224 BOTANICAL GAZETTE. [Sept., 
that it is due to a simple physical or chemical change, but con- 
cludes that the evidence points to the presence of some form of 
bacteria. Prof. Burrill in discussing the paper stated that he had 
also given attention to the subject, and that while he did not 
doubt it was due to germs yet he had been unable to decide upon 
the particular kind. The blue milk spoken of in the title is an 
incidental accompaniment of the ropy cream, and is not the blue 
milk mentioned in works on bacteria. 
Mr. Smith’s paper is based upon observations of microbes ob- 
tained from three separate outbreaks of swine plague—one in the 
District of Columbia, one in Nebraska and one in Illinois. The 
microbes were identical in morphological, but different in biolog- 
ical characters. This variation is all the more interesting be- 
cause not before admitted with any of the pathogenic organisms 
heretofore studied. 
A considerable discussion followed the reading of Dr. Salmon’s 
paper on the theory of immunity from contagious diseases, par- 
ticipated in by Drs. Minot, Arthur, Burrill, Bowditch and the 
author. Dr. Minot objected to the use of heated bouillon for 
testing the exhaustion theory. Dr. Arthur suggested that steril- 
ization in such a case might properly be effected by filtration 
through porcelain; he also spoke of his own studies on pear 
blight as in some measure supporting the theory. Dr. Bowditch 
asked if the theory might not be extended to the lessened effects 
experienced from the continued bites of insects. The author 
thought it could. 
Botanical Club of A. A. A. S. 
ance and interest from its organization, three years ago, at Min- 
neapolis. The fourth meeting, just held at Buffalo, brought 
compacted an organization which has in it the promise of 
great usefulness. Ninety-one names were entered upon the reg- 
sons, from those merely interested to those professionally engaged 
in botanical work, but as one of the objects of the club is to stim- 
