Dartmoor. By L. A. Harvey and D. St. Leger-Gordon. (New
Naturalist Series, Collins. 25s.) •
PROFESSOR HARVEY here reveals a dual per- sonality. As an ecologist, he presents a comprehensive and lucid survey of Dart- moor • its geology and climate, its moors, tors, bogs, woods and rivers ; its prehistoric civilisations ; • its flora, birds, insects and other animal life.
As a lover of Dartmoor and proud of its designation as a national park, he is an earnest champion against its despoilers. -- In this role he sees four serious threats to the region ; overstocking of the pasturage and indiscriminate burning of heather with a consequent encouragement of bracken ; huge conifer plantations, which restrict access and mask the sweeping lines of the hills ; the flooding of valleys by water under- takings and the military occupation of nearly half the area. Now that Dartmoor is a national park, he would have it declared sacrosanct from all military activity.
Mr. D. St. Leger-Gordon contributes two chapters on the historical background and the people. He, too, writes with refreshing realism. The patriarchs of the Stone Age, he suggests, would have repudiated a belief in pixies. Well-chosen illustrations in colour and monochrome and useful appendices add to the attractiveness and usefulness of a book which should be a best-seller in the New -Naturalist Series. T. S.
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