A New Flora op California. 15 



ance with the present state of botanical science, that it may be 

 readily available to the student. Such a work is now undertaken 

 and we have before us the first two parts in which it is to be is- 

 sued. These do not begin the work, nor are the two continuous. 

 The first treats the Pinacoae, Cupressaccae and Taxaccac; the 

 second covers the families from Salicaceac to Urticaceac. 



We notice first the generous page, the satisfactory paper and 

 typography, and the excellence of the numerous illustrations. 

 And here we find something new in a book of this kind, for be- 

 sides the usual figures there are a number of full page halftones 

 showing the appearance, the habit and the haunts of the trees. 

 This seems to us an admirable innovation, carrying the book from 

 the study into the field and the forest. Noticeable among these 

 is the fine plate showing the crown of the sugar pine, and the 

 two plates illustrating the Redwood, the first bringing out the 

 close stand of the forest, and the second the method of logging. 

 Cedrus rhomhifo ia is illustrated with a habitat plate that is 

 artistic as well as scientific, and Ouercus obata with a plate show- 

 ing its characteristic drooping branchlets. The ecological plate 

 of the"Bald Hills"is less successful, the sun-whitened grass giving 

 the effect of a snow-clad winter landscape. 



The descriptions are ample, but not unduly prolix, and the 

 keys will be found to lead the student readily to the identification 

 of his plant. Great care has evidently been given to the notes on 

 the distribution of the species, which are full and unusually ac- 

 curate, the author having the great advantage of a wide and close 

 field knowledge of the California flora. In the notes on the Big 

 Tree the location of all the groves is given, and the area of each 

 and the number of its trees. Much information is also included 

 regarding habit, economic uses, and other points of interest. 



When the entire book shall have been completed, on the 

 scale indicated by these parts, California will possess a state 

 flora far superior to any similar work. A state flora has long been 

 impatiently desired, and more than once projected, but we may 

 well be content to have waited so long, now that it is to be so 

 worthily provided. 



