CALIFORNIAN HERB LORE. 97 



articulations equal to the diameter or longer; heterocysts discoid. 

 On shells in fresh water. 



In this plant one or more cells adjoining a heterocyst often take 

 on the appearance of an ordinary heterocyst, separating from the 

 other cells, forming a thicker membrane, especially at the end 

 opposite the heterocyst; these cells also take a slightly different 

 color from the ordinary vegetative cells under the action of chlor- 

 iodide of zinc. 



Hyella fontana, Pledonema terebrans, and Gomontia Holdenii are 

 distributed in Collins, Holden, and Setchell, Phycotheca Boreali- 

 Americana, under Nos. 303, 306, and 316, respectively. 



I am much indebted to Dr. Boi-net for his kindness in identifying 

 the already known species, and pointing out the distinctive points 

 of the new species. 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE IV. 



A, Tolypothrix Setchellii; fig. 1, general habit of filament; fig. 2, 

 portion of a branching filament; fig. 3, branch with discoid hetero- 

 cyst; fig. 4, heterocyst with changed adjacent cell; fig. 5, heterocyst 

 with several such cells. 



B, Gomontia Holdenii; figs. 1, 2, and 3, portions of fronds, show- 

 ing various shapes of cells. 



Figures A 1, and B 1, 2, and 3, are magnified 325 diameters; 

 A 2, 3, 4, and 5, are magnified 860 diameters. The figures were 

 drawn with camera by Mr. F. H. Billings. 



CALIFORNIAN HERB-LORE. 



The Mexicans call Yucca "Keote" and use the root for soap. 

 Some of our own people, who use it claim that it is very liice for 

 washing flannels. 



The "Yerba de la Pasmo," Gutierrezia Californica, is made into a 

 decoction^ and the Mexicans bathe in it for whatever ails them. 



"Yerba mansa" is from manso, gentle, and is used for mild poul- 

 tices, especially applied to the eyes. This plant is the Anemopsis 

 Californica of botanists. — Mrs. I. Hagenbuck, Dulzura, San Diego 

 County, Cal. 



