ALBERT

Description: The uranium content of glass from chilled margins of oceanic tholeiitic basalt flows is generally 〈0.1 ppm, even for old samples with highly altered crystalline interiors. Such low values represent the original whole rock concentrations, although subsequent to eruption low-temperature weathering has added uranium, and other elements, to the crystalline portions of these basalts. Consideration of the K/U ratios of altered samples suggests that basalt weathering may provide the major oceanic sink for these two elements.

Description: Basalt samples obtained from the Siqueiros transform fault/fracture zone and the adjacent East Pacific Rise are mostly very fresh oceanic tholeiite and fractionated oceanic tholeiite with Fe+3/ Fe+2 ? 0.25; however, alkali basalts occur in the area as well. The rocks of the tholeiitic suite are ol + pl phyric and ol + pl + cpx phyric basalts, while the alkali basalts are ol and ol + pl phyric. Microprobe analyses of the tholeiitic suite phenocrysts indicate that they are Fo68-Fo86, An58-An75, and augite (Ca34Mg50Fe16). The range of olivine and plagioclase compositions represents the chemical variation of the phenocryst compositions with fractionation. The phenocyrsts in the alkali basalts are Fo81 and An69. The suite of tholeiites comprises a fractionation series characterized by relative enrichment of Fe, Ti, Mn, V, Na, K, and P and depletion of Ca, Al, Mg, Ni, and Cr. The fractionated tholeiites occur on the median ridge (which is a sliver of normal oceanic crust) of the double Siqueiros transform fault, on the western Siqueiros fracture zone, and on the adjoining East Pacific Rise, while the two transform fault troughs contain mostly unfractionated or only slightly fractionated tholeiite. We suggest that the fractionated tholeiites are produced by fractional crystallization of more 'primitive' tholeiitic liquid in a crustal magma chamber below the crest of the East Pacific Rise. This magma chamber may be disrupted by the transform fault troughs, thus explaining the paucity of fractionated tholeiites in the troughs. The alkali basalts are found only on the flanks of a topographic high near the intersection of the northern transform trough with the East Pacific Rise.

Description: Two types of deep-sea dredges are currently under development for the mining of the manganese nodules, a deep-sea hydraulic dredge and a mechanical cable-bucket system. Both systems offer some advantages with the hydraulic system appearing to be advantageous in themining of a specific deposit for which it is designed while the cable-bucket system appears to be somewhat more flexible in working in a variety of deposits, topographic environments, and water depths. Environmental studies conducted in conjunction with deep-sea tests of the two types of mining systems currently indicate that substantially no environmental damage will be done in the mining of the deep-sea nodules. Because of the nature of the deposits and the way in which they can be mined, the manganese nodules appear to be a relatively pollution free and energy-saving source of a number of industrially important metals.

Description: Sediments off northwest Africa were assayed for activities of the respiratory electron transport system (ETS) and for primary amino nitrogen. ETS activities were used to compute respiratory oxygen consuption, carbon oxidation, and nitrate reduction rates. Activities were correlated with depth of the water column, and their longshore distribution resembled that of euphotic zone phytoplankton productivity. Protein concentrations were closely correlated with ETS activities. Carbon biomass was calculated from protein and compared with other computed values. The carbon oxidation rate accounted for 13 % of the region's primary production.

Description: A complete processing method has been experimentally developed at laboratory scale for the future extraction of metlas from manganese nodules. The digestion of the nodules is performed by pressured sulfuric acid leaching at 200° C., nickel, copper, cobalt, and zinc being selectively dissolved in solution along with iron and manganese. The subsequent separation and recovery of the valuable metals is carried out with a combination of ion exchange and precipitation processes. Estimates for this methodology based on an annual throughput of 2 million tonnes of manganese nodules should lead to the production of about 24000 tonnes of nickel, 20000 tonnes of copper, and 3000 tonnes of cobalt and zinc. The authors conclude that, despite all uncertainty regarding the metal processing costs and the future metal prices, the exploitation of manganese nodules is economically viable.

Description: 143Nd/144Nd ratios have been determined on 37 samples of oceanic basalt, with a typical precision of +/- 2-3 * 10**-5 (2 sigma). Ocean island and dredged and cored submarine basalts are included for which reliable measurements of 87Sr/86Sr ratios exist in the literature or have been measured as part of this study. A strong negative correlation exists between 143Nd/144Nd and 87Sr/86Sr ratios in basalts from Iceland and the Reykjanes Ridge, but such a clear correlation does not exist for samples from the Hawaiian Islands. However, when other ocean island basalts from the Atlantic are included there is an overall correlation between these two parameters. Increases and decreases in Rb/Sr in oceanic basalt source regions have in general been accompanied by decreases and increases respectively in Sm/Nd ratios. The compatibility of the data with single-stage models is assessed and it is concluded that enrichment and depletion events, which are consistent with transfer of silicate melts, are responsible for the observed variation.

Description: Refractory megacrysts of olivine, plagioclase, chromian diopside and Cr-Al spinel, which were not in equilibrium with the host oceanic tholeiite on eruption, are present in samples from several dredge sites and DSDP drill sites in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They have multiple origins: (1) cognate or accidental mantle fragments; (2) relict fragments from fractional crystallization of parental liquids considerably more primitive than oceanic tholeiite; and most commonly (3) the fractional crystallization products of such liquids mixed with oceanic tholeiite magma. Melt inclusions in chrome-spinel phenocrysts provide evidence for this postulated Mg- and Ca-rich magma which has counterparts in the Scottish Tertiary Province and in west Greenland.

Description: Nodule samples obtained were described and studied on board for 1) observation of occurrence and morphology in and outside samplers, size classification, measurement of weight and calculation of population density (kg/m2); 2) photographing whole nodules on the plate marked with the frames of unit areas of both 0cean-70 (0.50 m2) and freefall grab (0.13 m2), and that of typical samples on the plate with a 5 cm grid scale: 3) observation of internal structures of the nodules on cut section; and 4) determination of mineral composition by X-ray diffractometer. The relation between nodule types and geological environment or chemical composition was examined by referring to other data of related studies, such as sedimentology. acoustic survey, and chemical analysis.

Description: DSDP Leg 337 was planned as an attemp at deep penetration of the igneous section of the oceanic crust on the western flank of the FAMOUS (Franco- American Mid-Ocean Undersea Study) area of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 36°N. Site 332 is located in Deep Drill Valley approximately 30 km west of the axis of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 36°52'N latitude. The principal goal at this site was deep penetration into layer 2 of the ocean crust by multiple re-entry. Site 334 was drilled on a steep east-facing slope in a small, deep basin near the middle of magnetic anomaly 5. In this area, breccias with gabbro and peridotite clasts in a nannofossil-foram ooze matrix are interlayered with the plutonic rocks and may reflect exposure of a melange in or near the Median Valley of the Mid- Atlantic Ridge prior to burial by later basaltic extrusions.

Description: The Aminoil Group drilled a 10,000 ft - well a few kilometers off the Krakatau volcano in 1973. The well bottomed in Pliocene sediments after penetrating a more than 8,000 ft thick Upper Pliocene section of mainly claystones with interbedded sand-, siltstones and pyroclastics. On the basis of temperature surveys and BHT's measured during logging, a static formation temperature in excess of 450° F was extrapolated for the bottom of the hole. Tue high temperatures caused some deterioration in the mud properties, but otherwise no serious drilling problems. Owing to overpressures a high salinity oil mud and controlled drilling had to be employed. The well was P&A because no economic hydrocarbon accumulations could be expected in the high temperature regimes.

