IN

N our little game of "The Three Kingdoms" last month we traced a piece of lichen and a bit of "frog-spittle" to the vegetable kingdom. Then we found that the vegetable kingdom was divided into four subkingdoms or primary groups, and were able to place our specimens in the first or lowest of these four primary groups. This group, the thallophytes, has three classes: algæ, fungi and lichens. We found that the gray-green scale was a lichen and the green scum of the water-trough was one of the algae. We might have traced our specimens to the proper order, sub-order and species, but instead of so doing we digressed to point out some of the characteristics that lead to the division of the plant world into these four great groups. Now, let us keep along this by-path and consider some more reasons for this natural classification.

HE aim of every plant, so far as we can discover, is to perpetuate its kind. Race suicide is never a problem in the vegetable world, for each species and every individual plant strives to produce other plants of its species, and when that object is attained it either dies or takes a long period of rest.

A study of the life history of plants and the modes of reproduction of each species shows a great diversity of methods. In the simple-celled plants of the lower orders a cell merely splits into two and there are two plants where one was before. In other somewhat more complex plants the union of two unlike cells produces a simple germ which does not fall from the plant, but sends out rootlets into the parent plant and goes through a period of growth until it matures. At this stage it splits and liberates several little bodies called spores, which are capable of growing into plants like the parent. In other kinds the parent plant produces spores without the union of cells. These spores fall to the ground and in a proper environment grow into tiny plants entirely unlike the parent. These tiny plants mature and produce two kinds of cells which unite to form a germ that grows into a plant like the first or parent plant. In both these

last cases the plant is said to have alternate generations.

In still other kinds spores are formed which can grow into plants like the parent without an intervening unlike generation and finally the more highly organized plants produce seeds which are plants in miniature, only needing warmth and moisture to develop them into full-grown plants.

* * * * * * * *

HE alga and their allies, thallophytes, are the simplest plants and they multiply either by simple division of the cells that compose them or by the formation of spores that grow directly into new plants like the parent. The mosses and their allies, muscineae, grow through alternating generations according to the first method explained above. Tiny cup-like heads grow upon the moss stocks. Some of these heads are club-shaped and some are urn-shaped. Cells from the club-shaped head are carried by the wind to the urn-shaped one where they unite with the cells which it contains. From this union is formed what is called the sporogonium. This sends down rootlets through the moss stock and feeds upon its parent. Its stock lengthens and you will notice it as a kind of little knobtopped stock bearing a sort of cap on top. This latter growth is the second or alternating generation of the moss. When this is mature it contains spores that the wind scatters to start a new generation like the first.

HE group of muscineae is divided into two classes: the true mosses, musci, and the liverworts, hipaticae. Few realize what an important part mosses play in the economy of nature. Mosses grow everywhere and the thick spongy carpet thus formed catches and holds the rain as it falls and so prevents the dreadful floods that would surely follow every storm. Filled thus with water they act as a mighty reservoir to keep the higher forms of plant life supplied with the moisture so necessary to their growth. Bog moss, which grows in swamps in many parts of the world, by its death furnishes a constant and evergrowing supply of peat for fuel. And quite as important as these uses is its mission in clothing the unsightliness of earth's bare ribs with a green lace of inimitable beauty and delicacy.

Situated at the very apex of the Arkansas valley, with the city limits almost at the eastern entrance to the famous Royal Gorge of the Arkansas, it is effectually protected on three sides by mountains, with the valley opening out to the east. This semi-circle of hills serves as an effective wind barrier and, while we do have winds, still they seldom attain the velocity experienced at stations further out on the plains.

Climatically, Canon City differs not from other Colorado resorts except in mildness. The winters, as a rule, are delightful, and while we have two or three cold snaps, each lasting from forty-eight hours to a week, and usually two snow falls of four to six inches

Tent life and porch sleeping are seldom interfered with by the cold.

warm.

The summer sun is hot, and the days in July and August are apt to be uncomfortably The nights, however, are always cool. During the summer of 1905, which was exceptionally hot and dry, the writer and his family slept under a pair of light blankets and a heavy "spread" every night in their tent.

