226 BOTANICAL GAZETTE. [ September, 
of a stipe near three-fourths of an inch long, on the top of which is @ 
three-celled, obtusely triangular capsule. Each cell contains a pitted 
spherical seed, which is a little larger than that of white mustard. 
covering of each seed consists of two equal halves, which unite and form 
a complete cell, except along the inner or central border. Here each 
half is joined to the neighboring cell in such a manner as to leave a defi- 
ciency, thus forming a central cavity which opens into each of the three 
cells. Passing up through this central cavity is the continuation of the 
stipe, which is triangular and membranaceous, and so shaped as to fill up- 
the deficiencies where the two halves fail to unite, thus completing each 
of the three cells. It will thus be seen that the line of dehiscence is much 
shorter on the inner border of the cell than on the outer, and that the 
two valves do not touch one another at all at the central part of the inner 
line of dehiscence, 
As the capsule ripens and the stipe assumes the erect position the 
green color gradually fades and the seams commence to separate. Sud- 
denly all of the six valves contract upon themselves at the same time, 
thus completely detaching themselves and scattering the three seeds up- 
ward and outward. Quite a number of seeds were thrown on toa shelf 
which was ten inches higher than the top of the bouquet and nearly @ 
foot away from it. The greatest distance which a seed was thrown was 
nine feet, measured by a line drawn direct from the flower to the spot 
where the seed struck the ground. The seed had traveled in an upward 
Curve, and had probably made a journey of twelve feet. The sound which 
was produced at dehiscence was heard sixty-five feet away, in the ope 
alr, and nearly one hundred in a room. In looking over such botanical 
literature as I have at hand, I find that on page 20 of the BoraNicaL GA- 
4ETTE for 1880 Prof. W. ©. White reports that E. E. White had observed 
8 similar habit in Euphorbia corollata L., the report being loud enough to 
© heard across an ordinary room. J. Scuyeck, Mt. Carmel, Ill. 
The A. A. A.8, Botanical Club at New York.—The Botanical Club of 
Id its first meeting for this year Thursday, August 7 
of Columbia College. In the absence of the chair- 
: - Bebb, the Club was called to order by the secretary, Mrs. 
E. G. Britton, and Mr. Thomas Morong was elected chairman for the 
present meeting. About fifty were in attendance, and although the ab- 
sence of some of the most active members was noted with regret, the 
Club went Promptly to work with its accustomed vigor. 
Per was read by Dr. W. J. Beal, on “ The Root-stocks of 
This was followed by one on the “Dehis- 
diantum pedatum,” by Florence May Lyon 
by Prof. V. M. Spalding. Mrs. Britton then 
he vicinity of New York, collected by @ re 
cal Club, specimens of which were placed e 
nt. The list includes a number that are 
