1902] Handbook of the Trees of New England. 41 



The narrow pages and cover, and the very clear drawings of branches 

 showing leaves, flower, fruit, winter buds, and all the parts wished for 

 comparison of different species, immediately commend the book for 

 practical use both at home and in the field where it may easily be 

 carried in the pocket. 



Eighty-seven species and varieties are figured in full-page plates, 

 and the text accompanying the plates shows much thought in the 

 planning and a vast amount of detailed work in the organizing of 

 notes. The treatment of each species is divided into seven paragraphs 

 discussing separately the Habitat and Range, Habit, Bark, Winter 

 Buds and Leaves, Inflorescence, Fruit, and Horticultural Value. 



From a botanist's point of view the first paragraph of each treat- 

 ment is perhaps most interesting, though all the sections contain 

 points of value. But in the statements of range in New England of 

 the different species we have the most accurate record of distribution 

 yet available, and one based upon the careful observations, not only 

 of the authors, but of many of the most alert botanists of this area 

 who have cooperated very generally with the authors to perfect this 

 portion of the work. 



The descriptive paragraphs are very detailed and helpful, yet, in 

 this as in many other books of the present day, one wishes that the 

 leading or diagnostic characters might be emphasized either by italics 

 or by some other device to distinguish them quickly from the purely 

 generic or more trivial matters in the descriptions. In the present 

 book, however, neither this uniformity of type in the descriptions nor 

 the lack of an analytical key are serious hindrances to the practical 

 use of the book. The excellent plates are a sufficient guide to the 

 species, and these may be hastily glanced through with little incon- 

 venience. 



The discussion and illustration of species are followed by a glos- 

 sary, and that by an index to both scientific and colloquial names so 

 thoroughly provided with cross-references as to delight its most exact- 

 ing user. The sequence of orders followed, it is almost needless to 

 state, is that of Engler & Prantl, while the nomenclature is intelli- 

 gently conservative. Altogether the book is one to be cordially 

 recommended to all lovers of forests and out-door life, and the 

 authors and publishers are to be congratulated on producing in such 

 convenient form a book which fills so important and unique a place 

 among New England botanical publications. 



