403 
The Pteridophyta are made to rise from the same ancestral 
Riccia-like form as the “ Diaphytes,” to a hypothetical “ Archi- 
pterides,” thence through the Hymenophyllaceae, when the stem di- 
vides into three lines, the Filices, the Equisetaceae and Lycopodi- 
aceae, which last make the way for the Anthophyta. 
These, in the closing chapter, through the Cycads and some 
forms similar to the fossil Noeggerathia split into a forest of stems. 
The Gymnosperms representing a growth through the Arau- 
carieae, while through some forms resembling the Australian 
“ Casaurineae” the Angiosperms were developed. 
The critic would need to be a specialist in many branches, and 
could write a book equalling, in size, the original, if all of the in- 
. teresting points touched upon were to be discussed, but to give an 
opinion of the work in a word, we can heartily say that a good 
and mighty work has been accomplished. 
Upon points of classification varying points of view must 
always be borne in mind. Possibly the author has made a mis- 
take in a fundamental point, upon which he devotes much space 
and thought to elucidate for having cautioned others not to con- 
found Homology, form: with Analogy, function: he deliberately 
makes his most sweeping classes and distinctions upon a purely 
Physiological, hence functional basis. 
The numerous points of difference which would interest 
Workers in special fields can not be discussed here, but the work 
is to be recommended to all readers as one of more than common 
interest. Situ Evy JELLIFFE. 
Volume I., of Anton Kerner von Marilaun’s Pfhlanzenleben, 
translated by Prof. F. W. Oliver as Ze Natural History of Plants, 
has recently been issued from the press of Henry Holt & Co. 
This work will be warmly received by all lovers of nature. In 
a Style simple, attractive and still thoroughly scientific, Professor 
von Marilaun considers in this first volume: The Living Principle 
in Plants, Absorption of Nutriment, Conduction of Food, Forma- 
tion of Organic Matter from the Absorbed Inorganic Food, Meta- 
bolism and Transport of Materials, Growth and Construction of 
Plants and Plant-forms as Completed Structures. 
Under there captions are discussed in a most charming man- 
