Abstract
THIS is the first part of a work consisting of descriptions of the natural orders and genera of flowering plants represented in the Dutch East Indies. A work thus limited must necessarily be of limited utility; but we have Dr. Treub's testimony in a preface thereto that he regards it as a highly useful forerunner of a new Flora of the country. It is nearly five-and-thirty years since Miquel began publishing his “Flora,” and the last part of it appeared in 1860, before Bentham and Hooker's “Genera Plantarum” commenced; and systematic botany generally has experienced extraordinary development since then. Further, one of the great advantages claimed for the present work is that it is wholly in Dutch. It is based on Bentham and Hooker's “Genera Plantarum,” and we find on comparison that the ordinal, tribual, and generic definitions are to a great extent translations, though later additions to the flora, both in genera and species, have not been neglected. Dr. Boerlage's book will also be useful to the phytographer, as it is already something to have a synopsis of the genera found in the large eastern area under Dutch dominion. Geographically, the next descriptive “Flora” of the region should include the whole of “India aquosa,” which means, at least, an examination of the plants of the whole of tropical Asia, of tropical Australia, and of Polynesia. Such a work, on lines similar to Hooker's “Flora of British India,” would be of immense value; but it requires qualified men, with sufficient time, money, and ample materials from the whole area.
Handleiding tot de Kennis der Flora van Nederlandsch Indië: Beschrijving van de Families en Geslachten der Nederl. Indische Phanerogamen.
Door Dr. J. G. Boerlage. Eerste Deel, Eerste Stuk. “Ranunculaceæ—Moringaceæ.” Pp. 312. With an Index. (“Introduction to a Knowledge of the Flora of the Dutch East Indies.” (Leyden: E. J. Brill, 1890.)
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H., W. Handleiding tot de Kennis der Flora van Nederlandsch Indië Beschrijving van de Families en Geslachten der Nederl Indische Phanerogamen. Nature 41, 461 (1890). https://doi.org/10.1038/041461a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/041461a0