportunity to dedicate to him this pretty little annual. Mr. Watson says that this plant is Zriogonum spergulinum, but it is in my judgment a far better Oxytheca, and is wrongly referred to Lriogonum, Its nearest relatives are O. inermis and O. dendroidea. by the absence of awns. It is, however, in all other respects a good Oxytheca. _ Salt Lake City, Utah. Pleuraphis 1 came to regard them as very closely allied genera, and, ters of the spikelets also pointed rather to Paniceae (being articu- Phalarideae and Pleuraphis in Pappophoreae. ee reply: “As to Pleuraphis, you are correct as to its | Hilaria, ; Mr. Bentham, in his recent paper on Gr _Pleuraphis to Hilaria, so we must now write Hilaria Jamesii, Benth., It tends to invalidate the genus Oxytheca, as does also O. inermis __ I communicated these views to my friend Dr. Vasey, Botanist of the Department of Agriculture, at Washington, ‘and he states in relationship with — amineae, reduces — ee Change of Name in a Grass.—In recent studies on Hilaria and _in fact, saw no reason why they should not be united. The charac. _ lated with the pedicel below the glumes, etc.) than to. the we tribes into which they had been assigned by authors—Ai/aria in a _ Bot. Cal. ii, p. 293. It is No. 494 of E. Palmer’s collection, 1877. ot age at aE end _ former corresponding, in the Schwendener theory, to the algoid ele- - the same organ. ____ New Station for Arceuthobium.——Central New York has, in _ days gone by, been the honYe of many prominent botanists, and a_ _new discovery in this section is of rare occurrence. I have the, _ due credit is to. be given their authors they should be written Hi/aria - included in this genus was distributed with E. Hall’s Texan plants. at one end enlarged and bearing gonidia, would be the theoretic theory, all is lichen, and only lichen, and both sorts of tubes, so dif- : 33 etc. So, likewise, you are correct in placing Ai/aria in Paniceae — tribe Zoysieae, according to Bentham.” There are three described species of Pleuraphis from the South- west: z 1. P. Jamesi, Torr., in Ann. Lyc., N. Y., i, 1824, p. 148 t. Io. M. E. Jones has distributed this in his Colorado collections. 2. P. mutica, Buckley in Proc. Acad., Phil., 1862, Pp. 95. There are specimens of this in the Herb. Acad. Phila., and I have speci- mens collected by Frank ‘weedy in Tom Green County, Texas, 1880. Nos. 760 and 2108 of C. Wright are the same (Gray in Proc. Acad. Phil., 1862, p. 335.) oe 3. P. rigida, Vhurber, Gram. Mex. Bound, ined., published in These three species are now placed in the genus Hiv/aria, and i Jamesii, (Torr.) Benth., H. mutica, (Buckley) Benth., and &. rigida (Thurb.) Benth. : flilaria cenchrotdes, H.B.K. The single species heretofo No. 846, and it is in Pringle’s sets of Pacific Slope Plants, collected in Arizona, near Camp Lowell, July, 1881. ae ; ’ _ F. Lamson Scripner. Theory of Lichens.—Dr. J. Miiller of Geneva, Switzerland, has recently pointed out an interesting confirmation of Dr. Minks’s theory of lichens in a Brazilian Coenogonium. In this genus, one or more — species of which occurs in the Southern States, the gonidial system is" composed of a series of green cells contained in a longitudinal cen- tral tube, and surrounded by slender colorless filaments; the ment, and the latter to the fungoid. In the new species, C. pannosu. Mill., Arg. in //ora, 1881, p. 234, a filament of the latter kind was found in a portion of its length to contain gonidia resembling those of the algoid tube, but at’a certain point it suddenly contracted to the form of a cone a little longer than broad, and continued: as a slender capillary tube, in which the internal cavity was continuous — with that of the larger portion ; and in this portion of it were clearly perceived the microgonidia in their natural form, size and arrange- ment. It follows from this, says Dr. Miiller, that one and the same cell, alga, and at the other contracted and containing microgonidia would be the theoretic fungus, proving absolutely the falsehood of the ferent at first sight, are only different states of evolution of one and Mew Bedford, Mass, “>is 422- : H. W. . 34 pleasure of announcing a discovery of my own. On May 28th and June 25th, 1881, I detected Arceuthobium pusillum, Peck, grow- Ing very abundantly on Adzes nigra in the Graefenberg swamps / on the heights of Frankfort, Herkimer County, N. Y., about six 2 miles S. E. of Utica. My surprise was great, inasmuch as the same region had been most thoroughly explored years ago, as ‘shown by the record in Paine’s Catalogue. Prof. Asa Gray, Drs. Vasey and Knieskern, John A. Paine, Jr., Edwin Hunt and others were all prob- ably well acquainted with the locality, and itistruly remarkable that the plant should have been overlooked by them, since its great abund- ance now, indicates that it has had its home there for years. Suspi- cion alone on my part led to its discovery. I had received speci- mens from Oswego County from my friend Rev. J. H. Wibbe, and, when his locality was made known to me, I suspected that the plant might grow nearer home. In 1879 Llooked for itin N. Herkimer and Hamilton Counties but failed to find it; but last year I made a special effort and succeeded. It was an easy discovery, however, "as almost the first spruce that I examined was literally covered with it. The pistillate plants were the most abundant, and some of them measured nearly an inch in length. The plants were not confined to stunted trees, but were found sparingly on the lower branches of healthy ones. I noticed that all growths of from five to fifteen feet high were favored, especially where the tops had been broken off : _ and new shoots in a circle at the tops were completely covered. I thought at the time that Adses alba and A. balsamea might be affect- ed in the same way, but was prevented by ill health from making the investigation, and was unable for the same reason to discover any other station. As, in this immediate vicinity, there are other locali- ties almost identical, I think that another season will show the plant to be more widely distributed, and to grow in Oneida County as well. : arta NY; JosrpH V. Haperer. Note on Oregon Grasses.—The two grasses here named were collected by Mr. C. G, Pringle at Roseburg, Oregon, Oct. 2d, 188. Gastridium australe, P. B. (Thurber in Bot. Cal. ii, page 275).— Dr. Thurber states, upon the authority of Mr, Bolander, that this grass is common in California on the coast, and “late in the season covers the dry hills everywhere.” I am not aware of any record _ having been made of its occurrence in Oregon. _ Aristida oligantha, Mx. (Gray., Man. 5th ed., p. 618).—The awns’ are a little shorter than in specimens from the Eastern States, and both the glumes and florets are deeply colored with purple. This grass has not before been reported west of Colorado. F. Lamson ScRIBNER. __ Design of some Leaf-forms.— Most aquatic plants are so formed that they offer but little resistance to moving waters. Man Potamogeton, Isoetes, Chara, WVitella, and algae have filiform leaves or stems (or both), which offer but little resistance to changing cur rents of water. Ranunculus aguatilis and Potamogeton (a dozen - yspeciesof : ging cur- 35 species) have filiform leaves below the surface of the water, and spreading leaves above. The floating heart, frog’s-bit, duck-weed, pond-lily, AZarsilia, etc., with their hanging roots, or slender stems, present no opposing surface to water. Polygonum aquaticum, with its float-like leaves at the ends of long and_slender petioles, is not likely to be torn from its place of growth, however swift the current. The form and arrangement of the leaves of conifers and heaths are well adapted to wind-swept regions. The conifers grow in the highest Alpine regions the world over, where they are subjected to the most violent winds and storms; but their leaves, being so very small and unusually well secured to the branches, offer but little re- sistance.to the winds. The winds that set the oaks, elms and maples in an uproar pass over the pine, larch, and spruce with a whisper. — On the wind-swept moors and downs of England the fine-leaved — heaths grow in the greatest profusion. a Possibly it might be worth while for some botanists to consider why each family or species of plants has leaves of a shape peculiar to itself, and why some other form would not do as well, keeping in view the plant’s place of growth and the work it has to do. The function of leaves as depositories of food and moisture, and that of bulb-scales, bud-scales, spines, tendrils, pitchers, fly-traps, etc., has been well explained, but are there not some otMer interesting general- izations that are known to some botanists and which have not been — made known to botanists at large ? : oe The thick and glossy leaves of the Ericaceae, the much-divided leaves of the Umbelliferae, the thick and succulent leaves of many — salt-marsh plants, and other well-known facts, suggest questions which are not easily answered in a satisfactory manner by one man; _ but, by the mouths of many witnesses, the design of some leaf-forms may be established. “ ; soe Do the rings of beets show growth during any definite period of time? oe Roxbury. Mass. HLL, Capp, Gleanings in Westchester County.—In October,: 1880, I stum-_ bled upon a small cluster of Aster amethystinus, Nutt., about half a mile North of Wood-Lawn Cemetery, on a new road leading to Mount Vernon. Several species of Aster were growing near by, but I failed to find this one in any other place, though I searched for it through fields and along road-sides for a mile ormore around. In July, 1881, I found Scirpus sylvaticus, L., and Melanthium Virginicum, L., in a small bog about a mile East of Tarrytown. In neglected yards and gardens within the village proper, Galinsoga parviflora, Cav., has appeared in profusion, but as a recent interloper. Yonkers, N. Y. 2 E. C. Hows, __ A Query-—Can any reader of the BuLLetin forward proof that _ Carex Knieskernii, Dew., is a good species? Dr. Gray, in comparing it with C. Sullivantii, says : “ Perigynia glabrous and more evidently _ nerved.”” Dewey (in Wood) refers to an “ oblong achenium. Now, C. Sullivantii has an oblong achenium, but it is always abortive. Dr. — 36 Geo. Vasey regards this so-called species as a form of C. sylvatica, Huds., (of Europe); but the latter is more than thrice as small, and the perigynia are long-beaked. Mr. William Boott writes me that C. Sullivantii and C. Knieskernii are one and the same. Is it pos- sible to get any further light on this subject? Yonkers, N. Y. E. C. Howe. The Syracuse Botanical Club.—Since commencing our expedi- tions this season we have made many new additions to our collec- tion of the Onondaga flora, among them being Maguolia glauca, L. ; Stellaria longifolia, Mubl.; Geranium maculatum, L., with pure white flowers ; Rhamnus catharticus, L.; all of the maples given in Gray's Manual; Gymnocladus Canadensis, Lam.; Potentilla palustris, Scop.; Pyrus sambuctfolia, Cham. & Schlecht.; Amelanchier Canadensis, var. Botryapium, T. & G., a tree fully fifty feet high ; CArysosplenium Americanum, Schwein.; Oenothera pumila, L.; Lonicera oblongtfolia, Muhl., with pure white flowers; Viburnum nudum, L.; Hieracium . aurantiacum, L., although an introduced plant, becoming very common, even springing up in the flower-beds in our gardens, and another introduced composite, 7ragopogon pratensis, L., bidding fair to be as common along roadsides and in fields; Specularia perfo- liata, A. DC.; Kalmiq glauca, Ait.,‘for the first time in flower; //ex monticola,Gray; Plantago lanceolata, L., with hypertrophied compound spikes; Menyanthes trifoliata, L.; Myrica Gale, L.; Betula pumila, L.; many willows of whose species we are not as sure as we hope to be; Zannichellia palustris, L.; Potamogeton crispus, L., in fruit in Sen- eca River; Scheuchzeria palustris, L., in flower; Habenaria virescens, Spreng., sweet-scented, with the odor of clover; Smilacina trifolta, Desf.; Ornithogalum umbellatum, L., in bloom in the midst of Cicero Swamp; Zriophorum vaginatum, L., and £. gracile, Koch., vars. pau- cinervium and brevifolium; Carex siccata, Dew.; C. Muhlenbergit, Schk.; C. stricta, Lam.; C. crinita, var. morbida, Carey; C. limosa, L.; C. irrigua, Smith; C. grisea, Wahl.; C. debilis, Michx.; C. riparia, Curtis; C. Pseudo-Cyperus, L., and C. lupuliformis, Sartwell. We have - just begun collecting Gramineae and Eguisetaceae. One of our -members, Mrs. Leach, has at last discovered two stations for Ophio- glossum vulgatum, which had been found before in Onondaga County, but not by any of the Syracuse Botanical Club. Most of our old _ floral friends we have found ready to greet us whenever we have _ visited their homes. Mary Ouivia Rust. __ Correction.—In Mr. Greene's article in our February number, the word “leaves” (p. 16, gth line from bottom) should read “ rays*” __[n Mr. Ravenel’s note on page 23, ‘‘ just in leaf” (li . “ in leaf,” and “ eight feet” (line 20) should read “ three ee BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUE, a Vol. 1X.) New York, April. 1882, (No. 4. Development of the Cortex in Chara. Illustrated by a Series of American Species. By T. F. Aten. (Plates xv—xxu.) A classification of the species of Chara based upon a correct and thorough knowledge of their morphological characteristics was first attempted by the late Prof. A. Braun, who so arranged the genera — and species of the whole order Characeae, that we are able to trace a gradual development from the simplest dioecious WVife//a, with uni- — cellular stems and leaves, to the most completely developed Chara — (C. fragilis, Desv.). The formation of “nodes” and a complete de- 2 velopment of the node-bract and fruit-bearing leaf may be already seen in the simplest Chara; but the genus is still further elevated by — the growth of a cortical series of cells, which may be traced from the | rudimentary cells of the leaf-node to a perfect evolution. — pe The development of “stipules ” ae of which begin to appear — in the most highly organized JVitel/a) has been used by Prof. Braun to mark the three general divisions of the genus Chara, and the character of the cortication serves to mark sub-divisions. Both stip- ular and cortical cells spring from the nodal cells, and a considera- tion of their character must be preceded by an inquiry into the nature of a node. ae The stem of a characeous plant grows through the formation of cells, by a process of sub-division of the apical growing cell. an Plate xv, Fig, 12a, a represents the growing apical cell; #, a cell which has itself sub-divided and is destined to be the node; and #, an inter- — nodal cell which does does not sub-divide, but which is destined to elongate indefinitely. The next figure (Fig. 14) illustrates a developed stem, in which the inter-nodal cells z, 7 have extended, while the nodal cell z has sub-divided, but has not elongated. - From these nodal cells develop, in various ways, all organs—leaf, bract and new shoots; antheridia and sporangia; stipules and cortex. Since, in this paper, we have to deal with the development of the _ cortex of the stem only, we may consider first a node of the stem with a basilar node of a leaf. : ye “A primary nodal-cell of the stem divides, soon after its origin, into two secondary cells by means of a vertical septum through its diameter ; in each of these half-cells a semi-circle of peripheral cells _ forms by a farther eccentric, vertical fissation in such manner that a new fissation occurs alternately on one or the other side of the semi- circle. Both semi-circles begin on the same side of the node, pro- gress toward each other, and, when at last they close together, form - a complete circle of cells enclosing the two central cells, which, as _ Temnants, of the original halving-cell, form the nodal cells in the 38 a strictest sense. The peripheral cells are the mother-cells of just so many leaves. The number of these cells, and of leaves in a verticil, amounts in most Witel/ae regularly to six (very seldom five) and in Chara mostly to eight or ten, or even to fourteen or more. The leaves of successive verticils alternate with each other; for the halving- septum of each succeeding node forms an angle with that of the pre- ceding, equal to a half interval of a verticil, so the position of the first leaf of each successive vertical deviates a half interval from that of the first leaf of the preceding verticil. In this way a definite pre- cession is established ; the first leaves of the verticils forming a spiral with small divergence (+4, pz, 7g, etc.). This spiral is always to the left (downward, T. F. A.); and in this direction, with the increasing tension of the internodes, a more or less noticeable torsion of the stem takes place, most distinctly seen in corticated species ; in the naked species marked by the oblique course of the chlorophyll granules and indifferentiated striae (indifferenz-streifen) as well as by the direction of the circulation.” (A. Braun.) Fig. 1¢, of the same plate, represents a stem-node of Chara coronata, as seen from above, without the leaves. Each of the peripheral cells develops a leaf, as follows: the cell divides into two unequal portions by a horizontal septum, the lower and smaller segment remains in the node, while the upper divides into a “ globular complexity ”’ of cells, protrudes from the node and forms the basilar node of the leaf. This node consists of central and peripheral cells. The peripheral cells divide parallel to the surface of the node-disk, giving rise to - superposed marginal cells; the lower marginal cells give rise to the cor- _ tex-cells of the stem; and the upper develop usually somewhat on either side of the lower and give origin to the stipules. Usually there are two stipules at the base of each leaf, one on either side, but in CA. ceratophylia there is a third stipule developed from a cell arising be- tween the other two. In C2. coronata one of the lateral stipular cells fails to develop and but one stipule is seen, so that the stipules seem to alternate with the leaves. In Lychnothamnus Wallrothii the stip- ular cell remains directly in the centre, and the stipule is exactly op- posite the leaf, no cortex being developed. Chara stelligera, possess- Ing neither stipules nor cortex, exhibits at the base of the leaf three insignificant cells, protruding slightly. In WVtel/a and Tolypella we find no trace of cortical or stipular cells, though now and then ac- _ cessory, simple, leaf-like formations remind one of stipules. In J. _ hyalina these are numerous, arising from the base of the leaves in _ pairs, externally or even internally. : The cortex-cells, arising from the basilar node of the leaf, behave _ in a manner quite similar to the primary cells of the stern. They _ consist of alternate, elongated and nodal cells; the former elongating as the stem elongates, the latter not elongating, but forming a node _ which develops a wart or spine and lateral cells. : ____ 1,—Some species of Chara never develop these cortex-tubes, and _ the stems remain naked, like those of Chara coronata, Ziz. __ 2,—Some species develop a simple cortex-tube, which is so small - : eeu does not join the one from the next leaf, as Chara inconnexa, : en. 3 ee > se. : y Ae ‘ 39 3-—Some cortex-nodes develop spines but no secondary tubes; the primary tubes join and completely encircle the stem; ¢. g., Ch. crintta. 4.—Some cortex-tubes show a partial development of secondary tubes, as in Chara evoluta, Allen. 5.—Some cortex-tubes develop ome secondary cell only, which becomes as long as the primary cell, but smaller in size, as in Chara excelsa, Allen (also Chara intermedia, A, Br.. Gh. contraria, A. Br.). (Section Tylacanthae.) 6.—Some develop only one lateral cortex-cell, which becomes _ larger than the primary cell and partially covers it, so that the pri- mary cell seems to lie in a valley (Section Aulacanthae); for example, Ch. foetida, A. Br. a 7.—Some cortex-cells develop perfectly one lateral cell and im- — perfectly another, as, for example, Ch. aspera. ot 8.—Some cortex-cells develop perfectly both lateral cells, so that — three complete series of cells arise from each leaf, as in Ch. fragilis (also in Ch. gymnopus, A. Br.). ee In Plate xv the figures correspond to the divisions given above, In Chara aspera the greatest variability may be observed (Fig. 7 fron true aspera, Canada, and 7a from var. Macouuit). In Fig. 7 the sec- ondary cells meet obliquely, while in 7a one of the secondary cells extends past the other, so that a section of the stem at this point ® would show more than double the number of cortical tubes as compared ~ with the leaves of the verticil. Fig. 74 was taken from a form of Ch. — aspera(?) from Fort Pond, Long Island; unlike those of the typical CA. aspera, the secondary cells join with square and not oblige ends, and these cells never or rarely overlap, as in true aspera; but the irregu- larity of the cortex is produced by the partial and irregular bate ment of secondary cells from the opposite side of the node of the primary cell. po ES I have been unable to find subterranean bulblets on this plant, — and a thorough examination may show affinities rather with Ch. Krausit (whose secondary cortex-cells join rectangularly) than with Ch. aspera. In Fig. 8 is represented a typical triplostichous cortex in which cells develop from both sides of the node to the primary cell and extend upward and downward to join cells from neighboring nodes. In Fig. 8a is represented an anomaly, sometimes noticed, in which, by reason of an unusual extension of some cells, the cortex becomes hyper-triplostichous. In Fig. 8a, x, x represent the primary tubes; — @, a normal secondary tube which meets @ below and extends above | toc, the latter overlapping and extending down to meet a, which in turn has overlapped 4 and extended up to meetc. At 4—d there are three “series of tubes between the primary series. Both Chara fragilis and — : Ch. gymnopus are, as a rule, regularly triplostichous; the former as _ Fegards the stem only, the latter both in stem and leaf. one Chara coronata, Ziz.—A description of the various forms of this species has been given recently in the American Naturalist, and It 1s unnecessary to reproduce it here, The cortex-cells of the basilar _ hode of the leaf are rudimentary and the stems are entirely devoid of _ any cortex development. Plate xv1, illustrating one of the American _ Varieties of this species, has been used in the American Naturalist. . 40 — CHARA INCONNEXA, 2. 5f.-Humilis, 3-4 cm. in alt. Caulis inermis, inferne ecorticatus, superne imperfecte corticatus cellularum serle- bus cum numero foliorum congruentibus disjuncts. Folia verticilli 7—8, uno vel duobus ex articulis, foliola et fructiificationem gerenti- bus, partim ecorticatis, partim haplostiche disjunctis corticatis, par- tim diplostiche corticatis; segmentis ultimis elongatis, 1—2-articu- latis, cellula terminali mucronem formante ; corona stipularis e du- © plici cellularum serie, minima, inconspicua. Foligla plerumque unilateralia, posteriora saepe evoluta, anteriora sporangio breviora, non inflata. Sprorangium 8—ro-striatum, 1 mm. long., coronula brevi truncata; nucleo 600 longo. ° This exceedingly. interesting plant was collected in Iowa by Prof. C. E. Bessey. The lower portion of the stem is quite nakéd, and translucent like /Vz¢e//a; the lower verticils consist of long Nitella-like leaves which bear no nodes or bracts and have generally two articu- lations, the termmal segment forming a short mucronate tip. These leaves seem to me to have no stipules, though I have not been able to examine fresh specimens. The lowest fertile leaves are always entirely naked, and in these verticils are found a few rudimentary leaves without nodes or bracts, In the upper part of the stem the internodes of the latter become corticated in the primitive manner described and illustrated in the figure. The character of the corti- *cation seems to be quite like that of Ch. imperfecta, A. Br. Ch. dis- soluta A. Br., differs in a partial development of the lateral cells of the node of the cortex, so that the space between the primary cells of the cortex is filled at zzfervals, though spaces are left between the nodes. Ch. imperfecta is, however, dioecious, and has quite long bracts. Ch. dissoluta, to which this plant seems most nearly allied, differs in the more numerous nodes of the leaves, the larger and more striated nucleus, etc. The upper leaves of this plant vary greatly in the same verticils; two nodes are commonly found with bracts and fruit, the lowest in- ternode having a perfect double cortex, the upper an imperfect, dis- connected cortex, like the stem, the leaf above being entirely ecorti- cated and quite long. Some leaves have two fertile nodes, with only the lowest internode corticated in the disconnected, imperfect man- ner characteristic of this plant ; while other leaves (generally but one or two in a verticil) one entirely barren of fruit, bract, or node, and have one or two simple articulations merely. Frequently, in the upper part of the stem, the posterior bracts are quite plainly de- veloped, but much smaller than the anterior, : The plant is small and very dark green; the stems are clothed with _ the long straight leaves and are rigid with incrustation. - Chara crinita, Wallr. (Ann. Bot., 1815); Ch. horridula, Dethard- ing, in herb., 1809 ; Ch. canescens, Lois., Notice, 1810 (* Description _ Imperfect,” A. Braun) ; Ck. muricata, Hartmann, Skan. Flora, 1843; Ch condensata et vars. subjlexilis et erythrella, Wallm., 1854; Ch. Karelini, Lessing, Novit. Fl. Ross. in Linn., 1834; Ch. erythraea, _ Hering, in herb. Schimper; Gy. dioica et Ch. Sphagnoides, Griffith, _ posth. papers. , ee Bn econ pe Stem low, mostly simple or sparingly branched; cortical cells _ °. ee ee 4] large, equalling the number of the leaves, completely encircling the stem ; the nodes of the cortex numerous, armed with spines usually three from each node, of about equal length, as long as the diameter of the stem ; the spines so numerous that the stem is completely hidden by them. Szipules double, directed upward and downward, two at the base of each leaf, the upper longer than the lower, as large as the spines, about as long as the first internode of the leaves. Leaves 8—10, usually 9, in a verticil, short, somewhat incurved ; in- ternodes 4—7, usually 5, corticated like the stem, haplostichous, ex- cept the terminal segment, which is naked and simple, rarely articu- lated, and with the whorl of bracts of the last: node, which are nearly as long, forming a terminal tuft. Bracts verticillate, equally developed all around the node, usually much longer than the sporangtum, __ except three very short extra bracts subtending the sporangium, which seem to stand in the place of the antheridium, sometimes the middle one of these three “ bracteoles” is elongated to nearly the © length of the sporangium. Sporangia oblong-oval with 15-16 whorls _ on one side, coronula somewhat connivent (in American forms) rather oe short. Nucleus black, with 12 to 15 sharp angles on one side; in _ one form (Jachysperma) broadly oval, in another (leptosperma) narrowly — oblong. Antheridia very rarely seen; the plant propagating itself by parthenogenesis. Dioecious. ee : I have considered the American plant a distinct variety, on account of its large seeds (nuclei 620 long; in the European forms from 350 to 560 long) ; indeed, it seems to occupy a position nearer the following species (C%. evoluta) than the European forms do. _ The larger form (sazhysperma) was gathered in 1860 by the writer on the shore of Great Pond, Montauk Point, Long Island. The pond at that time was fresh, or slightly brackish from the occasional _ breaking of salt water over the bar which separated it from the sea. oe Since then an inlet has opened and the pond has become nearly as salt as the sea, and though searched for repeatedly the plant has not been found there since. Ch. aspera, then found in company with Ch. crinita (as it frequently is), has disappeared also from that pond, though it may still be found in Fort Pond, a few miles distant, asso- ciated with Cy. delicatula, Ag. Forma deptosperma has been found at Polpis, Nantucket, by Mrs. Maria L. Owen. In the brackish lakes of Western Canada Prof. Macoun gathered, along with Ch. evoluta, some plants which approach very closely to Ch. crinita. They seem to be dioecious (no antheridia could be discovered), and to lack the small bracteoles in front of the sporangia, and they have large nuclei. Prof. Nordstedt writes that Ch. crinita exhibits, in rare specimens, some tendency to the development of secondary cortex-tubes. Cuara EVoLuTA, Allen (cu Zit. ad Prof. Nordstedt, 1881).—£u- chara, diplostephana, haplosticha (vel sub-diplosticha), monica. — Humilis, 1—15 centimm. alt. Caulis aculeolis numerosis arma- _ tus, haplostiche ve/ sub-diplostiche corticatus ; aculeolis binis fascicu-_ a latis, caulis diametrum aequantibus. Folia verticilli g—ro, plerumque 9, haplostiche corticata ; articulis 4—5 (saepissime 5) corticatis, ul- _ _ timo nudo bi-cellulari; articulis fructificationem gerentibus 3—4. _ Foliola omnium geniculorum evoluta, verticillata, sporangio longiora, — . 42 exceptis duobus brevioribus antheridia lateralibsu, postica vix brev- iora. Corona stipularis sursum. et deorsum evoluta, cellulis elonga- tis, seriei superioris articulum foliorum infimum aequantibus. Spo- rangium 11—12-striatum ; coronula brevi, sub-connivente ; nucleo atro, oblongo, 660 long., 375—410/ lat., striis a latere inconspic- uis (leiopyrena) g—10. This very interesting Chara was collected by Prof. Macoun of the Canadian Pacific Railway Survey, in July, 1879, in the brackish water of the Red-deer Lakes and in ponds west of the Saskatchawan. From Ch. crinita, Wallr., it differs in being monoecious, and in the character of the cortex ; but its general habit is exactly like that of Ch. crinita, Wallr., indeed among the specimens sent by Prof. Macoun are found a few, apparently dioecious, which I am unable to distin- guish in any way from that species. In Ch. crinita a node of the cortex develops a spine from each of the three external cells, so that the spines are fasciculated in ¢hrees. In this species but two of the cells develop spines, the central cell a long spine and one lateral cell a short one, while the other lateral cell remains undeveloped, or protrudes in the form of a small “ button,” (Fig. 2, @) or elongates somewhat, partially forming a secondary cor- tex-tube. A section of one of these partially developed tubes is shown in Fig. 3,@. Another feature of this plant exhibits its close relationship to Ch. crinita, namely, the smaller bracts on each side of the antheridium. In C4. crinita three small bracts stand in front of the sporangium, the central one of which seems to occupy the place of the antheridium ; in this place the antheridium occupies just the place of the central bract. Chara crinita, developing an antheridium _ Instead of the central bract in front of the sporangium, and a sec- ondary cortex-tube in place of a lateral cortex-spine, would nearly represent Ch. evoluta. Another fact of significance is the discovery of an almost identical _ and similarly intermediate species in Central Asia. Prof. Nordstedt, in a recent letter to the writer, says: “I have discovered (in Braun’s MS.) under C2. contraria some remarks by Braun concerning Ch. Altaica, Br., ined. This species seems to stand very near your Ch. evoluta. Braun writes : ‘This seems to me most nearly related to Ch. crinita, from which it is clearly different in being monoecious. The cortication of the leaves is like CA. crintta, namely, above and _ below each bract only one cortex-cell, but under the antheridium there seem to be but two cells. On the stem, the cortex is very re- _ Markable; at times the secondary celis are entirely wantin g, at times _ there is one, at others there are two, but all are never developed, as _ asection proves. In this respect Ch. Altaica varies between the type of Ch. crinita and contraria, and Ch. strigosa and aspera; the cells are all very thin as in crinita, while in strigosa they are thick. The dorsal bracts of the leaf-nodes are elongated, and all the bracts con- nivent, also a peculiarity of Ch. crinita. Ch. crinita has, but rarely, traces of intermediate cortex-tubes,’” gee aes - =e From this description it would seem that the Asiatic species had _ developed slightly farther than the American. . ___ The cortication of the leaf of Ch evoluta presents no marked 45 variations from that of Ch. crinita. In the latter species there is 4 regular haplostichous cortication, Even the three small bracteoles have a cortex-tube for each, though often irregularly developed in the lowest node of the leaf, the centre bracteole may send a tube to the base of the leaf and the lateral ones be imperfectly developed ; or the lateral bracteoles may send down a tube while the central bracteole may be imperfectly developed between them, _ In Ch. evoluta the development is also irregular ; most frequently in the lowest node of the leaf three tubes are sent down, one from the base of the antheridium and one from each lateral bracteole; but the lateral tubes are usually small and often abortive (as in Fig. 5, c) in the upper node. The terminal segment of the leaf is not always two-celled, but sometimes one-celled and not longer than the sur- rounding bracts. CHARA EXCELSA, 2”, sp.—Euchara, diplostephana, perfecta, dip- — losticha, monoica. - Humilis, statura et habitu Ch. contrariam aemulans. Caulis — aculeolis sparsis armatus, diplostiche corticatus, seriebus cel- lullularum primariis prominulis. Folia verticilli 7-8, plerumque _ 8, articulis 5-6, fructificationem gerentibus 2-3; segmento ultimo nudo, bicellulari, saepe elongato ; foliis diplostiche corticatis. Foliola | omnium geniculorum evoluta, verticillata sporangio longiora, postica vix breviora. Corona stipularis sursum et deorsum valde sed inequal- iter evoluta. Sporangium 16-18-striatum, coronula brevi obtusa ; collo sporangii elongato. Nucleus ater, ovalis, 15-16-striatus, striis sub-prominulis, 750-800 #4 longus. This plant has the general appearance of Ch. evoluta and crinita, but is less spinescent. The cortex is almost regularly diplostichous, the primary series being much more prominent. Now and then the — secondary series of cells extend past each other, and even additional tubes are developed, as in Ch. aspera, so that a section of the stem does not show just twice as many cells as there are leaves in thé vere = 2 ticil. The spines of, the stem are exceedingly variable in length, sometimes more than double the diameter of the stém, sometimes appearing as simple papillae. The stipules are also very irregular in’ size, some being more than double the length of others, the longest equalling the lowest node of the leaf. The leaves are regularly cor- ticated in two series, and the terminal, naked segment, even in maturer plants, is often much elongated and two-celled. The bracts are verticillate, much longer than the sporangia, and present the general aspect of those of Ch. crinitaand evoluta. The form of the sporangium : quite peculiar in the elongated neck, with short, round, thick cellsa the top. This species was collected in Canandaigua Lake, in August, 1881. Chara aspera, (Dethard.) Willd.