THE PLANT WORLD 137 



Institute of Technolog}'. Its aims, as set forth in the circulars of infor- 

 mation that liave been distributed are the promotion, first, of jjure science 

 by observation and field work on nature study ; second, of education, by 

 emphasizing the importance of opportunities by biological investigation 

 as educational methods ; third, of economic biology, by utilizing the 

 biological sciences in the study of practical problems. 



The observatory now controls 300 acres of land in Sharon, and ex- 

 pects to add to its holdings from time to time. Among the uses to which 

 this land will be devoted are, a preserve for native wild plants and ani- 

 mals ; natural woodland for forestry investigations ; and an experi- 

 mental farm in connection, with which the physiology of domestic ani- 

 mals may be studied and the development of new breeds undertaken. 

 Finally, there is to be a summer school for general nature study, intended 

 especially for teachers, but embracing elementary courses as well. Mr. 

 Samuel C. Prescott, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is in 

 charge of the subject of plant life. 



The recent death of Mr. G. S. Jenman, for many years director of 

 the Botanical Garden at Georgetown, British Guiana, and previously 

 director of the Hope Gardens at Jamaica, brings into prominence the 

 many contributions made by him to fern literature, and their great value 

 to the student of West Indian ferns. 



Notes of Current Literature. 



The University of Maine Studies, No. 3, contains a preliminary list 

 of Maine Fungi by Mr. P. L. Bicker. This is the most complete list of 

 Maine Fungi that has appeared. It is based chiefly on specimens which 

 are extant. 



Dr. W. a. Kellerman, of the University of Ohio, has resumed the 

 publication of the Jouriud of Mycology, which was dropped by the U. 

 S. Department of Agriculture in 1894. It will be published quarterly at 

 $1.00 per year. Two numbers have already appeared. Bibliographers 

 and librarians will regret the retention of this name for what is in reality a 

 new journal. There is certainly a need for a good mycological journal 

 in this country, and we trust the editor will be heartly supported in this 

 undertaking. 



Dr. a. Engler has an extended article on the Plant Geography of 

 North America, in the May issue of the Notizblatt des Konigl. Botani- 

 schen Gartens und Museums zu Berlin. It is accompanied by a maj^ 



