A review of Fitter-Fitter-Blamey, the classical field guide to British and Northern European plants.
I've
realized that I'll never become a good botanist. Or even amateur botanist. For
starters, I find flowering plants confusing. The other day, I thought I had
made a sensational discovery of orchids in my *boring* strolling area, only to
find out that the "orchids" were actually mints or figworts. And how
many small plants with red flowers are there out there? How on earth do you
tell which is which??? Moreover, the kids from a local day care centre have
seeded some plants of their own in the forest next to the industrial zone where
I work, making the local flora even more confusing. Two weeks ago, I even found
a Lilium martagon (it took me days to identify it, leafing through several
different books). It must have gone AWOL from some nearby garden plot!
Second, this field guide didn't exactly help. Every time I follow the keys, I
end up on a page spouting dozens of similar-looking species, plus another dozen
that aren't even illustrated. Pick your choice! (But yes, Lilium is there.)
The illustrations aren't bad, and the book is supposed to be pocket sized so
you can easily bring it out in the field. A more comprehensive field guide
would look like a medieval bible, and be just as heavy. (They are!) Yet, I just
can't bring myself to like Fitter, Fitter and Blamey. "The Wild Flowers of
Britain and Northern Europe" is as densely packed as a train in rush hour.
And, as already mentioned, many of the species mentioned aren't even on the
colour plates.
I'll give it three stars for old times sake. I actually have the 1979 edition!
And now, please show me some ORCHIDS.
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