401 
It would thus appear that B. Martiana grandiflora is not simply 
a variety, as was inferred from the name, but a plant which has 
arisen from the intercrossing of three closely allied forms, which 
might account for its superior vigour and the increased size of the 
flowers. It is, however, probable that De Candolle would have 
regarded all three as varieties of a single species. 
hen the article for the Botanical Magazine was written, the 
original B. gracilis, Kunth, had not been seen and the opinion 
expressed as to its distinctness was based upon an examination of 
specimens collected by Pringle near Guadalajara, State of Jalisco 
(nos, 2456, 11,452), and distributed as B. gracilis, H. B. K., which, 
Otto (Ic. Pl. Rar. Hort. Berol., p. 49, t. 25), This leaves the 
determination of the specimens collected by Pringle uncertain, As 
formerly pointed out, they have more slender, never strictly erect 
stems, with more divided leaves, and a different inflorescence. 
They may be shade-grown specimens of the species, but further 
materials are necessary, and a careful comparison with all the allied 
species, some of which are very imperfectly known, before deciding 
whether they are really distinct. RE R 
Bitter Pit of Apples—The disease of Apples known as “ Bitter 
Pit,” has already received attention at Kew (K.B. 1906, p. 193; 
1907, pp. 142 and 250). Though known in Europe and America it 
is in Australia and South Africa that it is most prevalent. In the 
latter country it is, perhaps, the most serious trouble with which 
the Apple-grower has to contend. 4 ’ 
Two important ae on the subject have recently 
a ° 
Technical Bulletin, no. 1, 1909); and Mr. Charles P. Lounsbury, 
Entomologist to the Cape Government, gives a full general account, 
furnishing particulars as to the varieties attacked, and other details 
useful for practical purposes (Agric. Journ, Cape of Good Hope, 
XxXxvil. 1910, p. . ee “oh 
Pole Evans shows that the spots arise in connection with the 
vascular bundles, and that the starch, which is well known to be 
resent, is part of the original starch and not a secondary product, 
He believes that the main factors responsible for the spotting are 
g the day followed by its sudden 
g the night, when root action 
producing dark-coloured oxy-compounds, 
‘the walls as a gummy substance, an 
