109 
consideration the question of English names for the fungi and the 
diseases produced by them. The committee is composed of J. C, 
Arthur of Geneva, N. Y., Wm. G. Farlow, Cambridge, Mass., and 
Wm. Trelease of St. Louis, Mo., who are to act in conjunction with 
F. L. Scribner of Washington, D. C. 
A committee was also appointed to take into consideration the 
relations of the botanists of the country to the National Herbarium 
at Washington. This committee, consisting of John M. Coulter of 
Crawfordsville,_ Ind., and Wm. J. Beal of Lansing, Mich., reported 
in favor of asking that the herbarium prepare a catalogue of its spec- 
imens and books so that botanists may know what is to be found 
in it for consultation, and also in order that desiderata may be known 
to those who are able to supply them. 
Professor Beal read a few notes upon laboratory methods. This 
was followed by discussion and a general interchange of notes. 
Professor Halsted exhibited specimens of a wild grape from Iowa 
completely covered with Peronospora viticola. Near these specimens 
were many vines whose leaves were free from the parasite, but whose 
berries were badly affected. 
D. H. Campbell exhibited an organism from the Detroit River 
which he thought to be an alga. Other members doubted its vege- 
table nature. It was referred for further examination and study. 
Professor Coulter presented a list, with comments, of the plants 
collected by the Greely expedition. 
Professor Barnes described the peculiar dehiscence of the fruit of 
Campanula Americana^ in which a peculiar little flap opens and lets 
the seeds out when the weather is dry, but closes when it is wet. 
Professor Lazenby presented an additional list of plants new to 
the Ohio flora. 
During the session in the botanical laboratory the whole time was 
given to the discussion of laboratory methods, and examination of 
Various microscopes and of the laboratory books on the shelves in 
the room. 
Professor Burrill called attention to the grape disease due to 
Sphaceloma ampelina^ D. By. Specimens were exhibited and passed 
around among the members of the club. 
Mrs. Wolcott described au abnormal form of Campanula which 
had suddenly appeared in her garden, and which provoked a discussion 
on weed-seeds in which it was suggested that many weeds survive in 
fields and meadows by the yearly growth of depauperate plants which, 
though small, produce perfect seeds. 
Professor Barnes showed that the figures of the stomata of Mar- 
chantia polyfnorp/ia given in most books are erroneous in not s|iowing 
the guard-cells, which lie at the bottom of the chimney-like struc- 
ture. 
F. L. Scribner gave some hints upon the making of drawings from 
botanical specimens. 
Toh 
features of New Brunswick, which was read by the secretary. The 
low temperature and damp air have affected the flora so that it is 
quite peculiar. 
