62 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [yanvany 
Compare Marstlea and /soeles with Pteris. Do they differ as to growth, branch i 
ing and leaf arrangement ? Which has the highest type of leaf and stem ? Has each 
the homologue of the sorus, indusium, sporangium and annulus? Are thes 
situated as in Pteris? Is the arrangement of the two kinds of spores the same in 
both genera ? i 
How many hours will that take? And how many, the comparison of 
Equisetum with Pteris, requiring eight microscopical preparations (of whi 
five are sections) besides observation of the external anatomy? That st 
directions may be useful we readily concede; but that anywhere they can be 
carried out in 300 hours, or 600, we must seriously doubt. 
It goes without saying that one in Dr. Curtis’ position, with adequate 
facilities at his command, is capable of enumerating the chief facts of botany 
when he sets about it; accordingly we find in this book a fairly accurate a Z 
up-to-date account of plant structure and phenomena. The facts are made 
coherent by a thread of philosophical theory which stimulates thought wa | 
the part of the student and leaves him with an open mind. The b yp 
therefore serve a good purpose as a reference book in laboratories, part 
larly as it is well illustrated by new figures. 
A most important consideration in a work for beginners is the preset 
tion of the subject. As to manner, this is somewhat unfortunate. Dr. Cur 
English syntax is not above reproach, and his use of words is frequé 
inelegant or even incorrect. As to matter, it may be questioned wh 
histology is well adapted for introducing the beginner to the science 
botany. What advantage has it over “analysis” which we all decry? OUs™ 
E 
not the student’s first impression of the plant rather be of an organism, capt 
ble of doing something? Has he at the outset any knowledge which 
illuminate the details of histology and make them interesting and intellig 
If it be replied that the student must know structure before he can 
A manual of botany.” 
THE first edition of this valuable manual appeared in 1895, being inten . 
take the place of Bentley's Manua/. In fact, it was the original intention " 
" *GREEN, J. REYNOLDs.: A manual of botany. In two volumes, a * 
by A vophology and Anatomy, xii-+406. 7s 6d. Vol. II. Classficati 
ystology, xi+- 541. sos. J. & A. Churchill: London. 1897. 
