‘pe 9 
F 
: 
1887. | BOTANICAL GAZETTE, 109 
most noted example of constant self-fertilization in British 
Orchidez., is well known to appear and disappear somewhat 
mysteriously from certain localities by the }oung tubers in- 
creasing beneath ground until of a flowering size. Cepha- 
lanthera grandiflora, which is fertilized in the bud state by 
the emitting of tubes from the pollen grains, also increases 
by the root; but of this rare species I am able to give little 
original information. 
BRIEFER ARTICLES. 
Zannichellia palustris L. var. peduneulata.—In a rather remarkable 
pond, botanically speaking, this plant was observed as early as February 
12, and was collected in full fruit March 19, 1887. The pond is formed 
by the waste water from a large blast furnace, and never freezes, so far as 
Ican learn. A series of tests made when the weather was quite cool, 
ranging from 16° to 40° F., gave the temperature of the water from 76° 
to 82° F., and that of the sandy bottom from 80° to 90° F. In it Spiro- 
gyras and Zygnemas, (Edogonium and Vaucherias were found during all 
the winter months, in the vegetative state, at times in wonderful abund- 
ance, giving place at certain seasons to the profuse growth of Hydro- 
dictyon. The pond is perhaps twenty feet wide by sixty long, and has 
never been visited when not completely filled with some of its habitués. 
At times our Spirogyras would all be Zygnemas. Again, both would 
give way to (Edogonium. Another day would show Hydrodictyon in full 
possession, with all the others crowded into the little bays and harbors of 
the pond. On April 23 I made a trip to the pond, and was surprised to 
find that Zannichellia had taken almost exclusive possession of nearly 
one-half its extent, and could be collected in all conditions from the begin- 
ning of its growth to the perfect fruiting stage. its growth was as vig- 
orous and its life apparently as happy as if had been flourishing in July, 
its proper fruiting month. Yet all about in other ponds were little films 
of ice, and the collectors were in winter overcoats.—STANLEY CouULTER, 
Terre Haute, Ind. 
He found them growing in deep water, the stems six or seven feet long. 
He sent a single specimen to Mrs. Horner. On his return to Georgetown, 
Mrs. Horner wrote to the only person Mr. Horner knew to get some of 
the roots. In the course of a few weeks they learned that this person was 
dead, and nothing more was done about it.—E. H. HitcHtxc. 
