418 BOTANICAL GAZETTE | NOVEMBER 
We would ask whether the lately published volume of the illustrated 
flora of North America is really sufficient to satisfy American botanists in 
regard to these requirements, so that the Chech-Zist may be unanimously 
adopted. That the Check-dist and the new Fvora are closely connected is 
evident when we look at the names of the authors and contributors, although 
two have withdrawn from the former publication. We can, therefore, with 
good reason compare the character of the Check-dist with that of the illus- 
trated //ora, and we feel inclined to think that the order of publication 
ought to have been first the Zora and afterwards the Check-list. 
Without going into details as to these publications, at least not in this 
place, we desire to submit the following questions in order to secure an early 
discussion of the matter: 
1. Does the family diagnosis in the illustrated F/ora seem sufficient to 
separate closely related families, and have the most important distinctions 
been given? 
2. Does the terminology correspond with well recognized usage at home 
and abroad ? 
3. Are the descriptions correct in regard to morphology, as adopted in 
leading systematic works: 
4. Does a consideration of this Flora with these questions in mind satisfy 
the botanist that the authors of the Check-“ist were in full possession of the 
necessary requirements ?—THEo. Hoim, Washington, D. C. 
THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM AND THE DIVISION OF BOTANY. 
To the Editors of the Botanical Gazette :—In view of an evident lack “ 
correct information regarding the recent change in the custody of the 
National Herbarium it has seemed desirable that a brief sketch of lt 
ent relationship and work of the Division of Botany and the Herbarium “ 
presented to your readers, 
During at least the past three administrations, covering a period of <— 
twelve years, there has been a feeling among the authorities of the es 
ment of Agriculture that the Division of Botany should be relieved - d 
custody of the National Herbarium, that institution having grown beyon¢ * 
mere consulting herbarium to the dimensions of a great governmental ae 
tory of botanical collections, thereby becoming a fit charge for the eee 
sonian Institution. As a result of negotiations between the two est@ 
ments, the herbarium was transferred about two years ago from per pee 
ment of Agriculture to quarters in the fireproof building of the ‘4 uk 
oe ‘ - itution 
Museum, which is under the direction of the Smithsonian pies ae 
Department, however, continuing to furnish the money for its maim 
FC Hots Vitlew by Merb rele Mypter Le, 
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