83 
and later touched at the Galapagos Islands. There have been 
scattered collections at later date. Very often new species have 
been described from this area without much attempt at correlation 
beyond a description by previous botanists. 
During the spring a good deal of time was taken up in the prep- 
aration of a Guide to the Local Flora Section (Guide No. 14, 
July). This was illustrated by Miss Purdy from plants obtained 
in a living condition from this area, much attention being paid to 
the underground structures, the preservation of which is impor- 
tant in any transplantation. 
During the year I have written an account of the Cyperaceae of 
part of the desert region of northern Mexico for the forthcoming 
report of Dr. I. M. Johnston, of the Arnold Arboretum, and also 
the Cyperaceae of Panama, in cooperation with the Missouri 
Botanical Garden. 
GENETICS 
Variation in Nephrolepis 
Problems in the variation of certain native fern species 
By Ratpu C. BEeNnepicr 
War-year demands, with heavier teaching loads and with months 
of extra service in connection with emergency farm labor needs, 
have left no time for the active prosecution of research problems. 
The Nephrolepis collections have been maintained as well as pos- 
sible within restricted space. Material from this collection was 
forwarded to Sister M. Angelita, of St. Mary of the Springs, 
Columbus, Ohio. The outdoor collection of hardy ferns has been 
maintained in thriving condition, with some accessions and ex- 
changes with Fern Society members, for fern gardens, and for 
fern conservation aims. 
= 
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Economic PLants 
By Ratpn H. CHENry 
The subjects of investigation during 1942 have been as follows: 
1. War-shortages of botanical drugs. 
