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BOTANICAL NEWS,. 311
be allowed that fallacies are much more likely to be fouml in terato-
logical data than in the more definite and orderly conditions met with
in developmental investigations. Considerable light would probably
be thrown on moi-phology by a careful study of the early condition of
abnormal organs and their phases of development.
We think Dr. Masters, however, might well have introduced somewhat
more inferential speculation than he has done ; his short and scat-
tered remarks on morphological subjects are of so much interest that
one cannot but feel the want of more similar matter. Suggestive notes,
however, on the nature of the so-called inferior calyx, of the placenta,
the ovule, and some other organs, the homological nature of which is
still an open question, will be found in the body of the work, and are
again alluded to with other matters in the " general conclusions " at
the end of the volume.
We cannot praise the figures ; absence of artistic beauty is of secon-
dary importance, but vagueness is shown in some of them, especially
in regard to the relative position of organs, which lessens their utility ;
in those made from the author's own sketches, the fault rests with the
engraver.
An excellent Index supplies copious references not only to subjects,
but also to the various species mentioned.
BOTANICAL NEWS.
The Bi-itish Association has not been productive botanicallj. The President
dehrcred a carefuilj-worded anti-Darwinian address, the effect of which
will, however, be neutrahzed by that of the incoming Darwinian President,
Professor Huslej. The anti-Darwinian papers read were as feeble as they were
imscientiflc, and they were justly treated as a good joke. Darwinism must be
attacked by a very diiferent class of arguments from those heard at Exeter.
We learn witli pleasure that Mr. M. C. Cooke is engaged in the preparation
of a ' Handbook of British Fungi,', which will contain figures illustratin"- the
principal genera, and references to those of the species. Intending subscribers
should communicate with Mr. M. C. Cooke, 2, Junction Yillas, Upper Hollo-
way, London. The subscription price is half-a-guinea.
M. Alphonse de Candolle sends us his reply to the various objections that
have been raised to his ' Laws of Botanical Nomenclature,' a reprint from the
' Bulletin ' of the Botanical Society of France. If this paper is going to be
translated into English, we trust it may be done in such a manner as not again
to impose upon «s the necessity of either passing over these laws in their foreign