Book Reviews

One of the difficulties for university teachers and students in botany in developing countries is the fact that most available textbooks are written for students in Europe and the USA; the student consequently is supposed to have a knowledge of physics and chemistry as taught in those parts, and of the regional flora from which a large number of examples are taken to illustrate the general principles of morphology, physiology, ecology, etc. Mr. Dutta’s textbook has been primarily written for students preparing for the two- or three-year degree examination of Indian universities (pass standard), and, possibly, for students in other Asiatic countries where English is understood. Without neglecting the flora of other parts, the author emphasizes the vegetation and the crops of India, and as such his book will be highly welcome to all botany students in the paleotropics.