I96 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
correctly points out that the student who is unfamiliar with the crop 
and its life-processes is ill-prepared for a proper study of the tillage 
practices involved in the production of the crop. For this reason 
special attention has been given to plant structure and nutrition, and 
numerous chemical analyses of the crops are quoted, together with 
formulas for suitable fertilizers. Probably the book will appeal more 
to the farmers and students in the Colonies than to readers in this 
country, and to such it can be strongly recommended. 
" Manual of Gardening in New Zealand." By David Tannock, 
F.R.H.S., Supt. of Gardens and Reserves, Dunedin, and others. 
8vo, 298 pp., illustrated. (Whitcombe and Tombs, London and 
Christchurch, N.Z., 1917.) 5s. 
This manual has been prepared to supply a demand for a book 
specially devoted to gardening in New Zealand, where, owing to differ- 
ent conditions, English books are not altogether suitable, especially 
as regards the varieties of plants recommended for cultivation. 
As an instance of the variety of climatic conditions prevailing in 
New Zealand, it is mentioned that sub-tropical Auckland in the north 
has a mean maximum temperature of 63-9° F. and a mean minimum 
temperature of 51 "6° F., whilst Invercargill in the south has a mean 
maximum of 58 0 F. and a mean minimum of 41 0 F. It thus follows 
that in the north Hippeastrums, for example, can be grown as hardy 
bulbs in the open border, whilst in the south they require a greenhouse. 
The manual treats of all branches of gardening, and there are 
chapters by specialists on hardy bulbs and garden foes, on vegetable 
and fruit growing, and on rose growing for exhibition. One of the 
most interesting chapters to the English reader is that relating to the 
native plants of New Zealand, which the author points out have hither- 
to been neglected by New Zealand gardeners. It is interesting to learn 
in this connexion that since the red manuka (Leptospermum Nichollii) 
received the gold medal as being the most meritorious new plant at the 
International Horticultural Exhibition held at Chelsea a few years ago, 
the native plants of New Zealand are becoming prominent features in 
all the public gardens of the country. It is to be hoped that this recog- 
nition will result in the more extended cultivation of these plants by 
private persons ; they are numerous in species and varied in their 
character, comprising trees, shrubs, alpines, and ferns, sufficient in 
themselves to stock a goodly sized garden. Most of them are green- 
house subjects in this country, although the Olearias and shrubby 
Veronicas, to mention but two families, are valued hardy shrubs. 
The manual concludes with a calendar of garden work and a full 
index to the names of the plants mentioned. It is well printed in a 
generous type on good paper ; the illustrations have been supplied 
chiefly by nurserymen and seedsmen in this country, and one could have 
wished that more photographs of New Zealand gardens had been 
included, and that those which are included had been named. 
