404 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [DECEMBER 
the other is a new species of Cryptomeriopsis, the generic name suggesting the 
reputed affinity. A new fungus is also described, parasitic on the shoots of 
Cryptomeriopsis, and is referred to the Pyrenomycetes as a new genus (Pleo- 
Sporites 
Fuyne has followed Suzuxt’s paper with a short discussion of the features 
of the cretaceous flora of Japan so far as uncovered, and especially contrast- 
ing it with the results of HoLtick and JEFFREY in the United States. He 
announces a change of opinion as to the affinities of Yezostrobus and Yezonia 
(Stopes and Fuji 1910), being convinced now that this strobilus and stem, 
whether they belong together or not, are to be associated with the araucarians. 
The discussion of the causes of extinction is preliminary and suggestive rather 
then definite, attention being called to the influence of such factors as para- 
sitic fungi, injurious gases from volcanoes, climatic changes, “(inherent char- 
acters,” etc. Even the cytological situation is included, the fluctuating num- 
bers of chromosomes in angiosperms and their fixed number in gymnosperms 
suggesting a relation to the variability and hence adaptability of the former 
group, and the fixity and decadence of the latter group.—J. M. C. 
An ecologist’s ak botanical garden of a new type, situated on 
Mount Aigoual, a peak of the Cevennes, and due largely to the foresight 
and energy of Professor FLAHAULT, has recently been described by SKENE.* 
The situation seems almost ideal for the study of many ecological problems, 
as it lies between the Atlantic and Mediterranean basins, with an elevation 
that permits the mesophytic vegetation of the former to thrive within a few 
miles of the xerophytic plants of the latter region. The presence and proximity 
of calcareous, siliceous, and granitic soils add to the value of the region for 
experimental purposes. In addition to the garden proper (800 feet below the 
summit), there is a at at the very top of the mountain, and a bog which forms 
the source of a strea 
Since the ‘ecidius of the garden (known as “L’Hort de Dieu”’) in 1903, 
a laboratory capable of sheltering a dozen people has been erected, and several — 
thousand seedling trees and shrubs have been planted. Trees from all parts 
‘of the earth are being grown, in order to find those most suitable for forestry 
es in southern France, and to solve such ecological problems as the 
factors which limit tree species at certain altitudes. Not only the garden but 
the entire mountain is being made one gigantic ecological experimental plot.— 
Gero. D. FULLER 
Leaves of Calamites.—Tuomas* has undertaken an investigation of the 
leaves of certain species of Calamites, to obtain from their structure indications 
# Fujyu, K., Some remarks on the cretaceous fossil flora and the causes of extinc- 
tion. Bot. Max Tokyo 24:197-220. 1910. 
4 SKENE, Redeerereee An ecologist’s garden. New Phytol. 10:64-68. 1911. 
” THO H. Hamsuaw, On the leaves of Calamites (CALAMOCLADUS section). 
Phil. Trane Roy: Soc. Landon B 202:51-92. pls. 3-5. 1911. 