—Sud-triplosticha, dioica.—‘Usual- ly below medium size and correspondingly slender. Cortex — of the stem imcompletely triplostichous, for the cells of the secondary _ series overlap and unite obliquely; the primary series often some- — what more prominent. (In our American specimens the cortex 1s _ extremely irregular, as may be seen by referring to the figures, which | are exactly true to nature). Spines single, very ew in number — 44 and length, sometimes: slender and sharp-pointed, sometimes short and very blunt. Stipules usually quite large but variable (in var. Macounit, Allen). Leaves 6 to 11 (usually 8) in a verticil, consisting _ of 3 to 7 (usually 6) corticated internodes and a naked tip, sometimes? two-celled. Bracts on all the nodes; on the upper sterile nodes shorter, often inconspicuous; on the fertile nodes of the female plants there are usually 3 shorter, posterior, and (including the main bract, in place of the antheridium) 5 longer anterior bracts ; of these the main bract is sometimes shorter, sometimes longer. than the others. On the male plant the bracts are in general shorter than on the female, usually only two long anterior bracts, by the side of the antheridium. Sporangium oblong, with a short, broad, truncated coronula. Nucleus black, with inconspicuous angles, 440-500 [M long; striae on one side of the sporangium 14-16, on the nucleus 13-14. On the subterranean parts of the plant, small globular bulb- iets, ‘Very variable in size and vigor, but usually with very slender stems, and slender ieaves, mostly straight and rigidly spreading, rarely curved outwardly or inwardly. Color a clear green, light or dark, usually grayish with incrustation when old ; in salt water more vigorous, yellowish or browish green and but slightly incrusted. The length of the leaves varies greatly, but very long leaves are unknown, while there are short-leayed forms (forma brachyphylla). The bracts are sometimes much longer than the sporangia, sometimes of equal length or even somewhat shorter ; also the spines, always slender and straight, are often several times longer than the diameter of the stem, equal to it or shorter, rarely so short as to be almost unnoticed (forma sub-inermis). In young plants the terminal naked segments of the leaves may be greatly elongated (Ch. fallax, Ag.) On all forms, but most frequently on those growing in fresh or brackish water, are found chalky-white, globular tubers, which are situated on the nodes of the rootlets, seldom on the subterranean, defoliated and decorticated nodes of the stem; these are sometimes single, sometimes in groups of 2 to 5 and are nothing else than modified rootlets, formed of a single cell, filled with starch granules. Sometimes an ordinary filiform rootlet bears at its tip one, or even a whole bunch of such tubers. While the upper part of the plant dies in winter, these rootlets survive and give rise to new shoots, from the upper extremity of the tuber, _ or from a root-node on which the tuber is borne. Male and female plants are equally common and are found together.” (A. Braun.) The above comprehensive description, by Prof. Braun, embraces a great variety of forms from different countries. The forms of true _ Ch. aspera hitherto found in America are from New Mexico (Wright, _ 1857, No. 561); Long Island (Allen, 1860-1881) and Canada (Prof. _ Macoun, Canadian Pacific R. R. Survey, 1879-1880; brackish ponds _ west of Saskatchewan, etc.) All of these collections belong to the long-bracted and long-spined form, except the following marked variety, which I had ventured to consider a distinct species : var Macounn, (Ch. Macounii, Allen in litt)—Caulis aculeolis Sparsis, Inconspicuis, sub-inflatis obtusis armatus. Folia verticilli : te 8; articulis 8, internodiis elongatis ; sinistro_torta. 45 Sporangium 1o-12-striatum, coronula connivente, nucleo 8-9- striato. Foliola anteriora 3, sporangio multo breviora, posteriora inconspicua, Stipulae minutae. Nucleus niger, 450-4754 longus. Antheridium 550/¢ diametro. The striking peculiarities of this variety are the torsion of the leaves (to the left, upward) ; the minute blunt spines ; small stipules and very short bracts; the connivent cells of the coronula; and the small nucleus with fewer angles, All these differences would readily serve to distinguish this form as a distinct species, were it not for the fact that the aspera group is already large and its individuals difficult to distinguish. Doubtless they all have a common origin, and the variations are such as differences of climate, water, etc., determine. I have not found any bulbs on the specimens from Prof, | Macoun, nor indeed, were any found on his Cy. aspera, nor did I succeed in collecting them on Long Island. The plants in this country seem to be in fruit in mid-summer. Our female plants seem _ to be longer leaved with more open verticils; and the male plants have, for the most part, shorter incurved leaves with one less node. The variety Macounti differs but little from Ch. fragifera, Dur., which | is dioecious, has small bracts and stipules and long and slender twisted leaves; but the cortex is perfectly triplostichous. A long- | leaved form of Ch. fragilis, Desv., sometimes has twisted leaves (forma streptophylla=Ch. Hedwigti, Ag.) ae Chara fragilis, Desv., (Ch. vulgaris, L., in part).— 7riplosticha, monoica.— Medium size, relatively slender and rather rigid. Stem completely triplostichous and symmetrically corticated, smooth. Leaves in a whorl, 6-9, usually 7-8, for the most part slender and rigid, a with 5-8 corticated segments and a very short tip of 1-2 naked cells. © Stipules commonly very small, consisting of two series of small papillae, the cells of the upper row larger, those of the lower smaller and only partially developed. Bracts on the dorsum of the leaf ob- solete ; on the upper sterile nodes all are often undeveloped ; the anterior bracts of a fertile node, usually 4 in number, including the — prebracteoles, are sometimes shorter, sometimes equal to, some- times longer than the fruit, and the two anterior (prebracteoles) are always the longer pair. Antheridia and sporangia single. Fruit oval or elongated, larger than foefida and aspera. Coronula elongated, with a conical, connivent or erect, rarely slightly divergent, tip. In- crustation thin. Nucleus black, elongated, with sharp angles and sharp spines, 550-660 long. Striae on one side of the sporangium 15—16, on the nucleus 13-14. Usually of a fine green color, often a dark lake-green, always somewhat incrusted, when more incrusted grayish-green, and when dry whitish-gray (CA. Air/a, Meyen). The — incrusted forms are very brittle. On the leaves of the sterile verti- cils there are scarcely any bracts. In deep water the species is perennial, living by means of sprouts from the lower nodes of the _ ‘stem ; in drier places, annual. Very variable in size, length and _ thickness of leaf (forma dongifolia et brevifolia, tenutfolia et crassifolia) — as well as the length of the bracts, which has given rise to numerous untenable species.” (A. Braun.) a oe 2 — 3 This species, like Ch. foetida, A. Br., is found all over the world, ters. Fig. 5, the anterior as 46 but rarely in salt water. In the United States it seems to be the most common species, being reported everywhere. It grows to a considerable length, with long slender leaves, in running water, or becomes very small and compact in still ponds. Multicellular tubers are formed on the lowest nodes. . Specimens have been found as follows: Maine, Prof. O. D. Allen. Vermont, at Charlotte (forma microptila), Mr. Pringle ; in Willoughby Lake (¢enuior longifolia), Messrs. Horsford and Faxon; at Ferris- burgh, Mr. Faxon. Massachusetts, at Boxford, Messrs. Faxon and T. F. Allen ; at Natick and Cambridge, Mr. Faxon; at other places by Rev. Mr. Morong. Connecticut, at New Haven, Prof. O. D. Allen ; in Litchfield County quite common, T. F. Allen. New York, at Albany, Mr. Peck; at Penn Yan (forma macroptila var. barbata) ; in the lakes of Western New York, especially in Hemlock and Honeoye Lakes, and common in the lakes in the Adirondacks, T. F . Allen. Illinois (forma longifolia major, var. Hedwigti), Dr. J. Schenck. Iowa, J. C. Arthur and Prof. Bessey. California, Dr. A. Kellogg (forma macroptila). Yellowstone Park, in the hot Geyser Springs, temperature 100° F., finely in fruit, but with only two elongated bracts, the lateral bracts very minute, herb. Gray, collected during Hayden’s Survey. (Ch. delicatula, Ag., by some considered a variety of Ch. fragilis, grows in Fort Pond, Montauk Point, Long Island. It is incom- pletely triplostichous; the stem is armed with small spines; the stipules are well developed; and the bracts are verticillate, but the dorsal ones small. Intermediate forms are known between this species and the typical fragzizs.) DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XVII, Ch, inconnexa.- A represents the plant, natural size. Fig. 1, a lower sterile verticil. Fig. 2, a higher verticil with naked leaves and with one node fertile, one quite sterile, and the stem corticated with a disconnected series of primary, node-bearing cortex-tubes. Fig. 3, an upper verticil, showing three (of the seven) leaves, one with a single fertile node, with the lowest internode corti- cated like the stem ; one with two fertile nodes, the lower of which has a perfect double cortex, the upper an imperfect cortex, and one sterile leaf without any node whatever. Fig. 4, a section of the stem showing the relation of the cortex-tubes to each other. Fig. 5, the terminal articulation of a leaf with its short mucronate cell. All the figures are magnified roo diameters. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XVIII, Ch. crinifa.—A represents the normal size of the plant. Fig. 1, a portion of the stem with triple spines (less numerous than in nature, when they completely hide the stem); large double stipules equalling the lowest joint of the leaves; the long, verticillate bracts; the short coronula of the sporangium; and, at a, the three bracteoles subtending the sprorangium. (The male plant I have never seen.) Fig. 2, terminal nodes of a leaf, showing the one-celled, naked ter- minal, surrounded by long bracts. Fig. 3, a section of the stem. Fig. 4, a nu- cleus from Montauk Point (forma pachysperma). Fig. 5, nucleus from Nantucket (forma /eptosperma). _ EXPLANATION OF PLATE XIX, Ch. evoluta.—Aan the plant; B though small is perfectly mature, _ stem with double spines, double stipules and one leaf with three fertile, two sterile nodes and a two-celled odes | , terminal, naked segment, magnified 30 diameters. Fig. 2, _a portion of the stem, showing at a, %, and c the partial development of one cell of _ a cortex-node into a cortex-tube, magnified 30 diameters. Fig. 3, a section of the stem, showing at a’ a section of one of the incompletely developed secondary cor- tex tubes. Fig. 4, the point of one of the bracts (or spines) magnified 120 eanies pect of a leaf (the two lowest nodes) showing at a, a, at 6, 4, the central cortex-tube, in the lower node cov- d B represent the natural size of with full-sized sporangia. Fig. 1, the the site of the antheridium ; 47 ering the whole segment but tapering below, in the upper node extending down to fill the gap above the sporangium ; atc, ¢, lateral tubes, in the lower node dilating below, in the upper, larger above, on the right and on the left nearly obsolete ; at d@, d, regular tubes from the bract. The group of three tubes arises from ome bract- node of the leaf. The exact development of cells at the base of this node is not known ; it seems to have some peculiarties which require investigation with fresh Specimens. Figs. 6 and 7, nuclei with faint striae. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XX, Ch. etcelsa.—-A,plant natural size. Fig. 1, stem and verticil, showing variable cortex-spines and stipules. Fig. 2, a section of the stem, showing slight deviation from a regular diplostichous type. Fig. 3, two nodes of a leaf, with verticillate bracts. Fig. 4, terminal node of leaf with an elongated, naked, two-celled tip. Fig. 5, tip of one of the bracts (magnified 250 diameters). Fig. 6, one of the mature sporangia, showing the elongated neck, and short, blunt cells of the coronula. Fig. 7 and 8, mature muclei, with 15—16 sub-acute angles. The figures (except Fig. 5) are magnified 35 diameters. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXI. Ch. aspera.—A, a male plant of the ordinary form (from Long Island), natural size. B, a female plant of var. Macouniz, natural size. Figs. 1-3, from normal form (macropiila). Fig. 1, a portion of the stem, showing the irregular formation of the cortex, and the base of a verticil showing the large stipules. Fig. 2, portion of a leaf bearing sporangia, with long verticillate bracts ; coronula somewhat divergent. Fig.-3, portion of a leaf from the male plant. Figs. 4-6, from var. Macounii. Fig. 4, stem, verticil and portion of leaf of a female plant, showing small blunt spines, irregular cortex, minute stipules, minute bracts, | connivent coronula and the torsion of the leaf. Fig. 5, part of leaf of male plant. — Fig. 6, terminal node of a leaf (not always with a ¢wo-celled naked segment, but © often only one-celled). Fig. 7, a cluster of bulblets from the rootlets of a European specimen. These consist of a simple sack filled with starch granules of varying size, the largest averaging 70 / in diameter, the interstices between the larger granules being densely packed with smaller ones. Fig. 7, @, one granule magnified too diameters, showing a black cross with polarized light. Figures all magnified 40 diameters. ee EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXII, Ch. fragilis.--A, plant natural size with bulblets at the underground nodes. _B, a verticil and leaf magnified 25 diameters; 8 and g, and 8a and ga showing two terminals, the single-celled one more common. C, an en- larged bulb, and a section showing numerous cells filled with starch granules. D, a node beginning to deposit starch in the nodal cells. The starch seems to fom: in the extremities of the main tubes of the stem, in the base of the leaves and in the cells surrounding the base of each leaf, thus giving rise to a very com licated tuber. The thickening of the tuber around the base of the leaves 1s well shown in the magnified tuber. Fig. 10, a nucleus. On the Development of the Root-stock of Dicentra cucullaria. | By JosEpH SCHRENK. or (Plate xxut.) When we examine this plant in December or January, we find that many of the singular bulblets of which the bulk of its subterra- nean portion consists, begin to push forth buds from near their bases, © on the inner side (toward the axis). At this time we find these buds in various stages of development: some are mere protrusions above the epidermis, others show plainly one or two rudimentary leaves surrounded by several scales or bracts (Plate xxi, Figs. 1 and 3). The more advanced buds have an elongated axis beset with large mem- branaceots bracts, which, overlapping one another, envelop the axis, In the axils of these bracts there are found miniature bulblets, either é singly or in clusters, shaped like the large ones from which the buds have started; only at their upper end we discover a rudimentary, but very plainly tripartite leaf-blade incurved toward the axis (Fig. . 48 4, 6.,and Fig. 5). This rudimentary blade attains a greater size and development on those bulblets that grow at the top of the axis. In every vigorous shoot we find, near the end of the axis, one, or often two leaves which are so far advanced in growth that the entire structure of the full-grown Décentra leaf is plainly discernible. They even have a greenish tinge, although closely wrapped up by the bud- scales and growing under ground. But besides having an almost fully developed lamina, such perfect leaves are remarkably different in regard to their petioles from the ones with only rudimentary blades. With these, the bulblet itself is simply a greatly enlarged, roundish- triangular leaf-stalk, bearing at its top a mere vestige of alamina, while the well-developed blade of the former is borne on an elongated, typical petiole, which only at its very base presents an evident, though comparatively slight swelling (Fig. 4, p¢. and Fig. 6, a.) At the flowering time (in April), when the leaf-blades have fully ex- panded this slight swelling of the petiole-bases has increased enormously (Fig. 7.); and when in summer the foliage has .withered away, these enlarged petiole-bases persist and help to form the singular subterranean stem of our plant. They then remotely resemble beech-nuts in size and shape, but the edges are not so sharp, and the inner side is flat. We can easily recognize them by the triangular, dark brown scar left at the top where the thinner part of the petiole has withered away. The minute bulblets, which I mentioned above as growing in the axils of the bracts on the elongating axis, do not develop their rudi- mentary leaf-blades at all, but soon lose nearly every trace of them, _ retaining only a small incurved point at the top. But their mass increases very considerably, while the axis to which they belong, and at the top of which the real leaves are growing, does not lengthen in proportion, so that at the end of the growing season these bulblets are found crowded under and around the large persisting petiole-bases described above. Their outer sides are not concave, but rather convex (Fig. 2), and in size they vary very much, some being as, small as millet or hemp seeds, while others are as large as grains of wheat or even of corn. They have of course no scar at the top, the initial blade of their early stage of development having been absorbed or transformed into a smooth blunt point. On the ground of these observations we might distinguish two sorts of ‘‘granulate bulblets ” growing on the root-stock of Dicentra _ ¢ucullaria, viz., 1st, metamorphosed petiole-bases, and 2nd, abortive leaves. Their physiological functions are, no doubt, identical; and, in regard to structure and contents, there is not much essential dif. ference; the bulblets of both kinds contain numerous fibro-vascular __ bundles scattered through the bulk of large parenchymatic cells that _ are crowded with starch-granules; but in bulblets of the first kind _ there are from three to five strong principal fibro-vascular bundles ____ (Figs. 6 and 7) while there are no such fibres in those of the second _kind (Fig. 2). : Pe ae __ Every one of these bulblets js provided at its base with a bud, which eventually produces a new axis during the next season, while, at the same time, new axial organs spring from the main stem. It is, 49 therofore, evident, that an old root-stock will form a conglomeration of branches, and will have a coral-like appearance when the bulblets are removed. It is not quite easy to decide from actual observation, whether the buds morphologically belong to the bulblets, or to the axis on which the latter are inserted.. In the former case, we should have one of the rather rare occurrences of abnormal bud-production from petioles. But, I think, we can plainly distinguish a narrow zone of tissue in the bulblet at the point of its insertion, that morphologically belongs to the axis. But this zone, from which the incipient bud is differentiated, is, together with its bulblet, very easily detached from its axis, and then gives rise to a new individual plant. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXtlI.—(For figure of entire plant see Gray’s Struct. Bot. p. 204, where, however, the thin portion of the petiole ought to be represented as proceeding from the ¢of of the bulblet. : Fig. 1. longitud. sect. of last year’s bulblet with bud at the base (December). Fig 2, cross-sect. of the same.—Fig. 3, the same with elongating axis; // leaf; 4, bracts.—Fig.4, longitud. sect. of vigorous shoot (in December) separated from root- stock, the large lower bracts removed; 7¢, root breaking through overlying tissue; . 66, new bulblets in axils of upper bracts; /, petiole-bases (the blades belonging to them are cut off); a, end of axis, all magnified. Fig 5, cluster of bulblets be- tween two bracts (in December), taken from the axil of a lower bract on shoot in . Fig. 4. Fig. 6,* sections of petioles in December, and Fig. 7, in April: a, longitud, sections showing bud at base; 4, cross-section from base, ¢, from middle and d, from top of thickened portion; ¢, from upper (thin) part of petiole. - New or Little-Known Ferns of the United States. No. 12. : By D. C. Eaton. 36. Polypodium Swartzti, Baker.—Rootstock very long and slender, chaffy with narrow ferruginous scales ; fronds scattered, short-stalked, thin-membranaceous, smooth, oval to linear-lanceolate, § to 5 inches long, 3 to 5 lines broad, entire or sinuate; veinlets visible, reticulated, paracostal areoles long and narrow, next ones much larger, oblique, outer ones much smaller and irregular; fertile fronds longer than the sterile, and soriferous on short included veinlets in the largest areoles only, the sori thus in a single row each side of the midrib. Syn. Fil. p. 357. P. serpens, Swartz, Mettentus, Hooker, but not the /. serpens of Forster. Climbing on stems of shrubs and small trees, often several feet above the ground ; at the north end of Key Largo, Florida; A. H. Curtiss, Feb. 21, 1882. a 2 I have to thank Mr. Davenport for a specimen of this interesting little fern. It was discovered in Santo Domingo nearly two hundred years ago by Plumier, who gave but a slightly exaggerated figure of it under the name of “ Zingua Cervina scandens, angustis et undosts foliis.’ He remarked that the fronds are all drooping because of their very slender stalks. Linnaeus gave no account of this plant; _ but it has been recognized by most later writers on the West India — * Fig. 6, the lettering of which was accidentally omitted, is to the right aes Fig. 7. | 50 ferns, I have specimens from Santo Domingo (Weinland, 33), Cuba (Wright, 799) and Porto Rico (Garber, 41). Mr. Davenport informs me that Mr. Curtiss has collected a large stock of this fern, and will distribute it in his fascicles for 1882, ' which will probably contain also Asplenium serratum, Taenitis lance- olata and the royal palm, Oreodoxa regia. — : - 37. Pellaea densa, Hooker.—The rangeof this fern is greatly extended by Prof. O. D. Allen and his son, Mr. J. A. Allen, who found it on Mount Albert, in Lower Canada, July 30,1881. It grew exposed to the sun on the steep walls of ravines at 2,000 to 3,000 feet elevation. Mt. Albert is near West Longitude 69° 30’, N. Lat. 47° 15’. The same plant is No. 819 of Mr. Cusick’s Oregon distri- bution. 38. Phegopteris calcarea, Fée.—A second station for this very rare plant is at Decorah, Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where it was found last season “‘in the crevices of the north side of a limestone bluff” by Mr. E. W. Holway. My specimens were kindly sent by Mr. J. C Arthur, of Charles City, Iowa. 39. and remain fixed by their outer extremity to the exterior walls. In — 62 a vertical section of the unruptured sporangium they may be seen in position, imbedded in the mass of spores. The colored scales upon the surface of the sporangium vary considerably in size in different specimens. CALICIOPSIS, Gen. nov. Receptacle oblong-urceolate or subcylindrical, at first closed, then open and pulverulent at the apex, stipitate. : A small Calicium-like fungus, which does not well agree with the characters of any genus known to me, has fallen into my hands, and the present genus has been founded upon it. It partakes to some extent of the characters of some of the small substipitate species of Cenangium, but its more slender habit, long stem and urceolate or subcylindrical receptacle, which soon becomes pulverulent above, separate it from that genus. These same characters and its less tough or corneous substance forbid its reference to the genus Lympanis. CALIcIopsis PINEA.—Scattered or caespitose, about one line high, glabrous, shining, black; stem slender, straight or curved, slightly thickened at the base, often growing from a cluster of black sphaeri- form perithecia which contain spermatoid bodies; receptacle nar- rowly urceolate, sometimes a little curyed or inclined to one side, slightly exceeding the stem in diameter, soon brownish-pulverulent at the apex; asci oval or subelliptical, long-pedicellate, eight-spored; Ee crowded, simple, elliptical, colored, .o002-.00025 of an inch ong. Bark of living pine-trees. Vermont, C. G. Pringle. The pecular form of the receptacle is suggestive of the dry cap- sules of some mosses, particularly of some species of Aypnum. The sphaeriform bodies and their spermatoid contents are probably only another condition of this fungus. The young stems are at first pointed, but as they increase in length they become more obtuse and finally the apex develops into the receptacle. Although the plant resembles some species of Calicium it is wholly destitute of any thalline crust and gonidial cells, and must be deemed a fungus. The genus should be placed among the Patellariei near Cenangium. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XxIv.—Fig. 1, a piece of decaying wood bearing six plants of Physarella mirabilis, one of them with the sporangium ruptured.—Fig. 2, two plants magnified.—Fig. 3, vertical section of the sporangium of a magni- fied plant showing the spine-like cross-bars imbedded in the mass of spores.— _ Fig. 4, a magnified plant with the sporangium ruptured and the spores dispersed. _ —Fig. 5, filaments from the capillitium with one of the knot-like thickenings x4vo. —Fig. 6, a spine-like cross-bar containing lime-granules x4o0.—Fig. 7, four spores _ x400,—Fig. 8, a piece of pine-bark bearing several plants of Cadiciopsis pinea.— > Big. 9.0 tuft of four plants magnified, two of them mature and two immature; : also sphaeriform bodies at the base,—F ig. Io, two asci containing spores x400. —Fig. 11, six spores x400.—Fig. 12, six spermateid bodies x4oo. New Western Plants. By Epwarp Lee GREENE. > “BicEtovia (ApLopiscus) ParisHi.—Arborescent, 6-12 feet high; _ leaves lanceolate, 2 inches long, 3-5 lines wide, entire, with acute _ 63 tips, sub-coriaceous, strongly punctate, glutinous, heads numerous, In crowded corymbs terminating the erect branches, small, 10-12- flowered; involucre turbinate, the scales few, irregularly imbricated, lanceolate, acute, with a green midrib, but no green tips; style-ap- pendages filiform-subulate, a little longer than the stigmatic por- tion; akenes turbinate, minutely silky. San Bernardino Mountains, California, S. B. and W. F. Parish, No. 571, collected in September and October, 1881. A well-marked species, the largest of its genus, and most related to B. arkorescens, Gray. VMapia (Maparta) CITRIODORA.—A_ villous-hirsute, lemon- scented annual a foot high; stem simple, leafy up to the corymbose summit; leaves all alternate, entire, 2 inches long; heads small, in a rather close, corymbose panicle; scales of the involucre with short tips; rays short and inconspicuous, greenish-yellow; akenes short and thick, for the genus, and rounded on the back, like those of Hemizonia, not wholly enclosed by the involucral scales ; chaff of the receptacle free. z Hills about Yreka, California, collected by the writer in June, 1876. = The species is rather anomalous by its akenes, which are as near those of a Hemizonia as of a Madia ; but it has strictly the habit of the latter genus, and its aspect is that of the smaller forms of M. elegans, Don. Y Hemizonia (CALYCADENIA) HISPIDA.—Stem virgate, stout and rigid, 13-3 Téet high, scabrous, and somewhat hispid; leaves narrowly linear, 1-3 inches long, clothed toward the base with long setose- hispid hairs, and bearing a tack-shaped gland at summit; heads large, paniculate, or in short-peduncled, axillary clusters; rays 3-5, sulphur- yellow, deeply 3-cleft; akenes of the ray commonly smooth except on the angles and at the summit; those of the disk usually clothed throughout with a short, appressed, silky pubescence, and bearing a pappus of about 1o nearly equal subulate, barbellate-scabrous, chaffy scales. Collected by the writer on a sandy plain in Merced County, near Atwater Station, California, in September, 1881. In technical character the species is near H. Douglasti, Gray; but it is sufficiently distinguished by its stout, coarse habit, and the much larger size of all the parts of both its flowers and fruit. Dr. Gray considered it too near 1. spicata, Greene, which was published in the BuLLeTIN for February, but that has, together with its white, or rose-tinted rays, very differently shaped, and almost white-villous ray-akenes. : / HyMENOPAPPUS ROBUSTUS.—Floccose-tomentose; stem about 2 feet high from a biennial root, stout and rigid, simple up to the : corymbose summit, leafy throughout ; none of the leaves entire, all” re but the upper cauline 2-3-pinnately parted, the lobes linear, entire; heads large, in a loose, or, more commonly, rather compact corymb; _ scales of the involucre 10-12, obovate, with petaloid margins; akenes © : - very villous; pappus half as long as the corolla-tube, its spatulate _ scales coarsely lacerate-toothed. ee 64 Common on the sandy plains of New Mexico; obtained by almost all collectors in the region, and heretofore referred to Al, flavescens, Gray; but that is a perennial, inhabiting higher altitudes, is always less robust, has its lowest radical leaves perfectly entire, and all the others less finely divided than in this very distinct species. te Hieracium Ruspyit.—Stem about 2 feet high, leafy to the top, paniculate, bearing numerous, small, 15-20-flowered heads; leaves oblong-lanceolate, 3 inches long, entire or sparingly denticulate, those of the stem sessile and clasping, all clothed on both surfaces, but especially along the veins beneath, with long pilose hairs; peduncles glabrous, involucres nearly so; flowers yellow; the ribbed akenes short, columnar, truncate at the apex; pappus brownish. Mogollon Mountains, New Mexico, Aug., 1881. H. H. Rusby. Dr. Gray writes that the species exists in the first New Mexican collection of Mr. Charles Wright. It is, therefore, without doubt, the plant referred to Crepis ambigua, Gray, in Pl. Wright. i, 129, and mentioned again in Pl. Wright. ii, 106, as “a true Hieracium.’ ~“ HIERACIUM BREVIPILUM.—Stem a foot or two high, leafy only toward the base; lower leaves oblong the upper linear-lanceolate, re- motely denticulate or entire, 3-5 inches long, pubescent with’short, _ pilose hairs; heads few, rather large, in an open panicle, on long | peduncles which, together with the involucre, are bristly hairy and glandular; ligules apparently greenish-yellow; pappus white or fuscous, barely equalling the fusiform, ribbed and beaked akenes. Mogollon Mountains, New Mexico, Aug. 1881. H. H. Rusby. Also reported by Dr. Gray as occurring in Mr. Pringle’s recent Arizona collection. : In Mr. Rusby’s specimens the pappus is uniformly bright white, and the plant would thus seem to belong to Crefs rather than to flieracium, But Dr. Gray informs me that H. Fendleri, Gray, some- times has its pappus white; and the same is true of A. Scouleri, Hook. The species here described much resembles A. carneum, Greene, which is now more anomalous in the genus by its rose-purple flowers than by the uniform whiteness of its pappus. J Senecio Russyi—Stems 2-4 feet high, with more or less of a short, white pubescence, leafy to the top; leaves nearly glabrous, ovate-lanceolate, 3-6 inches long, the lower tapering to a strongly winged petiole, the upper merely contracted above the auriculate- clasping base, acute at apex, the margins strongly dentate with sharp, ‘Salient teeth; heads large, nodding, in a rather loose racemose pani- cle; involucre with a few setaceous bracts at base; scales broad, with a thin, yellowish, membranous margin, and a tuft of short, white hairs at the acute tip; akenes of a light chestnut color; smooth, and strongly striate; pappus barVellate-scabrous. ae Mogollon Mountains, New Mexico, collected by Mr. Rusby in _ August, 1881. ; Allied to SS. Zigelovit, but with smaller and more numerous heads, and a very different involucre. Dr. Gray reports it from the Santa Catalina Mountains of Arizona, collected by Mr. Lemmon. | _ _¥ Cupressus Arizonica.