l8 9*-J Editorial. 



347 



grounds of the University during the past season, a number of speci- 

 mens showing these two forms of proliferation were found. Such 

 specimens were especially numerous along an irrigating ditch which 

 ran through the plat. This abnormal development was probably the 

 effects of an over-supply of water. The form A, I have observed 

 before. It is frequently produced -in wet seasons on low and cold 

 soil. In this case the floral glume is changed to a leaf, with other 

 parts of spikelet normal, a represents an enlarged spikelet 



In the form B the spikelet is much changed from the normal. In 

 a number of specimens there are four glumes, from between the inner 

 pair of which extends a long stipe, generally more or less twisted and 

 surmounted by a perfect flower. In some cases there are but two 

 glumes below, with long stipe and perfect flower as before. In either 

 case the glume above is very large, sometimes changed to a leaf, while 

 the palet is inconspicuous, or there is none at all. b represents a 

 spikelet of this form with four glumes below.— J. W. Toumey, Bot- 

 anical Laboratory , Univ. of Arizona. 



Iris hexasrona.— In August, 1889, I collected at Carlinville in 

 south-central Illinois fruiting specimens of an Iris whose species was 

 not at the time determined because of the absence of flowers. In the 

 season of 1890 the flowering period of the species passed without ob- 

 servation. A special watch was kept during the past summer and in 



J 



With the exception of 



two points, viz., size of capsule and distribution the features of the 

 plant tallied with the description of I. hexagona. Specimens were 

 therefore sent to Dr. Sereno Watson who identified it as above desig- 

 nated. While the known distribution would suggest its occurrence 

 in this state a careful search has found no record of such occur- 

 rence. — W. E. Andrews, Carlinville, Illinois. 



EDITORIAL. 



Our readers are invited to inspect carefully the table of conten 

 and list of contributors which accompany this number. By doing so 

 they will get a comprehensive view of "the high character and va- 

 riety of the original communications"— to use the - mmendatory 

 phrase of one of our most eminent friends. The printed pages bear 

 evidence of much valuable research which we i teem it a privilege t< 

 publish. Our readers have a large and distinguished company to 



