What is this fascination with things subterranean which many gardeners experience? Bulbs, corms, rhizomes and tubers are plant structures not normally seen, yet, many a gardener, including myself, will turn up their noses at plants which lack them. Brian Mathew, not being a psychiatrist, wisely has avoided a psychological analysis of such behavior in his book, GROWING BULBS. It is the only omission in his wonderful book. It is a book for bulb lovers from a bulb lover.

Rather than emphasizing a description of the bulbs themselves, GROWING BULBS is a practical guide to the cultivation of bulbs. The scope is broad, encompassing hardy and tender bulbs, summer and winter growers, as well as tropical species. There is something for everybody, for the beginner and for the accomplished grower.

The introductory chapter on understanding bulbs is a masterpiece of lucid writing, avoiding scientific jargon, yet providing the reader with a deep understanding of the nature of bulbous plants. It is followed by chapters on the cultivation of bulbs and bulbs in the garden. Both of these chapters will satisfy the needs of serious gardeners as well as apartment dwellers with postage-stamp size plots.

In other chapters Brian Mathew has distilled his wisdom and guides the reader on topics such as labeling and recording data, smoke treatment and sowing seeds; topics rarely covered in other bulb books.

An informative description of pests and diseases of bulbs prepares the reader to deal with common and unusual causes of bulb loss. It is knowledge gleaned from personal experience. The advice is practical, clear and concise.

Approximately one third of the book is dedicated to the basics of bulb growing. It is followed by a major listing of some 100 genera, providing basic culture for each. It is here that Brain Mathew clearly stands above all those who previously wrote about bulbs. It is a guide gleaned from Mathew's own collection. The pages are filled with invaluable advice. I wish I had had this book when I first started growing bulbs. It would have prevented many disappointments.

GROWING BULBS is a must-have book for the serious bulb grower. It also will satisfy the beginner and set him on a proper course. The book is well illustrated and wonderfully written. If you thought that bulbs were simply lumps of plant tissue growing below the garden surface, prepare yourself for a rare treat. Brian Mathew writes with wit and a love of the subject.

Charles Gorenstein