[PBNHALLOW] A REVIEW OF CANADIAN BOTANY 2S 



The introduction of pahuobotany by Sir William Dawson opened up 

 entirely new fields of research, and has led to results of the highest value 

 respecting our knowledge of the vegetation which flourished in earlier 

 periods of the earth's hi8tor3\ Within recent years, the work accom- 

 plished by the Geological Survey as embodied in Prof. Macoun's cata- 

 logue, has added immensely to our knowledge of distribution, and it has 

 also brought to light many new species. The significance of this work 

 cannot be properly estimated at this time, for although its value in rela- 

 tion to future systematic studies is well understood, it is impossible to 

 measure the bearing which it must have in time to come, upon the geo- 

 logical relations of plants. Both of these events, therefore, significant 

 as they are, and peculiarly indigenous in their origin and growth, must 

 be regarded as the two great land marks of this century. 



As we survey the present position of botanical science in Canada, we 

 cannot feel that either actually or relatively it ofi^ers very much for con- 

 gratulation, a view which is not only justified by the facts as they exist, 

 but one which is also enforced by the conviction that an undue satis- 

 faction with existing conditions, is ample guarantee that the future 

 holds no betterment in view. Our universities are yet doing in large 

 measure what more properly belongs to the high schools, and with one 

 or two exceptions, no attempt is made to carry on the higher work of 

 the science. Of research work comparatively little has been done, that 

 which has been so far accomplished being confined to one or two univer- 

 sities and conducted for the most part under great difficulties. This 

 condition is the necessary result of the fact that in only two of our 

 higher institutions have laboratories for the prosecution of advanced 

 work been established, and our students who wish to engage in the 

 higher problems of the science are, in most cases, compelled to go else- 

 where where there are more ample facilities. Botanic gardens have 

 been projected, but in most cases have failed to survive a very brief 

 existence. The garden established at Ottawa under Government patron- 

 age and control, seems destined to have a permanent and useful career. 

 The garden of McGill University — established after many years of hard 

 labour, and maintained in the face of great obstacles, is accomplishing an 

 important educational work. 



Of botanical societies we have only one, the two attempts made in 

 foi'mer years having been abandoned in each case at the end of one year. 



Economic questions of broad application and great material impor- 

 tance have as yet taken but little hold either upon the scientific or the 

 political section of the community. In Europe great care is bestowed 

 upon the forests ; epecial schools are maintained for the purjiose of 

 securing a scientific training to those who are to have the oversight of 

 this great source of national wealth, and a large and efficient corps of 

 foresters is maintained for this purpose. In the United States the same 



