Dear List: Received yesterday a long awaited reference entitled "Ornamental Plants of Russia and Surrounding States" by Dr. Tatyana Shulkina of the Missouri Botanical Garden, formerly of the Komarov Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia. Very well written with excellent photographs and a wealth of information about geophytes (as well as a number of other plant habits) of the former Soviet Union. This book reflects the cumulative knowledge gained over decades spent studying plants in their natural habitats and evaluating their ability to grow under garden conditions at one of the worlds finest botanic gardens (Komarov). A 'must read' for anyone interested in growing geophytes from eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Tien Shan, Siberia, the Russian Far East. An amazing breadth and depth of knowledge condensed into this single volume. In appreciation for my encouragement for the publication of this book I received a complimentary copy. I am not sure where it is can be purchased, but is is well worth searching out. Boyce Tankersley Manager of Living Plant Documentation Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Road Glencoe, IL 60022 btankers@chicagobotanic.org