H. Drogemuller, in the Rosen Zeilung, calls attention to the causes which long delayed the production of new varie-ties in Germany, and in the discovery of which he had an important share. The apparent seed of the rose is not a true seed but an achene ; that is, a seed surrounded by a hard shell. This shell has, in the majority of cases, a small hole by which fungus germs, especially those of the common green mould (Penicillium glaucum), reach the seed itself and destroy it. If the rose seed is not at once placed and kept in air-tight vessels, it will be found on sowing that only about five per cent. germinate. Another fungus attacks the roots of the young seedlings. The plants die suddenly without any previous symptoms of disease. Herr Drogemuller found that this root-fungus is a form of the "rust" (Phrag-midium subeorticum) which attacks the stems and leaves, and that the roots of very many other plants are similarly affected by fungi which are merely subterranean forms of other fungi which appear as rusts or mildews upon the leaves. It is not mean: by this that the leaf and root fungi are merely varieties of the same fungus, but that each is the actual parent of the other.

This phenomenon, called ' alternations of generations" is common to many of the lower forms of vegetable life. In the last few years, after this evil had been discovered and remedied (by what means is not stated), a number of fine new German roses have appeared. Among them are Kaiser Wilhelm, Furst Bismarck, Furstin Bismarck, Kaiser Friedrich and Kaiserin Friedrich. The last two are seedlings of Gloire de Dijon, crossed with Countess of Oxford and Perle des Jardins. Kaiserin Friedrich is of a brilliant golden yellow, beautifully shaded with carmine. Perhaps it may be compared to Gloire de Dijon with the colors of Marie van Houtte. It has been pronounced by connoisseurs the finest of the Tea class.