This is the first book at a popular price to classify Australian trees according to environment, from snow country to desert country. Every species of tree is illustrated with colour photographs and with sketches of leaves, flowers, seedpods, etc., to aid easy recognition, and is completely described in non-scientific terms.
The book includes indexes of both common names and botanical names for easy reference. It is a handy guide for farmers and graziers in most parts of Australia, because it shows what types of trees are most likely to flourish in their area when planted for windbreaks, soil conservation, or drainage purposes. In addition, because it gives the blossoming periods of all trees which are attractive to bees, it is invaluable for beekeepers.
The book will be a welcome gift for the amateur naturalist, and a useful quick reference work for botanists, conservationists, and everyone interested in the natural heritage of Australia.
Ivan Holliday has had a lifelong interest in Australian trees and plants, and although this has been pursued mainly as a hobby he has attained the stature of an authority. He has published seven other books on Australian plants, and he contributes to journals of Australian botany. Mr Holliday was born in South Australia, and soon after World War II he became an Australian Rules footballer of some renown. Married, with three children, he is a town planner employed by the Department of Environment and Conservation in South Australia.