56 
ing, Grouped around it are posts provided for some of the climb- 
ing members of this family, which make their homes upon trees 
in dense tropical forests, frequently entirely concealing the trunks 
with their large leaves. Philodendyon is one of the genera given 
largely to this habit, and it is here represented by several species, 
Some of these are: P. giganteum, common throughout tropical 
America; P. lacerum, of the West Indies, with its curiously 
toothed leaves’ ; P. verrucosum, from Colombia, with the leaves 
oddly variegated with purple and with the petioles densely hairy ; 
and P. radiatum, from Mexico, quite different in appearance, with 
the leaves cut into many narrow linear segments. Of the sam 
genus, but attaining tree-like proportions instead of climbing and 
with the trunks plainly marked with leaf scars, are two species 
from Brazil, P. Sedloum and P. speciosum. The former is especi- 
ses noticeable on account of its deep green foliage. Another 
imbing aroid in this collection is Monstera deliciosa, from Mex- 
ico and known there as Pifia Anona; it is common in cultivation, 
its large lobed leaves, with their peculiar perforations, make it 
very effective in conservatory decoration ; its fruit is edible and 
has a rich pineapple flavor. 
Two other plants in this same house, to which reference was 
made in the JouRNAL last month, are now in full flower: Medznilla 
magnifica, across the path from the large plant of Anthurium 
Veitch; and Pitcaiynia corallina, a member of the pineapple 
family, on the opposite side of the house. Both are worthy of 
more: general cultivation than they enjoy. 
GEORGE V. Nasa. 
February 23, 1904. 
THE MUSEUM EXHIBIT OF SEAWEEDS. 
During the past year, the exhibit of algae in the synoptic col- 
lections of the public museum has been nearly doubled in volume 
and considerably improved as regards the character of the speci- 
mens displayed. The exhibit of marine forms has been especi- 
ally increased, largely through the results of recent collecting 
