pendent handbook of our Northern Flora and as a work of general 
reference, or as an adjunct and supplement to the manuals of sys- 
tematic botany in current use.” 
The introduction also informs us that about three-fourths of 
these species, some four thousand in number, are here figured for 
the first time. Vol. I contains 1425 figured species. 
Not only is the conception of such a work as a practicable 
possibility to be credited to Judge Brown; the elaboration of the 
plan and the surmounting of the difficulties which have from time 
to time arisen have been his constant care. Above all, it is 
through his munificent provision of the substantial means that 
the accomplishment of the undertaking has been rendered pos- 
sible. Much as we owe to the publishers, whose names appear 
upon the title-page, it must not be unknown to the public that 
the real publisher is the Hon. Addison Brown, nor that he 
undertook the publication as a labor of love, with little prospect 
at the time that it would ever prove other than an expensive con- 
tribution to the popularization of science. Nor is it out of place 
to hazard the opinion, after a study of the work, that the actual re- 
sult will yet prove for the publisher a surprise sate the sunny 
side. 
The value of illustrations thus presented need hardly be dwelt 
upon. Important as they are in introducing the general public to 
a knowledge of our plants, the value of reliable figures is appre- 
ciated by none more keenly than by the experienced botanist. 
Not because they are more important than ,ome other features of 
the work, but because of their greater prominence, the illustra- 
tions are examined first. 
The adoption of proper sizes for the cuts has required com- 
stant study and thought. To display undimmed the individ- 
uality of the plant was the first consideration, while upon the 
other hand, to destroy the popular character of the work by 
unduly enhancing the cost, was to sacrifice the principal object 
for which it was undertaken. Apparently the most success- 
ful result possible in this direction has been attained. When 
the entire plant could not be figured, it has been individually 
studied as to its most characteristic parts. Tall stems have fre- 
quently been included by representing them in a doubled or ‘ 