—A tall, conical tree 40-70 feet high, with horizontal branches ; trunk 2-4 feet in diameter, covered with a dark 65 red fibrous bark; bark of the branches flaking off in thin plates and leaving a smooth surface; branchlets stout and rather rigid, sharply quadrangular; leaves closely imbricated, very glaucous, neither pitted nor glandular; their margins entire, or, in the very oldest, denticulate; cones crowded on short, stout peduncles, globose, about an inch in diameter, of 6-8 very thick, and strongly bossed scales; seeds numerous, 2 lines or more wide. This fine cypress was discovered by the writer on the mountains back of Clifton, in the extreme eastern part of Arizona, on the first day of September, 1880. Abundant specimens of wood, and fruiting branches were secured, and soon distributed, under the above name, to the principal herbaria of this country, and several in Europe, including that of the Royal Gardens at Kew. In the course of the year and a half that has since intervened, the species has been collected at different points in the southern and eastern portions of the same Territory, by Messrs. Rusby, Pringle and Lemmon. The tree is peculiar in that, while the bark of its trunk is as shreddy as that of any cedar, that of the branches, even the larger ones, is scaly, falling off in thin plates. The wood is light and straight grained, splitting with the utmost readiness; that of the heart being dark red, resembling that of red cedar. The branchlets bear so strong a likeness to those of Juniperus pachyphloea, Torr., that without fruit they are hardly distinguishable, It is the principal tree of the mountains which lie to the north of Mt. Graham, and. forms dense forests, particularly on the northward slopes. Notes on New England Algae. By W. G. FarR.Low. Since the appearance of my paper on New England Algae, I have received 4 number of interesting species, new to our coast, from _ Mr. F, S. Collins of Malden, Mass., and Rev. J. D. King, of _ Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard. In 1881 Mr. Collins sent a speci- men, collected near Little Nahant, which resembled a small Asfero- | as _ coccus, and which could not at the time be determined. In March of this year he succeeded in finding a considerable number of spec- imens of the same species in excellent condition, and, through his — kindness, I have been enabled to examine both living and dried specimens. deci ve-br ; . when fresh, and becomes somewhat greenish in pressing, in this re- — spect resembling some of the Asperococci and Punctariae. The The alga in question is of a decided olive-brown color _ - frond is tubular, and resembles strongly the species of Asperococcus in habit, but even in its adult condition it is composed of a single layer of cells, which are generally associated in foursand are ofa gelatinous texture. Were it not for the distinctly brown color, one would be | inclined to consider the plant as a species of Prastola, especially if = —__ examined after having been dried. There can be no doubt, however, that it belongs to the Phacosporeae, and it appears to me to constitute a new genus (Phacosaccion) of that suborder, differing from other genera in having its tubular frond composed of a single layer of rather 66 gelatinous cells. The genus must be regarded as one of the lowest of the suborder, simpler even than Scytosiphon, where there is more than one layer of cells, and where the surface is covered with plurilocular sporangia and hairs. In Phaeosaccion one sees the relationship of the Phacosporeae to the florideae in their lowest representatives, the Porphyreae, and, on the other hand, to the Chlorosporeae in the genus Prasiola. The fronds of Phaeosaccion Collinsii are generally grega- rious, and start from a common mass of cells, any of which may grow into a short filament composed of a single row of cells. Bya longitudinal division of all except the terminal cell, a frond is formed consisting of two rows of cells ending in a single apical cell. By subsequent transverse and radial divisions, a tubular or saccate frond is formed, composed of a single thickness of cells. The division of the cells into fours is tolerably regular, and, when the plant ma- tures from each ultimate division, there is formed, as far as could be ascertained, a single zoospore which escapes and leaves behind the colorless cell-walls. Only a small number of the specimens exam- ined by me had produced zoospores; and these, at the time of exam- ination, had come to rest, so that it was impossible to tell anything about the number of cilia. On this point further examination is _hecessary. The genus may be provisionally characterized as follows: PHAEOSACCION, Farlow. Fronds olive-brown, tubular, or saccate, composed of a single layer of cells disposed in fours. Hairs wanting. Reproduction by Zoospores produced singly (?) in each cell, Cilia ? PHAEOSACCION Cotuinsn, Farlow:—Fronds subgelatinous, gre- garious, compressed-cylindrical, 3 inch to 1 inch broad, about 2-8 inches long, at first saccate, becoming cylindrical, apex at length ruptured. Cells squarish, 3.8 4-7 4 broad ; frond 8u-royin thickness. On Zostera. Little N ahant, Mass., in early spring. Mr. F. S. Collins. 4B - Among the plants received from Rev. Mr. King were fine speci- mens of Striarta attenuata, some of them a foot long. They were washed ashore-at Edgartown in January, and Mr. King supposes have never before been seen. The plants bearing the plurilocular sporangia resemble those bearing the unilocular, in microscopic _ Structure, although, as before said, their habit is much more slender: : they are, however, solid and not hollow, as is the case with the large | Specimens, but in its young stage S¢riaria has a solid frond. Were it not that one of the unilocular-bearing specimens sent by Mr. King ose bearing plurilocular sporangia, I should have hesitated to consider the specimens as all belong- ing to the same species, The unilocular sporangia, which re- _ semble those of Punctaria, are found - scattered over the larger on the smaller polysiphonous branch- ~ 67 lets which end in the hairs characteristic of the trichothallic growth of Striaria. They arise from the cortical cells, which divide irreg- ularly, and increase in size so that they project in well-marked papillae, above the surface. The general shape of the sporangia is ovoid, but, when several contiguous cells are transformed into spo- rangia, they become cuboidal or prismatic by pressure. Judging from Mr. King’s specimens, the plurilocular plant of Striaria is smaller, finer, and less fully Aeveloped as to the frond, than the unilocular plant. Whether the plant which bears plurilocular spo- rangia continues to grow, and afterwards produces unilocular spo- rangia, I have no means of determining, but such is apparently not the case. Another interesting plant sent by Mr. King, but only in a very small quantity, is closely related to Capsicarpella speciosa, Kjellm., a species afterwards removed from Actocarpeae by Kjellman (Algen- vegetation des Murmanschen Meeres, p. 29), who believes that the unilocular sporangia contain a single spore, and not numerous Zz0oo- spores, and consequently places the species, with one other, in a new genus Scaphospora, under the 7 ilopterideae. I have examined one microscopic preparation and one pressed specimen sent by Mr. King, and in both there are unilocular and plurilocular sporangia, which, in general, resemble Kjellman’s figure of C. spectosa (Bid. Skand. Ectocarp. och Tilopter, pl. i, fig. 3), but which are smaller than the measurements given by Kjellman. Our species more nearly re- sembles, as far as measurements go, Sc. arctica, Kjellm., but is appar- ently smaller. The species may be provisionally described as new, although farther comparison may show it to be a form of one of the © two species mentioned. Furthermore, although in as good condi- tion as is usually the case with mounted specimens of this group of algae, it isimpossible to say whether the contents of the unilocular sporangia form a single spore or are going to divide into numerous zoospores. Assuming the former to be true, our plant would come under Scaphosphora, and is the only representative of the Z7/opfe- rideae yet found on our coast. Scapuospora (?) Kincu, Farlow.—Main filaments 4 inches long, loosely and irregularly branching, cells 7o/-75/ broad, usually shorter than broad, secondary branches short, revolute, beset with numerous secund, pectinately-compound branchlets, which end in long hairs. Unilocular sporangia borne on the penultimate branch-— lets, compressed-globose, 45 /-58/ in diameter, solitary, produced by the division of a branch-cell into two parts. Plurilocular sporangia borne on the ultimate branchlets, 35—40/ broad, 75-150} long. Seeds ashore at Edgartown, Mass. Rev. J. D. King, January, T1052, : In the month of August, 1881, I collected at Wood’s Holl, Mass., a Gloeocapsa, which, at the time, was growing in considerable quan- q tity on the eel-grass, but which soon disappeared. I had seen it ~ occasionally in previous years, but never before in condition to de- — scribe. Its color is almost precisely that of living diatoms, for ae which it might passin the masses of slime i n which it generally occurs. 68 6 GLOEOCAPSA ZOSTERICOLA, Farlow.—Forming shapeless, gelati- nous, brownish masses. ‘Cells flattened-hemispherical, concave on the inner surface, about 194-26/t long by 9#-11/ broad, united in twos or fours into colonies of from 40-100 in diameter, with nu- merous distinct, enveloping layers. On Zostera, mixed with Calothrix, etc. Wood's Holl, Mass., August, 1881. * ; In my paper on New England Algae, I stated that Callithamnion versicolor was known in this country only in its seirosporic condition, Last summer I found specimens at Wood’s Holl which showed true favellae and tetraspores also, as are recorded in Europe by Bornet in Etudes Phycologiques, p. 71. A specimen of Callithamnion Plumula, collected at Gay Head in September, is of interest as showing anthe- ridia, with regard to which little seems to be known in the sub-genus Antithamnion. The antheridia are in oblong tufts formed by the transformation of the ultimate secund branchlets, and remind one of Harvey’s figure of Ca//ithamnion polyspermum, Phyc. Britt., pl. 2 31, fig. 6. Fern Notes. IV. By Gro. E. DAVENPORT. Aspidium trifoliatum, Swartz.—Dr. Engelmann has very kindly favored me with a portion of a specimen of this fine Aspidium, which was collected “in the entrance to a limestone cave, on its perpen- dicular walls, not far from New Braunfels, Texas,” in 1878, by the lamented Lindheimer, who was thus the first to collect this species within the limits of the United States. eS Botrychium simplex, Hitchcock.—Mr. W. N. Suksdorf, of White Salmon, W. T., sends a fine, compact, very fleshy, ternate form of this species, the whole plant scarcely more than 1} inches tall, from Mt. Adams. Mr. Suksdorf has collected some eighteen species of the ferns of Washington Territory, including two extreme forms of Botrychium ternatum, the normal form of Asplenium Trichomanes, Cryptogramme acrostichoides, Pellaca densa, Gymnogramme triangularis and Aspidium aculeatum, var. scopulinum ; and the specimens which he has sent me are exceedingly fine and well selected. His sets are desirable, and _ well worth the price at which he advertises them. Miss Furbish also collected, last season, B. s¢mplex in Bridgewater, Aroostook Co., Me., where she reports it as being quite abundant. _Woodsta Plummerae, Lemmon.—Since my notes for the February _ BULLETIN were prepared, I have received specimens of this fern _ authenticated by its author’s ticket, and my foot-note (/. ¢c., p. 22) _ Yequires modification in so far as it seemingly places this fern with _ W. Mexicana; it is rather a very glandular form of W. odtusa, but none the less identical with much of the other collections mentioned, - and which appear to be considerably mixed. Woodsia Oregana, al- _ : | though normally smooth, is sometimes quite glandular (as in some _ specimens which I have from Dakota), but in W. obtusa the normal — _ form itself is often more or less glandular (a character which does ie 69 not appear to be at all constant), so that it does not seem to be worth while to recognize the present fern even as a variety. Pteris aquilina, L.—A year or two ago, Mrs. S. M. Piper sent me a curiously curled and twisted form of this species which she found growing in Sandisfield, Mass., in 1877 ; and later on I received indirectly from Jackson Dawson, of the Bussey Institute, specimens of the same form from cultivated plants, which were originally found _ by him growing in open meadow-land in Georgetown, Mass. The plants had been observed by Mr. Dawson for several successive sea- sons in considerable abundance, and those taken up by him had since retained their peculiar character. A similar form has been found many times in England, where it is known as the var. crispa of Wollaston, and its occurrence in this country is interesting as a matter of record. Moore describes two forms of it, one with “ zxdulate and reflexed margins,” and the other with “crenate and wavy margins.” Deakin figured a portion of it in Florigraphia Brittanica, but—very judiciously as it seems to me— did not recognize it as a variety. The plants of this form which I have seen are dwarfed in habit, and their whole appearance indicates an unhealthy, diseased vitality, which, however, might possibly be restored to its normally healthy condition by a special course of treatment adapted to its needs. . : A rich Fern-Field.—The presence of Pellaea aspera, P. pulchella, P. flexuosa, Cheilanthes leucopoda, C. microphylla, typical Wotholdena candida, N. sinuata and Aneimia Mexicana in a package containing some imperfect specimens from Uvalde Canon, Texas, indicates a region that would well repay exploration by some keen-eyed collec- tor, and it is to be hoped that the time is not far distant when the treasures which this list reveals will be made available for distribu- : tion. Florida Ferns—Mr. A. H. Curtiss has sent me some very inter- esting notes on the Florida Ferns which he has collected during his explorations in that State, and later on I may give some extracts from them. The “good things” which this very careful and thoroughly systematic collector has in store for those who receive his fascicles for 1882 will shortly appear, and give others no less pleasure than a knowledge of them has given me * Medford, Mass., March, 1882. Notes on New England Algae.—The following species, observed by the writer, are either new to this region or are from other locali- ties than those given in Prof. Farlow’s Manual of the Marine Algae of New England. ‘To the author of that model work the writer is much indebted for assistance in identification, etc., as well as for many similar kindnesses on former occasions. : a Rivularia Warreniae, Thuret.—I found this species in August es and September 1881, at Marblehead, Mass., where it grew on a rock, above high-water mark, but where the spray formed little pools in * Mt. Washington, given as the station for Aspidium Filix-mas in my account, —_ in the February BULLETIN, of Mr. Pringle’s discovery of that fern in Arizona, — should have been Mt. Wrightson. & 70 rough weather. The thallus is brownish-olive, in form and consist- ency somewhat resembling #. p/icata, Carm,, but of different micro- scopical structure. It is the Schizosiphon Warreniae of the Phycolo- gia Britannica, and has not before been reported in America. Palmela rupestris, Lyngb.—In August, 1880, I found at Hunne- well’s Point, Maine, in a locality very much like that of the Rivwlaria just mentioned, a small quantity of this species. It was in a soft jelly-like mass, which contained several other minute algae. This species also has not been previously found in this country. Porphyra leucosticta, Thuret, I found at Nahant in June, 1879. It waS very abundant at that time, the water being almost full of it ; but, though I have often visited the locality since, at the same and other seasons of the year, I have never seen it again. It is easily distinguished from the omnipresent P. laciniata, Ag., by its softer consistency and delicate rose-purple color; and the microscopic structure is quite distinct, the anthetidia forming small spots among the spore-cells, and not a distinct marginal zone. It is a more south- ern species than P. daciniata,.and occurs throughout most of Europe. It has not yet been recorded for our Atlantic coast, though Prof. Farlow, in his Manual, considers its occurrence here probable. At the same time and place that I collected this species, I found a single plant which I think may be identical with the Lictocagpus brachiatus, Harv., of the Nereis Boreali-Americana. The localities there given are South Boston and Lynn, Mass., and Prof. Farlow, in his work quoted, states that it is known in this country only by Harvey’s description. My plant agrees quite well with an authentic specimen of &. Griffithsianus, Le Jolis (Z. brachia- tus, Harv.), but, according to Bornet (Etudes Phycologiques, p. 16, note), the structure of this species agrees rather with the genus Phloeospora, Areschoug, it having, especially in the larger filaments, . acortical layer of quadrate cells, arranged in regular series. He proposes for it the name of Philoeospora brachiata, under which name it would be the only representative of the genus yet found in this country, Monostroyia Blyttii, Wittr., the largest of our species of the genus, is reported in the Manual as growing luxuriantly at Eastport, Maine, but reaching its southern limit at Nahant, occuring there in a reduced form, not generally more than two or three inches long. This diminished size at Nahant is confirmed by my experience, as I have found few specimens there exceeding the dimensions just given; but, rather curiously, at Revere Beach, just south of Nahant, it occurs in October and November in abundance, the fronds sometimes more than a foot high and proportionately broad, growing on shells and pebbles near low-water mark. ae Monostroma crepidinum, Farlow, a species founded on a plant _ growing at Wood’s Holl, on the piles of the Government wharf, I _ found at Juniper Point, Salem, last August. As at Wood's Holl, it grew on the piles of a wharf, near low-water mark, and it seems prob- _ able that it might be found in similar stations along the coast, escap- ing the notice of collectors from its resemblance to the Ulvas so _ abundant in such places, oa. 71 Myrionema Leclancherii, Harv., on record at Gay Head only, I have found at Marblehead; and Gracilaria multipartita, Ag., known north of Cape Cod only in the interesting locality at Goose Cove, Squam, is plentiful in the Mystic River marshes, near Boston. Saccorhiza dermatodea, De la Pyl., I found growing just below low-water mark round a little island off Marblehead, and I picked up a number of fronds washed ashore at Marblehead Neck; they were nearly, if not quite as large as specimens that I collected in Port- land Harbor, Me. Malden, Mass., March 8, 1882. FRANK S, COLLINS. Ophioglossum nudicaule, L. fil—The Ophioglossum collected - by Dr. Parry and Mr. Cleveland in San Diego, California, in March and April, proves to be this species, rather than O. vulgatum. _ The specimens collected in March were too immature to permit of a positive identification, but those which have been collected since are nearly mature, and are certainly nearer to O. nudicaule than to any other species. Some of Dr. Parry’s April specimens suggested O. Lusttanicum to me, but others in a more advanced state of maturity, since received from Mr. Cleveland, agree very well with O. nudicau/e, and justify Prof. Eaton’s suggestion ( 7 Z#.) that they belong to that species. The California specimens are somewhat larger, and, for the most part, more fleshy than my Florida specimens, but show the charac- teristic disposition of this species to develop two or more fronds from the same root-stock. In one of Mr. Cleveland’s specimens, a root branches in opposite directions, forming a single horizontal rootlet on which two young plants arise from buds produced full three inches apart. The plants vary from 1} to 34 inches in height. In most specimens the — i: fleshiness of the lamina wholly obscures the venation, but in others apparently becomes thinner and more membranaceous from age. The venation may be distinctly seen by holding the specimen to the light. The fertile branch arises from the base of the lamina; and the fruit-spike, which is raised on a foot-stalk half the length of the plant itself, bears from 10 to 20 sporangia. Both laminae and fruit- spikes exhibit a tendency toward acuminate apices, though not in so marked a degree as in my Florida specimens. | This species has heretofore been recorded in the United States _ only from the South Atlantic and Gulf States, and its present dis- covery (or re-discovery, as it was originally collected in San Diego, by Dr. Parry in 1850, when the specimens were unfortunately lost before being identified) so far away from this region is a most inter- esting one which may lead to the detection of intervening stations. 8 _As suggested by Mr. Cleveland, some close ground work, with | keen eyes, at the right seasons of the year, will probably show that - this fern is not so rare as generally supposed. My thanks are due, bath to Dr. Parry and Mr. Cleveland, for Specimens in different stages of maturity. A note from the latter, _ just at hand, states that the little fern is already disappearing, thus 72 indicating its limited season to be of from six to eight weeks’ dura- tion. Medford, Mass., April 22, 1882. Gro, E. DAVENPORT. A propos of a Paper on the Vitality of Seeds—I think I can understand why a striking article on “‘ The Germination and Vitality of Seeds,” by Richard E. Kunzé, M_D., is “ published by subscription of, members of the Club ”; but I do not understand why I am reported to give, in “How Plants Grow,” “ extracts from a paper drawn up by the Rev. Dr. Marks,” the said paper being a circumstantial account of the germination in Illinois of some seeds taken from a rose-hip found in the hand of an Egyptian mummy, estimated to be about 2 500 years old. I am sure there is nothing of this in “ How Plants Grow, and I greatly wonder that any one should have supposed that I should have thought the account, upon the face of it, was worth mentioning, even for the sake of showing that it is quite fallacious. Dr. Kunzé can perhaps explain how he came to connect my name — with this narrative. Cambridge, Mass. _ Asa GRAY. (The above note has been submitted to Dr. Kunzé, who desires us to express his regret for having inadvertently copied an entire paragraph and credited it to “How Plants Grow,” while only the first sentence of the note should have been ascribed to that work. The error arose through Dr. Kunzé’s somewhat defective eyesight, which led him to overlook quotation-marks. We are informed that Dr. Kunzé has made an explanation to Dr. Gray by letter. The above disclaimer, with these few remarks, will serve to set the matter right with those who have read the paper in question.—Eb.) Notes from Chemung County, N. Y.—In my former notes from this county I neglected to mention that I found Hydrangea arbores- cens, L., growing on the rocks at the Wellsburg Narrows. ‘This was in 1879. I have since found it in a cool ravine one mile west, on the north side of the Chemung, in the town of Elmira. I have no record of its having been found elsewhere in the State. It is cer- tainly quite common in the northern part of Bradford County. I. hope it will be looked for by those working in Tioga and Broome Counties, as I desire to know its geographical distribution. The ele- vation here is about 824 feet above tide-water. May that not influ- ence its range into this State? I have never seen it in Steuben County, whose elevation increases westward. C. D. F retz, M.D., of Sellersville, Pa., informs me that some years ago he found Polemo- nium caeruleum, L.., in a bog near Apalachin, Tioga County, N Y. I shall look for it there this coming season. Have Poa caesia, Smith, Eriophorum vaginatum, L., and Lespedeza Stuvei, Nutt., been _ found in New York State? Can anyone give me a station for Carex _ etphaloidea, Dew. ? _ Lowman, N. Y. . Taos, F. Lucy. BULLETIN : TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. IX.) New York, June, 1882, _ [No. 6. New Species of North American Fungi. By J. B. Extis. _ OMBROPHILA ALBOFUSCA. — Orbicular, }-1 mm. in diameter, - dirty white when fresh, becoming darker in drying ; margin very thin and narrow; asciclavate-cylindrical, .0003'—.0003 5 X.0003'—.0004 ; paraphyses filiform; sporidia oblong or oblong-fusiform, hyaline, 2-nucleate, mostly in the upper part of the asci, .0003'-.00045, X .00015'—.000175 . . On bark of Magnolia glauca. Peziza (TavEsiA) CORNUTA.—Gregarious, minute, dull white (flesh-color when dry), sessile, thin membranaceous, subfibrous, margin sparsely fringed with straight, 4-5-septate, white, spreading hairs ; asciclavate-cylindrical, .002’-.002 5/X.00035'-.0004 ; paraphy- ses filiform; sporidia biseriate, fusiform, 3-nucleate and at length uniseptate, .o005’x .oo015’, each end furnished with a short bristle- like appendage. I have not seen P. arachnoidea, Schw., but that is said to be _ “white villous,” while this is only ciliate. ; On decaying chestnut-wood. Westchester, Pa., June, 1879. SPHAERIA (ANTHOSTOMA) MORTUOSA.—~Perithecia scattered, depressed, covered by the cuticle, which is elevated, blackened and pierced by the short cylindrical ostiolum ; asci cylindrical, sessile, — about .co4’x.o004’; sporidia uniseriate, broad navicular, 1-2-nu-— cleate, dark brown, .0005’-.0007’x 0003’. - Nearly allied to Anthostoma Italicum, Sacc. & Speg. eae On basal sheaths of old Andropagon ; also on dead stems of © Polygonum and Eupatorium purpurcum. (N. A. F., No. 897.) SPHAERIA GRAOPSIS.—Perithecia scattered, erumpent, membra- naceous, globose or subelongated, partially collapsing above, .0O1’— .0015’ in diameter, rough and more or less covered with fragments of the bleached fibres of the wood ; ostiolum papilliform, slightly prom- inent, surrounded by a slight depression ; asci oblong, mostly bulg- ing on one side, sessile, .002’-.0023'X .0008—.o01’ ; paraphyses none ; sporidia 8, inordinate, oblong-elliptical or oblong-navicular, hyaline _ : at first, becoming pale yellowish-brown, endochrome once. divided, .0008’—.001’x .00035'-.0004'. ; Allied to S. Eckfeldtii and S. inflata, Ell. On decorticated pine poles. (N. A. F,, No. 780.) ce CERATOSTOMA CARPOPHILA.—Perithecia subglobose, .003' indiam- — eter, rough ; ostiolum capillary, three times or more as long asthe diameter of the perithecia, and more or less crooked or bent; asci slender, about .0o2’ long; paraphyses filiform ; sporidia uniseriate or biseriate, fusiform, yellowish, .oo0175'~.00025 long. ‘The fruit is almost exactly that of Sphaeria echinophila, Schw., which is found with it. The erithecia and ostiola are beset with 74 coarse, erect, scattering hairs, which may be only the erect threads of some parasitic mold. : ze ASTERINA PLANTAGINIS.—Perithecia ininate, hemispheric, .oo3 In diameter, clustered on brownish, immarginate spots which are scat- tered irregularly over both sides of the leaf, but more abundantly on the upper surface ; asci ovate-elliptical, .oo1’—.0013’x .0005’ ; sporidia crowded, oblong, obtuse, hyaline, 2-nucleate, slightly constricted across the middle, .00035’—.0004’x .o002’ ; mycelium nearly obsolete, consisting of a few brown threads radiating from the base of the perithecia, or entirely wanting. On living leaves of Plantago major. Philadelphia, Pa., Oct., 1881. Dr. Geo. A. Rex. (N. A. F., No. 791.) : SPHAERELLA MAGNOLIAE.—Perithecia buried in the parenchyma of the leaf, either collected in patches, giving the leaf, especially the under surface, a clouded appearance, or sometimes occupying nearly the entire surface ; ostiola mostly hypophyllous, barely piercing the epidermis ; asci sublanceolate ; sporidia mostly biseriate, clavate- oblong, pale straw-color, faintly nucleate, .00025’x .ooor’. Quite distinct from Sphaeria Magnoliae, Schw., which renders the leaf bullate.. On fallen leaves of Magnolia glauca. December. (N. A. F,, No. 800.) SPHAERELLA HYPERICINA. — Amphigenous. Perithecia minute, erumpent in little tuberculiform clusters of two to six ; asci oblong, .OOI’—.0012’x .00015'—.0002” ; sporidia crowded, clavate-oblong, uni- septate, often bent at the middle, yellowish, .0004’~.00045’x .ooo1’. On fallen of Hypericum prolificum, (N. A. F., No. 797.) HENDERSONIA XEROPHYLLI.—Perithecia blong, covered by the epidermis, which is elevated, blackened and fissured longitudinally above them ; spores oblong, obtuse, pale brownish, 1-3-septate, the extreme septum mostly very faint, or often wanting. On fading leaves of Xerophyllum asphodeloides. May. : SeproriA TriroLit.—Perithecia subcuticular, but soon exposed by the peeling off of the epidermis, gregarious, forming little elon- gated patches, or scattered evenly over the matrix; spores fusiform, curved, granular, .0008’x .coor5’~.0002’, resembling the spores of a Cryptosporium, On dead stems of Trifolium pratense. SEPTORIA GALIORUM.—Perithecia punctiform, minute, scattered, appéaring like little black shining points; spores acicular-filiform, slightly curved, .0008’—.oo1’ long, faintly septate. On dead stems of Galium. ‘ A list of Grasses collected by Mr. C. G. Pringle in Arizona and California during the Summer of 1881, with Descriptions of those _ Species not already described in American Publications—Some of these species are not well made out, and may prove new. I much regret that I did not have access to Fournier’s work on the Mexican Grasses in the compilation of this list. Those species which appear in Mr. Pringle’s distributed sets are marked with an asterisk (*). 1*. Paspalum distichum, L., Amoen, Acad., v., 391.—Santa Cruz _ Valley, near Tucson, June, 3 : re) . Ertochloa punctata, Hamilton, Prod., 5. =Paspalum punctatum, Flugg., Mong., 127. =Milium punctatum, Linn., Am. Acad., v., 392. =Helopus pilosus, Trin., Agrost., 104. =ff. punctatus, Nees. Vasey, in Bot. Wheeler Exped., p. 296. Santa Cruz Valley, near Tucson. The same as Na. 821 of E. Hall’s collection of Texan plants, ex- cepting that the awn of the flowering glume is much shorter than in Hall's plant. There is the same difference between this and West Indian specimens. No. 824 of E. Hall’s collection, ticketed He/opus mollis, C. Miill., is a species of Panicum, named by Buckley, in herb. Acad., Phila., P. ci/iatissimum. i 1 Panicum sanguinale, L., Sp. Pl.,i., 55. Néar Camp Lowell. uly. 4*. Panicum leucophacum, HBK., Nov, Gen., i., 97; Vasey, Bot. Wheeler Exped., 295. =P. lachnanthum, Torr., Pac. R. R. Surv., vii., p. 21. =Tricholaena insularis, Griseb., Flor.‘ Br. W. Ind., 557. - =Andropogon insulare, L., Am, Acad., v., 412. Near Camp Lowell. July. This is the same as No. 722 of Lindheimer’s collection of 1847. Reverchon sends it from Texas, and Brandegee from Colorado, Specimens from the South-west differ much in appearance from Flor- ida plants referred to this species, collected by A. H. Curtiss and Dr, Palmer, The culms are not so stout, the leaves are more numerous, shorter and narrower; the panicle is shorter, with fewer and shorter branches, and the wool of the spikelets is whiter. These differences may be due to differences in soil, climate, degree of moisture, etc, The species is widely distributed, being found in the tropical and _ sub-tropical regions of both hemispheres. The Australian speci- — mens are Said to vary much, especially in the degree-of the develop- * ment of the inflorescence (vid. Flor. Austr., vii., p. 472). tae 5*. P. capillare, L., var.?—Culms caespitose, geniculate and — branched below, smooth, a little hirsute at the nodes; sheaths some- what inflated, sparsely pilose, copiously so along the margins above — and at the throat ; leaves lanceolate, 2-3 in. long, 3-5 lin. wide, scab- © rous on the margin, with a few long hairs near the base. Panicle vir- gate, the branches single or in pairs, ascending, the lower ones about _ -2in. long. Spikelets 14 line long, on short and unequal pedicels, _ pointed ; lower glumes acute or pointed, $-$ as long as the second; _ second glume a little longer than the third, ovate-lanceolate, acuté, — 7-nerved, slightly scabrous at the tip ; third glume in form like the — the second, 7—9-nerved, neutral, with a palea $ a line long; fertile | flower smooth and shining, obtuse, less than a line long. oy Santa Cruz Valley, near Tucson. (No. 464.) a ee The habit of this grass is well marked, and it may prove a good | species. The spikelets are exactly like those of No. 817 of E. Hall’s — Texan plants,referred to P. proliferum,but it differs much from that in | its low, branched habit, pilose sheaths, short and rather broad leaves — _. =—characters which point to P. capillare, L., to which it is doubtfully referred. The habit of the panicle is more like P. proliferum, while 76 the prominently 3-5-nerved, pointed, lower glume and the palea to the third glume are characters not, found in Eastern specimens of either P. capillare or P. proliferum, but point to P. virgatum, L. The third glume of the latter, however, is staminate and the fertile flower is more turgid. 6*. Panicum fuscum, Swartz.—Santa Cruz Valley, near Tucson. June. . Apparently the same as No. 825 of E. Hall’s Texan plants, but more slender, with leaves and sheaths smoother. It is probably the P. reticulatum, Torr. (Marcy's Rept.)* 7. Panicum (Virgaria) sp., allied to P. fuscum, Sw.—Culms pros- trate below, rooting at the lower joints, smooth, as are the numerous ascending branches, except just below the panicle; sheaths striate, smooth, slightly inflated, shorter than the internodes ; leaves linear,cor- date and clasping at the base (14-5 in. long, 3 lines wide), scabrous on the cartilaginous margin, which is also pilose near the base. Pan- icle at length exserted, 3-6 in. long, the axis and the ascending or erect simple branches finely pubescent, and also sparsely pilose with rather stiff, spreading hairs; the lower branches about 2 in. long, bearing the approximate but not crowded, racemose spikelets in pairs (the upper ones single), one nearly sessile and often imperfectly de- veloped, the other on a pedicel nearly its own length; pedicels pi- lose and finely pubescent. Spikelets oblong or obovate, somewhat pointed (1$ line long), the three outer glumes pubescent ; lower glume deltoid, obtuse, 5-nerved, 4 as long as the spikelet ; second and third glumes sub-equal, as long as the fertile flower, the second 7- nerved, the third 5-nerved, with a palea; nerves with connecting reticulations above. Fertile flower nearly 13 line long, pointed and transversely rugose, slightly compressed on the back. Santa Cruz Valley, near Tucson. (465.) I have not seen this before in North American collections, but it _ probably belongs to some of the described species allied to P. gros- sartum, L., or P. fuscum, Sw. The spikelets resemble those figured in Trinius’s Icon. Gram., for P. velutinosum, Nees. 8. Panicum obtusum, HBK., Nov. Gens, i., 98; Vasey, in Bot. Wheeler Exped., p. 294. Santa Cruz Valley, near Tucson. May. The same as 960 of C. Wright, and 827 of E. Hall’s Texan collection. T.S. Brandegee collected the same in Arkansas Cafion and near Cafion City. (vid. herb. J. H. Redfield.) : _ 9. Panicum maximum, Jacq., var. bulbosum.—Rocky canons, Santa Rita Mts., Arizona, This appears to be a good species, and is referred as above with some doubt. It is like No. 958 of Parry & Palmer’s collection in Central Mexico, 1878. 10. Panicum scoparium, Lam., Encycl., iv.; Thurber, Bot. Cal.; ii., ‘Pp. 2593 P. pauciflorum, Ell? ; Gray’s Manual, p. 648. By streams of the Sta. Catalina Mountains. * Since the note on this species was written, I have seen specimens of No. 2,091 of C. Wright’s N. Mex. collection (1851-52) and find it to be the same. Dr. _ Torrey, in Marcy's Report, says that No. 2,090 and No. 2,091 of Wright’s collection _ are glabrous and more robust forms of his P. reticulatum eee = . 77 11. Panicum dichotomum, L..—By streams of the Santa Catalina Mountains. 12, Panicum Colonum, L., Sp. Pl., 2nd ed., p. 84.—Santa Cruz Valley, near Tucson. 