BOOK REVIEWS. 
461 
The important subject of ecology is not alluded to, but the 
physiology is assisted by experiments. The whole of the morphology 
is excellently given ; but the importance of studying botany from 
Nature itself, and not from books, might have been emphasized with 
advantage. 
" Parks and Park Engineering." By W. T. Lyle. 8vo., 130 pp. 
(Wiley, New York ; Chapman & Hall, London, 1916.) 55. 6d. net. 
The author states that " the book is principally for the benefit of 
the young and inexperienced engineer of construction, who, though 
not trained in the art/may be engaged in the work of development 
of private estates." 
The book is divided into five chapters, which extend to 130 pages, 
and is illustrated by thirty-eight plates, principally of park scenery, 
and the implements that are generally used in the reclaiming and 
laying out of waste lands. At the outset it may be well to state that 
the large size and generally irregular configuration of American parks, 
which differ greatly in these respects from those at home, call for a 
wide knowledge of engineering in the person who undertakes the 
laying out of the grounds. Bridge-building, the making of sewers, 
piling and lighting are works that rarely come under the average 
park superintendent. 
In the chapter on design, much useful information is given as to 
the drainage of park-lands, dealing with large quantities of earth, 
and the formation of paths and roads. 
The chapter dealing with labour and contracts is to the point, 
and will be found of value to all employers of labour, but particularly 
when works of a general kind are being carried out, and appears to be 
more suited to the American than the English labour market. 
The Macadam pavement appears to be a favourite one with 
our American cousins, and the various methods of construction are 
interesting and to the point, though using asphaltic and other oils 
has not met with great success in this country. 
Altogether the work has the ring of the practical about it, and is 
recommended for the perusal of all who have to do with the laying 
out of public or private parks. 
" Recent Progress in the Study of Variation, Heredity, and Evolu- 
tion." By R. H. Lock, M.A., Sc.D. Revised by L. Doncaster, Sc.D., 
F.R.S. Ed. 4. 8vo. xxiv + 336 pp. (J. Murray, London, 1916.) 
6s. net. 
We reviewed this book in 1906, when it first appeared, and can say 
now, as then, that it is the clearest and most readable account in our 
language of the progress recently made in the subjects with which 
it deals. We have to mourn the death of the author at the early 
age of thirty-six — death due in no small measure to devotion to duty 
and neglect of necessary rest in work assigned to him soon after war 
broke out, by the Board of Agriculture, with the object of increasing 
