48 , THE PLAXT WOin.D. 



bright days. The position of the leaf-blade is attained by the 

 bending of the petiole in a narrow zone, nsnally colored red, im- 

 mediately adjoining it. When the bend is a sharp one, the effect 

 of the compression of tissnes on the concave side manifest by 

 the wrinkling of the more superficial of these. Seedlings in pots 

 grow readily and show these reactions with the same regularity 

 displayed by plants in the open. It is very hardy, and is readily 

 obtained. It has, to be sure, been used in the botanical labora- 

 tory, but is not well known, certainly not as well as it deserves. 

 Clover phnitlets arc good, but the reactions are more complicated 



Crooke's dist-uvcry of a method of ohiainiiig nitrogen from 

 the air has the promise of revolutionizing methods of agriculture 

 if the reports in the public prints may be relied upon. 



Elda Iv. Walker has published her study of the development 

 of the ovary in a number of grasses, and including the Indian 

 corn. Briefly stated, she shows that in all forms studied there 

 are three carpels, two lateral and one dorsal, which bears the 

 ovule. In this the vascular tissue extends above the ovule, often 

 to the top of the ovary. This' structure is especially obvious in 

 the Indian corn. The theory is borne out by the fact that three 

 strands of vascular tissue are always present. The dorsal strand 

 has previously been described as marking the line of union be- 

 tween the two lateral carpels. It is now to be looked upon as the 

 median structure of the dorsal (lower) carpel. (University of 

 Nebraska Studies, 19015.) 



A gratifying degree of progress in agricultural education 

 in this country is evident from the annual re])ort of the Director 

 of the office of Experiment Stations for lOOG. Enlargement of 

 the work along lines of assured usefulness is promised if tlie 

 necessary funds are f(n-thcoming. Twenty thousand dollars has 

 been asked for. 



