As a group, cactus plants exhibit a curiously exotic, unique beauty. In the luminous photographs, atmospheric landscapes intermingle with stunning close-ups to marvelously evoke the stark beauty of the desert and the intriguing glow of rarefied flowers. Houk's lively companion text befits the stunning images. Along with apt descriptions of relevant Native American customs involving medicinal uses, Houk also provides an instructive chapter on desert ecology and conservation. Even more fascinating are the myriad ways in which cacti have been used for spiritual and ceremonial purposes, as vessels or implements, and have provided crucial sustenance in the form of food or drink. Includes a brief appendix of plant culture and care for growing cacti. - Alice Joyce-

GARDENING Whether they grow at sea level or at an elevation of 10,000 feet, cacti can be found in 45 of the 50 states. Interesting tidbits such as this enliven the text of this entertaining survey on cacti. Chapters cover everything from the culinary and medicinal uses of cacti to some of the current conservation issues facing these prickly plants. The chapter on botanists involved in cataloging and chronicling cacti is particularly fascinating. While Wild Cactus will not work well as an in-depth identifier to the characteristics of any individual cactus, it does provide the reader with a wonderful overall look; the 60 photographs by Huey, whose work has appeared in magazines such as Audubon and Natural History, are gorgeous. Public and academic libraries will find this beautifully produced book to be an affordable addition to their collections. John Charles, Scottsdale P.L., Ariz.-

As a group, cactus plants exhibit a curiously exotic, unique beauty. In the luminous photographs, atmospheric landscapes intermingle with stunning close-ups to marvelously evoke the stark beauty of the desert and the intriguing glow of rarefied flowers. Houk's lively companion text befits the stunning images. Along with apt descriptions of relevant Native American customs involving medicinal uses, Houk also provides an instructive chapter on desert ecology and conservation. Even more fascinating are the myriad ways in which cacti have been used for spiritual and ceremonial purposes, as vessels or implements, and have provided crucial sustenance in the form of food or drink. Includes a brief appendix of plant culture and care for growing cacti. - Alice Joyce-

GARDENING Whether they grow at sea level or at an elevation of 10,000 feet, cacti can be found in 45 of the 50 states. Interesting tidbits such as this enliven the text of this entertaining survey on cacti. Chapters cover everything from the culinary and medicinal uses of cacti to some of the current conservation issues facing these prickly plants. The chapter on botanists involved in cataloging and chronicling cacti is particularly fascinating. While Wild Cactus will not work well as an in-depth identifier to the characteristics of any individual cactus, it does provide the reader with a wonderful overall look; the 60 photographs by Huey, whose work has appeared in magazines such as Audubon and Natural History, are gorgeous. Public and academic libraries will find this beautifully produced book to be an affordable addition to their collections. John Charles, Scottsdale P.L., Ariz.-