AGHICUI/rrRAT. BOTANY. 831 



Some chemical changes in the maturity of fruit, F. Sctrti iind (J. Dk I'lato 

 (Sliiz. SjKr. Aiir. Ihil., .)/ t HHJS), .\ o. 7, /</». .J.JJ-.'/J.'; ) . — A discussion is fiiven of 

 tbe chaiifit's in acidity, siifiars, and nitrogenous constituents in oranges during 

 the process of ripening of the fruits, and of the presence of asparagin and giu- 

 ta-nin in tlie juice. 



On the occurrence of zinc in plants, M. Javillikk {Thcuia, Unii'. Paris, 

 V.WH; Ann. Inst. Pasteur, 22 {1908), No. 9, pp. 720-727; rev. in Rev. 8ci. [Paris], 

 5. scr., 10 ( I90S), Xo. 9, pp. 278, 279). — In a study of about 4.'') siiecies represent- 

 ing 27 families of plants, the author found zinc to be of quite counnon occur- 

 rence. The role of zinc in the plant was studied, and it is believed to have an 

 important iihysiological function in the growth of many plants, iirobably acting 

 jis a catalytic agent in some of the more complex fertilizers, its behavior in this 

 respect being similar to that of manganese. When added to cultures in which 

 Aspcrf/iHus nUjer was grown, there was a decidetl increase in the dry weight of 

 the fungus, and zinc appeared to actively stimulate the growth of a number of 

 the vascular plants investigated. 



Oleuropeine. a new glucosid isolated from the olive tree, E. Bourquei.ot and 

 J. ViNTii.isco {-lour, riiiiini. el Cliiiii.. (!. scr., 28 (1908), \o. 7, pp. 303-31.',). — 

 'J"he authors have is(»lated from the olive a glucosid to which they have given 

 the nauie oleuropeine. It is present in the bark, leaves, and fruit, the propor- 

 tion varyim; witli the part of the iilant and the season of the year. It is most 

 abundant in the young olives when the seed is forming, and it disaiipears in 

 them toward the period of ripening. The method of isolation and i)roi)erties 

 of oleuropeine are described at length. 



The abnormal development of wound tissues, T. Wulkk iArk. Hal., 7 

 (1908), Xo. 3-.'i, Art. l), pp. 32, pis. 7, //V/. 1). — In this article descriptions are 

 given of abnormal callus-like tissues in rasi)berry canes, due to the development 

 of corky tissues from the cambium layer injured by frost, and a somewh:it 

 similar affection the exact cause of which is not known. The primary injury 

 in some cases seems to be due to the punctures of mites or other animal injuries. 



Investigations on forest injury due to smoke and gas, (^kklacii i'/.tsthr. 

 Forst II. .hifiihr., J,0 (1908), Xo. 7, pp. .'i29-J,37, figs. 2).— A study has been made 

 of two cases of smoke injury to forests in Germany. The autlior is convinced 

 tliat tlie destruction of fir trees in two forest districts is due to the tine gases 

 giv(Mi oft" from some l;irge industrial works. The presence of Pissailcs spp. is 

 attributed to the injury of the trees by gases. The twigs showed reddish dis- 

 coloration which indicated gas injury, and ::nalyses of sjimples of diseased twigs 

 from the two localities showed U.AUS, jier cent sulphuric acid in KM) i)arts of dry 

 iiiatlcr in one instamc and (t.4(!r( p(>r cent \n the other. 



The relation of the conforniation of the land to air currents, and hence the 

 directlcm of smoke disper.sal, is discus.sed. 



The injurious effect on plants and soils of flue dust, K. Haski.hoki' ( t'iili- 

 linf/'s l.anilir. Zti/., .77 (19118), Xo. IS, pp. (Hl9-lil.'i). — A discussion is given of 

 (he effect of smoke jind fumes from blast furnaces, chenucal works, etc., on the 

 growth of various pl.inls, together with data indicating the injury done by the 

 eomponenis of smoke and llu«' dust on iteaiis, rye, and grass. Tbe elTect of the 

 iiccunnilation of copjx'r and other substances from chemical works in the soil 

 is also discussed. Analyses, exjieriments, and oiiservatiniis with various plants 

 are reported indicating that the injurious effect of the dust is due to sul- 

 pburuus acid. 



A registering photometer, E. A. Mitscukri.i{'ii (Lamtir. \'irs. Slat., 68 

 (/90S), \ii. .')!!, pp. ',ii7 'iii'.>. Jhj. I). .\ description is given of a registering 

 Iihotomeler wbicii the author claims is esiu'cially adapted to experiments in 

 connection with the light requirements of plants antl similar work. 



