246 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [SEPTEMBER 
that the pine occurs in patches in cafions of the Loup in the 
center of the state, and also elsewhere, representing remnants of 
forests. A former extension eastward along the valleys was 
inferred, and their present bare condition was attributed to the 
destructive presence of man during the years of migration 
“across the plains.” 
L. H. Jones: Notes on potato-leaf fungi.—Cultures of Macro- 
sporium Solani and inoculations with it indicate that it is not the 
cause of “early blight” or ‘“leaf-spot disease,” but is a true 
parasite. The cultures also proved it to be an Alternaria, and 
hence should be called A. Solani. What is known as ‘tip burn” 
was found to be associated with a fungus which proved not to be 
M. Solani, although usually confused with it. It produces 
alternaria chains, but the spores are smaller and more numerous 
in the chains than M@. Solani. It is a saprophyte common to 
many plants and seems to be identical with M. Tomato Cke. 
which is certainly an Alternaria. 
H. L. Russert: A method of hindering condensation of wate 
in culture plates—Water is apt to condense upon the under sur 
face of covers of culture plates, and dropping upon the surface 
of the culture plate causes more or less trouble. This can be 
remedied by placing the culture plate with its cover within a 
bowl covered by another bowl a little smaller. 
C. E. Bessey: Notes on the flora of Colorado Springs.—Ater 
tion was called to five distinct plant societies which occur in the 
Tegion of Colorado Springs, and which abut closely upo? sh 
other with sudden transitions. The habitats of these socielie 
are: (1) the plains; (2) open dry mountain ridges and sume 
(3) deep cafions, in the lower stretches of the mois 
¢levation ; (4) mountain meadows, at a greater elevation Bi 
the cafions ; and (5) mountain swamps, usually lying bet 
meadows above and the cafions below. Rapid changes < 
ing place in the flora of the region, in explanation of which thre® 
a 
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