o-l HE VIEWS. 



each, and the number of genera and species described, 5134 

 genera and 58,975 species, which the missing ArtocarpecB, 

 it is estimated, would bring up to 5163 genera and about 

 60,000 species of Dicotyledones. Among a few statistical 

 data which are given, the ten orders are enumerated which 

 contain the greatest number of genera, beginning with Com- 

 positce and ending with Crxiciferaz. Then the ten which 

 most abound in species, which begin with Compositce (8561 

 species) and end with UmheUiferce (1016). Legum'mosecB 

 are the second in both lists, and next liuhiacece in the former 

 and Euphorhiacem in the latter. But the long interval be- 

 tween the publication of many orders, say between CriicifercB 

 and Eiq^horhiacecc, much diminishes the value of such cora- 

 l^arisons. The reasons which have prevented a more rapid 

 publication of the volumes of the " Prodromus," especially 

 since the work has been largely distributed among collabora- 

 tors, are hinted at ; and finally the regrettable announcement 

 is made that the publication is now relinquished, at the close 

 of the Dicotyledones. A full Index, down to genera and 

 their sections, filling 170 pages, closes this gTeat work. 



We sincerely congratulate the editor upon the successful 

 completion of this great undertaking at the limits he felt 

 obliged to prescribe, and thank him heartily for his long and 

 faithful service and many sacrifices. As it may be hoped that 

 he has still years of good work in him, all will regret that he 

 could not bear this burden through a few of them, while a 

 half dozen collaborators, who might be named, elaborate the 

 Monocotyledonous orders. But, as he declares that he should 

 doubtless perish under it, we prefer the living botanist to the 

 completed " Prodromus." We may expect from him origi- 

 nal work instead of editorial drudgery, perhaps a new edi- 

 tion of his Geographical Botany, or new researches upon the 

 same subject, investigated with his impartial judgment, under 

 the new light which was just dawning when that comprehen- 

 sive treatise was published. 



Since these remarks were written we have received an in- 

 teresting pamphlet, separately issued from the " Archives des 

 Sciences" of the " Bibliotheque Universelle " for November, 



