Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club/Volume 1/02

BULLETIN
OF THE
TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB.
Vol. 1. ]	New-York, February, 1870.	[ No. 2.

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15.⁠Lepidium Virginicum,  L. — That this species should have its cotyledons accumbent, while others of the genus have them incumbent, seems somewhat anomalous.  On picking the embryo carefully out of the seed coats, however, I find a conformation that in a measure removes the difficulty.  In the speciess which I have examined, viz., the present, L. ruderale, L. campestre, and, perhaps, L. intermedium, the cotyledons are continued, in the form of petioles, about half way down the radicle; the cotyledons, in fact, being transversely folded upon themselves, as stated and illustrated in Gray's Genera in the case of Subularia and Senebiera, the genera immediately preceeding Lepidium.  In the other species of Lepidium the plane of division between these petioles, or "radicular" portions of the cotyledons, is parallel to the cotyledons proper, and consequently to the seed partition.  In L. Virginicum this split is likewise parallel to the partition, and thus the "radicular" portions of the cotyledons, is incumbent, and so far the species is in accordance with its congeners.  Where the cotyledons expand into a blade, they are turned sharply at right angles to the partition and become accumbent.  If the embryo be held with the edge of the cotyledons towards the eye, it is the left blade which comes from the back of the radicle, and thus has the longer turn to make.  Cakile Americana, Nutt., resembles Lepidium Virginicum in these particulars, except that the “radicular” portion of the cotyledons is relatively much shorter, and in one instance I found the blades of the cotyledons almost spirally bent over the radicle, so as to pass, as it were, through an incumbent stage.

I have also observed this narrowing of the cotyledons into a petiolar portion, greater or less, in Nasturtium, Cardamine, Arabis, Barbarea, Erysimum, and Raphanus, so far as represented in our local Flora; but in all these genera, the “radicular” split has conformed nearly or quite to the cotyledons, as they are incumbent or accumbent: in Cardamine it is long and somewhat inclined to one side.   I borrow the application of the term radicular from Gray's Genera, to which admirable work I am indebted for much instruction on the subject of Crucifera.  The term, however, when applied to the cotyledons, is open to objections.

Perhaps my experience in picking out the embryos may be of use to beginners, I boil the seeds for a moment in a porcelain saucer over a spirit lamp to soften the coats, and then, with needles inserted in a holder, and a fixed lens, have generally no difficulty in getting at the embryos by picking the coats to make an opening, and then carefully pressing the embryos out.   In the case of Lepidium, however, there is a difficulty.  Immersion, particularly in hot water, causes the mucilage with which the seed coat is charged, to swell and envelop it in a beautiful crystal sphere, much larger than the seed itself.  This slippery substance interferes sadly with the handling of the seed.  It may be rubbed off, but I find it better to exclude the water by boiling the pods entire.  The seed of L. campestre has a very thick coat, and can not readily be picked to pieces, but, on account of this very thickness, a good piece may be cut from the end, without injuring the embryo, which may then be squeezed out.  Considering how many seeds a well grown Lepidium produces, this mucilage might possibly be turned to account; certainly, it is a very pretty object to examine.

W. H. L..

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16.⁠Aster Novae-Angliae,  L. — In the last edition of Gray's Manual, mention is made of a white rayed “variety (?)” of this plant in one of the Western States.

On the outlet of Owasco Lake, near the Auburn city water works, I have observed, every autumn since 1862, a large number of plants with white rays, scattered over the fields through several acres.   The same plants have white rayed heads from year to year: rays as unmistakably white as those of Leucanthemum or Maruta.  Otherwise the plant has its ordinary appearance.

I. H. Hall.

17.⁠Lobelia siphilitica,  L. — The variety with rose pink flowers, and also that with white flowers, grow between the Hudson R. R. R. track and the water near Kingsland's point, below Sing Sing.

I. H. H.

18.⁠Solea concolor,  Ging. — In July, 1864, east of Tarrytown, about 2½ miles from the Hudson, I found one plant of this species, with pods just emptied of their seeds.  I did not then know the plant, though since familiar with it.  The only other station, of which I have personal knowledge, is at Mormon Hill, in Palmyra, in the western part of the State.

I. H. H.

19.⁠Dentaria maxima,  Nutt. — Grows in abundance in the woods near Bowery Bay, just beyond the bridge, over which the Astoria and Flushing turnpike passes.  Among the thousands of specimens growing there, I failed to detect any which seemed to indicate a close approximation to D. laciniata; nor did I notice any difference between the two plants, not yet pointed out.  I would suggest that they be cultivated with a view to testing the claims of Dentaria maxima to specific distinction.

M. Ruger

20.⁠Geranium pusillum,  L. — On the upper side of the North Road, leading from Laurel Hill, L. I, and just beyond Betts Av., the sidewalk is elevated, and forms an embankment about three feet high.  At the bottom of this embankment G. pasillum grows plentifully.  It grows also by the barn on the road-side opposite the northern extremity of Cooper's glue factory, Williamsburg.

M. R.

21.⁠Cornus Canadensis,  L. — A small patch of this pretty little plant grows in the piece of woods situated on the north side of Jackson Av., just two miles from Hunter's Point, by the mile-stone.  It grows a little distance within the Astoria side of the woods, on the banks of a brooklet.  This is, I believe, the only known station on Long Island.

