WHAT BOTANY IS OF MOST WORTH ? 37 



reflection. For cultivation of the experimental instinct 

 of this definite kind, there is nothing in Botany to 

 equal simple physiological experiment upon such topics 

 as respiration, photosynthesis, absorption, geotropism, 

 where the object of the experiment is perfectly dis- 

 tinct, and the results obtained are positive and logi- 

 cally conclusive. 



Practically, physiological experiments most profita- 

 bly come along with the particular structures which 

 they best explain. Thus, experiment upon absorption 

 of liquids should accompany study of the structure of 

 the root, photosynthesis that of the leaf, respiration that 

 of growing seeds, etc. In the same way topics of 

 ecology should accompany the study of the structures 

 best explained by them ; seed locomotion accompanies 

 the study of seed-structure, locomotion of pollen that 

 of the flower, etc. It is sometimes maintained that 

 general physiology and ecology, particularly the for- 

 mer, should be taken up before anything else, and, 

 theoretically, this view appears correct. But for most 

 teachers this plan would have in practice great diffi- 

 culties, since the student would not only be plunged 

 at once into a sea of unfamiliar phenomena, but also 

 would have his attention distracted by the use of many 

 unfamiliar instruments and methods. He would finally 

 gain a correct proportioning of the subject, but only 

 after a great loss of time and energy. And, more- 

 over, I think all the value of making physiology thus 



