134 THE PLANT WOKLD 



tissues, plant societies and plant associations, and zonal distribution. 



Wliile the subjects of pliysiology and ecology are treated sepa- 

 rately from morphology for the sake of convenience, they should be 

 studied in connection with the structures with which they are most 

 closely connected. 



In the second half year a thorough study of the following tj'pes is 

 recommended: A. Algae, Pleurococcus, Haematococcus, Spirogyra, 

 Vauclieria, Fitcns and Nemalion. B. Fungi: Bacteria, Mucor, yeast, 

 Pnccinia and mushroom, G. Lichens: Physcia. D. Bryophyta: In 

 Hepaticae, Radiila; in Musci, PolytricJmm. E. Pteridophytes: In Fili- 

 cineae, Aspidium; in Equisetineae, Equisetmn; in Lycopodineae, Lyco- 

 podium and SelagineUa. F. Gymnosperms: Piinis. G. Angiosperms: 

 A monocotyledon and a dicotyledon. Classification should include a 

 study of the primary subdivisions of the same groups. 



The use of manuals for the determination of the species of flower- 

 ing plants is not considered an essential part, nor the preparation of 

 an herbarium a desirable part of the regular course. If either of these 

 lines of work is to be introduced at ' all, it should be voluntary for such 

 as show a taste for it. — Gilbert H. Trafton, Normal School, Randolph 

 Center, Vermont. 



An Abnormal Mandrake, Dandelion and Banana. 



The specimen of Podophyllum pelfatum L. in question consists of a 

 stalk bearing first, a small leaf, five inches broad, with a bud upon a 

 long slender peduncle in its axil; secondly, the stem continues ui)ward 

 for two and half inches, and bears an unusuallj' large peltate leaf, like 

 that of a sterile plant and a large flower upon a short stiff peduncle. 

 It is as if the stem had been elongated, separating the two leaves of a 

 normal plant, and two flowers formed instead of one. The lower flower 

 is axillary and the upper one terminal. 



A double-headed dandelion is quite unusual in New Jersey. The 

 one before me is not a flattened scape with a head many times longer 

 than wide, but instead the flower stalk is cylindrical with a normal 

 head at its summit. A half inch below the terminal inflorescence there 

 is another nearly sessile in the axil of a leaf two inches long and an 

 inch broad. This second head is larger than the first, blooming at the 

 same time, and has enough in the way of flowers for any dandelion 

 scape to bear. 



The third freak is a double banana that consists of two fruits of 

 the ordinary size that are joined upon one side throughout their whole 

 length. The edible portion of each is separate, but there is no rind 

 between them. 



All the above abnormalities were found by Mr. Kelsey, my assist- 

 ant, within the past few days. — Byron D. Halsted, New Brunswick, N. J. 



