This is offered as a major contribution to the propagator's extensive library, and, although the shelves are already overfull, it will certainly shoulder itself a place. Both authors are experienced tutors of horticultural students and in consequence have given us a fine textbook, clearly written, concise and taking nothing for granted; even" heeling in" is explained in detail. This careful teaching will suit the amateur also, although this book is not a horticultural encyclopaedia but is concerned with principles and practices, both of which are considered in great detail in alternate chapters. This deliberate arrangement might suggest a discrete avoidance of the juxtaposition of numerous disturbing divergencies, but in reality it makes for clarity and is really the best way of doing it. The eighteen chapters are placed in four divisions: general aspects; sexual propagation; asexual propagation; and the propagation of selected plants. The bulk of the book is taken up with the two great propagation methods. The first section serves to introduce the subject and provide basic botany and cultivation" know how". The final section deals with special techniques suited to each of the principal fruit and nut species, ornamental trees, shrubs and climbers, herbaceous perennials and annuals. These chapters are not just extended catalogues but really get down to the appropriate methods for such plants as the apple and azalea, magnolia and mango, wistaria and walnut. The two middle sections, five chapters on sexual and seven on asexual propagation, are most excellently done and are right up to date; it would be difficult to name any book that does them better. The importance of the testing, selection, and maintenance of healthy clones is stressed, and the vital necessity for continuing the re-examination of source plants for both health and trueness to type is underlined. Mutation dangers and the curious habits of chimaeras are revealed, and it is clear that the reader can no longer regard vegetative propagation as a peaceful haven of rectitude. It is a pity, however, that the authors have not used the term" source plant" in preference to" mother tree", which misleadingly suggests a sexual relationship within the vegetative clone. In collecting material for their book the authors have, perhaps too politely, accepted the findings of others, whereas it would have been refreshing to have had more of their personal views, particularly where there are clear conflicts involving major conceptions of principle. For example, research workers in the twenties and thirties found that a high C/N ratio and ripeness were vital factors in the rooting of cuttings, whereas nowadays the emphasis is on succulence, sensitivity and juvenility. The authors deal faithfully with all these contradictions, but, in short, they seem reluctant to argue in front of their students; a pity! The index is attractively definite in referring to one, or at most two pages, unlike the intimidating chains of numerals so often seen. The extensive bibliographies are placed at the end of each chapter; there are, for instance, no less than 162 references for the one chapter on the anatomical and physiological basis of propagation by cuttings. There are also book lists for supplementary reading, all very carefully selected.