‘ 
357 
O. Lusitanicum, Sardinia and Island of Madeira. 
O. palmatum, Eastern Cuba. 
O. pendulum, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands. 
_A note accompanies the latter to the effect that it was col- 
lected on trees, which is quite strong evidence of the probablé 
necessity for the presence of this symbiont. 
It thus appears that in the Ophioglossacee throughout the 
world, there exists a close symbiotic relationship with this organ- 
ism, in all probability an accompaniment, or the cause’ of, the 
absence of root-hairs, which may have disappeared through lack 
of the necessity for such absorbent organs. 
No specimens of Helminthostachys were at hand to examine, 
but I think we may confidently expect to find the organisni in 
this genus also. | 
It may still be a question how much influence this symbiont 
has had on the symplicity of structure found in the Ophioglos- 
Sacez, and what effect this would then have on the phylogenetic 
Position of the order. 
Boranica DEPARTMENT, CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 
Photography as an Instrument for recording the macroscopic Char- 
acters of Micro-organisms in artificial Cultures.” 
By Gero. F. ATKINSON. 
Many species of micro-organisms in artificial nutrient media 
Present, in the. growth of the colonies, characteristic peculiarities 
of form. These macroscopic appearances are frequently of great 
value when employed as differential characters. Some species, 
specially of fungi, when viewed by transmitted light, present im- 
portant characters in the fine radiating threads and the general 
arrangement of the colony as a whole. The comparative density 
also of the colony is frequently quite constant. 
A method of accurately recording these macroscopic charac- 
ters would be a valuable aid in descriptions and comparative 
Study. 
beacon ee OE a 
* Read before the Section of Botany, A. A. A. S., Madison Meeting, August, 1893. 
