1903 The Field Naturalist 's Library 79 



principal methods of tree reproduction, and the trees and soils applicable 

 to each. Landowners who derive much of their income from timber 

 would do well to impress upon their agents some of the advice in this 

 book. For instance (p. 139), "To leave firewood in large piles in the 

 woods is always a bad policy, for nearly all kinds of wood commence to 

 decay under such circumstances, and perishable woods, like beech, maple, 

 and birch, will lose as much as 25 per cent of their value in one year." 

 The amount of waste from this cause in British forestry must be enor- 

 mous. We could quote many other paragraphs of much practical and 

 theoretical interest, but one must suffice. Referring to the great strength 

 of wood, Mr Roth says : " To crush a cube of dry wood 1 inch each way, 

 with the fibres on end, requires about six to ten thousand pounds press- 

 ure. It requires only about one-third to one-half as much if the piece 

 is soaked, or if it is green ; for seasoned timber is always stronger than 

 green timber of the same kind. To pull it apart lengthwise, wood 

 requires about twice as much power as to crush it endwise ; but to pull 

 it apart sidewise, as when we pull out a mortise, requires only about one- 

 tenth as much force as to crush it endwise. Most conifers break without 

 much bending ; but elm, hickory, &c, are strong and yet bend far before 

 they break. We call them tough woods." 



The book is profusely and well illustrated, and forms a most useful 

 handbook to all whose business is in the woods on account of the 

 trees. 



The English Lakes. By F. G. Brabant, M.A. London : Methuen& 

 Co. Price 4s. 



A most compact account of the scenery of the Lake district and the 

 routes by which it can best be seen. The Lakes themselves have been 

 taken as centres, and the scenery grouped round them, so that the 

 attention is focussed on each lake in turn. In addition to this, the 

 literary and historical side of the district has been dealt with somewhat 

 fully, at the same time keeping the book well within the compass of the 

 pocket. A number of excellent maps are added, and Mr E. H. New is 

 responsible for some pleasing illustrations. We are glad to find Mr 

 Brabant drawing marked attention to the view from Tarn Hows near 

 Coniston. We quite agree that " the whole scene is unique in Lake- 

 land, no other tarn resembling it at all." "All round it the great 

 mountains stand in a kind of half-circle, the Langdale Pikes being 

 specially impressive." We also agree that it is extremely easy for a 

 cyclist to break his neck on the road from Ambleside over Kirkestone 

 Pass, and we have vivid recollections of an exciting gallop down that road 

 under charge of a driver who had imbibed rather more freely than the 

 nature of the road justified. However, those on board were unanimously 

 agreed that " Bill " drunk was more likely to get us down safely than any 

 one else sober, and so he did. 



Visitors to Lakeland will find this a most reliable and interesting 

 guide-book, whether their journeys are taken on foot, cycle, or coach. 

 Nothing of interest or importance seems to have been omitted, and the 

 size, as mentioned, is very convenient. 



