NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



129 



sucrose does not exist in grapes. The result of the experiments recorded 

 in the first part of this bulletin proves that it does exist in varying 

 quantities, according to the variety of grape. The second part of the 

 bulletin gives descriptions of the chemical examinations made of a large 

 number of varieties of grape, with caref ul tables of their sugar and acid 

 content at different stages of their development. — M. L. H. 



Enzymes, Catalase. By C. O. Appleman (Bot. Gaz. pp. 182-92; 

 1 fig.). — Catalase is best determined if the material (fresh potato 

 extract) is ground with calcium carbonate and diluted with water at 

 20° C. Catalase effects the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, but 

 is itself consumed in the process. 



The catalase activity is related to the respiratory activities in the 

 potato decreasing under the same conditions as respiration. — G. F. S. E. 



Erythponium, Development of Bulbs in. By F. H. Blodgett 

 {Bot. Gaz. pp. 340-72, Nov. 1910; 3 plates, 7 figs.).— Describes fully 

 the germinative, first and second vegetative periods, and the origin and 

 development of the bulb. The description is very full and complete, 

 but is not at all easy to abstract. The genus seems to have originated 

 in Oregon (Pacific Slope), and has been distributed along lines approxi- 

 mately following the present habitats of the several species. During 

 migration special methods for rapid descent into the soil were developed. 

 The genus is apparently related to Tulipa. — G. F. S. E. 



Eucalypts, Utilization of California. By H. S. Betts and C. 

 Stowell Smith {U.S.A. Dep. Agr., Forest Service, Circ. 179).— The 

 Eucalyptus has evidently found favour in California, where much 

 capital has been invested in the planting of such species as have done 

 best. Out of the seventy-five species that have been tried, only five 

 give indications of being suitable in a commercial way for planting in 

 California. 



The tables dealing with the strength of the timber of various species 

 are valuable, while the nicely executed illustration of the blue gum 

 shows how well the tree succeeds in the new quarters to which it has 

 been introduced. — A. D. W. 



Eucalyptus Wood, The uses of {Rev. Hort. de I'AlgSrie, p. 47, 

 Feb. 1911).— It' is suggested that Algerian Eucalyptus may advan- 

 tageously be used for cabinet-making. It is attractive in appearance 

 and much less costly than mahogany. The wood of Eucalyptus 

 botryoides is dark-red in colour, and E. Trahuti or E. Rameliana is 

 pmk. 



To obtain the best results the trees should be sawn into planks 

 as soon as felled and left to soak in W;ater, preferably sea-water, for 

 one or two years before using.—M. L. H. 



Exoascus filicinus (Rostr.) Sacc, A new host and station fop. 



By F. A. Wolf {Mycologia, ii. p. 247; 1910).-~The occurrence in 



VOL. XXXVIII. K 



