130 
REVIEW 
Dr Marloth would probably accept the criticism, and we might well agree 
with him that iu the present stage of botanical knowledge in South Africa 
that is exactly what we want. With the recent rapid spread of teaching 
in this subject, a class has arisen and is fast developing of persons intelli- 
gently interested without being highly trained. They are beyond sensa- 
tional magazine articles on carnivorous orchids, but regard the Flora Capemsis 
with an aloof and respectful admiration. Literature to encourage this class 
of persons is sadly lacking. Yet it is very important that they should be 
encouraged, not merely for the sake of the general intelligence of the country., 
but for the sake of the science itself. We can easily imagine the presence 
of this book in one of our country libraries by its sheer beauty and interest 
stimulating or even creating a zeal for local collecting which might well 
result in important scientific discoveries. 
Dr Marloth in his annotations devotes himself mainly to ecology, and 
shows what a wide field is open to intelligent observation. His first volume 
has long been high in favour in Smith College, U.S.A., where it is regarded 
(so Professor Cfanong writes) “as a perfect treasury of striking examples of 
plant-adaptation in which your flora is so rich.” Among the author’s 
original observations we may note the heliotropy (somewhat surprising in 
so substantial an inflorescence) in the spikes of Aloe latifolia, and the power 
retained by Gladiolus cardinalis of turning its liowers to the most convenient 
position for insects. 
There are several charming discussions on the causes of floral brilliance 
and beauty of colour, e.g. in Nerine sarniensis, Hypoxis stellala var. elegans, 
Moraea pavonia, Fisa uniflora and Gladiolus cardinalis. 
But questions of structure are not neglected. Note, for example, the 
description of the remarkable growth of Barbacenia (hitherto called Vellozia), 
and of sections of leaves of Gladiolus spp. 
It is perhaps a small point, but it is a great comfort to the youthful 
botanist, that the accents are marked on the generic names. Dr Marloth 
has also taken great pains over popular names, and his book will probably 
have great influence in fixing that somewhat shifting vocabulary. 
F. C. Kolbe. 
