192 BOTANICAL GAZETTE. ~ [ July, 
EDITORIAL. 
THERE ARE many botanists who are in no position to do conspicuous 
work, and it is perhaps fortunate for botany that this is true. It is cer- 
tain, at least, that the opportunity of doing good work in a very conspicu- 
ous way does not always reflect great credit upon the worker. At the 
same time, these botanists are desirous of doing some sort of work, and 
of not doing it at random. There is work and work in botany, and 
much of it is like moving a pile of bricks back and forth from one side 
of a field to the other; it may be good exercise, but a dreadfully unin- 
spiring result. It is like teaching a class to do nothing but name plants, 
which one of our bright botanists says is like chasing a woodchuck into 
a hole—one has nothing to show for it but the hole. All botanical work 
should mean something; should be some little contribution toward a 
better knowledge of botany. There is a very hopeful field of work that 
can be cultivated by these isolated botanists who are desirous of doing 
‘Something of value, especially hopeful because it is so exhaustless. Sys 
tematic botany will never reach its hi ghest expression until there is com- 
plete knowledge of the minute as well as the gross anatomy of all groups 
of plants. So little is our knowledge, comparatively speaking, of this 
extensive field, that no generalizations can yet be attempted, and every 
good worker with a microscope can easily become a contributor. The 
work will have to be done in this piecemeal way by very many investi- 
gators, and no one need fear that this sort of work will soon “run out.” 
Two closely allied groups of plants would form a fine subject for any one’s 
Investigation as to their comparative anatomy. It is hardly necessary to 
say that we do not refer to the casual comparison of a few sections, but 
to that patient, laborious, “over-and-over ” study of every tissue which 
alone will bring permanent results. This is suggested as one field of 
especially convenient to those who are fond of using 
and possibly useful in saving them from that aimless 
ng away of strength which is too apt to be the fate of the owner 
of a microscope. 
OPEN LETTERS. 
ichigan has long been ; ‘1 ie 
+4 4: prominent for the large amount of 1 
Laat es rapid disappearance of this b cuttin phe fires has caused 
study the subject with reference to legislation. Instea 
te 
Kericalt Sis ri A . on. 
C. W. Gated andy commission, with $1,000 at their disposal. 1 7s 
are to make investigations and . 
: report to the Governor, with T*\". 
mendations as to any needed legislation. In studying the subject it is 
