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REVIEWS. 
Introduction to Cryptogamic Botany. By the Rey. M. Te. 
Berkexey, M.A., F.L.S. London: H. Bailliere. 
TuereE is no department of natural history that has been 
more indebted for its progress to the employment of the 
microscope than that of the structure of Cryptogamic Plants. 
So little was the nature and structure of these plants known, 
that Linnezus applied to them the term Cryptogamia, on 
the supposition that no process of reproduction existed in 
them analogous to that which occurred in the stamens and 
pistils of higher plants. The history of the discovery of the 
reproduction of these plants, by the agency of sperm-cells 
and germ-cells, is one of the most brilliant pages in the re- 
cords of microscopic research. Although their structure has 
been well described and illustrated in the works and papers 
of Lindley, the Hookers, Henfrey, Berkeley, Broome, 
Thwaites, Ralfs, and the late William Smith; till the publi- 
cation of the present work by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, we 
had no book in our language especially devoted to the con- 
sideration of their structure and affinities. Few persons could 
bring to this task more qualifications than Mr. Berkeley. He 
has devoted unusual powers of observation and careful re- 
search to the study of the Fungi, and is known for his work 
on the British forms of this family, wherever the science of 
botany is cultivated. In this work he has devoted the same 
qualities of mind to the revision and criticism of all that has 
been done by other observers in the remaining families of the 
Cryptogamia, and has produced a volume that will be valued 
by all who are engaged in the study of this most interesting 
and important branch of scientific vestigation. Not only 
does Mr. Berkeley’s work give a very complete account of the 
various families of Cryptogamic plants, but it contains a large 
amount of philosophical reflection and sound advice, which 
cannot but be useful to the young student. In his introduc- 
tory chapter he especially draws attention to the value of 
researches on the lower plants ; and points out the errors those 
are likely to fall into, who, whilst skilful in the use of the 
microscope, have neglected the first principles of scientific 
inquiry. We give the following extract as an example. 
“T shall not dwell upon the extreme and manifold interest of the several 
