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The work of Darwin on the "Effects of Cross- and Self- Fertilization in the Vegetable Kingdom," although in reality published in 1876, has not generally reached the public until the present year. It is giving it the highest praise in saying that it is not inferior to any of his previous works in thoroughness and scientific precision. From the mass of details which it contains, it is not likely to be thoroughly read by the public, who will be satisfied with the review of the work given by Professor Gray in the American Journal of Science for February, or that in the Journal of Botany for March. The careful tabulation of accurately conducted investigations shows the decided advantage possessed by cross-fertilized plants. Of course, the book has given rise to violent discussions; but

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nothing has yet been adduced o detract from the correction of Darwin's conclusions. In connection with this subject, we would refer to a work by Hanstein and A. Braun on the parthenogenesis of Cœlebogyne ilicifolia, in which, as we understand, Hanstein thinks the parthenogenesis is proved. The subject of Insectivorous Plants has been discussed in numerous papers, among which we may mention an article by Batalin in Flora on the "Mechanism of the Motions of Insectivorous Plants." It is evident, however, that the cream of the subject is to be found in Darwin's work on the subject; and the articles which have lately appeared are beginning to seem a little drawn out. A son of Mr. Darwin has made observations on the protoplasmic filaments protruded by the hairs of Dipsacus; and Cornu, in the Comptes Rendus, mentions having seen the protoplasmic contents of a cell in a fungus pass directly through the cell-wall.