68 
factors in varying combinations. Enough has been said to indi- 
cate how interesting this collection is and how well one would be 
repaid by visiting it, not only once, but many times, and studying 
its various elements as they appear from time to time. The 
hybrid and its parents are often in flower at the same time, and 
may often be studied side by side. 
GrorGE V. Nasu. 
AN IMPORTANT COLLECTION OF VARNISH- 
RESINS 
During the year 1908, the Garden received from Mr. A. P. 
Bjerregaard the gift of a collection of varnish-resins numbering 
upward of 212 specimens. It was hoped to get the collection 
classified botanically, as well as commercially, before eas 
the attention of the public to it. e task has been found ex- 
ceedingly difficult, and it is doubtful if the oe state of our 
knowledge will permit of the reference of some of the varieties 
to their botanical origin. 
r. Bjerregaard has studied the specimens with great care as 
to thet physical and chemical ia eal and their present classi- 
fication is that which he has based.o udies 
The collection includes many specimens each of amber and 
other fossil resins, African and American animis, African and 
so. 
The collection as a whole is one of the greatest interest and of 
great value. It may be seen in a case in the central portion of 
the west wing of the museum. 
H. H. Russy. 
CONFERENCE NOTES. 
The regular conference of the scientific staff and students of the 
Garden met in the library on the afternoon of ii 3, at 
which time the following programme was rendered. 
Dr. Arthur Hollick discussed at some length a P. Penhallow’'s 
“Tertiary Plants of British Columbia,” issued in 1908 by the 
