1897] Proceedings of Scientific Societies. 653 
grama Bouteloua oligostachya and hirsuta, and “ Nigger Heads,” Carex 
filifolia. 
In a region where the rain-fall is comparatively scant and distribu- 
ted only during certain seasons of the year, the plants must be so con- 
stituted as to be able to withstand a good deal of drought. In other 
words, the evaporation must either be reduced to a minimum or the 
plant must have special stores of water. The plants peculiar to this 
region may be divided in the following groups: 
1. Very hairy plants generally covered by thick pannose pubescence, 
which retain the moisture, as species of Eriogonum, Astragalus, Euro- 
tis, Senecio, Evolvulus and Artemisia. 
2. Plants with glaucous foliage having a hard epidermis, as Yucca 
glauca, Rumex venosus, Argemone alba, and several grasses. 
3. Plants with white, often shreddy bark, as species of Mentzelia and 
- Anogna. 
4. Plants with very narrow and often involute leaves, as Lygodesmia 
juncea and rostrata and several grasses and sedges. 
5. Plants with fleshy stems in which the surface is reduced to a min- 
imum and no leaves, as the Cacti. 
6. Plants with a deep-seated, enlarged root, as the Bush Morning- 
glory Ipomea leptophylla, and the Wild Pumpkin Cucurbita fætidissima. 
Mr. Rydberg had seen a root of the former 3 feet long and almost 2 
feet in diameter. 
7. Plants covered with glands, containing essential oils, as Dysodia 
papposa and Peetis angustifolia. The oil is supposed by some to have 
a cooling effect, partly by taking up heat when evaporated and partly 
by surrounding the plant by a cooler atmosphere, their specific heat 
being much less than the air. 
Numerous specimens were exhibited. 
Three papers followed by Dr. J. K.Small, “ (a) The Sessile-flowered 
Trillia of the Southern States,” (b) “ Notes on Epilobiacex.” Both 
papers are published in the April issue of the Bulletin. y 
Dr. Britton exhibited a specimen of Silene conica L., collected by 
Mr. A. D. Selby at Clyde, Ohio. This species is a recent immigrant 
from Europe. 
N. L. BRITTON, Secretary, pro tem. 
New York Academy of Sciences.—Biological Section. —April 
5, 1897.—The Chairman, Prof, E. B. Wilson, in the chair. Twenty- 
two persons present. Prof. Osborn moved that a committee be ap- 
pointed to consider and take action on the question of postage on 
