64 THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 



ecolog-ical writers and 'considers his phenomena from the side 

 of mechanical causation rather than adaptation and rejects all 

 terms that seem to hint at anthropomorphic similes. In this 

 advanced position the author declines to admit that flowers 

 have developed in response of insects or that the so-called high- 

 er t3'pes of plants are any more successful than less specialized 

 ones. Throughout the book the author does not hesitate to 

 take a positive stand in opposition to orenerally accepted theor- 

 ies when his position appears to be logical. His place among 

 ecologists, however, insures that the information contained in 

 the book is authoritive and up to date. All readers interested 

 in the relation of plants to their surroundings and the causes 

 which have resulted in the species of today will find this second 

 volume, which may be had separately, exceedingly valuable. 

 The two volumes contain nearly a thousand octavo pages and 

 cost $2.00 net each. 



The addition of Agriculture to the list of studies in the 

 high schools and even lower grades is bringing out a large num- 

 ber of texts designed to fit various phases of the subject. 

 Among new comers in this field is "Productive Farming" by 

 K. C. Davis of the New Jersey College of Agriculture. This 

 makes no pretentions to being designed for the higher grades 

 and therefore does not go as extensively into many subjects 

 as would otherwise be required, but it is well illustrated and 

 clearly written and ought to do much toward inculcating a 

 proper appreciation of farming in the minds of young students. 

 Following the style of most books, consideration is first given 

 to the structure improvement and propogation of plants and 

 this is followed by a study of soils, special crops, gardening 

 and fruit production. Insect and plant diseases are of course, 

 included. Parts I, II and IV are devoted to Animal Hus- 

 bandry, Animal Products and Farm Management, Part V 

 •consists of reference tables. Each chapter is followed by per- 

 tinent review questions and a list of references for the further 

 study of the subject if desired. The book contains 350 pages 

 and is published by the J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadel- 

 phia at $1.00 net. 



