140 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [ FEBRUARY 
ing in the absence of perfect elaters, which are replaced by thin-walled 
chlorophyll-bearing cells. Dr. Campbell has now published an account “ of 
the development of his new genus, showing that it agrees with Sphzro- 
carpus in the form of the apical cell and in the general position and struct- 
ure of the sex organs, particulars in which both genera resemble Riccia; and 
that it differs from it in its much more massive thallus, in its second division 
in the antheridium and the massive stalk of that organ, in its sessile arche- 
gonium and consequent deeper penetration of the foot of the embryo into the 
thallus, in the large size and complete separation of the smooth spores, and 
in the development of true leaves and tubers. In the judgment of the author 
rocarpus remains the most primitive type, and Geothallus is interme- 
diate between it and forms like Fossombronia.— J. M. 
THERE HAS BEEN much discussion as to the origin of the droplets of 
sweet secretion which fall from trees in midsummer, sometimes in such 
abundance as to cover the pavements, and especially the twigs and lower 
leaves. In 1884 Boudier concluded that it was wholly of animal origin. In 
1891 Biisgen in his important memoir on honeydew seemed to support this 
view, though he discussed only the sweet secretion produced by insects. But 
arious botanists, apiculturists, and entomologists had pointed out clearly a 
oka origin of honeydew. M. Gaston Bonnier has reinvestigated the 
question both by observation and experiment. He comes to these conclu- 
sions.*5 
Honeydew, while more commonly the product of Aphid and Coccinel- 
lidz, is also of plant origin, as may be demonstrated by direct observation of 
the sweet droplets as they appear at the stomata. The animal honeydew 
appears during the day, the plant during the night, with a maximum at day- 
break. The conditions which favor its production are cool nights and hot dry 
days. Increased moisture in the air and cloudiness also favor it, other 
things being equal. Severed branches plunged in water, with the leaves 
shaded and in a saturated atmosphere, will produce honeydew at the 
stomata, even when those on the tree are not doing so. The plant honeydew 
approaches in chemical Cospostias more nearly the nectar of flowers than 
it does that of aphides.—C. R. B. 
THe peas have retelved a new systematic | treatment, the result af 
recent study by Professor C. E. Bessey.© He divides them into the two _ 
orders Cystiphorz and Nematogene, composed of unicellular and filamentous 
forms respectively. Further, the “bacteria” are not considered a ¢ on 
family, the author not regarding the noserophyte seat as contrasted ¥ with, 
™ Ann. Bot. ro: sba-510. Pl. 245 = ee re 
Risa ame: de Botanique 8: 1-2 
Seer: ee te Poth ‘Amer. + Nat 31:65. 1807. 
