Notks AND ABSTRACTS, 



839 



development of the spermatozoid of Marchanlia. Tho Bpermatozoid mother- 

 cells each form two spennatozoids. Under certain circumstances the 

 spermatozoids again divide. CentronomoH were found to occur regularly 

 in all stages of antheridial cells except the last stage of cell-division. 

 They also occur throughout the formation of the spermatozoids, and 

 appear to pass into the tip of the pear-shaped spermatozoid and take 

 part in the formation of cilia. The author figures these centrosomes as 

 originating in the nucleus and passing through the nuclear membrane into 

 the cell-protoplasm. Another peculiar body was found near the nucleus. 

 The author considers blepharoplasts as true centrosomes, but for further 

 details as to tho blepharoplast theory the paper itself should be c msultcd. 



G. J<\ 8.-E. 



Marsdenia Imthurnii. By W. B. If. (Hot. Ma<j. t. 705a). -Native 



of British Guiana. Nat. ord. Asolepiadacea ; tribe Maradcnwai. A 

 vigorous climber, with 7/o/ya-like flowers of a purple colour, forming 

 globular cymes.— 6'. //. # 



Meconopsis integrifolia {GwrL Ckron. No. 027, p. 210, fig. 07, 



and Supp., Oct. 1, 1901). — The first time that this beautiful plant was 

 seen in flower in Europe was in the course of September 1001, when it 

 blossomed in tho nurseries of Messrs. Bee and Co. and of Messrs.!. Veitch 

 and Sons. The former obtained the seeds from which the plants won; 

 grown from an expedition sent by tin; Russian Government to Central 

 Asia. Messrs. Veitch and Sons grew theirs from seeds sent home by 

 their collector, Mr. Wilson, who found tho plant growing in great abun- 

 dance on the mountains on the eastern side of Tibet at an Altitude of 

 from 11,000 to 10,000 feet above the; sea-level. lie says : "1 have found 

 it in millions. The dried material in herbaria gives no real idea of tlx; 

 magnificent flowers this plant has. The flowers are often H to 10 inches 

 in diameter, of a lovely bright yellow colour. 1 have seen on one plant 

 as many as fifteen flowers expanded at one time; this, however, was 

 exceptional. Tho usual number is from four to six. it is a common 

 sight to see a thousand or more in full flower together." Alluding to its 

 cultivation, Mr. Wilson says : " Treat it as a hardy, moisture-loving plant ; 

 give it a place in peaty or leafy soil, and I believe you will succeed. What- 

 ever you do, do not coddle the plants or you will kill them." A botanical 

 description of the plant is given. (J. ,S. S. 



Meconopsis punicea (Gwrd. Chron. No. 980, p. '282, fig. 180, Oct. 20, 

 1904). — This is another very fine species introduced into cultivation by 

 Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons, who obtained it from their collector, Mr. 

 Wilson, who found it growing in u damp meadows, amid grass and low 

 shrubs, shaded from the direct rays of the sun, and at an altitude of 

 11,500 to 12,500 feet, in the north-west corner of Szechuen." This is a 

 very handsome species. The flowers are of a dark scarlet colour, and when 

 pressed flat measure over 6 inches in diameter! they are solitary and 

 nodding, borne on scapes 18 inches or 2 feet in length. The leaves are 

 entire ; they, the ovary and scape, are covered with shining yellow hairs. 

 It is expected that in this species we have a very fine addition to our 

 hardy annuals and alpine plants. — G. S. S. 



