1913] The Ottawa Naturalist. 55 



or more later than the other acaulescent violets. 



V. Macounii is not mentioned in Gray's Manual. It is, 

 however, a well defined species, growing on limestone foundation. 

 It differs from all other acaulescent violets in having all petals 

 hairy on the inside. (The other species have at most three petals 

 hairy on the inside). 



Regarding V. Fletcheri, its specific value is less clear and 

 the opinion was expressed that it might turn out to be V. 

 septentrionalis out of place. 



Under the second division of the stemless violets, i.e., those 

 which possess root stocks which are long and filiform, seven species 

 have been recorded from the Ottawa district. Of those the follow- 

 ing were demonstrated and explained at the meeting, viz., 

 V. pallens (Banks) Brain, V. blanda Willd and V . renifolia Gray. 



The specimens of V. pallcus presented at the meeting were 

 collected at Blueberry Point by Messrs. Macoun and Malte. 

 When collecting the specimens it was noticed that among the 

 typical plants were growing individuals, characterized by having 

 much larger flowers and by being much hairier all over. In 

 other respects they resemble I*, pallens very closely, and the 

 opinion was expressed that they represent a hairy variety of 

 V. palleus not sufficiently distinct from that species to be con- 

 sidered a species of its own. 



An interesting discussion took place regarding the biology 

 of violets, it being explained that while, in the acaulescent species, 

 seed usually was produced from cleistogamous flowers developed 

 after the showy spring flowers had disappeared, it was occasion- 

 ally found that plenty of seed could be produced by the spring 

 flowers which generallv are sterile. Such a phenomenon had 

 been observed, during one season, by Mr. Macoun to be qnite 

 frequent in 1*. Macounii. 



One of the most interesting features in connection with the 

 discussion of the evening was the exhibit and examination of a 

 strange form which was believed to be a hybrid betweeno V 

 cucullata and V. septentrionalis. An examination of the pollen 

 by Dr. Malte had shown that at least 90% of this was unde- 

 veloped. Undeveloped pollen is an indication of hybridity. 



Before closing the discussion, Dr. Malte announced that 

 Mr. Macoun and he were arranging to studv the different 

 species and forms of violets during the fruiting season, and to 

 note any peculiarities which might be utilized in distinguishing 

 the different species. Any observation of value might be used, 

 if necessary, in connection with the key to the genus, which key, 

 it was hoped, would be available for distribution before the violet 

 season opens next spring. 



L. H. Newman. 



