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Monograph 22
Book Reviews
2007 657
657
Book Reviews of the Northeastern Naturalist, Issue 14/4, 2007
Green Republican. Thomas G. Smith.
2006. University of Pittsburg Press, Pittsburg,
PA. 404 pp. $40, softcover. ISBN
0822942836. This book focuses on the
life and work of John Saylor, Congressman
from Pennsylvania (1949–1973),
who, as a member of the Committee
on Public Lands and senior Republican
member of the House Interior and Insular
Committee, successfully conserved
many of the remaining primitive forests
and rivers of America. Believing that the
wilderness was a major factor in shaping
the American character, Saylor worked
tirelessly to preserve the traits he believed
made Americans strong. Most of this wellresearched
book focuses on the strategies,
principles, and positions taken by Saylor
and his protagonists during each of his
many conservation campaigns, including
his campaign to preserve the Grand
Canyon and primitive Redwood Forests.
Uncertainties, passions, and vicissitudes
captured in excerpts from newspaper
clippings, letters, and Saylor’s speeches
from the House fl oor enliven each of these
events. Both inspirational and practical,
this book is a valuable resource for all
who wish to continue the quest to conserve
America’s wilderness. N.L.
Invasive Plants of the Upper Midwest:
An Illustrated Guide to Their Identifi cation
and Control. Elizabeth J. Czarapata.
2005. The University of Wisconsin Press,
Madison, WI. 215 pp. $26.95, softcover.
ISBN 0299210545. While this guide was
developed for the region from Minnesota
to Missouri to Ohio, land managers and
landowners throughout the northeast will
also fi nd this current and informative text
useful. The book begins with a discussion
of why control of invasives is important
and moves directly to a chapter on control
techniques. The safe use of fi re, herbicides,
grazing, pulling, and cutting are
discussed. A large portion of the book
covers identifi cation of individual species.
Each account includes some history
of the plant, its habitat, morphological
characteristics including root system, and
possible control methods. Photographs of
the entire plant, its habitat, and characters
important for identification are often
included. A chapter devoted to native
plants that sometimes need control is also
helpful for gardeners. Several appendices
provide sources of further information. A
matrix of invasive plants summarizes information
including control methods for
each plant. An excellent resource. C.R.
Colonial Botany: Science, Commerce,
and Politics in the Early Modern
World. Londa Schiebinger and Claudia
Swan (Eds.). 2005. University of Pennsylvania
Press, Philadelphia, PA. 346 pp.
$22.50, hardcover. ISBN 0812238273. A
collection of academic research and essays
on the cultural history of plants in the
period of European global colonization
(1550 to 1800). Emphasizes the relationships
between plant collection, economics
and politics, and the infl uence botany had
on the economic and political spheres of
the time, particularly with respect to land
and natural resources. Discusses the early
versions of bioprospecting, especially for
medicinal plants. Scholarly, useful for the
cultural historian. S.O’M.
Technical Guide to Forest Wildlife
Habitat Management in New England.
Richard M. DeGraaf, Mariko Yamasaki,
William B. Leak, and Anna M. Lester.
2007. University of Vermont Press, Burlington,
VT. 305 pp. $35, softcover. ISBN
139781584655879. Wildlife species are
suited to specifi c habitats, and as landuse
patterns change, so too does species
composition. This is particularly the case
in New England, where over 350 years
of human habitation has had a profound
effect upon the landscape. This text is a
professional guide for wildlife and landuse
managers as they make decisions that
658 Northeastern Naturalist Vol. 14, No.4
encourage the growth or even just the
survival of desired species of wildlife and
their required habitats in this region. After
an introduction describing forest types,
fi ve succeeding chapters discuss wildlife
habitats, inventory and prescription, habitat
relationships, silvicultural methods,
and nonforested habitats. Integral to the
text are over 120 pages of species matrixes
presenting summary information on
the preferred habitat types for many of the
amphibians, birds, and mammals found in
New England. This is an extremely useful
and practical book for students and professionals
as they use forest management
tools to promote and manage wildlife in
New England. S.E.
