236 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [SEPTEMBER 
species, which is very distinct from the ordinary 7. sessile in the 
states bordering the Ohio river, has been collected and studied 
in central Alabama during the past spring. It is a robust species 
with highly variegated leaves of at least three striking and dis- 
tinct shades, and is well worthy of cultivation for its rich, velvety 
foliage, to say nothing of its large and rather handsome red 
flower. The species seems to have remained since Catesby’s time 
without a name other than the polynomial he gave it. Other 
southern and southwestern species, as well as an equally remark- 
able series of species from the Pacific coast, have been uncere- 
moniously and unnaturally combined under this name by Ameti- 
can botanists, or barely separated as varieties or “forms.” A 
revision of the group is badly needed. Attention was also called 
to a series of forms representing the earlier stages of the plant, 
and the study of post-embryonic stages was urged asa means of 
determining relationships. 
te Porann:. On an apparently undescribed Cassia from 
Mississippi. — A remarkable Cassia, allied to C. Chameecrista, but 
distinguishable by its virgate habit and strict pods, collected 
northern Mississippi by Professor S. M. Tracy, proved, upon cul: 
tivation, to warrant its separation as a distinct species, to which 
the author proposes to give the name of the discoverer. 
B.M. Duccar: A bacterial disease of the squash-bug (Anasa 
tristis) — Some squash-bugs kept for experimental purposes vey 
found to be dying in considerable numbers, in an apparently 
healthful environment. The disease was readily passed 0” es 
other bugs. The distressed insects became sluggish, and ver 
weak, and finally died, the body becoming a mass of gruel-like 
fluid. Cultures were made from dead insects upon , various 
nutrient media, agar-agar, bouillon, gelatin, milk, etc., side. 
colonies of a bacillus. Inoculation of this bacillus produced the 
disease in healthy bugs. Infusions of different cultures sees 
found to have characteristic toxic properties. Bugs placed e 
these infusions died with every symptom of distress. Prepare 
