325 



An Introduction to Structural Botany. Part 2. Flowerless 

 Plants. By D. H. Scott, F.R.S. etc. Third Edition, 1899, 

 pp. viii and 311. London : A. & C. Black. Price 35. M. 



Following the same line as Part 1 (Flowering Plants), Dr. 

 Scott has selected a number of type forms among the Crypto- 

 gamia, and built upon them a series of morphological studies 

 of the highest value to the student. While it was possible to 

 outline the structure of the Phanerogams by the description of 

 three types, in the present volume twenty-three have been found 

 necessary for the elucidation of the lower division of plants, 

 owing to their great variety of organisation, and even this 

 involves the omission of several important groups. Condensed as 

 the matter must of necessity be, it is far more than is implied by 

 the title, as formerly understood, and does not merely consist 

 of bare statements, however accurate, but conduces to the em- 

 ployment of reasoning, without which, as the author remarks, 

 morphology is of no educational value. The vascular crypto- 

 gams are taken first, the types being Selaginella, the male-fern 

 and Equisetum arvense; then the liverworts and mosses, ex- 

 emplified by Pellia and Funaria respectively. The algse and 

 fungi follow and there is a short chapter on Bacteria and finally 

 one on the MyxoDiycetes. Throughout, easily procured material 

 is for the most part utilised, which is of great advantage for 

 home work. The concluding summary will be most valuable 

 to the thoughtful student, and while it points to the difficulty or 

 impossibility of fixing affinities in plants, it indicates how often 

 apparently divergent forms employ somewhat similar means of 

 reproduction, and shows clearly the complexity of the problems 

 concerning the descent of plants, which at present can be mostly 

 only guesses. The work is well illustrated by 116 figures, some 

 being original drawings by Mrs. Scott. Written in the clearest 

 manner, it is, like the preceding volume, an altogether excellent 

 work and must prove invaluable to the student who desires to 

 extend his acquaintance with the higher developments of plant 

 morphology. G-. C K. 



