CURRENT LITERATURE. 
BOOK REVIEWS. 
Another botanical dictionary. 
Tuts Italian book is in a measure both a dictionary, with its mere definition 
of terms, and an encyclopedia, with its more elaborate treatment of topics and 
brief biographies of celebrated botanists.' In its plan, therefore, it departs 
widely from Jackson’s Glossary; and it departs from it still more widely in 
mechanical execution. For it is published by Urrtco Horpit of Milan whose 
series of dictionaries and manuals is famous. It is 11X16°™, printed on thin 
flexible paper, with narrow margins and small but clear type, bound in half vellum, 
and though it contains nearly a thousand pages it is less than 4°™ thick. Eve 
detail is appropriate to its use and the book is therefore a model of convenience. 
In substance the work is unexpectedly good. The definitions of the simpler 
terms are usually clear and succinct, and the treatment of topics is full enough 
and is accompanied by citation of enough of the important literature to make the 
book of real value for reference. A few figures will indicate the extent of some 
topics. Thus to nutrizione are devoted nearly 36 pages; to fessuti, 10 pages; 
to simmetria, 6 pages; to variazione, 7 pages; to germogliamento, 6 pages; to 
classificazione, 8 pages; and so on. On the whole the assignment of space is 
made with good judgment. 
: The only adverse criticism that need be made is that the author has appar- 
ently not always assimilated fully the modern morphology that he is endeavoring 
to state. In consequence seeming contradictions and limitations occasionally 
appear. Thus the sporofito seems to belong only to ferns and spermatophytes; 
while the sporogonio appertains to the bryophytes. Sporangio is defined and 
discussed only with ses to pteridophytes, and spore would seem to be 
restricted to “ cryptogams.’ et in other topics the Rane of the micro- 
spores of ELIE are recognized and properly described, while the 
alternation of generations and heterospory are concisely but clearly treated. 
On the whole there are probably as few shortcomings as could be expected 
and as many excellences as could be attained by any one who undertakes such a 
task. Cooperation, however, is fast coming to be Recesnery in work of such a 
scope.—C. R. B. 
hgeRe sa Eve., chains di botanica generale. Milano: Ulrico Hoepli. 
16mo. pp. xx+926. Lt 
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