1892.] Botany. ; 855 
this is a reliable specific character”. Both papers were fully illus- 
trated by specimens and wall charts 
Mr. Rowlee’s second communication was “ Adaptation of seeds to 
facilitate germination” in which he showed that many structures 
apparently for dissemination were for holding water or otherwise aiding 
in germination. Dr. H. L. Russell in “ Bacteriological investigations 
of marine waters and the sea floor” showed that microdrganisms exist 
in great numbers in the deep sea and that such forms offer many 
advantages for the study of physiological problems. Mr. T. V. Coville 
gave a “Sketch of the flora of Death Valley, California,” where he has 
spent some time in the study of the strange forms. “ How the applica- 
tion of hot water-to seeds increases the yield” was shown by Dr. J. C. 
Arthur. The hot bath stimulates the development of a ferment and 
this quickens the seed to greater vitality and growth. Prof. L. H. 
Bailey “On the supposed correlation of quality in fruits—a study in 
evolution ”, showed that cultivated fruits are an improvement in 
flavor as well as in size over the wild forms from which they came. 
A second paper by Dr. Russell was upon “ Non-parasitic bacteria in 
vegetable tissue”. There was some discussion following it, upon the 
method of penetration of organisms through vegetable tissues, the con- 
tinuity of protoplasm offering the best explanation. 
rof. Kellerman’s two papers were “ Notes on yellow pitch-pine— 
Pinus rigida Mill., var. lutea Kell, n. v.” and “Germination at 
intervals of seed treated with fungicides” the latter showing some 
striking results. In his study of “ The fertilization of pear flowers”. 
Mr. M. B. Waite found that the barrenness of orchards in some cases 
can be explained by the impotency of self-pollination. 
Mr. T. B. Maxwell presented the results of “A comparative study 
of the roots of Ranuculaces.” In “Adaptation of plants to external 
environment ” Prof. W. P. Wilson, by means of a large number of 
lantern slides showed the influence of heat, light, high altitude, etc., 
upon the position of leaves upon various species of plants. Prof.S. A. 
Beach presented “ Notes on self-pollination of the grape ” and showed 
that some sorts need foreign pollen. “The comparative influence of 
odor and color in attracting insects” was brought out by Mr. G. B. 
Sudworth. “Notes on Daucus carota” were given by Prof. C. W 
Hargitt. A second paper by Mr. Coville, “Geographic relationship 
of the flora of the high Sierra Nevada, California,” gave further 
results of the author’s studies in the far west. Rev. W. M. Beauchamp 
presented “ Variation in native ferns,” followed by D. G. Fairchild on 
“ Live-forever eradicated by a fungous disease,” a rare instance of a 
