64 



Recent experiments in wliich seeds of ConvaUaria majaJis L. and Smilachm 

 racemosa (L.) Desf. were the test material, showed epicotyl dormancy of a 

 different type in that the period at low temperature, in order to be effective, 

 must be given, not merely after root production, but after the seedlings had 

 developed to the stage where their shoots had broken through the first enclos- 

 ing sheaths. Exposure at earlier developmental stages was without effect in 

 breaking epicotyl dormancy. Three to five months at 5° or 10° C. was found 

 to be necessary for forcing the first green leaves of ConvaUaria and SmUaciiia. 



Low-temperature pretreatment of the imbibed seeds increased root produc- 

 tion in ConvaUaria and was essential to root formation in Smilacina when 

 plantings were made in the soil in the greenhouse. 



After considerable discussion, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 

 p.m., to enjoy tea and other refreshments served by members of the 

 Garden Staff. 



Respectfully submitted, 



Harold C. Bold, 

 Acting Re. Sec. 



NEWS NOTES 



The Torrey Club has undertaken a botanical survey of that 

 portion of the Appalachian Trail that is maintained by the New 

 York-New Jersey Trail Conference, namely, from the Delaware 

 River to the Connecticut state line. Something over twenty miles 

 of trail and alternate trail between the Delaware and Flatbrooks- 

 ville road were covered last season. Three hundred and sixty-seven 

 species of Spermatophytes, 28 species of Pteridophytes, 24 species 

 of Bryophytes, 105 species of lichens (disregarding forms, modes, 

 and varieties), and 47 species of fungi have been recorded to date. 

 The only alga so far determined is Microspora stagnorum. In 

 many of the groups a considerable number of additional species 

 would be recorded if specialists in those plants were available on 

 the trips. The project will be continued this season. 



