No. 388.] REVIEWS OF RECENT LITERATURE. 345 
distinct family of Lamnoid sharks from Japan under the name of 
Mitsukurina rustoni. The genus is apparently unique among living 
forms, its nearest living relative being the genus Odontaspis of 
Agassiz, a group which contains few recent sharks, but which is 
rich in fossil forms. 
American Gordiacea.— Dr. T. H. Montgomery concludes his 
second paper on Gordiacea of certain American collections (Proc. 
Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 3, Zoöl., Vol. I, No. 9) with a synoptical key for 
determining the species of Gordiacea of the North American conti- 
nent north of Mexico. 
edge regarding the development of the eel is given by Dr. A. Konig 
in Mittheil. d. Sect. f. Naturk. des Oesterreich. Touristen Club, X, 
Nos. 8 and g. 
BOTANY. 
fashioned way of. making elementary botanical instruction consist 
chiefly in “analyzing” flowers is well exemplified in the present 
text-book.! With the recommendation that ‘‘ analysis ” be postponed, 
“even though the pupil may pursue it independently at a later time,” 
the author introduces the student at once to a physiological and 
microscopical study of the protoplasm and vegetative organs of a 
few Algal, Fungal, Bryophytic, Pteridophytic, and Spermatophytic 
types. These same types, together with others, are then studied in 
the second part as regards their morphology, reproductive processes, 
and life history. This part ends with a cursory view of some of the 
more important families of flowering plants. A final part devoted to 
ecology calls attention to a few examples of interesting adaptations 
of various organs to the work of nutrition, protection, pollination, 
dissemination, and germination, and directs the student to profitable 
lines of study in geographical distribution with special reference to 
plant formations. In an appendix suggestions are given for the 
collection and preservation of material, note taking, etc. 
The illustrations are mostly good, some being of unusual excellence. 
Certain of the photographic views, however, seem too hazy and con- 
1 Atkinson, Ph.B., George Francis, Professor of Botany in Cornell University. 
Elementary Botany. New York, Henry Holt & Co., 1898. xxiii + 444 Pp., 509 
illustrations. Cloth 12mo. $1.25. 
