364 
an over-production of insects injurious to vegetation, are recorded in 
the introductory portion to the report: One of these is in regard to 
the destruction, by a fungus, of the “Seventeen-year Locust,” which, 
it will be rembered, made one of its septem-decennial visitations in 
1877. This fungus, which Mr. Peck describes as belonging to a 
genus and species new to science, and which he names MMassospora 
Cycadina, develops in the abdomen of the insect, and consists almost 
wholly of a mass of pale yellowish or clay-colored spores having the 
appearance to the naked eye of a lump of whitish clay. Though the 
insect is not killed at once by the parasite, it is manifestly incapaci- 
tated for propagation, and thence the fungus may be said to prevent, 
to some extent, the injury that would otherwise be inflicted upon 
trees by the deposition of the Cicada’a eggs. While in the Adiron- 
dack region, Mr. Peck noticed the fact that the larve of some un- 
known insect, existing in countless numbers, and feeding upon the 
leaves of the Alder, were fast threatening the destruction of this 
plant. Looking beneath the bushes for the pupz of the insect in or- 
der to obtain a clue tothe latter’s identity, he was surprised to find 
that the larve, in every instance, had been killed by a parasitic fungus 
before they had had time to undergo their transformation; and he 
believes that by this provision of Nature the Alders of the above-men- 
tioned region have been saved from utter destruction, inasmuch as in 
another year they: would have been completely defoliated by the 
larvz had but half of those which he observed been allowed to come 
to maturity. 
We are glad to notice the fact that the Chancellor of the 
University has called the attention of the Legislature to the impor- 
tance of printing these Museum Reports soon after their presenta- 
tion, their value being greatly diminished by delay of publication. 
It is to be hoped that the appeal will not have been made in vain. 
§ 364. Florida Plants.—Mr. A. H. Curtiss, of Jacksonville, Flor- 
ida, writes that he has returned in safety from the eastern coast of 
the peninsula, where he has been collecting since the zoth of May, 
along the Indian and Halifax Rivers. He has brought home a large 
and valuable collection from’a region, we believe, hitherto unex- 
plored by botanists. This will supply the most of the material for 
his third Fascicle of Southern Plants, which will be ready some time 
in the coming winter. He collected most largely of Ferns, of which 
he will have extra sets ready in December. These will contain 12 
Floridian species, nearly all with roots, including complete specimens 
of Ceratopterts thalictrotdes, Brongniart, the Floating Fern, which was 
found by Dr. Garber in South Florida, and recorded by Prof Eaton 
in BULLETIN, Oct., 1878, VI. 263. At that time Dr. Garber had as 
yet found only sterile plants. The very moderate price for these sets 
will be $1.50 post-paid, and $1.20 for duplicate sets in the same 
package. Mr. Curtiss is prepared to send lists of the Southern, 
Northern, and Western plants he has for distribution, and to prepare 
herbaria of any size. 
Terms—One Dollar per annum beginning with the FYanuary 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 81s¢ Street, New York. Money 
Orders on Station K, V, ¥. Adi subscriptions or orders filled only on receipt of the money 
The Club meets regularly the second Tuesday of the month in the Herbarium, Cousin College 
at 7:30 P.M. Botanists are invited to attend. Dr. THurper. the President of the Club 
may be found at 245 Broadway. ee : 
