358 
which much resembles the parenchymatous or fundamental tissue 
of the higher plants. Owing, however, to its hyphal origin, it is 
usually termed pseudo-parenchyma. The transition from inter- 
woven hyphae to this tissue may be well seen in the stromata of 
Tubercularia, especially if the perithecial forms be present. The 
hyphae become much septate and the cells swollen and coalesced, 
forming a tissue of rounded cells. In the Pesizas and Discinas, 
also, we find the transition nicely shown. In these plants the cells 
are often large and vesiculose, but are formed by the septation and 
coalescence of large hyphae. 
Mr. H. von Schrenk discussed the host-plants of Comandra 
umbellata. He stated that though this species generally grows on 
various Ericaceae, notably Vaccinium Pennsylvanicum and 
corymbosum, he had found it on Potentilla, Solidago and Phleum 
pratense. He had found that there is no connection between the 
vascular systems of the parasite and the host-plant in Pideum, and 
had also cultivated the Comandra at St. Louis, independently of 
any host-plant, the plants growing to a height of several inches. 
He had collected C. pallida in Newfoundland, growing on Vac- 
cintum and Solidago. Dr. Bessey stated that both C. pallida 
and C. umbellata occur in Nebraska at least 1,000 miles from any 
ericaceous plant. Prof. Coulter reported that he had satisfied 
himself that in the vicinity of Chicago C. wmbellata grew unat- 
tached to any host. 
Prof. MacMillan spoke on “The Function of the submerged 
Leaves of Salvinia natans.” These hair-like leaves have been sup- 
posed to function as absorbing root-hairs, but he had observed 
that the rigid tips of these organs serve to prevent small aquatic 
animals from approaching the sporocarps, which they guard; he 
also stated that they project at right angles to the stem and thus 
serve as a counterpoise against the wind. Dr. B. B. Davis said 
that he had observed them entangled with humus and slime. 
Prof. MacMillan remarked on “Nuclear Budding in Cypripe- 
dium.” He stated that in C. Reginac,C. acaule and C. hirsutum the 
nuclei of the cells at the base of the hairs divided by an interest- 
_ ing and singular method, which differs from both methods known — 
as phragmentation and karyokinesis, but was evidently referable 
to the former. 
