43 
the different organs of the host plant and microscopical prepa- 
rations were exhibited demonstrating the relations of the fungus 
to the cells of its principal host Calamagrostis canadensis. 
The fungus is coexistent in leaves, buds, stems, rhizomes and 
roots of the infected plants. Filaments of the fungus also form 
a thin weft on the exterior of the roots and extend out into the 
soil. | | 
In the leaves the fungus is vigorously parasitic. In the culms 
fungal filaments are most abundant in the region of the nodes, 
but there is almost no destruction of tissues. In the underground 
parts of the culms and in rhizomes the hyphae completely 
digest the cell contents of cortical cells, but have no effect on 
the cell walls except at the points of actual penetration. In the 
older portions of roots the hyphae are scattered through the 
cortex, where they occupy empty cells. In the younger lateral 
roots the filaments of the fungus are found penetrating living 
cells and exhibiting characteristics which have been ascribed to 
mycorhizal fungi. Ultimately, however, the cell contents dis- 
appear while the fungus remains intact. 
The fungus is perennial in the soil, and in the underground 
portions of the host. It is present in buds, but is unable to 
penetrate into the growing apex. | 
The fungus, therefore, exhibits a varying degree of parasitism 
in the different parts of the host. 
The presentation of the second announced paper, ‘‘Studies 
on the Growth and Reproduction of Certain Species of Asco- 
bolus," by Mr. Bernard O. Dodge, was omitted on account of 
the illness and absence of Mr. Dodge. 
Mrs. N. L. Britton exhibited drawings and microscopic prepa- 
rations illustrating certain types of thickening in the cell walls of 
the leaves of mosses. 
Dr. N. L. Britton discussed the characters of a new species of 
Elaeagia from Cuba. This is a Rubiaceous shrub 8 or то feet 
high, with fruit imperfectly known. : The hitherto known species 
of the genus Elaeagia occur in the Andes of South America and 
this new plant from the mountains of Cuba forms another link 
in the chain of relationship between the flora of the higher alti- 