Forest Insect Sampling in Forest
Ecosystems. Simon Leather (Ed.).
2005. Blackwell Science, Ltd., Malden,
MA. 303 pp. $76.95, softcover. ISBN
0632053887. Addressing the needs of
ecologists studying insects in temperate
and tropical forests, this text brings
together 10 papers dealing with specifi c
sampling challenges. An introductory
chapter on sampling theory and practice is
followed by one on sampling insects from
roots and one on pitfall trapping. Sampling
understory vegetation and sampling
insects from trees including shoots, stem,
and trunks are all covered, as is sampling
of canopy insects. Sampling insects in
fl ight as well as those in water-fi lled tree
holes are also addressed. Devices for
sampling aquatic insects and sampling
design are covered before a chapter devoted
to sampling termites and another on
sampling parasitoids and predators. Each
paper includes extensive references, and a
combined subject species index concludes
the volume. This text is suitable for the
advanced student, teacher, or researcher
interested in forest insects. C.R.
Theories for Everything. John Langone,
Bruce Stutz, and Andrea Gionopoulos.
2006. National Geographic Society,
Washington, DC. 407 pp. $40, hardcover.
ISBN 9780792239123. This book
reviews clusters of knowledge in the
order of the intellectual effort exerted by
theorists. Hence, the book begins with
theories of the “heavens” (astronomy),
followed by theories of matter and energy;
the human body, matter and energy,
life itself, earth and moon, and mind
and behavior. Written in an engagingly
conversational tone, the authors present
all relevant theories, including theories
proven false. Each theory is described
in understandable and refreshingly transparent
terms, with significant theories
being explained in detail within chapter
inserts. Anecdotes and biographical
sketches of singularly important theorists
enable readers to appreciate the human
factor in theory development. As the
sequence of theory development unfolds,
the tentativeness of knowledge
and the importance of having a “primed”
mind is reinforced. As current theories
are reviewed, inconsistencies in the
data are presented, preparing readers for
future developments. Humbling in its
entirety, this beautifully illustrated and
organized book is an excellent reference
for readers with scientific interests and
ability. N.L.
Introduction to Population Ecology.
Larry L. Rockwood. 2006. Blackwell
Publishing, Malden, MA. 339 pp. $47.95,
ISBN 1405132639, paperback. Designed
for population ecology majors, this book
draws on Larry Rockwood’s 30 years
of teaching and researching population
ecology. Presented in readily comprehensible
terms are the terminology,
basic laws, and research utilized in this
fi eld of science. Starting with single
species population densities, Rockwood
describes factors that modify their density-
independent-and dependent growth as
well as intraspecifi c competition. Gaining
complexity, he then focuses on population
regulation and introduces readers to
metapopulation ecology and life-history
strategies of single species populations.
Book Reviews
2007 659
Refl ecting scientifi c advances, Rockwood
also addresses concepts in interspecifi c
interactions, mutualism, host-parasite interactions,
predator-prey interactions, and
plant-herbivore interactions. Each chapter
states the learning objectives followed
by a concise review of theory, seminal
studies, case studies, illustrative graphs
and charts, and a summative conclusion
statement. If an ecological variable is
described by predictive research, working
mathematical and stochastic models
are described, and a limited number of
problems provided for practical application
of these entities. Written clearly
and succinctly for beginners in the fi eld,
Rockwood’s exciting and well-presented
book also has practical implications for
policy makers, conservationists, wildlife
managers, and stewards of the natural
habitat. N.L.
Shaping Science and Technology Policy.
David H. Guston and Daniel Sarewitz
(Eds.). 2006. University of Wisconsin
Press, Madison, Wisconsin. 370 pp. $45,
softcover. ISBN 0299219100. An anthology
of 16 peer-reviewed presentations
competitively selected from the “Next
Generation Policy Conference” offered
by the National Science Foundation, this
book considers the mutual interaction
between policy and science/technology.
