Cat Fanciers' Association Cat Encyclopedia

Book Description

Anyone who has ever fallen under the spell of an aloof Siamese, an elegant Balinese, a sphinxlike Abyssinian, a tailless Manx, or a white-gloved Birman will welcome this matchless compendium.

The Cat Fanciers' Association Cat Encyclopedia presents the forty-three official breeds, as well as the more than eight hundred varieties, in alphabetical order and, in entries ranging in length from two to twenty pages, covers the name, nationality, year of recognition, main characteristics, attitudes, life cycle, historical notes, and unusual nuggets from legend and lore. In addition, a superb care manual provides general information on choosing and feeding a cat, tending to it in sickness and in health, traveling with it, and handling everything from reproduction to emergency first aid. The book clearly outlines CFA official breed standards (also pointing out differences with other international standards). It offers numerous charts, such as cat personality characteristics, to help a prospective cat owner make the best breed selection, and includes a glossary of important terms.

An essential resource for addicted ailurophiles, this fun-to-browse-through book is also the perfect gift for any tender soul susceptible to the charms of these feline friends.

Customer Reviews:

The Cat Fanciers' Association Cat Encyclopedia.......2000-07-12

I gave this book 4 stars because it is the best cat encyclopedia that I have picked in a long time. This encyclopedia shows many different cat breeds some I did not even know of. I would remend this book if you are currnetly in search of a perticular breed or if you are just looking at the pros and cons of the different breeds. After reading this book I would remend any cat breed stanards book so that you can pick out a show quality cat. This book is also good for any level reader, the pictures are very helpful in showing the traits in the different breeds and used with the desriptions it can even help youngters pick out the favorite breeds. It can also show how you cat fits in it's breed. You may be surprised on how after you read this book you know where your cat's breed it from, how it has expanded and why your cat acts the way it does. After reading this book I give my siamese more respect knowing that many of thousands of years ago his breed was reserved for royality only. Any the many myths on how some siamese have kinks in their tails. You'll be surprised by what you learn on cats just by reading this one book.

Average customer rating:
Decoupage: A Practical Guide to the Art of Decorating Surfaces with Paper Cutouts
Dee Davis
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Papercrafts | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

New Decoupage

The Decoupage Gallery: A Collection of Over 450 Color and 550 Black-and-White Design Motifs

Absolute Beginner's Decoupage: The Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Decoupage: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide

All New Decoupage

ASIN: 050028203X

Book Description

Aptly called "painting with scissors," the art of decoupage (embellishing surfaces with decorative paper cutouts) is one that requires no formal training or special talent. It can be mastered readily, with simple and inexpensive materials, yet can produce objects of great attractiveness and sophistication.Dee Davis has practiced and taught decoupage since she was first introduced to its delights almost thirty years ago. She now shares her enthusiasm, her discoveries, and her accumulated skills in text and pictures that explain and illustrate every aspect of the craft. Paper-cutting and decoupage have been popular for centuries, practiced in ancient China and Japan, in seventeenth-century Italy, in the courts of Marie Antoinette and Queen Victoria, and in the studios of twentieth-century artists such as Matisse and Picasso. The author explores this fascinating history before concentrating on the practical approach to the craft. With straightforward step-by-step directions and useful drawings she explains how to select papers, prepare surfaces, choose the right tools, cut, glue, and varnish. Color photographs of finished pieces, both traditional and modern, demonstrate the effects that can be achieved. Using the easy-to-follow instructions, newcomers to the craft will discover an exciting and fulfilling activity, while experienced decoupeurs will find the book full of ideas to enhance their knowledge and their expertise.

