40 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST. 
attracts millions of insects upon which the birds feed. In 
the struggle for possession as the furze keep down other 
intruders so do the rufous humming birds drive away other 
feathered intruders. It is very interesting to watch the 
love-flights of these feathered gallants while you inhale the 
fragrance of the scented air. 
Portland, Oregon. 
NOTE AND COMMENT 
C 
o 
Golden Currant in Oregon. — Ribes aurenni is found 
along the banks of the Columbia and Walla Walla rivers, 
about Wallula, Wash. Prof. Sheldon thinks that it is quite 
probable that it was distributed westward from Missouri by 
the Lewis & Clark expedition. — A. S. Foster, Portland, Ore- 
gon. 
A Large Arisaema. — In the Catshill mountains, in June 
30, was found a giant specimen of a Jack-in-the-pulpit. A 
division of the leaf measured eleven inches in length, and seven 
inches in breadth. The spathe was seven inches long. The 
leaves had the effect of a large umbrella. — Miss Mabel Dimock, 
Peekamose, N. Y. 
Germination of American Lotus. — In writing of the 
germination of the American lotus seed, you say, on page 17 
this volume, that "growers of these plants usually file a hole 
through the seed coat to allow water to enter when they wish 
to hasten germination." I have had some experience with the 
germination of these seeds, and find if they are put into water 
and rich mud while still fresh they will germinate and throw 
out leaves in about 25 days. This is nature's time, and method 
of planting this fruit. In the wild state, by the time the 
