Notes AND NEws 95 
Such a law would not interfere with legitimate busi- 
ness; it would not, of course, prevent any short-sighted 
person from exterminating the ferns on his land—that 
Seems to be regarded as a natural right. But it would 
tend to stop irresponsible parties, who have not the 
Same interest as an owner in keeping up a continuous 
crop, from helping themselves. It is a move in the 
right direction ; and should be called to the attention of 
the authorities in all states where the fern-picking in- 
dustry is carried on. 
In a recent letter to Science, Professor Clute suggests 
that there ought to be some way of “distinguishing 
individuals who have attained eminence in their re- 
spective lines” of scientific work, regardless of whether 
they hold a doctor’s degree or not. Probably men who 
do good work find the recognition of it which they value 
Most in the respect and admiration of their colleagues, 
whether it be formally expressed or not; and this, we 
may believe, they rarely miss. Moreover, men who 
attain especial distinction commoaly receive recogni- 
“on in the shape of honorary degrees. Nevertheless, 
the suggestion is interesting, and it might be a very 
800d thing if some central representative bodies, such 
as the sections of the American Association, could be 
empowered to give honorable mention to deserving 
work, 
Prof. Breckenridge writes as follows in regard to his 
Specimens of Onoclea sensibilis, forma obtusilobata, two 
°t which were illustrated in a recent number of the 
JOURNAL: 
UP picked at least’ kh down specimens of obtusi- 
lobata in Monkton, Vermont. . . . They were 
Picked about the middle of July. When I picked them 
