604 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



England, however, is not the greatest cocoa consumer ; that dis- 

 tinction belongs to the United States, which is foUowed by Germany 

 and France, and fourthly by England. 



Some twenty species are known of the cocoa-tree genus [Theohroma), 

 but only two are of importance as producers of commercial cocoa, 

 namely, Theobroma Cacao and T. pentagona. The botanical character- 

 istics of these species are fully described and illustrated in this book, as 

 are also the numerous local types and varieties found in cultivation. 

 Then follow chapters describing the most approved methods of cultiva- 

 tion, but in this connexion the author is careful to point out that too 

 much reliance should not be placed on experience gained in one particu- 

 lar country, as in all probabihty it will not be apphcable elsewhere, 

 and in any case it is always advisable to study local methods and to 

 adopt them as far as possible. The various processes that the seed has 

 to undergo for the market are next fully described, and the methods in 

 vogue in different countries are discussed. That section of the book 

 deahng with diseases and pests of the cocoa-tree is, as one would expect 

 of the author, very full, and the information given should prove of 

 much value to the planter. 



In a review of the cocoa-planting industry in all the countries con- 

 cerned, the methods of cultivation and preparation of cocoa pecuhar 

 to the different countries are given and commented on. 



The concluding chapter briefly relates the more important facts 

 concerning the manufacture of cocoa and chocolate, but the book being 

 primarily intended for the planter this part of the subject is outside 

 its scope. Although the author insists that planting work must be 

 learned in the field, there is much information in this handbook which 

 should prove of use to the planter, as the reason why is stated for each 

 of the methods described. The full descriptions of the numerous 

 varieties of cocoa and the excellent photographic illustrations should 

 further make the book a valuable work of reference. 



" Adventures among Wild Flowers." By John Trevena. 8vo. 

 304 pp. (Arnold, London, 1914.) ys. 6d. net. 



This is a cheerful book, full of " delight in simple things, and 

 mirth that has no bitter springs." The adventures are not of a stirring 

 or dangerous nature. Itahan peasants and the life of Alpine villages 

 and hostelries provide most of them, but they are so deHghtfully related 

 that they outshine the wild flowers themselves. 



Botanical criticism is disarmed by a statement at the close of the 

 second chapter, addressed to those about to accompany the author on 

 his rambles. " None of you are botanists," he writes. Now it is 

 unkind to the botanist to suppose he will not enjoy the healthy fun of 

 this book, and still more unkind to him, perhaps, to set his teeth on 

 edge so often in the passages deahng with plants by a disregard for 

 the fairly simple rules that govern the use of capitals in the names of 

 plants. Extreme recklessness and variation are shown in this Hne, for 

 generic names are as often as not spelt with a small letter, and specifics of 