Each set of presentations deals with abstract
considerations to practical issues.
For example, the fi rst set of presentations
starts with a discussion of research ethics
and then addresses such practical issues
as intellectual property rights in universities,
criteria for selecting recipients of
Federal research and development funding,
and spillover from the benefi ts of research
by geographical region. Other sets
of presentations address issues related to
shaping science, shaping technology, and
shaping daily life of our society. Each essay
is engaging in its own right, but some
are more memorable to the general reader
than others. For example, the presentation
describing the effects of societal ethos on
generating policy regarding the design
of advanced, technology-driven public
transportation systems both enrages and
enlightens. All presentations follow the
same succinct format. Another appealing
feature is the masterfully written conclusion
accompanying each presentation.
Sophisticated in intention and composition,
some presentations require knowing
the language of advanced statistics. The
presentations involving interactions
between research funding policy and
science/technology are especially interesting.
Totally absorbing, this innovative
book is highly recommended reading for
research faculty, graduate students, policy
makers, elected representatives, and prepared
citizens. N.L.
Hormones and Animal Social Behavior.
Elizabeth Adkins-Regan. 2005. Princeton
University Press, Princeton, NJ. 411 pp.
$45, ISBN 069109246X. Driven by an
arduous passion for identifying hormonal
substrate of behavior, Elizabeth
Adkins-Regan conducts a comprehensive
integrative review and analysis of
research exploring these linkages among
animals and occasionally plants. Following
the four-prong biological research
agenda set by Tinbergen (1963), she
presents research related to causation,
survival value, ontogeny, and evolution
of permissive relationships between
hormones and behavior. Explaining that
hormones are now known to be secreted
by many tissues—the biggest producer
being the brain, the author presents
electrifying research relating DNA,
biochemical signaling mechanisms, the
brain, and permissive behavior (i.e.,
approved by the brain) across species.
Noting similarities and differences in
important preservation and organizational
behaviors among species, i.e.,
mating, parenting, etc., Adkins-Regan
integrates hypotheses as she reviews the
data. Emphasized are studying behaviors
from the perspectives of trade-offs, costs,
temporal rhythms, ecological imprints,
660 Northeastern Naturalist Vol. 14, No.4
and feasibility. Like many evolutionists,
Adkins-Regan subscribes to the idea that
behavioral evolution is related to small
mutations in DNA and in regulatory biochemicals.
She seems especially fond of
the idea of studying the co-evolution of
receptors and regulatory biochemicals
in permissive behaviors. Designed for
professional researchers and graduate
students, the book offers stimulating dialogue
and many ideas for generating new
interdisciplinary knowledge. N.L.
Fredrick Church. John K. Howat.
2005. Yale University Press, New Haven,
CT. 213 pp. $50, hardcover. ISBN
0300109881. This beautifully illustrated
book describes not only the artwork of
this Hudson River School master, but
his life and varied interests as well. The
21 chapters are written in chronological
order, many of them highlighting his international
travels that ultimately resulted
in a series of studies and paintings depicting
a particular location. His thoughts,
friendships, and important life events are
described in the text as well as the reaction
of the public to his works. Well written
and superbly illustrated, this book will
be appreciated by admirers of Church’s
work and his role in the development of
20th century art. C.R.
Edible Medicines: An Ethnopharmacology
of Food. Nina L. Etkin. 2006. The
University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ.
304 pp. $50, softcover. ISBN 0816520933.
This book explores the evolution of plants
endowed with medicinal properties and
human consumption of these plants. Positing
that plants develop chemicals (i.e.,
alleochemicals) to offset environmental
challenges, the author suggests that these
challenges account for the variety of alleochemicals
of medicinal value found in
plant species. With matching detail, the
author explores the evolution of human
social systems, models of health, pathology,
and therapeutics and how these
models effect edible medicine consumption.
