CURRENT LITERATURE 
BOOK REVIEWS 
A textbook of botany 
FritcH and SALIsBURY! have prepared a sequel to their Introduction to 
the study of plants. In the more elementary volume the microscopic details 
were omitted, and therefore the present volume supplies these details for 
those who wish to know more about plants. Although the anatomical structure 
and reproduction of plants are the main subjects, the authors have included 
enough physiology and ecology to relate structure to function, and to indicate 
the responses of structures. In connection with reproduction, also, there is a 
supplementary chapter on heredity and evolution. It is interesting to note 
that the authors have abandoned the old method of types, and have treated 
groups as a whole, which certainly results in a better conception of the organiza- 
tion of the plant kingdom. They have also developed the economic contact 
when appropriate, stating that the purpose is “to combat the frequent igno- 
tance of botanical students with respect to the economic aspects of their sub- 
ject.” This tendency is developing strongly in all the sciences, and is to 
be commended as developing a more general appreciation of science, and also 
as helping to do away with the old artificial distinction between “pure” and 
“applied” science. 
The first part of the volume, devoted to anatomy, is an excellent genera 
Presentation of the subject, and one that isneeded. There has been a tenden 
in the more recent texts to deal chiefly with the anatomy of the reproductive 
structures, with perhaps some supplementary information in reference to 
vascular anatomy, omitting the numerous other structures that enter into 
the structute of plants. In the second part, the life histories of the great groups 
are considered in oe sequence, relating the facts to conditions of 
living and to future progres 
The volume is well Shasta and should prove to be a valuable addition 
to the botanical texts for English students.—J. M. C 
l 
Principes de botanique 
It is a gratification to botanists, long familiar with the work of CHopart, 
to greet the third edition of his well known textbook.2 The first edition 
* Fritcu, F. E., and Sarispury, E. J., An introduction to the structure and 
prouction ‘of plants. 8vo. pp. viii+-458. figs. 230. London: G. Bell & Sons. 1920 
T, R., Principes de botanique. Troisiéme édition, revue et wicmuease. 
ee 4878. te get. Genéve: Edition Atar. 1921. 
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