Fig. 2.
KELLERMAN ON SMILAX.
Smilax Spinulosa an Extreme Form of S. Glauca.—The material secured recently fortunately clears up the case unless I misapprehend the purport of the above quotation. The “more elongated leaves” spoken of may find their counterpart in the figures on plate 4, and yet there can be no question that they belong to Smilax glauca. The twigs bearing them were in many cases found attached to the same underground stems that bore the broad leaves. Even at a glance the identity of the specimens in the field could not be mistaken; all their characters showed that they were really Smilax glauca. In herbarium specimens that have been preserved every gradation may be seen between the extremes shown in the plate. These specimens also show in some cases underground stems that bear both leaves and twigs with leaves of the broader form. As a rule in the cornfields where the soil is not rich and crop-cultivation has been diligent the narrower leaves (on shorter stems) are common. In richer cornfields, and in meadows, especially if quite fertile, the short stems are clothed with the broader leaves. Abundant evidence was at hand to demonstrate that this form with “more elongated leaves” (S. spinulosa) is directly connected with the form called S. glauca by the taxonomists. Its peculiarities are doubtless referable to the special environment; in no case could these apparently aberrant specimens be called a specific or even varietal form.
Explanation of Plate 4.—Smilax glauca. Figure 1: Eight specimens of tubers reproduced from photographs and much reduced. Fig. 2. Twigs (1-6) bearing leaves of varying shapes also separate leaves (7-56) illustrating variation in shape and size.
MEETINGS OF THE BIOLOGICAL CLUB.
October 1st, 1900, Botanical Hall.
This evening was spent in the giving of reports on work done during the summer vacation. Osborn, Mills, Griggs, Tyler, Miss Dufour, Schaffner and Hine gave reports. Seven names were proposed for membership.
The motion by Professor Osborn to hold the meetings of the current year in Biological Hall was carried.
Hine, Morse and Miss Dufour were appointed a nominating committee to select officers for the year.
November 5th, 1900.