218 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [MARCH 
pa 
hypotheses are developed. For example, “the making of a daisy” is pre- 
sented as ‘‘a study in evolution,” and the processes involved, from “the beauti- 
ful, flowerless fern-trees and gigantic mosses,” where “the arrangements for 
reproduction are so complicated that it is almost impossible for any person to 
understand them” (as presumably they do in seed plants), to the daisy, are 
something that would amaze the morphologist. ‘‘ Looking carefully amongst — 
the fronds of some palm-like fern,” the author fancies that she “might have 
discovered two small objects,” “the one had a yellow, powdery head, whilst 
the surface of the other was more or less sticky.” These “small objects” 
discovered in imagination on an ancient tree fern are “a single stamen anda 
single naked ovule,” the “first parents of the flowers.” It is this sort of wild 
imagination that seems to the reviewer to do more harm than good. 
There is a constant outcry throughout the book against the “ hard words” 
of the science, but in the chapter on the “relationship of the flowers,” the 
pages fairly bristle with the old morphology in reference to “cohesion,” 
“adhesion,” “suppression,” etc., and such group names as “ Dichlamydez,” 
“ Thalamifloree,” “ Calyciflore,” etc. 
It should be understood that the reviewer makes no objection to the book 
as a piece of sentimental literature, but as “a popular introduction to botany” 
he must protest against it— J. M. C. 
California plants.5 ; 
Mrs. DAvIDSON has certainly done good service for nature study in south- 
ern California, and has given a model for similar books in other rege 
She does not seek to arouse a factitious interest in plants by “ fairy tales, 
but in a very attractive style tells of the most evident things that can be 
observed. The book cannot be used without a study of the living plants, 
cultivation or in the field, which is much in its favor. It isa storehouse of 
Suggested observations when in contact with the material, And the material 
selected is what the author has found to be most available in her long expe’ 
ence in southern California. “The aim is to awaken interest in commo? a 
plants, and to invest them with new meaning. Pond-scums, mould, and toa 
stools are included among these familiar plants, and sea-mosses, lichens, and 
ferns are believed to be as attractive as flowering plants.” 
A voluminous supplement takes up each chapter and gives full _ 
tions to teachers. Evidently the author’s experience has shown to her . 
much they need it. It is a pleasure to commend a book prepared for “ 
study, a book which does not leave its few facts to spin out endless — 
but which goes directly and soberly out among the plants of the neigh 
hood and calls attention to what can be observed.— J. M. ©. sa 
SDAvVIDsON, ALICE MERRITT: California plants in their homes. A eee 
reader for children. 8vo. pp. 133. B. R. Baumgardt & Co.: Los Angeles, ©!» 
