BOOK REVIEWS. 



669 



knowledge as very few men possess, and his book will be read by 

 town and suburban residents with more than ordinary interest. It 

 would be a good thing to ascertain if the London Plane (Platanus 

 orientalis acerifolia) really causes throat and lung troubles; it seems 

 that the danger is not imaginary, from the notes by Lord Walsingham 

 and Dr. Henry in the Tiiiies and Mr. Webster's own observations. 

 There are so many London Planes grown all over the kingdom, not 

 only in towns, but in villages and about private dwellings, that in the 

 interest of public health such a serious matter ought to be cleared up. 

 It is often stated that no other tree will thrive like the London Plane 

 in smoky, impure districts. Mr. Webster clearly proves that several 

 varieties of the poplar will succeed equally well, if not better than 

 the Plane, and our experience is perfectly in agreement with Mr. 

 Webster's. The author puts the Plane first amongst forest trees for 

 town planting, probably because of its handsome foliage and ornamental 

 trunks ; but until this question of its being dangerous or otherwise is 

 settled we should advise the non-planting of planes. We are glad to 

 see Mr. Webster condemns the planting of evergreen conifers in smoky 

 districts ; and the sooner the many miserable examples one sees about 

 our towns are burnt and replaced with trees or shrubs that are really 

 ornamental, and of which Mr. Webster gives ample choice, the better. 

 The comprehensive list of herbaceous and rock-plants that will thrive 

 in towns is excellent ; and here again we can confirm all the author 

 says on the plants he recommends. The book is clearly printed, nicely 

 illustrated, and provided with a capital index. 



"Fairy Plants: a Fern-book for Children." By F. G. Heath. 

 8vo., xv + 236 pp. (Ouseley, London. [1910.]) 2s. net. 



Mr. Heath is a well-known writer on ferns, and now he has added 

 to his many efforts in fostering a love for these plants by writing a book 

 for children. All our native ferns are dealt with, and he has a word 

 or two to say concerning some of the many variations in them met with 

 from time to time. Their structure and life- story are simply described, 

 and numerous small woodcuts assist in illustrating the text. The 

 book wull no doubt be read with pleasure by those who desire a simple 

 and easy account of these beautiful plants. 



A Text-book of General Bacteriology." By W. D. Frost and 

 E. F. McOampbell. 8vo., xvii -f 340 pp. (Macmillan Co., New 

 York.) 7s. net. 



A few years ago bacteriology w^as a subject entirely within the realm 

 of the specialist ; now all students of natural history and applied biology 

 must make themselves acquainted with its principles; and we know 

 that bacteria and their work are intimately connected with our every- 

 day existence. The authors have produced a text-book which will be 

 welcomed by the student who wishes to gain a general and accurate 

 knowledge of the structure and physiology of these organisms and their 

 connexion with human health and industry. 



