4^)4 S.A. r.RVOPHYTA. 



ing the ]>resence of some relationship distinct from that of the 

 other reg-ions, or else an extraordiiiary environment influence. 



The distribution of the systematic orders is (juite in ac- 

 cordance with the climatic conditions. 



South Africa lia\ing been subjected continuously through 

 ages to erosion, the Bryophyta perform very im{>ortant pioneer 

 duty in connection with the reclothing- of new surfaces, leading 

 up to higher vegetation where that is practicable, or forming the 

 ultimate stage of plant-succession Avhere severe conditions so 

 direct. 



In the ultimate stage of plant-succession elsewhere (i.e., 

 where forest exists), the Bryophyta are a most important factor 

 in retaining humidity, and thereby preventing forest retrogres- 

 sion from going on more rapidly. 



Spores are locally air-carried and ubiquitous ; as soon as 

 favourable conditions ]:)resent themselves they germinate, but it 

 is very remarkalile how every species is absent (from all except 

 its own habitat, probabl}' through absence of these '' favourable 

 conditions " at some earl}- stage, under circumstances of which 

 we are still totally ignorant. 



After huge forest fires and after artificial in^terference 

 with the soil surface Bryophyta rapidly prepare the way for the 

 next stable vegetation. 



The influence of the chemical contents and physical con- 

 dition of the soil or rock formation on distribution of Bryophyta 

 has not been noted sufficiently to lead to any classification or 

 general remarks in that respect. 



(Read, July 4, T917). 



Ostrich Leather. — A tanned ostrich skin sent to the 

 Union Trades Commissioner in London some time ago was sub- 

 mitted by him to one of ithe most expert fancy leather tanners in 

 the United Kingdom. The latter reix>rted that, in his opinion, the 

 most likely purpose that such leather could serve would be for 

 dressing-case work or travelling bags. A suitable shade of green 

 was suggested as a colour, or else some of the art shades or saddle 

 brown. Another i)ossible use was for furniture covering. 



Water Vapour in the Sun. — Prof. A. Fowler, 



F.R.S., of the Imj)erial College of Science and Technology, in a 

 paper recently read by him !)efore the Royal Society, showed that 

 the band A .^064, usually attributed to water xapour, is quite 

 strongly represented in the solar spectrum, and accounts for at 

 least 150 lines previously unidentified. 