M. R.

22.⁠Books and Journals.  — In Sillimans “American Journal” for January, Dr. Gray evidences his return by a series of interesting notices of recent botanical publications, among them, that of “Pursh's Journal,” collected into a little volume of 87 pp. from Meehan's “Gardeners Monthly.” . . . .  The English Journals, “The Academy,” monthly, (25 cts.,) and “Nature,” weekly. (12 cts.,) may now be obtained at Brentano's, 100 Broadway, and, we presume, other periodical depots, and almost always contain interesting botanical intelligence.  The notices of the new “Flora of Middlesex,” [London,] are appetizing.

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23.⁠Epigaea repens,  L. — Not scarce at Huguenot station, and probably still nearer the city.  G. I. C.  On the banks of the Bronx, near Fordham.  F. J. B.

24.⁠The mild winter.  — Dandelions in bloom in Westchester Co. near Peekskill, the first week in January.  L. R.  Hepaticas in bloom, and peas two inches high on Long Island, “Evening Post,” Jan. 26.  We hope correspondents will give us such particulars in regard to the unusual winter, as fall under their notice.

25.⁠Frangula Caroliniana,  Gray. — Formerly reported from Secaucus Swamp, N. J., has since been found by Messrs. Bower and Roger, between Astoria and Flushing, L. I.

26.⁠Torreya Bogotensis.  — In the catalogue of J. Linden, Bruxelles, recently received, I find mention of a Torreya which I have not before seen notice — T. Bogotensis.  There is nothing to indicate where or by whom it was described and only the remark “A very fine Conifer from the cold regions of the province of Bogota, in Colombia, of a pyramidal form.”  The other species are T. taxifolia, Arn., Florida; T. Californica, Torr., California; T. nucifera, Zuce., Japan; T. grandis, Fortune, Japan.  The last named, together with T. Bogotensis, must be considered doubtful, until determined by competent authority.

George Thurber

27.⁠Terms of Subscription.  — On the receipt of one dollar, we will send one copy of the Bulletin for a year; seven copies for live dollars, and one extra copy for every additional fifty cents.  Those interested had better subscribe for seven or more copies, and distribute them where they may be useful.  We desire to reach and to hear from all the surrounding districts.  When the receipts justify a reduction of the price, it will promptly be made.  Communications should be addressed to Wm H. Leggett, 224 E. 10th St.

28.⁠Materials for the Revised Catalogue.  (Sec § 2, p. 2.) — We Propose to occupy a portion of each Bulletin, in giving in a condensed form, such information, as we possess relating to our local fora, following the order in Gray's Manual.  We hope all interested will aid us, both in correcting errors, and in supplying deficiencies in species, varieties, or localities.  Torr. Cut. stands for Torrey's Catalogue, 1819.

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RANUNCULACEÆ
Clematis,⁠L.
⁠	— C. verticillaris, D.C.;	Haverstraw,	C. F. Austin;
		Preakness Mt., N. J.,	W. L. Fischer.
	— C. ochroleuca, Ait.;	South Brooklyn station destroyed; abundant about Toad Hill, Staten Island.	T. F. Allen, 1864.
	— C. Virginiana. L.;	very common.
Anemone,⁠L.
	— A. cylindrica, Gray;	said to be found at New Durham, but ?
	— A. Virginiana, L.;	common.
	— A. Pennsylvanica, L.;	Torr. Cat. station destroyed;
		Westchester Co.,	T. F. Allen;
		N. J.	P. V. Le Roy.
	— A. nemorosa, L.;	very common.
Hepatica,⁠Dill.
	— H. triloba, Chaix.;	very common, occasionally 5-lobed.
Thalictrum,⁠Tourn.
	— T. anemonoides, Michx.;	very common, rarely double.
	— T. dioicum, L.;	common.
	— T. purpurascens, L., and Var. ceriferum, Austin; not uncommon.
	— T. Cornuti, L.;	very common.
Ranunculus,⁠L.
	— R. aquatilis, L., var. trichophyllus, Chaix.; Locust Av., L.I.,		M. Ruger;
		near Jamaica,	T. F. Allen.
	— R. multitidus, Pursh;	near Greenwood cemetery, the old station, but fated.
	— R. alismaefolius, Geyer;	abundant in N. J.
	— R. pusillus, Poir.;	Torr. Cat., station at Bloomingdale not recently reported;
		New Dorp,	T. F. Allen;
		Boonton, N. J.,	C. F. Austin.
	— R. Cymbalaria, Pursh;	not reported this side of Suffolk Co., L. I.
	— R. abortivus, L.;	very common;
	⁠Var. micranthus;	abundant along the Palisades with typical form.
	— R. sceleratus, L.;	very common.
	— R. recurvatus, Poir.;	very common.
	— R. Pennsylvanicus, L.;	N. J., not common.
	— R. fascicularis, Muhl.;	common.
	— R. repens, L.;	very common.
	— R. bulbosus, L.;	very common.
	— R. acris, L.;	very common.
Caltha,⁠L.
	— C. palustris, L.;	common.
Trollius,⁠L.
	— T. laxus, Salisb.;	Closter, N.J.,	C. F. Austin;