220 Miscellaneous. 



periodic. The influence of wind on the tension of the air in the 

 Observatory on Mount Washington was incidentally found to affect 

 the barometer seriously, and even to vitiate its record. Next he de- 

 scribes the devices for the elimination of hypsometric errors, or for 

 diminishing them. The " new solution " is then explained in detail 

 and compared with other methods. Possible improvements are 

 suggested, and some circumstances under which it is not available 

 are carefully stated. 



Eight plates of very complete and distinct diagrams illustrate 

 altitude-determinations, with their periodic and other variations ; 

 and several useful woodcuts also help to elucidate the author's views 

 and observations. 



The mass of valuable information collected in this well-iUustrated 

 volume, put together by first-class geologists, at the cost of the 

 liberal United States Government, and freely circulated also at its 

 expense, is welcome to geologists and others all over the world ; 

 and we cordially recognize the heartiness of work it exhibits and 

 the liberality with which it is distributed. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



O71 Floral Polymorphism in Narcissus reflexus. By M. L. Crie. 



I HAVE the honour to indicate to the Academy a new instance of 

 floral polymorphism in the Narcissus of the Glenans (Finisture). 

 This plant, which is very rare and little known to botanists, forms 

 part of that Breton centre of vegetation that I have characterized by 

 Eripir/iiim viviparum, Omphalodes Uttoralis, and Linaria arenaria. 



The Glenans Narcissus, of which I was able to collect some 

 hundreds of flowering specimens towards the end of April this year, 

 appears in the island under three forms, which are very une(pial in 

 number. The first two differ in the length of the pistil and 

 stamens. 



In one the style, which is much shorter than the six stamens, 

 raises its stigma a little way above the constriction formed by the 

 base of the tube of the perianth. The three stamens of the inner 

 row are shorter than the three of the outer row ; it is the brachy- 

 stylate form. 



In the other, the style, longer than the six stamens, raises its 

 stigma above even the three stamens of the outer row, which are the 

 longest and the first formed (A. Chatin). This is the dolichostylate 

 form. 



This remarkable floral polymorphism in Narcissus reflexus has 

 escaped the notice of Loiscleur and other botanists, who have simply 

 indicated in this plant the difference of length which exists between 



