THE AMERICAN BOTANIST. 21 



are almost entirely confined to this group. The Mistletoe was 

 once called a parasite, but this plant has more or less chloro- 

 phyll and thus is partly self-supporting. Such an association 

 of plants is more properly described as a low case of symbio- 

 sis in which each plant gains something from the partnership. 

 A more pronounced case of symbiosis is found in the associa- 

 tion of the clover and a species of bacteria which inhabits 

 small nodules on its roots. Here the bacteria take up nitrogen 

 for the clover and are repaid by elaborated food from the 

 latter. The Indian pipe is a plant frequently described as a 

 saprophyte and in the same class were formerly placed the 

 coral-roots, broom-rapes and many others, but it now appears 

 that all these plants have formed partnership with certain low 

 fungi called mycorhizas, which inhabit the outer layers of the 

 roots and absorb plant food from the soil, and thus both the 

 fungi and flowering-plants are true symbionts, each contribut- 

 ing something to, and gaining something from, the partner- 

 ship. 



Pitcher-Plants for Schools. — In many localities 

 where botany is taught it is often a difficult matter to secure 

 from the surrounding region, material to illustrate the so- 

 called insectivorous plants. The bladderworts {Utriciilaria) 

 are likeliest to be found, but their small size makes them un- 

 satisfactory. The pitcher-plants are best for cultivating in 

 pots in the school-room and four different species namely, 

 Sarracenia purpurea, S. Hava. S. Drummondii and 6^. psifta- 

 cina, may be procured for 15 cents each from F. H. Horsford, 

 Charlotte, Vt., at any time of year except in the height of the 

 growing season. The small cost of the specimens makes it 

 possible for every teacher of botany to add a most interesting 

 and attractive feature to the school-room. The sundews 

 (Drosera rotiindifolia and D. intermedia) and the venus' fly- 

 trap (Dionea miiseipula) also grow well in the school room 

 and may possibly be obtained from other dealers. 



