Methods in Plant Histology (2nd edition). By Charles 

 J. Chamberlain, A.M., Ph.D. 6 x 8| in. 261 pages, with 

 ;>7 figures in the text. Chicago, 1906 : The University of 

 Chicago Tit—. London: T. Fisher Unwin. Price 10s. 6cZ. 



net. 



This work deals, in a very practical manner, with the pre- 

 paration of plant tissues for microscopical examination. The 

 book consists of two parts. The first is confined to general 

 methods, section cutting, stains and their uses, embedding 

 materials, mounting media, etc. The second half deals with 

 special cases, typical and well-known plants being selected, and 

 concise directions being given for the preparation and examina- 

 tion of their more important structures. The author also gives 



ne very useful hints as to how the student may grow his own 

 specimens, undoubtedly a splendid idea. The figures are, as a 

 rule, clear and good. The section dealing with diatoms is 

 certainly disappointing. The author states, truthfully enough, 

 that '• the siliceous shells of diatoms are among the most beautiful 

 objects which could be examined with the microscope," and 

 promptly refers to a figure which is not in the least suggestive of 

 beauty. The preparation of fossil diatomaceae, involving as it 

 dues processes of considerable difficulty, the author might well 

 have been excused had he omitted altogether. Unfortunately 

 he attempts to deal with it in something less than two hundred 

 words. We heartily sympathise with any one who essays to clean 

 such diatomaceous earths as those of Oamaru, Hakodadi, Santa 

 Monica, etc., by the method recommended. F. P. S. 



A Textbook of Fungi. By George Massee. 5 x 7| in. 

 i pages, with HI figures in the text, London, 1906. 

 Messrs. Duckworth & Co. Price 6s. net. 



An educational, up-to-date handbook on Fungi at a moderate 

 price has long been a desideratum with the students of these 



