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1903] CURRENT LITERATURE 299 



of Aspergillus most of the modified proteid takes the form of ammonia, while 

 in those of the other molds very little ammonia is produced, decomposition 

 stopping with the amido-acids, especially tyrosin and leiicin. The trypsin* 

 like enzyme which produces the last-named bodies is found not only in the 

 cells, but also diffuses out into the medium, Aspergillus possesses the power 

 to break down amido-acids into ammonia, hence the difference between it and 

 the other forms studied. — B, E. Livingston. 



P. and H. Sydow^^ have commenced a monographic study of the Ure- 

 dinales which is expected to take three or four years for completion. The 

 work is to appear in fascicles and the first volume is to be devoted to the 

 genus Puccinia. The species of Fuccinia are not arranged under their sub- 

 genera, Eupuccinia, Heteropuccinia, Brachypuccinia, etc., but according to 

 the families of their phanerogamic hosts. The account has then the effect 

 of a host index elaborated to include descriptions of the parasites. The 

 reason given for this unusual procedure is the impossibility of assigning 

 numerous imperfectly known species to the proper subgenus. One would 

 think, however, that the authors had assumed equally great difficulties 

 because of the confusion which must finally result as specific limits and 

 nomenclature are shifted both among the hosts and parasites. It will be a 

 very useful book, however, if it can be revised at suitable intervals. — B. M. 



Davis. 



Some interesting observations on the structure and development of 

 young plants of Oedogonium have been recorded by Fritsch.^ The large 

 disklike holdfast, so characteristic of many species, is by no means uni- 

 versal. There are forms with a rhizoidal base and small point of attach- 

 ment. Floating plants have a large saclike end which is frequently found 

 in connection with an air bubble, apparently formed by the plant itself. The 

 cap formed at the first cell division of the germinating zoospore is not gen- 

 erally thrown off, although some species have this characteristic habit. The 

 brown deposit, frequently found at the base of young plants, consists of 

 "ferric oxid or of some salt thereof." The colorless condition of Oedo- 



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gonium filaments probably indicates gradual death of the plant and is not a 

 resting condition, as described by Keller (Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1901). 

 The paper concludes with an account of abnormal zoospore formation, and 

 some exceptional forms of sporelings.^ B. M. Davis. 



Items of taxonomic interest are as follows: F. Heydrich (Flora 

 92 : 97-101.^^^. 4, 1903) has published a new genus {Rudiciilarid) of Valo- 

 niaceae from Japan.— H. and P. Sydow (Ann. Mycologici 1:35-36. 1903) 

 have established a new Mexican genus {Asteroconium) of Melanconiaceae 



*9 Sydow, P. and H., Monographia Uredinearum. Vol. T. fasc. I and 2. ph, 23. 

 Leipzig: Gebriider Borntraeger. 1902. Each ^12. 



="Fritsch, F. E., The structure and development of the young plants in Oedo- 

 gonium. Annals of Botany 16 : 467-486. figs: 3. 1902. 



