252 : BOTANICAL GAZETTE ; [MARCH 
measured this concentration by means of a convenient type of hydrometer, 
of accommodation; while Spartina stricta maritima, S. patens, and Juncus 
Gerardi show the wridaet limits. Typha aiiiafais cannot grow in water 
that approximates a sodium chloride content of 1 per cent, and in much less 
dilute solutions shows the detrimental effect of the salt. From a large number 
of determinations, the height of the plants and the size of their spikes are 
shown to vary inversely with the concentration of the water in which they 
developed, the optimum condition being entirely fresh water. The paper con- 
tains other valuable data and points the way for intensive studies of the 
vegetation of salt marshes and alkaline soils. 
A few notes on the deposits shown in sections of the salt marsh soil indicate 
a definite succession in the former vegetation similar to that at present in 
progress, and that there has been a progressive submergence of the marsh 
either from a change of tidal level, as held by JoHNSON,” or from a general sub- 
sidence of the entire coast line, as is believed by most investigators.—GE0. D. 
FULLER. 
Queensland ferns.—Dr. F. M. BaItEy, the veteran colonial botanist of 
Queensland, Australia, has just published an interesting review® of Domin’s 
work on Queensland plants, so far as it concerns ferns and fern allies.” The 
new species ve —— = hi as S species new to Se * are listed, it 
with description f the review is the aln 
cism of Deen's: S new species and varieties. For example, in jean to Pallas 
triquetrum Sw. var. fallacinum Domin, he says that “the distinctions given 
seem only those of growth and situation”; Selaginella flabellata F. v. M. var. 
brevispica Domin “‘is scarcely worthy of a dikiactiee name”; Marattia oreades 
Domin “‘can hardly be separated from that very variable species M. fraxineo 
Sm.”; in regard to two new varieties of Platycerium alcicorne and one new 
variety of P. grande he says that “it is scarcely advisable to attach names to 
isolated plants of Platycerium, particularly as differences in their growth and 
form are so often caused by situation.” ‘“‘Finally,” says BamLey, “1 think that 
7 JONSON, D. W., The supposed recent subsidence of the Massachusetts and New 
Jersey coasts. Science N.S. 32:721~723. 1910; also Botanical evidence of coastal 
subsidence. Science N.S. 33:300-302. 1911; also Bor. Gaz. 56:449-408. 1013- 
8 Bartey, F. M., Contributions to Queensland flora. Bot. Bull. no. 17- PP- ' 
1913. 
™ Domin, K., Beitrige zur Flora und Pflanzengeographie Australiens I. Abt. 
Pieridegiees CPioditesas einer Farnflora Queenslands). Stuttgart. 1913- 
