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1887. | BOTANICAL GAZETTE. II 
gamia strictly follows that of Bentham and Hooker's ‘‘Genera 
Plantarum.” The arrangement of species is geographical, 
and all the American ones are put in special genus and spe- 
cies covers and placed alphabetically. If there are speci- 
mens of plants native or naturalized in America, from other 
regions, they are put in the same cover as the American speci- 
mens for comparison. American genera of more than four 
species are given species covers and the genus cover dis- 
pensed with; genera of four or a less number of species are 
placed in a single genus cover. It may be objected that the 
alphabetical arrangement is unscientific, as it destroys natural 
relationships, but the advantage of easy reference overbal- 
ances this disadvantage, and while studying a genus it is a 
small undertaking to group the species temporarily in any 
desired order. e arrangement of genera of the crypto- 
gamous groups is also alphabetical, and the American species 
are similarly distributed. Each second or third compartment 
is supplied with a pasteboard cover, hinged so as to drop 
down over the exposed ends of the sheets. To this is attached 
the name of the order, printed in large, black letters, and the 
names of genera to be found in the compartments. As the 
fronts of the cases are glass, it may be seen exactly where 
any genus is located before opening the door. Atter much 
hesitation it has been determined to unite all the separate col- 
lections into a single great botanical series. This brings all 
the specimens of a kind together, and appears to be the most 
advantageous arrangement. As it is important, however, to 
know the origin of each specimen, each sheet is appropriately 
stamped, and the Torrey herbarium, in particular, is carefully 
identified. 
The botanical library is placed around the walls at one 
end of the room; it comprises about 2,000 bound volumes 
and an equal number of pamphlets, and is rapidly increasing 
in bulk. Books on general science, such as the American 
Fournal of Science, etc., are on the main college library floor, 
but can be obtained in five minutes through the aid of a tele- 
phone, a page and an elevator. Woods, fruits and miscel- 
laneous botanical material, microscopical preparations, etc., 
are placed in drawers or in wall cases. Large working tables 
in each end of the room complete the equipment. 