Description: research

Description: research

Description: research

Description: research

Description: research

Description: Bulk composition of ferromanganese nodules from the pelagic environment of the Pacific Ocean is apparently related to nodule-growth rate, sediment-accumulation rate, and biologic productivity in the overlying seawater. Nodules with a high Mn/Fe ratio and high Ni and Cu concns tend to occur in areas where primary productivity in the surface layer of the ocean is high and the sediment accumulation rate low. They may have a Mn/Fe ratio as low as one and accrete at rates as low as 1 mm per 1 million years. Nodules with a larger Mn/Fe ratio apparently have growth rates that are greater by as much as a factor of 10.

Description: Die Humifizierungswechsel nordwesteuropäischer Hochmoore sind als Schwarztorf-Weißtorf-Kontakte‚ Rekurrenzflächen oder "WEBERscher Grenzhorizont" bekannt. Eine ähnliche Erscheinung wurde auf Gough Island im Südatlantik entdeckt. In den dortigen terrainbedeckenden Mooren gibt es ebenfalls einen Schwarztorf-Weißtorf-Kontakt. Diese terrainbedeckenden Moore von Gough Island sind nährstoffreicher als unsere nordwesteuropäischen Hochmoore. Ursache dieses Phänomens ist wahrscheinlich die Nährstoffanreicherung durch den Kot der zahlreichen Seevögel.

Description: The changes of humification of North-West European bogs are known as dark peat/light peat contacts, recurrence horizons or "WEBERscher Grenzhorizont". A similar phenomenon has been discovered on Gough Island in the South Atlantic. There is also dark peat/light peat contact in the blanket bogs over there. These blanket bogs on Gough Island are richer in nutrients than our North-West European bogs. The cause of this phenomenon is the accumulation of nutrients through the dropping of the numerous seabirds.

Description: research

Description: DFG, SUB Göttingen

Description: Durch Untersuchung des Wasserhaushaltes einer Deutschen Hochmoorkultur wird der Einfluß von Trockenjahren dargelegt. Wie Bodenfeuchtigkeitsuntersuchungen mit Tensiometern zeigen, bleiben Moorböden zunächst lange feucht und trocknen dann nur in der durchwurzelten Schicht aus. Wenige Dezimeter darunter bleibt der Moorboden fast wassergesättigt. Wie gezeigt werden konnte, ist dies eine Folge der kapillaren Wasserleitfähigkeit der Torfe. Der Austrocknung der durchwurzelten Schicht kann durch schweres Walzen begegnet werden. Hierzu werden Ergebnisse zur Bodenfeuchteänderung durch Walzen mitgeteilt.

Description: Dry years also influence the water balance of peat soils. This could be shown by investigations on a German raised bog cultivation. Measurements of soil moisture with tensiometers indicated a long period with sufficient water content. After this period dryness appeared in the rooted zone only, but a few decimeters below this zone the peat soil was nearly saturated. This follows from the unsaturated flow conditions of the peat soils. The drying out of the rooted zone can be reduced by heavy rolling. This had been proved by the measurement of soil moisture during the rolling trial.

Description: research

Description: DFG, SUB Göttingen

Description: Es wird der Lebenslauf der ältesten Moorforschungsstätte von 1877 bis 1977 vorgestellt. Die Gründe zur wissenschaftlichen Bearbeitung der Moore waren schon immer vielschichtig. So wird aus der Geschichte der Moor-Versuchsstation in Bremen deutlich, dass Naturwissenschaftler, Ökologen und Agrarwissenschaftler gemeinsam an der Erforschung der Eigenschaften von Mooren und Torfen mit dem Ziel ihrer optimalen Nutzung interessiert sind. Es wird aber auch deutlich, wie stark die Erkenntnisse der Moorforschung andere Wissenschaften berühren. Darin kommt die interdisziplinäre Stellung der Moor- und Torfkunde zum Ausdruck.

Description: The curriculum vitae of the oldest institute of moor and peat research, the Moor-Versuchsstation in Bremen, from 1877 till 1977 is presented. The motives for scientific work about bogs and fens all over the time have been multi-purposed. The history of this institute shows, that scientists, oecologists and agriculturists together are interested in the qualities of moor and peat and their usage to the best of ones knowledge. But, it is shown too, how results of moor and peat research other sciences concern. By this the interdiszipline role of moor and peat research is expressed.

Description: research

Description: DFG, SUB Göttingen

Description: Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurden Schichtglieder der nordpenninischen Feuerstätter Decke des alpinen Flyschtroges im Raum Allgäu/Vorarlberg untersucht. Die Gesteinsserien sind stark tektonisiert, primäre lithostratigraphische Übergänge sind nur selten erhalten. An Hand exemplarischer Aufschlüsse wurde speziell für die basalen Serien dieser Decke (Aptychen-Schichten, Unt. Junghansen-Serie, Feuerstätter Sandstein) versucht, auf bio- bzw. lithostratigraphischem Wege Übergänge, die bisher erkannt bzw. vermutet worden sind, zu bestätigen oder neu zu erfassen. Für die Aptychen-Schichten wurden die Aufschlüsse im unteren Ränker-Tobel und an der Böigen Ach (Ob. Balder­ schwanger Tal) untersucht, da hier Übergänge zur Unt. Junghansen-Serie vorliegen sollen.

Description: Strata of the Feuerstätt nappe (northern Penninicum) of the Alpine flysch trough in the Allgäu-/Vorarlberg area were studied. The series of this nappe are highly tectonized and primary 1ithostratigraphic transitions are rarely preserved. Previously recognized or assumed transitions in the basal series of this nappe (Aptychen-series, Lower Junghansen-series, Feuerstätt sandstone) were confirmed or reclassified in exemplary outcrops, using bio- and 1ithostratigraphical methods. All sediments were studied petrographically to determine sedimentological criteria. These studies prove that the sedimentological character of the Aptychen-series differs greatly from the Lower Junghansen-series and the Feuerstätter sandstone. The Aptychen-series contain sediments belonging to a pelagic carbonate facies. They are similar to the "Upper Austroalpine" Aptychen limestone. The Lower Junghansen-series, the Feuerstätt sandstone, and the Bolgen-conglomerat (Upper Junghansen-series) mainly represent a proximal flysch-facies. Since the Aptychen-series are of Upper Jurassic age, the contacts between these sediments and the enveloping flysch-series (Hauterivian/Barremian-Paleocene) must be of tectonic character. The results of the sedimentary petrographic studies suggest a common sedimentation trough for the Lower Cre­taceous series of the Faiknis-Tasna-nappe, the "Hauptflysch” nappe and the Feuerstätt nappe. Convergence between the Prätigau-flysch and the Feuerstätt nappe exists only in the Upper Cretaceous and the Lower Tertiary peroids.

