Book Reviews 2007 185 185 Book Reviews of the Southeastern Naturalist, Issue 7/1, 2008 Montrose: Life in a Garden. Nancy Goodwin with illustrations by Ippy Patterson. 2005. Duke University Press, Durham, NC. 292 pp. $34.95, hardcover. ISBN 0822336049. After an introduction to her garden named Montrose, and some background on its history and creation, Goodwin intimately relates the monthly happenings in her four-season garden and introduces the reader to the folks that touch her life as well as the plants. Her enthusiasm for and fascination with plants, creatures, and nature in general are contagious for readers both in and far from zone 7. Patterson contributes countless, lovely illustrations of the fl ora and surroundings described by Goodwin. This journal of life at Montrose will be enjoyed by garden enthusiasts everywhere—a good winter read for folks who garden during fewer than four seasons. C.R. Oceans of Kansas: A Natural History of the Western Interior Sea. Michael J. Everhart. 2005. Indiana University Press, Bloomington, IN. 232 pp. $39.95, hardcover. ISBN 025334572. A vast inland sea covered most of the interior of North America for almost 70 million years. This book tells the story of the creatures that lived in that sea during the Late Cretaceous. Drawing upon geological studies and an abundance of well-preserved fossils, Everhart brings to life the giant sharks, marine reptiles, and birds with teeth that inhabited this sea. Contains many black-and-white photographs of fossilized teeth, skulls, and complete skeletons, and some amazing color drawings of these creatures as they may have appeared when alive. We also learn of the early paleontologists and explorers who discovered and documented the fossils of these ancient marine creatures. Has an extensive set of references organized according to each group of animal, invertebrate, and plant recorded in the fossil history. Informative and entertaining. S.E. Neptune’s Ark: From Ichthyosaurs to Orcas. David Rains Wallace. 2007. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. 282 pp. $27.50, hardcover. ISBN 9780520243224. Focusing on the Pacific Coast of North America, the author weaves together the story of the ancestral sea creatures that gave rise to today’s modern marine mammals and fish with that of the paleontologists who pieced together their history from fossilized skeletons and bits of bone. The accounts of these early scientists/explorers reveal often-difficult lives, as they battled scurvy, storms, and shipwrecks in their quest for knowledge. Their efforts uncovered an ancient world of often fantastical marine organisms. In some cases, the fossil record reveals transitional forms such as those that show the progression to the modern killer whale or sea lion. Entertaining, enjoyable, and educational, this book is highly recommended for anyone interested in the adventure of discovery and the evolutionary development of marine life. S.E. Freshwater Fishes of Texas. Chad Thomas, Timothy H. Bonner, and Bobby G. Whiteside. 2007. Texas A&M University Press, College Station, TX. 220 pp. $23, softcover. ISBN 139781585445707. This book is a slim, well-organized guide to 161 species of freshwater fishes found in Texas. It starts with concise, basic information on fish measurements and phylogeny. A dichotomous key enables quick identification to family. Species can then be identified on the basis of color photographs and unique characteristics, including fin counts and coloration. Information is also given on their range and habitat preferences. The color photographs, though small, are detailed and of excellent quality, and this guide is the most comprehensive publication to date in terms of the number of color photographs of Texas fish species. An excellent accompaniment to more detailed guides, 186 Southeastern Naturalist Vol. 6, No.4 it is also a useful field book for ichthyologists, naturalists, and fishermen. S.E. Nearby History: Exploring the Past Around You. David E. Kyvig and Myron A. Marty. 1996. Alta Mira Press, Walnut Creek, CA. 300 pp. $29.95, softcover. ISBN 0761991581. This book is an excellent resource for students and others who want to find out more about the history of family, community, and material culture. The authors begin with lists of questions that help the reader refine their investigative focus on families, buildings, neighborhoods, institutions, and entire communities. Subsequent chapters are arranged by type of evidence and cover storytelling, published documents, unpublished documents, oral documents, visual documents, artifacts, landscapes, and buildings. Each chapter includes a list of sources of further information organized by subject. The remaining chapters explore means for preserving material traces, leaving a record of your own, and linking the personal to the universal. Several helpful appendices include generic historic site surveys, a listing of regional branches of the National Archives, and a list organized by state of state archives, humanities councils, historical societies, and preservation offices. C.R. Dragonfl ies and Damselfl ies of Georgia and the Southeast. Giff Beaton. 