538 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, 
"Modern Propagation of Tree Fruits." By B. S. Brown, M.S. 8vo. 
xi -f- 174 pp. (Chapman & Hall, London, 1916.) 6s. net. 
This is a technical handbook intended for the use of students and practitioners 
of tree fruit propagation. It is written from the American standpoint, and thus 
differs somewhat from the practice here ; but the English nurseryman will not 
complain of that, for while his methods have been exceedingly successful in the 
past he is not averse from considering fresh ideas and adopting them if they will 
fit his aims. Nursery work on a very extensive scale is contemplated in the book 
as well as the orchard nursery run by the fruit-grower himself. 
Various kinds of propagation suitable for different trees and different purposes 
are described, and though the work is not so full on this part of the subject as, 
e.g., Baltet's " Grafting and Budding," the chapters on methods of marketing, 
the working of a nursery, and the like, add a good deal to the literature of nursery 
work. 
" The Flower Garden and How to Work in it." By M. E. Stebbing. 8vo. 
pp. 174, (Jack, London, 191 7.) is. 6d. net. 
A well printed and fairly well illustrated work, containing a good deal of useful 
information for the amateur ; but we do wish that all writers who advocate 
women working in gardens would advise them how to dress for such work. 
In the illustration showing women hoeing and staking and tying up they 
have long skirts on, and those who have had such attired people amongst choice 
flowers know the fearful mess they make, especially if the hems of their skirts 
get damp. The proverbial bull in a china shop would scarcely cause more 
havoc. We have nothing to say against women working in the flower garden 
but insist on the necessity for their dressing properly for the work. 
" Jottings of a Gentleman Gardener." By E. T. Ellis. 8vo. 268 pp. (Reeve 
London, 191 7.) 3s. 6d. net. 
This is an excellent book, full of really good information on such subjects a 
Annuals, Biennials, Perennials, rock-gardens, roses, bulbs, soils and their manage 
ment, propagation, manures, calendar of operations, &c, &c, all worthy 
of careful study. The weak portion of the work is the vegetable garden 
portion at the end of the book. Nothing is said about sowing seeds of vegetables 
in August on land from which crops have been cleared, such as beet, carrots, 
onions, &c. that have proved such a splendid addition in many gardens, particu- 
larly where the soil is well drained and open. Again, we think more should be 
said about raising Brussels sprouts, broccoli, borecole, savoys — all most valuable 
vegetables — and less said about Cardoons, Kohl rabi, Couve Tronchuda, which are 
not the most useful things to grow. We disagree that beet will bleed if the roots 
are broken. We rarely find a root bleed or lose colour when injured or cut 
through. 
" Food, Fruit, and Flowers." By Walter P. Wright. 8vo. 336 pp. (Dent, 
London, 191 7.) 5s. net. 
We cannot do better than quote some remarks of the author in his 
preface : " In anticipation of food scarcity and of a long period of national 
impoverishment after the war, it is desirable that our systems of gardening should 
be reviewed. Flower-gardening must be pursued in a more simple and economi- 
cal spirit, and I have made it my business to show in these pages that a change 
can be made without causing any loss of beauty or interest, &c." Admirably 
has the author fulfilled his task in the well- written book before us, and it 
should be read by all who are anxious to make the most of every portion of their 
garden. We are not in entire accord with his selection of varieties of fruit to 
plant. Worcester Pearmain is a second-rate apple. Bramley's Seedling is too 
diffuse in its habit for a small garden, and Pitmaston Duchess is splendid in 
appearance, but there its good qualities end. However, tastes differ fortunately, 
and the book is really first-rate. 
" Vegeculture." By Harry AfDay.* Bvo. 152 pp. (Methuen, London, 
191 7 ) is. 6d. net. 
This is a particularly useful bo^k to read and study now, when it is the duty 
of all of us to produce as much good food as possible, and it will be an excellent 
guide to the amateur and less experienced cultivator on what to grow and t how 
to grow it. A good index completes the book. 