13. Panicum Crus-Galli, L., Sp. Pl., 2nd ed., p. 84.—Santa Cruz Valley, near Tucson. 14*. Setaria caudata, R. & S., Syst., ii., 495; Vasey, Bot. Wheeler Exped., p. 295; S. sefosa, P.B., var. caudata, Griseb., Flor. Br. W. Ind., p. 555.— Pantano, Arizona, June. 15. Cenchrus tribuloides, L., Sp. Pl., 1st ed., p. 1,049.—Santa Cruz Valley, near Tucson. 16. Leersta oryzoides, Sw., Flor. Ind.Occ., i., 132 (in adnot.).-Santa Cruz River. : 17. Polypogon Monspeliensis, Desf., Atl., i., 66 ; Gray’s Manual, p. 612. —Banks of the Santa Cruz River. 18. Polypogon elongatus, HBK., Nov. Gen., i., 1343; C. Gay, Flor. Chil., vi., p. 301; Steud., Syn. Gram., 183.—Culm simple, erect, genic- ulate at the lower joints, 2-3 feet high, smooth, 4-5 leaved, the dark colored joints contracted ; sheaths smooth, the lower equalling the upper, shorter than the internodes ; ligule of the upper leaf 2-3 lines long, obtuse, broader than the leaf, and decurrent along the sheath ; leaves broadly linear, smooth below, very scabrous on the margins and on the nerves above (3-4 lines broad, the upper one 6 inches long), involute near the tips, and terminating in a sharp, scabrous point. Panicle $ to 1 foot long (9 inches in Pringle’s specimens), narrow, and rather densely flowered, nodding ; the erect, or some- what loosely spreading branches in dense, half-whorled clusters, the shorter ones flower-bearing to the base, the longer ones (2 inches long) naked below, much branched, and flower-bearing above the divisions and sub-divisions, being curiously arranged in little fascicles or umbels of threes and fours ; pedicels 2-3 lines long, strongly scab- rous, clavate. Glumes empty, slightly unequal, the lower longer, lance- olate, awn-pointed, about r$ lines, or, including the awn, 2-3 lines long, — round and scabrous on the back, aculeolate on the single nerve ; flowering glumes 4 as long as the empty glumes, thin, oblong, broadly obtuse or truncate and irregularly 5-toothed at the tip, with a slender, straight, scabrous awn on the back, above the middle, about 1 line long ; palea half as long as its glume, irregular at the broad truncate tip. By streams of Santa Rita Mts., Arizona. (467.) Both Gay and Steudel make Mowodworskia agrostoides, Presl., Rel. Haenk., i., t. 40, a synonym of this, There is a single specimen of the same species without name.in herb. Acad. Phil., collected by — C. Mohr in Mexico. On the ticket is written: “near Muhlenbergia distichophylla, says Thurber.” So far as I know, this plant has not before been recorded as growing within our limits. £5 19. Hilaria cenchroides, HBK., Nov. Gen., i., t. 37; Vasey, Bot. Wheeler Exped., p. 281.=Scleropelta stolonifera, Buckley, in herb. Acad. Phil.—Mesas, near Camp Lowell. July. No, 846 of E. Hall’s Texan plants is the same. : : a 2 F. Lamson SCRIBNER. © 78 Notes on the Trees of the South-west.*— Quercus Emoryi, Torr., known as the ‘ black oak,” is very common in the country of the Upper Gila. It never grows on the hills, nor far from the beds of the streams, though these may be dry during the greater portion of the year. It delights in a fine gravelly, or sandy soil in open Cafions. Although the growing wood is not subject to decay, as is the case with the other oaks of this section, I do not know that it 1s highly esteemed. It is here a tree 4o or 50 feet in height, and proportion- ately stout. Its thick, dark, and glossy foliage would make it a very handsome tree, but for the scraggy appearance given it by its dead twigs and branches. Its acorns furnish the principal September food supply of large flocks of wild pigeons. : Quercus hypoleuca, Engelm.—This handsome little tree I have observed in the Bear Mountains, It scarcely exceeds 15 feet in height, the trunk being stout for the size of the tree. Its long, elegantly pointed, dark green leaves, silvery below, render it hand- some in spite of its gnarled and twisted trunk and branches. It grows only in deep cafions, and in the rockiest places. It would be a great favorite as an ornamental tree in those sections where it could be successfully cultivated. . Quercus undulata, Tort,, grows sparingly in the Bear and Burro- Mountains, and very abundantly in the Mogollon Mountains, where, with the sycamore, it forms about five-sixths of the tree-flora of the cafions. ‘The young wood is quite tough and strong; but, asit grows older, it soon becomes brittle and subject to decay. The trunks and main branches, like those of P/atanus, are much twisted, and bent or arched. It grows only in'the bottom of the cafions, : Quercus grisea, Liebm,—This is comparatively a rare tree in the sections which I have visited. A few trees grow in the San Fran- cisco Mountains, and it is rather frequent in the Bear Mountains. Its smaller leaved forms approach the next species in appearance, but it seems to be distinguished from that by its more abrupt manner of taking on fresh foliage; while in the color and appearance of its bark, and the habit of the tree, it is much like Q. Aypoleuca. I did not see the fruit. : Quercus pungens, Liebm.—I am somewhat in doubt as to whether the plants which I have called by this name do not constitute two species, one a good-sized tree, the other shrubby. This tree, if we include its shrubby forms, is probably more abundant than any other in the basin of the Upper Gila, and the adjacent country.’ It does _ not grow upon the plains, but is everywhere abundant in the moun- _ tains. It clothes many of the gravelly hills, from. base to summit, _ with a dense thicket of scraggy growth. On the higher summits it is not common, while in partial shades in the cafions and near water, - itbecomes a good-sized, though rather low tree. Its form is strik- = ingly like that of a well-grown apple-tree; and a gentle slope, or grassy hollow dotted with good-sized, scattered specimens reminds | _ one strongly of a New England orchard, and is a sight which alover _ “Continued from page 53. In making up the April number of the BULLETIN, ‘Mr. Rusby’s name was accidentally omitted from his communication, and the — omission was overlooked by us till it was too late to rectify the erro-—ED. 79 of fine trees delights to look upon. Probably no tree is more gen- erally unsound at the heart, yet one must be experienced to detect the indications of such a state. It is difficult to find a sound speci- men, except where the roots have access toa permanent water-supply, and then only among young trees. Alnus oblongifolia, Torr.—With the exception of the Coniferae, this occasionally becomes the largest tree of the South-western Rocky Mountain region, though the average size is less than that of the next. It is common and abundantalong nearly all mountain streams, growing only at the very edge of the water. It is well-proportioned and handsome. ‘The wood is brittle, decays. rapidly, and is fit only for firewood. Populus Fremontii, var. (?) Wislizent—A magnificent tree, abun- dant along all streams in the open country, or in the open parts of the cafions. Toward the heads of the cafions, or where they are narrow and precipitous, it is rarely found. Like other cottonwoods, this species flourishes where no others grow, and is hence one of the most valuable trees. Juniperus occidentalis, Hook., var. monosperma, Engelm.—One of the most abundant trees of Southern New Mexico, growing occa- sionally in cafions, but mostly on low hills with the next, and with Pinus edulis, these three species constituting almost the entire tree- flora of the hilly country. It becomes something more thana small tree,” though it is never tall. In some sections it is almost the only tree. Juniperus pachyphloea, Torr.—Every where abundant in the moun- tains and hills. The large, sweet fruit is extensively eaten by bears and coyotes, and, I believe, by foxes (!) and deer. Cupressus Arizonica, E. L. Greene.—This fine tree I have seen only in the San Francisco Mountains, where it is quite abundant, growing both in cafions and upon the highest mountains, on the northern slopes. Where it grows in thick patches, it becomes tall and — straight, much resembing, at a distance, the balsam fir. Single speci-— mens branch widely, and assume handsome forms. The largest that I have seen measured about forty inches in diameter. It possesses great value as a timber-tree, being evidently adapted to varying con- ditions of soil and climate, the wood being light, strong, straight- grained, and apparently durable. — Its handsome form and color, and the sprightly disposition of its foliage would render it a favorite uRee the lawn. Growing upon so limited an area, In a lively mining dis- — trict, where great numbers of the trees are being continually cut for — fuel, both as wood and charcoal, it 1s not sufficiently protected, and it _ is strongly advisable to introduce it into other sections. - ee Pseudotsuga Douglasii, Carr—The principal species constituting — the large and dense forests which clothe the higher portions of the © Mogollon Mountains. In the deep and shady cafions it descends” almost to the base of the mountains, the largest specimens growing 1n- ‘such locations. Unless two species have been observed, two distinct = forms grow here, one with the very glaucous leaves shorter and more rigid and crowded. The bark of the latter is thicker, and is more = deeply furrowed than in any other species with which IT am ace | qnamted. 80 Pinus reflexa, Engelm.—Seen only in the higher portions of the Mogollon Mountains, where it grows sparingly. The trunk is tall, slender, crooked, and very flexible, with a few branches at the top. The large, somewhat flattened seeds are fully as sweet and rich as those of Pinus edulis. Picea Engelmanni, Engelm., grows sparingly in the Mogollon Mountains, and only on the highest summits. It forms a compact and handsome top. é Ephedra antisyphilitica, C. A. Meyer, becomes a small tree of 12 or 15 feet in height, and 5 or 6 inches in diameter, along the Rio Grande. It is apparently worthless. Henry H. Ruspy. Contributions toward a List of the State and Local Floras of the United States. Ill. THE SOUTH-EASTERN STATES. Manual of Botany adapted to the productions of the Southern States. By John Darby, A.M. (D.) 12mo., 612 pp. Macon, Ga., 1841, and New York, 1866. : Musci Alleghanienses, sive spicelegia Muscorum atque Hepaticarum quas in itinere a Marylandia usque ad Georgiam per tractus montium, A. D., 1843, decerpserunt Asa Gray et W. S. Sulli- vant. By W.S. Sullivant. (C.) 12mo., 87 pp. Columbus, Ohio, 1846. Flora of the Southern United States, containing abridged descriptions of the flowering Plants and Ferns of Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. By A. W. Chapman, M.D. (D.) 8vo., 621 pp. New York, 1860. Enumeration of the species issued in the first and second centuries’ of Ravenel’s ‘‘ Fungi Caroliniani Exsiccati,” with other species collected at the same time in insufficient quantities for distribu- tion. By M.C. Cooke. (C.) In Grevillea, Vols. vi and vii. London, 1877-79. ‘VIRGINIA. 2s Flora Virginica, exhibens Plantas quas v. c. Johannes Clayton ob- Servavit atque collegit. Easdem methodo sexuali disposuit, ad genera propria retulit, nominibus specificis insignivit minus cog- _nitas descripsit Joh. Fred. Gronovius. (D.) 8vo., pp. 206. Leyden, 1739-1743. Catalogue of Plants observed by John Bannister in Virginia. (A.) ' In Ray’s Historia Plantarum, Vol. ii. London, 1688. WEsT VIRGINIA. Flora of West Virginia. By H. N. Mertz and G. Guttenberg. (A.) List of Timber Trees of West Virginia. By J. H. Diss Debar. (B.) _ In Handbook of West Virginia. : Forest Trees, Shrubs and medicinal Plants of West Virginia. By W. M. Fontaine. (B.) _ In Resources of West Virginia, p. 111. Wheeling, 1876. | List 4 rigs Plants growing in West Virginia. By. Dre As Sie Tod AD fia est) sas aun In Trans. Med. Soc’y of W. Va., for 1867 and 1871. 81 -NorTH CAROLINA. Catalogue of the indigenous and naturalized Plants of the State. By M. A. Curtis,. (B.) in Geol. and Nat. Hist. Survey of N. C., Part ili. Raleigh, 1867. Synopsis Fungorum Carolinae Superioris. By L. D. De Schweinitz. _ In Acta Soc. Nat. Cur. Lips. Leipzig, 1822. List of Trees of North Carolina. (B.). : In Report on Forestry, pp. 471-477. _Washington, 1879. Report on the woody Plants of North Carolina. By M. A. Curtis. In Geol. and Nat. Hist. Survey of N. C. 1860, Jones County. Catalogue of Plants observed in the neighborhood of Newbern. By H. B. Croom and H. Loomis, M.D. (A.) 8vo., pamphlet, pp. 52. Newbern, 1883. Catalogue of the Plants, native or naturalized, in the vicinity of Newbern. By H. B. Croom. (A.) 8vo. pamphlet, pp. 52. New York, 1837. Mew Hanover County. Enumeration of Plants growing spontaneously around Wilmington - N.C. By M.A. Curtis. (a) In Journ. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. i. 1834. SouTH CAROLINA. Sketch of the Botany of South Carolina and Georgia. By Stephen Elliott. (D.) 2 vols., 8vo., pp. 606 and 744. Charleston, 1817-1824. Notes on the Marine Algae of South Carolina and Florida. By J. Cosmo Melvill. (C.) In Trimen’s Jour. Botany, Vol. iv. (new series), p. 258. Lon- don, 1875. : Flora Caroliniana. By Thomas Walter. ‘(D.) 8vo., pp. 263. London, 1787. Charleston County. Catalogue of phaenogamous Plants and Ferns, native or naturalized, found growing in the vicinity of Charleston. By J. Bachman. (A.) _ Pamphlet, pp. 15. Charleston, 1834. - Catalogue of the Natural Orders of Plants inhabiting the vicinity of : the Santee Canal, S. C., as represented by Genera and Species. — By H. W. Ravenel. (A.) In Proc. Am. Assoc. Adv. Sci., Vol. iii. 1850. A Medico-Botanical Catalogue of the Plants and Ferns of St. John’s Berkly, S. C. By F. P. Porcher. (B.)’ 8vo., pamphlet, pp. 54. Charleston, 1847. Richland County. Catalogue of the Plants of Columbia and its vicinity. By Lewis R. | Gibbes. oe _ Pamphlet. Columbia, 1835. : sy GEORGIA. Cherokee County. sae A List of Plants found in the neighborhood of Counasaga Rivers where Spring Place is now situated. By Mrs. Gambold. (A). In Amer. Journ. Sci. and Arts., 1 series, Vol. 1. 4658.207 S 82 FroripDa. ae : A Catalogue of a Collection of Plants made in East Florida during the months of October and November, 1821, by A. Ware. By Thomas Nuttall. (C.) In Am. Journ. Sci. and Arts., 1 series, Vol. v. 1822. _ List of the Plants growing spontaneously in the vicinity of Quincy, * ae Emmonsii always Fla. By A. W. Chapman, M.D. (A.) : In Western Journ. Med. and Surg., Vol. iii. (new series), 23 pp. Louisville, Ky., 1845. List of the Marine Algae collected by Dr. Edward Palmer on the coast of Florida and at Nassau, Bahama Islands, March- August, 1874. By D.C. Eaton. (B.) 8vo., pamphlet, pp. 6. New Haven, 1875. ‘ ‘ An enumeration of some Plants, chiefly from the semi-tropical regions of Florida, which are either new; or which have not hitherto been recorded as belonging to the Flora of the Southern States. By A. W. Chapman, M.D. (D.) In Botan. Gazette, Vol. iii. Logansport, 1878. Ferns of South Florida. (With notes on the species.) | By A. P Garber. ; In Bot. Gazette, Vol. iii. Logansport, 1878. e Wy. tes Ae Ni: B, The brittle Branches of Salix sericea, Marshall.—Has any one ~ examined critically the “ brittleness at the base’’ of the branches in this willow, of which our text-books tell us? It seems phenomenal, though akin to the articulation we find in Ampelopsis, Taxodium, Thwa and some others at the fall of the year. Here is a branch so tough that we may use it like twine, and which separates as easily, by a light tug, as we pull a feather from a bird! It is not really “ brittle at the base,” for the base must mean either exactly at the junction with the parent stem, or some indefinite point above. But the point of sepa- ration is a little above the true “ base,” and always just at this point, barely a hair’s breadth in width; and the breakage is always in a true circle around the stem. It is evidently not a species of “ brittleness ” so much as a case of specific, incipient articulation. : . Tuomas MEEHAN, | A Suggestion.—Errors in the description of plants occur here _ and there in our Manuals of Botany, owing for the most part, no _ doubt, to the tendency of some species to vary from the typical form. But it is surprising that there should be so great a discrep- ancy in the diagnosis of Carex Novae-Angliae and C. Emmonsit so far _as the color of their spikelets is concerned. Both Wood and Gray state that the former has purplish spikelets and the latter green _ ones; whereas the reverse seems to be the rule. Out of a large number of specimens of C. Woevae-Angliae received from the moun- ~ _ tains of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts _ not one so much as suggests a purplish spikelet. On the other hand, | shows scales more or less purplish. Admitting a. 83 that the persistent style of the former is sufficient to distinguish it from the jointed style of the latter, is there not still good ground for suggesting a change in the description of these two species? Yonkers, N. Y. E. C. Howe. Germination of Iris versicolor.—The accompanying figure illus- trates a peculiar mode of germination that I have observed this spring in /ris versicolor, the seeds of which I had planted in a flower-pot kept in a rather warm place in the house. The de- scriptions and figures of the germinating seed of /ris which I have seen thus far (cf. Gray, Structural tions, for I do not find mentioned and illustrated in them the long, filamentous connective (cf) between the endosperm of the seed (sd) and what I must call the cotyledon (cz). The whole process reminds one very much of the germination of Phoentx dactylifera (Sachs’s Botany, Eng. edit., 1875, p. 542, fig. 388), but in the case of the /rzs the connective is much longer in proportion, . and rises, with the first node (z), and the first leaf (7), from one-half to three-fourths of an inch above rd, the surface (sf), whtle the seed (sd) stays behind under ground. It would be worth while to ascertain whether this mode of germination is common with /ris versicolor, or whether, as I suppose, it is abnormal—caused per- haps by the more rapid growth at a higher temperature. Hoboken, N. J., April, 1882. _ JosEPH SCHRENK. New Station for Corema Conradii, ‘Torr.—Learning that Corema Conradii, Torr, had been found on Shawangunk Mountain, Ulster Co., N. Y., I went there on the 2d of Maytoseek it. Ifound it grow- | ing on the crest of the ridge, in a bleak spot not sheltered by trees; quite plentiful there, but not seen elsewhere, for the two miles that I looked for it. : It is a low bush, much branched, spreading, almost prostrate, with erect branches, about 9 inches high, and 20 inches wide across ‘the branches, from out to out. ‘ It is described as dioecious or polygamous. I got 85 specimens, of which were dioecious, 84; monoecious, 1; polygamous, o. Botany, p. 24, fig. 55) do not agree with my observa-- The monoecious specimen had 3o clusters of pistillate flowers _ near the top, and one cluster of staminate near the base: total clusters on the specimen or branch, 31, I saw no other flower in bloom, on the mountain. I found a small form of Asplenium montanum, Willd., from one to one and a half inches high. Gai aay The day was cold, with a high wind and heavy squalls of snow and rain. In some sheltered places, last winter’s ice was not all gone. The height of the ridge is about 1,800 feet above tide- water. It was too early for the regular spring flowers in so elevated and ex- posed a place, I was under the impression that the plant was eS 84 strictly dioecious, and therefore did not look for polygamous or monoecious plants. The collection of one of the latter, was purely accidental, and was not observed until I got home. A more careful examination on the spot, may show that monoecious and polygamous forms are more common than I found them. 216 So, 15th Street, Philadelphia, CHARLES FE. SMITH. Notes from Massachusetts.—During the present spring I have examined a large number of the plants of Symplocarpus foetidus, Salisb., with a view to observing malformations, with the following result. More than a dozen spathes were found which contained a second spathe within the outer one. Their relative positions varied. In some specimens the inner spathe opened in the same direction as the outer, in others it faced directly opposite, and in others it occu- pied intermediate positions between these. Each specimen contained a perfect spadix. All the spathes in one cluster (8) presented this change. Several specimens were found which were perfectly normal with the exception that the spadix was abortive, very minute and imperfect. One had no trace whatever of a spadix. Inciden- tally it was noted that the flowers were much frequented by our com- ‘mon honey-bees, Indeed, with one or two accidental exceptions, I have noticed no other insects about them. Prof. Bailey’s observation on the lack of male flowers in the alders this spring finds abundant confirmation in this locality, The peculiar season seems to have worked confusion among our spring flowers. The rare Vardosmia palmata, Hook., found at a single sta-_ tion in this region, has this season almost wholly failed to put forth . flowers. Not half a dozen specimens have been collected where usually hundreds are found, although quantities of the palmate leaves testify to the vitality of the roots. Amherst, Mass., May 5th, 1882. WintHrop E. STONE. QO The Alder Catkins.—On page 57 of the BULLETIN I see a note _ on alder catkins, andewould like to say that the staminate catkins of that plant, in this vicinity, this year, were remarkably vigorous, and appeared in great profusion. I noticed this fact from my attention, for special reasons, having been given to them. I should reasonably expect there might be all this difference in places so distant from each other as Rhode Island and Wisconsin. Ripon, Wisc. = . C. T. TRALEy. Plant Exchanges.—Dr. Joseph V. Haberer, of 66 Miller Street, _ Utica, N. Y., who is constantly engaged in collecting, and who has _ good specimens of everything found growing in Oneida County and - “ vicinity, desires to correspond and exchange with botanists devoted _ to the study of Carex.. Dr. Haberer’s list of desiderata is too long to insert in this place, but may be obtained by addressing him as above. ; Mr. Gustav Adolf Zwanziger, the editor of the Karntner Garten- _ bauzettung, and whose address is Klagenfurt, Kirnten, Austria, writes” __ us that he would like to exchange phaenogams and cryptogams of — the Austrian Alps for American ferns, mosses, algae and phaenogams, _ BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. 1X.) New York, July, 1882, (No. 7. William Henry Leggett. The decease of the late Editor of the ButtetTin calls for more than the passing notice which it has received in its columns. Mr. Leggett was born February 24th, 1816, and died on the morning of the rth of April, 1882. Always a hard student, he graduated from Columbia College in 1837. Previous to that event he had already devoted himself to teaching—a calling which he pur- sued throughout life. By means of the kindliness of his disposition he ' endeared himself to his pupils and led them on to regard the pursuit of knowledge as a pleasure instead of a task, and to aim at the attain- ments in classical knowledge which he himself possessed. The following extract from a letter of one of his former pupils fitly illustrates the thoroughness which he always endeavored to instil into the minds of those committed to his charge: ‘‘ How many there are of us all over the country who took from him our first lessons in accurate scholarship !” . He early became enamored with the study of botany, and the same feeling of thoroughness in his investigations of plant life ex hibited itself in this as in his other studies. He was one of the founders of the Torrey Botanical Club, whose resolutions passed on g@he event of his decease express their sense of his scientific attain- ments and of his efficiency as a leader and co-laborer with them. His labors as the first Editor of the BULLETIN which was started by him as a private enterprise in 1870, and conducted as such until the year 1880, can, perhaps, only be fully appreciated by those who have had to perform similar work in the midst of other pressing duties. Day by day, following his occupation as an instructor with conscientious fidelity, he yet found time, too often taken from hours of needed rest, to write, collate and arrange for the press the matter of his journal. His success in the performance of his work was com- plete, but the harassing nature of his daily duties, and his failing ee finally compelled the relinquishment of its charge to other hands. cS His private character was aboye reproach. Upright, conscien- tious and fearless, he was prompt to denounce wrong in every shape; yet was always considerate and charitable towards the short-comings of others. In his social relations, his purity of character, his self- sacrificing spirit, his integrity and kindliness of disposition endeared him to all. - . en ee, oe The following extracts from letters written by those who had en- I have known with wl:om all my intercourse was so sweet and de- — lightful as with him; * * * he was so sincere and guileless, so a cheerful and bright.” From another: ‘‘ My botanical tramps with — _joyed his society for years show the cordial esteem in which they held him. One says: “1 can hardly call to mind a single man that 86 him always had a classic seasoning—Greek as well as Botany—which made them doubly enjoyable; while his genial charity toward all men was a pattern and delight.” And from one other: “ We had been friends for more than forty years * * * a more pure- minded and true-hearted man I have never known. * * * The world has lost in him a profound classical scholar, a most cunscien- tious teacher, and an enthusiastic botanist.” We shall close this brief biographical notice with one more extract from a letter of this old friend, touching in its sadness: ‘‘ Our dear departed friend has left an aching void in the hearts of all who knew him, so kindly disposed and sincere in his affcctions he was, while gifted with extraordinaty powers of promoting innocent mirth and true sociality. One cannot expect to meet with many such in a life- time. Would he had been spared to us many years longer. I little thought I should outlive him.” 2c da A New Species of Dichromena. By S. H. Wricut. DICHROMENA REVERCHONI.—Culm nearly terete, smooth, slen- der, caespitose, four to nine inches high; leaves very narrow, smooth, acute, almost capillary, those of the culm 1} to 2} inches long ; radical leaves 2 to 5 inches long, erect or falcate and spread- ing; involucre of two slender, unequal, acute bracts, dilated and whitened at the base, the longer being about 1 inch in length, and the shorter from } to 4 inch long; spikes 4 to 6, and $to }inch long, terminal, sessile, glomerate, scales variable, acute, obtuse, truncate, or even emarginate in the same spike, and Aeeled, white, with more or less ferruginous lines at the base when mature ; achenia dull, strongly Tugose, round-obovate, very convex, the dilated base of the short- beaked, ccmpressed tubercle, decurrent on both edges to and around the base of the nut, giving it an annulated appearance there. This species was discovered in 1879, and in one place only, by Mr. Julien Reverchon in a little swamp watered by a spring in lime- stone rocks, near Turtle Creek, Dallas County, Texas, and near Dallas. It flowered in June. Specimens collected in 1880, in flower only, were sent tome. A very few in fruit, collected in 1881, were obtained, from which the above description is given. A List of Grasses collected by Mr. C. G. Pringle in Arizona and California, with descriptions of those species not already described in American Publications.* 20. Hilaria rigida. (Pleuraphis rigida, Thurber, Gram. Mex. Bound. ined.; Bot. Cal., ii., p. 293.)—Yuma, Arizona. June 25. See note under “Change of Name” in March number of the BUL- LETIN. 21. Imperata caudata, Trin., Sl., t. 70, f. 1; Griseb., Flor. Br. W. - is & 561; Imperata arundinacea, Vasey, in Bot. Wheeler Exped., P. 290. : Culms erect, terete; smooth, clothed at the base with numerous _ *Continued from page 77. + 87 dry and distichous sheaths, 3 feet and more high ; leaves, excepting the upper ones, which are short (1-2 inches), very long (1 foot and more) flat, rather stiff or rigid, 4-6 lines wide, above much narrower, and more or less conduplicate below, margin with a narrow, min- utely serrulate, cartilaginous line, apex long-acuminate, with a sharp, stiff point ; ligule short, long pilose. Panicle (in specimens in hand) 6-8 inches long, narrow (4-1 inch), very woolly, and densely flow- ered ; lower branches erect, 13 inch long. Spikelets in pairs (single above), the pedicel of one about one line long, that of the other one- half shorter, densely pilose at the base with long (3-4 lines) silvery- white, silky hairs, with similar hairs on the outer surface of the empty glumes. Empty glumes sub-equal, the upper and larger one 1}-2 lines long, both 5- or imperfectly 7-nerved, with broad, obtuse, erose or finely ciliate tips, and enclosing three hyaline scales appearing like lodicules ; the outer one, which is supposed to rep- resent a neutral floret without a palea, is lanceolate, obtuse and finely cut at the tip, nearly as long as the empty glumes; the second, | supposed to be the fertile glume ines palet), is like the first, ex- cepting that it is a third smaller; the third scale, supposed to be the palea of the perfect flower, is about % of a line long and fully as broad, irregularly and deeply cut-toothed at the tip (sometimes almost regularly 3-5 toothed). ‘This scale surrounds the ovary and the one stamen. By streams, Santa Catalina Mts. June. It is the same as No. 283 of Drtimmond’s Texas coll. (vid. herb. Philada. Acad.) 22. *Heteropogon contortus, R. & S., Syst., i1., 836. = H. hirsutus, Pers., Syn., il., 533. = Andropogon contortus, LL. Vasey, in Bot. Wheeler Exped., p. 296. Santa Cruz Valley, near Tucson. (459.) 23. *Heteropogon contortus, R. & S., var.—Differs from the last only in having the outer glume of the male flower smooth (not at all pilose), and with but a very narrow-winged, scarious margin. It agrees with descriptions of Heteropogon Alionit, R. & S. (ZZ. gla- brum, Pers.), but it seems too near A. contortus to be separated from it. Mesas, near the Santa Rita Mts., Arizona. (460.) 24. *Andropogon Jamesit, Torr., in Marcy’s Rep. (1852.) = A. glaucum, Torr., in Ann. N. Y. Lyc.,i., p. 153 (1824.) = A. Torreyanus, Steud., Syn. Gram., p. 392 (1854.) Santa Cruz Valley, near Tucson. (453-) Equals No. 845 of E. Hall’s Texan Plants; No. 3,635* Curtiss’s Distrib. N. Am, PL; and No. 582 of Brandegee, collected near Canon City, Colorado, referred to 4. argenteus, EIL., in Flor. Colo- tado. This grass is very closely allied to A. saccharoides, Sw. (vid. Griseb., Flor. Br. W. Ind.), and perhaps should be united with it. — 25. *Phalaris intermedia, Bosc., in Poir. Encycl. Suppl., i., 300; -Chapman’s Flora of the Southern States, p. 569. pe Santa Cruz Valley, near Tucson. May. 26. * Aristida Americana, L., Am. Acad., v., 393: = A. dispersa, var., Trin. & Rupr, 88 = A. bromoides, HBK. ‘Thurber, Bot. Cal, ii., p. 298. Mesas, near Camp Lowell. (470.) A very variable species, of which there are two forms in the col- lection; one with upright culms about 7 inches high, with the branches of the panicle short and erect; the other with more or less geniculate culms, 18 inches high, with the panicle more open (the lower branches being from 2-3 inches long and more or less spreading) resembling in habit 4. caerulescens, Desf. The first form is the more common in collections from the West, and is that described by Dr. Thurber in Bot. Cal., ii., p. 289, under the name of A. bromoides, HBK. The different forms of this species, of which the A, dromoides, HBK., is one, were all united by Trinius & Ruprecht under their A. dispersa, Genl. Munro, in his catalogue of the grasses in the herbarium of Linnaeus, says that Aristida Americana., L., from Ja- maica, “is called 4. dispersa by Trinius; but Linnaeus’s name ought to take precedence. Kunth has misplaced the Linnzan synonym in Eutrianajuncifolia.” Grisebach, in Flora of the British West Indies, unites A. Americana, L., A. dispersa, Trin., A. bromoides, humilis and : coarctata, HBK., and A. cognata, Trin., under A, stricta, Michaux. 27. “Aristida Humboldtiana, Trin. & Rupr., Stipac., p. 118 ; Vasey, Bot. Wheeler Exped., p. 286; 4. divaricata, HBK. Mesas, near Camp Lowell. June. 28. Stipa occidentalis (?) Thurber, Bot. Wilkes’s Exped., p. 483; Bot. Cal., i1., p. 285. Mt. Shasta, California; alt. 7,000 feet. August. Pringle’s speci- mens differ from the description of this species in Bot. Calif., and from specimens in herb., in their more. slender and wiry habit, ex- tremely short ligule, both empty glumes 3-nerved, smaller, shorter and less hairy flowering glume, and the proportionately shorter pale. It seems to be a form intermediate between S. occidentalis and S. Sibirica, Lam. It differs from the latter species in its narrow leaves, and more plumose and twice geniculate awn.. It appears to be nearer S. occidentalis, and may be, as Dr. Vasey suggests, a de- pauperate form of that species. 29. Muhlenbergia comata, Benth. Vaseya comata, Thurb., Proc. Phil. Acad., 1863, p. 79; Bot. Cal., ii., p. 278. Mt. Shasta, California; alt. 6,000 feet. August. 30. Muhlenbergia Texana, Thurber, Gram. Mex. Bound., ined.; Porter and Coulter, Synop. Flor. Col., p. 144. Mesas and foot-hills, near Tucson. 31. Muhlenbergia distichophylla, Kth., Enum. Pl. i., p. 202; Vasey, in Bot. Wheeler’s Exped., p. 283; Podosaemum adistichophyllum, Presl., in Rel. Haenk., i., 231. Cations, Santa Catalina Mts. May. sae 32. *“Muhlenbergia virescens, Trin., Unitfl., 193; Kunth, Enum., _ PL, i, 202., et Suppl., 160; Podosaemum virescens, HBK., Nov. Gen. _ _L, 132; Trichochloa virescens, R. & S., Syst., ii., 389. : Culms slender, 2 feet high, simple or branched at the base, smooth. Leaves narrow and involute, the upper about one foot long, nearly equalling or slightly exceeding theculm. Ligule 6 lines long. Panicle 6 inches long, the erect branches single, or the lower 89 in pairs, densely flowered nearly or quite to the base Empty glumes lanceolate, pale straw-colored and sometimes tinged with purple, the upper 3-nerved, mucronate and often 3-toothed at the tip, 23 lines long, one-half a line longer than the acute, one-nerved lower glume. Flowering glume 2 lines long, pilose below on the back, and for nearly 3 its length on the margins, terminating in a slender awn 6-10 lines long; palea nearly as long as its glume and similarly pilose. Stamens 14 line long, pale purple. ; This species resembles AZ. graciiis, Trin., in habit, but is dis- tinguished at once by its very long involute leaves and light colored, more loosely flowered panicle. Summits of the Santa Rita Mts., Arizona. This isa Mexican grass, not before observed in the distributed collections made within the limits of the United States, and perhaps now found for the first time within our limits. It should be added that identification of Pringle’s specimens with 4Z. virescens, Trin., is based upon descriptions of that plant only. 33. *Muhlenbergia debilis, Trin., Agrost., ii., 49; Thurber, Bot. Cal., ii., p. 277; AL. purpurea, Nutt., Pl., 180. Foot-hills, Santa Catalina Mts. April, 34. Muhlenbergia sylvatica, Torr., var. Pringlit (vel 2. sp.)