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.

All persons involved with natural history museums--from administrators to exhibit designers--will find this work useful. The chapters in the volume provide a general overview as well as address specific topics concerning the roles and functions of natural history museums. Topics in this survey include conservation, care, use, management, and preservation of collections; the role of exhibits and other educational materials, as well as ideas and guidelines for some exciting new approaches for this facet of natural history museums; and, in addition, useful information about possible sources of funding for natural history museums.

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.

Contains seven papers dealing with the physical anthropology of earlier Canadian Native populations or with subject materials relevant to the interpretation of their skeletal remains. Included are two site reports on prehistoric burials from British Columbia, a detailed investigation of mandibular torus, a skeletal trait commonly reported in Arctic populations and problems in paleopathology.