38i 



REVIEWS AND BOOK NOTICES. 



A Monograph of the British Desmidiacese. By W. West, F.L.S., 

 and Q. S. West, M.A., F.L.S., A.R.C.S. Vol. I. Ray Society. 

 324 pp. Price 25s. net. 



This valuable work supplies a long-felt want and will be 

 absolutely indispensable to all microscopical students who wish 

 to obtain a knowledge of this beautiful family of freshwater 

 algae. Hitherto we have been mainly dependent on the works 

 of Ralfs (1848) and M. C. Cooke (1887), both of which in the 

 light of Messrs. Wests' book must be regarded as very incom- 

 plete, as well as somewhat out of date. To show the advance 

 that has been made in this branch it is only necessary to say 

 that Ralfs described 162 species and 32 varieties, and Cooke 290 

 species and 48 varieties, while Messrs. Wests' book, when 

 completed, will give full descriptions and figures of about 690 

 species and 450 varieties. It is interesting to note that the 

 majority of the additions are due to our authors' own investiga- 

 tions. A critic with a bias in favour of ' lumping ' might be 

 tempted to suggest that there has been an undue multiplication 

 of species and varieties, and that further research may not im- 

 probably result in the discovery of intermediate forms involving 

 the abandonment of some separate species. Even if it be so 

 the fault is, at least, one on the right side. It is well that 

 differences, however minute, should be brought under the 

 notice of other observers, as the study of them may bring out 

 new and valuable facts, and the progress of science can be 

 trusted to eliminate those cases where permanent variation 

 cannot be demonstrated. In any case it must be admitted that 

 Messrs, Wests' work is well done. The specific and varietal 

 distinctions are lucidly described, and the localities given for 

 verification of records are exceedingly numerous. It is con- 

 fidently to be hoped that the issue of this book will result in 

 attracting to the study of Desmids an increasing number of 

 observers, for the existence of a good text book enabling the 

 student to identify his finds is a great incentive to research. 

 It will then follow that districts not hitherto worked will be 

 systematically taken in hand. Messrs. West have done wonders 

 in the extent of country they have covered, but of course it was 

 impossible for them to go everywhere. 



The introduction is a clear and interesting- summary of 

 modern scientific views on the biology and evolution of these 

 organisms. A specially suggestive paragraph is that on 

 'Locomotion.' The facts detailed therein should serve to shed 



1904 December i. 



