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REVIEWSChampignons du Nord et du Midi. Vol.1I by Andre Marchand(Societe Mycologique des Pyrenees Mediterranees - Distribution Hachette) 273pp100 Full colour plates reproducing coloured photographs. Price about £5.00

Those who enjoyed the first volume of this excellent work will not be dis-appointed in this latest edition from the camera and pen of our old friend AndreMarchand. The hundred colour plates - which are 'bled' off all edges of the pageto give a fine impression of outside spaciousness - are the equal of those of thefirst volume and the best of them set a new high standard for works of this kind.Most of the photographs were taken in the field so that the specimens are seenin their natural environment which greatly adds to both the interest and educa-tive value of the work.

For those who do not know the first volume I should perhaps say that eachof the hundred species is described in detail, there is a comment about itsecology, some general remarks, many of great interest and sufficient notes aboutthe microscopic characteristics to ensure accurate identification.

But this is not a text book for the taxonomist nor is it a field guide. It is acollection of superb coloured plates of the most common of the fleshy fungiwith splendid supporting descriptions and comment.

Already a 'best seller' in France this second volume will further enhance thereputation of Andre Marchand and will find a home on the bookshelf of all whoenjoy works of high quality.

Stanley Carter

Identification of the Larger Fungi by Roy WatlingHulton Educational Publications Ltd., Amersham, Bucks, 1973. pp.281 , 84black-and-white plates. Price £1.20, soft cover.

I like this book, it is an excellent introduction to field-biology particularly forthe sixth form and early university student not forgetting the amateur mycolo-gist who will find it invaluable. It has a most useful introduction on where tolook for fungi, collecting and examining them and the most comprehensiveinformation on the microscopic examination of fungi. Such a compact volumecannot hope to cover all the species of the larger fungi but the common specieslikely to be found are well represented covering all the major groups of fungi.

The work is arranged in three parts ; the agarics are dealt with first, then thenon-agarics, both with emphasis as to their major habitat preferences, and lastlythe fungi of specialised habitats. There is a useful appendix covering the speciesof specialised habitats and a good glossary of the minimal technical terms usedin the book. Following the scientific name of a fungus is its common nameadapted from a list produced by Dr.E.C.Large. Edibility of the puddockstools isnot indicated unless safeness is assured. Dr.Watling rightly says that "Fungi arenotoriously difficult to identify and when one has approximately 3,000 speciesof larger fungi in the country the task is even more difficult" .

Apart from the attractive cover photograph by John Markham of the FlyAgaric the book contains no colour plates. However, the numerous line drawingsare clear and accurate but it is regrettable that such small lettering had to beused for the plates. The unfortunate absence of colour plates is overcome byreference being made to six easily obtainable books containing colour illustrationsand a fungus flora by Dr.Watling which contains an excellent colour identifi-cation chart.