135 
r 
and the various properties of protoplasm; the general structure and 
physiological role of the cellular nucleus; the degree of complication 
of the ternary membranes ; the nature of the substances that exist 
in the cells, in solution or in an amorphous or crystalline state; and 
then proceeds to give the methods of examining each organ, tissue, 
or other plant element. 
This book will prove a valuable addition to the libraries of those 
who are interested in the study of vegetable histology, although 
students in this country are perhaps well enough provided for in this 
respect in Prof. Trelease's translation of Poulsen's work on the same 
subject, published by S. E. Cassino & Co. last year. 
Talks Afield about Plants and the Science of Plants, By L. H. Bailey, 
Jr. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1885. i2mo., pp. 168. 
This is a pleasantly written little volume, well adapted to fulfil the 
mission for which its author intended it. /'. ^., to give the non-botani- 
cal public ** a popular account of some of the leading and external 
features of common plants." Some of the topics treated of are the 
following: the flower; the stem; the classification of flowering plants; 
the rose family; the composite family; a peep at the inside; the sexes 
of plants; cross fertilization; hidden flowers; the arrangement of 
leaves; carnivorous plants; a talk about roots; how plants are 
named, etc. The work is profusely illustrated and handsomely printed, 
and can be recommended as a safe guide to those who desire to ob- 
tain an intelligent idea of plant structure and classification, and who 
yet do not wish to take up the study of botany as a science. 
9f Wester 
vard, U. S. A. ' 8vo., pamph., pp. 85. 
By Dr. V. Ha- 
This very valuable report is based upon the observations and col- 
lections made by Dr. Havard during the last five years at various 
posts at which he has been stationed, and also,'' and chiefly, while on 
rliitT7 witV» tVii- PvnpHii-ionQ fnr the exnloration of Western Te^as, un- 
W 
in the sum- 
mer and fall of 1881 and 1883." In the first part, the author describes, 
in a general way, the vegetation of Western and Southern Texas, and 
sketches the topographical features of the country. The second part is 
devoted to economic notes upon such plants of the Texano-Mexican 
flora as are known to have useful or baneful properties, or to be of 
value to the industries. 
Les Champignons supirieurs. Physiologic. Organographie. Classifi- 
cation. Ditermination du Genre; avec un Vocabulaire^ des Termes 
techniques. Par L. Forquignon. Paris: Octave Doin. 1885. 
This is a little duodecimo volume dedicated to beginners m the 
study of the higher fungi, and gives excellent descriptions of some* 
of the principal species of Agaricini. Polyporei, Hydnei, Thelephorce, 
Clavarix, etc., found in France. The descriptions are followed by a 
brief account of some exotic fungi ; by a bibliographical mdex, which. 
although not exhaustive, is sufficiently complete in its enumeration of 
the most interesting works on mycology; and by a vocabulary m 
which the Latin words are explained. Finally, 105 excellent figures, 
