THE AMERICAN BOTANIST. 87 
of humus, they languish, because their roots are unable to enter 
into union with a support of such loose texture and this is true of 
most tropical Orchids that live upon bark. It has also been ob- 
served that the seeds of such orchids do not germinate on a loose 
substratum, but when on the bark of a tree they germinate, and 
develop into healthy plants. — Orchid Reviezi". 
A NEW BOTANICAL SOCIETY. 
The wish often expressed by plant students that we might have 
a national botanical society democratic enough to admit to mem- 
bership any who are interested in botany, is likely to soon be grat- 
ified. The preliminary steps have been taken tow^ard the organi- 
zation of such a society and if the enthusiasm of those who have 
already joined is any criterion, there w^ill be a large number of 
members before the end of the year. 
The new society will be called The American Botanical Club, 
and its object will be to further the study of plants in every way 
possible and especially by correspondence. The interests of the 
beginner will be looked after, and for those who desire it there 
will be abundant opportunities for exchanging seeds, living plants 
and herbarium specimens. A proper sentiment for plant protec- 
tion will be fostered, and members will be aided and encouraged 
to cultivate the rarer species for study and observation. Special- 
ists in various branches will name specimens for members, free. 
The crowning feature of the work will be the publication of the 
knowledge gained from these studies. 
The constitution of the Club is being modeled after those which 
have made the Fern Chapter, and Moss Chapter so successful. 
The committee having this work in charge consists of Edward C. 
Jellett, Philadelphia, Pa.„ Chairman, -J. C.Buchheister, New York, 
Secretary-Treasurer; Frank A. Suter, Lancaster, Pa., and Wil-- 
lard N. Clute, Binghamton, N. Y. Membership will be open to 
any botanist of good character, whether professional, amateur or 
beginner. Already the Club includes members of the Torrey 
