The Vegetable Garden. By MM. Vilmorin-Andrieux. English Edition. Published under
the Direction of W. Robinson. (John Murray. 15s. net.)—This is a volume of ample dimensions, reaching to nearly eight hundred pages, and furnished with illustrations which must be almost as numerous. The plan followed has been, we conclude from an inspection of the con- tents, to translate the text of the French authors, and, where necessary, to supplement this with descriptions and instructions adapted to the circumstances of English gardens. In some cases, as under the heading of "Artichokes," the added matter is not less in bulk, and we may say in importan6e, to the original. When we come, however, to "Varieties," it may be observed that these are almost entirely French. On the subject of " Asparagus " we find Mr. Robin- son's comments of very great value. He holds that a space of four feet is "needed to give the best result." A plan which ensures the same necessary condition—ample room—is to put single plants here and there, where an opportunity occurs. In a large garden or small fruit farm there are almost numberless spaces which might be utilised in this way. Nowhere can vegetables be better grown than in this country ; nothing deteriorates more rapidly by keeping ; and yet we import vast quantities which we might produce ourselves. To do the best we can for ourselves with our own means is the true Protection of native industry. Passing on, we come to the "Bean," with its' many varieties. These all together occupy nearly eighty pages, a full tenth, it may be observed, of the whole book. Of the "Broad Bean" there are ten varieties described. On the "French Bean" Mr. Robinson has much to say. Generally, they are the most important of summer vegetables. The plan of the work excludes bush-fruits, but includes "Strawberries," to which a valuable chapter is devoted. Mr. Robinson has something to say in his preface about the "chaotic struggle in Covent Garden," with its dis- couraging effects on the vegetable industry. If we could only have the "district markets" which he suggests !—With this we may mention a little book devoted to the ornamental side of horticulture, The Girl's Garden, by Margaret M. Rankin (A. Melrose, 2s. net), founded on the author's experiences in Scotland and London.
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