7 DECEMBER 1912, Page 13

Hardy Perennials and Herbaceous Borders. By Walter P. Wright. (Headley

Brothers. 12s. 6d. net.)—A finely and profusely lllustrated volume, with coloured plates from paintings and photo- graphs. It is mainly intended for amateurs, so far as the cultural directions go ; the froth of the cuckoo-spit, for instance, is duly explained, and gardeners are advised, if they can overcome "the first natural feeling of repulsion," to draw the fingers over the froth, and thus " destroy the insect beneath by pressure." 'Squash' is a shorter word. Mr. Wright knows his audience, but he is for all that thoroughly practical. He writes hopefully of the possibility of establishing hollyhocks as fungus-free garden plants, mainly by extra care with strong seedlings, spraying, sunlight, and ventilation.