430 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.41 



thought also that these data may serve as a point of departure for studies in 

 regard to means and results of adaptation by phints. 



The taxonomic position of the genus Actinomyces, C. Dkechsler {Proc. Nat. 

 Acad. ScL, 4 (1918), No. 8, pp. 221-224) .—This is a brief statement of tlie results 

 of a study made by the author on a large number of saprophytic species of 

 Actinomyces. The view that this genus should be regarded as a transition be- 

 tween Hyphomycetes and the Schizomycetes is regarded as not well supported 

 by the facts at hand. The author prefers to class this genus with the Hypho- 

 mycetes as a mucedineous group with tendencies toward an erect isarioid habit. 



Morphology of the genus Actinomyces, C. Drechsleb {Bot. Gaz., 67 (1919), 

 Nos. 1, pp. 65-83; 2, pp. 147-168, ph. 8). — The general conclusion drawn from 

 tins study is stated in the less detailed article notetl above. 



A comparison of Azotobacter with yeasts, M. Mulvania {Tennessee Sta. 

 Bui. 122 (1919), pp. 3-6). — The morphological resemblance of ^Vzotobacter in 

 many of its cytological forms to yeast cells has led the author to make a com- 

 parative study of the morphology and physiology of Azotobacter and certain 

 yeasts. The results of this study are given in tabulated form, and in discussing 

 them the author states that he is compelled to believe that the three members 

 investigated belong in a single narrowly restricted gi'oup of organisms. The 

 gas-producing quality was found to be confined to Azotobacter, but was never 

 observed in either pink or white yeast. Other resemblances between Azotobacter 

 and yeasts, as well as contrasts with true bacteria, are pointed out. 



The use of iron in nutrient solution for plants, G. E. Coeson and A. L. 

 Bakke (Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 24 (1917), pp. 477-482, figs. 4).— A study of 

 wheat and Canada field peas, germinated in clean quartz sand and grown in 

 Shive's 3-salt solution (E. S. R., 34, p. 333) with a small proportion of iron 

 compound, is said to show that the proportion of iron is more important than 

 is generally supposed. Ferrous phosphate is less eflicient than the ferric form, 

 and wheat is more improved than the field pea by the presence of ferric phos- 

 phate at a concentration of 0.0044 gm. per liter. 



Relation of varying degrees of heat to the viability of seeds, J. L. Bukgess 

 (Jour. Amer. Soc. Agron., 11 (1919), No. 3, pp. 118-120) .—Com, wheat, oats, 

 rye, cowpeas, soy beans, and garden beans were subjected to varying degrees 

 of dry heat for different lengths of time in tests conducted at the North Caro- 

 lina Department of Agriculture seed laboratory in an effort to ascertain the 

 effect of high temperatures employed in the control of insect pests on the 

 viability of the seed. 



While the results as a whole are deemed rather unsatisfactory, the minimum 

 temperature used, 140° F., as well as much higher temperatures in certain 

 instances, failed to show any harmful effect on the viability of garden beans, 

 soy beans, oats, and rye. Corn and wheat were seriously injured at tempera- 

 tures above 150°, while data are lacking as to the effect of lower temperatures. 

 Cowpeas appeared to withstand fairly well heating to 140° for one hour. 



Some additional notes on pollination of red clover, L. H. Pammel and L. A. 

 Kenoyer (Proc. loica Acad. Sci., 2jJ (1917), pp. 357-366). — ^Noting more recent 

 work than that formerly participated in by one of them (E. S. R., 31, p. 134), 

 the authors report that while honeybees do not apiiear to be active pollinators 

 of red clover they do appear to be able to effect limited pollination during 

 certain seasons. 



Studies on self-sterility. — II, Pollen tube growth, E. M. East and J. B. 

 Park (Genetics, 3 (1918), No. 4, pp. 353-366) .—This report deals with the 

 phenomena outlined In the authors' account of work previously noted (E. S. R., 

 38, p. 823). 



