424 BOTANICAL GAZETTE ° [ DECEMBER 
Jne other point is made in the paper. Loew has shown’ that the spore- 
producing function of fungi is much more susceptible to the action of poisons 
than is the vegetative. Thus it should be possible to obtain a concentration 
of the poison such that it would hinder or stop spore production and still not 
effect, or effect in a minimum degree, the vegetative growth. But under 
these conditions the energy normally directed to spore production would 
probably be turned towards growth. Thus we would have an acceleration in 
growth due to the retardation in reproduction. This, the author concludes, 
is probably the case in his researches.— BURTON EDWARD LIVINGSTON. 
ITEMS OF TAXONOMIC INTEREST are as follows: W. N. SukspoRF (Bot. 
Monatsschrift 18:97-99, 132-134. I900), in continuing his descriptions of 
Washington plants, has published new varieties in Viburnum, Valerianella, 
adia, Artemisia, Troximon, Dodecatheon, Phlox, and Gilia (3), and new 
species of Dodecatheon, Gilia, and Amsinckia (4).—In continuing his studies 
on the fungus flora of South America, Dr. H. REHM (Hedwigia 39 : 209-224. 
1900) has reached the Discomycetes, in which he describes Physmatomyces 
(Bulgariacez) and Psorotheciopsis (Mollisiex) as new genera. — PASCAL 
Contr (Mém. Herb. Boiss. no. 18: 1-86. 1900) has published a revision of 
the species of Matthiola, recognizing 32 species, 5 of which are described as 
new.— Marcus E, Jones (Zoe 5 : 41-53. 1900) has published the ninth of 
his ‘‘ Contributions to Western Botany,” which contains many critical notes, 
some new forms of Astragalus, and a very interesting ecological sketch of the 
Great Salt Lake desert.— WILLIAM F. WRIGHT (did. 53-58) has published 
seven new species and two new varieties of Gadium, chiefly from California. 
—E. J. Duranp (Bull. Torr. Bot. Club 27 : 463-495. és. 27-32. 1900) has 
published a classification of the fleshy Pezizinex, segregating them into four 
families on the basis of the structure of the sterile layers of the cup.—E. J. 
HI (zbéd. 496-505) has published an interesting account of Ce/tis pumila 
Pursh, which he shows should be restored to specific rank.—GEORGE E. 
OSTERHOUT (26d. 506-508) has described six new forms from Colorado, 
under Adium (2), Artemisia (3), and Agoseris (1).—AVEN NELSON (from 
tenth annual report of the Wyoming Exper. Sta.) has published under the 
title “ The Cryptogams of Wyoming”’ a list of those species which have been 
secured in the botanical survey of the state. —E. KOEHNE (Engler's Bot. 
Jahrb. 29: 161-168. 1900) has completed his account of new Lythracee.— 
L. DIELs (z6id. 169-320. pis. 2-5) has begun the publication of the flora of 
Central China, a general consideration of the nature of the region covered 
being followed by a list of species, including new ones, from F ilicales to 
Caryophyllaceze inclusive. The paper contains descriptions of g new erns, 
26 new Monocotyledons, and 13 new Dicotyledons so far as the group !§ oe 
sidered. Smilax contains 10 new species, and a conspectus of Fagus 1s 
3 Ein natiirliches System von Giftwirkung. 1893. 
