BOOKS RECEIVED. 



723 



plants occupy a comparatively small share of attention. Nevertheless it 

 serves to direct the student's attention to a multitude of sources of 

 independent and elaborate investigation. The subject is divided into 

 three parts : I. The facts of variation ; II. The causes ; III. Its relation 

 to evolution. It is perfectly wonderful how the re-publication by our 

 Society a few years back of Mendel's long-forgotten article has stimulated 

 inquiry into the laws of variation. In this country, on the Continent, 

 and in the United States scientific research is being concentrated on this 

 subject, and scientists are almost unanimous in their appreciation of 

 Mendel's work. 



" Trees : A Handbook of Forest-Botany for the Woodlands and the 

 Laboratory." By H. Marshall Ward. Cambridge Biological Series, Vol. III. 

 Flowers and Inflorescences. 8vo. pp. 402. (Cambridge University Press.) 

 4s. 6d. net. 



Part I. contains 17 chapters on " General Structure," Part II. 

 " Special." The book contains 142 illustrations, with an Appendix forming 

 a key to about forty species of Willow, when the flowers of one sex only 

 are available ; a bibliography, glossary, and index conclude the volume. 



The various kinds of inflorescence are first described ; then follow 

 details of the floral structure and functions of the organs. Floral dia- 

 grams and formula? are explained and the various methods of pollination. 



In the descriptions of the trees the Gymnosperms are taken first and 

 fully described, each having a complete page illustration with floral 

 details. Then follow members of the Incomplete, Thalamiflorce, 

 Calyciflorce, and lastly Gamopetalce. 



"Carnations, Picotees, and Pinks." By H. W. Weguelin. 8vo., 

 104 pp. (W. H. & L. Collingridge, London.) 2s. Bd. net. 



The author in his preface states that a new book on the Carnation 

 needs no apology, and the book in question contains some useful informa- 

 tion. 



In his chapter on the "Carnation as a Garden Flower" the author 

 assumes " that gardeners of a former age were wrapped up in the Carna- 

 tion for pots, or to give blooms to put into paper collars and pat down on 

 a green box at the exhibition." Gardeners of a former age did nothing 

 of the kind. The early florists, when the flakes and bizarres were more 

 popular than they are now, knew nothing of paper collars. They were 

 introduced in the time of florists now living ; moreover, cultivation in pots 

 was not known. Larger and finer flowers were grown in the open border, 

 the flowers protected by a miscellaneous collection of old tins, boxes, or 

 anything handy, or sometimes the florists had cardboard shades made. 

 In the same chapter there are other remarks which go to prove that " a 

 little learning is a dangerous thing." 



Growing Carnations from seed is recommended. Most growers do this, 

 and there is much interest and instruction to be derived therefrom, but the 

 seed ought to be sown before summer. March is the best month, and the 

 operation should not be delayed after April. It takes the whole season to 

 produce a large handsome plant. French, German, American, Scotch, 



