256 
ParASITES AMoNG HIGHER PLANTS. 
Not only do the lower plants become parasitic upon the higher 
plants, but some of the higher plants have also adapted themselves 
to living as parasites. One of the most common illustrations of 
such a plant is the dodder. This is produced from a seed, but 
when the young plant has attained a height of about an inch it 
attaches itself to the stems of other plants, sends minute sucking 
organs into the stem of its host and throughout the remainder 
of its life draws its nourishment from this source. Cultivated 
plants are often attacked by this parasite but as the cause is evi- 
dent the dodder is controlled in the same manner as other trouble- 
some weeds. 
Frep J. SEAVER. 
THE TROPICAL FERN COLLECTION. 
During the past summer the large collection of tropical ferns, 
and selaginellas and related plants, formerly located in houses 
nos. 10 and 11: of conservatory range no. I, were transferred 
to the new conservatories, known as range no. 2, located on 
the east side of the grounds, in the midst of the tract devoted 
to the deciduous arboretum. It now occupies the entire com- 
pleted alas of the new conservatories, with the exception 
of the east house of the transverse range, 8 the cycads, 
eee were described in the previous number of this JouRNAL. 
The tree-ferns and the larger specimens of the other kinds of 
ferns will be found in the west and middle transverse houses, 
while in the low house, running north and south, is located the 
remainder of the collection, consisting of the greater number of 
genera and species; these are arranged in botanical sequence, 
the details of which are described below 
Entering the range by the west door, we pass through the vesti- 
bule, provided to guard the plants in cold weather from too 
sudden changes of temperature, into the westerly house. As seen 
from the door, the view presented is that shown in the ac- 
companying illustration. From here one obtains a good idea 
