1 94 Recent Literature. [zoe 



In the definitions of Mestome, Stereome, Pericambium, 

 and Endodermis, so plainly described by Schwendener, De 

 Bary and other authors, it is surprising to find such confusion 

 as occurs in this book. Mestome-sheath and Parenchyma- 

 sheath are not defined at all, although the preface promises 

 us very many terms from German botanists. Cells as ducts 

 or reservoirs are represented only by " Laticiferous- vessels, i. e., 

 anastomosing tubes." De Bary's comparative anatomy would 

 have been a great help to the author, and would have shown 

 him that far from all of these are anastomosing. Reservoir is 

 not defined, not even the common tannin reservoirs. 



When these common terms are so badly treated, what can be 

 expected in regard to the more complicated ones ? 



We merely need to look for the definition of " Chlamydo- 

 spore " about which we learn that " they are formed asexually in 

 Mucorini by free-cell formation." The words "transpiration" 

 and " respiration " are so defined as to render it evident that the 

 author is entirel}^ ignorant of even elementary physiology. 



In regard to recent cytological terms the book shows so many 

 misinterpretations and omissions that it is diflBcult to see which 

 authors, if any, have been consulted. 



And when finally we call attention to some of the most 

 elementary terms as " aqueous " defined as '' nearly colorless, see 

 hyaline," and " Eu " used as abbreviation and indicating, 

 " when used after a species, that this is, certainly, a well-defined 

 species, not a variety" ! (while as used by Gray it indicates that 

 the species occurs in Europe also,) we have probably given 

 sufficient data to enable the reader to estimate the value of this 

 book as "a guide to teachers and students ' ' ! 



Considering this publication as it stands, it is hardly to be 

 believed that the botanists, whose names appear in the preface, 

 could really have given any critical thought either to the manu- 

 script or to the proof of this book; if so explanations are in 

 order. 



There is, on the other hand, a work to which the author does 

 not refer, although many of the definitions show an unmistakable 

 resemblance to the corresponding ones in it. The Century 

 Dictionary seems to have been used very freely, and it is, there- 



