16 Rhodora [JANUARY 
A New Texrsook or Borany.!— The need of a book such as that 
of Messrs. Coulter, Barnes and Cowles has long been evident and 
the uniformly high standard maintained throughout the volume will 
ensure a cordial welcome and extensive use. It is thoroughly modern 
in treatment, accurate in statement and attractive in appearance. 
The authors’ conception of their task is the selection of “the funda- 
mental facts and principles of the science." Their “endeavor has 
been to help the student build up a coherent and substantial body of 
knowledge, and to develop an attitude of mind which will enable him 
to grapple with any botanical situation, whether it be teaching or in- 
vestigation.” From this standpoint the book will appeal strongly 
to teachers, whose chief complaint is that textbooks contain too 
much material and lay too little emphasis on the selection of what is 
really important. 
The treatment of the selected topics is in general clear and well 
proportioned. Certain matters are presented with a degree of finality 
which may occasion surprise, e. g. the statement that “transpiration 
far from being a function of plants is an unavoidable danger” (p. 326). 
One may suppose that the skilful teacher will know how to utilize 
such a statement to provoke thought and discussion. 
A noteworthy feature is the large number of very excellent illustra- 
tions. A great part of these is new or taken from recent publications. 
In this respect the work may well serve as a model.— W. I. Vie. 
! Coulter, J. R., Barnes, C. R, and Cowles, H. C, A Textbook of Botany for Col- 
leges and Universities. Vol. I. Morphology and Physiology. American Book DO 
1910. viii 4- 488 pages. 
Vol. 12, no. 144, including pages 221 to 245 and title-page of volume, was issued 
2 Jantary, 1911. 
