BOTANY. 39 
volume of Baird, and the more thorough memoirs of Lilljeborg, 
Fischer, Zenker, Claus, Sars, and others. The classification is 
that proposed by G. O. Sars, son of the distinguished Norwegian 
zoologist, Prof. Michael Sars, in his “ Oversigt af Norges marine 
Ostracoder” published in 1865. The Ostracoda are represented by 
the little two shelled water fleas, about half a line or less in 
length, which swim over the bottom or creep over submerged 
plants. As remarked by the author, “the geographical and bathy- 
metrical distribution of the Ostracoda is a matter of the greatest 
interest as illustrating the probable condition under which the va- 
rious fossiliferous strata have been deposited.” We might also add 
that the Ostracoda are found in the lowest fossiliferous strata, in 
company with the Trilobites and Nebaliads. So that a profound 
knowledge of the living species is absolutely necessary for the 
correct appreciation of some of the earliest traces of life on our 
globe. 
Tur AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGIST.— I regret to state contrary to 
announcement a year ago, that this magazine will not be contin- 
ued during the coming year. The cost of publishing a paper so 
profusely illustrated with original figures is great, and the pub- 
lishers, Messrs. R. P. Studley and Co., have lately concluded 
to discontinue it, as they have not met with suflicient financial en- 
couragement. I have, however, since they so decided, purchased 
from them all the illustrations, and all interest in the magazine, 
and hope at no very distant day to recommence its publication my- 
self. Meanwhile I take this means of thanking the many sub- 
scribers who, during the year, have sent in expressions of encour- 
agement and appreciation, or who have signified their intention of 
renewing subscription. I shall ever be glad to hear from them on 
entomological subjects, and to render them what little service 
lies in my power.—C. V. Rixer, St. Louis, Mo., December 10, 1871. 
BOTANY. 
DismissaL or THE Late BOTANIST OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 
AGRICULTURE. — Editors American Naturalist. Dear Srrs:—I 
have to request that you will place before the readers of the 
American Natoratist the correspondence herein enclosed. 
Dr. Parry was thought to have performed the duties of Bot- 
anist to the Department of Agriculture to the entire satisfaction 
