BOOK REVIEWS 



Four recent texts in general botany 

 K. C. Hknkuic I 



A comprehensive survey of the whole field of botanical 

 teaching in the United States would probably disclose upwards 

 of thirty different general texts in current use. For each some 

 special value or purpose might be advanced; e.g., adaptation for 

 particular teaching situations and courses; predilections of 

 teachers; tradition, etc. There are botanies designed for high 

 school courses; others for half A'ear college courses, etc. The 

 present notes are not intended as an appraisal of the whole field, 

 or as a selection of any texts as the best in the field, but merely 

 to call attention to certain distinctive features of four volumes 

 recently examined, and all designed for use in a }'ear course in 

 general college botany. 



Brown, William H. The plant kingdom. Ginn & Co. 1936. $3.50. 



Dr. Brown has drawn upon his long experience in the Philip- 

 pines for a great many illustrations of interest and significance 

 which are not to be found in other texts. While the plants illus- 

 trated are often strange and unfamiliar, their relevancy to the 

 topics justifies their use, and they constitute a feature of un- 

 usual value and interest. This volume is excellent, both for il- 

 lustrations and textual materials. In respect to primitive 

 Palaeozoic vascular plants, it is probably the most complete of 

 the general botanies. In this connection, however, it is surprising 

 to find the following too-broad generalization: "The structure 

 of the Psilophytales fits in very well with the long-accepted idea 

 that the Pteridophyta are derived from the Bryophyta." 



Sinnott, E. W. Principles of botany. McGraw-Hill Co. 1935 

 (3rd ed.). S3. 50. 



The Sinnott text is too well known to need any extended 

 characterization. It is featured by its logical organization, the 

 lucidity and accuracy of its statements, and by the special de- 

 velopment of pedagogical helps, i.e., review and problem ques- 

 tions. Designed as a text for a "principles" course, the book is 

 less encyclopaedic than a number of other recent volumes, a 

 point in keeping with its general plan. It is a matter of interest 



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