BOOK REVIEWS. 



187 



rice, wheat, maize, arrowroot, and sago are dealt with in an inter- 

 esting manner. The preparation of these important food-stuffs is de- 

 scribed and fully illustrated. Some idea of the importance of sugar in 

 the world's commerce may be formed when it is realized that the value 

 of the annual sugar crop is something like £180,000,000, and this by 

 no m.eans includes the value of the whole crop, as large quantities are 

 consumed locally in the countries of production and do not come into 

 the world's markets. While beet and cane are the principal plants 

 that supply the bulk of the commercial sugar, numerous other plants 

 are mentioned that supply this product for local needs, and some may 

 possibly be the sugar-yielding plants of the future. Now that the 

 cultivation of sugar-beet in this country is being so much discussed, 

 this article will appeal to many who are interested in the subject. 



"Alpine Flowers and Eock Gardens, Illustrated in Colour." 

 Described by Walter P. Wright. With notes on Alpine Plants at 

 Home by William Graveson. Svo. 292 pp. (Headley, London, 1910). 

 12s. 6d. net. 



This fresh volume on the cultivation of alpine plants although diffuse 

 is written with authority, and the various lists of alpine plants suitable 

 for growth in amateurs' gardens are thoroughly practical. We think, 

 however, that in a few cases a little more care might have been exer- 

 cised. For instance, Omphalodes verna, if placed in congenial sur- 

 roundings, will kill )everiy other plant for yards around xt, while 

 Omphalodes Luciliae is one of the most difficult plants that the alpine 

 culturist has to deal with, as in addition to its own fastidiousness it 

 has to be protected against the attacks of slugs, which are inordinately 

 fond of it. The great feature of the book is the coloured illustrations, 

 which give a good idea of the way the plants grow in their -natural 

 habitats. If the volume had been compressed it would be more valuable 

 than it is. 



"Plant Life in Alpine Switzerland." By E. A. Newell Arber. 

 8vo., 355 pp. (Murray, London, 1910.) 7s. Qd. net. 



This book is written by a scientific man upon the characteristics of 

 alpine plants as seen in the regions in which they grow. To the 

 really enthusiastic cultivator of alpines it will be of considerable value, 

 as it shows the way in which the various species have adapted them- 

 selves to their surroundings, and it should aid him to build his rockery 

 so as to suit the requirements of the various plants both as to soil and 

 position. It distinguishes between plants which are truly high alpines 

 and those which although growing in alpine regions are also to be found 

 in the lowlands where their characteristics are different. 



"Elementary Botany." By J. W. Oliver. New edition revised 

 by W. B. Grove, M.A. Sm. Svo., 216 pp. (Blackie, London, 

 1908.) 2s. 



Many students have found this little book of great assistance, and 

 its revised version does not fall behind in any point. Though it deals 



