SUMMER FLOWERS OF THE WILD. By Edward Step, F.L.S. (Jarrolds.
5s.)—We have already drawn attention to Professor Step's admirable method of grouping flowers according to how they are found—that is, arranging them for reference uses ecologically rather than alpha- betically. This book, which is a continuation of the pleasant story of Spring Flowers of the Wild, needs no other recom- mendation than to say that the same level of lucidity and
• charm is maintained throughout. Here is a description of a June cliff-garden among the maritime Downs, an old quarry of which Nature has resumed possession :—" Into its crevices she has dropped the seeds of Kidney Vetch, Samphire, Navelwort and other flowering plants. and the spores of the Sea Spleenwort fern : and painted the face with patches of bright orange lichen. The seams in the floor, too, have been filled in with numerous plants, which have, been kept dwarf and carpet-like by the sea-breezes. Specially noticeable for their flowers are the abundant Sea Pink or Thrift and the Sea Campion. . . . Let us look at some of these more carefully, ignoring the screams and threatening gestures of the gulls that are wheeling around in fear that we may be intent upon raiding their nests on the ledges below." Each flower in the cliff-garden is then described in detail, and- the next hollow or seaward water- shed is in turn explored for its floral treasures.
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