m 
198 The Botanicul Gazette. [June, 
or cryptogams; the third, “General. description of flowering plants.” 
Under the first part is given a very brief organography, which is not 
at all accurate, followed by descriptions of single members of the 
more important orders, from which pupils are supposed to derive a 
“typical example” for the purpose of “grouping exceptional forms 
around the central type, to which in memory one should always re- 
turn.” We very much doubt,the wisdom of such a plan, and its exe- 
cution leaves much to be desired. 
In the two succeeding parts the author is endeavoring to follow the 
pattern of Huxley and Martin’s Biology. As it seems to us, however, 
she has neglected the most essential feature of their plan, viz.: the 
preparation of specific directions for the “practical work” of the stu- 
dent. The headings of this sort in this book do not cover any direc- 
tions that will be of use to the student. The “practical work” follows 
a description of the plant. Under Funaria for instance, one reads, 
“Examine specimens of Funaria, and verify the facts mentioned 
above.” Here are others: “Cut sections of the stem and observe the 
different kinds of cells.” “In older specimens examine the Sporo- 
gonia.” It is quite certain also that many of the directions, particu- 
larly in physiological parts, have not been put to the test; else their 
impracticability. would have been discovered. The figures, except 
those from other works, are poorly drawn for photo-engraving am 
consequently very blotchy. Altogether, so far as American schools 
are concerned, Miss Aitken has contributed nothing of educational 
alue. 
Minor Notices. 
ret shelf, while its owner does not scruple, when questioned, ly of it 
that he has ‘had botany.’ And he does not think very highly 
either.” 
