198 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
BOOK REVIEWS. 
" Bulb Gardening." By Mary Hampden. 8vo. 221 pp. (Butterworth, 
London [1921].) 75. 6d. net. 
This is No. 3 of the Home Garden Books. The author has cast her net wide, 
for she includes rhizomatous Irises and even " Spiderworts " (Trades cantia sp.), 
but we cannot blame her for giving more than her title promises ; and she omits 
few really good kinds of bulbous plants whether they be hardy or tender. We 
could, however, wish that directions had been sometimes more explicit. It is 
of little use saying that all peat-loving Lilies do well among Azaleas unless the 
peat lovers are definitely marked, and the selections given are not always those 
to which we should subscribe. Lilium Krameri is a beautiful thing, but ought 
not to be included where L. rubellum, one of the most beautiful of all, is omitted. 
L. superbum should always be included where L. pardalinum is happy, and it is 
surprising to find L. regale omitted from a popular list, as surprising as to find 
Colchicum speciosum left out or Lilium giganteum suggested as a pot plant. It 
is true that Crocus leaves tied in knots look unnatural, but we fear as much harm 
may be done to them by burying their leaves under fibre or earth to keep the 
beds tidy as by cutting them off early. We might find many other faults in 
this readable book, but it will serve a good purpose if it encourages new gardeners 
to grow bulbous plants. 
" The Vegetable Garden : Illustrations, Descriptions, and Culture of the 
Garden Vegetables of Cold and Temperate Climates." By M. M. Vilmorin- 
Andrieux. English edition by W. Robinson ; 3rd ed., with Addendum by W. P. 
Thomson. Large 8 vo. xix + 8°5PP- (Murray, London, 1920.) 255.net. 
An addendum mentioning many of the newer varieties of vegetables adds to 
the value of this book, which has become very well known to many interested in 
vegetable gardening through this English translation, the first edition of which 
appeared in 1885. It is indispensable to those who wish for a knowledge of the 
characteristics of varieties of vegetables, and in this direction it is unsurpassed. 
" How to Prune Roses and Fruit Trees." By O. Thomas. 8vo. 32 pp. 
(Country Life, London, 1921.) Paper gd. net. 
Mr. Thomas creates a good impression in the reviewer's mind at the outset by 
recommending the knife in place of the secateurs as pruning tools, and he goes 
on to give clear directions as to the general treatment to be adopted in pruning 
all the common types of roses and fruits. The process of spur-forming when 
summer pruning is not resorted to might have been made a little more clear. 
" The Coco-nut." By Edwin Bingham Copeland. Ed. 2. 8vo. xvi + 225pp. 
(Macmillan, London, 192 1.) 20s. net. 
The author has made a close study of the requirements of the coco-nut and 
of the physiology of the plants and the diseases and pests attacking it (the 
description of these occupies two-fifths of the book) . The treatment of the seed, 
seedlings, and mature plantations is fully discussed, and the most economical 
methods of handling the products are fully gone into. The book is well 
illustrated from photographs. 
" Common Plants." By Macgregor Skene. 8vo. 271 pp. (Melrose, London 
[1921].) 6s. net. 
We have seldom read a more enlightening book upon the physiology and ways 
of life of plants than this. The story of plant life and behaviour is built up 
around common plants in a masterly manner, and advanced students of botany 
may read it with the same degree of pleasure and as great advantage as the 
unlearned. We commend it to all our readers. 
" Sweet Peas : How to excel with them." By Horace J. Wright. 8vo. 
32 pp. (Country Life, London, 192 1.) Paper covers, gd. net. 
This little booklet is full of sound advice carefully set out in plain language 
and in proper sequence. It clearly indicates not only the right procedure but 
also where mistakes are likely to be made, and it does it all in a very pleasant 
fashion. We heartily recommend it as a guide to all who desire to grow these 
popular plants. 