Description: thesis

Description: DFG, SUB Göttingen

Description: During the "Meteor“-Expedition to the Persian Gulf in March-May 1965, approximately 300 samples were collected. Most of them have been already studied by various authors in sedimentological as well as micropaleontological respects. 49 samples were selected for ostracode studies. These samples are arranged to form a long-axis section ("Laengsprofil“), and 4 shorter cross-profiles, perpendicular to the long-axis profile in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. 52 species of ostracodes in this area were specifically determined; 39 of them are described under open nomenclature. 13 species are already known from surrounding sea areas: 2 species from the Red Sea; 2 species from the east coast of Africa; 1 species from the Mediterranean Sea; and others from the Indian and Pacific Oceans. 12 species show close relationships to species from the Indopacific Ocean. The ostracode species found in the area can be grouped after the method of BRAUN-BLANQUT into 2 bioassociations. Association 1 with the following 4 characteristic species : Cytherella cf. pulchra, Loxoconcha sp. A, Neomonoceratina sp. A, Alocopocythere reticulata. Association 2 with 1 characteristic species: Ruggieria (Ruggieria) sp. B. The association 1 is widespread in the entire studied area of the Persian Gulf, where it is considered to characterize the shallow water region down to 200 m. The association 2 is restricted to the deeper water below 200 m of the inner part of the Oman Gulf. Only a few species known from the shallow water association of the Persian Gulf are present. Within the two ostracode associations mentioned above 4 zones from the total studied area could be related to the water depth. The zones A-D are characterized more or less readily by the relative abundance of certain species: Zone A : 7-30 m depth, on substrates of poorly coarse-grained clayey marl; Zone B: 30-94 m depth, on substrates of richly coarse-grained calcareous marl; Zone C: 94-1961208 m depth, on substrates of richly coarse-grained calcareous marl; Zone D: 196/208-500 m depth, on substrates of calcareous clay, poor in benthos. The regional and bathymetric distribution of the ostracode fauna in the area studied was compared in relation to 10 environmental factors: water depth, temperature, salinity, water density, O2-concentration, phosphate-silica contents, pH-values, stratification of the water body, water currents and type of sediments. The major environmental factors which appear to control the ostracode distribution are water depth (as a complex factor), O2-concentration and the type of sediment. At 3 stations (GIK01058, GIK01074 and GIK01204) species of the shallow water association were found together with a few bathyal species. These stations are situated at the outer Biaban shelf, in an area where the bottom water of the Persian Gulf flows down the slope towards the Oman Gulf. Several samples of the Zone B in the major part of the Persian Gulf show also a high species diversity containing a high percentage of subfossil ostracode carapaces. It is probable that the recent biocoenosis has been mixed with a late quarternary thanatocoenosis.

Description: The paleo-oceanography of the southeastern North Atlantic Ocean during the last 150,000 yr has been studied using biogenous and terrigenous components of hemipelagic sediments sampled close to the northwest African continental margin. Variations of oxygen isotope ratios in shells of benthic calcareous foraminifers in two cores allow the assignment of absolute ages to these cores (in the best case at 1000 yr increments). The uncorrected bulk sedimentation rates of the longest core range from 3.4 to 7.6 cm/ 1000 yr during Interglacial conditions, and from 6.5 to 9.9 cm/1000 yr during Glacial conditions; all other cores have given results of the same order of magnitude, but with generally increasing values towards the continental edge. The distribution of sediment components allow us to make inferences about paleo-oceanographic changes in this region. Frequencies of biogenic components from benthic organisms, oxygen isotope ratios measured in benthic calcareous foraminiferal shells, the total carbonate contents of the sediment and distributions of biogenic components from planktonic organisms often fluctuate in concert. However, all fluctuations which can be attributed to changes of the bottom water masses (North Atlantic Deep Water) seem to precede by several thousand years those which can be linked to changes of the surface water mass distributions or to changes of the climate over the neighboring land masses. Late Quaternary planktonic foraminiferal assemblages in the cores from the northwest African continental margin can be defined satisfactorily in the way that distributions of assemblages found in sediment surface samples from the northeast Atlantic Ocean have been explained. The distributions of assemblages in the northwest African cores can also be used to estimate past sea surface temperatures and salinities. The downcore record of these estimates reveals two warm periods during the last 150,000 yr, the lower one corresponding to the oxygen isotope stage 5 e (equivalent to the Eemian proper in Europe), the upper one to the younger half of the Holocene. Winter surface water temperatures during oxygen isotope stages 6, 4, 3, and 2 are remarkably constant in most cores, while summer sea surface temperatures during stage 3 reach values comparable to those of the warm periods during the Late Holocene and Eemian. Estimated winter sea surface temperatures range from 〉 16 °C to 〈 11°C, the summer sea surface temperatures from 〉 22 °C to 〈 15 °C during the last 150,000 yr. Estimates of the winter sea surface salinities fluctuate between 36.6‰ and 35.5‰, the higher values being restricted to the warm periods since the penultimate Glacial. Estimates for sea surface temperatures and salinities for two cores from the center of today's coastal upwelling region show less pronounced fluctuations than the record of the open ocean cores in the case of the station 12379 off Cape Barbas, more pronounced in the case of station 12328 off Cape Blanc. Seasonal differences between winter and summer sea surface temperatures derived from the estimated temperatures are today more pronounced in the boundary region of the ocean to the continent than further away from the continent. The differences are generally higher during warm climatic periods of the last 150,000 yr than during cooler ones. The abundance of terrigenous grains in the coarse fractions generally decreases with increasing distance from the continental edge, and also from south to north. The dominant portion of the terrigenous detritus is carried out into the ocean during the relatively cool climatic periods (stage 6, 4, later part of stage 3, stage 2 and oldest part of stage 1). The enhanced precision of dating combined with the stratigraphic resolution of these high deposition rate cores make it clear that the peaks of the terrigenous input off this part of the northwest African continental margin occur simultaneously with times of rapid sea level fluctuations resulting from large volume changes of the large Glacial ice sheets.

Description: The nervous system in the tentacles of the sea anemones Tealia felina, Anemonia sulcata, Metridium senile and Cerianthus membranaceus was studied using light microscopic and electron microscopic techniques. \nBecause of the small dimensions of the nerve cells (6\xe2\x80\x947 \xc2\xb5m) and of the neurites (diameter 〈 1 \xc2\xb5m) satisfactory information could not be obtained using conventional histological techniques. \nElectron microscopic investigation showed that the nervous system can be divided into three parts: the plexus round the mesogloea, a nervous system between the muscles (obviously connected with the plexus) and sensory cells in the outer layer of the tentacle connected to the plexus by nerve fibres. The latter nerve cells with their fibres are arranged radially in the tentacle ectodermis. These are the only sensory cells discovered in the tentacles of the sea anemones. \nIn these radial neurites and in a number of neurites in the plexus, dense core granules are found. In the nervous system between the muscles and in a number of neurites in the plexus, opaque granules are found. Neurites containing dense core as well as opaque granules were never observed. Only in the radial neurites and in the plexus a yellow F(ormol) I(nduced) F(luorescence) was observed. Analysis of the emission spectrum showed that the F.I.F. had developed from a catecholamine (most probably noradrenalin). Therefore the dense core granules contain a catecholamine. \nOn the basis of morphological similarity, the neurites containing opaque granules may be identified as purinergic as proposed by Burnstock (1972), since the innervation of the muscles in the sea anemones very much resembles the innervation of smooth muscles in vertebrates. \nSynapses as described by a.o. Westfall (1973a) could not be demonstrated. However, desmosome-like structures were found between the epithelial cells and between the muscles, so that a non-neural conduction (c.q. myoepithelial conduction) is probable. This myoepithelial conduction may explain the presence of a \xe2\x80\x9csecond nervous system\xe2\x80\x9d postulated by Bullock & Horridge (1965) which is supposed to be a slowconductive system. A morphological indication for a \xe2\x80\x9csecond nervous system\xe2\x80\x9d has never been found. \nThe two transmitter substances mentioned (no indication was found for the presence of GABA and acetylcholine), i.e. a catecholamine, most probably noradrenalin, and a purine derivate, both have an excitatory function. The possible role of glutamate as an inhibitor has been discussed. Glutamate acts as a possible inhibitor, since it is released from contracting muscles and inhibits the contraction via an unknown mechanism. \nHydra was investigated and the findings were discussed in relation to the existing literature. Only the existence of synapses was discrepant, since these structures could not be demonstrated. \nRegarding the possible transmitters a catecholamine could be demonstrated with the F.I.F. method. A purinergic muscle innervation is possible in view of our experience with sea anemones.

