1895.] Editorial. 181 
illustrations of the working of the rules which will serve to clarify dis- 
cussion and form a basis for future action. The “List” prepared by 
that Committee must not be looked upon as a list of the authorized 
names of our eastern plants. While the general principles of the 
American code are believed to be sound, certain details seem to work 
unhappily in that List, and certain things are left unsettled. Only 
careful consideration can suggest the necessary modifications. Our 
taxonomists ought to give serious thought to all these questions this 
should be wise action taken at Springfield this summer. 
THERE Is A conservatism which means self-opinionated obstinacy, 
and a radicalism which means a greediness for change. With neither 
of these should we have any sympathy. But the conservative and the 
radical who are open to conviction are in the proper judicial attitude 
to settle this question. Our contention, therefore, is by no means 
against the American code, for we are partly responsible for its pro- 
mulgation, but against the idea that all its details are finally settled, 
and more than all against its mre and unstudied application. 
THE PROPOSED “Systematic nod of North America” has been 
placed upon a sure financial basis, and work has already been begun 
upon many parts. The present assignment is published elsewhere in 
this number, covering nearly half the entire work. Whatever may be 
Said of its general merits it marks an important stage in the co-opera- 
tive spirit of American botanists. A uniform style of presentation has 
been adopted, that is, as uniform as widely different groups will per- 
mit; and a system of nomenclature has been outlined for general 
guidance. Further than this each monographer is as independent as 
though the work were all his own, and the work of editing will only 
concern itself with seeing that uniformity of style is preserved. Di- 
versity of opinion may and does exist as to some of the rules for gen- 
tral guidance, but when once adopted it needs no argument to show 
that they must be followed. The really significant part of the work, 
the subject matter, is in the control of the individual monographer. 
As a consequence, this great work offers the largest opportunity for in- 
dependent individual effort in systematic botany that has ever been 
given in this country. Asa result, our whole flora will be passed in 
Teview as it never has been before, and the facts brought to light will 
form the basis of future work even though many of the opinions ex- 
Pressed may be discarded. 
