422 EXPEEIMENT STATION RECORD. 



description is given of the mode of formation of oil in the fruit of the olive. This 

 takes place in the cells of the epicarp, especially in those of the mesocarp. The oil 

 is not transferred to the cells where it is ultimately found, but is formed in them. 

 In the case of the olive there is a marked illustration of the almost universal phe- 

 nomenon of the presence of oily substances in the active protoplasm. This oil is not 

 the result of the degeneration of the protoplasm, but is formed when that substance 

 is in its most active condition. 



Anatomical studies of important fiber plants of Japan with special refer- 

 ence to their bast fibers, K. Saito {Bot. C'entbL, 83 {1900), No. 11, p. 351). 



The latex system of lacquer trees and related species, T. Ixui {Bot. Centhl.. 

 83 1900), No. 11, p. 352). — The endemic species of Rhus were examined and a lati- 

 ciferous system found in all but R. radkans. The method of secretion of latex and 

 effect of external factors ujjon its production are briefly shown. 



On the selective power of root tubercle bacteria, L. Hiltner {Centhl. Bakl. u. 

 Par., 2. Abt., 6 {1900), No. 9, j)p. 273-281) .—Replying to arecent article by Stutzer, 

 the author maintains that within certain limits the pi'esence of bacteroids depends 

 upon the host as well as upon the kind of bacteria in the soil or medium. 



Nitrogenous constituents of fungi, E. Winterstein (Bot. Centhl. Beihefte,9{1900) , 

 p. 167; ahs. in Jour. lioj/. Micros. ,Sor. ILondonl, 1900, No. 3, p. 362). — The chemical 

 composition of fungi is said to differ in several important points from that of flower- 

 ing plants. In addition to carbohydrates, the membranes contain a nitrogenous sub- 

 stance, chitin. In neither tresh nor dry specimens of Boletus edulis, Cantherellus 

 cibarius, or Agaricus campestris was the author able to isolate proteids. From B. 

 edulis and A. campestris leucin was crystallized and the presence of tyrosin demon- 

 strated by Millon's reagent. 



The influence of inorganic salts on the formation of conidia in Aspergillus 

 niger, A. Yasuda {Bot. Mag. [Tokyo~\, 13 {1899), p. 85; ahs. in Jour. Roy. Micros. Soc. 

 [London'], 1900, No. 3, p. 364). — As the result of a series of experiments it was found 

 that the formation of conidia is retarded in proportion to the concentration of the 

 nutrient fluid. The size of the conidia also decreases under the same condition. 

 The conidia bearing hyphse become shorter, and the black color of the conidia is 

 greatly increased. When solutions are very concentrated, the formation ceases 

 entirely. 



Fungi in juniper berries, A. Nestler {Ber. Deut. Bot. Ge'sell., 17 {1899), pp. 

 320-325, pi. 1; ahs. in Jour. Roy. Micros. Soc. ILondon], 1900, No. 3, p. 365).— It is 

 stated that the mycelium of a fungus is almost universally present in the so-called 

 berries of the juniper in the second year after their formation. Experiments on 

 infection seem to show that the change of color from green to black or blue black is 

 due to the action of the fungus. The exact nature of the fungus has not been deter- 

 mined, but the incipient forms of spores resembling those of Aspergillus were 

 observed. It is thought probable that there is more than one species of the fungus. 



Investigations on the morphology of the stroma-forming Spheeriales, W. 

 RuHL.\ND {Sep. Iledwigia, 39 {1900), pp. 79, pis. 3). 



ZOOLOGY. 



Revision of American voles of the genus Microtus, V. Bailey 



{U. jS. iJcjjt. Ayr.., iJlciuori of Biological iSnrvcy., -North Ainerican 

 Favnna 17., pp. 88., pis. 5., Jigs. 17). — This bulletin contains an account 

 of the habits, food plants, economic status, and injuriousness of the 

 voles, or meadow mice, together with brief notes on methods of pre- 

 venting injuiy by these animals. It is recommended that wire net- 



