132 NATURE-STUDY REVIEW [14:3— Mar., 1918 



The next chapter takes up the rise of commercial strawberry growing 

 beginning with the introduction of the Wilson, its origin, immediate popularity- 

 good points and objectionable features; also its competitors, the Crescent 

 and Sharpless. Contrasting methods of culture; field culture at Cincinnati, 

 market garden at Pittsburgh and the special cultural methods such as hot- 

 beds and strawberry mounds. The improvement in transportation facilities: 

 extention of railroads, ventilator cars and introduction of the refrigerator cars. 

 One section of this chapter is given up to the early history of some of the older 

 strawberry districts, such as New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and another 

 chapter gives a specially interesting history of the experiences in pollination 

 of the blossom. Then follows a chapter very interesting and complete upon 

 the origin and botany of the strawberry, another on the Desirable Characters 

 in a Variety, and a last and most important one on breeding. Professor 

 Fletcher has given us in this volume an interesting straightforward and compre- 

 hensive account of the history and cultivation of this favorite fruit. 



A Textbook on Botany for Colleges. Part II. By William F. Ganong, Pro- 

 fessor of Botany in Smith College. Published by The Macmillan Com- 

 pany. 



While Part I of the author's text deals with "The Structures and Functions 

 of Plants," Part II is devoted to "The Kinds and Relationships of Plants." 

 Plants are here considered (i) in the light of their evolutionary kinships and 

 (2) in relation to their ecological habits. Somewhat less than half of the book 

 is necessarily concerned with Algae and Fungi as in these groups are found 

 much evidence as to the origin of the higher forms. Those groups of Fungi 

 which produce diseases of plants are briefly but clearly discussed and fully 

 illustrated as their economic importance demands. 



In considering the Spermatophyta, both Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons 

 are treated under three series, — A. Primitive; B. Differentiated; C. Specia- 

 lized, as well as according to their taxonomy. The last chapter treats of the 

 Ecological classification of plants. 



As one might expect, Professor Ganong's text is delightful for its clearness, 

 its conciseness and scholarly simplicity, resulting from his long experience and 

 well known interest in the teaching side of botanical science. 



M. E. H. 