2007. University of Georgia Press, Athens, GA. 355pp. $24.95, softcover. ISBN 0820327952. Covering more than 150 species of Odonates found in Georgia, this beautifully illustrated guide will probably spend most of its life in your pack rather than on your bookshelf. An introduction to dragonfl ies and damselfl ies and an explanation of body parts begins the guide. Taxonomy is discussed as well as life-cycle, habitats, and conservation. Two very helpful sections discuss how to observe and how to photograph Odonates. A discussion on how to identify Odonates is followed by a key to the Families with a manageable 5 couplets. Species accounts are organized by family and each contain sharp, color photographs of both males and females in a natural setting. A detailed description of both sexes includes key characters for identification. Similar species are compared, and habitat and behavioral notes accompany each. A range map that includes the entire Southeast and a calendar showing timing of activity are included. The guide concludes with a chapter on good places to see Odonates in Georgia. Appendices include species not included in the book (those with less than 5 credible records in the State), State ranks, fl ight dates by species, and a glossary. C.R. Unnatural Landscapes: Tracking Invasive Species. Ceiridwen Terrill. 2007. The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ. 220 pp. $17.95, softcover. Terrill takes the reader with her on her paddling journeys to visit island ecosystems where invasive plants and animals have made their mark. Although her destinations are in the southwestern US and Mexico, her accounts are packed with information applicable to many other ecosystems beyond the region’s islands. She introduces the reader to scientists and park rangers who have made it their job to document the spread and effects of invasives and does so with engaging style. A popular interest book that will be enjoyed by a broad audience. C.R. Birder’s Conservation Handbook: 100 North American Birds at Risk. Jeffrey V. Wells. 2007. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 452 pp. $35, softcover. ISBN 0691123233. Wells sets out to compile the salient information on each of 100 bird species considered at risk in North America. He has included 80 birds of greatest concern because of their small population sizes and has chosen 20 more high priority species that illustrate a variety of ecosystems, geographic areas, bird families, and conservation issues. Book Reviews 2007 187 An introduction addresses conservation topics such as using birds as indicators, the state of bird populations, major conservation issues, and what you can do. Species accounts occupy the remainder of the text. Each includes a line-drawing illustration, and a range map. Status and distribution are discussed followed by ecology and threats to each species. Conservation actions describe what has already been done, and a list of conservation needs outlines additional steps that need to be taken. Each species account is followed by a list of references. Appendices include a list of birds of conservation concern by agency; a list of Hawaiian birds of concern and extinct species; a list of Mexican endangered, threatened, and special concern species; and a list of agencies and organizations involved in bird conservation. Conservation professionals and birders will find this to be a valuable resource. C.R. Six Legs Better: A Cultural History of Myrmecology. Charlotte Sleigh. 2007. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 302 pp. $55, hardcover. ISBN 0801884450. Sleigh traces the study of ants and their perceptions in science and greater society through history. Divided into three sections, she discusses the psychological, sociological, and communicational implications that ants have had for human culture. She follows the three main characters—August Forel, William Morton Wheeler, and Edward O. Wilson—throughout the book and chronicles the development of their theories and their place in the broader scientific community. Extensive footnotes are provided, and an essay on sources contains much valuable information for those seeking a broader context. C.R. Cockroaches: Ecology, Behavior, and Natural History. William J. Bell, Louis M. Roth, and Christine A. Nalepa. 2007. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 230 pp. $100, hardcover. ISBN 0801886163. This book provides a synthesis of published and some unpublished information on the 4000 species that belong to the suborder Blattaria, and mainly focuses on the >99% of species of cockroach that live in the wild. Suitable for researchers, students, and naturalists, chapters are topical, exploring the diversity of cockroaches. Chapters cover shape, color and size, locomotion, habitats, diets and foraging, mating, reproduction, and social behavior. An intriguing chapter describes microbes as food and the defense strategies cockroaches have against microbes. Termites as social cockroaches is the title of another chapter that examines the relationships between individuals of these two groups. The final chapter discusses the ecological impact of cockroaches and addresses detritivory, pollination, food