Mind-expanding and interesting, the
conceptual framework created by the author
is testable—affording researchers the
opportunity to test relational, predictive,
and prescriptive hypotheses regarding
contextual plant-plant and plant-herbivore
interactions. The book also provides
a table of edible medicinal plants and suffi
cient background for the general reader
to make consumption choices. N.L.
The Singing Life of Birds: The Art
and Science of Listening to Birdsong.
Donald Kroodsma. 2005. Houghton
Miffl in Company, Boston, MA. 482 pp.
$16.95, softcover, CD enclosed. ISBN
0618840761. Kroodsma uses the voices of
thirty bird species to illustrate his and others’
studies of bird song. An introduction
orients the reader to the sonograms provided
in the text. The songs from which
the sonograms are made can be found on
the CD, and readers are encouraged to
listen while looking at the sonograms in
order to hear with their eyes. Kroodsma’s
conversational writing often takes the
form of a diary as he listens and observes
his bird subjects. How bird songs develop
is explored by investigating how birds
learn, mimic, or are born with their songs.
How and why songs vary geographically
or the study of dialects is examined using
the songs of Marsh Wren, Black-capped
Chickadee, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Towhees
and Tufted Titmouse. Birds without
song, complex song, especially beautiful
song, song on the wing and tireless song
are all. The predawn song of the Eastern
Wood Pewee, the Chipping Sparrow and
the Brewer’s Sparrow are each examined
for the special qualities of their early
morning reverie. This is a very readable
text packed with facts and observations
that will encourage better listening and
understanding. C.R.
The Songs of Insects. Lang Elliott and
Wil Hershberger. 2006. Houghton Mifflin
Company, Boston, MA. 482 pp.
$19.95, softcover, CD enclosed. ISBN
Book Reviews
2007 661
7506186639. This beautifully illustrated
text features 75 different crickets, katydids,
locusts (grasshoppers), and cicadas
found in eastern and central US. Each
insect is photographed on natural vegetation
as well as a white background at a
scale that makes small details visible. A
description of the species provides clues
to identification and includes details
about lifecycle and habitat. A sonogram is
provided as well as a range map of all or
part of the United States. Recordings of
the songs of each of the 75 species can be
heard on the CD preceded by their name.
A brief introduction and a word about
classifi cation are provided as well as a
visual guide. A chapter on the biology of
song discusses the how and why of insect
song. A word about human perception of
insect song and information about how to
read the sonograms will help orient the
reader. The authors also provide advice on
collecting and keeping insects, and detail
their techniques for photographing and
recording them. Additional reading including
websites are also listed. This is a
very accessible text suitable for everyone
intrigued by the sounds of summer. C.R.
Mayfl ies. Ted Fauceglia. 2005. Stackpole
Books, Mechanicsburg, PA. 196 pp.
$49.95, hardcover. ISBN 0811701271.
This book is mainly written for fl y fi shers,
but will also be appreciated by naturalists
seeking to understand the lifecycle of
these intriguing creatures. Organized into
22 chapters, with each describing a single
species or a group of related species.
Scientifi c name and family are given for
each as well as the period in which they
are active on the stream surface. Beautiful
color photos represent each species as
nymph, dun, and spinner. Details regarding
the timing and physical description
of each stage are given for each species.
Examples of fl y patterns for each stage
are also pictured, and materials used in
their creation are described in detail. A
beautifully illustrated chapter depicting
the various steps in metamorphosis from
nymph to dun of the blue quill and from
dun to spinner of the yellow drake really
highlights the author’s ability to capture
these creatures on fi lm. A brief bibliography
is provided as well as an index to the
fl y patterns. C.R.
Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine.
Steven Forster and Rebecca L. Johnson.
2006. National Geographic Books, Washington,
DC. 416 pp. $40, hardcover. This
reference covers 150 herbs commonly
available as dietary supplements in the
US and Europe. Many of these plants were
used by traditional people from across the
globe. Arranged alphabetically by common
name, each plant profi le includes a color
illustration of the plant and a color photograph.
