740 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



the obvious interpretation. The typical number corresponds to the 

 fraction , and the last terminates with J-f ; precisely what might be 

 anticipated on a priori grounds.] — G. II. 



Composite Flora of Africa, A Contribution to the. By 



S. Le M. Moore (Joum. Linn. Soc, Bot. vol. xxxv. p. 305, pi, 8 ; July 21, 

 1902).— This paper consists entirely of descriptions of Composite plants 

 collected by various travellers in Africa, which are now preserved in the 

 Herbarium of the British Museum, and a few notes as to the differences 

 between certain genera and some species. Between 170 and 180 different 

 species and varieties are enumerated. The paper occupies 63 pages, and 

 is illustrated by one plate. — G. S. S. 



Conifers, The Natural History of. By W. C. W. (Gcurd. Chron. 

 No. 811, p. 13; July 12, 1902). — In this the first article on the subject, 

 various general characteristics of this family are given ; attention is called 

 to the fact that all the members are evergreen, with the exception of the 

 Larch, the deciduous Cyprus, and the Maidenhair Tree, which, however, is 

 scarcely a true Conifer, and that owing to the positions in which they are 

 usually found they are exposed to high dry winds, so that were their 

 leaves of the normal character (flat, with an extended surface) the amount 

 of evaporation from them would be very detrimental to the trees. The 

 needle-like forms of the leaves of most species offer a very small surface to 

 the wind, so that the evaporation from them is reduced to a minimum, as 

 well as the chance of injury in a violent gale. The various methods by 

 which the seeds are distributed are pointed out. (Continued July 19, p. 33.) 



G. S. S. 



Convolvulaceae, African. By A. B. Rendle (Joum. Bot. 473, 

 pp. 189-191 ; 5/1902).— Descriptions of Convolvulus Randii, collected 

 in Rhodesia by Dr. R. F. Rand ; Ipomcea Ommannei, collected at 

 Johannesburg by Mr. H. T. Ommanney ; and I. Barretti, collected in the 

 Orange River Colony by Captain G. C. H. Barrett-Hamilton, from 

 specimens in the National Herbarium. — G. S. B. 



Cottage-g-arden ShOWS {Garden, p. 173; 13/9/1902).— An article 

 advocating cottage shows, and expressing regret that they are not more 

 popular. The writer would fain galvanise them into new life, more especially 

 so because, so far from their usefulness being diminished, it is likely to 

 be augmented in the future. It occurs to him that the electric touch 

 which is needed will be found in corporate management and control. 



E. T. C. 



Cotton. The Cotton industry. By Daniel Jones (Qu. Agr. Joum.\. 

 p. 376 ; May 1902). — On varieties and crops ; value of the crop ; health- 

 fulness of Cotton-seed oil. In 1871 the value of Cotton exported to 

 England was £79 , 817— and in that year the area under cultivation was 

 12,962 acres.— M. C. C. 



Cotton Growing". An old industry reviving. By A. J. Boyd (Qu. 

 Agr. Joum. x., p. 463; June 1902). — The substance of a lecture on the 

 general features of the subject delivered to the farmers in North 

 Queensland. — SI. C. C. 