Description: The study of some newly collected material from the West Indies may justify a fourth paper on Caribbean Tenebrionidae in these \xe2\x80\x9cStudies\xe2\x80\x9d. Thanks to dr. P. WAGENAAR HUMMELINCK\xe2\x80\x99S collecting work, the Tenebrionid fauna of the Antilles and the adjacent South American mainland shores may be considered to be pretty well known \xe2\x80\x94 at least as far as the Melasomes are concerned. Thus zoogeographical conclusions \xe2\x80\x94 though not differing essentially from those published in 1962 \xe2\x80\x94 appear to have a rather solid basis. Unfortunately much less is known about planticolous Tenebrionids, which anyhow are relatively less interesting for zoogeographical purposes, than the geophilous ones.\nWe also had the privilege of consulting the collections of the I.N.R.A. at Guadeloupe (see MARCUZZI & D\xe2\x80\x99AGUILAR 1971) which considerably increased our knowledge of the Tenebrionid fauna of that and neighbouring islands. Several specimens on hand at the Institute of Marine Biology, Mayag\xc3\xbcez, proved extremely useful for obtaining a better knowledge of the Tenebrionid fauna of the old, sedimentary island of Puerto Rico. In a few single cases material from other sources (British Museum, Museum G. Frey and the private collection of the author) has been used.

Description: Cercariae have been collected and studied from two sampling areas, situated at a distance of about 5 km of one another, South-East of Amsterdam.\nThirteen species are mentioned in this paper, seven of which are reported from the Netherlands for the first time. Two species are described in detail: an echinostome cercaria tentatively identified as Cercaria deficipinnata Khan, 1960, and a new xiphidiocercaria belonging to the group \xe2\x80\x9carmatae\xe2\x80\x9d, named Cercaria otiosa n. sp.\nThe cercarial fauna in the two sampling areas is compared, and possible causes of differences are briefly discussed.

Description: A primitive freshwater planarian, Eviella hynesae gen. et sp. nov. is described from Australia. It is characterized by its lack of eyes and pigment, possession of caudally branched oviducts, and fully fused testes. Although a primary bursa is absent, its function being taken over by the modified female genital canal, the female copulatory system is posterior to the male system. Despite this maricolan feature, and other similarities with primitive southern hemisphere freshwater planarians that have been classified in the Maricola, the present species is placed in the family Dugesiidae of the Paludicola. Evidence from its sensory organs suggests that it belongs on the main evolutionary line from which the majority of Australasian freshwater planarians have been derived.

Description: Every new mammal or bird in the Amsterdam zoo, without exception, is kept in quarantaine for some weeks and until necessary standard checks are done. The number of mammals in the collection during the period 1967-1973 varied between 729 and 858 belonging to 172 to 208 species. In birds these figures were 1571 and 1803 specimens of 391 to 520 species (table I). The average percentage of deaths in mammals was 12.4% (table II) and in birds 13% (table III).\nThe causes of death (tables IV and V) are arranged under 15 headings for mammals and under 18 for birds; both numbers and percentages are given. During 1967, 1968, and 1969 there were many cases of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in the nocturnal house. The troubles only stopped after vaccination of all animals already present in the house and of the new ones before housing them. Cases of non-identified infections in psittacine birds (53 victims) and penguins (19 victims) are provided. The same holds true for a skin disease in apes and diabetes in ruminants. A rather detailed report is given on cowpox in indian elephants in 1973. The three females of different age were affected; the male stayed free. All animals recovered after periods ranging from 17 to 57 days. One elephant had serious foot troubles in the same period, the most serious at the left forefoot. It took about 6 weeks before all animals recovered completely.\nThe survival rate of newborn mammals fluctuated between 59% and 66%, at a number of births fluctuating from 164 to 249 a year (table VI). The low rate of 56% for wild ruminants could be raised to 67% by feeding extra minerals to pregnant and nursing females. In birds hatched (table VII) the survival rates varied between 49% and 75%. The low figure is caused by the very bad results with ducks (in 1969 only 25% survival). By changing the accomodation we brought the figure for ducks up to 83% at the end of the period reported upon.

Description: In the Colorado Beetle, the terminal filament cells resemble the epidermal cells which connect muscle cells with the cuticle, the so-called tendon cells. They contain many microtubules which have projections interconnecting them. The microtubules are also connected by these projections to desmosomes.\nThe tunica propria is a basement membrane-like layer of low elasticity. It separates the terminal filament from the germarium. The outer ovariole sheath is a muscle sheath which is continuous with the muscle sheath around the oviducts. The whole muscle sheath consists of a monolayer network. Sarcolemmal invaginations at the I band and at the Z line probably form part of one T system. The cuticle of the common oviduct has scales with long caudally directed spines.\nThe rostral attachment of the muscle sheath corresponds to the existing descriptions of tendon cells. The attachment of the muscle sheath to the cuticle of the common oviduct is different.

Description: The sedentary ciliate fauna living on the body surface of Gammarus tigrinus and G. pulex from Dutch freshwater habitats has been investigated. Fourty-seven ciliate species are found, of which 43 belong to the order Peritrichida, suborder Sessilina, 3 belong to the order Suctorida and 1 belongs to the order Chonotrichida. Two new species in the genera Intranstylum and Pseudocarchesium are described.\nIt appears that there is a seasonal variation in the number of epizoic ciliates as well as in species composition. In general, the species with a contractile stalk are found on external, often fast-moving, body parts. Species with a noncontractile stalk seem to prefer more quiet and sheltered positions. After ecdysis there is a succession of the genera Epistylis and Zoothamnium, the latter becoming dominant on older exoskeletons.

Description: Prof. Dr. Gerard Barendrecht was born on the 9th of October 1906 in Hilversum. After his final examinations in Kampen in 1923 there came a year of private studies of Greek and Latin. These formative years resulted in a continuing interest in the classical writers which he still reads as a relaxation from more strenuous tasks. On the other hand, the polders in the neighbourhood of Kampen gave the inspiration to the writing of the \xe2\x80\x9cGlorie van ons polderland\xe2\x80\x9d (\xe2\x80\x9cGlory of our polderland\xe2\x80\x9d).\nIn 1924 he entered the University of Amsterdam as a student in biology where he took his \xe2\x80\x9cdoctoraal examen\xe2\x80\x9d (master\xe2\x80\x99s degree) in 1929. His doctor\xe2\x80\x99s degree dates from the 20th of January 1932. His thesis \xe2\x80\x9cDie Corpora pedunculata bei den Gattungen Bombus und Psithyrus\xe2\x80\x9d is an elegant synthesis of his former work in the Dutch Central Institute of Brain Research as an adjunct-assistent to Prof. Dr. C. U. Ari\xc3\xabns Kappers and his work with his promotor, the entomologist Prof. Dr. J. C. H. de Meijere.

Description: Regenerative capability of Plexaura flexuosa is investigated in experiments which simulate the injuries caused by predation of the ovulid snail Cyphoma gibbosum: partial or total removal of the coenenchyme from the axial skeleton.\nRegenerative growth of the coenenchyme is primarily induced by the possibility of linear extension of the axial epithelium; settlement of fleshy algae or e.g. Millepora (firecoral) on the axial skeleton inhibits the recovery of the coenenchyme. Coenenchyme growth is accompanied by evagination of the polyp cavity wall and by increased mesoglea production. The cellular basis for regeneration lies in the migration capability and morphogenetic plasticity of at least two cell types of the coenenchyme epidermis: interstitial cells and \xe2\x80\x9ctransitional\xe2\x80\x9d cells.\nRepeated removal of re-grown coenenchyme causes a decrease of the polyp density followed by the formation of new polyps. These are formed by an extra-tentacular budding mechanism which has its primordia in the epidermis of the coenenchyme.

