dens who, if they will accept the wealth of knowledge and advice 
ofifered in the book, will profit much. J. C. S. 
Wild Flowers of New York. Issued by the University of the State 
of New York. Price, $7.50. 
This beautiful and unique work in two large volumes (medium 
quarto) is a perfect feast of pleasure and information. There are 
thirty-five black and white plates, and two hundred and sixty-four 
pages of plates in full color, splendidly executed from photographs tak- 
en from the flowers growing in the fields. New York's topography 
and varied climate are such that practically all the wild flowers of 
the United States, save those of California and North CaroUna, are 
found within its borders. The enthusiasm and patience which were 
expended during the three years required for the accomplishment 
of all these portraits are doubly impressive to anyone who knows the 
difficulties of the color photography of flowers. Unstinted praise 
should be given to Dr. Homer D. House, State Botanist, who super- 
intended the color photography and prepared the accompanying 
text. The text is brief, clear and not too technical, with most helpful 
facts regarding the natural conditions in which each plant grows. 
For the private Hbrary the book is a source of endless information and 
delight. For schools and pubHc hbraries the work is invaluable. 
It wiU arouse to a keener pitch the child's normal love for flowers, 
and through its enlarging knowledge touch that love with respect 
to withold too eager hands. Our wild flowers are gradually dis- 
appearing. The greatest cause is the ruthless picking of flowers by 
those who are not satisfied to enjoy and then leave the flowers where 
they grow. The permanent and unfading feast of beauty in this book 
should help educate the thoughtless and the greedy. 
Herhals. By Agnes Arber. 
Cambridge University Press, 191 2. 
This is a most valuable book, presenting the history of the im- 
portant herbals published between 1470 and 1670. Brief accounts 
of the botanists and the writers of botanical works during this period 
are given in a style so clear and interesting as to be absorbing. The 
first chapter (introductory) and the last (conclusions) form a general 
survey illuminated by important comments. There are two appen- 
dices. First, a chronological fist of the principal herbals and related 
botanical works pubHshed in the period covered by the book; and 
second, a bibliography. 
The illustrations throughout are many and dehghtful. They have 
evidently been selected with an eye to quaintness as well as historic 
interest. The balance of arrangement and the thoroughness with 
which the subjects are treated are refreshing and satisf)dng, 
A. H. 
44 
