1887. | BOTANICAL GAZETTE. 253 
subject, and subsequently presents another part; or the case where new 
facts are first published in a scientific journal and then worked over into 
popular form for the weekly press or any ephemeral publication. We are 
not thinking of these, but of the presentation of scientific facts in different 
journals, society reports, etc., under various guises, without adequately 
stating where and how they previously appeared. The neglect to 
take this precaution, when publication through one medium is not 
deemed sufficient, as usually ought to be the case, leads to much confu- 
sion and annoyance when another investigator goes over the same ground, 
and also has the effect of lowering the standard of appreciation with which 
thoughtful persons regard the author’s writings. It suggests the idea 
that the author must be deficient in solid facts, or he would not require 
80 much service of those he brings forward; and unpleasant suggestions 
also present themselves regarding the author’s motives in thus using his 
material over and over. It may be supposed that scientific men of emi- 
nence would never fall into such practices, and yet conspicuous examples 
are not wanting. 
OPEN LETTERS. 
Vitality of seeds, 
About twenty years ago, when “ White Hall,” upon the grounds of 
fil aine State College was built, the excavated dirt was used to a 
I, covering the surface of the ground four or five fe his year, to 
ef ewer pipes,.a dite ! 2 : 
side of the ditch, four feet below the present surface, seeds in consider- 
able numbers germinated. 
de The plants did not develop sufficiently before the ditch was filled to 
termine the species. F, L. Harvey. 
Maine. fees 
The old and new botany. 
. In the April number of your magazine, the editorial on the methods 
teaching botany attracted my attention. While heartily agreeing with 
th 
they refer gj : 
old metho yoestd to different sh gh gn ~ 
teaching of types and the grounding in biological (physiological? ) prin- 
