Comparative Morphology and Biology of the Fungi, Mycetozoa, and Bacteria.
By A. de Bary. Translated by H. E. F. Garnsey, M.A. Revised by T. B. Balfour, Sherardian Professor of Botany. (Clarendon Press.)—The volume before us is one of the most valuable additions that has been made to the literature of biology of late years, and is by far the most comprehensive and searching review yet published of our present knowledge of this particular subject. Special attention has been paid to the biology and physiology of the fungi. The former, indeed, so necessary to the study of morphological conditions, is treated with a fellness that places the student under the greatest obligations to Professor de Rau. He is put in touch with the latest literature and opinions, and the knowledge thus gained must enable him to keep up with the extremely rapid progress that is being made in this province of knowledge. Whether or not fuller details of the origin of the fungi would have added to the value of the treatise, is doubtful ; but the student would not have found them amiss in enabling him to realise the conditions of parasitical growth. Again, the bacteria are not treated exhaustively, though for this the insufficient biological knowledge we possess as yet is an excuse. Nothing, however, can be more complete than the first two divisions of the book,—" General Morphology," and " Course of Development of the Fungi." There is an index and a list of terms which are ex- plained (the reviser, indeed, speaks in his preface of the difficulty that was met with in the terminology). Professor de Bury has produced a volume which for thoroughness and conciseness must rank as a classic in its department of science. At the same time, biologists will be grateful for what his coadjutors have done in enabling the English student to avail himself of such valuable work and research.
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