—95— 



from the esthetic point of view illustrated by upward of one 

 hundred of the photographs of trees, leaves, flowers and fruits for 

 which the author is famous. The volume is not only in the 

 best style of the bookmaker's art, but is made from a special 

 kind of paper designed expressly for the reproduction of photo- 

 graphs. But not alone for its artistic make-up is the volume to 

 be commended. The author has the faculty of seeing new beau- 

 ties even in common things and has presented us with a new and 

 original text upon our native trees. 



"Bog-trotting for Orchids"tt is not. as the name would seem 

 to indicate, a mere account of wading expeditions in swamps and 

 bogs in search of orchids. The author has pretty thoroughly ex- 

 plored the Hoosac Valley and the region about New York city 

 and while orchids were the main inspiration she has not been un- 

 mindful of the birds and other flowers and has much to say of 

 them in her book! The bog-trotting expeditions extended over 

 three seasons and appear to be given in sequence. We are of the 

 opinion that had these experiences been woven into a composite 

 narrative the book would have gained in interest. The localities 

 in which these orchids grow are described rather too closely for 

 the comfort of those who have been keeping the secret of their 

 whereabouts, though it will probably delight beginners looking 

 for these rarities. Nearly fifty plates from photographs, most of 

 them colored, add interest and embellishment to the volume. The 

 book is well worth reading by all botanizers. though many will 

 find the author's christening of a hybrid plant with a new spe- 

 cific name "per letter." puzzling to say the least. 



Although the author of "New England Ferns and their Com- 

 mon Allies"*** has had the advice of a prominent New England 

 fern student the book shows the novice hand in many respects. 

 Even the title is unfortunate, since there is an earlier volume 

 by Dodge called "The Ferns and Fern Allies of New England." 

 An undue predilection for the common names is shown in the 



tt Bog-trotting for Orchids. By Grace G. Niles. New York: G. P 

 Putnam's Sons. 1904. 12 mo.. 300 pp., $2.50 net. 



***Ne\v England Ferns and their Common Allies. By Helen Eastman. 

 Boston: Houghton, Miffiln & Co. 1904. 12 mo., 155 pp., $1.25 net. 



