48 THE PI.ANT WORIvD 



The plan of the work is, to a certain extent, unique. Bach chapter 

 consists of two sections ; the first is devoted to a series of suggested 

 laboratory experiments, the attention of the student being directed to 

 the more important observations to be made in connection with these 

 experiments, but in no case is the actual result described or foretold. 

 This renders a superficial use of the book impossible. The second section 

 of the chapter is devoted to a discussion of the topic at issue, general in- 

 formation being given on points that can not well be understood by 

 laboratory investigation. These discussions add much to the value of 

 the book for the general reader who wishes to obtain some insight into 

 the science of botany without attempting a detailed course of study. 



As an appendix to the work is inserted a Key to the leading families 

 of Sperm atoph^^es, with a flora including a number of common and 

 well-known species. In the mind of the reviewer this is a useless ad- 

 junct, for it tends to produce a distorted impression of the genera and 

 families, and judicious use of any standard manual would serve the same 

 purpose. We can not indorse the opinion that students of botany in 

 schools should attempt a course in systematic botany. It is a higher 

 branch of the science which should be relegated to the college curricu- 

 lum ; and it demands a large measure of preparation in the study of 

 evolution, ecology, and morphology before it can be approached with 

 advantage. 



We therefore recommend most unreservedly Professor Stevens' book, 

 which we understand can be obtained without the Key, and we feel as- 

 sured that when its excellent featiu-es are noted it will be widely adopted 

 in the schools of the country. c. L. p. 



Annual Report of the State Botanist of New York for 1901. 

 By Charles H. Peck. Albany, N. Y. 



Professor Peck states that 374 species have been added to the herba- 

 rium, 57 of which were not before represented. Sixteen species are described 

 as new. The additions and new species are chiefly fungi. The last part 

 of the report is devoted to edible fungi. Eleven species are added to the 

 former lists. Colored plates of these as well as of 7 of the new species 

 described are given. We regret to learn from the report that during the 

 past few years some of the collections have been stored. Some of these are 

 now found to be missing and others destroyed by dampness and insects. 

 It would seem poor policy on the part of a commonwealth to accumulate 

 valuable scientific material only to allow it to be destroyed on account of 

 the lack of proper provision for its care. Prof. Peck deserves great credit 

 for the work he has accomplished, especially when one considers the lack 

 of facilities provided him. C. L. S. 



