340 
Aiken, S. C.,(H. W. Ravenel) ; Southern N. J., and Delaware, (W. M. 
Canby,) vide June BULLETIN. 
Cyperus erythrorrhizos, Muhl.—This Western species was found 
at Wading River, Suffolk Co., L. I., in 1872, by Messrs. E. S. Miller 
and Leggett, making a very remarkable addition to its geographical 
range. Dr. Torrey, in his “ Catalogue of Plants within 30 miles of New 
York City,” records it as common in wet meadows; this assertion 
certainly does not hold true now, the nearest locality for the plant be- 
ing in Pennsylvania. Perhaps the statement in the Catalogue is 
meant to apply to C. erythrorrhizos, Torrey, which is C. Michau- 
xianus, Schultes, and is found frequently around New York. 
Cyperus dentatus, Torr.—In the State Flora, Dr. Torrey de- 
scribes this species as having the “rhachilla naked.” Gray’s Manual 
however, says “axis wing-margined.” I have a large number of 
specimens of the plant from different localities, and in all of them, 
the axes of the spikes are naked. Have we two forms of the species, 
or is the Manual at fault? 
§ 346. Self-Defence in Plants.—This subject has been studied 
by Prof. Kerner of late, but Vergil seems to have thought about it 
before the Christian era. He is foretelling a return of the golden 
age, and uses this remarkable expression, Ectoc. IV. 28. 
Molli paulatim campus flavescet arista, 
where mo//i has puzzled commentators. Ladewig interprets it rightly, 
“with smooth ears, since they will have no more need of the sharp 
awns for protection against the birds which will then become harm- 
less.” Martyn takes the same view, and quotes Cicero as thus ac~ 
counting for the beard of wheat. Paulatim is probably only put in to 
help paint the grain gradually growing golden under the summer 
sun; it can hardly hint at the gradual change of evolution, and yet 
Vergil had, with the Epicurean School, speculated much on kindred 
subjects. 
' § 347. Vitis.—It is not yet too late in the season to recall to col- 
lectors Dr. Engelmann’s request for contributions throwing light on 
the limits especially of V. cordifolia and V. riparia. On pp. 233-4; 
and 310-11 of the current volume of the BuLLETIN he pointed out 
clearly the distinctions ; he has since told us that V. riparia may 
also be known by the finer fibres of the shreds of the separating 
bark. It is desirable to learn how far south and east rzparéa reaches, 
how far north and west cordifolia. For the distinctions the notes 
referred to should be studied, but we may briefly state as a reminder, 
that riparia has a bright, deep green leaf (above) with a truncate 
sinus, stipules longer, with the diaphragm of the nodes $-4 line thick, 
and fruits earlier; cordifolia has a dull, paler surface, acute sinus, 
rounded short stipules, with diaphragm interrupting the medullary 
tissue in the last year’s cane 4-1 line thick, and a stronger fragrance 
to the leaves. 
Terms—One Dollar per annum beginning with the January number, For the Botanical 
% mdi Hg 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. LeGGert, 54, Hast 81st Street, New York. Money 
Orders on Station K, V. Y. Adi subscriptions or orders filled only on receipt of the money 
‘The Club meets regularly the second Tuesday of the month in the Herbarium, Columbia Coll. 
3 Botanists are invited rn ¥ attend. Dr. Tuurser the President of the Clab 
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