r 
After trying for a 3^ear the experiment of issuing 
colored plates in every other number of this magazine, we 
have decided to change this by substituting a black and 
v^hite plate in every number. The first of these plates 
appears in this issue and is one of a series made especially 
for us. They v^ili, in so far as possible, illustrate the less 
familiar aspects of our wild flowers and should thus prove 
of interest to every reader whether he be botanist or bot- 
anizer. In the forth-coming volume w^e shall also begin a 
series of illustrated articles on the pollination of flowers 
which will contribute some new facts on this interesting 
subject. The articles on plant families in the "Botany for 
Beginners" series will be continued, and with these things 
in view, not to mention the other valuable contributions 
that will appear, we feel that w^e are warranted in asking 
not only the continued support of our present readers but 
an active interest in making the magazine known to 
others. It now needs but a few more subscribers to cause 
another increase in the size of the magazine. Your aid in 
bringing this about will be greatly appreciated. 
* * 
* 
We are indebted to the Open Court Publishing 
Company, of Chicago, for a framing portrait of Professor 
DeVries whose book on the origin of species and varieties 
by mutation is attracting so much attention. The 
portrait is platino finish 10 by 12 inches in size and sells 
for $1,00, It will be a desirable addition to school-room 
or study. 
* 
Messrs. Williams, Brown and Earle, whose advertise- 
ment appears in every issue of this magazine, have lately 
brought out a Reflecting Lantern by the use of which 
illustrations from books, plain or colored sketches, 
mechanical models, etc., may be shown upon a screen 
