1887. | BOTANICAL GAZETTE. 231 
alge. In the matter of characterization of species, illustrations, which 
are abundant and excellent, and general typographical features, the ex- 
pectation is realized; but in the discussion of imperfectly understood 
forms and in classification and arrangement, the work is disappointing. 
The preface, the introduction, and paragraphs here and there through 
the work, altogether forming many pages, are devoted to elucidating the 
author’s views of polymorphism among alge, and the consequent unreli- 
ability of descriptions of many so-called species as representing specific 
and stable forms. The theme is evidently a hobby, and so thoroughly 
permeates the work as to leave an uncomfortable feeling in the mind of 
the student thit there is great and discouraging uncertainty regarding 
the stability and limits of species among fresh-water alge, especially of 
the simpler forms. We regard the discussion as in the main foreign to 
the purposes of the work and as interfering with its usefulness. 
he classification used does not commend itself for either philosoph- 
ical arrangement or serviceableness. It is not explained ; and there is no 
general key or analytical table to guide the student. A few genera are 
provided with an outline or key to the species adapted from other 
writers, notably of (Elogonium and Bulbocheete from Wittrock, Spi- 
rogyra from Petit, and Nostoc from Bornet and Thuret. 
e volume closes with a good glossary and index, the latter incon- 
veniently divided into two parts, one containing the names used and the 
other the synonyme. 
Aside from imperfections, students will welcome these volumes as 
giving in connected and handy form the descriptions of our inland alge, 
with copious and well drawn illustrations. 
with a description and the botanical and ¢ »mmon names of a 
indigenous trees of the United States, both evergreen and deciduous, 
with notes ona large number of the most valuable exotic species. | 
By Andrew 8. Fuller. 12mo., pp. 300. New York: Orange Ju 0. 
The above rather elaborate title-page suffi iently describes the scope 
of this book. The dessription of the species occupies the larger part 
(about 200 pages) and should be the most valuable part. But by reason 
of the faulty arrangement and the uneven descriptions its O88 | 
be greatly lessened. The chief value of collected botanical descriptions 
of the arboreous plants of any region must be to enable one to determine 
the name of an unknown specimen. It is much more rarely that one 
knowing the name wants a description. How can the descriptive part 
of this book help any one while the genera are arranged alphabetically and 
without keys of any kind? : 
The author is evidently not a botanist,and when he unnecessarily 
undertakes to discuss synonymy he flounders in the mire of preference 
and convenience rather than stand upon the sometimes uncomfortable 
rock of priority. “The novice who desires to fiad an authority at once 
