The Icones Plantarum (figures of plants) was established by the pteridologist W. J. Hooker in 1837 and has since been issued in occasional volumes and parts. Volumes 10 (1854) and 17 (1886-87) were devoted entirely to ferns, but otherwise only an odd fern or two has intruded upon the pages of the Icones. Now, after a gap of over a century, this separately-bound final portion of volume 40, with 31 plates numbered 3970 to 4000, portrays ferns exclusively.

Barbara Parris has selected 31 species of her specialty, Grammitidaceae, from the Flora Malesiana area, for description, illustration and commentary. Three are new species. Others are new combinations, have new synonyms, are range extensions, are lectotypified, and/or are rare or interesting. The laudatory line drawings are by Tim Galloway; Peter Edwards helped with the rhizome scales and frond hairs which often have diagnostic features. Since Parris is familiar with the actual habits of the plants, the orientations of the fronds are lifelike rather than artisLic contrivances. All plates have unprinted backs and are on a leftside page to face the initial text, so 48 of the 129 pages are blank.

The delimitation and thus the nomenclature of grammitid genera is still very tentative, and Parris's ultimate judgment on their disposition is eagerly awaited. In the meantime, this small specialized work is a tidy gem-

Michael G. Price, Hebarium, NUB, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-105 7.