4] 
the cultures. No considerable extension of the summer work will 
be possible unless additional space can be secured for field cul- 
tures. A calculating machine of the best and most accurate type 
is specially needed to facilitate the statistical side of the work. 
oston Fern Investigation—Dr. Ralph C. Benedict, resident 
investigator, has continued his investigations of variations in the 
Boston fern (Nephrolepis). About 150 varieties of this fern 
have been assembled at the Garden, and four papers have been 
published (See Appendix 1). The work has included a descrip- 
tion of the varieties of Nephrolepis produced by progressive 
variation, and a study of those produced by reversion. A stu y 
of similar types of variation among ferns in general has been 
undertaken, and also a study of the spore-grown progeny of some 
of the variant forms, involving the phenomenon of alternation of 
generations. On Friday afternoon and evening, December 29, 
the American Fern Society held two sessions of their annual 
meeting at the Garden, in order that the members might have an 
“opportunity to view the collection of Nephrolepis varieties, which 
probably contains the largest number of forms ever assembled in 
one place. 
Local Flora.—The intensive survey of the flora of Long Island 
by Mr. Taylor, noted in my preceding report, has been continued 
during the year, including a study of herbarium and library ma- 
terial, and numerous field trips for study and collection. A small 
fund should become available in Ig17 to meet the traveling ex- 
penses in connection with these field trips. 
Publications 
Record.—Volume V of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Record 
contained 160 pages (23 more than in 1915), and 8 half-tone 
illustrations. 
Leaflets —Series IV of the Leaflets comprised 14 numbers, ap- 
pearing weekly or bi-weekly from April 5 to October 25. 
Contributions—Seven papers have been published during the 
year as Contributions, Nos. 10-15, and 17. Number 16 is now in 
press. 
American Journal of Botany.—The third volume of the Journal 
contained 593 pages, 94 text-figures, and 24 plates. For the first 