Description: The distribution of the larvae of Eylais discreta on the abdominal tergites of the host species Sigara striata, S. falleni and Cymatia coleoptrata is examined.\nOn S. striata and S. falleni the segments 3 and 4, on C. coleoptrata the segments 2 and 3 are successively preferred. There is but little influence of multiple infestations on this distribution.\nThe growth rate on the various tergites of S. striata is similar, while on C. coleoptrata a possible difference could not be proved statistically. The larvae of E. discreta generally hibernate on the host; during this phase there is little growth; not until March-April they start growing faster. The larvae on C. coleoptrata are retarded in growth compared to those on S. striata.\nThe larvae on S. falleni do not show any increase in size; this water bug species is immune to infestation by various Hydrachnellae.

Description: In the Abcoudermeer, a small lake S.E. of Amsterdam, the rubble banks were investigated on macro-invertebrates. At least 46 species were encountered, insects and their larvae not included: 1 species of sponge, 1 species of hydrozoan, 6 species of free-living flatworms, 17 species of snails, at least 3 species of mussels, 8 species of leeches, 3 species of crustaceans and 7 species of bryozoans. Differences between two banks are discussed.

Description: Unter Anemonenfischen verstehen wir haupts\xc3\xa4chlich Arten der indopazifischen Gattung Amphiprion (Riffbarsche, Pomacentridae), die in Seeanemonen leben. Mariscal (1966) und neuerdings Allen (1975) haben die vielen Untersuchungen dieser Beziehung zusammengefasst. Aus der Literatur sind andere Anemonenfische kaum bekanntes handelt sich um einen Gobiiden aus dem Mittelmeer (Abel, I960) und ungef\xc3\xa4hr 14 Arten aus dem gleichen Lebensraum wie Amphiprion, darunter Pomacentriden (Stevenson, 1963), Cirrhitiden (Eibl-Eibesfeldt, 1964), Labriden, Blenniiden, Apogoniden, Anthiiden (Graefe, 1964). Bei all diesen Arten ist der Kontakt der Fische mit den Tentakeln der Anemone bei weitem nicht so deutlich ausgepr\xc3\xa4gt wie bei Amphiprion. Es scheint, dass die sch\xc3\xbctzende N\xc3\xa4he der Tentakeln zwar aufgesucht, direkter Kontakt aber meistens gemieden wird.\nNeuerdings werden Anemonenfische auch in der Karibischen See gefunden (siehe Karte). Smith (1973) beschreibt einen Cliniden von Panama. Hannau & Mock (1974) illustrieren eine zweite Clinidenart von den Bahamas. Colin & Heiser (1973) beschreiben zwei Apogoniden von Jamaica und Cura\xc3\xa7ao. Hanion & Kaufman (1976) f\xc3\xbcgen aus den Bahamas, von Jamaica und Honduras sechs weitere Arten hinzu: drei Cliniden, einen Gobiiden, einen Labriden und einen Pomadasyiden. Der vorliegende Bericht beschreibt 31 Anemonenfischarten aus 12 Familien von Cura\xc3\xa7ao, drei Viertel davon neu in dieser Hinsicht. Der Kontakt mit Anemonententakeln st\xc3\xb6rt all diese Fische nicht. Sie scheinen den Kontakt z.T. aufzusuchen. Ob die Vergesellschaftung eine Symbiose ist, ist noch nicht deutlich; sicher ist die Vergesellschaftung nicht so auff\xc3\xa4llig wie bei Amphiprion.

Description: As a working hypothesis it is supposed that in the teleost Brachydanio rerio, the muscle contractions, the growth, and probably some other factors, cause the first changes in the shape of the somites. Furthermore, the movements of the embryo could yield the forces by which the somites are brought to their theoretically optimal shape.\nIn order to test this hypothesis, we investigated the somite shape and structure of spontaneously immobile embryos. Although the results are difficult to interpret, they certainly do not contradict the hypothesis.\nFor further analysis we applied two kinds of lesions in order to immobilize early embryos: removal of the brain, and damage to the midbody somites. The results of these experiments indicate that both the development of the shape of the somite and the arrangement of the muscle fibres are dependent on movements of the embryo.

Description: 2) These freshwater species can be classified in three artificial groups: (a) the G. pulex-group (species without dorsal carina and with dense setation on pereiopods 3 and 4 and uropod 3), (b) the G. balcanicus-group (species without dorsal carina and poorly setose pereiopods 3 and 4 and uropod 3) and (c) the G. roeseli-group (species with dorsal carina). These groups are merely artificial ones since transitive (intermediate) species do exist. Moreover, the origin of the species is not known, so that polyphyly is not excluded. 3) In the present work the Gammarus pulex-group is revised, based on rich material from Europe, North Africa, Asia minor and adjacent areas. 4) The taxonomic differences between the various species are usually small but distinct and stable. This is especially evident in mixed populations of two or more species. In those populations no intermediates between the taxa have been observed. 5) In some cases, morphological differences between two species are hardly discernible although reproductive isolation is present (e.g. G. fossarum and G. wautieri). 6) Hybridization experiments can solve taxonomic problems and test the taxonomic value of morphological differences between populations. Such experiments between many Asiatic and European populations might clarify their taxonomic status. 7) The taxonomic characters may largely be variable within one population as well as in different populations of the same species. 8) Characters that are very stable in one species can be largely variable in other species (e.g. presence of calceoli, length of rami of uropod 3). Nevertheless we can distinguish certain stable characters (e.g. the structure of the mandibular palp), but also instable ones (e.g. the number of dorsal and lateral spines on the urosomites) in all species. 9) Gammarus pulex has given rise to several isolated populations, adapted to subterranean life (being blind or having enlarged eyes). These populations are considered distinct subspecies. 10) Within some taxa (e.g. G. fossarum and G. p. pulex) morphologically aberrant populations can be found. Since these populations do successfully cross-breed and are sympatric they must be considered mere variations. 11) We had serious problems to determine the identity of several Gammarus species, especially from Asia Minor, because of the impossibility to obtain literature and type material of some Russian authors. (So we cannot exclude the possibility that our species described from Asia might be identical with a species formerly described by a Russian author). 12) For all species, except the most common ones, complete lists of all localities studied are given. Moreover, in 3 maps the distribution of the various species and subspecies is illustrated. 13) It was not possible to illustrate all morphological details of every taxon mentioned in the present work. Only G. pulex, the type species of the genus Gammarus and the nominal form of the entire group, is figured completely. For the other taxa, only those parts are illustrated that are fundamentally different from those of G. p. pulex.

Description: In many studies on mammalian distribution, vegetation is considered in particular as a source of food and its importance in terms of habitat has been neglected. The type of vegetation cover is a limiting factor only in the choice of ecological niches but does not in general affect the overall distribution. On the contrary, the density of mammals is in many cases associated with the morphology of the plant cover, especially in the case of granivores (rodents), less for insectivores and small carnivores. In the paper several examples are given concerning mammals of Europe and North Africa and the importance of vegetation morphology for nests, cover and landmarks, as well as exceptions and adaptations, especially on islands.

Description: Introduction of the new genus Deilagaon with descriptions of new species chrysolepidis (type-species) from the Philippines (type-locality Luzon, ex Ficus chrysolepis Miq.), Celebes, New Guinea (ex F. novoguineensis Corner), Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Isis.; and annulatae from Thailand, Malaya (ex F. depressa Bl.), Sumatra, Borneo (type-locality N. Borneo, ex F. annulata Bl.), Philippines. Included is also Ceratosolen megarhopalus Grandi (1923) from Thailand, Malaya, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Philippines (Balabac Isl.).

Description: Scent marking of three Amur Tigers in the Zurich Zoo was observed. Distinct places, some of which highly preferred, are chosen for the urine marks. Some of the places were treated with scent mark of an African Civet, resulting in a tendency to increase scent marking.

