1899] BRIEFER ARTICLES 319 
is thus introduced into both auxiliary cells and divides near the points 
ofentrance. One of these two nuclei passes to the top of each cell, 
from which region the favella is to develop. The original nucleus 
(gametophytic) of each auxiliary cell, together with one of the sporo- 
phytic nuclei, finally becomes cut off from the developing favella by a 
wall and takes no further part in the history of the cystocarp. If these 
observations are confirmed in other species of Callithamnion the fact 
will be regarded by the writer as one of the most valuable observations 
that has been published in this field of investigation ; for Callithamnion 
las presented one of the most difficult problems offered to students of 
the red alge. Moreover, the physiological conditions there present 
see to be duplicated in a number of genera (Spermothamnion, Grif- 
fithsia Lejolisia, a): A satisfactory explanation for Callithamnion 
offers the hope that we may finally understand the complicated organ- 
vation ina number of other forms. 
Time alone will determine how generally the theory of Oltmanns 
~ be applied. The instances of detailed observations on the puz- 
ding Conditions of this remarkable group of plants are so few, in com- 
Patison to the mass of perplexing phenomena presented, that one may 
Well hesitate before considering Oltmanns’ views as established. But 
“appears to the writer that Oltmanns gives us the most reasonable 
“eory yet presented in extenso, the most satisfactory working hypothesis 
for future investigation, and that its stimulus upon research in this 
Sup of alge will be far reaching.— BrapLey Moore Davis, Zhe 
Univer sity of Chicago. 
A NEW SILPHIUM. 
; In describing a new Silphium as 5S. Zanceolatum in the February 
Umber of the BOTANICAL GAZETTE (p. 139) I unaccountably over- 
; 
te the fact that Nuttall had used the same specific name in the 
Bens, I therefore Propose the name of Silphium Chickamaugense for 
this Species, a 
M. M. Cansy, Wilmington, Del. 
