122 



east, from the prairie states as well as from the mountains. It is to 

 be regretted that the characteristics of the families are so brief as 

 to give the student little idea of what the families really are. All 

 that is said as to the characters of the Buttercup Family is that it 

 contains "flowers with separate sepals and petals, often in an in- 

 definite number" and of the Mallow Family that the flowers have 

 "five partly-fused sepals and five large petals." The chapter on 

 ornamental plants gives a surprising amount of information in less 

 than twenty pages. 



The book is illustrated with over three hundred figures — some 

 half tones, most line drawings — usually two to six of the latter 

 grouped in one figure. The half tones are most of them poorly 

 reproduced, lacking in detail and pleasing qualities. The drawings, 

 except for the maps and diagrams, are crude, in a few cases inac- 

 curate, and fail to give an idea of the plants illustrated. 



The manner of treatment of the various topics makes the book 

 one that can be read with interest by anyone and it should appeal 

 to the average student. Used by a teacher enthusiastic for this type 

 of plant study it will help to create a lasting interest in the plants 

 used or enjoyed by everyone. Enough is given of structure and 

 function to enable students to go on into courses in morphology, 

 physiology and taxonomy. In general the book is well adapted to 

 do what the authors planned^"appeal to the cultural interests of 

 the general student, acting as a survey of plant science and build- 

 ing at the same time a substantial foundation for further botanical 

 study." And, in addition, it will be of value as a reference work on 



economic plants. „ rr^ -tt 



George T. Hastings 



Nature Lore Books 



The American Book of the Woods, $2.00, and Learn the Trees from Leaf 

 Prints, $L00, Davis S. Marx. The Botanic Publishing Co., Cincinnati, 1940. 



The American Book of the Woods was designed primarily for 

 use in camp activities and school projects, but its appeal is not 

 confined to these groups. Any nature studying groups, such as Girl 

 or Boy Scouts, would find this book full of very usable informa- 

 tion. It is divided into three major parts, UtiHty Materials, Foods 

 and Beverages, and Poisonous or Medicinal Plants. 



