a 
CURRENT LITERATURE. 
MINOR NOTICES. 
The algae —The second volume of OLTMANNs’ large work on the algae has 
appeared.‘ This part treats of a variety of general topics, the first volume 
having been devoted especially to the different groups. Among the subjects 
are the algal cell, the development of reproductive organs, the nourishment of 
algae, life conditions, response to stimuli, polymorphism, life histories, adapta- 
tions, and a discussion of methods of collection, study, and culture. The two 
volumes give an excellent digest of the large literature in phycology and will prove 
very valuable as the starting point for many lines of further advance. Some 
of OLTMANNS’ views, as for example that of the place of the tetraspore in the 
life history of red algae, are not likely to be sustained, but the work is a very schol- 
arly contribution to botanical science and will be welcomed as the only publica- 
tion of its class in the field of phycology—B. M. Davis. 
North American Flora.»—The general character and scope of this great 
work were stated in this journal in connection with the appearance of the first — 
part.3 Another part has now appeared, being a direct continuation of the former 
one, and both belong to volume 22 in the general scheme 
Saxifragaceae—Conimitella, Elmera, and Ceveorics: are established as new 
genera, and 30 other genera are recognized; new species are descri under 
Lithophragma (8), Tellima, Mitella (2), Pectiantia, Ozomelis, Heuchera (25), 
Sullivantia, Therophon (3), Saxifraga, Muscaria (4), Micranthes (12), Spatu- 
laria, Leptasea (3), and Heterisia. 
Hydrangeaceae.—Neodeutzia is established as a new genus, and g other 
genera are ca gee new species are described under Philadelphus (11) and 
Edwinia (2).—J. M. C. 
Philippine plants——Recent bulletins (nos. 29 and 35) from the Bureau of 
Government Laboratories show commendable activity in the study of Philippine 
plants. Ermer D. Merritt, botanist of the laboratory, is publishing a series 
of papers on new or noteworthy plants, the third and fourth papers appearing 
* OLTMANNS, F., Morphologie und Biologie der Algen. pki Band. Allge- 
meiner Teil. 8vo. pp. vi+443. Jena: Gustav Fischer. 1905. M 1 
North American Flora. Vol. 22. Part 2. Saxifragaceae, Hydrangea JoHN 
KUNKEL SMALL, PER AXEL RyDBERG. Cunoniaceae, Iteaceae, Hamamelidaceae, 
NATHANIEL Lorp Britton. Petrostemonaceae, PERCY Wnsox. Phyllonoma- 
ceae, HENry Hurp Russy. 8vo. pp. 81-191. New York: The N w York Botanical 
Garden, December 18, 1905. Subscription price $1.50 for ae part. 
3 Bor. GAZETTE 40:74. 1905. 
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