28 The Dispersal of Fruits and Seeds by Ants. 
seeds of Viola odorata and Chelidonium majus, which are known to 
be myrmecochorous. I propose to make definite observations on 
this point next summer but I mention the problem as one which 
seems to be open to solution from the experimental point of view 
and along the lines of Sernander’s useful and important obser¬ 
vations. 
There remains one point to be noted with regard to the dispersal 
of plants by ants, and that is the fact that some species of ants such 
as Aphenogaster barbara and Aphenogaster structor collect and carry 
away indiscriminately all seeds that are not beyond their powers of 
transportation. They do not confine themselves to those which 
nave elaiosomes, but take away to their nests other fruits, such as 
those of Anthoxanthum odoratmn, Festuca ovina, Betala alba, 
Anemone nemorosa. For what purpose this is done remains at 
present a mystery. Possibly they germinate them and feed on the 
seedlings. These fruits show no adaptation to transportation by 
ants and the problem for solution is rather of interest to the zoologist 
than to the botanist. In the case of the seeds provided with 
elaiosomes, it is obviously this organ which is sought for by the 
ants, for seeds divested of their elaiosome are often found thrown 
out from the ant-hills. 
The above account of Sernander’s extensive and painstaking 
investigation will indicate sufficiently the value and interest of his 
monograph and may be of use in drawing attention to one aspect 
of plant distribution, which has up to now not received sufficient 
attention, but which is obviously of greater importance than was 
formerly supposed. 
January, 1908. 
,s'y .y 5 , 
<T/\> "c As 
R, Madley, Printer, 151, Whitfield Street, London, W, 
