1902] Deane, — The Cyclopedia of American Horticulture 109 



of most careful consideration. By the aid of these keys the reader 

 can readily trace the plant he is studying to its proper species. The 

 value of this aid to the student cannot be overestimated. 



The Cyclopedia is copiously illustrated by original pictures, in the 

 main line drawings. These represent a great variety of subjects, but 

 are chietly those of plants which are drawn from living specimens 

 wherever possible, thus carrying out the idea of making " a live record 

 of the real status of our horticulture." These pictures are arranged 

 so that one at least and generally several will be seen wherever a 

 volume is opened. Common and trade names of plants are intro- 

 duced and referred to their proper places where they are treated ; 

 the horticultural status of the various states in the Union is given, 

 and there are many articles of great worth on subjects which have 

 a bearing on the general plan, such as, seedage, railroad gardening, 

 graftage, insects, etc. In addition there are sketches of those who 

 have aided in advancing the progress of horticulture by their attain- 

 ments and well-directed efforts. In the matter of nomenclature the 

 system of Bentham and Hooker is with a few exceptions followed in 

 generic names, as this makes fewer changes in the accepted horti- 

 cultural terms, and, as trade names have their own value in the 

 market, this is of the greatest importance. 



A critical examination of the work reveals its great value ; it is an 

 inexhaustible fund of information. The keys are accurate and the 

 characters that have been drawn in the case of the various genera 

 and species are terse and to the point, and are relieved by valuable 

 bits of information still further elucidating the plants in question. 

 The illustrations are artistically as well as accurately drawn and 

 leave nothing to be desired in that direction. The practical informa- 

 tion as to the cultivation of the species is based upon Professor 

 Bailey's wide experience and that of his skilled assistants who have 

 contributed to these volumes. 



A work of this character, so wide in its scope and general treat- 

 ment and carried out with such infinite skill and patience marks an 

 epoch in the history of the literature of American Horticulture. 

 The only other work of the kind ever published in this country is 

 Henderson's " Handbook of Plants" which appeared first in 1881 

 and in a single volume. It is earnestly to be desired that a yearly 

 supplement partially promised by the Editor, will be forthcoming. 

 The first will contain a key to the families and genera employed in 

 the work. 



