SCIENTIFIC SUMMARY. 
229 
so called, and of a liber portion. The compound bundles are aggregates of 
two, three, or more bundles like the preceding, placed in juxta-position, and 
having their liber parts confluent. 
The Tendrils of the Cucurbitacece. — These organs have been carefully 
described in a paper recently laid before the Academy of Sciences, by M. 
Ad. Chatin. After summing up all the facts connected with the morphology 
of the processes in question, the author concludes : — (1) That the tendril of 
the Cucurbitacese is of axillary origin ; (2) if it be undivided, its analogy 
with the axillary parts is invariable ; if, on the contrary, it is branched, its 
divisions correspond to as many appendicular organs (leaves), its main por- 
tion representing the branch ; (3) there is no relation of origin between the 
tendrils and the ordinary roots, but there is a relationship between these 
organs and the adventitious roots. 
Relation between Variegated Leaves and Double Flowers. — The observations 
of Professor E. Morren on this relation are of the highest physiological in- 
terest. This distinguished botanist contends that it is impossible for varie- 
gated leaves and double flowers to exist together upon the same plant. He 
explains the fact that variegated leaves (caused by the partial disappearance 
of chlorophyll) is a proof of weakness, whilst doubling of flowers is a proof 
of strength ; and as both these conditions cannot possibly occur at the same 
time, variegated leaves and double flowers on one and the same plant are an 
impossibility. Dr. Seemann, in commenting upon these opinions of Morren’s, 
states that Bull’s variegated Camellia Japonica is a case in point. Whilst 
all other Camellia Japonicas of our gardens have green leaves and either 
double or semi-double flowers, this variegated variety has flowers with the 
five normal petals only. An apparent exception to Professor Morren’s hypo- 
thesis is presented by Kerria Japonica. Of this plant two varieties have 
recently been introduced into our gardens, but Dr. Seemann suspects that a 
plate on which they are depicted was made by the artist taking the varieties 
with variegated leaves, and sticking them on to the double flowers of the 
ordinary green-leaved variety. — See the Journal of Botany, February. 
The Botanical Congress , which is to be held in May next, will be presided 
over by M. Alphonse de Candolle, who, since our last issue, has formally 
accepted the office. It is to be regretted, hoAvever, that in consequence of an 
important mission to Central America, Dr. Berthold Seemann has been com- 
pelled to resign the secretaryship. Dr. M. Masters has been appointed to 
the vacant office. We may mention, too, in passing, that during Dr. Seemann’s 
absence, the Journal of Botany will be conducted by Mr. Carruthers, of the 
British Museum. 
Local Florae. — To those who are desirous of increasing our knowledge of 
local florae, we beg to state that Mr. Hemsley, of Kew, is collecting materials 
for a flora of Sussex, and would be glad if local botanists would forward to him 
complete local lists and specimens of critical plants. Communications should 
be addressed to him at Kew. The same good work is being accomplished 
for Buckinghamshire by Mr. J. Britten, whose address is High Wycombe, 
Bucks. The flora of Middlesex is receiving the attention of Dr. Henry 
Trimen and Mr. W. Thiselton Dyer, who would feel obliged for notes of 
localities or any other matter (even the slightest) relating to the subject. In 
the case of doubtful or critical species, scraps sufficient for identification 