Book Description

Using simple organic gardening techniques, anyone can grow a healing garden of more than 20 medicinal herbs like garlic, dill, peppermint, and echinacea. Readers will also find recipes, tips for using medicinal herbs, and plans for gardens customized for specific health requirements.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic!.......2005-01-19

I've been interested in herbs and herbal gardens for years. Many books explain the uses for the herbs, but less have the fantastic garden layouts and detailed instructions for growing the herbs. Medicinal herbs are a great thing to use, I grew up using them. I just wasn't quite sure how to go about choosing which herbs, planting, etc. I'm not a gardener. It is perfect for those of us who know about the herbs (though it does give you many interesting recipes and details of the usage, as well), but want the practicalities as well.

well organized and practical.......2002-10-22

This practical guide to growing healthful herbs includes 20 specific plans for such things as cold and flu gardens, healthy heart, windowsill medicine cabinet, skin care, first aid, hair care, relaxation garden, and lots more. Recipes - culinary as well as medicinal - are included with each garden type.

The book begins with an overview of medicinal herbs, with their uses, cautions, and raising and harvesting advice. The "at a glance" box directs the reader to the gardens (always multiple) the plant is used in, so you can see what complements it and how the plant is used.

Tables include specific plant care and propagation advice and uses in the garden for attracting and repelling bugs. Byers includes the basics on getting started, garden maintenance and harvesting, but the heart of this book is practical herb use. Byers even concludes with an appreciative and practical chapter on the wild herbs, otherwise known as weeds.

Wonderful and Helpful.......2002-05-08

I own this, though I havn't actually used it yet.
It is very well organzied and includes lots of information about many herbs and where they grow. It also includes information about how to make different teas, salves, ointments etc.
The only thing I didn't like about it was the garden section seemed wasted. The recipies in the section seem wonderful, but I don't think it was really necessary for the author to draw out garden plans for "tummy ache help" and "healthy heart garden" among others.

Great Book!.......2002-03-03

This book is everything I hoped it would be. I love the breakdown and categorizing in this book. It makes herbal gardening easy for even us beginners. An absolutely GREAT book!

live helper.......1999-12-03

I'm a forigner and Enlish isn't so good.But I interested in the subject so I browse them in your website first.I trust you offer books are useful for readers in everywhere.

Growing and Selling Fresh-Cut Herbs (Making a Living Naturally)

Average customer rating:

A good start
Excellent Manual

Growing and Selling Fresh-Cut Herbs (Making a Living Naturally)
Sandie Shores
Manufacturer: Storey Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Herbs | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Horticulture | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1580171281

Amazon.com

Ready to turn your herb-gardening hobby into a business? Sandie Shores details the fundamentals of commercial herb growing in a thorough, well-organized reference. Written from the vantage of the author's 14 years of experience in the business, the information is practical and practicable. Profiles and anecdotes from other growers around the country are interspersed throughout the book.

The section on business basics starts with a thoughtful discourse on personal objectives and market research and continues with site selection and a thorough list of potential customers, from restaurants to distributors. The section on greenhouses for year-round growing includes practical discussion on materials and construction, interior layout, and systems design, so there's no need to purchase a separate greenhouse reference. Further discussion of growing methods focuses on sustainability, and pest-management suggestions include preventative awareness of life cycle and preferred environments. Handling and harvesting tips, uses, and specialized packaging advice are provided for 14 different herbs, inclusive of the wide selection found in the majority of markets today. Lesser-known herbs are touched on, as are edible flowers. A list of resources and support publications concludes the book.

The author takes the mystery out of this business, filling a near vacuum with this reference, but at the same time presents the potential hazards and attention required. One caveat: the black-and-white photos and sketches are generally useful, but one wishes for color pictures of the herbs themselves, given that part of the appeal of fresh herbs is the vibrant color and texture that promise romance to the nose and taste buds. --Molly McElroy

Book Description

Successful entrepreneur Sandie Shores offers the only guide for starting an herb business that includes complete growing and harvesting information with savvy advice for starting and maintaining a profitable company. Profiles of other successful entrepreneurs are included.

Customer Reviews:

A good start.......2004-09-06

It's obvious Sandie Shores put a lot of effort, time and heartfelt advice into this reference book, and it contains a lot of useful advice for the beginning grower.

I've been referring to this book for several years now; I have grown herbs for many years and built a greenhouse business around it. I would like to comment on a few shortcomings of this book, in hopes that those individuals choosing to go into the culinary herb growing field will refer to additional sources of information, rather than relying strictly on this one source.

