Tom Brown's Field Guide to the Forgotten Wilderness
Brown, the author of many nature books, discusses familiar wilderness areas but pays most attention to suburban and city "wildernesses." These include abandoned lots, drainage ditches, hedgerows and, particularly, the lawn. This last, he states, actually is "a sea of life more complicated and intricate than any of our larger realms. . . . It is constantly awash in the motion of life, a grand provider of food, always a source of wonder and beauty." Interspersed with his examinations of habitats are descriptions of specific creatures to observe. He notes, for example, that the shrew has a breathing rate of 850 times a minute and eats three to four times its body weight daily, explaining its need to beand its reputation asan efficient, voracious hunter. Brown remains an enthusiastic, infectious observer of nature who will help readers notice more of the world around them. Illustrations not seen by PW.Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.