THE SHRUB IDENTIFICATION BOOK

by George W.D. Symonds ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

As a companion volume to The Tree Identification Book (see report p. 204-1958), this meets on every score the unique goals of identification set by that. Anyone normally interested in the necessity of bringing order out of the seeming haos of identification will find his answer here. In the study of plants, trees and shrubs provide the best start- and a careful study of Mr. Symonds' method, aided by the remarkable photographs- some 3500 of them- will aid towards recognition, a thrill which never lessens. The method is based on the step by step examination of details-leaves, flowers, fruit, twigs and bark- with a sixth item added- thorns; once the details have made the genus sure, the Master Pages confirm the identification of species. Each section of the Pictorial Keys is prefaced by an explanation of the classifications, the inclusions, the reasons for the order, the methods used in inclusion of name and number, and advice on how to use the photographs and how then to proceed to the Master Pages. In this section the major space is given to broad-leafed upright shrubs, then to vines, with less space given to needle-leaved shrubs and ground covers. In these pages two goals are served:- the assembling of the important features, particularized in the earlier sections and the identification of species. At the end a bibliography, glossary and an index to the Master Pages rounds out what is a carefully organized and superbly realized book, exceptional in an area which has offered little new. Not to be used as a field guide (its size precludes this) it should be considered a sound ""home course"" for the experienced and the inexperienced alike.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Morrow-Barrows

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1963

Categories: NONFICTION