Customer Reviews

Bogs of the Northeast

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book provides an introduction to the ecology of northeastern bogs. Johnson, the Vermont state naturalist, has a particular affinity for bogs and the unique flora and fauna found in them. In this book, he explains the different types of bogs, how they are formed, and what forms of life are typical in and around them. After a general introduction to the ecology of bogs, he provides separate chapters for sphagnum mosses, carnivorous plants, orchids, sedges and heaths, insects, fish, amphibians and reptiles, birds, and mammals. He also discusses some current issues concerning bogs, such as peat mining and conservation. End material includes an annotated list of northeastern bogs with public access, and checklists of bog birds and other animals. The book is illustrated with black-and-white photographs, drawings, and maps and includes an index.

As a beginning naturalist, I found the book highly informative. I found Johnson's explanations of how bogs are formed to be extremely interesting because of the implications for bog ecology. The text is written for general readers and assumes no specialist expertise, yet it is detailed enough to be useful for experienced naturalists or professionals.

As someone who knew very little about peatlands (I know that term because I read this book), I agree wholeheartedly with the other reviews about the informational content of this book.

The one drawback I found was that my edition (paperback, 3rd printing) has NO color photos. This edition has only B&W photos and, to be honest, it was a waste of space to put many of them in the book -- they are reproduced that poorly.

Even given the poor photographs I still enjoyed the book very much and it will serve as a valuable reference for many years to come.

I bought Bogs of the Northeast because I grow carnivorous plants (CP) and am always interested in learning about one of their more common natural habitats. I was not disappointed; it includes a section on CP with some satiating color photos. Also included are an explanation of how bogs are formed, discussion of bog types, descriptions of plant and animal species found in bogs, a section devoted to Sphagnum moss (helpful to me as a CP grower), a section on native terrestrial orchids, etc. In the back there is a listing of easily accessible bogs in the Northeast.

Keep in mind that this book covers only bogs in the New England region of the United States. Fortunately, bogs similar to those described can be found throughout North America.

I have but one gripe: there are not many color photographs! Those included, however, are beautiful and I wish there were more.

All in all, it is a wonderful book for those who want to learn more about bogs!

Edit: As to my use of 'satiating' to describe this book's color photos...it is admittedly a slight exaggeration. 'Good' or 'nice' or 'detailed' would have been more appropriate. In case you don't know, 'satiating' means 'satisfying in excess'. For example, a meal that gives you a tummy ache would be satiating--that is, satisfying in excess. So, would 'satisfying' have perhaps been a better choice? No, because as my review later indicates, the photos are not at all satisfying. In fact, the book could have been improved considerably with a lot more (or, come to think of it, improved slightly with a few more). Then why did I use 'satiating'? Why do I not change it now? Because 'satiating' is the only thing this sad review has going for it.

The book is well written and very interesting. The chapters are loaded with information but and is easy reading.