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ESA
BULLETIN
tion and advancement in scientific research. Or, better
elucidated by the author, "The realities of nature are far
more incredible than the wildest dreams. Once an unknown reality is manifested, it ceases to be a mystery,
and thus it suffers a loss of glamour. To uncover an incredible reality requires imagination plus appropriate experimental action-not
dreaming or wishing." His altruistic nature and advice are evident in this passage from
the conclusion, "It is only important that I should have
pointed out a new path to explore, and that, wherever that
path may lead, it should stimulate more and more imaginative young biologists, chemists, and physicists to look
with awe upon the designs of nature." Somehow, this
reminded me of an enchanting verse from T. R. R. Tolkein, "The Lord of the Rings":
The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
NORMANC. LEPPLA
Insect Attractants, Behavior and
Basic Biology Research Laboratory
USDA, Agric. Res. Servo
Gainesville, FL 32604
INSECT POLLINATIONOF CULTIVATEDCROPPLANTS. 1976.
S. E. McGregor.
ARS USDA. Agricultural Handbook No. 496. $5.90 (paper).
The long-awaited Pollination book by S. E. McGregor
is now available following July release by GPO. It is
411 pages of well organized, richly illustrated and easy to
read information on the insect pollination of over 150
crops from acerola to zigzag clover. Almost all the crops
are U.S. grown but a few important tropical crops such
as cacao, cashew, coffee, pyrethrum, sisal and vanilla are
also included.
Each crop is treated in a similar format. The economic
importance of the plant, a brief plant description as related to pollination, the pollination requirements, the
agents of pollination and finally the current pollination
practices are all covered in bold, easy to find headings.
Excellent line drawings of many flowers supplement the
text and the photographs are of excellent quality.
Literature citations directly follow the treatment of
each crop. This arrangement is more useful than the
more customary single literature citation section. There
is a comprehensive author index. Unfortunately, due to
the delay in printing of the text by GPO, the latest cited
reference is 1972. The 3lh year interim has witnessed important advances in our information for some of the crops.
The first 62 pages, organized into 9 sections, add immeasurably to the book. Of special note is the section on
the various plant pollinating agents (physical and animal) and the section on the use and culture of wild bees
(non honey bees) in pollination. The section on beekeeping in relation to pollination will not substitute as a beekeeping text but is an excellent synopsis of the topic.
Another section covers the topic of pesticides and their
effects on beekeeping in a clear and concise manner. Also
well summarized are pollination contracts and agreements
(not extensively used in the industry).
The section on
wild flower pollination is only too briefly covered and
pollination of ornamental plants or commercial seed production are both not included although they could have
been.
There is both a subject and author index. In addition,
there is an appendix of plant scientific and common names,
a metric conversion table and a glossary of botanical
terms. The book size (23lh X30 em) is most awkward;
the only bookshelf it seems to fit on is alongside the tele-
Vol. 23, no.1
1977
phone directories. The paper cover will quickly show
signs of use but the glossy text pages are of top quality
and the binding appears capable to repeated use.
The book is directed to growers, horticulturists, beekeepers, teachers, extension personnel and others with a
strong interest in biology. Although not directed to
research workers, it will prove useful for this group as
well. At $5.90 the book is a bargain. It will prove to
be a handy reference for many in the years to come.
DEWEYM. CARON
Department of Entomology
University of Maryland
College Park 20742
CARNIVOROUS
PLANTS OF THE UNITED STATESAND CANADA,by Donald E. Schnell. 1976. John F. Blair, Publisher, 1406 Plaza Drive, Winston Salem, N.C. 125 pp.
$19.95.
One hundred years and more ago it was not unusual
for a man trained in medicine to become an accomplished
naturalist or perhaps an expert in one or more discipline
of the life sciences. In the present age of specialization it
is quite rare to find such an accomplishment. The author
is a pathologist by profession establishing a practice at
Statesville, N.C. after serving with the Army Medical
Corps. Dr. Schnell would appear to be a more than competent botanist and photographer with a keen understanding of bog and wetland situations where the Venus' flytrap, pitcherplants, sundews, butterworts and bladderworts
mainly occur. The interrelation of the carnivorous plants
with insects both as and for food is 'well done. The text
is clearly and interestingly written. It is well illustrated
with photos by the author, as well as with appropriate
drawings. There are distribution maps for most species
except the bladderworts which have been traditionally so
neglected in most areas that such information is not readily available.
Cognizant of endangered species and the importance of
critical habitat the author cautions against collecting in
the wild by persons other than serious students with tJle
expertise to furnish the care and conditions necessary to
grow these fascinating groups of plants that supplement
a deficiency of nitrogen and other elements by attracting,
trapping and digesting insects or other small animals.
The book may be priced somewhat high for the casual
reader, but it is well designed and bound and printed on
high quality stock.
The author says that it was designed for field use rather
than as a coffee table ornament but it is, nevertheless, an
attractive and readable book.
From a plant regulatory standpoint it is heartening to
note that the author cautions against movement of soil
from certain areas since the indigenous range of the
Venus' flytrap coincides closely with the known Western
Hemisphere distribution of witchweed, a serious introduced parasitic plant pest of corn, sugarcane and related
grasses.
JOHN J. FAVINGER
State Elltomologist
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Indianapolis 46204
MAN'S PLAGUE? INSECTS AND AGRICULTURE,by V. G.
Dethier. Published by Darwin Press, Inc., Box 2202,
Princeton, N J 08540.
The title of this book suggests a treatise on the errors
man has made in controlling insect pests and in developing agriculture. However, one notes carefully that there
is a question mark after the word "plague," and the book
is not a total rehash and condemnation of things and
people. Indeed, the title is somewhat misleading, and
throughout the book, the author discusses his views and