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The World of the Gray Squirrel , by Frederick S. Barkalow Jr and Monica Shorten. J. B. Lippincott $5.95

Aggregate works of this kind cannot be uniform in quality, but in this case it is the many highs rather than the few lows that invite attention. Most of the papers show massive erudition and will form quite outstanding sources of information for many years to come, in spite of an unfortunate editorial decision, or oversight, which left all but three of the otherwise very useful lists of references in alphabetically random order most irritating for the enquiring student. What makes the book particularly useful is its index, which contains references not only to oak phenomena in general but to every related and associated species mentioned in the text, though not those in the numerous and lengthy species lists. The latter can be located by looking up group words such as Lichens, Birds or Epiphytes, but sadly not Butterflies, Beetles or Moths, for which there seem to be no lists, though plenty of individual mention. Although there is nothing new in the concept of oak as a tremendously hospitable and provident wildlife host, this book is the first to bring all the material together and to relate it to the nature of the host itself. It provides a powerful illustration of the FPS principle that preservation of the vegetative habitat is the key to preservation of fauna, though only two of the papers concern themselves directly with silviculture or conservation of oak woodland. In the latter, a tentative and highly arguable case is made for around forty hectares being considered the "minimum area" of oak-bearing wood that is capable of sustaining the whole oakwood ecosystem to the upper levels of the food-chain. In brief, the book is thoroughly worthwhile and deserves the attention of all British naturalists and reference libraries.