176 THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 



definitely related to the soil and climate of their habitat is 

 shown, the fact that such societies may succeed one another 

 in a given area is demonstrated, and the methods of studying 

 the phenomena connected with the subject is carefully indi- 

 cated. Incidentally one gleans from the book a clear impres- 

 sion of the differences between British and American vegeta- 

 tion which inhabit similar areas. The study of ecology is cer- 

 tain to become more popular as it becomes more familiar and 

 those who are inclined to investigate the subject would do well 

 to see this book. It is published by Dodd, Mead and Co., 

 New York. 



We all of us love trifles at heart; the shapes and 

 aspects of things, the quality of sounds, the savors of food, 

 the sweet and pungent odors of earth. We persuade our- 

 selves, as life goes on, that these things are unimportant, and 

 we dull our observation of them by disuse ; but in all the essay- 

 ists that I can think of, this elemental perception of things as 

 they are is very strong and acute; and half their charm is that 

 they recall to us things tliat we have forgotten ; things which 

 fell sharply and clearly on the perception of our younger 

 senses, or bring back to us in a flash that delicate wonder, that 

 undimmed delight, when the dawn lay brightening about us 

 and when our limbs were restless and alert. — A. C. Benson. 



