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THE AMERICAN BOTANIST. 
Seed Dispersal of Water Plants. — Lord Avebury in 
his ''British Flowering Plants" observes that water plants do 
not develop wings or parachutes. While it is true that water 
plants are by the nature of their surroundings usually de- 
pendent upon the water for distributing their seeds, we must 
not forget that cat-tails, cotton-grass and willows at least, do 
have seeds modified for wind distribution. No doubt the list 
could be greatly lengthened by a careful survey of other water 
plants. 
Odor of the Fir. — Commenting further upon the phe- 
nomena connected with the odor of the fir mentioned in 
November Botanist, by Mrs. Buszek, whose name was in- 
intentionally omitted from the note, it may be remarked that 
the same peculiarity has been noted in Europe in connection 
with the lime (Tilia) and the grape. Lord Avebury writes 
"A remarkable point about the scent of the lime is that it is 
said to be strongest about thirty yards from the tree, as if 
the strength was brought out by some action of the air as it 
gradually diffuses." No doubt the firs mentioned by Mrs. 
Buszek must be placed in the same category. 
Crimson-Eyed Swamp Mallow. — The form of the 
swamp rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheufos), with a crimson 
center, was described some time ago as a separate species 
under the name of Hibiscus oculiroseus. Some doubt has al- 
ways existed as to whether the two were separate species. 
That the two plants are different, no one denies, but that these 
differences are specific, may well be doubted. The plant is 
common along the Atlantic seaboard and was known to all 
the older botanists. If we decline to belive that there are two 
species, we find ourselves in very destinguished company. 
Seeds from both forms have been planted at the New York 
Botanical Garden, and at flowering time each has produced its 
own type of flower. This, however, would be only what one 
would expect. The various types of lettuce, radishes and 