chains, large-scale effects, and conservation with brief mention of the impact of non-native species. The authors intend to provoke thought and provide a source of ideas for further research. A glossary is provided as well as an extensive list of references. C.R. Mathematics in Nature: Modeling Patterns in the Natural World. John Adam. 2003. Princeton University press, Princeton, NJ. 360 pp. $24.95, softcover. ISBN 0691127964. Spanning a range of mathematical levels, this book can be used as an undergraduate textbook, a source of high school math enrichment, or can be read for pleasure by folks with an appreciation of nature but without advanced mathematical background. Adam introduces topics, discusses applications to various phenomena, and presents worked problems with enthusiasm and clarity. The text begins with a chapter about mathematical modeling in nature that includes philosophy and methodology of modeling. Estimation is covered next, followed by dimensional analysis. Meteorological optics is covered in two chapters first discussing shadows, crepuscular rays, and related phenomena followed by a “calculus I” approach to 188 Southeastern Naturalist Vol. 6, No.4 rainbows, halos, and glories. Clouds, sand dunes, and hurricanes have their own chapter followed by linear waves, stability, and nonlinear waves. Bees, bubbles, and mud cracks are featured in a geometry chapter, while river meanders and branching patterns and trees are attacked next followed by a chapter on bird fl ight. The Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio are also covered as well as much more. A teacher’s manual is available that includes problem sets, and an extensive bibliography will provide many sources for further reading. C.R. Owls of the United States and Canada: A Complete Guide to their Biology and Behavior. Wayne Lynch. 2007. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 242 pp. $39.95, hardcover. ISBN 0801886872. This beautifully illustrated book contains a wealth of fascinating information about this difficult to observe group of birds. Organized by topic, this text covers all 19 species native to Canada and the US. An identification guide highlights distinguishing characteristics, habitat, diet, life span, population status and range map for each species. Topics covered include evolutionary history and anatomy, hearing and sight, habitats, diet, reproduction, chick rearing, predators, and pests. A final chapter on owls and humans outlines threats to owl conservation. A references section is provided, and an appendix provides common and scientific names to species mentioned in the text. This book will be much appreciated by birders, naturalists, and anyone with an interest in owls. The photographs are stunning. C.R. Beasts of Eden: Walking Whales, Dawn Horses, and Other Enigmas of Mammal Evolution. David Rains Wallace. 2004. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. 340 pp. $16.95, softcover. ISBN 0520246843. Tells the story of mammal evolution, through the history of mammal paleontology. Wonders aloud why we are fascinated by dinosaurs, extinct animals that seemingly left birds as their only progeny, and ignore early mammals, whose progeny include ourselves. More of an historical account than a species description. Those interested in history of science or paleontology may find it interesting. S.O’M. Negotiating Darwin: The Vatican Confronts Evolution 1877–1902. Mariano Artigas, Thomas F. Glick, and Rafael A. Martinez. 2006. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD. 326 pp. $50, hardcover. ISBN 080188389X. Drawn from newly opened Vatican archives, examines the Vatican response to the publication to Darwin’s The Origin of Species, in particular 6 different attempts to integrate evolution and Catholicism. Uses this historical documentation to examine current church policy or lack thereof. Much of primary literature is excerpted. Those interested in the history of science and religion and Catholic scholars will find this book useful. S.O’M. Good Observers of Nature: American Women and the Scientific Study of the Natural World, 1820-1885. Tina Gianquitto. 2007. University of Georgia Press, Athens GA. 216 pp. $19.99, softcover. ISBN 0820329192. A scholarly work focusing on the writings of four varied female nature and science writers from 19th-century America: Almira Phelps, Margaret Fuller, Susan Fenimore Cooper, and Mary Treat. Examines not only what they wrote, but also the cultural limitations or “perceptual systems” that infl uenced how they wrote. Includes notes and bibliography. S.O’M. Geographical Genetics. Bryan K. Epperson. 2003. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 356 pp. $49.50, softcover. ISBN 0691086680. A thorough treatment of the mathematical and statistical models used to predict and examine genetic variation caused by geographical barriers. Book Reviews 2007 189 Continental movements, climate change, mountain uplifting, and desertification are just a few of the geographical changes that can limit gene fl ow and isolate species populations. Genetic drift within these sub-populations can be predicted and modeled. This text shows how probability theory can be used to correlate spatial distribution with genetic variation. It will be of broad interest to ecologists, conservation biologists, and geneticists interested in using mathematical models to predict and explain outcomes. S.E. The Unnatural History of the Sea. Callum Roberts. 