— Culms densely caespitose, terete, erect, simple, rather rigid, about 1 foot high. Leaves involute, filiform, about 7 to each culm, min- utely scabrous outside, especially towards the tip, strigose scabrous within, 4-6 inches long, the lower ones shorter ; ligule broader than - the leaves, decurrent along the sheath, $line long, irregularly cut, continued on each side into two lanceolate, acute teeth or auricles one line long. Panicle slender, contracted, 2-3 inches long, rather densely flowered. Empty glumes nearly equal, 1-nerved, with slender acuminate points, 1 line long. Flowering glume nearly or quite smooth at the base, 3-nerved, scabrous on the keel above, 14-2 lines long, terminating in a slender awn 4-6 lines long ; paleanearly ~ equalling its glume. Dry Cliffs, Santa Rita Mts.; alt. 7,000 feet. July. (480.) The specimens are‘not mature, but are developed sufficiently to show the above-enumerated character. Later, the panicle, the base of which is enclosed in the upper sheaths, may become exserted, and the culms, though now strictly simple, may become branched. It is referred to MZ. sy/vatica because of the resemblance of the pan- icle and minute characters of the spikelets to that species. It is distinct from No. 731 of C. Wright’s Texan coll., called M. monti- cola by Buckley, and referred to M. sylvatica by Munro. Girard College, Philadelphia. F. Lamson SCRIBNER. The Brittle Branches of Salix were recently referred to by Mr. Thomas Meehan. Ordinary wood-cells are long, and possess taper- — ing extremities which overlap each other. This overlapping occurs — all along the wood, ab brittle willows the cells mostly en branch snaps off. At first thought, the structure of the plant. Notwit d abruptly at the place where the this might seem to be a defectin hstanding this peculiarity, Ce out as much in one place as in another. i 90 trees produce branches enough. The wind, weight of snow or other forces frequently bring down the young branches. The trees mostly grow in moist soil, frequently near streams. These branches may take root in the soil where they drop, or be carried down stream by the current and lodge on the shore below. With this view, the brittleness is a very effectual means of multiplying and distributing the species. Analogous examples are not uncommon. The fleshy buds in the axil of the leaves of the’ tiger-lily separate spontaneously and produce independent plants where they fall in suitable places. Sempervivum globiferum produces some slender — branches a foot or more in length, and these bear a couple of small thick leaves at the end, within which are rudiments of other leaves. These leafy tips spontaneously separate and produce new plants where they strike soil. If my memory is not at fault, the slender branch then dies, as is the case with the runner of a strawberry after it produces a new plant at the end. Doubtless many similar exam- ples are familiar to most botanists and horticulturists. Michigan Agricult. College, Lansing. W. J. BEAL. Brittle Branches of Salices.—JIn the June number of the BULLETIN Mr. Thomas Meehan has opened a subject of considerable interest. Several of the willows (especially old trees) beside Sa/ix sericea have branches brittle at the base, or rather which semi-articulate above their true base. This I have noticed for years in .S. sericea and in S. Labylonica, but supposed it was a case of true brittleness as set forth in our manuals. E. C. Howe. Dicentra Canadensis.—Since I wrote the note on Dicentra Cucul- Jaria for the April number of the BuLLetin, I have had occasion to examine the “tubers” (as they are called in our manuals) of JD. Canadensis, and have found that they, too, are simply very much en- larged petiole-bases. There are also some very minute, abortive leaves formed at the base of the fully developed leaves, but they do net grow into small bulblets as in D. Cucullaria, and therefore this species has no bulb-like rootstock ; but the large, round bulblets are scattered singly on the more or less elongated, thin, scaly rhizoma. _ On the top of each, the scar left when the upper portion of the leaf has withered away, is plainly visible. ; Hoboken, May, 1882. Jos. SCHRENK. Multiplication of Spadices in Arisaema.—I have to report a mon- _ Strosity quite newin my experience. In my small garden, I have growing a number of wild plants, among them Arisaema triphyllum in quantity. The “pulpit” of one of these is occupied by two “preachers.”” To speak after the manner of botanists, there are within the spathe two spadices, confluent only in the lower flower-pro- ducing part. The flowers are all pistillate and apparently normal. Of the two “Jacks,” one is taller than his clerical brother, while the lesser one is deformed, that is, somewhat flattened below and dilated above. He has a somewhat subdued look beside his more arrogant 91 . brother. Dr, Masters mentions cases of double spathes in Arum maculatum, but I have seen no record of multiplication of the spa- dices in that or any related plant. W. W. BAILey. Adhesion between two Beeches.—In the case represented in the annexed cut, reproduced from a drawing sent to the BULLETIN by Mr. Arthur Hollick, Nature appears to have executed a species of grafting, akin to that which, in the operations of gardening, is : known as “inarching.” The figure represents two small trees of Fagus ferruginea, Ait., the axes of which, through very close contact, at about five feet above the surface of the soil, have adhered at that point until a perfect union has taken place and the two individuals have become inseparably blended together there into one trunk. The fusion once effected, all traces of the union have become thoroughly effaced through subse- quent annual growth. As will be observed, adhe- sion has also occurred at the bases of the trees. Examples of this nature are perhaps not quite as frequent as the occasionally figured ones where two contiguous trees of the same species have become united through the cohe- sion of their branches, the axes preserving their individuality above such point of union. Those who have taken the trip by stage- coach, from the steamboat landing at the foot of Lake George to Fort Ticonderoga, have per- haps had pointed out to them by the driver at a certain point on the route, an instance of a still more singular sort of adhesion, where two trees of different genera—an oak and an elm—are so closely and firmly adherent for about three feet above the ground-line as to form sein a single trunk, which is apparently covered by a continuous ark. _ The specimen here brought to the reader’s attention by Mr. Hollick was detected by Mr. G. M. Wilber, near Pleasant Plains, Staten Island, on the occasion of a field meeting of the Torrey Club ; and, after having been hewn down by the only implements available—pocket knives and a geological hammer—was transported with some difficulty to the museum of the Staten Island Natural History Society. ’ Fern Notes.—Permit me to add to Mr. Davenport’s Fern Notes, page 71, May number of the BULLETIN, that Botrychium nudicaule, L. f., is quite common from Temecula Canon (north of San Diego) to All Saints’ Bay in Lower California. I have gathered many spec- imens of it in various places. It grows on dry ground, usually wherever Dodecatheon or Selaginella does. The plant is very incon- spicuous, and usually springs up and vanishes in less than six weeks. ® 92 I also have to add that Gymnogramme triangularis has just been gathered by me at Empire City, Nevada, growing along with Wood- sta Oregana and Cheilanthes myriophylla. Salt Lake City, U. T. Marcus E. JONES. Dimorphous Flowers of Menyanthes.—The usual form of Aeny-— anthes trifoliata here has the stamens about half the length of the projecting style. In 1872, I found a specimen with short style and long stamens. I have looked for it since in the same locality and elsewhere, but have not succeeded in finding it again. Will some one who has collected the plant say whether both forms are common ? St. Stephen, N. B., June, 1882. J. Vroom. Note on Tricardia.—I have recently gathered at Empire City, Nevada, Mr. Watson’s 7ricardia Watsoni, Torr. Mr. Watson, I be- lieve, found a single specimen at St. George, Utah, and Mr. Parish found one on the Mojave. I was fortunate enough to secure about six specimens of this extremely rare plant. These nine specimens are, I believe, the only ones known. : Marcus E. JONEs. Botanical Notes.—Origin of the name Bonpland.—The Pharma- ceutical Journal says: “Mrs. Mulhall, in ‘ Between the Amazons and Andes,’ gives a curious account of the origin of the name of the cele- brated botanist, Bonpland. Visiting the house of one of his friends at Corrientes, she came across a manuscript in Bonpland’s writing, which begins :—‘I was born at Rochelle on August 29, 1773. My real name was Amadé Goryand. My father—a physician—intended me for the same profession. It was on account of my great love for. plants that he gave me the sobriquet of Bon-plant, which I afterwards adopted instead of my family name.’ ”’ On the Drying of certain Plants.—The difficulty of drying plants belonging to the natural orders Crassulaceae and Orchidaceae, and some of those belonging to the Portulacacede is well known, and the knowledge of a remedy to prevent the plants from growing in the drying-paper will doubtless be welcome to those who are preparing herbaria. M. C. Lallemand (Buwl/. Soc. Bot., p. 192) recommends en- closing the plant to be dried for twelve hours in a wide-mouthed bottle or iron box, and submitting it to the vapor of benzine con- tained in a small vessel enclosed with it. The plant is thus killed, and the drying takes place rapidly when the plant is pressed in botan- ical drying-paper. The Mayflower—The Magazine of American History, in two of its recent numbers, has included among its various archaeological and historical notes one pertaining to botany. In the April number, a correspondent makes inquiry as to the origin of the name “ May- flower” as applied to Apigaea repens, and in the succeeding number Dr. O. R. Willis has undertaken to give the desired information. We remember that two or three years ago this same question was dis- cussed by various writers, through the columns of the Wew England Journal of Education, some of these taking the ground that the name 93 was derived from that of the vessel which carried the Pilgrim Fathers hitherward, and others connecting it with the name of the month which the plant bears. The £pigaea, by the way, is known in North Carolina as “ crocus,” This being the case it is pertinent to inquire what the Crocus is called in that State, Lhe Progress of Botany.—The recently distributed Annual Report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution for the year 1880 contains a paper by Prof. W. G. Farlow on the Progress of Bot- any in 1879 and in 1880. This paper, with similar ones on the pro- gress made in the departments of Astronomy, Geology, Physics, etc., during the same years, forms a continuation of the Annual Record of Science and Industry formerly published by the Messrs. Harper Bros., but discontinued with the volume for 1878. A forgotten Evolutionist.—In a paper published in the Archives des Sciences Physiques et Naturelles, and reproduced in the Revue Sctentifigue of May 27th, the distinguished botanist, M. Alph. De Candolle, gives us, along with a very just estimate of the scientific labors of the late Charles R. Darwin, some pleasant reminiscences of his long personal acquaintance with that naturalist. M. De Candolle reminds us in this paper of an evolutionist, now completely forgotten, whose name and work he made known to Mr. Darwin on the occasion of a visit which he paid the latter in 1880. This old author was Duchesne, whose Natural History of Strawberries was published in 1766, thus antedating by many years those later writings of Lamarck, which have caused that naturalist to be regarded as the foremost modern originator of the theory of the variation of species. Duchesne, says M. De Candolle, “ was a horticulturist and professor of natural history ; and his instruction was as varied as solid. The following is the observation of his which is sometimes cited without remarking the originality of the consequences that he deduced from it. Having sown some seeds of the wild wood-straw- _ berry that he had collected about Versailles, he saw, to his great sur- prise, that the majority of the plants obtained had but a single leaflet instead of the three which usually characterize the leaves of the | species. He sowed the seeds of these singular individuals, and they produced the same form, which has since been preserved. Botanists name this new strawberry Fragaria monophylla, Duchesne started from this fact, and from others that he had observed, to reason very profoundly on new forms more or less hereditary, and on what may be called species, race or variety. He reckons that many forms des- ignated as species are races, whose origin may be ascertained, or at _ ae least presumed, and he lets drop from his pen words that are truly > extraordinary for the epoch. Thus, in speaking of the classification - of species, genera and families, he says: “A genealogical order is the © only one that Nature indicates, the only one that satisfies the mind ;_ every other is arbitrary and void of ideas.’ He even ventures to give — a genealogical tree for the strawberry, constructed from such pedi- grees as he knew or presumed. This is what ultra~Darwinians are doing at the present day, with the difference that Duchesne had as- certained one of the pedigrees, while they suppose them all from hy- Oe: few of which have been int 94 pothetical views and more or less disputable reasonings. No one paid any attention to the ideas put forth by Duchesne, and to such a point that a conscientious biographer, who pronounced his eulogy in a public assemblage, omitted them entirely.” Botanical Literature. ; British Fresh-Water Algae, exclusive of the Desmideae and Diato- maceae. With colored Plates. By M. C. Cooke, LL.D. Lon- don: Williams & Norgate. 1882. : Since the publication, in 1852, of Hassall’s History of the Brit- ish Fresh-Water Algae, a work now classed among rare books, and one seldom obtainable, we believe that no other on this subject has ap- peared in the English language, if we except Dr. Wood's incomplete monograph, which was published by the Smithsonian Institution in 1872. All students of these plants, then, both English and American, will welcome the Manual which Dr. Cooke is compiling and pub- _ lishing under the above title. The first part of the work, which has just reached us, is devoted to the Palme/laceae, and consists of twenty-eight octavo pages of descriptions in English, with copious notes and observations, accompanied with eleven excellently colored plates. The second part, which is now in. course of preparation, will include the Protococcaceae and Volvocineae, and this will soon be followed by a third part devoted to the Zygnemaceae. The author estimates that it will require about twelve parts to complete the work, and these will be furnished at prices varying with the size. Judging from the comparatively low price of the part before us, the cost of the entire work will prove quite moderate, even at the adver- tised price ; yet Dr. Cooke offers the inducement of a discount of 25 per cent. from the latter to those who subscribe now, each part to be paid for as published. Flora of Westchester County (N. Y¥.). By Oliver R. Willis, A.M., Ph. D., 8vo., pamph., pp. 56. New York: Roper & Burdge. During the half century that has elapsed since the publication by the late Dr. S. B. Mead, in the Reports of the Regents of the University for 1831-’32, of a list of plants found growing in the vicinity of North Salem Academy, nothing has been added to our knowledge of the flora of Westchester County, excepting an occa- sional note in the BULLETIN; and no one had examined the entire region with a view to making a complete report until Dr. Willis was induced to do so by the Rev. Robert Bolton, the author of the His- tory of Westchester County. It was for this work that the Cata- logue was especially prepared, and from this that the reprint before us was taken. According to the author, there have been detected in the County, up to the present time, 1,142 phaenogams and 46 ferns and their allies. Of the phaenogams, 5° are trees reaching a height of 30 - feet and beyond ; 34 are trees attaining a height 15 to 30 feet; and 69 are shrubs, all of which are growing without cultivation, and very troduced. Of the entire number of plants 95 enumerated, 88 are adventive from Europe; and, of these, 57 are - found growing without cultivation, and are said to be naturalized, while the remaining 31, although growing without cultivation, can scarcely be regarded as fully established. There is a large number of typographical errors scattered through the pages of this flora, due, as we are informed by the author, to the fact that he was not given a proper opportunity to correct proof. These, however, since the publication of the pamphlet, have been corrected, and a list of the corrections has been printed in the form of an appendix; but we regret to see that. even the latter is not free from error, the conceit of the compositor having led him to make a supposed correction of the author’s “ yellow water-crowfoot ” to “ yellow-water crowfoot.” A preliminary Catalogue of the flowering Plants and higher Crypto- gams growing without Cultivation within thirty miles of Hanover, N. H. By Henry G. Jesup, A.M., Professor of Natural History in the Chandler Scientific Department of Dartmouth College, and the N. H. College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts. 8vo., pamph., pp. 52. Hanover, N. H.: N. A. McClary. 1882. From a typographical point of view, this catalogue presents a marked contrast with the one just noticed, the paper being of excel- lent quality, and the letter-press of nearly faultless execution. Prof. Jesup’s work is intended to include, so far as known, the | flora within about thirty miles radius of the town of Hanover, N. H., a circuit extending to, and embracing the mountain peaks, Moosi- lauke and Kearsarge in New Hampshire, and Killington in Vermont. The limit embraced is divided nearly equally between the two ad- joining States. The total number of plants enumerated is 1,008, of which 956 are phaenogams and 52 are cryptogams. Of the latter, 7 are Lguisetaceae; 36 (excluding varieties, 6) are Fi/ices; and 10 (excluding variety, 1) are Lycopodiaceae. The number of introduced phaenogams is 144. The number of additional plants that may be expected to occur within the limits embraced in the flora, and a list of which is given in an appendix, is 146. A As the primary object of this catalogue was the benefit of the author’s classes in botany, and of the public at large, brief direc- tions have been given for the collection and preservation of plants ; and common names have been added so far as known. The latter differ in no case from those found in all our manuals. To the catalogue of plants is appended a 22-page list of the ver- tebrate animals found within the same limits. The Thirteenth Annual Report of the American Museum of Natural — History, Central Park, New York, Feb., 1882. 8vo., pamph., . 25. Of uscaied interest in this Report is the following statement: — “ An herbarium of North American plants, preserved with remarka- — ble taste and care, has been received from the late Stephen Whit-_ ney Phoenix, and forms the beginning of a new Department of spe- cial interest to those scientists devoting’ themselves to the study of botany.” As well known to those who have visited this Museum, the Economic Department contains a very large and interesting col- 96 lection of native and foreign woods. This collection has been so greatly:increased during the last year by the labors of a corps of - experienced botanists under the direction of Prof. C. S. Sargent, that it has been found necessary to transfer the specimens tempo- rarily to the Arsenal building in Central Park, where they will be displayed to the public during the coming autumn. Proceedings of the Torrey Club.—At the regular meeting of the Club held at Columbia College, Tuesday Evening, April 11th, the President occupied the Chair, and twenty-two members were present. After the reading of the minutes the President announced the death of Mr. W. H. Leggett, and remarked at some length upon his life, character and attainments. Judge Brown and Mr. Gerard were appointed a Committee to draft resolutions proper to the occa- . sion. Plants Exhibited—Mr. Chamberlin exhibited a collection of marine algae gathered in New York Harbor, and, with it, a number of different forms of a species of Grinnellia. The President showed the floating-bladder of a species of Macrocystis from California and gave an account of the plant which bore it. Mr. Schrenk ex- hibited a specimen, preserved in fluid, of a seedling /rzs, showing a peculiar mode of germination. _ Preservation of Specimens of Coniferae.—Mr. Schrenk stated that, - after an unsuccessful trial of many expedients for the preservation of specimens of Coniferae for the herbarium, he had found that by soaking the specimen in Wickersheimer’s preservative fluid it was rendered flexible, and no longer showed a tendency to shed its leaves after being pressed and mounted. One corresponding and two active members were elected. At the regular meeting held Tuesday evening, May gth, the President occupied the Chair and twenty-three persons were present. Resolutions expressive of the Club’s respect for the late Mr. Leg- gett, and of its sympathy with his relatives in their bereavement, were read and adopted, and a draft of the same was directed to be transmitted to the family. The Herbarium—The Chairman of the Herbarium Committee _ announced the receipt of a gift to the Club’s herbarium, from Mr. _ Geo. E. Davenport, of a collection of Alaskan ferns. Plants Exhibited—Myr, Braman exhibited a small collection of fresh specimens of plants sent from Wisconsin by Mrs. C, T. Tracy, comprising the following species: Amemone patens, L., var. Wutta- lliana, Gray; Tsopyrum biternatum, T. & G. ; Trillium grandiflorum, ~Salisb. ; and Zrythronium albidum, Nutt. Mr. Schrenk showed aseed- ling /ris growing in a flower-pot, and exhibiting the same _ peculiari- _ ties in its mode of germination as the preserved specimen exhibited _ by him at the last meeting. The President exhibited the leaves of a _ number of species of Platanus and remarked upon the manner in. which, in the West, the seeds of P. occidentalis are disseminated in - the spring. : | os ae BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. 1X.) New York, August, 1882, (No. 8. A New North American Rose. By C. C. Parry. On a recent botanical excursion in the upper part of Lower Cal- ifornia, between the 5th and 15thof April of the present year (1882), among other interesting discoveries in that little-known district, a remarkable new species of Resa was met with, which, on account of its peculiar botanical and horticultural features, seems deserving of an early notice. ’ It was first seen in riding along a well-travelled road, skirting the shores of All Saints’ Bay, between Sanyal and Encenada, about the parallel of 32° N. latitude, becoming abundant, and forming dense low thickets on dry slopes shut off from the sea-breezes, and com- posed of crumbling ferruginous sandstone. Forming, as it did, a most conspicuous and agreeable feature in the arid landscape, with its finely divided foliage and showy pink or white flowers, it attracted the attention of all the members of the party, which included Messrs. C. G. Pringle, C. R. Orcutt, M. E. Jones and the writer, by all of whom full collections were made. Specimens were shortly afterward sent to Dr. Engelmann, of St. - Louis, who, at the request of three of the discoverers, Mr. Pringle, Mr. Orcutt and myself, has kindly furnished the following diag- nosis and description, from which the readers of the BULLETIN can form a clear idea of its peculiar botanical characteristics : ~ Rosa MINUTIFOLIA, 2. s6.—A much-branched shrub, 2-4 feet high; shoots pubescent, densely covered with straight or slightly recurved, red-brown, bristly, at first pubescent spines, their leaves with broad, divaricately auricled stipules, and mostly 5 leaflets ; fertile branches bearing numerous terete, subulate spines, some of the shorter and more persistent ones often in pairs under the branchlets ; leaves fasciculated on short spurs, narrow stipules divaricately auricled, leaflets minute (only 1—2 lines long, the lowest pairs the smallest) oval, simply incised-dentate, pubescent, not glandular; flowers single, 3—1 inch wide, on tomentose, bractless peduncles from be- tween the leaves ; calyx-tube globular, densely setose-hispid, a thick _ ‘nectariferous ring contracting its opening; petals suborbicular, scarcely emarginate, deep rose-purple or white; central ovules = borne on short stipes; styles distinct, short, woolly. Described from specimens sent by Dr. C. C. Parry and M. E. ee Jones. A most striking and lovely species, fg! tae om Ml. other roses by its minute, deeply incised leaflets. The young shoots have larger, distant leaves, with fewer, but larger leaflets, the termi- — nal one the largest, sometimes 4 or 5 lines long; fragrance faint. This species is quite peeuliar among its American congeners, and even among the roses of the Old World, so that it is difficult to de- termine its true position. In aspect and habit it comes nearest to the — ie 98 Pimpinellifoliae on account of its single bractless flowers, its numer- ous acicular spines, and its small leaves ; but it recedes in its pinna- tifid calyx-lobes.—G. Engelmann. New Species of North American Fungi. By J. B. Extis. VoOLUTELLA DIAPHANA.—Punctiform, minute, white, substipitate, marginal hairs few, straight, hyaline, septate below and united by a membrane, which forms a receptacle filled with the oblong-elliptical, hyaline, 1-2-nucleate spores, .ooo2’ long. ae Very near V. Ayacinthorum, Berk., but apparently distinct. On decaying leaves of Orentium aquaticum. October. : HELICOsPORIUM MICROsCOPICUM.—Tufted, minute, scarcely vis- ible without a lens. Tufts cinereous-brown, consisting of a prostrate, subhyaline, branching hypha, with erect, faintly septate branches bearing lateral, closely coiled, .ooo5’ in diameter, 12-20-septate, pale brownish spores of about two coils. The manner of growth seems to be as follows: The tip of the young erect thread coils upon itself and forms a spore, after which the same thread pushes its growth still further, but in a direction a little inclined to that of its former growth, when the tip coils again in adirection opposite to that of the first coil, forming a second spore. Whether this manner of growth is continued further I have not ob- served. The spores or conidia soon fall away, and the thread that bore them becomes erect and straight. The mature spores are slightly constricted at the septa. On decaying staminate catkins of A/nus serrulata, lying on the ground in damp thickets. June. on IsaRIOPsIS GRAYIANA.—Appearing like a thin, tufted, brown pubescence. Tufts .oo5’ high, composed of numerous, rather slen- der (.ooo1’ in diameter), closely septate, subnodulose threads, more or less abruptly bent above, and bearing at their tips the small, .0002’—.0003", oblong-elliptical, simple or uniseptate spores. Occasionally, some of these spores become more elongated and 2- 3-septate. On old canes of Rubus villosus, lying on the ground. West Chester, Pa. —. _ ZyYGoOpESMUS RUDIS.—Hypha coarse, showing only here and there the zygodesmoid joints; spores, or conidia, subglobose, strongly but rather sparingly echinulate, about .0003’ in diameter. Forming a thin, light ferruginous stratum on the under side of a charred cedar log. Found also on decaying Rhus venenata. VALSA DIDYMOsPORA.—Perithecia 6 to 10, globose, .o13’ in di- ameter, circinating on the surface of the inner bark, and circum- scribed by a black line which penetrates the wood, but not deeply ; ostiola cylindrical, about equal in length to the diameter of the perithecia, converging with their tips united and bent upwards, __ Piercing the epidermis, which is only slightly elevated ; asci clavate- __ ¢ylindrical, small, .oo1’-.oo12’x.o0015’; sporidia minute, .oo0125’ 99 long by half as wide, composed of two globose cells united into an oblong spore. When the epidermis is peeled off, the perithecia generally adhere to its inner surface. : On dead limbs of //ex opaca. March. VALSA CERCOPHORA.——Perithecia few, 4 to 6, rather large, imbed- ded in a subcarbonaceous stroma, which is circumscribed by a black line penetrating the wood ; ostiola stout, obtuse, with a large open- ing, united into a subconical disk, which pierces the epidermis and rises slightly above it; asci clavate-cylindrical, ,003'—.0033'X.0004'— .00045'; sporidia biseriate, oblong-elliptical, constricted in the mid- dle and appendiculate at each end, .oc04’—.0006’x.00015'—.00017 .; hyaline, with several small nuclei. The appendages, which are finally absorbed, are as long as, or longer than the spore itself, and the upper one is generally recurved at its extremity. The limbs on which this species grows are not so much decayed as those on which the preceding species is found, being still sound and tough. On dead limbs of //gx opaca. March. VALSA FARINOSA.—Stroma cortical ; perithecia few (2 to 4,) pale, .013’ in diameter, raising the bark into little prominences, which in- dicate their position ; disk tuberculiform, yellowish white, of a loose granular or mealy substance ; ostiola large, pale horn-color, ovate or conic, at length disappearing and leaving a large opening ; asci cla- vate-cylindrical, obtuse ; paraphyses indistinct ; sporidia 1- or 2-seri- ate, acutely elliptical, subhyaline, with a large central nucleus, about .0006'x.0002". Very variable with regard to the ostiola, which are often entirely wanting. Some of the stromata contain perithecia filled with brown, appendiculate stylospores of about the same size and shape as the _ ascospores, and which appear referable to Dr. Cooke’s genus Hark- nessia. * Fern Notes. V. By Geo. E. DAVENPORT. Notholaena tenera, Gillies —This rare fern, which Dr. Parry fan 2 ee so unexpectedly in Utah, in 1874, has again turned up, but this time in the San Bernardino Mountains of California, where it was dis- covered in May last by the Parish Brothers, who write that it was found “growing very sparingly in two neighboring cafions at an altitude of perhaps 5,000 feet. In both places it grew in crevices of — a : precipitous limestone cliffs, which were quite dry at the time of our visit, and do not seem to be ever really wet. In one cafion there =: was a single specimen, and in the other some twenty or more, but i most of them dry, and the others, as you see, in poor condition” The specimens which I have received are clearly identical with the Utah plant, and differ but little from Parry's or Palmer's speci- x“ = mens. — 8 . Se OS ee Tt has already been recorded (Ferns of North America, Vol. i., p. ee oe doubts exist in regard to the correct identity of the Utah plant, but the figure in Botanical Magazine. (Vol. lviii., plate 100 3,055), where the species was originally described by Hooker under Gillies’s manuscript name, from plants cultivated from spores, may, it seems to me, be fairly taken to represent our plant, only in a larger form, otherwise the characters are the same. Lowe's figure (Vol. i., pl. xv.) also appears to have been taken from cultivated plants, from which due allowances are to be made for plants in a state of nature. Kunze’s figures I have not seen. Lygodium palmatum in New Hampshire—Mr. Wm. H. Bates, of St. Paul’s School, Concord, N. H., wrote me in April last that he had found a single frond of last year’s growth of this species growing in a low meadow half a mile from the school. The frond measured about seven inches in length, and had seven pairs of sterile pinnae. Mr. Bates states that Prof. Hitchcock, in his Geology of New Hamp- shire, credits Zygodium to Hudson, N. H., but I have no knowledge of its presence in that State authenticated by actual specimens. It is to be hoped that Mr. Bates will be fortunate enough to find later a sufficient number of specimens to establish its presence there beyond a doubt. Asplenium Filix-foemina, Bernh.—Mr. Bates has sent me a small doubly-crested frond of this species, taken from a plant found by him last summer in a rocky meadow near the school, and answering very well to Athyrium Filix-foemina, var. crispum, Moore. This form is sometimes met with in cultivation, but there is no good reason why such forms should not occur here occasionally in a state of nature as well as in England where they are not uncommon, and Mr. Bates has not been able to find any evidence of his plant having escaped from - cultivation. Botrychium simplex, Hitchcock.—Mrs, M. J. Myers sends some fine, robust specimens of this species which were collected near Ithaca, N. Y., by Prof. W. R. Dudley. Two of the specimens ap- proach the ternate form, and two have the stipes unusually developed so that the lamina appears as if placed above the middle, as in Milde’s var. fallax. From Miss Furbish, I have just received specimens of B. simplex collected by her in Rangeley, Maine, making still another station for this species, ; Abnormal Growths in Botrychia.—Mrs. Myers has also sent me for examination a weakly developed specimen of 2. Lunaria, which has two fertile branches, the second, and extra branch springing from the stipes just below the first, and a portion of the sterile seg- ments bearing from one to four sporangia. The specimen, with a a one, was collected in Cicero Swamp, near Syracuse, by Prof. udley. From Strong, Maine, comes a large specimen of B&B. lanceolatum, collected by Miss Furbish, with the lamina nearly transformed into a fertile panicle. The specimen is further interesting in showing the two portions of the bud standing nearly upright, and with only a very slight inclination towards the thickened stipes over which they would have reclined later in the season, — | i Osmunda Claytoniana, L.