Sl Oita td eae en tos rte eae RS ry ate Aa Rinks i ig | eee oer are oe nna a EERE ESS a} AT 
1886.] Botany. 971 
The special advantage of this method of instruction here sug- 
gested is two-fold: First, its flexibility ; and second, the opportu- 
nity it affords for the effective use of the black-board. - Figures 
and diagrams, drawn before the class, in which various phases of 
development can be shown, are far more valuable than any text- 
book figure, or previously prepared diagram. Nor should the ad- 
vantage of giving out suitable topics or problems for the members 
of the class to examine and report upon, be overlooked, The 
skillful teacher will find no difficulty in assigning appropriate 
Subjects, which will require independent observation and thought 
on the part of the student. 
_A term’s work of this kind should give such a comprehensive 
view of plants as to make subsequent studies to the highest degree 
valuable and effective. 
A second term may be devoted mainly to the higher plants. 
By this time the spring has so far advanced that an abundance of 
mens, if thoroughly well done, is always profitable. 
third term may be given to questions relating to the physi- 
ology of plants. I do not know of any subject more important to 
an agricultural student than this. The instruction here must be 
largely in the form of lectures. Goodale’s Physiological Botany 
Sa most admirable work. It is perhaps too comprehensive to be 
Used as a text-book in ordinary classes, but would be serviceable 
as a work of reference. Some well arranged laboratory work in 
the histology of plants is very desirable as a part of the instruction 
in the subject now under consideration. A special effort should 
ae be made on the part of the teacher to illustrate his instruction 
aS Many experiments as possible. Many of these must be 
 thmmenced long before they are needed for use in the class-room. 
e actual experiment which the class can see, is worth a large 
number of mere descriptions of experiments. Nor is it difficult to 
 — devise, in a fairly equipped laboratory, especially if a bec 
SNe rare 
'Salso available, a large number of experiments, which the student 
