es 
970 General Notes. [November, 
river-beds, are correlated with the features of the plateau region 
to prove a great elevation which was permanent, while the drift 
and river deposits of the eastern region prove subsidence after 
Tertiary times. 
BOTANY.! . 
How SHALL BOTANY BE TAUGHT IN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES?— 
Numerous factors enter into the problem, such as the size of the 
class, the age and preparation of the students, the season of the 
year, the length of the college term, the probability of subsequent 
study, the means of illustrations which can be commanded an 
many other similar considerations. All of those factors are so 
different and so variously combined, that a method, which on the 
whole might be the best in some particular case, might not be 
good text-book is a most valuable aid. The lecture method is 
necessary in very large classes, but satisfactory results are rarely 
reached, even with the aid of copious means of illustration and a 
fairly good work of reference in the hands of the student. Nor is 
the laboratory method, pure and simple, altogether free from ob- 
jection. Left largely to himself to find out important facts in re- 
gard to the specimens he is given to study, the student is sure to 
go astray and waste much time, a loss needless and inexcusable. 
A judicious combination of the methods named would in all 
probability secure the best results in a majority of cases. 
Let me suppose the class to number from thirty to forty, com- 
posed of young men of average attainments and ability, and that 
from three to five hours per week for a year is to be given to = 
subject. A desirable time for beginning the work of instruction 
is at the opening of the winter term, which in most colleges 1S 
soon after New Year’s. For the first term the object is to gain 4 
_ general view of plants and plant-life. The basis of the instruction 
_ should be lectures or talks, occupying a part of the hour, which 
the teacher can vary according to the needs of the class. An ex- 
cellent accompanying text-book is Bessey’s Essentials of Botany, 
_ from which pages may be occasionally assigned as a lesson to be 
carefully learned. Every subject taken up should be copiously 
= - illustrated with specimens which the student is to see and e fal 
_ ine for himself. Occasional days are to be set aside for care sel 
_ reviews of subjects already studied, and from time to time oppor 
y should be afforded for the examination of specimens under- 
scope. 
Professor CHARLES E, Bessey, Lincoln, Nebraska. 