—Mr, F. W. Morandi has collected in _ Malden, Mass., some interesting specimens of this species in which © 101 the fertile pinnae retain nearly the appearance of the sterile, and bear a marginal fructification. Some of the pinnae are only very slightly contracted, and, showing the green surface of the lamina between the marginal lines of sori beneath, as well as on the upper side, have an — elegant appearance. In some of the specimens the fructification is carried upward on to the normally sterile pinnae ; in one instance, to within three pairs from the top, and in another, with four pairs of fertile pinnae which show the green tissue between the lines of spo- rangia, the fructification is carried up on one side only, nearly to the top. Examining the venation in such portions, I found that, whereas in the wholly sterile segments the veins forked once or twice with great regularity, extending from a nearly straight costa to the entire margins, in the fertile segments the margins were more or less toothed, and either a single vein projected from the more eccentric costa into each notch or sinus, and bore on its slightly thickened, or obsoletely forked apex a sorus, or, in the broader segments, that the veins forked once, the branches terminating in the notches of the doubly-serrated margin and bearing on their apices the much reduced sori. Osmunda cinnamomea, L..—Mr. Storrow Higginson once pointed out to me a distinctive character, which, so far as my observations have since extended, appears to be quite constant in this species, and may serve to aid those who are sometimes puzzled to distinguish be- tween its sterile fronds and those of its congener O. C/aytoniana, In O. cinnamomea there will be found at the base of each pinna a small persistent bunch of wool which is nearly or wholly wanting in O, Claytoniana, and of which no mention has been made anywhere that I am aware of. Helonias bullata on Staten Island.—While botanizing near Ross- ville, S. I., in the early part of April with Mr. Arthur Hollick, my attention was drawn to numerous specimens of a plant having a tuft of parallel-veined leaves at its base, which had apparently remained green all winter. We at once suspected that it might prove to be Helonias, as we knew of nothing else resembling the plant in question native to this part of the country. Deeming the discovery of sufficient importance to warrant further investigation, we made another trip to the locality on the 28th of May, and were rewarded © by finding a single flowering specimen, almost gone, to be sure, but» showing plainly that our first surmise was correct. ; The locality is about three-fourths of a mile south of Rossville, a short distance west of the road leading from that place to Kreischer- ville. It is in a maple swamp near a clay bed. a Tee Many other pine barren plants grow in the vicinity, notably Ascyrum Crux-Andreae, L., Euphorbia Lpecacuanhae, L., and Aster concolor, L. Ihave already referred to the remarkable manner in which the pine barren flora extends into Staten Island (see But- LETIN, Vol. vii., p. 81), and the discovery of Helonias there adds another species to my list, and a new one to the flora of New York .., State: >». «June 20, 1882. N. L. Britton, 102 Teratological Notes—On a small single Fuchsia (F. fulgens, var.) that I have been watching, so large a percentage of the flowers (considerably over one-half) are monstrous, and the forms produced are so different that it may be worth while to record those that were noticed, though cases similar to several of them are already on record. They will be readily understood from the diagrams annexed, which represent plans of the flowers above the calyx-tubes. Besides the normal tetra- merous flower (Fig. 1), sev- oN i Lil eral were noticed that were *. ey) se es throughout (Fig. In one flower, otherwise So? % os = normal, astamen adhered by |. the whole length of its fila- ment to the middle of the calyx-lobe before which it Fig. 1 Fig. 2. stood, and on which it thus came to form a wide-topped 4,0) crest, ifs anther being free ay () and poliniferous. One flower (Fig. 3) was normal except- eon Go 4 ing that two contiguous seg- bie ménts of the calyx were \_ ZB united, and so reduced in Ne A size that this organ appeared regularly trilobed, while the i Fig, 4. petal opposite the line of — ra) 9 - union had its edges some- what involute and fused with Fig. 5. _ the filament ‘before it, so as to form a horn-like organ N something like the spur of an Aquilegia, Two calyx-lobes of another flower (Fig. 4) were adherent throughout p> PQ | until anthesis, when they tore apart irregularly for about one-half the distance from tip to base. The stamen op- FG posite one of them was entire- AS ly wanting; that before the other was free from its in- : sertion up to the anther, Wig 6 which was joined by a small part of one edge to tne middle line of the double calyx-segment. The other parts were normal. Finally, two flowers (Fig. 6) were joined from the bases of their peduncles to the top of the calyx-tubes. The adjacent sepals of each, on one side, were united. One calyx-seg- _ ment and two stamens were suppressed on the united sides, and the _ ovary of each was three-celled through the imperfect development of __ the corresponding septa (Fig 5). In several of these forms the aes- _ _ tivation was considerably disturbed. | a ees 103 Flowers of the sea-onion ( Urginea Scilla) not infrequently show meiophylly, either of the whole flower, when there are five divisions of the perianth, five stamens and two carpels, or of the gynoecium only, when there are but two carpels, the other parts being in double whorls of three each. Madison, Wisc. WILLIAM TRELEASE. A List of Grasses collected by Mr. C. G. Pringle in Arizona and . California, with descriptions of those species not already described in American Publications.* | 35. * Sporobolus cryptandrus (Torr.) Gray, var. stricta.—A-robust form, nearly 4 feet high, with an erect, densely flowered, narrow, _ wand-like panicle (18-20 inches long), the lower portion enclosed in the inflated sheath of the upper leaf. The panicle is remarkably light colored. : Banks of the Rillita, near Camp Lowell. June. This grass rep- resents one extreme form of the species, the other extreme being represented by the var. flexuosa, Thurber. 36. * Sporobolus Wrightit, Munro, MS.—Culm stout, erect from a creeping root-stock, leafy, branched at base; sheaths smooth, pilose at the throat, longer than the internodes; ligule a narrow, ciliate ring ; leaves smooth without, scabrous within, 2-3 lines wide below, tapering into a very long, filiform, scabrous tip, upper leaf nearly a foot long ; panicle lanceolate, base enclosed in the upper sheath, 12 inches or more long, branches very numerous, more or less spreading, 2-3 inches long, flower-bearing for nearly their entire length ; spikelets a line long; empty glumes unequal, very thin, the lower nerveless, a third shorter than the very faintly one- nerved upper one; flowering glume obtuse, similar in texture to the empty ones ; palea as long as its glume. This is a robust species, with stout, leafy culms, a long, hand- some panicle, with numerous slender racemous branches ; spikelets grayish or lead-colored. Near Pantano, Arizona. June. The determination of Pringle’s specimens was made by compari- son with specimens in herb. Acad. Phila., collected at Camp No. 12 on the Little Colorado, Oct. 6, 1851. Mr. G. R. Vasey collected the same in New Mexico last season. ai ae 37+ *Sporobolus asperifolius, Thurber, Bot. Cal., ii, p. 1,269; Vilfa asperifolia, Nees & Meyen, in Trin. Agrost., i., 73; Sporobolus arenaceus, Buckley, in Proc. Phila. Acad., 1862, p. 89. aes Santa Cruz Valley, near Tucson. June. tae 38. Sporobolus gracillimus. Vilfa gracitlima, Thurber, Bot.Cal., i., p. 268; V. depauperata, var. filiformis, Thurb., MS.; Watson, Bot. : : King’s Exped., p. 376. eee ais Mountains about the head-waters of the Sacramento River, Cal- sigrnia ceeet.. (136) oe ee ge he 39. Sporobolus depauperatus (?). Vilfa depauperata, Torr., in — Hook, Flor. Bor. Am., ii, p. 257; Vilfa ufilis, Torr., Pacif. R. R. Vy Ps 365. ee Miia eae: Lei vi lactis as ~~ * Continued from p. 89. 104 Panicle $-1 inch long, simple or shortly branched below, empty glumes 4, nearly x line long, ovate-acute or lanceolate-accum- minate and mucronate or shortly awn-pointed; floret linear with a distinct, hairy callus, 1} line long, terminating in a slender awn, I-3 lines long ; palea acute, equalling its glume; grain linear, nearly a line lon olky canons, Santa Catalina Mts., alt. 5,000 feet. May. The general appearance of this grass, and especially the charac- ter of the spikelets is so like that of Muh/enbergia that it is re- ferred to Sporobolus depauperatus with considerable doubt. The culm is nearly 3 feet long, very firm and hard below, very much branched above, forming a long mass of slender branches with fili- form, divergent, thread-like leaves. _ This is probably the same form as that collected at Tejon Pass by Mr. Blake, which Dr. Thurber (Bot. Cal., 11., p. 268) describes as “a tangled mass of long, flexuose, filiform and very tough culms,” Dr. Thurber adds that this appears to be the form assumed by the plant in the southern localities, where it is much sought after by the Mex- icans, who use it for stuffing their large leathern aparejos, or pack- _ saddles, a purpose to which its toughness and elasticity especially _ adaptit. It was this use of it which led Dr. Torrey to give the name V, utilis. Pringle’s specimens agree in habit with those of Lindheimer’s Texan collection (1846), but the spikelets are different, having, as stated above, the characters of a Muhlenbergia (calling to mind those of AZ. sylvatica); yet, there is so much variation in the minute characters of those in the same panicle that it suggests an abnormal development. It is unlike any Muhtlenbergia before observed, and is referred to Dr. Torrey’s Vilfa utilis because of its resemblance in habit to descriptions of that grass, and to Lindheimer’s specimens. 40. Sporobolus ramulosus, Kth., En. Pl., i., 215; Thurber, Bot. Cal., ii, p. 269; Vilfa ramulosa, HBK., Nov. Gen., 1. 137, t. 684; Wat- son, Bot. King’s Exped., p. 376 ; Agrostis minutissima, Steud., Syn. Gram., 171. By streams, Santa Catalina Mts. May. 41. Agrostis arachnoides, Ell., Bot. Carol., 1 34; Chapman, Flor. S. States, p. 551. Near Camp Lowell, Arizona. ? 42. * Agrostis exarata, Trin. Watson, Bot, King’s Exped., p. 377; Thurber, Bot. Cal., ii., p. 273. There are two forms ; No. 466, from the banks of the Rillita, May, and No. 468, with a more slender panicle, gathered by brooks of the Santa Rita Mts. in July. .. 43- Agrostis varians, Trin., Agrost., ii., 68; Thurber, Bot. Cal., M., Pp. 273. Mountains about the head-waters of the Sacramento River ; alt. 8,000 feet. August. ae 44. “Agrostis verticillata, Vill., Delph., ii., 74; Trin., Icon., t. 36; Thurber, in Bot. Cal., ii., p. Sr. fe _ Banks of the Santa Cruz, near Tucson. May, = a 45. * Agrostis scabra, Willd., Sp., i., 37°; Gray, Man., 5th ed., _ Pp. 611; Thurber, Bot. Cal. ii, p. 274. Ges ee 105 By streams of the Santa Catalina Mts. May. Distributed as Agrostis elata. 46. Gastridium australe, P.B., Agrost., 21, t. 6, f. 6; Thurber, Bot., Cal., ii., p. 275. Girard College, Philadelphia. F. Lamson SCRIBNER. Notes on the Genus Sphagnum.—Zuropas och Nord Amerikas Hvitmoosor (Sphagna) is the title of a monograph on the Sphagna or peat-mosses of Europe and North America recently issued. by the eminent European bryologist, Prof. S. O. Lindberg. It is in pamph- let form, without illustrations, and the first 38 pages are devoted to an introduction treating of the various portions of the plants, fol- lowed by 88 pages containing descriptions of 21 species, to each of which is added a full synonymy. The introduction and foot-notes are in Swedish. I briefly note the following changes in nomencla- ture, where the names in #fa/ics have been reduced to synonyms : S. Austini, Sull.,=S. imbricatum, Hornsch. S. cymbifolium, Hedw.,=S. palustre, Li S. molluscum, Bruch,,=S. tenellum, Ehrh. S. acutifolium, Ehrh.,==S. nemoreum (Jung.) Scop. S. macrophyllum, Bernh., var. Floridanum, Aust.,=S. crib- rosum, 2. s., Lindbg. S. mendocinum, S. & L., is referred to S. cuspidatum, Ehrh. Prof. Lindberg has based his diagnosis of the new species, S. cribrosum, upon specimens I recently sent him, and which were col- lected in Florida by the late C. F. Austin. It appears that the typi- cal S. macrophyllum, Bernh., was not collected in Florida either by J. D. Smith or C. F. Austin. Specimens recently communicated by J. D. Smith, collected in Eastern Florida and along the Caloosa River, all prove to be S. cribrosum, Lindbg. No inflorescence has been detected on any of the specimens thus far collected. “ Sphagnum cribrosum, N. SP. Lindb.—Dioicum? inferne vix luridulum, superne argenteo-album, admixta exigua flavedine, niti- dissimum. Trunci strata epidermacea 3, hic illic 4, 5 vel 2, non fib- rigera, idem superficiale extrinsecus non perforatum. Fasciculi ram- orum a ramis 3 vel 4, omnibus divaricatis. Folia trunci sat parva, ovato-triangularia, late truncata, ubique acellulis, mediane a poris ad 8 usque sat magnis, uniserialibus vel in media parte cellulae per paria hic illic positis perforatis, constructa, anguste et intus indefinite hya- lino-limbata, integerrima, excepto apice summo brevissime maleque dissoluto. Folio ramorum ad 9 mm. longa et 2.25 mm. lata, non ~ quinquefaria, laxissima, recta et stricta, solum canaliculata, anguste ovato-oblonga, vix acuta, superne lata, apice rotundato-obtusa et — cucullata, truncatula, anguste et intus pessime definite limbata, inte- gerrima, excepto apice denticulato, dentibus in plano foliari positis, cellulae inanes, 0.3—0.4 mm. longae et 0.02 mm. latae, poris minut- issimis, ut sexies minoribus quam in antecedente, et numerissimis, 40-65 in quaque cellula maxima, intramarginalibus, aequidistantibus in tota cellula, alternatim vel hic illic per paria regulariter biseriali- bus, in cellulis summis tamen in seriebus 3 vel 4 valde irregularibus positis. Bractae femineae? 106 Sectio transversa foliaris, cellulae inanes in marginibus utrisque parum sed aequaliter arcuatae, intus in pariete ubique laevissimae ; cellulae chlorophylliferae rectangulari-quadratae vel quadratae, per- fecte in medio inter easdem inanes posita et eas omnino separantes, in marginibus utrisque planiusculae vel leniter rotundatae, conform- iter parum incrassatae, lumine ejusdem formae et maximo. Sphagnum macrophyllum, var. Floridanum, Aust., in BULLET. Torr. Bor. Ciup, vil., No. 2, p. 15 (1880). Rau & Hervey’s Catal. N. Amer. Musci, p. 49 (1880).” Hab. Florida. C. F. Austin; J. D. Smith. Bethlehem, Pa. EvuGeEne A. Rav. Notes on the Trees of the South-west..— Acer grandidentatum, Nutt.—A few trees of this species, hardly large enough to be called trees, were observed in fruit in July, along streams in the Mogollon Mountains. Canotia holacantha, Torr., grows sparingly upon hillsides in the San Francisco Mountains. Its wood appears to be useless ex- cept as fuel. au Quercus oblongifolia, Torr.—The shrubby form, doubtfully re- ferred on p. 78 to Q. pungens, Liebm., belongs here, at least in part. Populus balsamifera, \.., var. angustifolia, is occasionally seen along the mountain streams in the higher altitudes. Pinus edulis, Engelm.—Common throughout ; seldom growing to be much more than a foot in diameter. Not observed on the highest mountains. I never found one with perfect seeds, and was informed that few trees ever produced them in the section where I collected. Pinus ponderosa, Dougl.—This is the species from which most of the lumber used in the South-west is sawed. It contains a large amount of resin, and, for most purposes, is probably inferior to Cupressus Arizonica, E. L. G., but to no other here found. At an altitude of about 8,000 to 9,000 feet it is the predominant species, giving place above to Pseudotsuga Douglasit, Carr., and below to Pinus edulis and the /uniperi. Henry H. Russy. Vincetoxicum nigrum, Moench., I find abundant here, be- tween Highland Falls and the Point ; more sparingly in Eagle Val- ley. I send this note, thinking the plant may not have been recorded. _ West Point, N. Y., July 5th. W. W. BAILEY. Botanical Notes.— The Corona or Cup of the Narcissus.—‘ What pages on pages have been written about this,” says the editor of the _ Gardeners’ Chronicle (Dr. Masters). “The fact is, it is a botanist’s business to ask questions. When he sees a plant it is his business to interrogate it as best he can; so when he finds a flower presenting any peculiarity of structure like the cup of the Narcissus, it is his business, his duty and his pleasure to ask what it is, how it came © _ there, what it means, and what is its use. The answer he gets to his _ “Continued from page 80. questions depends very much indeed on the way the question is put. 107 bs * * In the case of the Warcissus-cup the answer to the ques- tion, what is it? has been sought in various directions, as by com- paring the cup with similar conformations in other genera, such as Pancratium, or by observing the changes it sometimes exhibits when inclined to be ‘sportive.’ In vino veritas ; so when a plant deviates from orthodoxy it very often lets out secrets not discernible at other times. Another mode has been by examining the mode of growth from the very earliest to the adult condition. Prof. Babington has kindly sent us a flower of Warcissus poeticus in which, to outward ap- pearance, either one or two staimens have assumed the guise of the cup, or a portion of the cup has taken on itself the appearance of a stamen. Some yearsago * * * thewriter * * * ventured the opinion that the cup of the Wercéssus consisted of a series of modified stamens. * * * There were grounds for this belief— there still are. Prof. Babington’s flower might at first sight be cited in evidence along with others already recorded; but a more careful examination of the flower in question shows that, in this particular instance, it is not the corona reverting to a staminal appearance, but a dislocated and distinct stamen which is partially grown in union with the corona, and so looks as if it were a portion of the corona itself. The conclusions at which we arrived years ago were assailed by no less a person than Mr. Worthington G. Smith. On looking again at his arguments, after a lapse of years, it seems to us now that, while in matters of detail Mr. Smith was quite wrong, in matters of general principle he was quite right, in his interpretation of the mode of formation of the cup of the Varcissus. The ill-advised use of the word ‘stipule,’ and the false analogies thereupon based, concealed the underlying truth that the organ in question was and is an out- growth from the flower-tube, and not necessarily either perianth-seg- ment or stamen. In those days we relied upon one or two modes or styles of questioning when others were available, which would have . shown, as they have done since, that the real interpretation of the corona of the Warcissus is that it is an outgrowth from the perianth- tube—an adaptation probably to facilitate cross-fertilization by insect agency. The cases formerly relied on to prove the staminal nature of the corona are capable of other interpretation, which it would be tedious to give here.” ; Local Floras—Mr. Joseph Jackson, Jr., is contributing to the Worcester Daily Spy a series of lists of the plants of Worcester Co., Mass., each list including the names of 50 species, and the plants being recorded in the order of their flowering. It is the intention of the Worcester Natural History Society, we believe, to publish a com- ‘plete flora of the county after sufficient material has been collected. Mr. William C. Prime, in one of his recent “Lonesome Lake Papers” in the Vew York Journal of Commerce, has given a list of 83 plants (not including trees) found in flower in Franconia Valley (N. H.), and on the sides of the mountains, between May 20th and June zoth. Mr. Prime remarks: “ Of course the list is not com- plete, but it will not be easy to add to it, for our researches were sys- tematic and constant.” We : Dr. Charles Atwood, of Moravia, N. Y., notifies us by circular 108 that he is gathering material with a view to publishing a flora of Cayuga County. The co-operation of local botanists is solicited. _ Appalachia for June contains a few notes on the flora of the White ‘Mountain region, and the statement is made that Pinus Banksiana has been detected on Welch Mountain (lat. 43° 55’ N., long. 71° 35° W.) The Pharmacist (Chicago) begins the publication, in the July number, of a catalogue of plants observed and collected by Dr. F. Brendel in the vicinity of Peoria, Ill., between 1852 and 1877. From a synopsis prefixed to Dr. Brendel’s paper, we learn that the list will embrace the names of 874 species of Phaenogams and of 87 Cryptogams. Botanical Literature. Our Native Ferns and their Allies, with Synoptical Descriptions of the American Pteridophyta North of Mexico. By Lucien M. Underwood, Ph. D. 2d edition. Bloomington, Ill. 1882. _ A little more than a year ago a neat and modest volume made its appearance under the title of “Our Native Ferns,” which appears to have met with so much success that the author has disposed of his entire edition and now comes forward with a second, enlarged so as to include the entire Pteridophyta of the United States. That portion devoted to the Ferns remains substantially the same as in the first edition, with only such changes and additions as were necessary to’bring the work forward to date and make it complete—a fact which shows how’much care the author bestowed upon his book in the first place, and guarantees the trustworthiness of the present edition ; but the addition of the remaining vascular cryptogams greatly increases the value of the book, and makes it doubly useful to all who seek to study this class of plants. The author tells us in his preface that he has spared no pains to make his book thoroughly reliable (a fact of which the book itself fur- nishes sufficient evidence), and has therefore consulted freely the descriptive works of the highest authorities in order to ensure cer- tainty in his descriptions. There is no apparent disposition, however, to follow others, unless by so doing his own purposes may be the better carried out, but, on the contrary, the author shows much originality of thought, and inde- pendence of judgment in the treatment of his work throughout. The elementary part is clear, and well calculated to introduce be- ginners to the study of the plants treated of. The excellent key makes the analysis of the ferns comparatively easy. Of the other plants it is enough to say that their treatment rests upon such author- ities as Dr. Engelmann for the /soetes, Spring for the Lycopodiaceae, and Milde for the Fguiseta. The writer can personally testify to the earnestness and fidelity with which the author has sought to make his work complete, and cordially commends the book to all. — aed nei It should be in the hands of all who are especially interested in _ the vascular Cryptogams of the United States.—G. E. D. - BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. 1X.) New York, September, 1882, [No. 9. New Californian Compositae. By Epwarp LEE GREENE. _ * PENTACHAETA ALSINOIDES.—Hirsute pubescent, 2-4 inches high, diffusely branched ; heads numerous, on filiform peduncles 3-6 lines long, 3-5-flowered ; scales of the narrowly turbinate or nearly cylin- drical involucre 5 or 6; rays wanting; disk-corollas yellow, filiform, not deeply cleft; akenes fusiform, minutely and, for the genus, very sparingly pubescent; pappus of 3 scabrous bristles equalling the akene in length, or occasionally, in one or more of the akenes, re- duced, or nearly obsolete.—P. exi/is, Gray, var. discotdea, Gray. Bot. Cal. i. 305, as to the “ very depauperate state about San Francisco ” only. : The best specimens of this exceedingly well-marked species were collected by the writer on the Berkeley Hills, May 13, 1882. The plant differs widely from even the rayless forms of P. exidis, in the first place by its diffusely branched and altogether sand-wort- like habit, continuing to branch and flower for weeks after the earl- iest involucres have matured and shed their akenes. The akenes themselves are very characteristic, being fusiform and nearly naked, while those of P. ext/is are obovate, or at most, obo- vate-oblong, and are always densely white-villous. v Hemizonta (HarTMANNIA) Lopait.—Near . Weermanni,Greene, but much more slender, the flowering branchlets filiform, and the heads consisting of only 3 ray- and 3 disk-flowers; akenesof theray _ narrowly obovate-oblong, those of the disk crowned witha pappus of _ 8-10 linear, chaffy scales. s What is probably the only specimen extant of this uncommonly well-marked species, appears to have been lying for probably thirty years in the herbarium of the late H. G. Bloomer. The sheet to — which it is fastened bears this note, in the handwriting of Mr. Bloom- . er: “Calycadenia? No. 323 in Lobb’s catalogue is omitted. The plant was probably obtained near Monterey. H. G. Bi ; Though exactly like 4. Heermanni in the character of foliage, pubescence, glandulosity, etc., it is very distinct by its extremely few flowered heads, and especially by the pappus of its disk-akenes. It _ ny forms an interesting third member of what may be called the wrgata group of the genus. | v Hemizonta (EUHEMIZONIA) CLEVELANDI.—A foot or two high, Y— : simple or branching, very hirsute below, and more or less glandular — above ; leaves linear, entire ; heads small or middle-sized, racemose, _ - sessile or short-peduncled ; scales of the involucre with short tips, their margins not at all enfolded over the inner face of the obovate, — rather sharply triangular akenes; rays 6-10, white, deeply 3-lobed ; outer series of chaff united into a scarcely toothed cup. © The plant was collected many years since in Lake County, by : 110 Se Dr. Bolander, and was obtained by the present writer in Napa County, in the autumn of 1874; but its specific character, as distinct from A. luzulaefolia, D.C., was first recognized about a year ago on the appearance of specimens freshly collected by Mr. Cleveland at Allen Springs, in Lake County. ; In characters of flower and fruit it is so very like H. duzulaefolia that I detect no difference save in the manner in which the involucral scales hold the akenes. In the latter their margins are folded over the inner face of the akene, so that the seeds falling to the ground carry the scales with them; but in #. C/eve/andi they are in this re- spect wholly free, and falling, leave the scales still adhering to the receptacle. The pubescence of the two is, however, very dissimilar, that of the one being appressed villous, and even floccose-woolly, and that of the other quite stiffly and setosely hirsute. . C/evelandi has, more- over, fewer and larger glands. But the most obvious distinction be- tween the two species is one so clear as to call for a modification of the character of the section of the genus to which they belong. I refer to the strictly racemose inflorescence of the new species ; that of the other members of the group being uniformly corymbose. Hemizonia (CALYCADENIA) CEPHALOTES.—Stem a foot or more high, simple, or with some assurgent branches from the base ; lower portions of stem and branches leafy, with smaller leaves fascicled in the axils ; heads densely capitate-crowded at, and near the summit ; rays seldom more than one or two in each head, or often wholly wanting, and the disk-flowers as often reduced to three or even two; herbage yielding a pleasant balsamic fragrance.—Ca/ycadenia cepha- lotes, D.C., Prod. v., pp. 695, and Torr. & Gray FI. i1., p. 401. Hemi- zonia multiglandulosa, Gray, Bot. Cal. i., p. 366 in part. The study of abundant specimens from all parts of the State, as well as careful observations on living plants, convinces me that this plant well merits specific rank. True A. multiglandulosa has an en- tirely different habit, the whole plant, from base to summit of thé stem, being evenly branched, so as to form a contracted panicle, the heads freely scattered at the ends of the numerous branchlets. Its herbage has also a very different, and disagreeable odor. HEMIZONIA (CALYCADENIA) OPPOSITIFOLIA.—Stem slender, a foot or Jess in height, simple or with spreading, opposite branches ; leaves narrowly linear, all of them opposite ; heads in pairs, closely sessile, _ one in the axil of each leaf, and an odd one at the summit of each _ branch ; rays 3, very deeply 3-cleft, white or rose-color, changing to rose-purple ; akenes and pappus much as in H. cephalotes; tack- _ shaped glands very few and small, : _ Collected near Chico, May 30, 1882, by Dr. C. C. Parry. The species is near akin to the preceding, but well characterized by the strictly opposite arrangement of the leaves, branches and __ heads, a character quite new in the genus, and also by the remark- _ able paucity of glands, these being amber-colored, not black, as in the allied species. ‘VERBESINA VENOSA.—Shrubby, two feet or more high, the — _ branches stout ; leaves scabrous-puberulent, deep green, with coarse 111 and prominent light-colored veins, ovate or ovate-lanceolate,two inches long, entire or with a pair of coarse teeth, or hastate lobes at base, _ abruptly tapering into a short, winged petiole ; flowering branchlets leafy below, naked above and terminating in a loose corymb ;_ invo- lucre shorter than the disk; rays conspicuous; akenes sparingly vil- lous and bearing a pair of stout, persistent awns of more than their own length. ‘ The specimens lie in the herbarium of the California Academy, marked “Cedros Islands,” and were probably brought thence, many years ago, by Dr. Veatch. | Microseris (EucALAIs) ATTENUATA.—Leaves incisely and deeply pinnatifid, the divisions linear; scapes about a foot high ; in- volucre $ inch long, and narrow; akenes fusiform, 4-44 lines long, very slender, especially from midway upwards ; pappus 43-5 lines long, the elliptic-lanceolate scale more or less villous, and about one-third the length of the slender, strongly barbellate awn. Collected by the writer on the 25th of April, 1882, on the grounds of the University of California, at Berkeley, where it grows in great abundance, as also on the hills adjacent. The akenes and pappus are extremely long and slender for the group into which it falls, but it is only as to length that they resemble those of the Ca/ocalats section. The plant is a genuine Zwca/azs, a section whose best tech- nical character is one which does not appear to have been recognized by any author, namely, the peculiar convolute aestivation of the pap- pus-scales. But the adoption of this character would exclude from the group JZ. Bigelovii, which has the imbricated aestivation, though not the habit of Cadocalais. New Species of North American Fungi. : By J. B. Exuis. VALSA LUTESCENS.—Stroma cortical; perithecia subglobose, 10 to 15, subcircinating, disk at length erumpent, brown, convex, with the short, cylindrical, stout, obtuse,substellate-cleft ostiola ranged round — its circumference ; asci lanceolate, spore-bearing part .0013’x.00025’; sporidia cylindrical, hyaline, curved, .o0025’—.0003’x.0001’. On dead limbs of Quercus coccinea. January. The wood beneath the bark occupied by the fungus is generally stained light yellow. (N. A. F., No. 876.) . VALSA BINOCULATA.—Perithecia 3 to 6, rather Jarge, closely im- bedded in a stroma formed of the substance of the inner. bark, and circumscribed by a black line which doeS not, however, penetrate = to the wood ; ascigerous nucleus white, soft and pasty when fresh ; ostiola erumpent through cracks in the epidermis, subglobose, with a large irregular opening ; asci clavate-cylindrical, .005’—.006'x.006— .0007’; paraphyses stout and granular; sporidia uniseriate, broadly elliptical, nearly hyaline, uniseptate and constricted, with a large nucleus in each cell, .0008’—.0009’x.0005’—.00055’. The ostiola are often entirely concealed so that outwardly there is - no trace of the fungus. _ On dead trunks of Magnolia glauca. 112 co VALSA TUBERCULOSA.—Perithecia 8 to 10, globose, .o15’ in di- ameter, buried in a stroma formed of the substance of the bark, which is not discolored, though rendered more compact, and sur- | rounded by a black circumscribing line, which penetrates deeply into the wood; ascigerous. nucleus whitish; ostiola short, cylindrical, stout, obtuse, with an irregular opening, united in a little fascicle, which barely pierces the epidermis ; asci broadly lanceolate, .o03 x .0006'; paraphyses filiform ; sporidia biseriate, elliptical, with two large nuclei at first; and with the endochrome finally 2-parted, about .0005'X.0003’. Sometimes two fascicles of ostiola are erumpent from the same stroma, On dead branches of Amelanchier Canadensis. April. VALSA VENUSTA.—Perithecia 15 to 20, .or’ in diameter, closely packed in a loose cortical stroma, which is circumscribed by a black line penetrating the wood; ostiola cylindrical, rough, slender, slightly swollen above, in length 2-3 times the diam- eter of the perithecia, at first united in a black, uneven, elongated disk, bursting out through longitudinal fissures in the bark, but which is finally obliterated by the compactly clustered, subobtuse os- tiola ; asci_ clavate-cylindrical, .oo2’—.0025’x.0002’—.00025'; para- _* physes linear, nucleate ; sporidia 8, cylindrical, hyaline, strongly curved, 3—4-nucleate, with the endochrome at length 3—4-times di- vided, .00035’~.00045'x.00075’. _ On dead branches of Robinia Pseudacacia. (N. A. F., No. 875.) VALSA AMPELOPSIDISs.—Perithecia few, seated on the surface of | the wood, without any distinct stroma ; ostiola cylindrical, subacute, their tips united in an elliptical plane disk, which bursts out through longitudinal fissures in the bark, but is at length obliterated ; asci clavate-cylindrical ; sporidia biseriate, elliptical, subacute, hyaline with a large nucleus in the centre or with 2-3 smaller ones, .o007’x _ .00025~.0003’. On dead stems of Ampelopsis quinquefolia. (N. A. F., No. 881.)