Latin name and family are listed
with a description of the plant, its habitat,
and parts used. Range maps accompany
each. The text for each entry includes
discussion of traditional and current medicinal
uses, cultivation and preparation,
and a section on research that describes recent
scientifi c fi ndings regarding effi cacy.
A sidebar provides interesting information
about the plant regarding folklore, history,
biology, etc. A cautionary statement is
given for herbs that could cause problems
for some users. Where to go for additional
information on the plant is also provided.
In addition to the plant profi les are a series
of 9 essays that discuss the healing plants
of the major regions of the world. A glossary,
index to Latin names, and a section
on additional reading are provided, is a
subject index that is particularly useful for
referencing the ailments discussed in the
various plant profi les. C.R.
Self-organization in Complex Ecosystems.
Ricard V. Soléand and Lordi
Bascompte. 2006. Princeton University
Press, Princeton, NJ. 371 pp. $45, softcover.
ISBN 0691070407. Using the
tools of statistical physics, the authors
introduce an array of techniques and
theory for studying the complexity of
nature using simple models that reveal
662 Northeastern Naturalist Vol. 14, No.4
patterns that capture how ecosystems
work. Nonlinear ecological interactions
reveal self-organized patterns that
are useful for predicting thresholds and
discontinuities. The authors begin with
a discussion of complexity in ecological
systems and complex systems theory,
followed by a chapter on nonlinear dynamics
that addresses population cycles,
catastrophes and breakpoints, and chaos.
The remaining chapters cover spatial selforganization,
scaling and fractals, habitat
loss and extinction thresholds, species
networks, and complexity in macroevolution.
Frequent fi gures help to illustrate key
concepts. An extensive reference section
and detailed index are provided. This text
is suitable for advanced students and ecologists
studying complex systems. C.R.
Reenchantment Without Supernaturalism:
A Process Philosophy of Religion.
David Ray Griffi n. 2001. Cornell University
Press, Ithaca, NY. 426 pp. $29.95,
softcover. ISBN 0801486572. The belief
“democracy is not supported by any moral
values” has led to widespread disenchantment
with religion. The author suggests
with his title that reenchantment is possible
even without the acceptance of a supernatural
creator. Presenting the philosophy of
religion based on the process philosophy
developed by Alfred North Whitehead,
Griffi n sets out 10 core doctrines in the
introduction and then revisits these
throughout the text. Topics covered in individual
chapters include: integrating science
and religion into a single worldview; the
role of perception in religious experience;
freedom in the mind-body relation; dipolar
theism; natural theology; the relationship
between evolution, evil and life after
death; morality and civilization; language
and truth; the relations among religions and
their perspectives on creative experience
and God; and religious knowledge and common
sense. Griffi n includes an extensive
list of references. This book will be enjoyed
by folks who struggle to fi nd comfort with
society, science, and religion. C.R.
Resilience Thinking: Sustaining Ecosystems
and People in a Changing World.
Brian Walker and David Salt. 2006. Island
Press, Washington, DC. 174 pp. $25, softcover.
ISBN 1597260932. Using a series
of case studies, the authors illustrate how
our current approaches to sustainability
are falling short. An essential part of
this failing is how increased effi ciency
and economic profi tability often lead to
the complete destruction of a resource,
leaving too little for the future. By illuminating
these concepts, the authors hope
to create a new way of thinking about
resources and working with the natural
resilience of our ecosystems. Case studies
bring the reader to the Florida Everglades,
a agricultural area of Australia, coral reefs
of the Caribbean, and freshwater lakes of
Wisconsin. References, glossary, and a
list of further reading are provided. This
book will captivate the minds of planners,
students, scientists, and the general
public. C.R.
Foundations of Restoration Ecology.
