Concise yet comprehensive, the book's clear, methodical approach enables anyone to recognize trees at a glance. Developed in consultation with botanists from The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Cornell University's renowned Bailey Hortorium, it separates species into two fundamental types: conifers and broad-leaved, then organizes them into genera based on common characteristics, presenting each in its presumed order of evolution. Major differences between species groups are explained, with advice on which parts of a tree to examine when a closer look is required.
More than 1,000 annotated illustrations depict the height, shape, foliage, buds and seed of each species, with trees bearing a strong resemblance shown side by side to highlight their distinctive differences. The accompanying text and system of symbols provide the important details on features and habitat essential to quick, reliable identifications, while graphical keys indicate genus and species, listing both scientific and common names. The guide also includes a map charting tree hardiness and distribution based on widely recognized climactic zones; general information about individual species traits and history, a glossary; and more.
| Introduction | 5 | |
| Nomenclature | 6 | |
| How to Use This Book | 7 | |
| Symbols | 7 | |
| Tree Distribution | 7 | |
| Zones of Tree Hardiness | 8 | |
| Abbreviations | 8 | |
| How to Identify Trees | 9 | |
| Identification Keys | 13 | |
| Key to Genera | 14 | |
| The Conifers | 27 | |
| The Broadleaf Trees | 90 | |
| Glossary | 247 | |
| Index | 250 | |
| Conversion Tables | 262 |
Anonymous
Posted March 29, 2006
a HORRIBLE GUIDE! I am an arborist and use field guides all of the time. This is the WORST guide I have ever tried to use. There is little or no organization in the way each tree is described. Sometimes a tree's height is given in the opening description, other times you have to search for it in the body of the entry. Sometimes a flower is described, other times no description appears at all. Each feature that may define a tree is thrown in, in a slapdash manner, or left out, completely. It's as if the authors knew that NG was paying them big bucks for a guide, and they simply threw it together as fast as they could to get their paychecks. Forget ever trying to read this guide if you don't have your degree in the sciences, as I do. The terminology is straight out of Botany 101/102, and you'll use the glossary to make it through each and every tree description. FWIW, the measurements are given using the metric system. I guess it's a guide for Canadians, so if you're in the US and haven't been raised with metric measurements, you'll be frustrated on this count, as well. The tiny symbol key that lets you know which symbol stands for each type of area a given tree may be found in is almost impossible to make out. If you have a magnifying lense, you'll be OK. Again, if you like great illustrations of trees and their constituent parts, this guide may be for you. If you want a good guide that helps you identify trees easily--PASS THIS ONE BY!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
Concise yet comprehensive, the book's clear, methodical approach enables anyone to recognize trees at...