312 THE PI.ANT WORLD 



spores or sex-organs are formed. The nuclei are numerous and small, 

 and are moreover very diflBcult of observation. They are therefore usually 

 not seen in the laboratory by students. 



The female sex-organ (oogonium) appears as a short branch, which 

 soon becomes globular, ultimately taking the well-known characteristic 

 form. This is filled with protoplasm, chloroplasts, nuclei and vacuoles. 

 The latter enlarge and run together so that the protoplasm ultimately 

 there is a layer on the periphery connected with a mass at the centre by 

 more or less radially placed strands. Before the final form is taken, the 

 protoplasm of the egg is separated from the main filament by a transverse 

 wall. It has heretofore been supposed that before the partition is estab- 

 lished, all the nuclei but one wander back into the body of the plant, 

 and this is the account which is generally given in the text-books. Davis 

 has shown, however, that this is not the case, but that the septum shuts 

 in a considerable number of nuclei, a// but one of which dege^ierate, one 

 only remaining as the egg-nucleus. This takes up a position in the 

 central mass of protoplasm and enlarges. 



Mycological Biilletiyi No. 20, for August, 1904, contains some sugges- 

 tions for the field study of mushrooms. It is pointed out that the use of 

 water-color sketches is important and much to be desired when possible. 

 It may be added that, as a hobby for any one with an artistic turn and 

 some feeling for color, but with perhaps limited technique, the study of 

 fungi by this means is not only very enjoyable but is excellent training 

 in the use of color. The writer has spent many both profitable and 

 pleasurable hours in this way. Only those who have taken occasion to 

 examine rather closely a goodly number of the translucent forms espe- 

 cially can form an adequate notion of the great beauty and extreme 

 delicacy of color, aside from that of form, displayed by them. The young 

 naturalist may receive most valuable training in this way. We perhaps 

 overlook too often the value of cultivating the senses, and the appreciation 

 of esthetic in students. To lack this when it might have been developed 

 is deplorable. A well-rounded botanist should certainly have it. 



In addition to the Mycological Btdletin 20, Nos. 21 and 22 have also 

 appeared, and all contain very good illustrations of eight sorts of fungi 

 and a slime-mould. 



We would remind our readers that by sending the trifling fee of ten 

 cents to Professor W. A. Kellerman, Columbus, Ohio, one may become a 

 member of the Mycological Club and receive these helpful bulletins which 

 appear monthly. 