* The Migration of Weeds—of those which may be called “ domes-— ticated plants,” following man in his movements—and their occupancy of ground to the exclusion of other plants less hardy and able to stand in the struggle for life, is an interesting feature in geographical distribution. Our numerous railroads, traversing now the entire continent, and ramifying in every direction over the States, with their through-freight and through-passenger transportation, have be- come the chief agents in this distribution. This struggle for life on the new ground opened.to the combatants is more intense than by _the natural process, where the movements are governed by causes slower in operation, and extending over a longer period. Here the _ combatants, the champions which have won their belt on the fields” _ (to borrow a phrase from the prize-ring), are transported more ae *On page 74, line 27, of the BULLETIN the word “leaves” should be inserted after the word “ fallen,” — : . aks gas | The habitat of Pesiza Hainesii (Vol. viii., page 66) should be changed toread _ “rich soil among decaying leaves in dry woods.”—J. B. E. RE 115 quickly, and brought face to face with each other. The effect of this 1s somewhat of a rotation. The weeds succumb—the stronger pre- vail. I have observed something of this in the streets and waste- places of Aiken during a period of twenty-five years past. _ The principal weeds now—those most predominant, and occupy- ing the waste-places and the untrampled portions of the streets, are Helenium tenuifolium, Helianthenum Canadense, Acanthospermum xanthioides Lespedeza striata, all, if we except Helianthemum Cana- dense, introduced plants; the first-named, from beyond the Mississippi, the two last from foreign regions. Helianthemum may also be classed as an introduced plant, for it has evidently come in: from elsewhere, and only in the past few years has been making much progress. Helenium tenuifolium is not indigenous to this region. It seems not to have been known by Elliott and our earlier botanists. Dr. Chapman gives its locality as “West Florida and westward ”’; Torrey and Gray, in North American Flora, “in Louisiana, Mis- sissippi and Arkansas.’’ I have seen it in quantity along the Georgia Railroad west of Augusta; abundantly in the neighborhood of Augusta; and in the streets of Aiken it is an “evil weed” occupy- ing acres of ground in dense patches, encroaching upon the side- walks, and giving the street cleaners extra trouble to keep it within bounds. I have had specimens sent to me from as far east as Sumter County in this State on a line of railroad. It has evidently traveled from beyond the Mississippi along the line of railroads, and is now probably pretty well disseminated over our Atlantic States. FHelianthemum-Canadense, in the more light and sterile portions of the streets, occupies patches of several acres, to the exclusion of almost everything else, and is on the increase. ' Acanthospermum is a much later importation. It was brought — from South America, in wool used by the Augusta factories, about twenty-five years ago. It is abundant all around Augusta and along the ‘line of the Georgia Railroad, running west; was reported in Macon several years ago, and now perhaps still further west; on the S. C. Railroad towards Charleston; on the N. E. Railroad from Charleston northward; and on the Augusta, Columbia and Wilming- ton Railroad in the eastern section of our State. Here, in Aiken, it is generally diffused through the town, all over the streets, in yards and in the gardens, and also extends out into the country around. It is an annual, seeding abundantly ; and the small seeds, armed _ oF : with hooked barbs, help to carry it to long distances. : Lespedeza striata, an importation from Japan, has been here for | a longer period. J found it in small quantity,some forty years ago, — ‘in the coast region about forty miles north of Charleston ; also along the State road within ten miles of the city. Elliott and the earlier — botanists make no mention of it. MacBride, who aided Elliott in his “ Sketches,”” and who lived in the very region where I first found — it, and knew the flora very accurately, had never seen it. It was probably introduced through the port of Charleston by vessels from the East Indies early in the present century, and began to spread a ees : : ° 114 itself from that centre. During the four years of the war, it made great progress through the country in all directions, especially along the lines of railroads, and by the movement of cavalry through the country woods. It is now all over our streets, and in waste-places, but not as conspicuous as the other weeds, as it is kept well cropped by animals. : I said there was something like rotation observable in the pre- dominance of these “ domesticated weeds.’’ Not many years ago, the Florida coffee, Cassia occidentalis, was perhaps the most abundant weed about the streets and waste-places. Maruta Cotula (wild ‘ chamomile) was also very common. Both of these have de- creased in quantity, and seem to be on the decline, or at least not able to struggle against those which now have posssession. Is the rota- tion due to natural causes, viz., the exhaustion of the soil by one plant, and its rest and restoration by others? Or is it the result of greater potency in the conquering plant? Are these champions now in possession to hold their guard until displaced by a superior race, or will they be compelled by natural causes to give way to a new race of settlers? Aiken, S. C. H. W. RAVENEL. Notes on the White Mountains Flora.—A note concerning Mr. Prime’s collections in this valley reported in the BuLLeTin for August, induces me to send you a few lines in regard to my own ob- servations. I have been here since early in July, and have kept a record of all the plants, whether in fruit or flower, that I chanced to see. I have also collected quite largely. When I first came, the charming Zinnaea was in its beauty, forming odorous mats on the banks of the Copper Mine Brook. Under the pines, too, I had the pleasure of gathering AZoneses uniflora for the first time. Character- istic regional plants that I have since found have been Pyrola minor and Geum macrophyllum. Near Bridal Veil Falls I came upon a nice lot of Habenaria orbiculata. Near the famous Flume I gathered quite a quantity of Hadenaria dilatata. The character of the vege- tation is extremely boreal, much like that of New Brunswick. | Oxalis acetosella, Clintonia borealis, Tiarella cordifolia, Streptopus of both species, and Z77/iums abound. The prevalent So/idago now in _ bloom in the valley is S. arguta. S. thyrsotdea is to be found up the _ brook, where I also have my eye on several WVadalz. I have not yet climbed to alpine heights, but have been surprised to find how high up grow the common yarrow and Aralia hispida. I also find Micro- stylis monophyllos at a considerable elevation. ; There are no oaks or chestnuts here, nor sassafras. The almost _ primeval forests are made up of giant pines, rising to over a hundred feet and then feathering out into foliage; birches, beeches, ashes, mountain-ashes, arches and spruces. ‘There are magnificent speci- oe --mens of all these. The prevalent weed here is the yarrow (Achillea millefolium); _ the ox-eye daisy is very rare. On the other hand, Rudbeckia hirta is — _ common. Ihave seen but one specimen of Lapa major. There are no wild roses or grapes. But two clumps of Adiantum pedatum _ have as yet turned up, and I have seen no rare ferns. 115 _ The moss-flora is absolutely bewildering; mosses coat every windfall, every rock, and standing tree. One gathers a mat of- what he thinks is one species, and finds he has half a dozen. I should call it the region of mosses. The other day I saw a Medeola in which the three upper leaves were felted together so as to form a nest for aspider. This creature, which I found within, exactly imitated the curious flower of the plant which has to me always had an arachnoid appearance. Franconia, N. H., Aug. sth. W. W. Baitey. Vincetoxicum scoparium (Cynanchum scoparium, Nutt. ; Cynoc- tonum? scoparium, Chapm.)—It may be as well to record the fact that this plant, whose habitat has been referred to Florida and the West Indies, I found a few years since on an island in May River, not far from Hilton Head; and lately, still more abundantly on a small uncultivated island between Pinckney’s Island and the main- | land. It is not alluded to by Elliott, whose home was in Beaufort, about twenty to twenty-five miles off. I find the vines climbing the trees some fifteen to twenty feet high; but, when prostrate, they form dense, mat-like beds or masses of several feet in extent. ae Bluffton, S. C., Aug. 8, 1882. J. H. MELLICHAMP. | Notes from North Carolina.—7%e North Carolina Crocus.—In North Carolina there is no other native plant called “ crocus,” and this appellation to Apigaea repens is now never heard. The use of the word “‘crocus” for trailing arbutus is no more singular than the local employment of the word ‘*tuckahoe”’ for Orontium aguaticum. Wow this word was first employed in this way is not known, but it may have had its origin in the Indian word “ taw- kee,” which Prof. Meehan (Flowers and Ferns U. S.) says was the name used by the Indians for Orontium. He quotes Kalm’s Travels. Another curious localism is the name “hog-eye” for Dionaea ‘muscipula. This is confined to Duplin Co., N. C., and heard no- where else, I believe. The lobes of the leaf of the Dzonaea, with their fringed edges, bear a sufficient resemblance to two upper eye- lids joined at their base, to have caused Dr. Curtis to notice the fact in a description of the plant. New Station for Lygodium palmatum.—Heretofore, Lygodium pat- matum has been found only in the mountain regions of the State. It _ is now discovered in Duplin County, near the sea-coast. New Station for Epidendrum conopseum.—This plant was found _ growing on the limb of a white oak, in Pender County. It does not appear at all in Curtis’s Catalogue. Wilmington, N. C. , . Tuomas F. Woop. | _ (A propos of Dr. Wood’s remark on ¢uckahoe in the above notes, _ it may be stated that this name, meaning “something round,” was applied by the Virginia Indians primarily to that curious subter- - yanean, often nearly globular production, still called “ tuckahoe,” and which was used for making a sort of bread (¢accaho appoans, _ “tuckahoe bread.”—Strachey.) he name was also applied to several 116 round or roundish roots (tubers) and was extended to some which (like the starchy rootstock of Orontium), though not round, were used like the others as a bread material. : _ The names given by Kalm for Orontium (tawkee, tawkim, tackuim) and for Peltandra (tuckah, tawking) are Swedish corruptions of the Delaware Indian name for these bread materials; a term having about the same meaning as tuckahoe, and being from the same Algon- kin root—Abnaki, pelegwi; Massachusetts, petukki; Delaware, Pp tucqui, “ round,” or “ that which is round.” In some of the northern dialects of the Algonkin, the equivalent — of tuckahoe—Mass., petukquineg, Narrag., puttuckgunnege, Mohican, ‘tuguauh or ’tuquogh, literally ‘a round thing” or “ something round,’ had the secondary meaning of a “loaf of bread” or a “cake”; but the Virginian term, and its Delaware equivalent, seems to have had the secondary signification of ‘‘ bread root.”— Ep.) Abnormal Botrychium.—When at West Point in July, I took a walk with Mr. E. S. Denton, which I shall not soon forget. . My companion, who is an enthusiast in botany, showed me some of his favorite localities; among them, one for Camptosorus. It was a wild — place on the side of a mountain, amidst broken boulders and wind- falls—a spot to delight a collector. Here I found, what I specially wish to note, a specimen of Botrychium Virginicum, Swz., with three fertile segments to the frond, all well developed. The stipes were confluent only for about two inches above the point at which the barren frond diverged; above this, entirely distinct and fully fruited. As abnormalities in Botrychia are just now made interesting by Mr. © Davenport, this note may be worth recording. I retain the specimen described. eon W. W. BalILevy..- Query for Readers of the Bulletin.—Is there any reason for the statement by country people in Various parts of the Union that the beech is never struck by lightning? The question is extra-botani- cal, perhaps, yet of some possible interest to collectors who may, in thunderstorms, take refuge sud legméne fagi. W. W. BalLey. Tricardia Watsoni.—On looking over my note on Zricardia in _ the July Buttetin, I notice that the printer has left out a line of my manuscript, as I am made to say that “ Watson found * * * a single specimen at St. George, Utah;” while Mr. Watson was never there at all.* It should have been said that Mr. Watson col- _ lected specimens of it near Truckee, Cal., and Dr. Parry collected a “Upon consulting Mr. Jones’s manuscript, we find that, as he states, the printer. _ omitted several words in one of his sententes. We must confess that the proof 32 5 _ of neither of Mr. Jones’s notes in the July number was read with sufficient care, or compared with his MS.; for, had either been, we should havedetected notonly the = _ error here alluded to, but also one ‘in his Fern Notes, where, by slip of the pen, he wrote Botrychium instead of Ophioglossum.—ED. ce ee rah oe ¥ 117 single specimen at St. George, Utah. In addition to my former note, I have to add that I have since discovered several fruiting speci- mens of 7ricardia at Hawthorne and Candelaria, Nevada. The plant occurs sparingly along the eastern base of the Sierras, from Reno to the southern boundary of Nevada. Salt Lake City, July 24. Marcus E. Jongs. Botanical Notes.—7%e Colors of Flowers.—In an interesting ar- ticle by Grant Allen; in Mature, on ‘The Colors of Flowers, as illus- trated by the British Flora,’ the author says: The different hues assumed by petals are all, as it were, laid up beforehand in the tissues of the plant; ready to be brought out at a moment’s notice. And all flowers, as we know, easily’sport a little in color. But the question is, do their changes tend to follow any regular and definite order? Is there any reason to believe that the modifi- cation runs from any one color towards any other? Apparently, there is. All flowers, it would seem, were in their earliest form yel- low; then some of them became white; after that, a few of them grew to be red or purple; and, finally, a comparatively small number acquired various shades of lilac, mauve, violet, or blue. Some hints of a progressive law in the direction of a color- - change from yellow to blue are sometimes afforded us even by the successive stages of a single flower. for example, one of our com- mon little English forget-me-nots, Myosotis versicolor, is pale yellow - when it first opens ; but as it grows older, it becomes faintly pinkish, ‘and ends by being blue like the bdthers of its race. Now, this sort of color-change is by no means uncommon; and in almost all known cases it is always in the same direction, from yellow or white, through pink, orange, or red, to purple or blue. Thus, one of the -wall-flowers, Chetranthus chamaeleo, has at first a whitish flower, then a citron-yellow, and finally emerges into red or violet. The petals of Stylidium fruticosum are pale yellow to begin with, and after- wards become light rose-colored. An evening primrose, Ocnothera tetraptera, has white flowers in its first stage, and red ones at a later _ period of development. Codaea scandens goes from white to violet ; Hibiscus mutabilis from white through flesh-colored, to red. The - common Virginia stock of our gardens (A/a/colmia) often opens of a pale yeliowish green; then becomes faintly pink ; afterwards deep- ens into bright red, and fades away at last into mauve or blue. _ - Fritz Miller noticed in South America a Lantana, which is yellow on its first day, orange on the second, and ptrple on the third. The- whole family of Aoraginaceae begin by being pink, and end by being ‘ 2 blue. In all these and many other cases the general direction of = the changes is the same. They are usually set down as due to ~ varying degrees of oxidation in the pigmentary matter. ae ‘Tf this be so, there is a good reason why bees should be specially - fond of blue, and why blue flowers should be specially adapted for fertilization by their aid. For bees and butterflies are the most highly adapted of all insects to honey-seeking and flower-feeding. — ‘They have themselves on their side undergone the largest amount of _” specialization for that particular function. And if the more special- _ oe 118 : ized and modified flowers, which gradually fitted their forms and the position of their honey-glands to the forms of the bees or but- terflies, showed a natural tendency to pass from yellow through pink and red to purple and blue, it would follow that the insects which were being evolved side by side with them, and which were aiding at the same time in their evolution, would grow to recognize these developed colors as the visible symbols of those flowers from which they could obtain the largest amount of honey with the least possi- _ ble trouble. Thus it would finally result that the ordinary unspec- _ lalized flowers, which depended upon small insect riff-raff, would be mostly left yellow or white; those which appealed to rather higher insects would become pink or red; and those which laid themselves out for bees and butterflies would grow for’the most part to be purple or blue. Now, this is very much what we actually find to be the case in nature. The Variability of Oaks—In some remarks upon a note by Mr. Meehan, on ‘Hybrid Oaks,’ which appeared on page 55 of the BuLtetin, M. DeCandolle (Arch. des Sct. Phys. et Nat., p. 557) says that it is interesting to find that in a Quercus robur raised in America, a country to which the species is not indigenous, and one in which no allied form exists to cross with it; the same mixture of forms has been observed that he called attention to in 1862, when he reduced the so called species Q. pedunculata and Q. sessiliflora to Q. robur. M. DeCandolle remarks that “ many similar facts have been noted _ in annual or perennial plants introduced into cultivation, and no one, it seems to me, can doubt that variations sometimes occur with- out hybridization.’’ : Botanical Literature. Sylloge Fungorum omnium hucusque cognitorum. By Prof. P. A. Sac- cardo. Large 8vo., pp. 768. Padua, Italy. The first volume of this long-expected work has at length ap- peared, and will help to fill a want long felt by all students of, my- cology. It forms a large octavo of 768 pages, with descriptions of about 2,900 species of Sphaeriaceous Fungi. Adding much to the practical value of the work are the habitat lists, giving in alphabetical order the names of the trees and plants on which the different spe- cies grow. The volume is published at 49 francs, which, consider- ing the labor of preparing such a work, is very reasonable. It is. to be hoped that the demand for this first volume may be such as _ to encourage the author to go on with the compilation of the remain- ing orders.—J. B. E. Books AND PAMPHLETS RECEIVED. Index to the Genus Carex of Gray's Manual. By jos. F> James... 8vo., pamph., pp. 11. (Reprint from the Botanical Gasétte.) _ From the author. : = ee ee Contributions to the Flora of Iowa. Nos. iv. and v. By J.C. Arthur, 8vo., pamph., pp. 4 and 5. (Extracts from Proceedings of the _ Davenport Acad. Sci.) From the author. cae _ Darwin considéré au point de vue des causes de son succes et [import-— s 119 ance des ses travaux. Par Alph. DeCandolle. 8vo., pamph., (Extract from Archives des Sciences Physigues et Naturelles.) From the author. Our Native Ferns and their Allies. By L. M. Underwood, Ph.D. 12mo., pp. 134. From the author. Chas. Robert Darwin. By Jos. F. James. 8vo., pamph., pp. 7. (Extract from Journal of the Cincinnati Society of Natural History.) From the author. Notes on the Native Trees of the Lower Wabash and White River Valleys, in Illinois and Indiana. By Robert Ridgway. 8vo., pamph., pp. 40. (From Proceedings of the U. S. National Museum.) From the author. The New Botany, a Lecture on the best method of teaching the Science. By W. J. Beal, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Second edition.) 8vo., pamph., pp. 16. Philadelphia: C. H. Marot, From the publisher. : Sur un caractere de la Batate, dont la singularité dans la famille des Convolvulacées n’a pas été suffisamment remarquée: Observation de M. Meehan sur la variabilité du Chéne rouvre, et remarque de M. A. De Candolle. Par Alph. De Candolle. 8vo. pamp., pp. 8. (From Archives des Sciences Physiques et Natu- redies). From the author. SERIAL PUBLICATIONS, Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Part i. Jan. to April. (June, 1882.)—‘ Fruiting of Ginko biloba,’ by Thomas Meehan; ‘New Station for Corema Conradii,’ by Aubrey H. Smith; ‘ Relation of Heat to the Sexes of Flowers,’ by Thomas Meehan. ~ Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History. Part iii. Oct., 1881—Jan., 1882. (July, 1882.)—* Temperature of Trees,’ by D. P. Penhallow. — c | ‘Transactions of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society for the year 1881. Part ii. (June, 1882.)—‘ Our Native Plants adapted for Winter Culture for their Flowers,’ by Mrs. T. L. Nelson; ‘ List of Edible Fungi,’ by Dr. E. L. Sturtevant; ‘Date of Flowering of Trees and Shrubs in Eastern Massachusetts, in 1881, by John Robinson. . Proceedings of the Torrey Club:—The regular meeting of the Club was held at Columbia College on Tuesday evening, June 13th, the President in the chair and twenty-seven members present. New Stations.—Mr. Britton exhibited specimens of He/ontas bul- lata, L., from near Rossville, Staten Island; of Corema Conraditi, Torr., collected by Mr. C. E. Smith on the Shawangunk Mountains; | and of Triticum violaceum, Hornm., collected by Prof, T. C. Porter near Andover, Sussex County, N. J.,and new to the flora of that State. Judge Addison Brown reported the detection by him of | Xerophyllum setifolium, Michx., at Ocean Beach, N. J., a somewhat northerly station for it, and stated that Hudsonia ericoides, L., was _. very abundant in the same neighborhood. . 120 Teratological Specimens.—Mr. Britton showed specimens, from Staten Island, of Alnus serrulata, Ait., exhibiting phyllody of the bracts, and aspecimen of Anemone thalictroides, Michx., in which there was an entire suppression of the involucre. Mr. Hogg exhibited specimens of Convallaria majalis, L., showing a peculiar change, due, apparently, to a fission of the pedicels. Each division of the latter bore a flower which was somewhat smaller than the normal size, and which in several of the plants was of a decidedly pink color. The Librarian reported the addition of a large number of books and pamphlets to the library since the date of the last meeting. The chairman of the Field Committee reported on the field meetings that had occurred up to date, and, in connection therewith, ' Miss Knight gave an account of the mosses that had been collected during the various excursions. One corresponding member was elected and nine names were proposed for active membership. At the regular meeting of the Club held Monday evening, July 8th, the President occupied the chair and fifteen persons were present. Dr. O. R. Willis remarked upon some recent additions to the flora of Westchester County, and made known an interesting locality tha had been little explored by botanists. Dr. Barstow exhibited, distributed and remarked upon numerous | _ specimens of cultivated plants, which he had brought to the meeting from his grounds in Flushing. Prof. Day reported Coronilla varia, L., escaped from cultivation at Portchester, and Vincetoxicum nigrum, L., at New Rochelle. The chairman of the Field Committee gave an account of the _ field meetings that had taken place since the last meeting, and stated © that Garretson’s, S. I., had proved a new locality for Lystmachia thyrsifiora, L., and Festuca nutans, Willd. Mr. W. H. Weed showed specimens of Polyporus hirsutus, L., which he had obtained in a mine in Pennsylvania at a depth of 290 feet. The specimens were normal, showing none of those distortions usually observed in fungi growing in such localities. Adhesion tn Fruits—Mr. Britton exhibited an example cf syn- carpy in the cherry, wherein two drupes were united into one, the adhesion extending to the stones; and also a case of adhesion of two syncarps in the common raspberry. i Nine persons were elected active members. The Librarian read a lengthy list of books and periodicals that had been received since the last meeting. 8 : Adjourned to September. Necrology.—Mr. George Fowler Dickie communicates to me _ the sad intelligence of the death of his father, Dr. G. Dickie, F.L.S., a Pa known Scottish algologist of Aberdeen, on Saturday, July — sth, a 2 eee . i Lap BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. 1X.) New York, October, 1882, [No. 10. New Western Plants. By Epwarp LrEe GREENE. Linum (HEsPEROLINON) CLEVELANDI.—Slender and diffusely paniculate, 4-1 foot high, glaucous and, to the naked eye, smooth, but under a lens minutely scabrous-puberulent ; leaves alternate, linear-lanceolate, 3-6 lines long ; stipular glands wanting; pedicels solitary in the axils of the leaves, 6-10 lines long; sepals ovate, acute, smooth and entire, only a line long; petals yellow, 2-toothed at base, not much exceeding the sepals; styles 3 ; capsule obtuse, little exceeding the calyx. Collected in the vicinity of Allen’s Springs, Lake County, Cal., June, 1882, by Mr. D. Cleveland. A very well-marked species, to come in between LZ. micranthum and L. adenophyllum ; differing from the former in its yellow flowers, and from the latter by the absence of glands. ASTRAGALUS CLEVELANDI.—Sparingly and minutely appressed ‘“ pubescent, or at length nearly glabrous, stems rather slender, a foot ' or more high, from a perennial root; leaflets 15-19, oblong-lanceo- . late, less than a half inch long; peduncles longer than the leaves, and bearing slender racemes 3-6 inches long; flowers hardly more - than 2 lines long ; the calyx rather villous, its subulate teeth about equalling the tube ; corollas white or cream-colored ; pod unknown. Collected in Indian Valley, Lake County, Cal., June, 1882, b Mr. D. Cleveland. ae A species whose singularly long racemes of small whitish flowers give it a very striking likeness to Afe/ilotus alba. SAXIFRAGA MALVAEFOLIA.—Near S$, Parryi, but much‘ larger; | a scape a foot or two high, minutely and rather sparingly glandular-— puberulent; leaves rounded-cordate, obscurely lobed and closely toothed, an inch or more in diameter, on petioles somewhat shorter, — hairy on the veins beneath, and appearing with the flowers; flowers few and rather large, in a cymose panicle; calyx-teeth triangular, equalling, or even somewhat longer than the short tube, which is truncate at base, and not conspicuously nerved ; petals white, obo-— vate-oblong, inserted by short claws nearly in the sinuses of the calyx ; filaments subulate, borne a little lower down; carpels united to near the abruptly and widely diverging summits; style stout, shorter than the beak; root woody-fibrous, with no trace of corm. __ Known only by a single specimen, said to have been brought — from Santa Rosa Island, off the coast of California. = . * ing no corm or bulb, and sending up its leaves and scapes simulta- neously. Its calyx is much broader and shorter than in that species, and it is a much larger plant; moreover, its leaves are of thi¢ker texture, - scarcely lobed at all, resembling those of Malva rotundifolia. Though closely allied to S. Parryi, Torr., it Is very distinct, hav-. s 122 CHAMAESARACHA PHYSALOIDEs.—Annual (?), glabrous, stem$ ap- parently a foot or two high, with spreading, slightly wing-angled branches; leaves ovate, an inch or more long, the lower nearly entire, the upper with coarsely sinuate-toothed margins; flowers on slender pedicels nearly two inches long; calyx small, and, with the upper portion of the pedicel, puberulent with minute, flat, scale-like hairs ; corolla cream-colored, } inch broad ; fruit unknown. Collected in the Patagonia Mountains of the southern part of Arizona in the month of August, 1881, by Mr. S. P. Buckminster, in a single branch only, which shows a true Chamaesaracha, as to calyx and corolla, with the general aspect of an annual Physaéts. HOLOZONIA, Gen. nov. Head heterogamous, with 6-8 pistillate, fertile rays, and about 16-20 hermaphrodite but sterile disk-flowers. Involucre of as many herbaceous scales as there are ray flowers, each scale com- pletely and closely enfolding its obovate-oblong, obcompressed, smooth akene. Receptacle small, flat, its chaff united into a tubular, 1o-12-toothed cup enclosing the disk-flowers. Corollas white; those of the ray purple-tinted, deeply cleft into 3 linear divisions, open during the whole day; those of the disk 5-lobed, Pappus of the ray a hyaline, saucer-shaped, entire crown; of the disk, a pair of extremely slender, deciduous scales, which equal the corollas. A Californian herb, between AHemizonia and Lagophylla, but of very distinct generic type, with the aspect of the former, and the obcompressed, completely enfolded ray-akenes of the latter, but differing from it by its perennial root, its united chaff, and especially by the remarkable pappus of both ray- and disk-akenes. Ho.ozonia FILIPES (Hemizonia filipes, Hook. & Arn., Bot. Beech. Suppl. 356. Lagophylla filipes, Gray, Bot. Whipple, 109. Bot. Mex. Bound. tor. Bot. Cal. i, 367.)—The plant has been long known in a very imperfect way. It is not in the least strange that the author of the Botany of Capt. Beechey’s Voyage should have placed it in Hemizonia, for its whole aspect is so extremely like Hemizonta luzulaefolia, with which it grows, that the present writer, at first sight, passed it by for a mere slender form of that species. Dr. Gray, before the fruit was known, transferred it to Lagophylla on the strength of the complete enclosure of the ray-akenes by the involucral scales; but that is its only point of contact with that genus. It hasstill the chaffy cup of Euhemizonia, as also its nu- merous white flowers. But, while the character of its akenes forbids its admission to Hemizonia, its perennial, rhizomatous root, and very singular pappus as certainly exclude it from Lagophylla. The first specimens of this _ rare plant, showing mattre akenes, and exhibiting the unexpected character of the root, were collected by the writer, in October, 1881, almost within the limits of the village of Napa. The above generic ee character is drawn from these specimens, supplemented by others _ which came, this year, from the vicinity, of the Napa Soda Springs. _ The character of Lagophylia is strengthened by this plant’s re- Plate XXV. | Club. Bulletin Torrey Botanica B i sa igi 1, Berk. & Curt. PHALLUS RAVENELI ~ 123 moval from it. Its three species agree in habit, in their annual root, their few-flowered heads, their yellow rays (always 5) which are not open much after sunrise, and in their akenes, both of ray and disk, being wholly destitute of pappus. An Imperfectly-described Phalloid. By Cuaries H. Peck. (Plate xxv.) The description of Phallus Ravenelit, B. &. C., as published in Grevillea, Vol. ii, P. 33, 1s somewhat imperfect, and efforts to identify the specimens by it are likely to be unsatisfactory and perplexing. I could not myself feel fully satisfied that my specimens belonged to this species until, through the kindness of Mr. H. W. Ravenel, who first collected specimens of it, and for whom it was named, I was permitted to see the manuscript description which he made of it at the time of its discovery. His description is so full and agrees so accurately with my specimens that there is no longer any room for doubt concerning their identity, nor concerning the real characters of the species. The growing interest in these curious plants, and the de- sirableness of having the specific characters fully published, must be my apology for the notes here given. Phallus Ravenelii is furnished with an indusium or veil, although the published description makes no mention of it. This omission, however, has been supplied by Prof. W. G. Farlow in his remarks concerning this species in the Bulletin of the Bussey Institute, 1878, p. 247; and-.the presence of the veil is also indicated in the ToRREY — BULLETIN, Vol. vii, p. 11, where Mr. W. R. Gerard has listed this — species, with several others, in the section Hymenophallus, whose | chief distinguishing characteristic is the veil. In our other indu- siate species the veil is so large that it depends below the margin aan the pileus in a conspicuous manner; and it is generally net-like in structure because of its numerous perforations. In this species the _ veil is without perforations and is divided into two parts, one of. which is attached to the top of the stem and is concealed beneath | the pileus, while the other is attached at the base of the stem and is concealed within the bulb. Sometimes there is also a smallinterme- diate fragment which adheres to and surrounds the middle of the stem, but this is unusual. According to Mr. Ravenel’s observations, while the stem and pileus are yet encased within the bulb these two. parts of the veil are united, but as the stem elongates they are torn © asunder, the one being carried up with the pileus, the other remain- y ing in the bulb. In P. indusiatus, P. duplicatus and P. impudicus the deanded © cae pileus is coarsely reticulate-pitted, resembling in some degree the pileus of mvrels (Morcfel/a), but in this species its structure is very different. In the description, the pileus i is said to be “ even,’’ but in reality it is full of minute cells or cavities and has a cellular-spongy structure similar to that of the stem. These cavities or perforations in the upper or exterior surface are smaller than those of the lower or interior surface. They become visible when the spores have dis- appeared. : 124 In some specimens the perforation or umbilicus at the apex of the pileus is rather large, with a broad margin, giving a truncate ap- pearance such as is ascribed to the species; but in many specimens the apex is more rounded or obtuse, and would not be regarded as truncate. The apical perforation, which in other species communicates with the interior of the stem, in this one is closed, at least in recently developed specimens, although specimens are sometimes found in which the closing membrane has disappeared and the pileus is clearly perforate. This membrane, however, when present, is so depressed or sunk below the surface that itis liable to be overlooked. It makes the pileus umbilicate rather than perforate. Possibly it was this pe- culiarity of structure that led Rey. C. Kalchbrenner in his paper on New or Little-known Phalloidei, p. 16, to place this species with the Cynophalli, Whether this and the other peculiarities of structure already pointed out warrant the separation of this species from the other Hymenophalli or not I leave for other mycologists to decide. The noticeable characters of this species may be grouped together thus : Bulb ovate, pinkish, sometimes marked by a few irregular, elevated lines or wrinkles, after rupturing slightly split on the margin; pileus conical or ovate-conical, at first covered, except at the apex, by the olive-green spore-stratum, minutely cellular-spongy, umbilicate at the apex, whitish when denuded; stem cellular-spongy, hollow, subcyl- -indrical, tapering upwards within the pileus and surrounded at the top by a short, entire, pendent membraneous veil, also tapering down- wards within the bulb and surrounded at the base by a similar cup- shaped veil, whitish ; spores narrowly elliptical, .00016’—.0002’ of an inch long, about half as broad. Plant 4-6 inches high, pileus I-1.5 inch high, stem 5-7 lines thick. The plant has a wide range. Specimens have occurred in South Carolina, Wisconsin, Ohio, Connecticut, Vermont and New York. It has been found growing in fallow land, among rubbish in open waste-places, among fallen leaves in dry woods and in ‘cedar swamps.” It occurs from September to December. It was dis- covered by Mr. Ravenel in 1846, but appears to have remained un- published till 1873. EXPLANATION OF THE PLaTEe.