46 



Cryptogamic Botany* 

 R. C. Benedict 



Under a title reminiscent of the 19th century, "Cryptogamic 

 botany," Gilbert M. Smith has published a comprehensive and 

 detailed study of the morphology and life histories of representa- 

 tive Thallophytes, (excepting the Bacteria) Bryophytes, and 

 Pteridophytes. In its wide range and scholarly quality, the text 

 is an important contribution to the field of botany. While no 

 attempt has been made to be exhaustive for the various sub- 

 groups, important types are very adequately dealt with. Each 

 chapter has an excellent and detailed bibliography. 



In the discussion of the algae, as might be expected from 

 Dr. Smith's long research in this group, the most original and 

 radical treatment is found. It is proposed that the old catch-all 

 division of Thallophytes be broken into seven phyletic groups 

 or divisions of algae, and two others, to include the fungi, and 

 slime moulds. These nine divisions are as follows: Chlorophyta, 

 grass-green algae; Euglenophyta, euglenoids; Pyrrhophyta, 

 cryptomonads and dinoflagellates; Chrysophyta, the yellow- 

 green algae (diatoms, etc.); Phaeophyta, or brown algae; 

 Cyanophyta, blue-green algae: Rhodophyta, red algae; Myxo- 

 phallophyta, slime moulds; and Eumycetes, or fungi. 



For such a breaking up of the heterogenous "Thallophyta" 

 there is much to be said. It seems probable, however, that the 

 mycologist would find equal basis for dividing the fungi into 

 at least three coordinate divisions, and that questions will be 

 raised as to the possible union of certain algae with some of the 

 fungi, and the bacteria with the Cyanophyta. When it comes 

 to the vascular plants. Smith is more conservative; he adheres 

 to the older division into Pteridophytes and Spermatophytes, 

 in spite of the evidence as to the unreliability of the seed habit 

 as a basis of phyletic division. (\'ide Eames, \"ascular plants. 

 1936.) 



* Smith, Gilbert M. Cryptogamic botany. \'ol. I. $4.00; Vol. II. $3.00. 

 McGraw-Hill, 1938. 



