1913] CURRENT LITERATURE 469 
do not conjugate until after infection. The nuclei of the zoosporangium 
divide during the growth stages by a process of amitosis like that figured by the 
writer in Monochytrium, but in the later reproductive stages they divide by 
mitosis, recalling conditions in Synchytrium and Chrysophlyctis. Fusion of 
the gametic nuclei in the zygote is delayed until the spring of the following 
year, the resting spores having of course matured in the meantime. Before 
they conjugate, however, they undergo a very peculiar process of budding by 
which large amounts of chromatin are extruded into the cytoplasm and central 
vacuole. The first division of the fusion nucleus appears to represent reduc- 
tion, after which the nuclei are multiplied rapidly until the maak sags spore 
ecomes a zoosporangium very similar to the temporary ities 
he demonstration of such a primitive type of sexuality in Olpidiun would 
oT from higher fungi under “the debasing influence of parasitism.” 
On the other hand, the facts so far brought to light do not give a clear 
ih et of the source from which these forms may have come. It is evident, 
only during the reproductive period. Kusano points out that this fact rules 
out the monoenergid Endosphaeraceae as indicative of the line of descent of 
Olpidium, though not necessarily eliminating the lower Protococcoideae in the 
region of Chlamydomonas. Now that cytological studies of the Archimycetes 
are beginning to accumulate, it is becoming increasingly evident that they 
represent not a single phylum, but a conglomeration of heterogeneous forms 
which have little in common except their apparent simplicity——RoBeErt F. 
GRIGGS. 
Physiological effect of Bordeaux mixture.—Aside from its fungicidal 
value, ietiereres suite has Deca reported by oS investigators to have a 
y activity of sprayed 
plants “This action has been further investigated by EWwerrt, who in a former 
reported experiments which indicate that, contrary to the generally 
pacsgtilt opinion, the physiological effect of Bordeaux mixture on the leaves 
of plants is detrimental. In the present paper Ewert™ reports the results 
e 
sists grown in tanks under controlled conditions, and in soil kept at a constant 
water content. It was found that almost without exception the yield of tu- 
bers, roots, and pods, and of total dry matter was depressed by a covering of 
WERT, R., Weitere Studien iiber die physiologische und fungicide Wirkung 
der seers bei krautigen Gewiichsen und der Johannisbeere. Zeitschr. 
Pflanzenkrank. 22:257-285. 1912. 
