142 BOTANICAL GAZETTE 
by gymnosperms and angiosperms. In spite of this change, however, | 
general characters of gymnosperms and angiosperms are discussed 
under the heading “ Phanerogamia.”’ On account of the great differer 
between the groups this composite presentation is very confusing, and 
hardly be justified by the fact that they both produce seeds. It would 
been far less misleading, as well as clearer, had the two groups been 
consistently apart. 
The thallophytes are treated as before, all of them being either al 
fungi; and the treatment of each one of these divisions follows the old 
ficial method, convenient for simple presentation, but very misleading 
the facts of genetic relationship. It must be confessed that the treatment 
thallophytes in this volume and in its predecessor does not represetl 
tions of the group. a 
The classification of angiosperms, however,tan hardly be excused 
plea. Why the classification of Bentham and Hooker's Genera 
was persisted in, in view of all that has been done since to incre 
knowledge of this group, is something of a mystery. A certain 4 
‘Conservatism is wise in a text-book, especially in an elementary oo 
is a difference between conservatism and the perpetuation | of a class 
which has been outgrown.— J. M 
The flora of Roumania.? 
BOTANISTS unfamiliar with Roumanian will be restricted to the : 
of plants in their use of this book. In the presentation of a flora, 
ever, plant names represent no small amount of information. 
Spermatophytes and pteridophytes are included, and the classificatt™ 
the old type, as the division of dicotyledons into “dialypetalous, 
alous,” and “ apetalous”’ series would indicate. Probably the most 
evidence of antiquity, however, is the inclusion of Gnetace& and 
among the families of apetalous dicotyledons! ; 
The work is not a iercoace seas but a list, with full bib 
graphical distribution, and critical remarks. Unfortunately, the ¢ 
of new species are in the vernacular, instead of Latin. Over oné 
pages are devoted to a discussion of the geographical distribution 
of Roumania, which probably is the most interesting and im 
the book. 
“ 
?GRECESCU, Dr. D.: ras Florei Romaniei. 8vo. PP- 
lander & Sohn: Berlin. 1898. AZ 