The population of Canon City is about 6,000. Horticulture is the chief industry. The land is all irrigated and cultivation is intense, the farms not averaging more than four or five acres in size. This acreage will readily support a family, as every foot is made to produce something, and every kind and variety of

cation for the recovered tuberculous patient, who does not care to take chances on a recurrence by returning to his eastern home and former occupation. Probably four-fifths of those so engaged came here either for the benefit of their own health or some member of their families.

There are, besides, numerous smaller industries that employ in the aggregate a good many men, and the opportunities for work are as good here as any other community of like size.

Extending in a southeasterly direction for a distance of ten miles is an immense body of semi-bituminous coal, which is extensively mined, and coal mining is one of the leading industries of the country. The Canon City coal is the best domestic coal mined in Colorado.

There are no precious metal mines in the immediate vicinity, but Cripple Creek is only thirty-five miles distant, with direct rail connection.

For the health seeker of scientific bent the opportunities in and about Canon City are many and varied. To the botanist and geologist the mountains and canons are a never-ending source of pleasure, while six miles away are the fossil beds, where the late Prof. Marsh, of Yale, found some of the greatest paleontological specimens.

Living is but little, if any more, expensive than in the east. As compared to an eastern town of like size rents are higher, but meats are cheaper, and vegetables and groceries average about the same in price.

Good board and room can be obtained at from $6 to $9 a week, and in the country for somewhat less.

The city has a complete sewer system, water, electric lights and gas. Ten religious denominations have churches of their own, besides a well-equipped Y. M. C. A. A Carnegie library is maintained by the city, and the public schools are excellent.

Unlike most western towns, Canon City has no licensed saloons or gambling houses, and the moral atmosphere is good, a decided advantage to the health seeker of sporting proclivities who is not under the restraint of a sanatorium.

Invalids are always welcome, and, unless they are too ill, have no difficulty in finding homes.

Unfortunately, there is no sanatorium here, for the conditions are almost ideal for one; there are, however, a good many small cottages of four and five rooms to rent at $10 to $15 a month, and when there are two or more together make cheap and convenient houses for invalids.

To summarize, Canon City's climate is probably the best in Colorado in the winter, but too warm in mid-summer; living is reasonable in cost; the opportunities for employment are as good as elsewhere and for small investments probably better, while the sociologic conditions are unexcelled.

SHOULD BE WIDELY READ.

FROM EDITORIAL IN AMERICAN MEDICINE, JULY 15, 1905.

"This journal (Journal of The Outdoor Life) is at the present of great value to the profession and to the laity who are enlisted in the ever growing movement against tuberculosis. In this work it will prove far superior to many more pretentious journals devoted to the subject. For convalescent tuberculous patients it will prove an effective aid in keeping up the fight against the disease. The journal should be widely known and read."

is good for a fellow who isn't sick, but occasionally tired. Keep on telling us about God's free gift of fresh air "lest we forget."

WILLIAM PORter, M. D. Mount St. Rose Sanatorium, St. Louis, Mo.

NEARING THE FRONT RANK. The Journal of The Outdoor Life, Trudeau (Saranac Lake), N. Y.:

It appears to me that you are very fast bringing this journal up to the very front rank. No publication that I know of is more welcomed at this place than the Journal of The Outdoor. Life. You do appear to have struck the medium between the strict treatment of the consumptive question and the popular presentation of the subject, which of course we all know is a most difficult thing to do.

J. T. ROTHROCK, M. D.
Mountain Side Sanatorium,
Mont Alto, Pa., October 14, 1905.

OF PRACTICAL TONE.

This publication (Journal of The Outdoor Life) comes from the home of America's oldest sanatorium, and is an excellent expression of the spirit manifest in the institution founded by Dr. Trudeau and his colleagues and friends.

Such men as Osler, Bowditch, Trudeau and King contribute to the publication, and the articles are devoted largely to what the name of the publication implies, the exploitation of the outdoor life, but are of especial value because of their practical tone, giving information often on just those items that prove stumbling blocks to so many patients.- California Medical and Surgical Reporter.