One major problem is Ms. Shores' lack of emphasis toward maintaining *healthy* plants and how this effectively prevents disease and pests to begin with. She instead talks about how to deal with pests and diseases. The more I study disease and pest control, the more I find increased emphasis on maintaining healthy plants as the best defense. Growers are now becoming aware of techniques that increase brix in plants which is a natural pest fighter, and improving and restoring healthy soil conditions through organic practices and remineralization, or even adopting simplified and effective hydroponic techniques (e.g., VertiGro). Some of these effects can be sought through the use of Sonic Bloom, mineral dust, OceanGrown, composting, and using a TDS meter to measure solids in your water supply. I have found that by greatly increasing the plant's health I have been able to effectively fight disease and pests rather than resort to time-consuming and redundant spraying which only makes me feel like I'm sometimes fighting a losing battle.

I have found contradictory or missing information compared to other resources. I had to discover through another reference that I was overwatering my bay laurel trees; there is no mention in her book that they require less water than other plants. In fact, there is no mention on how much water to give bay laurel at all.

She says mint doesn't do well in containers--I have personally found that is the only way to grow them (otherwise they are too much work) and they do very well. Refer to "Bountiful Container" by McGee and Stuckey on how to successfully grow mint in containers.

There is no mention of White Dalmatian Sage, the best sage for culinary use.

Ms. Shores claims that French Tarragon must be allowed to go dormant in the winter. However, "Bountiful Container" describes a method where you can continue to grow it through the winter.

Ms. Shores says oregano is a slow grower; McGee and Stuckey say it's a rapid grower. I think it depends on the growing environment, but it can be a rapid grower given the proper conditions.

There is no mention of fusarium oxysporum under the basil section; I had to find a short description of it under the soil-borne diseases section. Shane Smith's book, Greenhouse Gardeners Companion, says it's believed that fusarium oxysporum now infects most of the world's supply of basil seeds. He recommended buying fusarium-resistant seeds and named the sources where you can buy them.

There also lacks a simplified reference to identifying plant problems. I tried looking up black spots on the basil leaves in this book but could not find any advice. Greenhouse Gardener's Companion has an excellent reference chart for looking up this kind of information.

Her sources for packaging supplies do not have what she lists in her appendix and her website. I've found other very useful vendors on the web that provide the same supplies.

Sometimes there was confusion whether she was talking about growing in the greenhouse versus field growing, or container growing versus bed growing.

If you're just starting out and will seek outside funding for your new herb business, the most important step is creating a detailed business plan. Even though there is a chapter devoted to business planning, there's no specific guidance on how to develop one. And here's some practical advice I've discovered on my own that you also won't find in this book: if you don't have experience as a grower professionally for many years, you won't even be considered for a bank or SBA loan. Smart Money magazine confirmed this with an article of theirs--banks will fund only 2% of new businesses, SBA only 6%, while 50% of new businesses will buy capital expenditures through the use of personal credit cards.

I've stopped producing plants for cutting and instead grow herb plants and container gardens (as well as others) to sell directly to the consumer. There is more satisfaction (and more money) in this, and when I discovered that wholesale distributors were selling basil in the middle of summertime for $5.50/lb, I knew I couldn't compete with those prices and pay myself a wage. Ms. Shores' book correctly states you will not get rich selling fresh cut herbs.

Ms. Shores does give excellent advice on building and maintaining a greenhouse, and how to efficiently harvest herbs for packaging and selling.

Great growing references: "Bountiful Container," "The Green Thumb Garden Handbook," "Secrets to a Successful Greenhouse and Business," "Herbs in Pots," "Fresh Culinary Herb Production," "Basil: An Herb Lover's Guide," and ATTRA on the web.

Excellent Manual.......2004-07-03

I gained a lot of insight from this book and have been marking pages and referring to it constantly. I even followed the pattern mentioned for building raised beds and it is working out great. I would have liked to see more about growing organically.

