125 
tion of this idea is found in the fact that in S. crassifolia an ab- 
normal increase in the number of pistils has been repeatedly 
observed. : 
The few conjectures in which I have indulged are confessedly 
mere speculation, and perhaps quite erroneous. However this 
may be, all botanists, I am sure, will agree that it will be well 
worth while to examine with special attention any apetalous 
Saxifrage that may hereafter be detected. 
E, -E: STERNS: 
The Lateral Lines in the Leaf of Erythroxylon Coca. 
Commenting on the remarks of Prof. Schrenk, elsewhere in- 
dexed, the writer would present the following observations on 
these lines, made during an extended study of the living plant: 
The leaf is longitudinally: folded in the bud, the two lateral 
lines supporting the folds below, and the midrib and free borders 
of the leaf forming the upper edge of the bud. It does not 
necessarily follow that the lines are caused by the folding. The 
office of strengthening-tissues at such a point is obvious. It 
has long been accepted by importers that the prominence of these 
lines, and their proximity to the midrib, are characteristic of the 
quality of the leaf asa drug. As to the first part of this rule, 
it is borne out by the statements of the natives who chew the 
leaves. They select in preference a leaf exhibiting strongly pro- 
nounced lines; but I could not learn that their proximity to the 
midrib was at all considered by these people. Conditions of | 
growth produce the greatest variation in the appearance of 
the leaf, particularly as to these lines, and a corresponding de- 
gree of difference in the amount of alkaloids contained. As soon 
as a plant escapes from cultivation the leaves deteriorate, and the 
lines grow fainter until they disappear altogether. If the plant 
escape to a “pajinal,” as the bare sunny hillsides are called, 
the leaves become thick and pubescent; while if it escape to the 
deep forest they vary in the opposite direction, becoming large, 
pale, thin and flabby; but in either case the lines lose their 
prominence. I have extreme specimens of both these forms, | nee 
with scarcely a trace of any lines, and in which no cocaine can 
be detected by the nerves of the tongue. HH, T. . RUSBY, 