Donald A. Falk, Margaret A. Palmer, and
Joy B. Zedler, editors. 2006. Island Press,
Washington, DC. 364 pp. $45, softcover.
ISBN 1597260177. This collection of
papers begins with an introduction by the
editors. The papers begin with restoration
of populations and communities. Covered
are population and ecological genetics,
ecophysiological constrains on plants,
population dynamics and metapopulation
theory, and evolutionary restoration
ecology. The second part covers restoration
of ecosystem function and addresses
topographic heterogeneity, food webs,
multiple states and restoration trajectories,
biodiversity, and modeling. The third
provides a context to restoration ecology
that includes discussion of invasive
plants, statistical issues and study design,
the macroscopic perspective, and climate
change. The editors provide a synthesis to
conclude the volume. This text is suitable
for students and land managers concerned
with restoration. C.R.
Book Reviews
2007 663
Handbook of Capture-Recapture
Analysis. Steven C. Amstrup, Trent L.
McDonald, and Bryan F.J. Manly (Eds.).
2005. Princeton University Press, Princeton,
NJ. 313 pp. $49.50, softcover. ISBN
139780691089676. The capture, tagging,
and subsequent recapture of animals,
birds, and fi sh is the fi eld biologists’ most
important tool for enumerating and quantifying
the status of wild populations. This
mark-recapture data must be subjected to
sophisticated statistical analyses back in
the offi ce, and there can be a disconnect
between those who do the fi eld work and
those who do the analyses. This text, written
by authors with expertise in the fi eld
and in the offi ce, successfully bridges
that gap. Classical and modern population
modeling methods are discussed and
illustrated with empirical examples. Some
of the classical methods have been in use
since 1802 and are still relevant today.
Modern methods rely upon sophisticated
computer modeling programs, but they
can more accurately quantify populations
that are in a state of change due to death,
birth, and migration patterns. All are
discussed here in a thorough but concise
fashion, and this handbook will be immediately
useful to ecologists, biologists,
and statisticians. S.E.
The Story of the Apple. Barrie E. Juniper
and David J. Mabberley. 2006. Timber
Press. Portland, Oregon. 219 pp. $29.95,
hardcover. ISBN 9780881927849. The
Story of the Apple is an engaging archeological
narrative of the global dispersion
and diversifi cation of apple species by
animals, humans, and their interactions.
Seeking to orient readers to their subject,
Juniper and Mabberley fi rst clarify what
apples are and how they can be classifi ed
by time of maturity. Then, drawing upon
inferences from the study of antique maps,
historic art, ancient trade routes, glaciation
patterns, and dialect linguistics, Juniper
and Mabberley boldly hypothesize likely
sites of origin, factors promoting variety,
and forces propelling global dispersion of
apples. Integrated within the discussion
are charming myths and folklore related
to apples. Especially memorable are the
unusual ways in which ancient conquerors
used the fruit. The authors are both
respected scholars in botany. Juniper is
an expert in interactions between people,
their animals, and the evolution of crop
plants, and Mabberley is profi cient in
plant classifi cation as well as botanical
history, art, and ecology. The meshing
of their expertise is so artful that The
Story of the Apple stands as an exemplar
for collaborative studies in botany. The
book also underscores ways in which
anthropology, archaeology, and Classical
history can create theory for applied
science. The Story of the Apple is a book
for botanists, researchers, educators, and
apple enthusiasts. N.L.
The Deep: The Extraordinary Creatures
of the Abyss. Claire Nouvian (Ed.).
2006. The University of Chicago Press,
Chicago, IL. 255 pp. $45, hardcover.
ISBN 9780226595665. This book presents
creatures living at mid-sea to ocean
deep in all their gelatinous glory of color,
lights, tendrils, and other adaptive appendages.
