Handbook of the Trees of New England   By: Lorin Low Dame (1838-1903)

The Handbook of the Trees of New England by Lorin Low Dame is an essential guide for anyone interested in identifying and learning about the diverse array of trees that populate the New England region. This comprehensive reference book is packed with valuable information and stunning illustrations, making it a must-have for nature enthusiasts, botanists, and even amateur hikers.

One of the standout features of this handbook is its meticulous organization. The book categorizes trees based on their families and provides detailed descriptions of each species, including leaf characteristics, bark appearance, and fruiting patterns. This systematic approach allows readers to quickly identify trees they encounter in the wild and deepen their understanding of their unique attributes.

Dame's writing style is accessible and engaging, making even complex botanical terms easy to comprehend. He manages to strike a perfect balance between scientific accuracy and readability, ensuring that readers with varying levels of botanical knowledge can benefit from this book. Furthermore, the author's passion for the subject shines through, making the reading experience all the more enjoyable.

The illustrations in the Handbook of the Trees of New England are undoubtedly its crowning glory. Over 150 stunning black-and-white drawings accompany each tree species, capturing even the finest details with remarkable precision. The intricate illustrations not only aid in tree identification but also highlight the exquisite beauty found in nature.

While the book primarily focuses on tree identification, it also delves into the ecological significance of each species. Readers will appreciate the author's insightful discussions on the trees' ecological roles, historical uses, and overall contribution to the New England ecosystem. This broader context adds depth to the book, transforming it into an invaluable educational resource.

One potential improvement for future editions could be the addition of colored illustrations. While the black-and-white drawings are undoubtedly exquisite, introducing color could provide an even better visual aid for tree identification, particularly for beginners. However, this is a minor suggestion in an otherwise outstanding publication.

The Handbook of the Trees of New England is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the region's rich botanical heritage. Its comprehensive content, accessible writing style, and breathtaking illustrations make it an essential companion for nature enthusiasts, students, and professionals alike. Lorin Low Dame's meticulous attention to detail and passion for trees shines through in every page, making this handbook an absolute joy to read and explore. Whether you are a seasoned botanist or a curious explorer, this book will undoubtedly enrich your understanding of the captivating world of New England's trees.

First Page:

There is no lack of good manuals of botany in this country. There still seems place for an adequately illustrated book of convenient size for field use. The larger manuals, moreover, cover extensive regions and sometimes fail by reason of their universality to give a definite idea of plants as they grow within more limited areas. New England marks a meeting place of the Canadian and Alleghanian floras. Many southern plants, long after they have abandoned more elevated situations northward, continue to advance up the valleys of the Connecticut and Merrimac rivers, in which they ultimately disappear entirely or else reappear in the valley of the St. Lawrence; while many northern plants pushing southward maintain a more or less precarious existence upon the mountain summits or in the cold swamps of New England, and sometimes follow along the mountain ridges to the middle or southern states... Continue reading book >>