ZOOLOGY AND BOTANY, MICROSCOPY, ETC. 487 



In conclusion, the Woodsieae-Woodsiinae of Diels (namely, Peranema, 

 Diacalpe, Hypoderris, Worn kin), with the exception of Ogstopteris, form 

 most probably a monophyletic series. In both gamophyte and sporo- 

 phyte there is a continuous reduction. The group is certainly most 

 nearly related to the Cyatheaceas, with closed inferior indusium, these 

 two groups having been separated off from one another in early times. 

 The Woodsieae, however, agree absolutely in sporangial structure with 

 the Polypodiaceaa, especially with certain species of Polypodium ; and 

 some of the Woodsiea3 with indusium open on the marginal side afford a 

 possible transition to certain forms of the Davallia series. 



Genera of Vittarieas.* — R. C. Benedict gives an account of the 

 external morphology, venation, and relationships of the fern-tribe 

 Vittarieae, under the four headings : tribal characters, genera, onto- 

 genetic stages, general considerations. In summarizing his results he 

 states that : — -1. The Vittarieas represent a w T ell-defined group probably 

 related to the Pterideae and to the Asplenieaj, and contain seven genera 

 — Monogramma, Hecistopteris, Vittaria, Polyteenium, Ananthacorus, 

 Anetium, Antrophyum. 2. Monogramma dareicarpa and M. graminea 

 seem to possess the simplest leaf and stem-structure known among vas- 

 cular plants. 3. The seven genera may be arranged according to their 

 venation in a phylogenetic series, ascending from Monogramma to 

 Anetium and Antrophyum. 4. The more advanced genera show in their 

 ontogeny successive venation stages similar to those noted in the phylo- 

 genetic series. 5. They differ from most other ferns in beginning with 

 a uninervate type, but usually they show secondarily the free dichotomous 

 venation found in other ferns. 6. The tribe illustrates clearly how one 

 type of areolate venation may have been derived from a free dichotomous 

 type. 7. In comparing the parallel adult and ontogenetic venation 

 series, affirmative evidence for the theory of recapitulation is found in 

 the inheritance in at least one primitive species of Vittaria of an unneces- 

 sary juvenile stage, which in another more advanced species of Vittaria 

 has been eliminated. 



Hymenophyllaceas in relation to Moisture. f — F. Shreve publishes 

 some studies on Jamaican Hymenophyllaceae in relation to water-supply 

 and atmospheric humidity. He sums his conclusions as follows :— 1. The 

 Hymenophyllaceaj are most abundant at about 5070 ft. altitude. 2. The 

 Jamaican species show differences ranging from the most pronounced 

 hygrophily to a relative degree of drought resistance. 3. The differ- 

 ences of climate from floor to canopy in the rain-forest determine the 

 local distribution of the different types of Hyinenophyllaceas. 4. The 

 low water loss from surface- dry leaves in a very moist atmosphere can be 

 met by root-absorption in all but the most hygrophilous forms. 5. The 

 transpiration current moves when the leaves are wholly or partly surface- 

 dry, but is at a standstill when the leaves are thoroughly wet. 6. All 

 but the most drought-resistant epiphytic species of Hymenophyllaceae are 

 capable of living for considerable periods as submerged aquatics. 7. The 

 drought-resistant species are capable of absorbing atmospheric moisture 



* Bull. Torrey Bot. Club, xxxviii. (1911) pp. 153-90 (7 pis.). 

 t Bot. Gaz. li. (1911) pp. 184-209 (8 figs.). 



