A Field Manual of the Ferns and Fern-Allies of the United States & Canada
Lellinger's book is one of the most complete guides to the habitat, classification, and collection of the fern families to become available. For the most part, it presents information about the study, classification, habitat, structure, and life-cycle clearly and straightforwardly. However, the flowchart style of the identification keys could confuse and frustrate novices. Since most of the identifications rely on the types of fronds, sporangia, and trichomes, the examples of these different types should have been included in the sections discussing these features and not in the glossary. Text aside, the most outstanding aspect of this manual is the more than 400 color photographs of the major fern genera and species. Public and academic libraries should have at least one copy for circulation. Kurt O. Baumgartner, International Minerals and Chemical Corporation, Inc., Terre Haute, INCopyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.