38 



to note that Dr. Sinnott classifies all vascular plants under one 

 phylum, the "Tracheophyta," thus dispensing with the tradi- 

 tional distinction between Pteridophyta and Spermatophyta. 

 The reviewer is in accord with the view but it may seem too 

 radical a change to some botanists. 



Torrey, R. E. General botany for colleges. Appleton-Century 

 Co. (2nd ed.) 1932. $3.50. 



The Torrey text is characterized by the originality of its 

 point of view and design; by a more distinctive philosophy of 

 teaching than is to be found in other botanies. The author's 

 belief in the general significance of his subject and his enthusi- 

 asm for it are infused throughout the volume. The author's con- 

 cept of "general botany" comprises (1) a survey of the general 

 external structure and morphology of seed plants, along Asa 

 Gray lines, (2) a consideration of the comparative anatomy, 

 histology, and evolution of vascular plants, with "indebtedness 

 to Prof. E. C. Jeffrey," and (3) the "evolution of the plant king- 

 dom." Genetics is represented by a single mention of the 

 word in one of the early pages. Torrey has preceded Sinnott 

 in the idea of a monophyletic classification of vascular plants 

 on the basis of the tracheid. However he uses a name, "Tra- 

 cheata," less acceptable than Tracheophyta, especially since the 

 former word already has a definite zoological significance. 



The real test for such an original text would best be deter- 

 mined after its use, either as a regular text or as collateral refer- 

 ence. It seems likely, however, that students would gain a broad 

 perspective of the field of botany. It is difficult to be sure 

 whether this issue is a "first" or "second" edition. Apparently the 

 1932 issue under Appleton-Century Co. auspices has involved the 

 reissue of the original 1925 edition of the author, plus a Preface 

 and an Introduction. 



Hill, J. B., Overholts, L. O. and Popp, H. W. Botany. McGraw- 

 Hill Co. 1936. $4.00. 



This Penn State botany is the most compendious of the four 

 here reviewed, and perhaps the most extensive of the general 

 texts of American origin. Less individually distinctive in any 

 special way than the other three here reviewed, it commends 

 itself for its comprehensiveness of treatment. As a textbook and 



