208 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [ance 
involving use of compound microscopes and reagents, are thoroughly studiel 
by select students. 
As to the point at which a course of botany should begin, opinions diffe, 
and we acknowledge no infallible head to decide the question. East of the 
Hudson, at least, there are many who agree with us, that while theoretically 
it is right to begin with the cell, it is impracticable with large undergraduate 
classes pursuing the course only three hours a week. As to the interest, its 
certainly debatable whether the study of morphology is not quite as intr 
esting, and for academic courses as inspiring, as the development of the 
punctum vegetationis. Asa matter of fact, so-called “analysis” occupitt 
but a few weeks of our course.— WM. WHITMAN BAILey, Brown University. 
E ARE sorry that Professor Bailey thinks that “histology” and the = 
vegetationis” are the only recourse for those who would not begin botany with the 
“analysis” of spermatophytes. We do not consider it debatable at all as to whetlet 
morphology or histology is the more “inspiring” to the beginning student. We - 
entirely with Professor Bailey’s position in this matter. We only thought that a litle 
less intricate terminology would give more time for morphology, and allow some of 
the lower forms to come in.—Eps. ] 
