394 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [NOVEMBER 
unequal values, assorted in such a way as to indicate information that comes 
from reading rather than knowledge that comes from investigation; and for its 
evidence of a very limited acquaintance with the modern literature, including as 
it does some of the best literature, dealing with the subjects presented. The desire 
to interpret science to the reading public is a worthy motive, and it ought to appeal 
more strongly to men of science than it does; but the interpretation must represent 
current science, or it will deceive rather than inform.—J. M. C. 
MINOR NOTICES 
Das Pflanzenreich.4—Part 38 of this work consists of a monographic treatment 
of the Cyperaceae-Caricoideae by the distinguished caricologist Professor GEORG 
Kixentuat. The author follows the usual sequence of this excellent series of 
monographs in the general consideration of the group. Four genera are included, 
namely, Schoenoxiphium (6 species), Cobresia (29 species), Uncinia (24 species), 
and Carex (793 species). The total number of species representing the four 
genera, as here treated, includes only about a dozen which are characterized as 
and of the new species not one is recorded from America. Several new 
erican varieties, however, are described. The nomenclatoria] changes are 
caus few. The chief interest of the publication centers on the genus Carex, 
which is divided into four subgenera and fourteen sections; the divisions are based 
primarily on the characters of the inflorescence. The keys preceding the species 
of each section are concise and well contrasted, the descriptions are carefully drawn, 
the literature and exsiccatae are freely cited, and the illustrations are numerous 
and well selected. On the whole the present monograph should materially aid 
toward a better understanding of this difficult but interesting genus. 
Part 39 contains an elaboration of the Phytolaccaceae by Dr. HANS WALTER. 
The author recognizes for this family 24 genera and 114 species, of which 32 
are new to science. In addition to the general index there is a list of the col- 
lectors mentioned and numbers cited in the body of the work, which facilitates 
greatly the organizing of herbarium material in accordance with the text.—]. 
GREENMAN 
Chronology of the flora of Italy.;—The present volume is an analysis of the 
flora of Italy with particular reference to its historical development. The main 
body of the work is essentially a catalogue of the species, including those indigenous, 
introduced, and naturalized, also those in cultivation. The sequence of the genera 
is in accordance with ENGLER and Pranti’s Natiirlichen Pflanzenfamilien. About 
4100 species, many varieties, and hybrids are listed, and under the species reference 
4 ENGLER, A., Das Pflanzenreich. Heft 38 (IV. 20). Cyperaceae-Caricoideae 
von GEORG K&KENTHAL, pp. 824. figs. 128 (981). M 41.20. Heft 39 (IV. 83). Phy- 
tolaccaceae von Hans WALTER, pp. 154. figs. 42 (286). M7.80. Leipzig: Wilhelm 
Engelmann. 1909. 
5 SaccaRbo, P. A., Chronologia della flora Italiana. Royal 8vo. pp. xxxviit 
39°. Padova: Tipografia del Seminario. 1909. L.15 ($2.9 
