Guide To Eucalypts

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32351, 17 July 1970, Page 6

Guide To Eucalypts

Eucalypts. By Stan Kelly. Text by G. M. Chippendale and R. D. Johnston. 332 pp. Published by Nelson.

This is not a cheap book but it will command the attention of anyone who is even remotely interested in the eucalypts; those who are fully drawn to the genus may well feel that they just cannot afford to be without it. The book consists in the main part of 250 full-page water colour reproductions [one of which is reproduced here] of nearly half the known species of eucalypts showing their leaves, stems, .flowers, bpds and fruits. It is unique because never before has there been assembled between the covers of one book so many

colour illustrations of different species of this most-diffi-cult-to-identify group of trees. Indeed some of the species are so well portrayed that one can almost hear the wind rustle through the leaves and even smell the typical gum tree scent, so much more pervasive after a shower of rain.

The painting represents one of the hobbies over the last 25 years of Stan Kelly, Victorian State Railways engine driver, and one which he professes is not yet complete. To him it can only be said “well done.” Two eminent authorities on the genus, G. M. Chippendale and Dr R. D. Johnston, complete the presentation of this book with a brief introduction to the trees followed by concise but fairly comprehensive details

on the species illustrated. A short glossary, a list of reference books, and a helpful index, which includes most of the common names of trees, complete the contents. The omission of a few species which could well have been included is regrettable. Another shortcoming of the book is that the bark is not shown, particularly as this often provides a very important clue to identity. The natural position of leaves and flowers in the illustrations in relation to the tree would also have been helpful but. as the authors have accepted, these have been arranged for the artistic effect. Let us hope that Mr Kelly is able to fulfill his ambition and provide us with a second volume to complement this one.