—Fig. 1, a fully developed plant of Phallus Ravenelli, B. & C. Fig. 2, the upper part of a stem and its denuded pileus. Fig. 3, vertical section of a plant showing the interior surfaces of the bulb, stem and __ pileus, and the position of the two parts of the veil. Fig. 4, six spores x 400. A New Crucifer from Mexico. By M. E. Jongs. ” DRABA UNILATERALIS, 7. sp.— Annual, branching at the base and sending out numerous, horizontal, very slender, runner-like branches, _ ovate or oblanceolate, petioled (except the uppermost), sometimes _ is densely stellate-pubescent, even to the sepal and pods; but usually the ends of the longest branches, with their flowers and pods, are _ . 3-10° long, which are leafless except at the very base. Leaves ob- a eee 1~3-toothed, densely stellate-pubescent. Sometimes the whole plant | : 125°" glabrous. Petals oblanceolate, white, } longer than the sepals. Pods about 2” long and 14” wide, twisted, oval or obovate, nearly twice as long as the stout, reflexed or widely spreading pedicels, arranged about 1’ apart all along the stem with pedicels turned so that the pods are all on the lower side of the stem, making the raceme appear scorpioid. ‘The stems show a decided tendency to twine, but they seldom make a complete loop. This unique crucifer, which scarcely seems like a Drada, I dis- covered about fifteen miles south of the California line in Mexico about sixty miles from San Diego, on April 7th, 1882. I have many specimens of a form of Clematis ligustictfolia with perfect flowers. The plant grows along the coast, north of San Francisco. The Tuckahoe-—In Virginia and in Maryland this name is applied exclusively to that curious subterranean tuber, Pachyma cocos. This tuber is found, I believe, in nearly all the Southern States, and as far north as Kent County, Delaware. In Virginia and in Maryland, when large, they are frequently roasted and eaten with salt by the negroes. This use of them they learned from the Indians, in whose “bill of fare’”’ the tuckahoe, so-called, was quite an important ele- ment. It grows several feet below the surface of the ground and is met with only by accident, as in clearing up the land and in making ditches in damp places. When first taken from the earth the tubers are soft enough to be cut with a knife. In shape, they vary, some being oblong like a sweet potato, others globose and, with their coarse brown bark, looking like a cocoanut. They also vary in size; I have seen them as large as a man’s head. The internal substance is white, has a fungoid odor and a taste that I have found mild and pleasant, although it has been described as acrid. The tuckahoe is most mysterious in its habits. There is at no time any external indication of its existence beneath the surface of the ground. Hogs are very fond of it, and root it up as they do the truffle. The internal substance contains an abundance of branch- ing filaments; but no fertile form of the plant can be found, though | - some effort has been made to do so the past two seasons. es Tradition says that the Indians had another mode of preparing it, — by drying and pounding as they did corn, then converting it into bread. Baltimore, Md. Mary E. BANNING. (By request, we append the following additional notes on a pro- : - - duction that has always been a puzzle to botanists, and the origin of which still remains a conjecture. ee Tuckahoe occurs from New Jersey southward to the Gulf of Mexico, and westward to Kansas. It is usually found at planting _ time, when it is turned up by the plow. _ It often gives ao indication of | having been attached to anything, although occasionally (especially in the West) it has been found apparently parasitic on the roots of — large trees ; and, again, detached specimens have been found with a _ piece of root enclosed in the mass. It was first brought to the notice = 126 of the public by Dr. Clayton, who, under the supposition that it was a fungus belonging to the same order as puff-balls, sent it to Grono- vius under the name of Lycoperdon solidum, and, as such, described it in the Flora Virginica. ‘This was about one hundred and forty years ago. Next it was described by Schweinitz, in his Synopsis of the Fungi of North Carolina, under the name of Sc/erotium cocos, and by Fries, in his Systema Mycologicum, under the name of Pachyma cocos. At about the time Schweinitz described it, Dr. Macbride, of South Carolina, communicated to the Linnaean Society of London his own observations on the supposed fungus. ‘The late Dr. Torrey, unaware of the fact that he had been anticipated by Schweinitz, de- scribed the production, about the year 1819, in the New York Re- pository, under the name of Sclerotium giganteum, and also published the results of a chemical analysis of it. Dr. Torrey ascertained that, while chemical tests failed to detect the presence of starch (which the microscope had also failed to show), the mass consisted almost entirely of a singular substance which he called sclerotine. Bracon- not, some years after this, described the same principle (which in some of its modifications is the jelly of fruits) as pectine. Tuckahoe, possessing no cellular structure, no mycelium and no trace of fructifi- cation, was long ago removed from among the fungi, and is now con- sidered by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley and other mycologists as a sec- ondary product, caused by the degeneration of the tissues of some flowering plant, in which a change has occurred similar to that which converts animal tissue into adipocere, and in which the cellulose and all other principles are transformed into a body of the pectose group. This, however, is conjecture merely, against the probable truth of which is the fact that no intermediate states have been found, while none, large or small, presents any trace of plant-structure. Owing to the fact that it is sometimes found attached to the roots of trees, especially those of the fir, Currey and Keller consider it to be an altered state of these occasioned by the presence of a fungus, the mycelium of which traverses, disintegrates, and even obliterates the bark. This view seems to be sustained by the analyses of R. T. Brown (1871) and J. L. Keller (1876). The former found it to be composed of water, 14 per cent.; glucose, 0.93 per cent.; gum, 2.63 per cent.; pectose, 64.45 per cent.; cellulose, 17.34 per cent.; ash, 0.16 per cent., and nitrogen only 0.36 per cent. Keller found 77.27 per cent. of pectose; 3.76 per cent. of cellulose; 3.64 per cent. of ash, and other things in about the same proportion as Brown did. Owing to its chemical composition, the tuckahoe is very nutritious, and was from early times used as a food by the Indians, as implied in its common names “Indian bread ” and “Indian loaf.” It is also said to be employed, boiled in milk, as a substitute for arrowroot in summer complaints, in the Southern States, _ A product which is thought to be the same as tuckahoe grows in China, and is sold as food in the streets of Shanghai under the name of ftih-ling. An account of this is given by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley in the Proceedings of the Linnaean Society of London.) Arthrocladia vill : I 0sa, Duby.—Dr. Farlow records that this rare _ and interesting alga was first found on the New England coast by 127 Mr.’F. S. Collins at Falmouth Heights, Mass. Since then, two other collectors have obtained it in the vicinity of East Falmouth, in the waters of Vineyard Sound, at a place called Menauhant; viz., Rev. G. W. Perry of Auburn, Me., in the summer of 1881, and Mrs. H. L. Chambré of Fall River, Mass., in 1882. These constitute the third and fourth recorded instances of its oc- currence on the American coast. It was first found by Mr. Charles Congdon more than thirty years ago, cast ashore at Smithville near Wilmington, N. C. This specimen was figured and described by Harvey in the first volume of the “ Nereis.” It had, however, been previously identified by Prof. J. W. Bailey, who received it from Mr. Hooper of Brooklyn, along with fifty or more other plants. I am fortunate enough to have the letter of Prof. Bailey to Mr. Hooper in which he makes report of his study of this lot of specimens. For sufficient reasons, he does not appear to have satisfactorily determined many of them, so he writes: “You will see by the above how blind a guide I am in the path you have entered. I try to console myself for my incapacity, by say- ing that most of the specimens sent which I am in doubt about are not in a perfect and fully-developed condition, and that others are decidedly new, or, at any rate, not like anything in my herbarium. I have worked hard at these specimens, have dissected every one of them, and compared them with everything which they at all re- semble, and yet how few I have made out! However, I am paid for my labors by making out that curious plant M. 1. which beyond any doubt is the Arthroc/adia villosa of Duby, a very rare plant and new to the American flora.” As little confidence as Prof. Bailey felt in his knowledge of algae, he was about the only American who, at that time, knew anything at all about them. Taunton, Mass. . A. B. HERVEY. Rosa minutifolia.— Through the kind exertions of Miss F. Fish of Sauzal, mature fruit of this interesting species, described in the August number of the BULLETIN, has been obtained and is being widely distributed, so that we may hope soon to see it in cultivation. The fruit is globose, crowned with the persistent erect calyx-lobes, deeply red-brown, bristly-hispid ; seeds generally few, bearing the woolly, at length deciduous style. In the description of the flower it ought to have been mentioned _ that the outer calyx-lobes are pinnatifid, which however is alluded to © at the end of the article. The locality is Sauzal, not Sanyal as_ printed. te GEORGE ENGELMANN. -Epipactis Helleborine, the orchis new to America, which wa3_ found near Syracuse in 1879, has been discovered growing in con- siderable quantity (100 to 200 individuals) on a wooded slope of Scajaquady’s Creek, in the northerly part of this city. A specimen has been sent to Dr. Gray, who, while pronouncing it to be identical with the Syracuse plant, declares that he can discover no valid dis- 128 tinction between it and &. /atifolia. It is now to be looked for in other localities. Buffalo, N. Y. Davin F. Day. Query.—Is it always the case that the common blue flag, /7¢s versicolor, changes the color of its flowers to white when removed from the swamps to garden cultivation? I have never seen any al- lusion to the fact, if it is so. A few years ago, whilst in Darien, Ga., a lady showed me a white- flowered flag in her garden, and assured me that she had herself re- moved it from the neighboring swamp, and that it had become white after removal. Here, in the gardens in Aiken, there is plenty of it— all white-flowered. I have not been able to trace the origin of the plants directly, but they were probably brought from the swamps. Before seeing that in Darien,I had had reason to suspect such a change, and I make this note of inquiry whether it has been observed by others. Aiken, S. C., Sept. 6th. H. W. RAVENEL. New Station for Psilotum triquetrum, Swartz.—Last week I found here six or eight specimens of this plant growing under a live oak and pine. It has been identified by Dr. Gray, to whom I sent it, and also by Mr. Ravenel of Aiken, S. C., who informs me that thirty-five years ago he met with the same in St. John’s—Berkeley, in this State, but that he has not seen it since. He found about a half dozen specimens growing in an old deserted garden, under “wild orange-trees.” Chapman says “ Zast Florida.” Bluffton, S. C., Sept. 18, 1882. J. H. Meviicnamp. Echinospermum Greenei, Gray.—As plants gathered by me about the middle of March at San Diego, Cal., and pronounced this species by Dr. Gray, do not agree in some respects with the descrip- tion in the North American Flora, the following completer one is herewith given: Annual, 3’-12’ high, appressed-pubescent throughout, branching from the base, branches prostrate or ascending, weak ; leaves linear- oblanceolate, the lower ones opposite and usually connate, often lin- ear, bracts broader, sometimes narrowly oblong ; racemes bracteate throughout ; calyx white- or often yellow-hairy (hairs with a promi- nent pustulate base), lobes enlarging in fruit, open, lanceolate, acute, with a dense white tuft of hairs at the tip ; flowers less than a line long, white ; fruit scattered, lowest short-pedicelled, not joined to the stem ; nutlets with three distinct (usually white) ridges running more or less regularly from the tip around the sides (but not on the angles) and down the centre to the base on the outer face, and usually with one intermediate one on each side; cross-ridges forming regular meshes with these, and from the angles thus formed arising straight prickles which are scarcely ever glochidiate and often not even barbed ; the depressed meshes filled with from one to several tubercles ; nutlets— cuspidate, ovate, convex on the outer and inner faces; inner face reticulated but not armed, provided with a very prominent ridge run- __ ning from the sharp tip to the large, almost deltoid scar at the base; _ angles rounded. oe 129 __ Dr. Gray informs me that the plant is quite rare. This, however, is not the case at and south of San Diego, where it is rather common, but appears to have been overlooked heretofore. The same is true of Echidocarya Californica and Harpagonella Palmert. Salt Lake City, Utah. Marcus E. Jones. _ Adventitious leaf on Dandelion.—I have found to-day a dande- lion ( Taraxacum Dens-leonis) with a well-marked though small leaf on the otherwise naked scape. It is three inches below the involucre. W. W. BAILEY. | Abnormal Growths in Ferns.—The following notes are from ob- servations on specimens collected during the present season on Staten Island: ‘ Pteris aquilina L.—Branches of the frond showing a great tendency to bifurcation. In the specimen figured, one of the branches is three nt times bifurcated, and many of the pinnae show \ the same tendency. In another specimen the pinnules are remarkably crenate and finely undulate on the surface, as if passed through a fluting-machine, with many edges fringed. These two varieties were found in a limited locality, near Tottenville, in company with the var. caudata, Hook.,* gradually merging by every L7—FY intermediate stage into the typical form. Osmunda cinnamomea, L..— A fertile frond in which the upper half is composed of very much | constricted sterile pinnae ; apparently approach- ing var. frondosa, Gray, which is, however, dis- tinguished by being fertile above and sterile below, the very opposite of the specimen in question.—Found near Garretson’s ; one speci- men only. oe Aspidium acrostictoides, Swartz, var. incisum, Gray.—A great — many forms seem to be included under this variety. In some of the — es fertile fronds every one of the pinnae is constricted, and covered wlth fruit throughout its entire surface. From this extreme there is every intermediate stage to the typical form. In some, the tips only are fertile, in others, the fruit is scattered over the surface promiscu- _ ously, and in rare cases is arranged in regular rows as in A. margin- ale, Swartz. Only two localities have thus far yielded these forms; — near Four Corners and Egbertville. ARTHUR HOLLICK. ; Botanical Notes.— Zxpansive Power of Fungt.—The marvellous res expansive power resulting from the rapid growth of the soft cellular tissue of fungi was strikingly illustrated a short time since In a — Sprawn elevator at Buffalo, NY The asphalt flooring of the building was over a foot thick, in two “Tt bis been decided by Prof. Eaton that the variety found at Staten Island — is not the true caudata.—ED. ~ 130 layers, The upper layer was seven inches thick, and was laid hot, rolled down, and thoroughly cooled four years ago. Below this there was an old floor of tar and gravel, six inches thick. A curious bulge in the floor was first noticed, covering about asquare foot. Insix hours the floor was burst open, and a perfectly formed toadstool, with a stem two inches through and a very wide cap, made its appearance. - Elsewhere the floor was smooth and unbroken. The Sweet Potato—kIn a paper which he has kindly sent us, M. DeCandolle calls attention to a character in the sweet potato plant to which sufficient attention has not been paid by systematists, and that is the radical tubercles (‘sweet potatoes ”), which exist in no other plant of the order Convolvulaceae. “In fact,’”’ says the author, “the dilated portions of Convolvulus Jalapa, C. pentaphyllus, C. Scammonia, etc., are caudices or rhizomes, as we may easily satisfy ourselves from figures worthy of confidence published in different works, I shall not stop to question whether in these species the expanded portion is the base of the stem or the principal root or a combination of both, this depending much on the character which we choose for distinguishing root from stem. It is sufficient to point out as a fact that in the sweet potato the expansions belong to lateral roots, while in the other species mentioned, it is the primary axis that becomes a tubercle. This difference is connected with other and greater ones. The roots of the sweet potato (Convolvulus Batatas, L..; Batatas edulis, Choisy) consist especially of a cellular tissue filled with fecula, and have a saccharine taste. The axillary tubercles, on the contrary, offer a remarkable complication of vessels and cells which secrete resinous matters. The sweet potato is good to eat, but the other roots, like the rhizomes of scammony, are eminently purgative. Generally, in this family, what belongs wholly or in part to the stems is more or less purgative, as the stems of Convolvulus Sepium formerly employed. * * * Whether we adopt the genus Batatas of Choisy, or whether we reject it, with Meiss- ner, or as Messrs. Bentham and Hooker have done in their Genera, the peculiar and rare character of the roots of the sweet potato should be in some way made prominent, and it appears to be impossible to leave the plant immediately along side of the jalap. * * * The geographical origin of the sweet potato is still a problem. I have _ tried to solve it in a work now in press, entitled Origin of Cultivated Plants, The probability is in favor of an American origin, but there are very singular reasons for considering the question as doubtful.” The Gymnocladus as a Fly-Poison.—A Virginian correspondent of the American Agriculturist asserts that the male trees of the Ken- tucky coffee-tree (Gymnocladus Canadensis) have been long observed by him to be a sure insecticide. He says: “Back of our house here, and overhanging the piazza, is a very large coffee-tree. Though __ this locality is infested, like Egypt, with a plague of flies, we have ___ never suffered any serious annoyance from them. One year this tree was nearly stripped of its leaves by a cloud of potato-flies (the blistering fly), and we feared that the tree would die froin the com- : _ plete defoliation. In three days, the ground beneath was black with _ 4 Carpet of corpses, and the tree put out new leaves and still flourishes. 131 For ten years we have used the bruised leaves, sprinkled with molasses water, as a fly-poison. It attracts swarms of the noisome insects, and is sure death to them.” Although the seeds of Gymnocladus are harmless, and have been used as a substitute for coffee, the leaves of the tree are said to con- tain cytisine, a vegetable principle which, in certain doses, acts on the human subject as an acrid poison. It is perhaps to this principle that are to be ascribed the effects of the leaves as an insecticide. Latent Vitality of Seeds—Messrs. Ph. Van Tieghem and Gaston ' Bonnier have been making some preliminary experiments, says Zhe. Gardeners’ Chronicle, to ascertain the effects of different conditions on the latent vitality of seeds. On January gth, 1880, several pack- ets of seeds supplied by Vilmorin were divided each into three equal parts.’ One portion was exposed to the free air, but secured from from dust; another portion was put into closed air, securely corked up in a tube; while the third was placed in pure carbonic acid. At the end of two years the seeds were taken out and weighed, and afterwards sown. With regard to weight, all the seeds exposed to.free air showed an increase. Thus, for example, fifty seeds of the common pea were found to have increased about #5 of their original weight ; and fifty seeds of the French bean about >, of their original weight. The seeds confined in closed air increased in weight, but infinitely less than those exposed to free air, and the increase in some instances was so trifling as to be hardly measurable. Thus, fifty peas increased about +}, of their original weight, and fifty beans | about 77455 of their original weight. As for the seeds placed in carbonic acid, they did not vary half a milligramme from their original weight. The foilowing are two examples of the comparative germi- nation of the seeds, the conditions being as near as possible exactly the same: Peas left in the free air, 90 per cent. germinated. “« “ closed air, 45 per cent. germinated. carbonic acid, o per cent. germinated. free air, 98 per cent. germinated. closed air, 2 per cent. germinated. «< _« “~~ carbonic acid, o per cent. germinated. The Cross-fertilization of Flowers by Insects —In his translation of Darwin’s work on Cross-fertilization, M. Heckel, in a foot-note, urges, as a decisive argument against the cross-fertilization of flowers by insects, the fact that these latter auxiliary aids are absent from < “ “ 73 “e Beans" Tae “c ‘“ the flowery summits of high mountains, or at least are extremely rare ce M.Ch.Musset,after four years’ residence and observation atGrenoble, __ _ in the centre ofa region which has all altitudes from 600 to 10,000 feet, comes forward with a note in the Comptes Rendus of the Académie des Sciences (T. xcv., No. 6),in which he fully confirms the views of Darwin, and shows that M. Heckel’s objection must fall to the ground. He testifies as the result of manifold observations of his — own, supported by the testimony of several distinguished botanists and entomologists of: the region, that all orders of insects are repre- sented up to an altitude of 9,800 feet; that above that height Lepi- 132 doptera, Diptera and certain Hymenoptera are more numerous than the other orders ; that the number of genera, species and indiyiduals of nectarophilous insects is proportional to that of flowers, and 1s sometimes incalculable; that the hours of opening and closing of nyctitropic flowers (which are much more numerous than usually be- lieved) are synchronous with the awakening and sleep of insects; that the apparent number of nectarophilous insects is in physiological and physical relation with the number of their favorite flowers, the calorific and hygrometric, calm or troubled state of the atmos- phere, and also with the rainy, stormy, dark or bright state of the sky. M. Musset adds that dew is one of the predominant causes of the temporary absence of insects. Botanical Literature. : Contributions to American Botany, X. By Sereno Watson. From the Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Vol. xvii., pp. 316-382. : : The contents of this tenth Contribution by Mr. Watson, which was presented to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences May 5th, and issued August roth of the present year, are: I. ‘List of Plants from Southwestern Texas and Northern Mexico, collected chiefly by Dr. E, Palmer in 1879-80. (Part 1. Polypetalae).’—This collection was made in 1879, mostly in the region lying northwest of San An- tonio, Texas, and along the routes from that place to Laredo and Eagle Pass on the Rio Grande, and in 1880 in the States of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon in Mexico. In addition, determinations are given of a collection made by Dr. J..G. Schaffner in the State of San Luis Potosi, as well as of some plants received from Prof. Alfred Duges of Guanajuato, Mexico. Forty-six new species are described. II. ‘Descriptions of New Species of Plants ehiefly from our Western Territories.’—In this paper, descriptions are given of seventy-seven species, all but three of which have hitherto been unknown to science. U.S. Commission of Fish and Fishertes. (Part vit.) Report of the Commissioner for 1879. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1882. - In this Report, just distributed, we find Prof. Farlow’s elaborate account of the Marine Algae of New England—a paper which the author issued over a year ago in the form of a reprint, and which we noticed at some length at the time. (BULLETIN, Vol. viii., p. 94.) SERIAL PUBLICATIONS. 3 Bulletin of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences. Vol. iv., No. 3- (August)—‘The Plants of Buffalo and its Vicinity’ (Part i.), by David F. Day. ___ The Syracuse Botanical Club—We learn from Mrs. Rust that at __ the March meeting of the Syracuse Botanical Club the following of- _ ficers were elected for the ensuing year: President, Mrs. M. J. _ Myers; Vice-President, Mrs. D. F. Gort; Recording Secretary, © _ Mrs. Harriet Wuire ; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Kate 5S. Barnes ; Treasurer, Mrs. ANNiz D. FAIRBANKS, . : Z BULLETIN TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Vol. 1X.) New York, November, 1882, (No. {t. New Species of North American Fungi. By J. B. Ets. HENDERSONIA RAutt.—Pustuliform, on capsules of Polptrichum formosum. Spores oblong-elliptic, 2-nucleate, subhyaline, g-11 x 33 m4, on sporophores longer than the spores. Found near Bethlehem, Pa., by Mr. E. A. Rau. HENDERSONIA VIBURNI.—Perithecia bursting through the epi- dermis in little clusters like a Va/sa. Spores ellipcical, brown, 3- septate, 13-15 x 54, on slender sporophores 2-3 times as long as the spore. On Viburnum lentago. Decorah, lowa. E. W. Holway. PesTALOzZZIA JEFFERISI.—Pustules black, flat, erumpent, scat- tered; spores elliptical, 5-septate, brown except the terminal cells, 18-20 x 74-94, on long slender pedicels, with a short (154-7/4) oblique crest or beak. On Viburnum prunifolium. West Chester, Pa. Haines, Ever- hart, Jefferis and Gray. Differs from P. rostrata and P. insidens (28th Rep. N. Y. State Mus.) in the rather smaller spores and snort terminal bristle. PESTALOZZIA CAPITATA.—Pustules hysteriiform, erumpent, min- ute, often subseriate by confluence and bearing some resemblance toa Puccinia; spores clavate-oblong, 3-septate, the lower division hy- aline, the others brown, colored part about 19 x 7$H, crest 3-parted, the divisions about as long as the spore, spreading and capitate at their tips. On dead leaves of Xerophyllum asphodeloides. Differs from P. clavata, C. and E., in habitat and the capitate crest. CHAETOMELLA STEVENSONII.—Perithecia ovate-globose, ~4—/5m m. in diameter, beset with straight, bristle-like black hairs t20-1g90y long by about 7 «thick at the base and gradually tapering to the tip, septate but so opaque that the septa are scarcely discernible ; spores fusiform, curved, nucleate, subhyaline, 19-26 x 24-34, on stout branching sporophores of about the same length as the spores, On fading leaves of Dentaria /aciniata. Fairmount Park, Phila- delphia, Pa. W. C. Stevenson. Differs from C. atra, Fckl., in its slenderer hairs, shorter sporo- phores, and spores nearly twice as long. MELANCONIUM HYALINUM. — Bursting through the bark in a semi-transparent mass; spores ovate-pyriform, 11-13 x 74-8). On dead limbs of Lombardy poplar. Decorah, Iowa. E. W. Hol- way. No. 102. ae ‘Distinguished from 4. pallidum by its smaller, differently shaped spores and lighter color. se . SEPTOSPORIUM FULIGINOsUM.—-A ppearing like a coarse black pubes- cence on the bark. Erect hyphae about ¢ m m. high, simple, sep- 134 tate, black; conidia clavate, 75-80 x15, contracted below inio a slender stipitate base, pale straw-color. ce On dead limbs of Cornus florida. West Chester, Pa. Everhart, Haines, Jefferis and Gray. : CoORYNEUM JUNIPERINUM.—Forming. little black, sphaeriaeform, scattered or aggregated, subconfluent tufts on living leaves of /umt- perus communis. Conidia vermiform-cylindrical, about 6-septate, dark brown, 35-40 x 6-8, on short, stout pedicels. Decorah, Iowa, May 1882. E, W. Holway. HELICOMA VELUTINUM.—Prostrate hyphae nearly obsolete, erect threads simple, subulate, septate, brown, 114-125 x 3-4/4; conidia with about two coils, brown and about 12-septate. : Hf, Curtisii, Berk., differs in its abundant creeping hyphae and its rather broader multiseptate conidia. A. Mulleri, Cda., has subhya- line spores not so closely coiled, and slenderer, and has also abund- ant prostrate hyphae. On decaying bark of Magnolia. New- field, N. J 3 The measurements not otherwise noted are in micromillimeters, z. é., thousandths of a millimeter. 5 North American Genera of Grasses.—Notes on Bentham’s_ paper on Gramineae published in Vol. xix. of the Journal of the Linnean Society. : The subjoined list of genera of grasses is intended to comprise all those represented in North America, north of Mexico, arranged ac- cording to the system of classification of Bentham in the paper above referred to. Several genera, Cofx, L., for example, are included that are only known as escapes from cultivation. JZsachne is inserted with- out a number as it is doubtful whether it occurs within our limits. Some of the notes appended to the list have already appeared in another publication, but as they comprise valuable matter for refer- ence they may well appear again for the use of the readers of the BuLtetin. The writer has only recently been able to consult the paper by Bentham, or the matter here published would have been presented at an earlier date. Series A. PANICACEAE. Tribe I. Paniceae.—1. Reimaria, Fligge. 2. Paspalum, Lin. 3. An- thaenantia, Beauv. (Aulaxanthus, Ell.) 4. A mphicarpum, Kunth. 5. Eriochloa, HBK. 6. Beckmannia, Host. 7. Panicum, Lin. 8. Oplismenus, Beauv. (Orthopogon, Br.) 9. Chaetium, Nees. (Berchtoldia, Presl.) 10. Sefaria, Beauv. 11. Cenchrus, Lin. 12. Pennisetum, Pers. (Gymnothrix, Beauv.) 13. Spartina, Schreb. (Trachynotia, Mx. Limnetis, Pers.) 14. Stenotaphrum, Trin. (Diastemanthe, Steud.) 15. Pharus, Lin. Tribe Il. Maydeae.—16, Cox, Lin. 17. Tripsacum, Lin. 18. Zea, Lin, (Mays, Gaertn.) Tribe III. Oryzeae.—19. fTydrochioa, Beauv. 20. Zizania, Lin. (Hydropyrum, Link.) 2r. Lusiola, Juss. (Caryochloa, Trin.) 22. Leersia, Sw. (Asprella, Schreb.) 23. Alopecurus, Lin. ‘Tribe IV. Tristegineae, Nees.—24. Thurberia, Benth. (Sclerachne, _ Torr. Greenia, Nutt.) 25. Polypogon, Desf. | oe 135 Tribe V. Zoysieae.—26. Hilaria, HBK. (Pleuraphis, Torr.) 27. Aegopogon, H. B. (Hymenothecum, Lag.) 28. Zragus, Hall. (Lappago, Schreb.) Tribe VI. Andropogoneae.—29. Jmperata,Cyr. 30. Erianthus, Mx. (Ripidium, Trin.) 31. Avionurus, H. B. 32. Rottboellia, Lin. f. 33. Manisurus, Lin. 34. /schaemum, Lin. 35. Heteropogon, Pers. 36. Andropogon, 1. 37. Chrysopogon, Trin. 38. Sorghum, Pers. (Blumenbachia, Koel.) Series B. POACEAE. Tribe VII. Phalarideae.—39. Phalaris, Lin. 40. Anthoxanthum, Lin. 41. AHierochloa, Gmel. (Savastana, Schrank.) Tribe VIII. Agrosteae.—42. Aristida, Lin. 43. Stipa, Lin. 4. Oryzopsis, Mich. 45. Milium, Lin. 46. Muhilenbergia, Schreb. 47. Brachyelytrum, Beauv. 48. LZycurus, HBK. 49. Heleo- chloa, Host. (Pechea, Pourr.) 50. Phleum, Lin. 51. Coleanthus, Seid. 52. Phippsia, Br. 53. Sporobolus, Br. Citta, Beauv.) 54. Lpicampes, Presl. 55. Agrostis, Lin. 56. Arctagrotis, Griseb. 57. Cinna, Lin. (Abola, Adans.) 58. Gastridium, Beauv. 59. Deyeuxia, Clarion. 60. Ammophila, Host. (Psamma, Beauv.) Tribe IX. Isachneae.—/sachne, Br. Tribe X. Aveneae.—61. Aira, Lin. 62. Deschampsia, Beauv. 63. ffoleus, Lin. 64. Trisetum, Pers. 65. Avena, Lin. 66. Ar- rhenatherum, Beauv. 67. Danthonia, DC. Tribe XI. Chlorideae.—68. Cynodon, Pers. 69. Ctenium, Panz. (Monocera, Ell.) 70. Chloris,Sw. 71. Zrichloris,Fourn. 72. Gymnopogon, Beauv. (Anthopogon, Nutt.) 73. Schedonnardus, Steud. 74. Bouteloua, Lag. (Eutriana, Trin.) 75. leusine, pra oak 76. Leptochioa, Beauv. (Oxydenia, Nutt.) 77. Buchloé, ngel. Tribe XII. Festucaceae.—78. Pappophorum, Schreb. 79.Cottea, Kunth. 80. Triodia, Br. (Uralepis, Nutt. Tricuspis, Beauv.) 81. Diplachne, Beauv. 82. Zvriplasis, Beauv. (Diplocea, Raf.) 83. EZremochloé, S. Wats. 84. Phragmites, Trin. (Arundo, Beauv.) 85. JZonan- thochloé, Engel. 86. AZunroa, Torr. 87. Lamarkia, Moench, (Chrysurus, Pers.) 88. Cynosurus, L. 89. Koeleria, Pers. 90, Eatonia, Raf. 91. Dissanthelium, Trin. (Stenochloa, Nutt.) 92. Catabrosa, Beauv. 93, Eragrostis, Beauv. 94. Melica, Lin. 95. Diarrhena, Raf. 96. Streptogyne, Beauv. 97. Pleuropogon, Br. (Lophochlaena, Nees.) 98. Unio/a, Lin. (Trisiola, Raf.) 99. Distichlis, Raf. 100. Dactylis, Lin. 101. Briza, Lin. 102. ~ Poa, Lin. 103. Graphephorum, Desv. 104. Glyceria, Br. 105. Festuca, Lin. 106. Bromus, Lin. Tribe XIII. Hordeae.—107. Lolium, Lin. 108. Agropyrum,.J. Gaertn. 109. Hordeum, Lin. 110. Elymus, Lin. 111. As- prella, Willd. (Hystrix, Moench. Gymnostichum, Schreb.) - Tribe XIV. Bambuseae.—112.