The small section Capillares of the genus Carex has been studied from the cytological and taxonomical points of view. It comprises nine distinct species, one of which (C. Boecheriana) is raised to specific status in this paper. Three species include two distinct subspecies each; two varieties and three formae are accepted for two species respectively. The chromosome numbers of the taxa involved are 2n = 18, 36, 38, 40, 54, 56, and 58. It is pointed out that the chromosomes of Carex have a polycentric or diffuse kinetochore and that this explains the aneuploid variations in number known to be typical of the genus. Karyotypic analysis of the chromosome complements of the section Capillares revealed that in the basic diploid set of 2n = 18 chromosomes four units are long, 10 are medium and about half the length of the long ones, while four are small and about half the length of the medium ones. This frequency of size classes is also met with in the plants with 2n = 36 and 54 chromosomes. Those taxa with 2n = 38, 40, 56, and 58 chromosomes show, however, such a deviation in the frequency of the size classes that it seems logical that these numbers have been produced by a secondary fragmentation of the chromosomes. On the basis of karyotypic analysis of this section and other groups of the genus it is concluded that the primary basic number for the genus Carex in particular and the family Cyperaceae in general must have been x = 5, all other numbers having been derived mainly by fragmentation of chromosomes with a polycentric or diffuse kinetochore. This phenomenon of partial agmatoploidy is widespread in Cyperaceae, whereas complete agmatoploidy is typical of the closely related Juncaceae.

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Sixty-two species, seven hybrids, eleven varieties, and two forms of Carex, and one species of Kobresia occur on Anticosti, a 135-mile long island located in the mouth of the St. Lawrence River.After a few historical notes on the early surveys of the Anticosti flora, the author lists in their natural order the different species of Carex occurring on the island, consisting mainly of collections made by Macoun, Schmitt, Frère Marie-Victorin, and his field-associate F. Rolland-Germain, and Jacques Rousseau. Each species has its respective distribution and proper bibliography given. Two new hybrids are described.In the third part, the author gives some phytogeographical conclusions. The sedges enumerated fail in the following categories:1. Arctic-alpine species at their southernmost limit or nearly so: Kobresia simpliuscula, Carex microglochin, and C. rupestris.2. Euryatlantic species, i.e. species occurring on both sides of the Atlantic, but very often with their main area in Europe: C. Hostiana, C. demissa, C. Hartmani, C. flava.3. Species of the upper subarctic: C. capillaris, C. rariflora, C. media, etc.4. Species of the lower subarctic: C. exilis, C. atratiformis, C. pauciflora, C. sterilis, C. castanea, C. Buxbaumii, etc.5. Cold-temperate species at their northernmost limit: C. arctata, C. Crawfordii, C. Deweyana, C. eburnea, C. intumescens var. Fernaldii, C. leptonervia, C. pedunculata, C. retrorsa, C. scoparia, C. tribuloides, C. viridula, C. vulpinoidea, etc.A line drawn from Anticosti island to Lake Mistassini and James Bay seems to constitute an important natural limit for many species in the flora of Quebec.6. Halophytic species: C. hormathodes, C. Lyngbyei, C. Mackenziei, C. nigra, C. paleacea, C. recta. C. Lyngbyei, a species of arctic shores, has its southernmost limit on Anticosti island.Special consideration is given to the members of the critical section EXTENSAE (the flava-group) and their numerous hybrids.The general conclusion is that Anticosti belongs to the colder part of the temperate zone, with arctic or subarctic "islands" on the river flats, on windswept cliffs, or in bogs.The author concludes with a few notes on the economical value of sedges as pasture and their relation to deer-grazing.

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A description is given of Columnea costaricensis Raymond, a new species of Gesneriaceae. The author suggests that, because of its unusual color, it may have a horticultural future.