STRUCTURE AND REPRODUCTION OP PLANTS S3 



with (1) the anatomy and (2) the life-histories and reproduction of 

 plants. The first five chapters are given to the plant-cell, its 

 structure, physiology, and contents, with chapters on growing points 

 and cell-division, and the differentiation of cells to form tissues. The 

 structure of root, stem, and leaf are next considered, with a chapter 

 on the epidermis and its modification to form stomates and hairs ; 

 then follow accounts of secondary thickening, cork-formation, and 

 secretory organs. Part 1 concludes with a chapter on anatomy in 

 relation to habitat, which is mainly a description of the departure 

 from the more general type of structure in leaf and stem in association 

 with xerophytic or aquatic conditions. The numerous illustrations 

 are well-selected, clear, and very helpful in elucidating the details of 

 structure ; the majority are original. 



Part II contains a sketch of the life-histories and methods of 

 reproduction in the great divisions of the plant- world, from unicellular 

 organisms upwards to the angiospermous flowering plant. The 

 authors explain that the study of isolated types has heen abandoned 

 by them in favour of a more general account indicating the range of 

 form and reproductive methods within each group. This challenges 

 a comparison of the two methods, and it is conceivable that the more 

 detailed study of a small well- selected series of plant-types may appeal 

 more strongly to some teachers than the necessarily somewhat sketchy 

 general survey which is practicable within the limits of a small text- 

 book. In the present instance the authors have achieved a measure 

 of success to which again the numerous illustrations contribute. 

 Botanists of a former generation, who began their studies with a 

 course of Chara, will note with a sense of change the relative non- 

 importance now accorded to this family, which is dismissed in a foot- 

 note to the Chlorophycesc of less than three lines. 



The final chapter, "Heredity and Evolution," forms an introduc- 

 tion to the principles and methods of study of variation, adaptation, 

 mutation, geographical distribution, and evolution. An appendix 

 deals with the structure and use of the compound microscope, the 

 preparation cf reagents, and methods of preserving and staining for 

 microscopical work. There is an excellent index, which includes a 

 number of subject-headings. 



A. B. B. 



A Manual of Indian Botany. By G. C. Bose. Svo, cloth, pp. xvi, 



36S, 8 plates. Messrs. Blackie & Son : Bombay, London, and 



Glasgow. 7s. 6d. net in England. 



In this Manual of Indian Botany, Professor G. C. Bose has given 



the Indian student an elementary text-book calculated to stir his 



mind to an interest in the flora of his country. Constant references 



are made to well-known native plants to illustrate the morphological 



and systematic points. By the addition of vernacular names in heavy 



type the Indian reader is kept in touch on every page with plants 



familiar to him. The book is well written : a broad and sympathetic 



treatment is noticeable, which will constantly keep the student's 



attention on the open-air activities of the vegetable world. Interesting 



references to special cases of insect-fertilization and seed-dispersal 



enliven the descriptions of the families, and, like much else in the 



