866 THE AMERICAN NATURALIST. (VoL, XXXV. 
having emanated from a former antarctic continent. The indigenous 
terrestrial species of Lumbricidz found in North America should for 
the present be looked upon with suspicion in connection with their 
true habitat. The family of Lumbricide has received model treat- 
ment in Michaelsen's monograph. The book ends with a very per- 
fect register, — a desideratum not always found in transatlantic 
scientific works. Taking it all in all, this splendid monograph 
cannot be too highly praised. It is not only indispensable to all 
students of the class, but it is so complete that for the identifica- 
tion of the species the older literature is made almost superfluous. 
As regards nomenclature, Dr. Michaelsen's ideas are almost final ; 
while as regards classification they are sure to remain unchanged 
for many years. A perusal of the volume shows one thing which 
should be encouraging to all students of earthworms; that is, com- 
pared to the terrestrial Oligochzta the limicolide forms are almost 
unknown, and it is evident that it is among the latter that the 
reatest novelti vi i : 
g s ties will be found in the future Gustav EISE. 
BOTANY. 
A Botany for Children. — Professor Atkinson in an attractive 
little book entitled Hirst Studies im Plant Life! follows the current 
practice of presenting vital phenomena to the young beginner, rather 
than details of form. The first part gives a brief account of the 
growth and parts of plants, the second and third discuss their work 
and behavior, the fourth gives the life story of a sweet pea, an 02 
a-férn,a moss, and a mushroom, and the fifth treats of the battles of 
plants in.the world. The illustrations are of exceptional excellence. 
Many ingenious and simple experiments are introduced. Much 0 
the text seems likely to interest. young peóple, and any teacher may 
gain valuable suggestions from the book: e 
_ A prévailing-fault, however, isxa more or less obvious “writing 
down ” to the young reader, becoming at times mere sentimentality 
such as intelligent children resent. - It is hard to see how the follow: 
ing passage, for example, can serve any useful purpose: “ ique 
1 Atkinson, George Francis, Ph.B., Professor of Botany, Cornell University. 
First Studies of Plant Life. Boston, Ginn & Company, 1901. 12mo. xii + 266 it 
308 figs. : i 
