1905] CURRENT LITERATURE 231 
of the way in which pupils are to answer them, accompanied by many illustra- 
tions; so that this part of the book might almost be used as a guide for elementary 
plant physiology and anatomy. 
e fourth course begins with a somewhat detailed presentation of the bac- 
teria, after which the book breaks off suddenly with a recommendation that 
pupils study a list of fourteen cryptogams, closing with the sexual reproduction 
of the phanerogams and a synopsis of the whole system. 
There is much good advice and suggestion in Dr. Krenrrz-Grertorr’s book, 
but like all such books it plans a course which is far beyond the possibility of 
execution in the time allowed. Naturally it demands a well-prepared teacher, 
and when once a school has that factor, the problem is practically solved. To 
such this book will be helpful if it does not suggest overcrowding. (And to 
everybody it would have been more helpful had a good index been provided.) 
It is interesting to see that the ideals as to the content and method of botanical 
instruction in the higher schools in Germany and America are so nearly identical: 
But we fear Germany will long outstrip us in the practical application of these 
ideals unless superintendents are more alive to the necessity for the thorough 
training in botany of those to whom they commit such teaching. —C. R. B. 
MINOR NOTICES. 
Ponp? has been studying the relation of aquatic plants to the substratum. 
After an introduction and a historical résumé of the subject, he gives the details 
of a series of carefully conducted experiments on the growth of aquatic plants 
under different soil conditions. The plants experimented on were Vallisneria 
ut also for absorption. He shows that most of these plants have root hairs 
takes place. It is evident that the establishment of 
f th xperiments serve to bring out very clearly the important bearing 
~~ Tesults on plankton problems. Without doubt most authors have sup- 
live = aquatic Plants draw their nutriment from the medium in which they 
merged 'S Deing the case, the general conclusion drawn by Kororp, that sub- 
easily Mica. are accompanied by a relatively small amount of plankton, is 
ae ood. For if the plants draw their food from the water, there is 7 
From UG: ? 
2 
Ponp, R AYMOND H., The biological relation of aquatic plants to the substratum. 
S. Fish Com. Rep. for 1903. 
