59^ The yoiirnal of Forcstiy. 



at WliitLmyiuime, lladdiDgtonshire, Scotland, attaining a height of 50 feet, 

 and a base of S feet in circumference ; shelter against hard winds in these 

 cases is imperative. The now well-known Eucahjptus oil is furnished in 

 greater or smaller proportions by all the different species. It was first 

 brought into notice by Mr. Bosistos, who has the credit of having ascer- 

 tained many of the properties of the oil for technical application." 



Our space will not permit of more extracts, although there are many very 

 interesting notes concerning Australian trees and timber conveyed in a 

 similar easy style, but we must refer our readers to the book itself for them. 

 In another edition no doubt the author will take greater care to avoid 

 small errors in the compilation, of which there is a good share even for a 

 new work, which mar its composition to a certain extent, but do not 

 detract from its value as a book of reference. We may add that the work is 

 printed for the Government of Victoria, showing the great interest taken 

 in such matters by some of our youngest colonies. 



Botany. By J. D. Hooker, C.B., P.R.S. Third Edition. Mycmillan 



and Co., London. 



In this small volume of 130 pages Dr. Hooker sets forth in clear* 

 simple, and easily-understood language the rudiments of the principal 

 facts of plant life, with the object of training beginners to observe plants 

 methodically and accurately, and to apply the knowledge thus obtained to 

 the systematic study of botany. By its means the learner may acquire 

 a sound elementary knowledge of the number, nature, relative positions, 

 and uses of the principal organs of plants, of the order and way in which 

 they grow and multiply, and of those resemblances which exist amongst 

 them, by a comparison of which their true relationships are known and 

 themselves classified. The student should possess a small pocket micro- 

 scope, magnifying five or six times, a sharp penknife, and a pair of light 

 forceps ; aided by these he is able to study and investigate any botanical 

 specimens that come Avithin the compass of this useful elementary treatise, 

 which is numerously illustrated with woodcuts of the principal parts of 

 plants, and their distinctive characteristics and functions. The plants 

 referred to in the book are generally easily procured either from woods, 

 fields, or gardens, which is of much advantage to the beginner, who 

 thereby soon learns to choose only the best specimens. A copious index 

 of the common names of the plants referred to, completes this excellent 

 manual. 



