58 



The descriptive portion of the work is preceded by an introduc- 

 tion giving a concise account of the outlines of lichen structure, in 

 which there is yet noticeable a certaui reserve, and a gratifying 

 absence of dogmatism on a subject in which there are still so many 

 disputed points, and where so much yet remains to be studied. The 

 question of the autonomy of lichens is considered to have been set- 

 tled by the researches of Dr. Minks, whose remarkable investiga- 

 tions into the intimate structure of these plants should be better known. 

 Following the introduction is a list of the most important works on 

 the subject. 



Of the systematic and descriptive portion we can only speak in 

 the highest terms. The system of the Genera, based on that of 

 Elias Fries, is followed with slight modifications. The subdivisions 

 and groupings of the genera are admirably calculated to lead the 

 student to finding the proper place of a plant under observation. 

 The diagnoses of species are in every way admirable ; clear and con- 

 cise, neither deficient nor redundant, the best we are acquainted 

 with in any language, they will enable any student with the aid of a 

 microscope of moderate power (say from 350 to 600 diameters) to 

 determine any of our lichens, so far as possible (for the most expe- 

 rienced llchenists often find it difficult to do this) without an authen- 

 tic specimen before him for comparison. In such studies as those 

 of r)r. Minks, however, a much higher power is required. 



The key to our author's method is to be found in his remark 

 that '' the interest of the study of lichens lies in the resolution 

 rather than the over-estimation of difficulties;" hence we find him 

 ever aiming at a comprehensive and philosophical view. Those 

 who look for a multiplication of species and varieties will not find 

 it here ; but, instead, an admirable grouping of related forms in 

 which the sub-species of the author are in most cases the species of 

 other writers, with whom, as has been observed to us, "every 

 remarkable species becomes a genus, and every remarkable variety a 

 species.'; What shall constitute a *' species " in lichens is so much 

 a matter of opinion that the method of this book is in every way 

 preferable. In a full "Lichenographia " more attention 'would be 

 given to minor differences, and to points of structure ; but for 

 inexperienced students, such as are most of us in this country, this 

 Synopsis is a far better guide. The prominence given to habit is 

 another excellent feature not to be lost sight of, and we approve of 

 the absence of all reference to the uncertain chemical tests on 

 which so much reliance is placed by European lichenists. The 

 book must be the standard and guide of American students in the 

 future, and it is to be hoped that it will not be long before the 

 second and final part is given to the public. — H, W, 



The Names of Herbes. By William Turner (A. D., 1548). Edited 



(with an Introduction, an Index of English Names, and an 

 Identification of the Plants enumerated by Turner) by Tames 

 Britten, F. L. S„ of the British Museum. Trtibner & Co., 

 London, 1881. 



*'Thyslitleboke,'' says the quaint old author (writing in 1548) 