Description: Macquarie Island (54\xc2\xb037\'S 158\xc2\xb054\'E) has been investigated for the occurrence of freshwater macroturbellarians. Twenty sites were examined but only one species, here ascribed to the genus Minona sensu lato of the Monocelididae, was found and it is described as Minona amnica sp. nov. Its closest taxonomic relationships seem to be with M. istanbulensis Ax from the Black Sea, and M. mica Marcus from Brasil. The new species is unusual in that it occurs throughout the fresh waters of the island even though it is a member of a predominantly marine group. Minona amnica occurs from windswept plateau lakes down to brackish water near the sea and data concerning the distribution and relative abundance of the species in various habitats are presented and discussed.

Description: Phenetic affinities of Australasian oystercatchers were elucidated by multivariate statistical analysis of seven morphometric characters taken from museum skins. Nineteen operational taxonomie units (OTUs), representing all the currently recognized species and most of the subordinate taxa, were used to calibrate morphological variation in Australasian Haematopus against the range displayed by the Haematopodidae. The rather homogeneous nature of variation among OTUs was not well suited for analysis by hierarchical clustering methods, but a non-hierarchical ordination method utilizing both principal components and nonmetric scaling produced excellent summaries of the similarity matrices.\nThe South Island Pied Oystercatcher (H. o. finschi) of New Zealand clustered tightly with the Eurasian H. ostralegus and thus seems to be of Palaearctic origin. All the remaining Australasian taxa grouped in another cluster with the New World forms, and it appears likely that the Australian Pied Oystercatcher will have to be split from the ostralegus group as a separate species. Comments on the taxonomy and zoogeography of the family are postponed until a current study of a much larger data set is completed. \xe2\x80\x9cIt cannot be but mischievous to any study to have divers systems of nomenclature simultaneously co-existent in the same dominion.\xe2\x80\x9d Milligan (1911).

Description: Morphometric analysis was carried out on wing muscles of the House Fly (Musca domestica), ranging from the pupation period to death. In the first week a clear increase was found in the percentage of food reserve consumed by the cell components. Both fibrils and sarcosomes increase in circumference during the first week. The sarcosomes then fuse.\nAfter the first week few changes occur. The sarcosomal volume increases in male flies. No disintegration or degeneration of the muscle cells appears with old age. Even the fact that the wing of the male flies exhibits abrasion earlier than that of females cannot be correlated with changes in the wing muscles. The ratio of fibrils to sarcosomes is greater than two to one. This ratio differs in males and females.\nA gradual decrease in the number of cristae per sarcosome was observed during ageing. This can influence the total activity of the sarcosome. The succinate dehydrogenase reaction is not dependent on age. The presence of two types of sarcosomes is unlikely. Sarcosomes with more cristae are of a darker colour than those with few cristae.

Description: From computations (by means of graphic interpolation and graphic integration) of the respiratory area, and transposition of these values to a respiratory area of a standard fish of 200 g (A200 value), it could be made plausible that the relation between respiratory area and mode of life of the fishes mentioned in this paper (Cod, Plaice, Conger, Flounder, Dab and Pike) fits in with the general pattern found in an earlier paper, although intraspecific differences were sometimes considerable.\nIn comparison with A200 values of other species, the Cod has a respiratory area that fits in with his mode of life and that of other typical sprinters. The Flounder has a considerably larger respiratory area than Plaice and Dab. Flounder feeds mainly on small fishes, while Plaice and Dab feed on molluscs and worms. Conger has to be considered a crawler. The Pike, as a typical sprinter, shows nevertheless large differences in its A200 values.\nIt was known already that freshwater biotopes do not allow fishes to develop into typical stayers. Thus, large differences between freshwater sprinters and crawlers can hardly be expected.\nThe relation between respiratory area and body surface cannot be used in a comparison between fishes of different species.

Description: The facies represent five depositional environments: a beach, a fore-shore, a surf, a shallow marine current, and an off-shore environment. The diversity and colony shape of tabulates in facies IV is related to discrete physical and biological factors. The succession of facies reflects a transgressive sequence. Land was situated in the north-west.

Description: In Zygogynum six species are recognized, of which two are newly described. Z. spatulatum is reduced to synonymy, Z. balansae is ranked as a subspecies of Z. pomiferum. Leaf anatomy provided suitable specific characters on which an alternative key could be constructed. Notes are given on the morphology of the inflorescence, flower, and fruit; the calyx is calyptrate in very early stages, the petals are mostly connate in bud. Corrections of identifications cited in literature on anatomy etc. are given on p. 239.

Description: Tristania R. Brown, Aiton\xe2\x80\x99s Hortus Kewensis (2nd Ed.) 4 (1812) 417, was established with three species \xe2\x80\x94 T. neriifolia, T. laurina, and T. conferta. A number of other species have since been added to the genus and a recent study (Wilson, 1971) has shown that the three original species belong to three different groups and further that these groups are sufficiently different to warrant their separation at the generic level. All of the New Caledonian species belong to the Tristania laurina group. It has not yet been decided which of the groups should retain the original generic name, but if the T. laurina group is not selected the name Tristaniopsis Brongniart et Gris, Bull. Soc. Bot. Fr. 10 (1863) 371, would become available for it. Six species are currently recognised in New Caledonia where they mostly grow at low elevations in scrub and forest on ultrabasic rocks. Species of the same group are found in Australia, New Guinea, Borneo, and probably elsewhere in Malesia.

Description: At the age of 85, Herman Johannes Lam died at his house on the 15th of February, 1977. From 1933 to 1962 he was director of the Rijksherbarium and although the day of his retirement lies some 15 years behind us now, he is still remembered in our institute for his pleasant personal qualities. The Rijksherbarium as it is today we owe for a large part to his vision and work during the 29 years of his directorate. He broadened the basis of the institute\xe2\x80\x99s research but kept intact its specialization; he succeeded in obtaining valuable collections; he started a programme of botanical expeditions; he provided a home for the Flora Malesiana, to mention some of his accomplishments.\nWhen he came to Leiden after a 14 years\xe2\x80\x99 career in the Herbarium at Buitenzorg (now Bogor, Indonesia) he found a small and rather sleepy institute. Through the years of poverty before and during the war, and through the years of prosperity afterwards, he transformed this into a large herbarium which was (and still is, I hope) very much alive and active in many fields.

