208 
not a few instances all. A friend suggests that hybrid tulips and 
hyacinths have to be cultivated a number of years before they 
break, as it is termed, and show their mixed origin; perhaps Mr. 
Parkman’s lilies would break if cultivated long enough. In the 
Feb. No. Sereno Watson gives an incomplete synopsis of the species 
of Populus, for the purpose of calling the attention of botanists 
during the coming season to this still very imperfectly-known genus. 
Flowers and fruit, even of the common species, are too rare in 
collections, and are much needed for their satisfactory definition. 
We have not space for other matters of interest noted by Profs. Gray, 
Goodale, Farlow and Eaton. The Journal, however, is, or ought to” 
be in the hands of all who want to know what is doing in the botanical 
world.—2. American Naturalist, Jan-Feb: This monthly is now 
published in Philadelphia by McCalla and Stavely, under the edito- 
rial management of Dr. A. S. Packard, Jr., and Prof. E. D. Cope. 
There is in the Feb. No. an article on the “ Distribution of Timber and 
Origin of Prairies in Iowa.”” The writer, Prof. J. E. Todd, insists 
that the constancy of the humidity of air and soil is the most important 
factor in the formation of forests.—3. Ferns of North America, by 
Prof. Daniel C. Eaton, Parts I-III, S. E. Cassino, Naturalists’ 
Agency, Salem, Mass., one dollar a part. The work is issued in 
large quarto parts, at intervals of about two months, which is as 
fast as the plates can be prepared. It will require about twenty parts 
to complete the work, in the course of which every species known 
to inhabit the United States will be figured. The artist is Mr. 
Emerton, and the editor has the aid of the most eminent pteridolo- 
gists. The plates are printed in colors. The three numbers of 
this beautiful and valuable work thus far published, contain nine 
plates, finely and fully illustrating sixteen species, viz.: Lygodium, 
palmatum, Swartz; Cheilanthes Cooperae, Eaton; C. vestita, 
Swartz; ©. lanuginosa, Nutt.; C. Californica, Mett.; Asplenium 
serratum, L.; A. ebenoides, R. R. Scott; A. ebeneum, Aiton; A. 
pinnatifidum, Nutt.; Botrychium Lunaria, Swartz; B. lanceolatum, 
Angstrom; B. boreale, Milde; Aspidium Noveboracense, Swartz; 
Camptosorus rhizophyllus, Link; Notholaena Fendleri, Kunze; N. 
dealbata, Kunze. The illustrations represent the whole plant and 
such details as are necessary to understand the venation and fruitifi- 
cation, are beautifully and naturally colored, and choice specimens. 
The letter. press gives not only the scientific description and 
synonomy, but also an account of the allied plants and much matter 
of interest in regard to distribution, localities, habits and other 
details. The lovers of ferns are fortunate in the opportunity here 
offered to them. 
Terms—One Dollar per annum beginning with the Fanuary number. For the Botanical 
. Directory 40 cents ; three copies for one dollar, or twelve for three dollars. Vols. I-V., 
with index, and photograph of Dr. Torrey, $3.75. Copies of Constitution and By-Laws 
of the Club. 25 cents. Address, WM. H, LEGGETT, 54, East 81st Street, New York. Money 
Orders on Station K, NV. ¥.° Adi subscriptions or orders filled only on receipt of the money. 
oe The Club meets regularly the last Tuesday of the month in the Herbarium, Columbia College, 
at7:30 P.M. Botanists are invited to attend. Dr. Tuurper, the Presid. 
may be found at 245 Broadway. ear ee 
