This first volume of a remarkable four-volume set on the birds of British Columbia covers eight-six species of nonpasserines, from loons through to waterfowl. Detailed species accounts provide unprecedented coverage of these birds, presenting a wealth of information on the ornithological history, habitat, breeding habits, migratory movements, seasonality, and distribution patterns. Introductory chapters look at the province’s ornithological history, its environment and the methodology used in the volumes.

This volume completes the nonpasserine species and contains accounts for the diurnal birds of prey through woodpeckers.

This volume completes the nonpasserine species and contains accounts for the diurnal birds of prey through woodpeckers.

The woody plant flora of British Columbia is rich and diverse. In the majestic rain forests of teh coast and the expansive grasslands of the interior, in river valleys and alpine meadows, trees or shrubs usually dominate the plant communities. Trees and Shrubs of British Columbia is the definitive guide to all native and naturalized species of woody plants in the province. It is comprehensive and technically complete, yet easy to use. T. Christopher Brayshaw describes almost 300 species of trees and shrubs, as well as many subspecies and varieties. Each description is accompanied by beautifully detailed illustrations of leaves, flowers, fruit, and woody parts. Effective keys and comparative diagrams aid in identification.

The introduction to this work reviews topics of general interest, including the history of plants in medicine, medicinal chemicals found in plants, the popularity of herbal medication, neutraceuticals, drugs from plants, and the economic importance of medicinal plants. The main section contains detailed species accounts of such plants as ginseng, yew, kelp, cohosh, witch hazel, and cranberry. Information provided includes scientific & common names, description & classification, agricultural & commercial aspects, medicinal & non-medicinal uses, toxicity, chemistry, and human interest information. Additional chapters address such topics as the medicinal plant business, the regulatory & legal framework for medicinal plant production & marketing, hazards associated with medicinal plants, and medicinal plant research in Canada. Includes glossary.