Letters to the editor

This book offers a broad, general introduction to koalas. Topics are covered superficially but include koala prehistory, taxonomy, biology, human impacts and some management, conservation and political issues. The text mainly consists of interesting snippets of information and the author’s personal anecdotes written in lay language.

There are numerous high quality photographic illustrations throughout the book, and this is one of its most attractive features. The style and coverage of the book make it best suited as an introduction to the subject for the general public.

Walking in Britain

Lonely Planet 2001/02

rrp $ 33.00

I wish that I had read (the first edition of) this book (and taken it with me, for reference ) before my walking visit to Britain.

Accessing the information is easy and there are invaluable tips on e.g. clothing and equipment. Britain’s weather can be quite variable; for instance we commenced walking at the end of five weeks drought where maximum daytime temperatures were 30 degrees C in Northern England followed by an overnight change with rain and maximum of 18 degrees C.

The country is extremely rugged in some remote areas and so careful attention should be paid to footwear, clothing, maps and navigation items. Australians may perceive Britain as densely populated; however, long tracts exist where the walker may travel for hours without sight of people or habitations.

Language: English is of course the primary language but some regional dialects still exist and even different words e.g. in the north of England a 'beck' is a stream and a 'jam butty' is a jam sandwich! The Glossary at page 538 is an excellent reference.

Walking is one of the best ways to meet the local people… in my experience . On one very hot day we talked casually to a retired couple and asked for a top-up for our water bottles…a short pause was followed by chairs, table, biscuits and tea in their best willow-pattern china.

Our party of three walked from Ulverston described on page 273 to Keswick, page 277. The walk started as described on page 274 via Broughton Beck to Water Yeates. The map and list of directions come in handy as the walker often has to climb over walls, various pathways and even through yards of small farms.

Lake Coniston is well worth a walk, particularly by the heritage steam launch, Gondola. Our walk took us over Stake Pass which is very rugged with an ascent of 300 metres and the book’s map is vital. The track can also be misty.

From here pass along a beautiful valley, Longstraith, Borrowdale, and on to Stonethwaite , along the Derwent River to Keswick, on page 277.

The book gives an excellent listing of B&Bs, hotels, hostels, amenities along the way.

Another reminder of our travels to be found in the book (page 320) introduces Hadrian’s Wall….an amazing example of the outer extent of the Roman Empire. The book’s drawings, diagrams and explanatory notes are an essential aid to understanding this remarkable feat.

Leon Latham

Bruce Fuhrer's photos of fungi have long been admired as superb illustrations of larger Australian fungi — the same illustrations as in the earlier edition.

The y give a splendid introduction to the range of colours and forms found in the larger fungi in Australia, particularly the south-eastern part. Naturally they represent only a small part of the vast, mostly undescribed and unphotographed flora — which we are only now beginning to observe and value.

There are brief macroscopic descriptions with each photograph, though no microscopic details are iincluded. The taxonomy has been thoroughly revised throughout to bring the nomenclature into line with modern specialist use. Unfortunately the list of Australian literature has not been revised to include some recent books.

Clearly a must-have book – excellent as an introduction to the diversity of fungi, and also excellent as a means of attracting others to the observation, photography and study of the larger fungi.