822 EXPERIMENT STATION KECOBD. [Vol. 38 



studies on stoiiuital chtiraclers and related phenomena as carried out in a 

 number of families of plants. 



It is held that stomatal structure in a given natural group possesses a 

 remarkable tixity, being an expression of ancestral characters rather than 

 of local and temporary adaptations. The characters marking some families are 

 cited as illustrating this fact. The Polypodiacese are thought to constitute a 

 special group in some respects. A striking analogy is noted between the 

 stomatal characters of Cycadaceaa and those of conifers. 



The nature of tendrils and the formation of branch nodes, Y. Oinoue 

 {Bui. Inst. Oinoue, Num. Extra, 1917, pp. 27, figs. 42). — The author concludes 

 from the study here described that tendrils are anticipatory buds transformed 

 into tendrils during the course of evolution. Bifurcation of a branch is simply 

 a vegetative partition of the tip due to surplus vigor in the part. The probable 

 course of ancestral development in these parts is briefly traced. 



Slow changes in buried grapevines, E. Pantanelli (Staz. Sper. Agr. Ital., 

 49 (1916), No. 12, pp. 605-648, i)ls. 4). — Tests with varieties of grapevines are 

 outlined with a brief account of the results, which indicate that Rupestris is 

 very resistant to decomposition after the death of the tissues. The most char- 

 acteristic change is humification, affecting the protoplasmic contents of the 

 cells. Maceration is most rapid in the parenchyma. Aeration favors humifica- 

 tion. The invasion of microorganisms, especially of fungi, accelerates the proc- 

 ess, which is hindered by sterilization in the autoclave. Changes in the chemi- 

 cal contents are also indicated. 



A method of prophesying' the life duration of seeds, J. F. Geoves (Trans. 

 III. Acad. Sci., 8 {1915), pp. 133-136, fig. 1). — This is a continuation of the work 

 previously noted as done by the author with Crocker (E. S. R., 33, p. 128). 

 Turkish Red wheat was employed in these two series of tests. 



Increased time of heating shows a delay in germination as well as a fall in 

 germination percentage, which is also true of seeds stored for a long time at 

 room temperature. A comparison of the life duration at various temperatures, 

 as found by experiment with the calculated life duration, shows a close agree- 

 ment between the two sets of values. It is thought, therefore, that the time- 

 temperature formula for protein coagulation may be applied as a formula for 

 the temperature-life duration for seeds; though, in order to establish the gen- 

 eral application of this principle, much more work is regarded a.s needed and 

 several influential factors need to be considered, as outlined La the previous 

 work. 



Electromotive phenomena in plants,* A. D. Waixee et al. {Rpt. Brit. Assoc. 

 Adv. Sci., 86 {1916), p. 305). — The object of the work of this year, as reported 

 by the committee, was to determine whether or not a sufficiently strong electri- 

 cal response is obtained by employing the whole seed in germination tests. Re- 

 sults are given of six tests with the whole pea and with the extracted radicle, 

 showing that the response of the radicle was much greater in the latter than in 

 the former. 



Experimental studies in the physiolog'y of heredity, F. F. Blackman et al. 

 {Rpt. Brit. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 86 {1916), p. S06). — In this report of the committee 

 regarding the work of the year on Primula sinensis, it is stated that progress has 

 been made in several directions. A new form has been produced, fulfilling 

 a prediction previously made. The gap between the ordinary fully hoary type 

 of stock and the wallflower-leaved variety is gradually being bridged by experi- 

 mental breeding. 



Studies of inheritance in Pisum. — H, The present state of knowledg'e of 

 heredity and variation in peas, O. E. AVhite {Proc. Amer. Phil. Sac, 56 

 U917), No. 7, pp. 487-588). — The object of the present bibliographical review 



