FLORAL NOTES OF FOREIGN LANDS. 59 



able depth. Undoubtedly this fact was contributory to the rapid 

 growth of the post-pluvial foliage. In the experiment detailed 

 above, the total growth in a few daws was due wholly to the water 

 available on the surface of the stem, and the inference is not 

 strained. I believe, if we conclude that, normally, the first stimulus 

 to growth in the leaves is due to the water taken up, probably, at 

 or near the buds. In view of the very thick coating of waxy bark 

 it seems unlikely that the water would find entrance elsewhere, 

 though we may be wrong in this, since there are rifts through 

 which conceivabl}' the water might enter. 



It may also be noted that the buds of the ocotillo are minute, 

 sometimes indeed scarcely visible, and covered by, at most, a few 

 light-brown, thin. chalTy scales. The repeated loss of leaves at 

 the same place results in a rough area surrounding the base of the 

 bud at which water may, we may well believe, be taken up. 

 There is otherwise no evidence of the presence of any special 

 adaptive structures to this end, and their absence in a very marked 

 desert type of plant is not to be overlooked. That the absorption 

 of water l)y the stem is of no very great importance, if anv, in the 

 economy of the ocotillo, may perhaps well be maintained : while 

 on the other hand we might argue that in regions where the rain 

 is very scarce the very rapid jM-oduction of foliage would be of so 

 great importance that even the little water absorbed would be 

 equally so. At any rate, the question here barely touched upon 

 is one of a host of similar ones which need elucidation by con- 

 stant study under just such special conditions as are to be found 

 in the desert. 



FLORAL XOTES OF FOREIGX LANDS. 



By Fei.ix J. Koch. 



{Coiicliisioii.) 



At Belgrade, the capital of Servia, the laurel leaf is employed 

 extensively for decorative effect. 



Along the streets of Belgrade on festive occasions, such as at a 

 coronation, little red. white and blue poles are erected at set in- 

 tervals, and these are then joined by garlands of oak-leaves woven 

 bv the soldiers. 



