1921.] 



NOTICES OF BOOKS. 



The Chemistry of Crop Production- (T. B. Wood, C.B.E., M.A., 

 F.I.C.. F.R.S. London : University Tutorial Press, 1920, 5s. 6d. net.) This 

 volume sets out, in the form of a connected story, the principles of crop 

 production. 



The author assumes on the part of the reader an elementary knowledge 

 of the principles of chemistry and a familiarity with the simple chemical and 

 physical manipulations. The result is to present the information given in a 

 very readable and attractive form, and the mind of the reader is not distracted 

 by numerous digressions into matters which belong essentially to the domain 

 of chemistry and physics. 



The storv is developed by easy stages. The factors of productivity are 

 first explained, the scientific principles underlying crop production are then 

 discussed, and the limitations of application of these principles in practice 

 stated. The reader is then shown how to apply in a practical way the 

 knowledge thus presented. 



Although primarily intended for students, the book deserves to be read 

 widely by progressive farmers, to whom it will prove a treasury of information 

 on the right and effective use of manures. In this connection the chapter on 

 the general principles of manuring is particularly commended. 



The general excellence of the volume is slightly reduced by imperfect 

 reproduction of some of the illustrations. It may be hoped that when a 

 second edition is published certain of the illustrations will be more perfectly 

 reproduced. 



Preservation of Fruit and Vegetables.— (G. W. S. and M. D. 



Brewer. Cheltenham : Harley & Healing, Is. 6d. net.) This little handbook of 

 o9 pages has been written with a view to assisting the householder in the 

 home preservation of fruit and vegetables, and in the making of useful syrups 

 and drinks for the household. The material is treated in sections, dealing 

 with the subjects of fruit bottling, canning and pulping, fruit and vegetable 

 drying, fruit drinks, including home-made wines and liqueurs, jam-making, 

 jellies and chutney. 



The work claims to be based on practical experience. It has already 

 passed through two editions and is now published in an entirely re-written 

 form. An index appears at the end of the book. 



Cottage Building in Cob, Pise, Chalk and Clay. Second 

 Edition, July, 1920— (Clough Williams-Ellis. London: " Country Life " 

 and George Newnes, Ltd., 7s. 6d. net.) 



That a work of a technical nature such as this should produce a call for a 

 second edition within a very few months of first publication, is sufficient 

 proof of the interest which its subject matter has excited among that large 

 class who want to build, but seek an escape from the delay and cost of doing 

 so with the usual materials. Mr. Williams-Ellis is no doubt right in attributing 

 the greater part of this welcome curiosity to the section of his book dealing 

 with pise building. To the present edition some extra matter is added 

 descriptive of the small holders 1 cottage at Newlands Coiner, built as a pise 

 demonstration by Mr. St. Loe Strachey. The short interval between the first 

 and second editions has, however, deprived the author of the opportunity of 

 utilising much new material which has since become available — for pise 