Description: Mischocarpus Blume, Bijdr. (1825) 238, nom. cons.; Rumphia 3 (1849) 166; Radlk., Pfl. R. Heft 98 (1933) 1288\xe2\x80\x941310. \xe2\x80\x94 Cupania \xc2\xa7 Mischocarpus Miq., Fl. Ind. Bat. I, 2 (1859) 566. \xe2\x80\x94 Type: M. sundaicus Bl. Pedicellia Lour., Fl. Coch. (1790) 655, nom. rejic. (see under dubious names). \xe2\x80\x94 Type: P. oppositifolia Lour. Mischocodon Radlk., Bot. jahrb. 50 (1913) 79; Pfl. R. Heft 98 (1933) 1327\xe2\x80\x941328. \xe2\x80\x94 Type: M. reticulatus Radlk.\nShrubs or, sometimes large, trees, sometimes with a slender unbranched stem. Buttresses sometimes present (M. largifolius). Indumentum rather dense to sometimes very sparse, consisting of mostly appressed, short to long, brownish to ferruginous hairs; no glandular scales. Twigs brownish to reddish-brown to greyish. Axillary buds just above or, mostly in ramiflorous species, up to 6 mm above the base of the petiole. Leaves spirally arranged, paripinnate, the leaflets accrescent in size towards the top, 1\xe2\x80\x946-jugate, without stipules; petiole \xc2\xb1 semi-terete, sometimes dorsiventrally flattened. Leaflets alternate to subopposite, petioluled, ratio 1.5\xe2\x80\x945(\xe2\x80\x948), widest below, in, or above the middle, sometimes curved downwards (in the herbarium showing a folded base and apex and sometimes an undulate or folded margin), sometimes bullate, pergamentaceous to coriaceous, when dry above mostly greyish-green, sometimes smooth and shiny, beneath mostly brownish-green, not papillose, above glabrous or hairy on midrib and nerves, beneath glabrous or hairy mainly on midrib, nerves and along the margin, between the nerves very sparsely appressedly short-hairy, often glabrescent; domatia often present in axils of main nerves; base equalsided, rarely slightly oblique, rounded or acute to blunt, decurrent; margin entire, flat or sometimes revolute; apex rounded or acute to blunt, mostly shortly mucronate, or \xc2\xb1 acuminate or retuse or rarely emarginate; acumen rounded or acute, mostly slightly retuse; midrib above prominent to sunken, rounded or angular, sometimes carinate, beneath prominent, in cross-section about semi-circular, sometimes nearly completely circular ( M. grandissimus), slightly angular to the base; nerves not or sometimes indistinctly connected in the lower 0.5\xe2\x80\x940.75, in the upper part connected, about straight to rather strongly curved; intercalated veins present, sometimes indistinct; veins and veinlets nearly always forming a very regular reticulate pattern, dense; nerves, veins, and veinlets \xc2\xb1 prominent on both faces, beneath stronger so than above, veinlets inconspicuous beneath. Inflorescences pseudoterminal, axillary, and ramiflorous (probably also cauliflorous in a few species), composed of one or more thyrsoid axes, these nearly always branched, erect to spreading, mostly slightly grooved, with stalked or sometimes sessile cymules, glabrous to densely hairy; cymules 1\xe2\x80\x947(\xe2\x80\x9410)-flowered; pedicels 1\xe2\x80\x943(\xe2\x80\x945) mm; bracts triangular to lanceolate, sometimes subulate, outside glabrous or hairy, inside mostly glabrous. Flowers unisexual, probably mostly monoecious (dioecious in M. reticulatus?). Calyx spreading or cup-shaped, early expanding, 5 (rarely 6)-merous, connate for up to 65%, membranaceous to subcoriaceous, sometimes somewhat fleshy; lobes subequal, sometimes slightly imbricate at the base, triangular to ovate, outside variably hairy, inside glabrous or hairy, often only a row of hairs near the base sometimes hidden by the disk; apex acute, sometimes acuminate. Petals 0\xe2\x80\x945, from minute up to slightly longer than the calyx, apert, unguiculate or not, variably hairy, mostly on claw, base of plate, and auricles; plate elliptic to ovate, sometimes triangular or rhomboid; apex sometimes lobed; 2 auricles or scales mostly present, without crest. Disk complete or sometimes interrupted, annular or cup-shaped, sometimes surrounding base of stamens and confluent with pistil, glabrous or short-hairy. Stamens (5\xe2\x80\x94)8(\xe2\x80\x949), exserted (sometimes rather long); filament thread-like, glabrous or appressedly to patent-hairy, more densely so to the base; anther basifixed, base and apex emarginate; connective sometimes with a lighter coloured wart at the top; thecae about ellipsoid, glabrous or sparsely hairy, smooth or papillose (most distinct when not yet exserted), dehiscence lateral or latero-introrse. Pistil 3-(rarely 2- or 4-) celled, glabrous or appressedly short-bairy; ovary stiped or almost sessile, about ellipsoid- to obovoid-triangular; style apical, shorter to slightly longer than ovary, the upper part either split in 3 \xc2\xb1 recurved stigmatic lobes or almost undivided, bearing 3 stigmatic lines (M. exangulatus); ovules 1 per cell, apotropous, anatropous, ascending, base collar-like, surrounding micropyle and funiculus. Pistillode small, densely hairy to subglabrous. Infructescences sometimes with accrescent axes and pedicels; calyx present, sometimes accrescent, mostly glabrescent; disk present, not accrescent. Fruit nearly always distinctly stiped (in M. paradoxus only up to 1 mm), not lobed, the cells about equally developed but the ovules abortive in (1) 2 cells, loculicidal, up to 3.5 cm long, reddish when ripe, glabrous or hairy; stipe empty, 3-celled, cylindrical near the base, distally becoming triangular; seed bearing part triangular to rounded in cross-section, with elliptic to obovate valves, apiculate; valves thin to almost woody, mostly shrivelled after dehiscence; pericarp slightly fleshy; endocarp sclerenchymatic, either complete, lining valves (except for M. exangulatus also lining stipe) and distal parts of the septa, or incomplete, only along the sutures (see fig. 1g and 1h); septa membranaceous, at least in the proximal half; endocarp and septa glabrous or variably hairy. Seed sometimes pendulous by the appendix of the arillode, globose to ellipsoid; hilum adaxial, basal; testa shining, chestnutbrown, finally (nearly) completely covered by a thin-fleshy, translucent, bluish or yellow to orange arillode which is attached around hilum and micropyle; arillode nearly always (except M. paradoxus) with an appendix abaxial of the hilum and micropyle, descending into the stipe; cotyledons equal or not, folded or not; suture between cotyledons either transverse and straight, or curved (see fig. 1e and 1f). Plumule glabrous or variably hairy (not constant within one species).

Description: In 1969 I published, together with P. G. Heinsbroek, a paper on the anatomy of the stamens of Victoria amazonica. The flowers used in that study came from plants which were cultivated in the green-house of the Leiden Botanic Garden. Because the possibility could not be excluded that the structures then observed were partly the effect of greenhouse conditions, I subsequently took the opportunity to study flowers of well developed plants, which were cultivated in the open air under the tropical conditions of the Botanic Garden at Bogor*). The results were exactly the same. Apart from the set of central vascular bundles, normal in laminar structures, there proved to be a peripheral sheath of bundles consisting of abaxial bundles, terminating half way up the stamen, as well as adaxial bundles. All bundles run parallel and the central ones branch upwards into the fertile region of the stamen. The adaxial bundles anastomose at the lower end of the pollen sacs and one of the resulting anastomoses pursues its course in the middle between the thecae. In literature the last mentioned vascular bundle had been named the \xe2\x80\x98auxiliary vein\xe2\x80\x99 (Moseley, 1958). Its position is opposed to the normal median vein, and its xylem pole is inverted.\nThis vein played a role in diverse morphological opinions on the flat stamens. American authors (Eames, 1961), who advocated the primitiveness of laminar stamen structure, disposed of the auxiliary vein by considering it as an insignificant vein. Schneider (1976) thinks the peripheral bundle system is explicable in functional terms. On the other hand, the discovery of the opposed median auxiliary vein was welcomed by authors like Leinfellner (1956), who thought, mainly on the ground of teratology, that the stamens are diplophyllous structures, that is consist of a dorsal and a ventral blade fused medianly. By this view the existence of apparently homogeneous laminar stamens in Ranales had been difficult to explain. However, now the auxiliary vein could be considered as the median vascular bundle of the fused ventral blade, as requested by the theory. Meeuse (1972) took up the suggestion brought forward in our paper of 1969, namely that the stamen vasculature consisted of a bract component (the abaxial bundles) and a flattened axis component (the central and adaxial bundles), in analogy with the Coniferous female cone scale. According to Meeuse this is proof of his thesis that the structure of the stamen in the Ranales is a bract amalgamated with an axial system. However, careful comparison with the results of C\xc3\xa9cile Lemoine-Sebastian (a.o. 1972) show that the vascular patterns are different from a situation as described above.

