NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



851 



(1904), xx. p. 229 ; with fig.). — After stating that the fungus here alluded 

 to under the name of Macrophoma dalmatica (Berl.) was originally 

 described by Thiimen as Phyllosticta dalmatica, and afterwards classed 

 by Saccardo as Phoma dalmatica, to be subsequently claimed by Berlese 

 as Macrophoma dalmatica, it proceeds to record its occurrence in spots of 

 yellow-brown colour with a raised margin, on the immature fruits of the 

 Olive, in the neighbourhood of Seville (Spain). 



The fungus and its mode of attack are fully described. The perithecia 

 being found upon the spots, black, spherical, a little flattened, 180 to 

 230 p diam. and from 100 to 200 /.< high. The sporules are ovoid, then 

 elongated, sometimes rather fusiform, hyaline, 22-2G x 6-7 /x, at first 

 on basidia about 15 /< long. Ultimately the spores are expelled in a 

 mucilaginous mass as a whitish tendril. 



The germination of the sporules in water was accomplished readily ; 

 their division by 1-3, rarely 4 or 5 septa, first taking place, the germinating 

 filament usually proceeding from the end of the sporule. It was 

 ascertained that a solution of sulphate of copper retarded the germination 

 of the sporules. — M. G. C. 



Onions, Bacterial Rot (Jour. Imp. Dep. Agr. W.L vol. v. pt, 2, 

 1901, pp. 124-139). — During the past season planters of Onions in 

 Barbados have been considerably troubled by a rot which attacked one or 

 more of the inner scales of the bulb, being observed after the Onions had 

 been gathered and stored, the outer scales being usually sound. On 

 examination of the diseased bulbs it was found that the affected scales 

 were swarming with motile bacteria. No fungus hyphie were found in 

 the tissues. It seemed probable that the bacteria were the immediate 

 cause of the rot, and that their growth was favoured by the exceptionally 

 wet season. A similar disease has been recorded as affecting Onions in 

 the United States. Experiments which have been made seem to indicate 

 that one important point in the prevention of this rot is to keep the Onions 

 dry. — M. C. C. 



Onion Thrips. By W. E. Britton ( U.S.A. Exp. Stn. Conn., Bep. 1903, 

 pp. 266 268; 2 figs.). — This insect [Thrips tabaci Lindem.) causes great 

 injury to Onions, sometimes destroying the whole crop. The following 

 describes the attack : — " The white blast of Onions is the most serious 

 disease to which Onions in the field have been subjected this year, and has 

 been reported from numerous localities and observed in all the Onion 

 districts which have been visited. The injury gives the field a whitish 

 appearance, which starts in one or more spots and spreads in all directions. 

 The Onions themselves become stunted in their growth, while the leaves 

 are more or less completely dying, according to the severity of the attack, 

 becoming water-soaked at the base if the weather be at all wet, inducing 

 decay and generally injuring the keeping quality of the bulbs." — F. J. C. 



Ophioglossum simplex, Ridley. By F. 0. Bower (Ann. Bot. 

 xviii. April 1904, pp. 205-215 ; 1 plate). — Ophioglossum simplex is a new 

 species collected by H. N. Ridley in Sumatra in 1897. 



The fertile fronds are solitary or two together, slender, flattened, with 

 a blunt apex, 4 to 6 inches long, one-eighth inch wide, sterile division 



k k2 



