84 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



It is a case very similar to the well-known acarodomatia or mite-homes 

 common in the vein-forkings of the leaves of many British trees. With 

 regard to these it has also been stated that they appear in a rudimentary 

 state before the mites reach them. Readers of this Journal will also 

 recall Professor Henslow's well-known theory that flower nectaries owe 

 their origin to the probing and tearing of insects seeking pollen or honey. 



Unfortunately for Spruce, and also for science, it was then supposed 

 that acquired characters could never be inherited, especially if they were 

 of the nature of mutilations. 



In consequence, this valuable Paper has been held back for forty years, 

 and it is very likely that Spruce was so discouraged by its reception that 

 he did not work out other interesting points. Dr. Wallace, so far as one 

 can see, believes Spruce's observations to be correct, though without 

 committing himself to the unpopular and heterodox view that acquired 

 characters can be inherited. 



The Paper may be taken as a valuable step in advance, for there are 

 many instances, not only that of Tococa, of ant-agency. 



But it is difficult not to feel disheartened and discouraged when one 

 finds that orthodoxy in scientific matters still has such power to discredit 

 and delay the obvious deductions of an experienced naturalist. 



The publication of this valuable Paper in its original form should 

 make this book necessary for the library of all interested in Darwinism. 



" Elementary Botany." By E. Drabble, D.Sc, F.L.S. 8vo., 234 pp. 

 76 figures. (Edward Arnold, London, 1908.) 2s. 6d. 



This small text-book of elementary botany has been written for those 

 preparing for examinations requiring but an elementary knowledge of the 

 science, a broad general idea of the fundamental principles in the life of 

 flowering plants, without entering into the minute histological details 

 which entail the use of a microscope. The first 180 pages are devoted to 

 these principles and a simple description of the modifications of the 

 organs of plants, and the student is encouraged to conduct experiments 

 with simple apparatus, taking nothing for granted, but demonstrating for 

 himself the truth of all assertions laid down. About thirty pages are 

 given to a general outline of classification, a summary being given of 

 the broader characteristics of the more important genera in those natural 

 orders which are usually included in an elementary syllabus. The 

 numerous figures are of a somewhat simple character, but sufficiently 

 serve their purpose for illustrating the text. This will prove a very 

 useful little book to put into the hands of a beginner in the study of 

 Botany. 



"Roses and Rose Growing." By Rose G. Kingsley. 8vo., 163 pp. 

 (Whittaker, London, 1908.) 6s. net. 



Notwithstanding the number of books dealing with Roses and Rose 

 culture which have appeared in recent years, the present volume fills 

 quite a distinct place of its own. For it is written by an amateur 

 of considerable experience, in the interest of that numerous class of 

 Rose growers who, like the writer herself, tend their Roses themselves, 

 and to whom the exhibition tent offers no attractions whatever. Then 



