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Aspects of Ecology . 
exploration and in becoming thoroughly acquainted with the 
‘‘ floristic” of the region chosen. Small typical areas are then selected 
and are studied by exact and exhaustive methods till a thorough 
knowledge of the vegetation is obtained. These results are then 
applied to the whole area originally traversed. This method has 
been applied by Dr. Clements to the Colorado mountain vegetation, 
and it is not too much to say that ecologists all over the world are 
looking forward with the greatest eagerness to the publication of 
his work—the only ecological investigation which, so far as we 
know, has hitherto been undertaken in so earnest and serious a 
spirit. Meanwhile Dr. Clements has published “ The Development 
and Structure of Vegetation ” and “Research Methods in Ecology” 
in order to make clear his general view of vegetation as an 
“ organism ” with specific development, structure and functions, and 
to expound his systematised methods of research. 
Before proceeding to consider the present work in detail it is 
important to note that Dr. Clements claims ecology, at the outset, 
as “ the central and vital part of botany,” and in this we believe he 
is perfectly right. His views on the relation of ecology and physi¬ 
ology are of such interest that we are constrained to quote a 
considerable passage. 
“There can be little question in regard to the essential identity 
of physiology and ecology. This is evident when it is clearly seen 
that the present difference between the two fields is superficial. 
Ecology has been largely the descriptive study of vegetation; 
physiology has concerned itself with function ; but when carefully 
analyzed, both are seen to rest upon the same foundation. In each, 
the development is incomplete: ecology has so far been merely 
superficial, physiology too highly specialized. The one is chaotic 
and unsystematized, the other too often a minute study of function 
under abnormal circumstances. The greatest need of the former 
is the introduction of method and system, of the latter a broadening 
of scope and new objectives. The growing recognition of the 
identity of the two makes it desirable to anticipate their final 
merging, and to formulate a system that will combine the good in 
each, and at the same time eliminate superficial and extreme 
tendencies. In this connection, it becomes necessary to point out 
to ecologist and physiologist alike that, while they have been work¬ 
ing on the confines of the same great field, each must familiarize 
himself with the work and methods of the other, before his prepara¬ 
tion is complete. Both must broaden their horizons, and rearrange 
