BOOK REVIEWS. 



85 



again, the directions and descriptions are so clearly and graphically given, 

 and with such enthusiasm, that they cannot fail to interest those who have 

 as yet given but little attention to the subjects of which they treat. The 

 early chapters are devoted to such cultural questions as planting, pruning, 

 propagating, &c, while the greater part of the work deals in an interesting 

 manner with the various classes into which cultivated Roses are divided, 

 and the purposes for which they are best adapted — with lists appended 

 of the principal varieties in each. At the end is a short chapter by the 

 Rev. F. Page-Roberts, President of the National Rose Society, himself an 

 experienced exhibitor, on how to grow Roses for exhibition. In no other 

 part of the volume, however, is the question of Rose-growing treated in 

 any but from a garden point of view. No notice of this Rose book would 

 be complete without special mention of the illustrations, and more 

 particularly the coloured portraits of Roses, which are among the most 

 faithful and pleasing that have yet appeared. 



"The Nature of Enzyme Action." By W. M. Bayliss, D.Sc. F.R.S. 

 8vo., 90 pp. (Longmans, London, 1908.) 3s. net. 



A highly technical monograph on a section of Biochemistry. It is 

 based upon lectures given at various times in University College, London. 

 The general properties more or less common to enzymes are discussed in 

 such a manner that only the earnest and somewhat advanced student can 

 sufficiently appreciate. 



A long list of literature which has more or less direct bearing on the 

 subject, and which is to some extent referred to in the text, is given at 

 the end. There is also a good index. 



" Soils and Fertilizers." By H. Snyder. 3rd ed. 350 pp. (Macmillan, 

 New York and London, 1908.) 5s. net. 



A very useful book by a well-known and painstaking author. 

 Beginning with the physical properties of soils, it proceeds to deal with 

 their formation, classification and chemical composition. Soil nitrogen 

 takes up some forty pages. Organic manures and the various fertilizers 

 are dealt with in a style which most readers will duly appreciate. Food 

 requirements and rotation of crops receive careful attention. Tillage 

 operations are enlarged upon in a manner which shows a masters hand, 

 and the reader will probably wish this section was more detailed. The 

 work contains a chapter on Laboratory practice. 



" The Soil : an Introduction to the Scientific Study of the growth of 

 crops." By A. D.Hall, M.A. 2nd ed. 311pp. (Murray, London, 1908.) 

 5s. net. 



A second edition of a well-known book, and one recommended by the 

 R.H.S. for students. There are several additions and alterations in this 

 edition. The author states he has greatly modified the views he expressed 

 in the first edition on the nature of clay and on the part played by zeolitic 

 silicates in the retention of ammonium and other salts by the soil. He 

 draws attention to the great additions made to our knowledge of the work 

 of bacteria in the soil and the information has accordingly been brought 

 much more up-to-date in this respect. 



