40 



THE AMERICAN BOTANIST. 



In the midst of all the species making it is encouraging 

 to find a growing tendency toward more rational criteria 

 in the work. In recent publications we have noticed that 

 authors are beginning to speak of certain well-known 

 species as "centers of variation," and to reduce many 

 forms hitherto styled ''species" to varieties. The older 

 botanists were quite as sharp-eyed as those of the present 

 day and were not deceived by slight differences in form. 

 Few of the species named by them have ever had to be re- 

 duced. Those who are inclined to be troubled over the 

 present multiplication of species may be assured that the 

 tide is beginning to turn and that the mere varieties that 

 have been given specific rank will ultimately find their 

 proper level. 



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Popular Science News^ for thirty-six years a represen- 

 tative j ournal of the natural sciences and itself the swal- 

 lower of a score or more of similar publications, has at 

 last been overtaken by the same fate, and merged with 

 The American Inventor of Washington, which will here- 

 after contain a department devoted to Popular Science. 

 While both journals will receive the benefit of an increased 

 circulation by the combination w^e cannot but regret the 

 passing of such an ably conducted and valuable publica- 

 tion as Popular Science News. The new journal has our 

 best wishes for success. 



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The doctors who pronounced Medians^ Monthly 

 dead, last December, appear to have been mistaken in 

 their diagnosis. Even the editor said it was dead, but it 

 turns out that it was only in a state of suspended anima- 

 tion. In January it suddenly revived but in such changed 

 form and name as to suggest that it had passed through 

 some such metamorphosis as insects do. It is now 10 by 

 14 inches in size and known as Floral Life. Mr. S. Men- 

 delson Meehan, its former editor, will continue in charge. 

 J. E. Winner is the publisher; we trust that he may also 

 prove to be A Winner. 



