100 BOTANICAL GAZETTE. 
SSE SEONG GRE OSES... Sea 
. W. RussExx records in Random Notes a specimen of Sassafras officinale 
having the following dimensions: Circumference at the ground, 14 ft. 3 ik 
2 ft. up, 11 ft., 10.5 in., holding its size with little diminution to the first limbs, 
11 ft. up. The height of the tree computed from its shadow was 49.5 ft. 
BUSGEN HAS REPEATED Darwin’s experiments made some years ago on 
Dros tundifolia, and has ubtained even more decisive results. From three to 
five times as many pods were produced on those plants whose leaves wery fed 
With insects as on those unfed, though the latter had an abundance of nutriment 
about the roots. 
Prors. CouLTER AND BARNEs are engaged in a special study of the North 
American species of the genus Cyperus. Any specimens that they can beg, bor: 
row or buy will be thankfully received. Loaned specimens will be retained 
for as short a time as possible and carefully returned. Any assistance rendered 
will be fully acknowledged 
through five inches of soil and infect uninjured potatoes with the rot, or not 
Lt of experiments with 21,000 specimens of Merewrialis annua and 
6,000 of Cannabis sativa show that external influences have little or no influence 
on the production of seedlings of one or the other sex in these dicecious species. 
parts of the samestems has revealed the fact that the differences are to be we 
tributed to environment rather than to hereditary tendencies. The chief dif- 
ferences are in the greater development of the protecting tissues; the reduction ; 
or disappearance of collenchyma, liber-fibers, ete. ; great development of cortex 
and reduction of pith, and feeble lignification. 
CYPERACER, 
jects lately presented before Societies; the first by the Rev. E. J. Hill, with her 
arlum and microscope illustrations, before the State Mie. Soc. of IIl., the se 
ond by Mr. Joseph F. James, with lantern illustrations, before the Cincinnati 
Soc. of Nat. Hist., and the last by Dr. G. L. Goodale, with illustrations from 
the Cambridge Botanic Garden, before the Boston Soc. of Nat. Hist. 
charming popular way he explains not only the existence of the milk, but alee. 
the significance of the three sears and the tri ‘fruit. Lowe 
latter he supposes indicative of liliaceous ancestry, which may be true and may 
be not. Like all his deductions, however, it is well worth reading. 
