REVIEWS OF BOOKS. 



549 



" London Parks and Gardens." By the Hon. Mrs. Evelyn Cecil, with 

 illustrations by Lady Victoria Manners. 8vo., 384 pp. (Constable, 

 London.) 21s. net. 



We read this comprehensive and valuable work with much interest, 

 and all who are at all familiar with the London parks, gardens, and 

 open spaces will be equally fascinated by this truly delightful work. 

 No other book deals with the history of all the parks, squares, and 

 gardens of London as this does ; for here all are fully described and most 

 interesting sketches of their history, associations, and origin are given. 

 Many of the places mentioned are little known, and some probably not 

 known at all, by many who know their London well, and we confess that 

 it was a surprise to us to read of so many squares and gardens we had 

 never heard about before. It is most interesting to find such a great- 

 number of plants, trees, and shrubs thriving in fog-laden London, and 

 the book will be of immense value to those in charge of parks and open 

 spaces in other smoky towns. Many, too, who are not interested in 

 horticulture will peruse the book with pleasure. 



" Grapes, and How to Grow Them." By J. Lonsdell, F.R.H.S. 

 Edited by T. W. Sanders. 8vo., 118 pp. (Collingridge, London.) Paper 

 boards Is. net ; cloth Is. 6d. net. 



For the amateur this will prove a valuable little book, and contains 

 all the information he will require on grape culture, from the making of 

 the border onwards. Insect pests are treated of, and reference is made to 

 the phylloxera ; but this dread pest is, we believe, fortunately very rarely 

 found in this country. We can confidently recommend this little book 

 as a thoroughly practical one for the amateur or professional gardener. 



" The Country Month by Month." By J. A. Owen and Professor G. S. 

 Boulger, F.L.S., F.G.S. 8vo., 492 pp. (Duckworth, London.) Gs. net. 



To lovers of natural history this will prove a most welcome volume, as it 

 teems with information on plant, bird, and animal life, and tells what one 

 may expect to find in the country every month in the year. The book is 

 of handy size, well printed on good paper, and has a very complete index. 

 It is a book that should be read and carefully studied by everyone 

 dwelling in the country. 



" My Rock Garden." By Reginald Farrer. 8vo., 303 pp. (Arnold, 

 London.) 7s. 6d. net. 



A well-written and well-printed book, dealing briefly with the making 

 of the rock garden, and very fully with the plants for it. We are glad 

 to see the author gives prominence to English alpine plants, many of 

 which are rarely seen on our rockeries. Valuable hints are given on the 

 management of species and varieties that are considered difficult to grow. 

 Mr. Farrer has evidently studied the plants and their requirements in 

 their native habitats, and all who have a rock garden will be able to gain 

 much serviceable information by reading this book. 



