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study was first based on available chromosome number compilations, notably those by Chiarugi and Fabbri, Tischler, Delay, and Løve and Løve, and then completed by checking back to the original papers. Since the critical nature of the list requires that taxonomical judgments be made within areas of knowledge in which we regard ourselves as amateurs, we have sought and will constantly seek advice from critical specialists. In the case of the ferns and fern allies our main helpers are Professor R. Pichi Sermolli of the University of Genoa and Dr. C. Jermy of the British Museum, both of whom agree that for such a work the biological concept, and those of the restricted genera and lower categories in cases of restricted knowledge, are the only ones to be followed in order to reduce the already existing confusion to a minimum.

The following stages of the work, for which we seek support in this proposal, will be concerned with the flowering plants, whereas the last stage will review plants at a systematic level below the pteridophytes. We will, then, start with the aid of all previously published chromosome atlases, continue by checking back to the originals available in our library, and conclude by checking every one of those papers to which we have found a reference and which can be located through personal contacts or library services, and/or copied as a standing reference. It is evident that in order to get as up-to-date information as possible we will ask for the assistance of Dr. Moore and his assistant compilers (of whom Á. Løve is one), and also contact specialists whenever they are needed. In order to make it easier to locate rare publications which may have escaped other compilers of chromosome numbers, we will try to ask for additional information through notices about our work on the data bank in available journals, as it becomes pertinent.

At the same time that we collect basic data for the chromosome bank, notes will be made on origin of material, location of vouchers, size and form of chromosomes, and other data of taxonomic importance that can easily be hooked onto the system when its taxonomical background has been completed. This part of the work may have to wait until the basic bank is completed and only annual additions become necessary to insert, but from the beginning space has been provided in our system for such additional data.