195 



prey upon small water animals, notably eelworms and rotifers. 

 Modifications encountered in this unique group are hyphal loops 

 that swell and clamp onto the body of a worm unluckly enough to 

 enter, and sticky plugs that literally gag their victims to death. This 

 appears to be the first complete discussion of the findings of 

 Drechsler and others on these fungi. Although Dr. Lloyd, in re- 

 viewing the genus, mentions the use of the name "Chrysamphora" in 

 place of the much more familiar "Darlingtonia," which it antedates, 

 he continues to use the latter name. The literature cited on Utricu- 

 laria records twelve papers by the author embodying new concepts 

 on the operation of the traps, and an additional two describing four 

 new species discovered in Australia. An appendix is added as a sort 

 of patent registry to describe an epoch making mouse catching de- 

 vice constructed on the principles of the Utricularia trap. Its efficacy 

 is assured, since if it did not catch the mouse it would undoubtedly 

 leave him with a severe nervous breakdown. 



With very few exceptions, the drawings are original. They are 

 ample and very well done. The plates are included at the back. Due 

 to a regrettable economy of space, many of the photographs have 

 been cut down and placed in a sort of mosaic on the page, with a 

 resultant loss of clarity. In every other detail, however, the book 

 shows great care in its preparation. The paper, print, and binding 

 are good. The frontispiece is an old drawing of a species of Nepen- 

 thes from an early herbal. 



Above all, it is well to remember that "The Carnivorous Plants" 

 represents the achievement of more than twelve years of painstaking 

 work. Dr. Lloyd has not left the smallest pebble unturned in his 

 effort to follow up every source. As witness to his consuming in- 

 terest in the field, there are very few chapters that do not contain 

 some of his own pertinent, and usually outstanding, contributions. 



Columbia University Oscar Janiger 



