178 THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 



duction and dispersal, and development. In these the author 

 seems to have touched on everything germane to the sub- 

 ject. The volume, therefore, goes much farther afield than 

 the usual text and impresses one as being quite up to date. 

 The author reinforces his own opinions bv frequent refer- 

 ences to the investigations of others ; in fact, he appears 

 over particular in this respect, though it may be permissible 

 in outlining the historical development of the subject. The 

 volume is illustrated by eight plates and numerous drawings 

 in the text. It suggests in many ways the old "Gray's 

 Botanical Text-books" and the work is carried out with the 

 same thoroughness that characterized the earl'ier volumes. 

 The Price is $6.00. 



The Compositae are a family of positive traits. Gor- 

 geous coloring, rank growth, and bitter essential principles of 

 healing worth are their main characteristics. The boneset 

 and wormwood, the sunflower and the marigold, are typical 

 plants. The aster is one of the few of which no medicinal 

 use has been made and though its more brilliant associates 

 crv for admiration with every gleam of their golden crowns 

 few have the refined beauty of tliis group, porphryogenitus, 

 and of the many asters, none are more graceful and winning 

 than the Michaelmas daisy. Roadside and hillslope, sunny 

 glade and shaded dell glow in purple and gold through the 

 September gala of the asters and goldenrods. This first of 

 the closing volumes of the year, rubricked with cardinal 

 flower and edged with gold, runs through the gamut of the 

 purples. But besides the lingering Michaelmas daisies, 

 October unrolls a more brilliant scroll, with gorgeous em- 

 blazonment from proem of sumach to colophon of witch- 

 hazel. — Martha B. Flint. 



