THE PLANT WORLD 79 



taken to the very great advantage of both body and mind. A wise plan 

 to follow is to take a good production as a standard. This should be 

 carefully studied and analyzed, in order to get an orderly notion of what 

 directions one's observations should take. With this as a starter, armed 

 with a camera and collecting folio, an enthusiastic student of botany will 

 accomplish a great deal. 



As such an example for study and emulation, the paper above 

 referred to can be thoroughly well recommended. The more so because 

 the author has very clearly pointed out, in his conclusion, the direction 

 of study which should be followed in this kind of work. I may quote 

 the leading sentences of this part of his paper which indicate these : 



"First. A collectiou and description of the actual facts as to the kinds of plants 

 which occur in a given region, as to their visible features, and as to the way in which 

 they are grouped. * * * 



"Second. An exact study and clear expression of the facts as to the physical fea- 

 tures of the environment which can affect plant life. * * * 



" Third. There must be made a thorough study, not only of the structure and de- 

 velopment of the important plants which give character to the different parts of a vege- 

 tation, but also of their physiological characteristics quantitatively expressed. * * * 



"Fourth. A knowledge of the true nature of plant competition and co-operatiou 

 is essential." * * * 



A pretty large task ! and yet it is quite possible for any one really 

 interested to undertake the first of these. 



There is a feeling of gratification experienced by every one with the 

 least touch of the historical sense in seeing and studying the work of the 

 masters who have passed away. For this reason teachers of botany have 

 to thank Dr. Grout* for bringing the classical figures of Schimper's " Re- 

 cherches sur les Mousses " within their reach. The use of some of the 

 plates of the " Bryologia Europaea " is no less to be commended. These 

 beautiful and highly instructive drawings will prove of very great help 

 to those who desire to study the general morphology of the mosses. 



An interesting paper on " Old-Time Flowers "t by Maurice Maeter- 

 linck will be enjoyed by all who do not ignore the aesthetic aspect of 

 plants. This article might very properly be used as a reference for high- 

 school pupils' reading. It is prettily illustrated. 



We have received the announcement of the Alstead School of Natural 

 History. Those who wish to have a few weeks of profitable field study 

 of plants and animals under guidance could hardly find a more delightful 

 locality than this in southern New Hampshire. Information may be had 

 by addressing Mr. William L. W. Field, Melton, Mass. 



* " Mosses with a Hand Lens and Microscope." Part I, |i.oo. Published by the author, 360 Lenox 

 Rd., Brooklyn, N. Y. 



t The Outlook, 76 : 319, February 6, 1904. 



