NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



807 



conditions. It seems we can only account for the phenomenon by 

 supposing that a chemical disturbance and rearrangement takes place 

 in the protoplasm of the seed germ or spore, and that morphological 

 changes ensue as a natural consequence ; and in this way it is thought 

 that the chemical action of light may play a part, by exercising a 

 peculiar influence upon individual cells and subsequent growth. 



E. B. 



Variation Curves of Cornus and Aucuba. By M. Nieuwenhuis von 

 Uex Kull-Giildenband (Beth. Bot. Cent. xxx. Abt. 1, Heft 1, pp. 105-113). 

 After giving particulars of his own and other enumerations of the 

 number of flowers is an inflorescence in Cornus mas, the author shows 

 that there are in most inflorencences minute flower-buds which have 

 failed to develop. In fact, for statistical researches, this plant is 

 quite useless. 



But Aucuba japonica is more suitable; he gives seven tables in 

 which the results in some 4000 cases are detailed. These show that 

 the maxima of the curves are on the odd numbers. Female shrubs 

 have fewer flowers than the male but are otherwise similar. 

 Higher numbers of the median were found in 191 1 as compared 

 with 1910. He also found that there is a different system of 

 developments in the inflorescences, as compared with the flowers 

 themselves and the leaves of the flower axis. — G. F. S. E. 



Vinca difformis [Bot. Mag. tab. 8506). — Family Apocynaceae, 

 tribe Plumerioideae. Under-shrub, evergreen and dwarf. Leaves 

 ovate, 2| inches long. Flowers solitary, blue. — G. H. 



Vines. By M. Blunno (Agr. Gaz. N.S.W. vol. xxiv. pt. vii. 

 pp. 605-614 ; 16 figs.). — The pruning of old vines growing in Australia 

 is illustrated by diagrams. — 5. E. W. 



Volga and in the Caucasus, Recollections of my Journeys on the. 



By Emil A. Meyer (Die Gartenw. March 22, p. 157, March 29, p. 169, 

 and April 5, p. 190). — The author gives a very interesting account of 

 his journey in the Volga region and in the Caucasus, starting from 

 Moscow and travelling via Nishni Novgorod. In a pleasant, dis- 

 passionate manner, he describes the state of the land and its people in 

 relation to agriculture and horticulture. He finds the banks of the 

 Volga, with its endless orchards, very monotonous. A vast quantity of 

 water melons and tomatos are grown on the fields around Saratov. 

 From Saratov the author proceeds to Zarayn, where the steppe region 

 begins. A large number of birds are to be found here, particularly 

 pelicans, geese, swans, and occasionally flamingos. The climate of 

 Astrachan, the capital of its province, is one of extremes. In summer 

 the average temperature is from 37 0 to 38 0 Centigrade in the shade, and 

 in winter the thermometer commonly registers from -25 0 to -30 0 C, 

 but in spite of this the vine, peach, apricot, quince, apple, and pear 

 thrive splendidly, without mentioning the water melon, which is very 