More than a memory book of
images of the deep, The Deep introduces
the reader to research questions driving
expert oceanographic researchers to exotic
deep-sea locations. Each of the 20
authors describes environmental conditions
in the research location, adaptations
that facilitate life (i.e., feed, forage, mate,
etc.) in the environment, as well as threats
to life imposed by prey and human activity
at mid-level to ocean surface. Sites of
exploration include the seafl oor, mountain
ranges, trenches, coral reefs, seamounts
(extinct volcanoes), hydrothermal vents,
methane seeps, polar depths, and midseas.
Singled out for special consideration
are: sharks of the dark, monsters of
the deep, and the nocturnal ballet of deepsea
creatures. These brief, informative essays
are moving and thoughtful. Whether
intended or not, these essays also suggest
664 Northeastern Naturalist Vol. 14, No.4
that life in many forms probably exist in
other planetary bodies, including entities
with methane atmospheres, and that human
activity may be the greatest threat to
survival of life in any form. A wonderful
resource for almost any library, nature
lover, and oceanographer, this book is a
classic in the making. N.L.
Wetland Drainage, Restoration, and
Repair. Thomas R. Biebighauser. 2007.
The University Press of Kentucky, Lexington,
KY. 252 pp. $50, hardcover.
ISBN 9780813124476. This analyses of
wetlands management gives a historical
overview of wetland drainage and destruction
along with methods for wetland
restoration. Detailed and practical instructions
are given for restoring and creating
wetlands, accompanied by many color
photographs and case studies from the
author’s experience with over 950 wetlands
projects across North America. This
format makes the text especially valuable
to engineers, wildlife biologists, farmers,
and contractors who may desire or be required
by law to improve wildlife habitat
by creating or restoring wetlands. An
ending chapter provides advice on how to
fund wetlands conservation projects. This
one-of-a-kind how-to manual on wetland
restoration is written in non-technical, accessible
language and will be a valuable
resource for anyone interested in wetlands
restoration. S.E.
Nymphs, Volume I: The Mayfl ies, the
Major Species, and Volume II: Stonefl
ies, Caddisfl ies, and Other Important
Insects Including the Lesser Mayfl ies,
Volume II. Ernest G. Schwiebert. 2007.
The Lyons Press, Guilford, CT. 628
pp, 787 pp. $60 each, hardcover. ISBN
9781592284993, 9781599210988. This
two-volume set was created for the
serious angler. The fi rst hundred pages
of Volume I contain the authors refl ections
on his fascination with fi shing with
nymphs, nymph-fi shing theory, the development
of modern nymph fi shing, including
early American studies and fi shing at
mid-century, before delving into discussion
of the genus ephemera. The author
takes the reader through a description of
each genus in a conversational manner
that is both packed with technical information
and quite understandable. Volume
II starts right in with the stonefl ies, discussing
fi shing in the west and the east
in separate chapters. Thereafter they are
ordered by season of emergence. He
moves on to caddisfl ies, also organized
by season. The lesser mayfl ies are next
followed by miscellaneous orders. Each
chapter in both volumes includes sidebars
containing detailed characteristics
for individual species. A limited number
of color plates illustrate each volume with
the authors colored pencil renderings.
Notes conclude each volume followed
by a bibliography and combined subject,
person, and species index. Published
posthumously. C.R.
The Hidden Forest: A Biography of
an Ecosystem. Jon R. Louma. 2006.
Oregon State University Press, Corvallis,
OR. 228 pp. $22.95, softcover. ISBN
087071094X. First published in 1999,
this classic relates the story of a team of
scientists working in the Andrews Experimental
forest in Oregon since 1948.
Louma presents the complexity of the
ecological workings of this forest using
their fi ndings. He follows individual scientists
and their pursuits, their personalities,
and their fi ndings while explaining
the larger context of their work and its
implication in a captivating style. Suitable
for a general audience as well as
undergraduates studying forestry, biology,
or social sciences. A list of selected
readings is provided. C.R.
Book Reviewers: S.E. = Stephen Eddy,
N.L. = Nancy Lovejoy, S.O’M. = Sarah
O'Malley, C.R. = Cathy Rees.