84 (1799–1834), whose unfortunate demise occurred as a result of being gored by a bull while on expedi- tion in Hawaii, and “the greatest collector of them all” (p. 15), Ernest H. Wilson, who successfully retrieved hundreds of plants from Asia, including paper-bark maple and the dove tree. The authors continue in the Introduction by detailing trees wor- thy of consideration for specific sites, varying soil types (e.g., clay, acidic, dry, poor soils), gardens, streets, and for their variety of ornamental char- acteristics (e.g., flowers, fall foliage, bark, fruit). The Introduction to The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Trees closes with an explanation of the method- ology behind the rating system the authors used to describe the “height,” “hardiness,” “choice,” and “wood” of the trees identified and discussed throughout the text. Tree height is designated in meters and assumes proper planting and compat- ible growing conditions (with growth expectations in 10 years, 20 years, and eventual maximum). Hardiness rating commences at –40° F/C, where a specimen surviving under these conditions is ascribed a 100% “resistance” rating. As specimens become less cold tolerant, they are ascribed a lower hardiness %. Choice relates to a tree’s “gar- den value,” or ornamental appeal, where 1 = Excel- lent, 2 = Good, 3 = Of lesser garden merit, and 4 = Not recommended. Wood quality is considered in five categories, where 1 = High quality and use- ful for furniture, 2 = Good and useful for struc- tural building, 3 = Less valuable and useful in rough construction, 4 = Appropriate for particle board or pulp, and 5 = Inferior and useful as fuel. The heart of the book is divided into two sec- tions: coniferous trees (pp. 21–259) and decidu- ous trees (pp. 263–803), organized by family. The coniferous section commences with the Gink- goaceae, and closes with the Pinaceae. Numer- ous (generally) evergreen species are depicted and described. Typically, a paragraph articu- lates the silvics, ecology, and natural history of a given species, followed by numbers in accor- dance with the aforementioned rating systems. Ginkgo biloba, for example, is given a growth [height (m)] rating of 2-5-25, meaning that the tree can be expected to be 2 m in height aſter grow- ing for 10 years, 5 m in height aſter 20 years, and reach an eventual height of up to 25 m. It receives a hardiness rating of 60%–70%, which according ©2017 International Society of Arboriculture Book Review to an accompanying chart (p. 18), indicates that it may withstand temperatures as low as –28°C (–18°F). The plant is ascribed a choice rating of 2 and 4, meaning that while its garden or ornamen- tal value is “Good” (2), it may feature unpleas- ant characteristics (in this case, smelly fruit) that warrant it unsuitable (4) under certain circum- stances. A wood rating is not indicated, as its com- mercial lumber use is apparently very limited. Further, following the descriptions of coniferous tree species, a selection of conif- erous cones are depicted (pp. 260–261). The deciduous section of the text commences with the Salicaceae. As with the coniferous section, numerous (generally) broad-leaved species are described with a brief paragraph, characterizing the silvics, ecology, and natural history of a specific species. Again, numbers are ascribed in accordance with the rating system detailed in the Introduction. As a second example, Quercus coccinea is given the same ranking treatment for its height (5-10- 25) and hardiness (60%–70%). The plant was assigned a choice rating of 1, 2, 3, meaning its gar- den or ornamental value may be “Excellent” (1) “Good” (2), and though of “Lesser merit” (3) may yet offer other important values, like provide hab- itat for wildlife. Its wood-value rating of 2, 3, 5 is considered to be “Good” (2) with application as a structural timber, “Less valuable” (3) with appli- cation in rough construction, and “Inferior” (5), indicating that it has application as a fuelwood. Following the descriptions of deciduous the text features a relatively brief glos- tree species, sary of terms (pp. 804–806). The book also fea- tures several pages of high-quality depictions of shoots and buds, and coniferous and deciduous leaves (pp. 806–815). The text itself closes with an index of botanical tree names (pp. 816–830). To anyone who takes time to examine this lit- several erary resource, items become apparent. Whether it is from the perspective of an artist (David Moore) or a natural scientist (John White), the authors of The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Trees are incredibly passionate about trees—both from their European-based point-of-view and from an international standpoint. The overall tone of the book is one of service, both to the plant kingdom and to those of us enticed enough to take an inter- est in it. The authors provide an email address,
March 2017
| Title Name |
Pages |
Delete |
Url |
| Empty |
Search Text Block
Page #page_num
#doc_title
Hi $receivername|$receiveremail,
$sendername|$senderemail wrote these comments for you:
$message
$sendername|$senderemail would like for you to view the following digital edition.
Please click on the page below to be directed to the digital edition:
$thumbnail$pagenum
$link$pagenum
Your form submission was a success. You will be contacted by Washington Gas with follow-up information regarding your request.
This process might take longer please wait
