WHAT BOTANY IS OF MOST WORTH ? 43 



tion a very profitable method (though in my opinion not 

 the most profitable), particularly if it is well proportioned 

 and covers all groups. Some, however, rather concen- 

 trate attention upon the lower groups and give a thor- 

 ough course in Algae and Fungi. From the point of view 

 of botanical knowledge for the average non-specialist, I 

 think this is unwise; for while it is most desirable to 

 know, for example, Fungi as a group, what their 

 mode of nutrition is, and reproduction, and their general 

 relations with the Algae, and also to know forms of such 

 economic importance as the Bacteria, or of such promi- 

 nence as Moulds or Mushrooms, it is not so important 

 to spend time upon studying the minor groups whose 

 differences are so slight as to need a microscope to make 

 them even visible. Knowledge of things he can see with 

 his own eyes in the world about him is more important 

 to the student than knowledge of things which he can 

 only detect by use of special instruments, though this is 

 true only in general and with many exceptions ; but it 

 emphasizes the value of a comprehensive study of all of 

 the groups rather than a more special study of a few, 

 particularly if the latter be of the lower and smaller 

 plants. 



As to the use of Manuals and the determination of 

 species of the higher plants by their use, a subject 

 which forms the major part of the Botany taught in our 

 elementary courses, - - 1 doubt if this should necessarily 

 form a part of any regular course in high school or 



