13.) Editorial, : 429 
ofthe higher plants of the “manual range” has been prepared by a 
committee and referred to the Botanical Club for approval. In com™ 
‘ittee discussions and in those of the Club botanists have learned the 
wlue of a consensus of opinion, and have recognized that it is easier 
ind far more effective to settle differences by arbitration than by war. 
THis LEADS us to speak of the relation of the principle of co-opera- 
ti to the future of botanical work. The time has passed when any 
general botanical work should be prepared by a single individual, 
‘towever capable that individual may be. Every work should appear 
mith sufficient rapidity to insure completeness and uniform treatment. 
thisis notably true in our most important systematic works, which 
live often been of such slow preparation that a whole generation has 
eft them incomplete. Every botanist recalls the case of Dr. Gray’s 
host elaborate works. Had the Flora of North America been pushed 
Ycompletion by a group of botanists, it might not have been of equal 
: ttcellence throughout, but it would have brought together all the in- 
imation of the time, and established a definite point of departure 
; lr the subsequent study of all of our vascular groups. Had the Syn- 
tical Flora, so fit a monument to our most distinguished systematist, 
(led to its aid the rapidly increasing force of workers, it would now 
tk the second epoch of our knowledge of the North American 
for, and would have had the masterly guidance of its projector, 
ig of being left, as it is, to an indefinite future. There is a 
“te when details become so numerous that only organization can 
= them effectively. A general may be able to command a com- 
pany better than any captain, but still he must be content to leave many 
- tetails to others 
. 
- MARSHALL into orderly array all the known facts with reference 
ae American flora is more than any one can do ina lifetime, 
: - = I these facts must be brought together in the interest of we 
ce atis theoretically b : f wi ag ee. 
botraverse " y beautiful for oneu 
= j - - . 
¥o ag It is absolutely necessary to call in ordinarily capable 
they and let them do the best they can. They may 
ol 
. - 
hiture ms utterance upon any subject, but simply the 
Kept oes and it is always important that our 1m 
: €nt and within easy reach. 
OTR 60. | 
vore OPERATION referred to involves not merely the allot 
Resi ut also the exchange of specimens and publications. a 
€ for all capable workers to reside at the greatest center ¢ 
formation be 
ment 
It is 
