58 



the pine forest by the dunes. Retrogression resulted, as was 

 evidenced by the numerous dead pines on the beach front. A 

 few living pines had survived; two species, Pinus strobus and 

 Pinus resinosa, being represented. The tree upon which the 

 sandy sporophores were found was probably the latter species, 

 Pinus resinosa. 



In the opinion of Dr. Arthur Hollick, who has examined the 

 specimens, the conclusions of the writer were verified. He re- 

 gards the phenomenon as the result of the mechanical mixing of 

 the sand with the hyphae and compares it with the sponges 

 which have been washed upon the shore, rolled around in the 

 sand, often presenting a similar appearance and result. He 

 states that "this is not replacement of the vegetable tissue by 

 sand and is not analogous to petrification or conversion into 

 mineral matter." 



This interesting material was gathered upon the sandy shore 

 of Presque Isle, one of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior, 

 northern Wisconsin. The accompanying photographs were 

 taken from material collected and sent to the botanical labora- 

 tories of the Pennsylvania State College. Specimens have been 

 deposited in the herbarium of the New York Botanical Garden 

 and in the herbarium and museum of the Pennsylvania State 

 College. 



The Penns\xvania State College 



THE LENGTH OF ERYTHRONIUM STAMENS 



By F. L. Pickett 



In a recent note in this journal* Paul W. Graff recorded some 

 interesting observations on the length of stamens of various 

 Erythronium species. The facts recorded are of chief interest 

 because they have not appeared in standard manuals and because 

 of the appearance of figures in some manuals which are untrue 

 to the actual conditions. The length of stamens may not be 

 of diagnostic importance, but it seems that illustrations should 

 at least be true. 



* Paul W. Graff, The Stamens of Erythronium Americanii?n, Torreya i6: i8o- 

 182. 



