1899] CURRENT LITERATURE 215 
here are several general features in the work which strike one ata 
glance, and which are highly commendable. There is a wealth of well-- 
chosen illustrations of plant habits and plant formaticns, largely reproduc- 
tions of photographs. These pictures are thoroughly representative, and 
highly commendable feature is the persistent correlation of ecological obser- 
vations on plants in the field with physiological experiments carried on in the 
same region. Observation and experiment together check erroneous conclu- 
sions derived from one alone. Meteorological data and anatomical study 
also contribute their part to the interpretation of the facts of observation. In 
‘very case, Schimper has brought all possible data together in a more sys- 
tematic and thorough manner than has been previously attempted. Hence, 
the probability that his conclusions are correct is very great. The bibliogra- 
phies are remarkably complete and easy to consult because of their topical 
arrangement. 
«A gy isa pleasing departure and a deserved tribute to Warming. 
mon 
of th 
Word 
at 
aon season and xerophytic at another. According to this view, these terms 
ka aced on a Physiological rather than a physical basis. The plant itself, 
4 than the soil in which it grows, is called hygrophytic or xerophytic* 
D + ‘ : ater . 
other Striking difference from Warming is seen in considering various 
ological a 
Simplicity 0 
"Y. This j 
Parison of t 
aie the great formations of these zones, such as forest, savanna, or 
a chiefly by meteoric water. The local diversities in 
¥e have pes are said to be caused by differences in the soil. tee 
“haracterize ae types of formations: (1) climatic formations w as 
“Tom Eagos ices and are caused by climatic factors, and (2) eels = 
trict and oe Ne ) °rmations, which make up the local variations if any ; 
Schimper aj © to a local dominance of edaphic over climatic influences. 
®° lays much greater stress than does Warming upon the 
