— 79 — 
pernicious members of the chain of beings because they depreciate the value 
of the constant species and diminish the splendour of the forma typica \ this 
is more than a blunder, it is an injustice to Nature. 
The new method of sphagnological investigation requires microscopi- 
cal study of the numerous forms as well as observation of the various cir- 
cumstances under which such forms are produced. Their great variety, 
their rich natural life, their development, their growth, their manifold vari- 
ation in size, form and color, both in water and on land, in light and shade, 
their adaptability to the nature of the ground, their dependence in geographi- 
cal position, on climate and on other meterological factors as well as on 
plants which grow in their neighborhood (mimicry), their common and differ- 
entiating characteristics — all these facts must be s .udied before we venture 
to place them in their correct series of forms. The Sphagna are distin- 
guished in the above mentioned way from many other groups of plants less 
rich in variety, but I do not say that the new method of investigation should 
be limited to inquiry into Sphagna. 
It seems to me bad logic for Mr. Andrews to express hope that Warns- 
torf in his forthcoming work “Sphagnum Universalis” will present Formen- 
reihen rich in contents based on single specimens taken from a herbarium. 
Apart from the fact that this is the wrong way to form a perfect Formen- 
reihe and that not every plant specimen is a priori a forma iypica, it is 
impossible for one man to carry out the work. The formation of a single 
Formenreihe demands years of study. 
It appears to me that in consequence of the great wealth of variety in 
Sphagna forms and the hitherto defective exploration of swamps that the 
publication of a “ Sphagaologia Universalis ” is premature. In spite of this 
opinion we of course do not depreciate the value of such a work ; we are 
grateful to its author especially when he in justice to the labors of others 
does not ignore nor rename their Formenreihe and forms, but respects the 
demands of the International Botanical Rules. We neither depreciate the 
work of the adherents of the old method nor the value of their method 
particularly in comprehensive compilatory works. 
Such critical remarks as I make in my proposals to the International 
Botanical Congress in Brussels are only made with a view to clear away 
hindrances to common action. Warnstorf has already made a beginning in 
this direction. He writes in the “ Verhandlungen des botan. Ver. d. Prov. 
Brandenburg,” 1907, p. 182, Sphag 7 ium plumulosnm Roll, which name I 
now accept without reserve.” 
My ideas of “ Formenreihen ” of the Sphagnujit based upon my experi- 
ences in European swamps was confirmed twenty-two years ago by my 
experience in the swamps of North America. I conclude with the sincere 
hope that others may carry on and control the studies then made. This is a 
task more profitable than slighting varieties and forms, and defending 
constant species and their typical forms. Darmstadt, Germany. 