Book Description

The European explorers who first visited the Northwest Coast of North America assumed that the entire region was virtually untouched wilderness whose occupants used the land only minimally, hunting and gathering shoots, roots, and berries that were peripheral to a diet and culture focused on salmon. Colonizers who followed the explorers used these claims to justify the displacement of Native groups from their lands. Scholars now understand, however, that Northwest Coast peoples were actively cultivating plants well before their first contact with Europeans. This book is the first comprehensive overview of how Northwest Coast Native Americans managed the landscape and cared for the plant communities on which they depended.

Bringing together some of the world's most prominent specialists on Northwest Coast cultures, Keeping It Living tells the story of traditional plant cultivation practices found from the Oregon coast to Southeast Alaska. It explores tobacco gardens among the Haida and Tlingit, managed camas plots among the Coast Salish of Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia, estuarine root gardens along the central coast of British Columbia, wapato maintenance on the Columbia and Fraser Rivers, and tended berry plots up and down the entire coast.

With contributions from ethnobotanists, archaeologists, anthropologists, geographers, ecologists, and Native American scholars and elders, Keeping It Living documents practices, many unknown to European peoples, that involve manipulating plants as well as their environments in ways that enhanced culturally preferred plants and plant communities. It describes how indigenous peoples of this region used and cared for over 300 different species of plants, from the lofty red cedar to diminutive plants of backwater bogs.

Customer Reviews:

Keeping it Living.......2007-01-10

A text tightly packed with information and concepts. Not an easy read, but satisfying. Concept of using Native American horticulture techniques is an attractive technique for saving our natural areas while still producing food. Should be required reading for horticulture programs in our colleges.

What Is a Plant? (The Science of Living Things)

Average customer rating:

What Is a Plant? (The Science of Living Things)
Bobbie Kalman
Manufacturer: Crabtree Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Biology | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Botany | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 077877645X

Book Description

Slithering snakes, jumping kangaroos, flying albatrosses, and swimming salmon-every animal, including humans, has its own unique way of getting around. This beautiful new book explains the how, why, and "are we there yet?" of animals large and small across the globe. Topics include: ¥how an animal's environment affects its movement ¥how an animal's skeleton affects its movement ¥unusual animal movers such as the water-walking basilisk ¥how a parent helps its young move around

Living With Plants: A Guide to Practical Botany

Average customer rating:

Beyond Basic Gardening

Living With Plants: A Guide to Practical Botany
Donna N. Schumann
Manufacturer: Mad River Pr Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Botany for Gardeners

ASIN: 091642278X

Customer Reviews:

Beyond Basic Gardening.......2000-06-21

This book is an excellent choice for anyone wishing to better understand how plants function and grow. The reading level and scientific information seem appropriate for those with a basic knowledge of science or gardening. What makes this book special is that it contains in-depth, useful information about plant form and function, plant needs and requirements, how to propagate plants, basic gardening info, pest and control practices, and an excellent guide to planning and maintaining landscape plants. I use this book as a textbook in my high school Plant Science course - the students enjoy the reading level,(the key vocabulary terms are displayed in bold print), the drawings and pictures, and the fact that this book is an excellent reference book that they can actually use outside of school. The copies we use have black and white illustrations and photos - if you're looking for pretty pictures for the suburban garden this is the wrong book - but if you love plants and wish to help your knowledge about plants grow and blossom this is the best book I've seen for the novice and pro alike.

Plants With Seeds (Pascoe, Elaine. Kid's Guide to the Classification of Living Things.)

Average customer rating:

Plants With Seeds (Pascoe, Elaine. Kid's Guide to the Classification of Living Things.)
Elaine Pascoe
Manufacturer: PowerKids Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Botany | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0823963144

Our Living World - Fungi (Our Living World)

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Our Living World - Fungi (Our Living World)
Jenny E. Tesar
Manufacturer: Blackbirch Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

Botany | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1567110444

Book Description

This award-winning series emphasizes the fascinating patterns in the natural world, enabling readers to discover their own place in the network of life.

Each book includes chapters on:

unique characteristics of the organism
senses
metabolism
reproduction and growth
food webs and food chains
fitting into the web of life

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