249 
Fertilization of Cassia Marilandica. Thomas Meehan. (Proc. 
Phil. Acad. Nat. Sci., 1886, pp. 314-318.) 
An interesting study, in which reference is made to Mr. 
Leggett’s notes in early numbers of the BULLETIN. Mr. Meehan 
observed that as soon as the flowers open they are freely visited 
by bumble bees, which alight on the anthers of the long lower 
stamens, using these as a platform, and then open the pores at 
the apices of the anthers of the four shorter stamens, and empty 
them of pollen. He thinks that these pores are covered by 
membranes and are never ruptured except by insect agency. A 
gauze bag was placed over a panicle of the flowers, completely 
protecting them from the bees, and not one of the blossoms so 
enclosed produced a pod. Mr. Meehan was unable to ascertain 
that the anthers of this species ultimately split longitudinally, as 
Dr. Torrey believed happened with those of C. néctitans. 
Florida Fungt.—Notes on. W.W. Calkins. (Journ. Mycol., ii., 
pp. 126-128.) 
This is Mr. Calkins’ ninth contribution, and brings the num- 
ber of species noted up to 136. 
Fungi.—New. J. B. Ellis and Geo. Martin. (Journ. Mycol., ii., 
pp. 128-130.) 
Eleven new species are characterized. 
Grasses of the Arid Districts of Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado 
—An Investigation of the. Dr. George Vasey. {Dept. Agric., 
Botanical Division, Bulletin No. 1, p. 18, 13 plates; Wash- 
ington, 1886.) 
The most important pasture grasses of the region are the 
“Gramma Grass’’ (Bouteloua oligostachya) and the ‘‘ Buffalo 
Grass” (Buchloe dactyloides); Dr. Vasey estimates that they 
together form 75-90 per cent. of the whole grass product; 
numerous other species are found, however, and among these 
Andropogon provincialis, A. scoparius, Panicum virgatum, 
Distichlis maritima, Chrysopogon nutans, Keleria cristata, 
Muhlenbergia glomerata, Hilaria Jamesii, Sporobolus cryptan- 
drus, S. airoides and Elymus Canadensis are noted and illustrated. 
Hickory Nuts of North America. Joseph F. James. (Pop. Sci. 
Month., xxx., pp. 70-78 ; illustrated.) , 
An attempt to trace the genealogy of all our species of Carya. 
