“98 
features of the group: (1) that they are true ascomycetes, and (2) 
that they possess a sexual method of reproduction. The group is 
an obscure one, its members living parasitic on insects and having 
a simple structure and microscopic size, but inconspicuous as the 
group is, it is likely to throw much light on the origin and rela- 
tions of some of the higher fungi, and is certain, at least, to throw 
doubt on the Brefeldian conclusions regarding the origin of the 
ascomycetes. American botany is indebted to the author for his 
laborious work on this unknown group of fungi and for his elab- 
orate monograph. L. MA} 
Ferns and Fern Allies of New England. By Raynal Dodge. Pp. 52. 
Binghamton, N. Y., Willard N. Clute & Co. 1896. 
This little handbook, which can be slipped into the pocket, 
will be a convenient companion for fern-hunters in the region 
which it covers. It also indicates a renewal of interest in the pop- 
ular study of these plants which, in the past twenty years, has been 
of much service in bringing to light the fuller knowledge of their 
distribution and variation. Two species of Jsoe¢es are described, 
and a series of field notes on these plants is included; these are — 
timely, since this obscure group, more than any other, is in need 
(1) of careful and extended observation in the field, and (2) care- 
ful study under variation of water supply with special reference to 
its influence on the development of structures that have been used 
hitherto in classification, and (3) of comparative study in anatomical 
structures and their illustration. To none who have made greater 
or less contributions to the knowledge of this group in America 
has this possibility of the study of fresh material been possible, and 
there is much to be gained by those to whom the opportunity is 
open to study habits as well as comparative structures. If this 
booklet succeeds in stimulating this sort of observation it will have 
done a good work. L. M. U. 
Proceedings of the Club- 
WEDNESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 27, 1897. 
In the absence of the President, Vice-President Rusby occu- 
pied the chair. There were twenty-one persons present. 
