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place implicit confidence on the attached labels as indicating undoubted 
accuracy, or on his own preconceived notion of the particular diagnosis, but 
by careful observation and comparison thoroughly satisfy himself that the 
plant under review is really that which the label indicates it to be. Then 
apply the chemical test and doubt will be exchanged for certainty.” 
Leighton is far from clear in the last sentence — perhaps his meaning is 
that in the hands of the other experimenters, comparison of their own results 
with records of accurate work might produce a feeling of certainty. A de- 
termination that is established beyond question on other grounds, needs no 
chemical bolstering. In the light of the foregoing the whole question 
of the usefulness of chemical tests to lichen students resolves itself 
on the real or presumed ability and* knowledge of whomsoever may 
have made the primary series of tests. No one will gainsay Dr. Ny- 
lander’s standing as a lichenist, or question his knowledge of lichen 
species, whatever the aspect. Is it not reasonable to say as Nylander 
was learned beyond all men in lichenology, aud well enough acquainted 
with species to be enabled at all times to dispense with chemical tests,, 
that whatever conclusions he reached in his searching investigations 
into reagents and their application, should be regarded as convincing? If 
Nylander, or. for that matter, any accomplished lichenist, should examine an 
extended series of specimens of a morphologically proven species, these from 
widely separate localities and various substrata, and on application of rea- 
gents find that all gave the same coloration, how might the sceptic best re- 
fute such results ? Would the statement of the doubting one, that in his 
hands no such uniformity was obtained, have any controversial value ? We 
think not, except to himself. Tuckerman was primarily responsible for the 
determination of most of our American lichen species, and up to the time of 
his death very few looked beyond his opinion. It then seems like a violation 
of things sanctified to express the belief that no small part of the failure of our 
students to obtain concurrent reactions in tests, has been due to application 
of reagents to plants of species other than what the investigator supposed he 
was examining. 
The writer will add a few notes on matters of practice in using the rea- 
gents. Instead of employing a glass brush as recommended by Leighton, a 
medicine dropper is used. In cases where no distinct coloration of thallus or 
medulla is observable on application of the solution, if it is withdrawn from 
the surface of the specimen within the tube it will sometimes be found tinged 
and may then be taken for a very delicate test. It is advisable in testing 
with calcium hypochlorite, after application, to examine the thallus where 
abraded, with a hand-lens. The coloration is sometimes very faint, and only 
thus to be distinguished. In conclusion, it may be said that in our hands 
chemical tests have proven all that the French lichenists assert, but we desire 
it to be understood that in no way are we in sympathy with “chemical 
species.” Rockland, Maine. 
SULLIVANT MOSS CHAPTER NOTES. 
Four names are to be added this month to our list of Chapter Members: 
Mr. Hollis Webster, 16 Prentiss street, North Cambridge, Mass : Mr. Shutai' 
Okamura, ist Middle School, Kochi, Kochi-Ken, Japan; Mons. T. Renauld. 
3 Rue Miron, Nice, France: Miss Mary A. Brackett, 50 Remsen street' 
Brooklyn, N. Y. Making our total membership now 175. 
