46 EXPERIMENT STATION EECORD. [Vol. 35 



An anatomical study of Gymno sporangium galls, A, Stewart {Amer. Jour. 

 Bot., 2 {1915), No. S, pp. Ji02-Wt, pis. 2, fig. 1).—The author states that the 

 large galls which O. juniperi-virginianw and G. glohosum cause on the younger 

 branches of Junipcrus virginiana arise from the axils of the leaves, being evi- 

 dently transformed axillary buds. They are said to have two distinct fibro- 

 vascular systems, one of which is a leaf-trace system and the other a stem which, 

 in case of the older galls, gradually breaks up and radiates outwardly still 

 deeper into the gall tissue. Leaf tissue is also involved in the formation of a 

 gall, remains thereof being found usually adhering to the older galls. 



Normal stems sometimes appear to have grown out from the surface of the 

 older galls. Accessory stem structures occur, probably originating in a branch- 

 ing of the main stem in the gall. Broad, ray-like masses of parenchyma, sur- 

 rounded by tracheids, are of somewhat common occurrence. IrregiUarly twisted 

 masses of fibrovascular tissue resembling like structures in traumatic wood also 

 occur. Cells apparently transitional between parenchyma and tracheids are not 

 luicommon. The irregularly running bundles in the gall are composed largely 

 of scalariform tracheids. 



A bibliography is given. 



Calcium hypochlorite as a seed sterilizer, J. K. Wilson (Amer. Jour. Bot., 

 2 {1915), No. 8, pp. 4^0-421). — The author gives a summarized compilation of 

 the methods employed by the several investigators named in this connection, 

 and describes his own experiments for sterilizing seeds with calcium hypo- 

 chlorite. 



The considerable number of tests made and the results obtained as shown 

 are held to demonstrate the efficacy of the method used, employing the bleach- 

 ing powder as an aid in securing sterile plantlets from seed. Ease of appli- 

 cation and freedom of the seed from injury except after long exposure are 

 further advantages claimed for the method. The effect of the solution is 

 thought to be due to the hypocholorous acid, which acts as a toxic agent. 



Some notes on Bordeaux and Burgundy mixtures, S. F. Ashby {Jour. 

 Jamaica Ayr. Sac, 19 {1915), No. 9, pp. 3Ji2-3Jf5). — Discussing the composition 

 and merits of some proprietary and other spraying preparations, the author 

 concludes that the ready-made powders intended to replace homemade Bordeaux 

 and Burgundy mixtures are prepared on the wrong principle, being merely 

 mechanical mixtures of the ingredients and not the finished product of their 

 mutual action, so that the great advantage of a finely suspended solid, which 

 can be secured only by mixing weak solutions, is lost, and a coarse, rapidly 

 settling mixture results. The homemade mixtures ai'e deemed less expensive 

 and more satisfactory as to results, but somewhat more troublesome to prepare. 

 Formulas and directions for their use are given, and the relative costs are dis- 

 cussed, -\\ith the particular adaptations of each preparation. 



Tests with Perocid, F. Stranak {Deut. Landic. Presse, 42 {1915), Nos. 62, 

 PI). 537, 538; 63, pp. 5U-546, figs. 7).— This is an account of tests with a pro- 

 pri(>tary preparation containing certain radio-active substances. For this value 

 is claimed as a fungicide, chiefly in connection with cereals, and also as an 

 energizer of the growing plantlets. 



Experiments on the control of cereal diseases by steeping the seed grain, 

 E. RiEiiM (///)/,9. Lumho. Ztg., 35 {1915), No. 2/,, i)p. 161, 162).— Good results as 

 regards smut control are claimed to have been obtained by soaking the seed 

 grain from 10 to GO minutes in 0.1 to 0.2 per cent of mercury chlorophenol, 

 or in 0.1 per cent of corrosive sublimate, or for 15 minutes in 0.1 per cent of 

 formaldehyde (which was less injurious to germinability), but less satisfactory 

 results followed the use of 0.1 per cent of chinosol for 10 to 20 minutes, or of 

 0.2 per cent of chinosol for 5 to 1.'5 minutes. 



