NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



275 



to be at any stage united into a "ligne maitresse " or "peloton," but to 

 preserve their autonomy not only at the beginning of the resting period 

 but throughout this stage, so that the chromatic filaments of the prophase 

 are those of the preceding telophase. The anastomoses, the alveolisation, 

 and the longitudinal division of the filaments are described. Many 

 other details are given as to prophase and telophase. — G. F. S.-E. 



Oak Galls, and Gall Insects of Eppingr Forest. By E. J. Lewis, 

 F.L.S. (Essex Naturalist, Dec. 1902, p. 267 ; with cuts).— This paper 

 may be accepted as an introduction to the study of Galls and their makers, 

 treating the subject under the following headings : Cause of the formation 

 of Oak Galls ; Parthenogenesis and alternation of generations ; Gall 

 variation ; Inquilines and parasites ; Protection against parasites ; 

 Oviposition and growth cf the Gall ; The general characteristics of the 

 family Cynipidce ; Genera of the sub-family Cynipince which occur as 

 Inquilines in Oak Galls ; Collecting Galls ; Experimental breeding ; 

 Preservation of Galls ; Classification. These are followed by an 

 intimation that the subject is to be continued, and it is one on which 

 popular information, conveyed in a free and easy manner, is desirable. 



M. C. C. 



Oak, Historic, destroyed (Journ. Hort. March 19, 1903, p. 24).— 

 The gales of February have destroyed an historic, or rather a legendary, 

 Oak tree near Watton in Norfolk. It was situated in Wailing Wood — a 

 name said to be corrupted from Wayland Wood — and tradition said it 

 was the tree under which the two villains in the famous ballad of " The 

 Babes in the Wood " fought their battle.— C. W. D. 



Oak-leaves, Ecological Study of. By W. Breuner, Klima und 

 Blatt bei der Gattung Quercus (Kev. in Bot. Gaz. xxxv. No. 2, p. 141, by 

 E. B. Copeland). — Breuner's study was upon the Oak-leaves of the world, 

 as to their general adaptations to their native climates. The results of 

 experiments and of local differences in environment correspond to the 

 specific characters in the climates imitated ; whence Breuner concludes 

 that " the modifications in plants called forth by external causes become 

 hereditable, and in the course of evolution may develop into specific 

 characters." — G. H. 



Oaks, Sessile and Pedunculate. By W. R. Fisher (Gard. Chron. 

 No. 845, p. 156, figs. 62, 63, 64, 65 ; March 7, 1903).— This paper 

 appears to be a sequel to one published in the Gardeners' Chronicle of 

 September 22, 1900, by the author. He shows that the " sessile " Oak 

 grows best on comparatively dry soils, while the pedunculate variety decidedly 

 prefers a moister one, " while on hillsides with sufficient clay in the soil, 

 and an abundant rainfall, the two Oaks grow amicably side by side, as we 

 see in the Ardennes and on the Sussex downs." Three figures are given 

 of trees growing at Chatsworth, at an altitude of from 750 feet to 900 

 feet; on the millstone grit, which " gives a dry, well-drained soil, only 

 rendered moderately moist by the heavy rainfall of the Peak district." 

 The three photographs show plainly that the pedunculate trees have passed 

 theii prime, and are becoming " stag-horny," while the sessile Oaks appear 

 in full vigour. — G. S. S. 



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