FLOWER ARRANGING: A Book to Begin On

There's a nettle in this dainty, rather innocuous bouquet, namely the indiscriminate encouragement of the child to pick ""wild flowers blooming in the woods."" Although none of the plants mentioned are among the officially protected endangered species, good sense and sound conservation favors leaving them alone; in any case, some reference to seeking adult guidance seems imperative. (Neither should apple trees be attacked haphazardly.) Approximately half the book suggests sources of plant material; the balance describes ways of arranging blooms in containers ( including a few displays for special occasions) and constructing terrarium gardens. The guidelines are traditional and precise, with little scope for the child's imagination; in appearance, too (minute black and white drawings on beige) the book has a finicky tastefulness. Altogether it's less likely to be missed than the wild flowers.