50 Massee: The Evolution of the Basidiomycetes. 
varying success, to fit to a fungus a name supposed to have 
been conferred by someone else, is not very illuminating. It 
is not even a fair sample of mental gymnastics, and the com- 
pilation of lists, often of doubtful value, has had its day, and 
should give place to something higher than being self-satisfied 
at having, possibly, given the correct name to a fungus. 
Perhaps this also applies to other than fungus forays. A 
correct determination of species is of primary importance, 
otherwise it would be impossible to convey to other people 
the organism you are talking about, but there should be a 
limit to the time spent in naming species, as absolutely nothing 
is learned about a species by merely finding out, even if 
correctly, what it is called. Naming species is not science in 
any sense — it is even far away from the fringe of science — 
and considering the amount of true scientific work to be 
done, work which from some aspect or other is within the 
grasp of everyone interested in the subject, it should prove 
a welcome change from the time-honoured system of naming 
the same things year by year — usually with minor variations. 
I have attended forays for the past forty years, and have 
thoroughly enjoyed each one, and made many and good 
iriends by so doing, but I have never benefited beyond learning 
to recognize a few additional species each year. 
: o : 
The Living Plant. By William F. Ganong, Ph.D. London : Con 
stable & Co., pp. xii. and 478. 15s. net. This work is another example 
of the modern trend in botanical teaching and has for its object the 
description and interpretation of the functions and structure of the plant 
as a living organism, and the interesting adaptations it presents to the 
conditions of the environment. This outlook is in refreshing contrast 
to the older view which regraded plants as morphological puzzles, or for 
mere exercises in technical description. A few chapter headings will 
give some idea of the method of treatment ; ‘ The various ways in which 
plants appeal to the interests and mind of man.’ ‘ The prevalence of 
green color in plants, and the reason why it exists.’ ‘ The profound 
effect on the structure of plants produced by the need for exposure to 
light.’ ‘ The substance which is alive in plants, and its many remarkable 
qualities.’ ‘ The peculiar power possessed by plants to adjust their 
individual parts to their surroundings.’ Other chapters deal with growth, 
protection, reproduction, pollination, dispersal, evolution, adaptation 
and plant-breeding. The author tells us the book is not intended for 
botanists and experts, but just such a book that he as a learner would have 
delighted to read. In this respect he is not alone, the average student 
will welcome such a book and botanists and experts will find in its pages 
much helpful material. In the main it is written in clear non-technical 
language, fruitful ideas and important principles are discussed rather 
than terms, which are always subordinate. The outlook is physiological 
rather than morphological, the forms are correlated with the needs of the 
plant. The work gives an excellent and readable summary of the newer 
aspects of the subjects dealt with. The illustrations are on the whole 
good and clear, and if the work could be produced on a cheaper scale and 
on lighter paper, we feel sure it would be found useful to a still wider 
circle of readers. 
Naturalist, 
