EDITORIAL 



A good many years ago, as we reckon time at this office, a 

 botanical society existed in the United States which was unique 

 in consisting of members who had never seen one another, and 

 it was not promoted by institutions for the blind either. The 

 members were possessed of all the faculties vouchsafed ordinary 

 mortals with possibly a few others as distinguishing marks, but 

 residing in widely separated localities, they found it desirable to 

 conduct the 'affairs of the society by correspondence. The soci- 

 ety was divided into geographical sections and each member 

 reported quarterly to his division secretary. The reports, prop- 

 erly arranged, were then circulated from member to member. A 

 better scheme for promoting botanical study could scarcely be 

 imagined. The spirit of co-operation and helpfulness that per- 

 vaded the membership made the association of great value to all 

 who had a place in it. Each felt himself charged with the duty 

 of discovering at least one new thing in botany by the time the 

 quarterly reports were due and was stimulated thereby to a 

 deeper interest in the subject. The lasting effects of such an 

 interest has since become apparent, for looking over the old 

 lists of members, beginners and amateurs in those days, one 

 finds more than one name that is now written high on the roll 

 of science. Although a corresponding society with widely scat- 

 tered members, various opportunities made personal acquaint- 

 ance possible and the editor counts among his valued experi- 

 ences several lasting friendships made in this way. We do not 

 know whether the society is in existence or not, but it ought to 

 be. Some of the old members, who continue to read this maga- 



