SEEDS WEEDS. 359 



hasten germination somewhat, and that they are without any influence 

 on the production of chlorophyll in the seedlings. 



Effect of different temperatures of water on the germination 

 of olive seeds, X. Passerini (Bui. Soc. Bot. Ital., 1898, No. 3, pp. 

 71-73). — After removing the pericarp from a number of olives the seeds 

 of 8 lots were subjected for 10 minutes to the action of water of differ- 

 ent temperatures, tbe initial temperature of which varied from .'50 to 

 100° C. The seeds were then planted, and the germinations for 7 

 months are tabulated. It appears that the germination of the olive 

 seeds was accelerated when they were treated with water heated to 

 from 40 to 50°, and the maximum was reached at 70° C. When the 

 water was hotter than 90° O. there was no germination, the seed 

 having been killed. 



The woolly mullein, H. Garman (Kentucky 8ta. Bui. 70, pp. 99-107, 

 pis. 2, map 1). — In continuation of his investigations (E. S. E.., 9, p. 

 1024) on this weed (Verbascum phlomoides), the author describes its 

 distribution and some of its characteristics. As now known, the woolly 

 mullein has an uneven distribution over about 50 square miles, includ- 

 ing portions of 1 counties. The main distribution seems to be along 

 the Nolin River, and it is thought the weed was probably introduced 

 originally somewhere near the headwaters of this stream. Tbe effect 

 on germination of soaking the seed of this plant was investigated by 

 the Division of Botany of this Department, and a report given in the 

 bulletin shows that an average of 73 per cent germinated after floating 

 for 7 days in a bowl of water and 69 per cent after having been in water 

 for 11 days; so that practically the seeds would not lose their vitality 

 by being carried any ordinary distance down stream. 



Notes are given on the history of this weed in Kentucky and on its 

 distribution in Europe. It does not thrive in cultivated fields when 

 these are properly cared for, but is chiefly a frequenter of roadsides, 

 meadows, and pastures and much resembles in this respect the other 

 mulleins, to which it is nearly related. A description of the plant 

 together with photogravures are given, and it is stated that it begins 

 to flower early in June when not more than 2 or 3 it. high, at which 

 time it is often unbranched. It continues to produce flowers and put 

 out lateral branches and, if growing on good soil, attains a height of <s 

 or 10 ft. It is very prolific in the production of seed and on this 

 account might become a serious pest. 



Vegetative propagation of perennial weeds, A. S. Hitchcock 

 and G. L. Clothier (Kansas Sta. Bui. 76, pp. 23, pis. 12). — This bulletin, 

 which is the fifth report on Kansas weeds, discusses the methods of 

 vegetative propagation of perennial weeds. The weeds are divided 

 according to the methods of their propagation into 3 classes. (1) those 

 reproducing by creeping roots: Sumac (Rhus glabra), perennial rag 

 weed (Ambrosia psilostachya), pasture thistle, Indian hemp, milkweed 

 (Asclepias comuti), climbing milkweed (Enslenia albida), bindweed 