Description: Data are presented on Oncoba, Caloncoba, Camptostylus, Dasylepis, Scottellia, Berberidopsis, Lindackeria, and Peterodendron, with special emphasis on development and anatomy of the gynoecium. A neutral view is preferred to the carpel theory. There appears to be a link between parietal and basal placentation. It is proposed to refer to this placentation as cupular. Several peculiarities are found, such as \xe2\x80\x98ramification\xe2\x80\x99 of the stigmatic canals, penetration of the embryosac into the chalaza, distal lobes on integuments, separate vascular traces to the lowermost ovules, etc.

Description: From morphological and anatomical study it is clear that the dilated leaf bases of Metrodorea can be regarded as sheaths. They are not homologous with the spines of Raulinoa, as suggested by Cowan. The outgrowths on the ovules and immature seeds of Pilocarpinae have to be regarded as obturators.

Description: The present paper is the result of a study of Dorstenia mainly made on behalf of the Floras of Cameroun and Gabon. It presents, as a precursor to the treatment in those Floras, some general remarks on the genus Dorstenia, a key to the species, a survey of the taxa distinguished, new combinations and new taxa, the synonymy (as far as based on study of types), and distribution.

Description: According to rough estimate, in these years one quarter of the hardwood in the international timber market comes from Dipterocarpaceae: keruing, meranti are the best-known names. It was a good idea to convene a conference for a review of the available knowledge on this family, which is best represented in Malesia with 380 species. Most of them occur in Borneo, Malaya, Sumatra and the Philippines, in that order.\nAbout 35 botanists \xe2\x80\x93 too few of them from the region itself \xe2\x80\x93 attended the 3-day session, on 14, 15, and 16 June 1977. Organizer was Mme. G\xc3\xa9ma Maury of Brunoy near Paris, whose work in Malaya on seedlings of the family was mentioned on pages 2565-2566 of the Flora Malesiana Bulletin. Host was Professor J.F. Leroy, Director of the Paris Herbarium. (In his speech he spoke of the Dipterocarpaceae as a kind of Drosophila of tropical forestry. A nice feat of French originality!). Professor Jean Dorst, general Director of the Paris biological museums, opened the conference and later treated the participants to champagne. (His name in Dutch would mean \xe2\x80\x99thirst\xe2\x80\x99).

Description: BAKHUIZEN VAN DEN BRINK Jr, R.C., A synoptical key to the genera of the Rubiaceae of Thailand. Thai Forest Bull. (Bot.) 9 (1976) 15-55.\nKey of the bracketed type, often leading to flowers as well as fruits, with built-in descriptions of c. 6-12 lines; diagnostic characters are marked. Number of genera 68, incl. 3 introductions and 5 genera not recorded but possibly occurring in Thailand (mostly dependent on delimitation); Craib in 1932-34 has 71. Schumann\xe2\x80\x99s system of 1891 is largely upheld, although no subdivision is here given, and some surprising changes in delimitation occur (e.g. in Keenania, Mycetia, Myrioneuron), which means that many new combinations must be floating around on herbarium sheets. Caution is in order where e.g. on p. 49 Mitragyna seems to have a new section Paradina with a supposedly basal placenta, or where Gardenia is authorized L. on p. 35 but authorized L. emend. Bakh.f. on p. 32. A comparison with Thonner\xe2\x80\x99s keys reveals that Bakhuizen\xe2\x80\x99s key works slower. His generic descriptions are true \xe2\x80\x99mines of information\xe2\x80\x99 \xe2\x80\x93 mining requires a lot of backtracking before all characters can be compared. Desirable as it would be to extend a work like this to all Malesia, it would be better to abandon the Backer-way of keying, and instead describe all genera clearly, and prepare a multiple key as worked out by Leenhouts. Some synonyms are given (Notodontia yes, Quiducia and Symphyllarion no), nomina conservanda indicated, no references, no species. Several critical notes are added. \xe2\x80\x94 C.E. Ridsdale & M.J.

Description: Plant species protection seems a popular concept nowadays, which leads to the preparation of Red Data Lists, and of sheets for recognition. Such an approach may be sensible in civilized temperate countries with a poor flora widely known; in the humid tropics it is out of the question. There are too many species, and neither books nor people are available to identify them, not to speak of implementation. Besides, dealing with species as isolated entities easily creates the impression that protecting such species would be of any help, to the neglect of the only effective way of conservation: wholesale protection of primary ecosystems. The latter concept, however, is difficult to convey to the public; it is too complex to create a lasting, vivid impression.\nTo the Malesian botanist, who in the wake of C.G.G.J. van Steenis and M.M.J. van Balgooy has learnt to think in terms of genera (see Blumea Suppl. 6, 1971, 38-49) to make plant geographical counts and to judge progress in taxonomy, the concept of endangered plant genera presents itself naturally. It cannot, however, be regarded as the same thing as a species but in a higher rank. Durio as a genus is clearly in grave danger to be decimated by loggers, but nobody would think of forbidding the trade of durian fruits, or even of durian timber, a kind of softwood occasionally used for the crates in which our specimens are shipped. According to A.J. Kostermans (Reinwardtia 4, 1958, 357-460) who monographed the genus, there are 27 species, of which D. zibethinus is known only in cultivation. The nucleus of the genus occurs in west-Malesia, in Sumatra with 7 species, 0 endemic, in Malaya with 11 species, 5 endemic, in Borneo with 19 species, 14 endemic, and smaller occurrences around this area. Several species are known to have fine fruits, and it is evident that the gene pool must be preserved in the interest of breeding and genetic improvement, so that the spectrum of adaptation, resistance, and fruit quality is broadened. Similar examples can be worked out for Artocarpus, Citrus, Garcinia, Mangifera, Myristica, Musa, Nephelium, and others which are all outstanding as future losses if the governments in Malesia continue to allow their forests to be devastated under whatever pretext.

Description: Localizing specimens and mapping localities has always been a tedious and time-consuming task for which much depends on the data mentioned on the labels. It has been found a blessing if collectors mention on labels the latitude and longitude. If this is given in an exact way it comprises degrees and minutes, e.g. 6\xc2\xb0 45\xe2\x80\x99 S, 141\xc2\xb0 30\xe2\x80\x99 E. If no dot-map is provided this appears to be a slightly clumsy formula in print and the question arises whether such exact figures are really needed. In scanning a geographical map the minutes will hardly mean something unless one uses local small-scale maps, as one minute is only a little more than 2 km in the terrain.\nIn Pretoria only the degrees are given, joined into one figure, preceding the collector / after the locality. This simplification is, I think, practical and useful.

Description: By January 1977 the following families in Flora Malesiana manuscript were about ready for the press: Anacardiaceae, Bignoniaceae, Cornaceae, Crypteroniaceae, Iridaceae, Labiatae, Lentibulariaceae, Onagraceae, Symplocaceae, and Ulmaceae. In the middle of the year, the Cunoniaceae are expected to be completed. Together these revisions will be published in the course of 1977 in two instalments, completing Volume 8. Of Series ii Pteridophytes, a 4th instalment will also be published during 1977: the Lomariopsis Group. Volume 7 was completed, with Title Page, Dedication to H.J. Lam, Addenda, Index, and binding in the second half of 1976. If you so far have not received all parts, contact Academic Book Services, Box 66, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Description: Dr. P.S. Ashton (ABD) visited Malaya and Indonesia early in 1978. He is now a member of the newly formed Committee on Research Priorities in Tropical Biology of the U.S. Academy of Sciences.\nAt Kew, Mr. H.M. Burkill is continuing his work on the Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa, and is nearing the completion of volume 1, families A\xe2\x80\x94E, 1570 species.