110 Postscript. 
almost as narrow, and much less logical. It is true that the best and 
most vigorous-minded students avoid or emancipate themselves from 
this slipshod habit, but in dealing with general questions, such as 
the method and content of elementary teaching, it is the mass of 
students that has to be considered. 
Similarly in regard to the general nature of the elementary 
courses that are at present given. Some of these are no doubt 
framed on thoroughly enlightened lines, and there has certainly 
been a development in the direction of paying more attention to 
the more vital and fundamental parts of the subject. No one has 
contended that the subject is dead or even moribund, and 
development of the kind must take place in any living department 
of knowledge. What prompted the original memorandum was the 
conviction that elementary teaching in general requires to be 
brought more consciously and rapidly into accord with the newer 
developments, if serious dangers are to be avoided and the subject 
is to discharge its duty to the community. 
The suggestion that the syllabus of an elementary course, on 
the lines indicated in the memorandum, should be drawn up and 
published has been made from several quarters. In accordance 
with this suggestion a meeting of botanists known to be in sympathy 
with the ideas of the memorandum was held in London in January, 
and a small committee was appointed to compile such a syllabus. 
The demand that concrete form should be given to the ideas 
expressed could not be refused, but the task of the committee is not 
easy if the right combination of definiteness and elasticity is to be 
attained and the impression that the authors desire to dictate to 
their fellow botanists to be avoided. Already deprecation of a 
“ cast-iron ” or “ stereotyped ” course has been expressed. Is it 
necessary to say that nothing of the kind is intended or desired ? 
But an effort will be made to give detailed form and structure to 
the ideas expressed, and thus to help towards the realisation of the 
widespread desire for elementary courses which shall more nearly 
meet the needs of the present time than those framed on the older 
models. Substantial help in the way of results of experience with 
elementary classes has already been obtained, and further co¬ 
operation from all who are willing to give the benefit of their 
knowledge and experience is invited. 
