351 
to the rate of growth of the tuber, based entirely upon measure- 
ments made of a photograph, does not correspond with those given 
above and is evidently greater than is actually the case. The varia- 
tions indicated by the table probably depend chiefly apon the amount 
of water stored up in its tissues, since, in 1892, when the circumference 
was least, Dr. Zahlbruckner notes that the tuber was “ much dried 
up.” From all this it would appear therefore that either the tuber 
attains its maximum development from the germination of the seed 
in a comparatively short period and afterwards does not enlarge, or 
else the rate of growth must be excessively slow. If the latter 
suggestion is correct some of the large tubers referred to by Dr. 
Marloth would probably be many centuries old. 
N. E. B. 
Bussea xylocarpa, Sprague et Craih [ Leguminosae—Caesalpinieae] ; 
a 2. massaiensi, Harms, foliis 3-7-jugis et pinnis 10-15-jugis 
differt.— Calliandra «ylocarpa, Sprague in Kew Bull. 1908, p. 290. 
Bussea massaiensis was originally described from flowering 
material as a Peltophorum; and B. xylocarpa from fruiting material 
as a Calliandra. According to Harms, the affinity of Bussea is 
with Caesalpinia, 
ae Aa 
Sir Joseph Banks, the Father of Australia—Under this title 
Mr, J. H. Maiden, the energetic Director of the Botanic Gardens, 
Sydney, N.S.W., has welded a chain of historical events and facts 
mm further vindication of Sir Joseph Banks’ claims as a scientific 
7,2: and as a man to whom both the Old Country and the New 
Dominion are deeply indebted for his persistent and successful 
claims for him that from this date (1770) onward his interest in the 
Country and his activity in promoting its settlement and providing 
Nees useful plants and animals never ceased. These facts are 
ow 
