104- THE PLANT WORLD. 



essential part of their libraries, and it is surprising therefore to find 

 that no adequate catalogue of American fossil plants has been published 

 since the days of Lesquereux, in spite of the rapid development which 

 the science has undergone. 



The volume before us contains about 2700 species, arranged in a 

 continuous alphabetical series; this is an effective method of obvi- 

 ating repetition which would occur if the various geological forma- 

 tions were grouped together. It might have been better to follow a 

 systematic arrangement based on botanical affinities, but as we under- 

 stand it, the author's aim was not to present a conspectus of all known 

 fossil species in their relation to living plants, but simply to provide a 

 convenient reference book or catalogue for synonymy and citation. 

 In this respect he has certainly succeeded admirably. It is however 

 something more than it claims, for in addition to the original refer- 

 ence, he has given all the important references, especially such as 

 refer to illustrations and a statement of the geological and geographi- 

 cal distribution of each species. 



It is pleasing to note that modern principles of nomenclature are 

 consistently observed, the earliest specific name being adopted in each 

 case, and the parenthetic citation employed. It is to be regretted 

 that Dr. Knowlton has seen fit to allow so many remarkable and 

 wholly uncalled for abbreviations in the names of authorities cited. 

 Although "Lx," "Dn"and " Kn " doubtless convey to the phyto- 

 palaeontologists who will use the book a more intelligent conception 

 than to the casual reader thereof, their usage is not to be justified on 

 this ground. — C. L. P. 



Seed Dispersal. By W. J. Beal, Boston; Ginn & Co. 



Professor Beal has made another addition to the happily growing 

 list of supplementary readers, having prepared it he tells us "with 

 the thought of helping young botanists and teachers." It is similar 

 in scope to Weed's "Seed Travellers" recently noticed in these pages,but 

 it is a little more extensive in citing a larger number of examples, 

 and bears, moreover, rather more evidence of personal observation. It 

 begins with a short chapter on the manner in which animals move 

 about from place to place. The next chapt.ers are devoted to the 

 spread or multiplication of plants by means of roots or stems. Then 

 follow the chapters on seed dispersal proper, such as transportation 

 by water, wind, animals and by man, with an interesting discussion 

 on plants that shoot off their seeds or spores. The book is copiously 

 illustrated throughout and is replete with interestingly told facts. It 

 is a fascinating subject and in the hands of competent teachers will 

 undoubtedly accomplish much good. We are glad to see books of this 

 kind multiply. — F. H. K. 



