PREPARATIONS OF ALGiE. 
39 
as that of Algas should present in all its parts the same excellence 
or the same interest ; and we doubt whether the larger Algae are 
suitable for the purpose, whilst we miss many which would be sure 
to command attention. It may be an open question whether a 
good method of mounting Algae has yet been devised. Somehow 
the cells will lose their plumpness, and their colour, even in certain 
cases becoming so transparent that the outline is lost. It has long 
been hoped that some method would be discovered of “ mounting” 
Desmids so as to preserve the green colour unimpaired. If in his 
progress with the Algae the Rev. J. E. Vize should be fortunate 
enough to issue a good typical series of fresh water algae, we doubt 
not he will receive the encouragement he desires and deserves. 
ONION SMUT (UROCYSTIS CEPULiE). 
Dr. Maxime Cornu has called attention to the appearance in 
France, and for the first time in Europe, of the American Onion 
Smut ( Urocystis cepulae , Farlow). The onions in the neighbour- 
hood of Paris, principally the variety known as VOignon de Nancy, 
have been suffering from the attacks of this transatlantic pest, and, 
as Dr. Cornu points, out, it is very probable that it will soon spread 
over Europe in the same manner as Puccinia malvacearum has 
done. When bringing the subject of this ‘ smut’ under the notice 
of the Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, some 
time since, we urged as an excuse that it was not at all improbable 
that it would make its appearance in Europe, and therefore it was 
well to be on the guard. The rapid and devastating spread of the 
Hollyhock disease, has proved how rapidly but surely these minute 
parasites travel. Let us hope that the Peronospora of the vine, 
which is akin to the potato disease, will not honour Europe with a 
visit, since the vine has already sufficient foes without any fresh 
importation. The onion smut is closely allied to one which attacks 
the meadow crocus ( Colchicum ), well known in Europe. 
CRYPTOGAMIC LITERATURE. 
Ellis, J. B. On the variability of Sphaeria quercuum, S., in 
“ Proc. Acad. Sci. Phil.” 
Saccardo, P. A. Intorno all’ Agaricus echinatus , R., in “ Bull. 
Soc. Veneto-Trentina.” 
Leighton, Rev. W. A. Lichen Flora of Great Britain, Ireland, 
and the Channel Islands. 3rd edition. 
Allen, Dr. T. F. Characeas Americanas. Part II. 
Schrceter Dr. J. Entwicklungsgeschichte einiger Rostpilze, 
in Cohn’s “ Beitrage.” 
