72 THE PLANT WORLD 



are not sex organs but simply give rise to the latter, and that the whole 

 process of fertilization is so complicated, and the sex cells so minute, 

 that it can only be studied with the aid of microscopes. So far from be- 

 ing "evident" therefore, it is extremely obscure. On the other hand, 

 the cryptogams afford plenty of examples in which the sex organs can 

 be seen with very little magnification, and the process can be examined 

 with ease. Even artificial hybridization has been performed with certain 

 ferns. 



Now this teaches us that in using the common word cryptogam for 

 one of the lower plants we are perpetuating an inaccuracy of the gravest 

 kind. Yet, our literature is full of these examples. Of the many books 

 which approach the study of plants from the popular aspect, we recall a 

 few which are entirely free from the bondage of antiquated terminology. 

 One of the best of these is Professor Coulter's "Plants," in which the 

 relationships of the higher and lower plants are presented from the 

 proper phylogenetic standpoint. This book also affords proof that an 

 author need not be dry when he is accurate ; for it possesses all the fas- 

 cination for general reading that comes with a clear and forceful presen- 

 tation of the subject. More of these books are what we want in order 

 to clarify botanical terminology and purge it of these relics of scientific 

 antiquity. 



ABRONIA. 



When June days come and from each stream and pool 



The sun-heats weave a gauzy mantle cool 



That westward floats till, reaching mountains high, 



Leaves all its lace in crystals 'gainst the sky — 



So the Abronia, blossom of the Plain, 



Thro' all the day swells its sweet buds amain ; 



But as the sun sinks in the glowing west 



A subtle perfume stirs within its breast, 



And when the morning breaks with lark-notes gay, ' 



On all the desert sand-hills, brown and gray, 



It lies like driven snow to greet the day ! 



— Mrs. A. E. GOETTING. 



[All through the northern half of Colorado the white abronia runs rampant, feed- 

 ing with its long tap-root below the desert ; but in Arizona the pink variety takes its 

 place, far smaller and less fragrant. No seeds, scarcely, of this white one ever ger- 

 minated, nor did I succeed in transplanting a single individual, even though with only 

 seed leaves. — a. e. g.] 



