161 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 



cells, bill in granules differently formed in the wheat, from those 

 in the cheat. 



It is impossible to conve}' in words, an idea of this difference 

 in form. In the cheat the silica granules are larger and more 

 abundant than in Avheat. 



In the upiier glumes of both plants there are from three to nine 

 veins. In tlie wheat not more than one vein is bordered with 

 stomata, in cheat every vein has on either side a distinct row of 

 large stomata, and this peculiarit3- of structure is so distinctive 

 that the botanist can pick from a 'bushel of the mixed glumes of 

 both plants, all that belong to the cheat, without possibility of 

 mistake. Other points of dissimilarity are obvious, but I have 

 stated enough to make a comparison with the doubtful outgrowth. 



In this doubtful outgrowth from the head of wheat I find the 

 obliquely ending internal cells in the upper glume, in the epidermal 

 cells, silica deposits identical in form and position with the cheat, and 

 unlike the wheat, and every vein is bordered with a row of stomata 

 on either side. Every morphological element of the outgrowth 

 corresponds in form to analogous elements in the cheat. 1 am 

 compelled therefore to pronounce it undoubted Bromus and not 

 Triticum. But I would report further. 



Seize now, very gently, this remarkable outgrowth, with delicate 

 forceps, and out comes the Bronuis from the Triticum, and the 

 trick is exposed. The Bromus has been introduced into the Triti- 

 cum artificially, and the cement employed to make the deception 

 more secure still adheres in flakes to the artificial parasite, and 

 resembles in appearances gum tragacanth. A beautiful fungus, 

 moreover, has found a nidus in the gum solution while fresh, and 

 is not found elsewhere on the wheat. The stem of the Bromus 

 which was inserted into the wheat, bears on its epidermal surface 

 minute outgrowths resembling precisely those on the correspond- 

 ing parts of the plant which is separate from the wheat. Now, on 

 naturally internal surfaces such epidermic outgrowths never occur; 

 I have no hesitation, therefore, in pronouncing this specimen cheat^ 

 neither do I think the workman has been expert in his manipula- 

 tion. 



November 10. 



The President, Dr. Ruschenberger, in the chair. 



Twenty-six members present. 



A paper entitled " Description of a new species of Helmintho- 

 phaga," by Harold Herrick, was presented for publication. 



Mountain Drainage of Eastern Tennessee and Western North 

 Carolina. Ancient Burial Custom. Joseph Willcox made some 

 statements in reference to the drainage of the mountain region of 



