BOOK REVIEWS. 



107 



on the assumption that actual specimens are available to the reader, 

 the completeness of the scheme of illustration, and more especially the 

 abundance of large coloured figures, will enable the student to follow 

 each type very thoroughly from the working drawings alone." But he 

 also says : " A close acquaintance with the methods here employed for 

 the discussion of a single type will be found to afford the best preparation 

 in the case of candidates for examinations requiring an elementary 

 knowledge of floral organisation." This we take to be the real value of 

 the work, i.e., as a model for students to follow with plants not mentioned 

 in the work. With regard to the author's method of dealing with 

 phyllotaxis we do not see either the advantage or the correctness of his 

 plan of using two numbers (as '8 + 13). With regard to the hellebore, 

 and wherever an axis has indefinite parts, as fir-cones, all the lower 

 "fractions " are present below the one representing the generative spiral, 

 i.e., the most nearly vertical. The only variable element is the latter. 

 Thus, in Abies excelsa ^ is very obviously the most vertical; but in 

 Pinus Laricio, &c, it is quite as obviously {' s . So that we are at a loss 

 to see why Dr. Church selects (3 + 5) or (8 + 13) to represent the 

 phyllotaxis of any organs when the most nearly vertical now stands 

 for /i, Jf, &c. Thus, in fig. G, the most nearly vertical row of stamens 

 (i.e.', radial in the figure) are 1, 35 ; 2, 36 ; 3, 37, &c. So that the 

 phyllotaxis is at once recognised as if. It is the same in fig. 7, so that 

 no lower fractions can possibly describe it. (13 + 21), we suppose, ought 

 to be Dr. Church's method of indicating it. 



"Familiar Swiss Flowers." By F. Edward Hulme, F.L.S., F.S.A. 

 8vo., 224 pp. (Cassell, London.) Is. Gd. 



Books on gardening subjects, and especially on hardy plants, are so 

 numerous that one would imagine little or nothing more could be 

 written on the subject. Yet we find in the above work much new matter 

 illustrated by 100 coloured plates from original drawings by the author. 

 These drawings are mostly well done and true to nature, and add 

 materially to the value of the book. We see many an old friend 

 pictured, with particulars of where it is thriving best in its native habitat, 

 and many valuable wrinkles may be learned by studying these points. 

 We should much like to see the authorities in this country adopting the 

 Swiss plan of protecting the native flora ; the damage done is often 

 serious, and the rooting up and taking away of pretty plants is not only 

 selfish, but detracts very much from the enjoyment of those who love 

 rambles in the country. 



The author 'informs us where we can most easily find particular 

 plants and the best time of the year to go and see them, viz., not in 

 the late summer, but before mowing has commenced and before the cows 

 are turned out to pasture. 



" The Enemies of the Rose." By George Massee, V.M.H., F.L.S., 

 and Fred. V. Theobald, M.A., illustrated by Miss C. M. Beard. lGmo. 

 84 pp. (National Rose Society, 1908.) 2s. Gd. net. 



We cannot speak too highly of this excellent little book, as it is full 

 of information on the pests attacking roses, and should be read by all 



