15 
uncommon. ‘ The spike as to form and imbrication of the scales is 
much as in 8. tenuis, 8S. compressus, ete.; but the achenium, with its 
several longitudinal ribs and delicate transverse lineation, is upon the 
plan of that of S. acicularis. From Torrey’s Hmplectocladus fascicu- 
latus, and two or three other species, a sub-order of Prunus, Emplecto- 
cladus, is formed. A synoptical table of Chanactis, D C., is given in 
connection with a new species, C. attenuata, from Arizona. Mr. E. 
L. Green, who has removed to California, has already detected there 
several of the new species enumerated.—5. The New York Tribine, 
Feb. 1st, contains a very surprising account, by Mrs. Mary Treat, of 
Vineland, N. J., of the carnivorous use of the supposed float-blad- 
ders of Utricularia.—6. From Prof. G. C. Swallow, State Geologist of 
Missouri, we have received (1) Geological Report of 8. W. Branch 
of Pacif. R. R., 1859, with a catalogue of Trees and Shrubs; (2) Re- 
port of the Commissioners of Statistics of the State-of Missouri, also 
with a catalogue of Trees, Shrubs, and Vines, 1867; (3) Report of 
the Curators of the State University, including the Agricultural and 
Mechanical College, 1874. : 
§ 7. Chicago Botanical Gardens.—Sixty acres have been set apart 
in the South Park of Chicago for a Botanic Garden, and Mr. H. H. 
Babcock, the Director, solicits contributions, ‘especially of seeds, 
cuttings, living plants, and herbarium specimens.” 
§ 8. Torrey’s Peak.—All botanists are interested in the perpetu- 
ity of this name, but as there is another local designation, some anx- 
iety has been manifested as to the probability of the latter prevail- 
ing over that given by Dr. Parry. In view of this apprehension 
the President of our Club wrote to Prof. Hayden, of the United 
States Geological Survey of the Territories, who in reply states that 
there is no possibility of Dr. Torrey’s name being superseded by any 
other. It has priority of date, and is on all the maps of the survey. 
§ 9. Poisoning by Cypripedium,—Prof. H. H. Babcock, in a 
communication to The Pharmacist, Chicago, January, 1875, 
states that, being especially susceptible to poisoning by Rhus Toxi- 
codendron, he for several years took every precaution against it. 
He not only was careful to avoid contact with the plant, but would 
not collect specimens of other plants growing near the Rhus, and 
went so far as to avoid handling fresh specimens gathered by others 
for fear these had been in contact with it. Notwithstanding all 
this, he found that late in May or early in June of each of several 
successive years he was so severely poisoned as to be confined to his 
room for several days, his face presenting the appearance usual in 
poisoning by Rhus. Upon referring to his field notes, he found 
that each season the poison manifested itself the day after he had 
collected either Cypripedium spectabile, or C. pubescens, and feels 
quite convinced that in his case the unpleasant effects were due to 
these heretofore unsuspected plants. Prof. H. asks for experiment to 
determine if his view is correct. Have any of the readers of the But- 
LETIN any observations bearing upon the matter ? CT 
§ 10. Spiraea Aruncus.—This plant grows abundantly in the 
“ Green river country,” Kentucky. Both Gray and Wood (Botanist 
and Florist) describe it as “ calyx, without bractlets ” (Gray), “ bract- 
. cancun 
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