3 
Vol. VI., No. 22.] BULLETIN OF THE TORREY Boranicat Cuus. [New York, Oct , 1876, 
§ 117 Aspidium Thelypteris, S:oz.--I have several times found 
specimens of this fine fern—usually described as pinnate and, by 
some authors, as bipinnatifid only—that were distinctly bipinnate 
with pinnatifid divisions, and now Mrs. Rust sends to me, from 
Syracuse, N. Y., some remarkable specimens that not only are bi- 
pinnate, but have the pinnules cut so near to the rachis as to make 
the fronds appear tripinnate with the divisions again pinnatifid. 
The specimens were found growing in the shade of deep woods 
—probably in a place that remains submerged with water through 
the winter and early spring months,—and, as usual with this fern 
when growing in such situations, were wholly barren. The species 
would not have been readily recognized from these specimens but 
for the character of the root, and the presence of one or two small 
fronds. The largest specimen—which measures 20 inches acruss 
the lower triangular-shaped divisions—is ternate, and resembles 
Pteris aquilina in its broadly triangular outline, rigid stipe and 
stalks; but the root, texture and venation are clearly that of A. 
Thely pteris. 
I am inclined to regard these specimens as an unhealthy con- 
dition of the plants rather than as a variety, and take it the ex- 
planation of the phenomena is to be found either in the exhaustion 
of the vital energies of the plants through a lack of some necessary 
element of food in the soil, or in a change of conditions by which 
they are surrounded. The roots were particularly weak —not hav- 
ing strength enough to support the fronds in an erect position—and 
indicate the gradual extinction of the species in a locality where at 
some time it may have been abundant and vigorous, Possibly, if 
transplanted to some new locality, they might recover their normal 
condition ; otherwise they will be likely to die out altogether. To 
test this I have planted two roots, and, if they survive, may be able 
another season to report results, Gro. E. Davenport. 
Boston, September 15, 1876. : 
$ 118. Notes.—Having several pots of garden Petunia in my 
windows, I noticed that many small flies were caught in the glan- 
dular hairs of the leaves and stems. I watched the fate of the 
insects as well as I was able. I never found that any escaped. If 
they struggled much, the viscid matter of the glands was drawn 
about and over them, like a web or a tangle of fine roots. Then, 
after some weeks, the legs and wings gradually disappeared, and 
finally the trunk, leaving the heads for a long time, nor can I say 
what finally became of these. The hairs of the plant before contact 
with the insect were of pellucid green, but, in all cases, became dis- 
colored for a little distance around the insect, turning brown but 
not withering. The insects were from one to two-twelfths of an inch 
in length. Once a much larger fly was caught and struggled in 
vain for half a day finally dying. But [lost sight of him. I am 
not able to form an opinion as to whether the insects were absorbed 
by the glands, but of the facts reported I am quite sure. 
Is it unusual for the Ericacese to be spontaneously propagated 
by seed at the present time? I have lived many years in near 
