PERIODICAL LITERATURE. 



BOTANY AND ZOOLOGY. 



On not less than 67 pages, Prince Windisch- 

 Limits Graetz tries to re-establish the original field 



of of distribution of Abies pectinata, which 



Distribution through human influence has been greatly 

 of altered; and that curiously enough in the 



Species direction of reducing it, although this species 



excels in quantitative production, in resist- 

 ance to wind and snow, insects, and in soil improving qualities. 

 Naturally, a good deal of economic history is involved in the dis- 

 cussion and the author has with much care and detail brought 

 together what is known in the present and past of this species. 

 We are not interested in the detail, but a few of the results of 

 the study are of general interest. The idea that the fir at its 

 limit gives preference to certain soil-formations is not borne out 

 by the facts, but its need of depth and freshness increases at the 

 jlimits so that at the lower (altitudinally) limit in 

 warm climates it thrives even on wet soils. But here it produces 

 poor growth and is short-lived. As regards aspects, in its optimum 

 it is not choice, succeeding on south slopes as well as on others. 

 But at the limits, in the mountains at 5000 to 5200 feet as well as 

 at 650 to 1000 feet it decidedly avoids south exposures. 



The angle of slope has no influence provided there is depth 

 and freshness of soil ; on the plain it is only frost danger that 

 circumscribes it. 



As cause for the retrogression of the species the author cites 

 especially the clear-cutting system and the acidity of soil, and raw 

 humus formation in consequence of growing extensive even- 

 aged stands, also weed growth, pasture, and damage from game 

 which concentrates on the openings made under the clear-cutting 

 system. Being extremely shade enduring, it is a most desirable 

 species for selection forest management. 



This study suggests the propriety of starting with our import- 



