—47— 



appear to have less in common with the others than Lycopodium 

 lucidulum. It is, therefore, surprising to find in an account of a 

 visit to Mount Ktaadn by L. H. Harvey, in Rhodora for Feb- 

 ruary, the note that Lycopodium sclago imperceptibly grades into 

 this species from the summit downward. The conclusion is 

 made that U L. selago is apparently a xerophytic form of L. lu- 

 cidulum, which replaces it in more mesophytic habitats. All 

 transitions were found varying with the environment." This 

 puts the relation of these two plants in a new light, and those 

 who have access to regions where selago is found will do fern 

 students a favor by reporting how their own observations tally 

 with it. If lucidulum intergrades with sclago this explains the 

 origin of lucidulum in Washington, which was recently reported. 

 It may also be observed in this connection that L. porophyllum s 

 lately described, whose habitat is dryish rocks, is a close ally of 

 lucidulum and probably is only another form of the same species. 

 How the nomenclature of the group will be disposed of is an 

 interesting problem. Selago having been described first, lucidu- 

 lum ought to be named L. selago lucidulum, and the other L. 

 sclago porophyllum. Probably, however, the extremes will al- 

 ways be maintained as distinct species, notwithstanding the inter- 

 grades. 



RAISING NEPHROLEPIS FROM SPORES. 



In answer to the query as to success in raising NephrolepU 

 exaltata from spores, I will say that, given the right conditions, 

 it is quite easily raised. One must bear in mind that the species 

 is arboreal, growing in moss, on trees and limbs. In the orchid 

 houses of Mr. Oakes Ames, at North Easton, Mass., the plants 

 are set in Osmunda fibre, mixed with sphagnum moss. Spores 

 from the adjoining fern-house alight on this and readily gei ni- 

 nate. One of the predominant species is Nephrolepis, which is 

 quite a weed. Sporelings of this species can always be separated 

 from plants raised from runners because the pinnae are crisped 

 and the margin bristly with the excurrent nerves. These char- 

 acters disappear on maturity.— A A. F,aton, Ames Botanical 

 Laboratory, North Bast on, Mass. 



