318 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE, 
they are seen at home, sparkling under the splash of the waterfall, crowning the 
crumbling bastion, festooning the pollard oaks and alders, or fringing the rocky 
roadway through a country wherein they are the commonest of weeds and therefore 
the cheapess of vegetable beauty. But it is not in this tempting domain only that 
the author of this book invites our attention, for he comes into the garden to tell us 
how to grow ferns, and to point out to those who are not familiar with the species 
their distinguishing characteristics, their habitats and their requirements, and he 
describes in detail the more attractive of the many that are inhabitants of Britain. 
The result is alight, entertaining, but still a somewhat substantial epitome of fern- 
lore, suitable to the case of thousands who want to know enough to be able to enjoy 
ferns thoroughly, and who if they go beyond such a book as this will nevertheless be 
for the rest of their days thankful that such an agreeable first start in the study 
was provided them. We recommend those of our readers who are in need of an 
elegant introduction to the study of ferns to secure this attractive volume, and to 
act upon its advice both on the ferny hillside and in the garden. 
Cuoice STOVE AnD GREENHOUSE ORNAMENTAL-LEAVED Puants. By B. 8S. 
Wituams, Victoria Nurseries, Upper Holloway.—This is the second edition of a 
work we strongly recommended on its first appearance, and must still more 
strongly—if it be possible —recommend again, because it has been enlarged and 
improved, and brought down to the latest state of the subject of which it treats. 
The new crotons, draczenas, dieffenbachias, palms, etc., that have acquired popularity 
of late years are herein described, their distinctive merits enumerated, and their 
cultivation fully detailed. ‘The name of the author is a guarantee for the accuracy 
of the work, which in plan and style is sound and good throughout. It is a book 
that the plant-grower will be careful to keep near at hand, it may be for daily 
instruction in garden work, or it may be for occasional reference only. -In any 
case it isin respect of fine foliage plants the best vade mecum in the English 
language. 
Tue INFLUENCE oF THE Buive Ray or THE SUNLIGHT, AND OF THE BLUE 
Cotour or THE Sxy 1n DEVELorinG AnIMAL AND VEGETABLE Lire, ETC. ETC. By 
Gen. A. T. Preasonron (Trubner).—A remarkable treatise on a profoundly 
interesting subject. There has been much written, as the result of experiment and 
speculation, on the subject of the influence of various colours on organic structures, but 
the results are few and small, the simple truth being that the common daylight is 
the best light for everything that requires light, generally speaking. Nevertheless 
this book is intensely interesting and tends to practical results, though not without 
some extravagances that detract considerably from our estimate of the author’s — 
ability to grapple with the task he has undertaken. 
Rivista INTERNAZIONALE.—This new review, published at Florence and supplied 
in London by Mr. Nutt, of 270, Strand, appears destined torank high in its range 
of operations, and influence cultivated opinion on literary, scientific, and industrial 
subjects. It is sufficient that we apprise our readers of its appearance, and add that 
we are impressed with its solidity and respectability, 
TRADE CATALOGUES. 
Barr aND §uGpEN, 12, Kine Srreetr, Covent GarpEen, W.C.—Deseriptive 
Catalogue of Bulbs and Plants. 
Witiram Burt, Kine’s Roar, Cuetsea, S.W.—A Retail List of Bulbs and 
Tuberous Rooted Plants. 
J. Carter & Co., 237 & 238, Hie Hotzorn, W.C.—Catalogue of Dutch 
Bulbs, Fruit Trees, ete, 
Dickson and Ropryson, 12, Orv Mitieatz, MancuesTer.—Catalogue of 
Dutch Bulbs. 
Danrets, Brotuers, Norwicu.—Zllustrated Catalogue of Dutch Flower 
Roots. 
J. Dickson & Sons, 108, Easteare Street, Curster.— Catalogue of Bul- 
bous Flower Roots, etc. 
——— 
Sa eT ee, oe 
