304 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



those, probably, cropt in the Oaks and Sassafras. Then the Hickories, 

 Maples, and Beeches followed suit. 



In the general conclusions, the author shows that physiography deter- 

 mines vegetation, but more specially it is the nature of the soil. The 

 proof that local differences in vegetation depend upon soil factors is corro- 

 borated by the present investigations. These factors are the chemical and 

 physical natures, but these depend upon the presence of water ; hence he 

 concludes that the decisive factor in plant distribution over a small 

 glaciated area is, in most cases, the moisture-retaining power of the soil. 



G. H. 



Uredinese, Cultures of. By J. C. Arthur (Bot. Gaz. xxxv. No. 1, 

 p. 10). —During the season of 1902, 128 collections of materials were 

 employed. Of these 327 plant cultures were attempted, of 43 species of 

 rusts, and 102 "hosts" were used. Full details are given of the experi- 

 ments and results in each case. — G. H. 



Vascular Plants, Stelar System of. By J. C. Schoute (Die Stelar- 

 Theorie, Proefschrift, Groningen, Dec. 1902) ; Rev. in. Bot. Gaz. xxxv. 

 No. 2, p. 144, by E. C. Jeffrey. — In examining the stem-apex and root- 

 apex in a number of angiosperms, Schoute comes to the conclusion that 

 the merismatic layers of Hanstein, the dermatogen, the periblem, and the 

 plerome do not correspond at all accurately to the division of the tissues 

 of the vascular plants into epidermis, cortex, and central cylinder. 



With regard to the presence of the endodermis, it is a very constant 

 feature of the stem of monocotyledons, being present in eighteen out of 

 nineteen families. In dicotyledons it was present in 99 out of 169 fami- 

 lies. The central cylinder of all vascular plants is the same or mono- 

 stelic— G. H. 



Vegetables, Cultivation of. By George Coote (U.S.A. Exp. Stn. 

 Oregon, Bull. n. 74; February 1903). — A bulletin written with a view 

 to the private kitchen garden and the interested amateur. 



It begins with an account of a method of growing Onions originally 

 introduced into England by Worlidge in the seventeenth century and 

 now being revived in America ; that is, by starting in heat and trans- 

 planting into prepared beds ; and further gives directions for the outdoor 

 -ow ing of Onions and of their growth for " sets." 



It a No gives cultural directions for Peas, Beans of all sorts, Vege- 

 table Marrows, Broccoli, and Cauliflower, and advice upon the choice of 

 \aiieties. — M. L. J I. 



Vegetables for the Garden. By F. Wm. Rane (U.S.A. Exp. Stn. 

 New Hampshire, Bull No. 99,3/1903; illustrated).— This bulletin was 

 prepared UO answer to numerous inquiries as to the two or three best 

 varieties of vegetables for general use. 



A a li-t of recommended varieties it is only intended to apply to New 

 Hampshire, and is based «pon the accumulated experience of several 

 vcars. 



Besides the usual vegetables, there are descriptions of Sweet Corn, 

 Musk-melons, Water-melons, Peppers, Pumpkins, Squash, and Swedes or 

 • Rutabaga. 1 — C. H. C. 



