New Mexico Vegetation: Past, Present, and Future

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Summary: William A. Dick-Peddie this is James B. Peddie
Review: I am trying to track down my family heritage. If you know anything about the Peddie clan's expansion in the United States. I would wager that your middle name is Albert. I you are interested E-mail me.

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Summary: Outdated
Review: I ordered this book without having seen it before, and was diasappointed at how outdated so much of the information is. For example, most of the references are 1960s and 1970s, many much earlier than that, and practically nothing after the mid-1980s. The illustrations are overrated in the description, most are poor quality B&W and the vegetation map is nothing to get excited about. If you want plant lists of the different vegetation types, you get that, and the information is probably accurate in that respect. However, I returned my copy for the refund!

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Summary: Review from "Book News"
Review: Review From Booknews A comprehensive study of the biological history and evolution of New Mexico's vegetation, including a detailed account of the distribution of plant communities in the state today. For each vegetation type, the principal plant species are discussed, with special attention given to describing how plants sharing a common location interact and, in particular, how human activity impacts on each type. With 29 color plates, and a map of the state's vegetation, including vegetation types not found on existing maps. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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Summary: Accurate Plant Geography and Ecology Information
Review: This is an organized, valuable resource for environmental design or to just learn more about one's surroundings in the state of New Mexico...especially the high deserts and uplands.

It did leave out the serious Chihuahuan Desert region floral elements of the Pecos and Canadian drainages of northeastern NM, though. Why do so few gather information for that unique area? Also, some of my colleagues and I have wondered if it wouldn't be better to differentiate between Plains Sand Scrub and Mesa Sand Scrub, given one is on the milder, western part of the state and the other is on the more extreme, eastern part of NM. Just my pet peaves!

But quite refreshing to see all of this easy-to-understand information, as the only huge dissapointment is that the book isn't longer, and that the maps aren't even more detailed! A worthwhile read!