128 BOTANICAL GAZETTE : | FEBRUARY 
Some notes on the reproduction and development of Nereocystis: 
Conway MacMittay, University of Minnesota.—(Abstract not 
furnished.) 
The formation and structure of the dissepiment in Porothelum: 
E. A. Burt, Middlebury College.—The author traced the devel- 
opment of the fructifications of Porothelium fimbriatum Pers. from 
their origin as papille, through the pore, to the tube stage; in 
the latter stage contrasting the structure of the dissepimett 
i 
where the tubes are closely crowded together with its structure 
where they are more scattered. . 
Gelatin culture media: Erwin F. Situ, Department of Agi 
culture.— Dr. Smith spoke on gelatin culture media, illustrating 
his remarks by photographs, charts, etc. The behavior of mally 
sensitive organisms, particularly parasites, depends entirely 0 
how the nutrient gelatin is compounded, and consequently 
should always be stated. (1) The melting point of nutt 
gelatins increases as more gelatin-is added. It decreases 
addition of acids and alkalies and by long boiling. (2) Ga 
sugar or cane sugar added to nutrient gelatin frequently re s 
or entirely prevents liquefaction, while at the same time it stim® 
lates growth. For this reason gelatin should be made with aa 
broth free from sugar. (3) Owing to the fact that commer 
gelatin contains acid salts, which are neutral or alkaline to® 
mus but retard the growth of many organisms, the gelatin ™ 
should first be rendered neutral to phenolphthalein, after W 
if desired, it may be acidified with particular acids. wari 
cial gelatin of uniform character and washed free from all 
iting acid substances is a desideratum. 
Notes on the relative infrequence of fungi upon the trans 
plains and the adjacent foothills of the Rocky mountain © 
CuHaRLes E, Bessey, University of Nebraska (Absa 
sented by Erwin F. SmitH ).— In the districts named @ - 
fourteen years has shown the species of fungi to be ge 
while the number of individuals is comparatively small, the 
Opposite being true of the flowering plants, especially . 