2007. Island Press, Washington, DC. 435 pp. $28, hardcover. ISBN 139781597261029. A fascinating and enjoyable historical account of the decline of some of the worlds’ great fisheries. Roberts takes the reader back to the origins of intensive marine fishing around 1050 AD, and shows with convincing evidence how humans have decimated once incredibly abundant marine resources. The plunder continues today with the use of highly efficient factory trawlers. However, Roberts believes that we can reverse the damage with the use of strict fisheries management tools and marine reserves. This book is thoroughly documented and well-researched, written in an engaging and accessible style. Contains notes with bibliographical information, an index, and some illustrations. Highly recommended. S.E. Fish Conservation: A Guide to Understanding and Restoring Global Aquatic Biodiversity and Fishery Resources. Gene S. Helfman. 2007. Island Press, Washington, D.C. 584 pp. $85, softcover. ISBN 139781559635950. Succeeds in providing a global perspective on the large and complex topic of fish conservation. By necessity a general overview, this text nonetheless provides a wealth of detail on many aspects of fisheries conservation. Early chapters discuss the importance of fish biodiversity and the physical and biological threats facing fisheries resources. The author especially shows how non-native species have harmed aquatic ecosystems. Further chapters provide scientific background on some of the more widely known issues of fisheries exploitation and decline. Coral reefs, aquaculture impacts and benefits, and the trade in live fishes are also discussed. Throughout, the text provides practical advice and examples of management efforts that can slow or even reverse the decline. A useful and thoughtprovoking reference for fish biologists, fishing communities, and conservationists. S.E. Inescapable Ecologies: A History of Environment, Disease, and Knowledge. Linda Nash. 2006. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. 332 pp. $24.95, softcover. ISBN 139780520248915. Linda Nash uses the cultural and environmental history of California’s Central Valley to show the inter-relationships between the environment and human health. In doing so, she follows in a long line of environmental writers, beginning with Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. Nash’s contribution to this tradition lies in her focus on a particular place with a long history of agriculture and subsequent environmental change, and an equally long record of the health of its’ inhabitants. She shows how changing perceptions of the causes of disease led directly to efforts to change the landscape. This book is a well-written and compelling account by a first-time author. S.E. The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs: A Guide to Understanding and Using Herbal Medicinals. Leslie Taylor, ND. 2005. Square One Publishers, Garden City Park, NY. 519 pp. $23.95, softcover. ISBN 0757001440. Describes many of the medicinally useful plants found in South American Rainforests. Treats in great detail the specific ailments each plant is traditionally used for in different regions. Includes summaries of clinical research on 190 Southeastern Naturalist Vol. 6, No.4 each plantsʼ active chemicals. Introduction includes short discussion of rainforest destruction and directions for making the most common forms of medicine. Useful for herbalists expanding their knowledge and those interested in herbal or alternative medicine. S.OʼM. Dawn of the Dinosaurs: Life in the Triassic. Nicholas Fraser. 2006. Indiana University Press. Bloomingdale, IN. 309 pp. $49.95, hardcover. ISBN 0253346525. Drawing upon selected fossil deposits, Nicholas Fraser pieces together a triphasic description of life in the Triassic Period—a period characterized by one gigantic land mass, absence of polar icecaps, large-scaled dinosaurs, and smaller precursors of present mammalian-ecosystems. A paleontologist curator for the Virginia Museum of Natural History, Fraser studies vertebrate fossil morphology from several perspectives including fossil morphology, biostratigraphy, and modern vertebrates in order to deduce realistic descriptions of animals populating the Triassic Period. Directed toward zoology and geology professionals and students, the book presents detailed analyses of fossil findings, maps, and illustrated scenes of these prehistoric animals commingling in habitats of the era. These interpretations are rendered comprehensible by Douglas Henderson’s illustrations depicting the natural groupings of plants and animals. Fraser accommodates readers whose curiosity drives them to explore the book by attaching an appendix which may be used as a primer before pursuing the text. N.L. Book Reviewers: S.E. = Stephen Eddy, N.L. = Nancy Lovejoy, S.O’M. = Sarah O'Malley, C.R. = Cathy Rees.