THE ROADSIDE THE ROCK POOL

The third and fourth in a series showing the effects of man's intrusion on the ecology of ""Our Changing World,"" these volumes maintain the high standard set in The Forest and The River (p. 614/(C-92). In The Roadside, the rich variety of wildlife by a country track is disrupted by the construction of a highway, but the builders are so careful that most species are able to return after construction is complete; the median even provides a safe area for foxes, since it is free of hunters. The seaside Rock Pool is less fortunate: an oil spill kills many of its creatures, and even a year later recovery is incomplete. Dow's lush paintings convey the beauty and richness of each habitat before it is disturbed, yet are meticulous enough to use for identification; while the books are British, most of the many species mentioned are also found in the US. Bellamy's quiet text shows clearly how nature is able ""to cleanse, heal, and recolonize""--even though human carelessness also results in permanent losses. Excellent for assignments or browsing.