1897.] Recent Books and Pamphlets. 145 
ent knowledge concerning the Archegoniatze, will be of almost inesti- 
mable value for its effectual relegation of worn out ideas, and its lucid 
elaboration of those which are to direct future thought in these lines. 
The text treats consecutively of the various orders and families of 
Bryophyta and Pteridophyta, dealing exhaustively with their organo- 
geny and morphology, and discussing in a concise manner their classi- 
fication and general affinities. The peculiar thoroughness and com- 
pletion of the work are among its most pleasing features. From its 
-comprehensiveness, it must be primarily a reference book, and the sub- 
ject matter has been so subdivided and arranged as to greatly facilitate 
this purpose. 
The typography of the book is good, perhaps rather above than be- 
low that which should be regarded as standard for any scientific work, 
in order that it may not receive unfavorable mention. Many of the 
figures unfortunately, show the effects of haste, whether upon the part 
of the artist or of draughtsman is not certain. It is to be regretted 
that the illustrations, which so often make a poor book, has here been 
permitted to mar so good a one. 
I shall not place an incubus upon the book by calling it “ epoch- 
making ;” such can never be truthfully said of any scientific work. It 
‘does stand, however, as a most welcome and effective milestone, not 
merely for the general student of botany, but for the specialist as well. - 
Not only will it remain for a long time a much thumbed summary, 
but it must be regarded as indicating at least the most immediate lines 
of future research among the Archegoniate. 
FREDERIC E. CLEMENTS. 
AMERICAN NATURALIST LIST OF RECENT BOOKS 
AND PAMPHLETS. 
ANpREws, C. W.—Note on the Pelvis of Cryptoclidus oxoniensis (Phillips). 
Extr. Geol. Mag., Decade IV, Vol. III, 1896. 
— ote on the Skeleton of Aptornis defossor. Extr. Geol. Mag. London, 
96. 
—On the Structure of the Plesiosaurian Skull. Extr. Quart. Journ. Geol. 
Soc., May, 1896. 
On the Skull, Sternum and Shoulder Girdle of Æpyornis. Extr. The 
Ibis, July, 1896. From the author. 
