190 PALEOBOTANY [BoT. Absts., Vol. X, 



125S. PiROTTA, R. Ulteriora ricerche sui bacilli radicali della Diplotaxis erucoides DC. 

 [Further investigations on the bacilli on the roots of Diplotaxis erucoides DC] Atti R. Accad. 

 Lincei Roma Rendiconti (CI. Sci. Fis. Mat. e Nat.) 29^: 361-364. 1920.— Details of compara- 

 tive cultural studies are given of 3 bacilli previously reported on Diplotaxis erucoides, showing 

 that they act similarly on proteins and carbohydrates but with varying intensity. — F. M. 

 Blodgett. 



1259. Ramsbottom, J. Californlan bees. Trans. British Mycol. Soc. 7: 86-88. 1921. 

 —See Bot. Absts. 10, Entry 1235. 



12C0. ViERLiNG, Karl. Morphologische und physiologische Untersuchung iiber boden- 

 bewohnende Mykobakterien. [Morphological and physiological investigation of soil-inhabiting 

 mycobacteria.] Centralbl. Bakt. II Abt. 52: 193-214. PI. 1. 1920.— A detailed study is 

 presented of a large number of soil-inhabiting mycobacteria. The growth and pigment pro- 

 duction on potato was not found to be as luxuriant as is generally stated in the literature. The 

 different color forms distinguished were red, white, yellow, and dirty yellow. Classification 

 of these organisms is complicated by the existence of transition forms. The most variable 

 character is color. Different strata of the same colony sometimes assume different colors, 

 especially in old colonies. The author agrees with Lehmann and Neumann in separating the 

 mycobacteria from the true bacteria and in placing them with the actinomyces. Multiplica- 

 tion by fission was not observed. Growth on solid and in liquid media is in the form of threads 

 with monopodial branching. These threads break up readily, especially when allowed to 

 dry on the cover glass, giving the appearance of bacillus and coccus forms. An important 

 distinction between mycobacteria and ray fungi is the absence of aerial spores. The principal 

 activity of these organisms in the soil seems to be in breaking down organized substances. 

 The limited amount of quinones produced by certain strains may be of importance in this 

 connection. The fact that the mycobacteria can utilize calcium nitrate makes it not unlikely 

 that they take part in the dissociation of this artificial fertilizer. It is a significant fact that 

 these organisms multiply rapidly in soils rich in humus. — Anthony Berg. 



MYXOMYCETES 



1261. BucHET, S., H. Chermezon, et F. Evrard. Materiaux pour la flora franjaise des 

 Myxomycetes. [French Myxomycetes.] Bull. Trimest. Soc. Mycol. France 36: 106-121. 

 1920. — This article constitutes the 2nd work published by these authors on the subject, the 

 1st having appeared in 1912. Lists from herbaria and exsiccati are given, including mostly 

 forms not already listed in previous publication. Extensive collections of new specimens from 

 all parts of France are listed. A total of 132 species is reported from France. A short bib- 

 liography is given. — D. S. Welch. 



1262. Hadden, Norman G. Mycetozoa at Porlock in October, 1920. Trans. British Mycol. 

 Soc. 7: 13-16. 1920. — During the first half of October the weather conditions were favorable 

 for the fruiting of Myxomycetes on sawdust heaps while later in the month many interesting 

 and some rare species were found on decaying logs, twigs, hedge clippings, and mosses. A 

 number of species are discussed with reference to habitat and weather conditions. — W. B. 

 McDougall. 



PALEOBOTANY AND EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY 



E. W. Berry, Editor 



(See also in this issue Entries 1089, 1094, 1188, 1392) 



1263. Berry, Edward W. Tertiary fossil plants from Venezuela. Proc. U. S. Nation. 

 Mus. 59: 553-579. PL 107-109. 1921.— Plants are described from beds in the foothills of 

 the Sierra de Merida in Venezuela which are considered to be of Miocene age. New species 

 are described in the genera Blechnum, Sabalites, Coussapoa, Ficus, Anona, Simaruba, Rhizo- 



