i88 3 .J 
Analyses of Books , 
749 
The Botanic Stand , a Means of Agreeable Instruction in the 
Knowledge of the Natural Orders of Plants. By Thomas 
Twining. London : David Bogue. 
Among all bona fide teachers of Natural Science — i.e., such as 
aim at something higher than “ preparing ” their pupils for an 
examination — the conviction is fast spreading that instruction 
should begin with and be based upon things, books being merely 
referred to secondarily for co-ordinating the knowledge gained in 
actual practice. 
As far as Botany is concerned this method of study is made 
readily practicable by the suggestion given by Mr. Twining in 
the pamphlet before us. “ The Botanic Stand ” is simply a 
miniature botanic garden. Plants typifying the natural orders 
are set in flower-pots, and placed along a stand, stage, or shelf, 
at a height from the ground most convenient for inspection. 
The last words explain the advantage of this plan as compared 
with series of plants set in the ground. To examine the latter 
and watch the development of their characteristics it is necessary 
either to break off portions or to indulge in prostrations which, 
especially for ladies, are often neither pleasant nor salutary. By 
Mr. Twining’s scheme, which when once proposed is simple as 
the traditional egg of Columbus, the student may gain a more 
intimate acquaintance with plants than from any amount of book- 
study, even if occasionally aided by reference to dried specimens. 
The “ Stand is an inexpensive affair, and might, we think, be 
adopted with much advantage in all schools where Botany is 
taught. For the details of construction and arrangement we 
must refer to the pamphlet. 
Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria. 
Vol. XIX. Issued May ioth, 1883. Melbourne : Mason, 
Firth, and Co. London : Williams and Norgate. 
The Anniversary Address of the President, Mr. R. L. J. Ellery, 
F.R.S., the Government Astronomer, contains a few points 
worthy of notice. Foremost stands the recognition of the priority 
of Mr. W. Thomson, of South Yarra, as the discoverer of the 
microbic character of pulmonary consumption. Mr. Thomson’s 
pamphlet was published as early as 1876. 
The evil effects produced by the destruction of the forests are 
recapitulated in the plainest matter. On this point, more than 
on any other, the future of Australia must hinge, 
