A POPULAR TREATISE ON THE PHYSIOLOGY OF PLANTS. 341 
A Popular Treatise on the Physiology of Plants. By Dr. Paul 
Sorauer. Translated by Prof. F. E. Weiss, B.Sc. (London : 
Longmans, Green & Co.) 
Since the publication of Lindley's standard work on The 
Theory and Practice of Horticulture" we cannot recall any 
work that is likely to be of more use to the practical gardener 
than that which forms the subject of this notice. Like many 
other admirable treatises, this one also comes from the Continent, 
being the work of Dr. Paul Sorauer, Director of the Experimental 
Station at the Royal Pomological Institute in Proskau (Silesia). 
For the English translation we are indebted to Prof. F. E. Weiss, 
of Owens College, Manchester, and there is now no reason why 
the British gardener should be behind his German or Austrian 
confrere in the matter of learning all he can about his business. 
From some cause or other British gardeners — with some few note- 
worthy exceptions — seem to care but little about the scientific 
aspect of their profession, and it is by no means uncommon to 
meet with one of the old school who is fond of utilising the worn- 
out phrase that " an ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory." 
Such an assertion will not bear investigation for a moment, for 
if a gardener has not first some idea, some theory, in regard to 
the results of his practical work, he is like a man groping in the 
dark, a pure automaton without brains, who trusts to chance 
that his work may turn out a success. The gardener who is 
scientific as well as practical will, on the other hand, think out 
his work well, so that he may accomplish it in the easiest and 
best manner possible. 
Such an one will, of course, frequently make mistakes, but 
these only serve to teach and guide him for the future. To be 
able to think clearly is one of the great requisites of gardening, 
and to assist in this process we can confidently recommend Dr. 
Sorauer' s " Popular Treatise on the Physiology of Plants for 
the Use of Gardeners," which is published by Messrs. Longmans, 
Green & Co. It will be found of great service to those whose 
ideas are not altogether warped by a firm beHef in " rule of 
thumb " methods alone. The functions of each portion of the 
plant are lucidly explained, the main object being to instil into 
the mind of the gardener logical regions for everything he does. 
