1905] CURRENT LITERATURE 155 
methods of ascending from too great a depth are stated in outline as (1) elongation 
of internodes, (2) elongation of internodes and position of buds; (3) localization 
of buds, (4) curving of the rootstock, and (5) curving of the winter shoots. The 
methods of descending to a greater depth are (1) localization of the buds, (2) 
curvature of the rootstock, (3) curvature of the winter shoots, and (4) contraction 
of the roots.—J. M. C. 
Jounson*s has published a preliminary note in reference to his study of the 
Piperales. In addition to Peperomia, Piper, Heckeria, and Saururus, previously 
studied, he has studied recently Anemiopsis and Houttuynia (Saururaceae), 
and also representative genera of Chloranthaceae and Lacistemaceae. The 
general result is a confirmation of the view that the development of the mega- 
sporangium and female gametophyte of angiosperms is not a satisfactory index 
of genetic relationship, for it may vary widely within a single family or genus. 
Tn the genera of Piperales studied there is a variety in the development of the 
tapetum, megaspore, embryo sac, and endosperm nearly as great as can be found 
in the whole range of angiosperms. The development of the seed, however, 
suggests relationships of Piperaceae and Saururaceae to other dicotyledonous 
families; and the author concludes from such evidence that the Piperales are not 
very primitive angiosperms, and that they are probably most nearly allied to the 
four dicotyledonous orders with perisperm-containing seeds—Aristolochiales, 
Polygonales, Centrospermales, and Ranales.—J. M. C. 
Miss Rrpp1e" has investigated Batrachium longirostris, more often regarded 
Sporogenous tissue to form the tapetal layer. It is noteworthy, also, that the 
male cells, or at least their nuclei, appear just before pollination. In the develop- 
naoreg of the megasporangium two or more archesporial cells often appear, and no 
parietal cell is cut off. The antipodals have the character that belongs to the 
family, retaining the primitive number, but increasing much in size. In the 
development of the-embryo the suspensor is short and somewhat massive, the 
longitudinal division of the end cell of the proembryo occurring when it consists 
of three cells.—J. M. C. 
SABLON’S has studied the development of the sporogonium of mosses with 
the view of comparin g it with the development of the stems of vascular _— 
“ ” JoHNson, Duncan, S., Seed development: in the Piperales and its bearing on 
‘he relationship of thef order. Johns Hopkins Univ. Circ. No. 178. pp- 28-31. 19°5- 
he _ NIDDLE, Lumina C., Devel t of the embryo sac and embryo of Batrachium 
Srostris. Ohio Nat. §:353-363. pls. 22-24. 1905. 
"Ss SABLoN, LECLERC DU, Sur le développement du sporogone des mo 
: = usses. Rev. 
Gén, Bot. 17:193-1097: figs. 3. 1905. 
