240 
Two plates are also given illustrating the fertile and sterile fronds 
of Asplenium angustifolium. There are besides plates illustrating 
- the fructification of every genus described, and finally a reproduction 
of Mr. Davenport’s illustration of the vernation of Botrychium, which 
appeared in the January number of the BuLLeTin. Plate II. illus- 
trates the mode of fertilization, prothallus, antheridia, archegonia, 
partly from nature, partly from other authors. The book is pro- 
vided with index and introduction. The latter treats of the 
Structure (PI. I.), Fertilization, Collecting and Drying and Classifi- 
cation ; and givesa Key tothe Genera. Mr. Williamson is a devoted 
admirer of the beauty of vegetable forms, he is also a botanist and 
an artist, and has learned to etch that he.may exhibit his favorites. 
The etchings have, however, been transferred to lithographic stones 
for purposes of economy, but he thinks without loss. Of course, on 
pages of so small size, only the smaller ferns can display all their 
natural grace and delicacy; yet it is surprising how much of loving 
care can be discovered even in most of the larger ones. The artistic 
treatment of many of the subjects is admirable. It is not often that 
science and art are so happily blended. 
5. Contributions to the Botany of North America, by Asa Gray, 
Proc. Am. Acad. XIII. 361. It seem that we have four species of 
Elatine; #. Americana, the only one found on the Atlantic border, 
but occurring also in Colorado and Oregon; #. Cadlifornica, on the 
Sierra Nevada; &. triandra and E. brachysperma, from Illinois and 
Texas westward ; they are chiefly distinguished by their seed. Dr. 
Gray distinguishes two new Genera of Acanthaceae; Carlowrightia 
and Gatesia. Seventeen new Astragali are described. Galium 
margariococcum and Arnica viscosa were discovered or distinguished 
last summer by Gray & Hooker. Actinella Brandegei, T. C. Porter, 
is to take the place of A. grandiflora, var. glabrata, in Porter & 
Coulter’s Flora. Actinella biennis is the occasion of some critical 
remarks on the genus. 6. List of Fungi found in the vicinity of 
Boston, Part I1., June, 1878, by W. G. Farlow. A valuable critical 
notice of several fungi of the author’s favorite families. 7. Diseases 
of Fruit-bearing ‘Trees. (From the 25th Annual Report of the Mass. 
Board of Agricult.) Particularly relating to the Fungi on the Cherry 
family and Vine. 8. On the Synonymy of some species of Uredingae, 
by W. G. Farlow, Proc. Am. Acad. Feb. 13, 1878, relates chiefly to 
the synonymy of some of the Fungi, in the list referred to above, No. 
6. 9. We have received from Gustav E. Stechert, 766 Broadway, 
N. Y., a valuable catalogue of botanical works for sale by List & 
Francke, in Leipzig, from the library of the late distinguished Pro- 
fessor Dr. A. Braun of Berlin. 
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, Last 81st Street, New York. Money 
Orders on Station K, NV. ¥. Adi subscriptions or orders filled only on receipt of the money. 
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. THURBER, the President of the Club, 
may be found at 245 Broadway. 
