42 The Botanical Gazette. [January, 
nial root system probably does not supply by capillarity the constant | 
stream of water as does the capillarity of the soil. But I do not 
think it unreasonable to suppose that there is a degree of root activity _ 
which furnishes the necessary water. The cold being superficial the 
water in the surface of the cambium crystallizes, the dead periderm | 
cracks, and through the rift the nascent laminate crystal pushes its 
way. i 
A specific variation in the root activity of different plants as related 
to different temperatures explains, I think, why Cumi/a Mariana ot : 
the plants Mr. Ward mentions forms the crystals. I discovered also 
made at the time I can safely say that it was either some species 
Eupatorium or Vernonia, more likely the latter. I regret now thal bs 
did not accurately determine the species—Gero. F. ATKINSON, Bolan 
ical Department, Cornell University. 
A hybrid Baptisia—Several specimens of a Baffisia have been © 
lected in the vicinity of Manhattan which can not be referred to@™ 
of the species of the genus. The two species occurring here are ® 
australis, characterized by its glabrous foliage and erect raceme of bl 
flowers, and B, leucophea, with hairy foliage and a reclining race 
of cream-colored flowers. The specimens referred to are interme¢ 
in all these characters, even to the party-colored flowers, and are 
parently hybrids between the two species. Fruiting specimens h 
not been observed.—A. S. Hircucock, Agricultural College, Mar 
tan, Kansas. . : 
