$62 | A Sketch of the Progress of Botany { December, 
thickness of superincumbent strata may have been removed prior 
to its elevation, but we know that at least 10,000 feet of more 
modern beds, at one period rested upon it. The illustrations 
accompanying this paper will serve to convey some idea to the 
reader of the unique scenery which abounds in the mountain 
regions of Central Colorado, 
aE A 
A SKETCH OF THE PROGRESS OF BOTANY IN THE 
UNITED STATES IN THE YEAR 1879. 
BY PROF. C. E. BESSEY. 
A. Anatomy and Physiology—tIn this department the observa- 
tions of the botanists of this country, as shown by their published 
papers, were directed mainly to the reproductive organs and their 
functions; and with one or two exceptions the papers were short, 
involving but a few quickly-made observations. Little or no 
work was done in micro-anatomy (histology) and proper physi- 
ology. 
While we may regret that so much of the field has been so 
sadly neglected in our country, we should remember, that as a 
rule our botanists are overloaded with other duties which render 
it often impossible for them to command the time for making the 
necessary investigations. 
In the January number of the NATURALIST, Prof. J i Todd - 
published a paper “On Certain Contrivances for Cross-fertiliza- 
tion in Flowers,” illustrated by eight wood-cuts, in which he 
described the modes of pollination in Martynia, Penstemon and © 
Lobelia, and added a few observations upon the structure of the 
Iris flower. In the same journal Mr. William Trelease published 
(p. 427) a paper “On the Fertilization of several species of 
Lobelia,” and another (p. 688) on “The Fertilization of our 
native species of Clitoria and Centrosema,” both illustrated by 
several cuts. Thomas Meehan’s paper “On the Fertilization of 
Yucca,” read before the American Association for the Advance- 
ment of Science, is interesting from the fact that it shows that in 
Yucca, where we appear to have so perfect an adaptation Ho 
flower and insect (Prenuba yuccasella), pollination may still be 
-effected by other and unusual means. 
_ Prof. W. J. Beal described in the American Fournal of Science : 
and Arts for May, some “Experiments in Cross-breeding plants . 
