522 
POPULAR SCIENCE REVIEW. 
Growth of Cryptogams in Eggs . — It is stated by M. Milne Edwards, 
that the presence of vegetable organisms in the interior of eggs is not a 
fact in support of spontaneous generation doctrines. Signor Panceri has 
discovered, that when certain cryptogamic plants are allowed to develop 
themselves on the outer surface of the shell they extend to the interior. 
The passage is effected through minute channels, which though imper- 
ceptible to the naked eye, are recognized when magnifying powers are 
employed. — Vide Comptes Rendns , May 23, 1864. 
Function and Circulation of the Latex in Ficus Elastica. — M. Faivre 
asserts that the latex in the latter species is a sap elaborated by the leaves, 
and indispensable to the development of the various organs of the plant ; 
that, whilst it descends both by the centre and periphery of the stem, it 
passes to the extremities and nourishes them ; and that it travels also 
toward the superior portions of the axis and contributes material for their 
growth. 
Chinese Diatomacew.—A very interesting article on this subject appeared 
in the last number of the Microscopical Journal. It was written by Mr. 
Lauder, M.R.C.S., who informs us that the diatoms are generally very 
abundant in Hong-Kong harbour ; so much so, indeed, that in a few minutes, 
by means of a small muslin towing net, a jelly-like mass about the size 
of a wall-nut is obtained, consisting of about equal parts of diatoms and 
entomostraca. It is remarkable, too, that in different months, different 
forms are prevalent, giving distinct characters to the gatherings. In 
January very few diatoms can be obtained. In February the Coscino- 
discese are most plentiful. In March and April, numerous species of 
Rhezosolenia and Chsetoceros make their appearance, and about the 
end of the latter month almost all these organisms have disappeared. 
Of the genus Chaetoceros, Mr. Lauder discovered no less than eleven 
new species. 
National American Herbarium . — We find it stated in the Natural History 
Review , that two years ago Professor Asa Gray made the munificent offer 
to the University of Cambridge, Massachusets, of his valuable herbarium 
and library, upon the condition that a suitable fire-proof building should be 
erected for their reception, and a fund invested for their adequate main- 
tenance. The subject has been in abeyance till recently, when a banker of 
Boston liberally offered to defray the cost of the required building, pro- 
vided others raised a fund to meet the current expenses of the establish- 
ment. It is to be hoped that so liberal an offer will be at once accepted. 
Then Professor Gray will be enabled to complete his projected work, the 
“ Flora of the North American Continent,” a work for which he has 
already accumulated much material, and which few, if any, are so well 
qualified to complete successfully. 
Is the Radicle the first Internode of the Stem ? — This question is answered 
in the negative by Professor Olliver. He regards the cotyledons as marking 
the. first node in the stem, and consequently as indicating the zero of the 
scale : hence he considers that the radicle is not to be looked on as part of 
the stem or ascending axis in the same sense as the other internodes of the 
plant may be so regarded. — Vide Natural History Review , April, 1864. 
Seeds of Bonapar tea juncea, — The seeds of this plant have been obtained 
