Die Samenpflanzen (Blütenpflanzen, Phanerogamen)

Abstract

THERE can be no disagreement with the author's opinion that the only satisfactory method of acquiring a knowledge of plant classification is to practise the determination of unknown species with the aid of a flora or other systematic compilation. It has been Dr. Wilhelm's object to supply a compilation suitable for the use of foresters, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and other technical students. The chief essentials for such a work appear to be a differentiation, if possible analytically disposed into orders—better known as “cohorts”—a good description of the families, and an indication of important characters for leading genera. This requires a work of some magnitude, but not more extensive than Warming's “Systematic Botany,” which follows these lines. Wilhelm's “Samenpflanzen” defines orders and families, and in the case of large families supplies discriminating characters for subfamilies, but only in occasional instances provides the necessary information for identifying genera.

Die Samenpflanzen (Blütenpflanzen, Phanerogamen).

By Prof. K. Wilhelm. Pp. xvi + 151. (Wien and Leipzig: F. Deuticke, 1910.)