Books in A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press series

Smell the bark of the aromatic Sassafras. Wonder at the Lodgepole Pine, whose heat-activated cones reseed forests destroyed by fire. Search for the Sugar Maple, whose foliage blazes red and yellow in autumn. North America's trees rank among nature's most awesome creations. This premier field guide features all characteristics-tree shape, bark, leaf, flower, fruit and twig-for quick identification, making it a superior choice for trail walks, creating displays, and scientific or commercial needs.-All of North America in one volume-Over 730 species in 76 families and 160 range maps-Native species and important introduced foreign varieties-Text, range maps, and illustrations seen together at a glance-Common and scientific names-Convenient measuring rules

This guide describes and illustrates, in full color, the plants and animals that live in or near ponds, lakes, streams, and wetlands. It includes surface-dwelling creatures as well as those of open water, the bottom, and the shore and tells how various animals and plants live together in a community. Plus suggestions for:Where and when to lookObserving and collecting specimensMaking exciting discoveries

This introduction to the life of the past as revealed through fossils includes:-Descriptions of the typical plants and animals of major geological eras-Maps showing where fossils can be found-The history of the development of life on earthFull-color illustrations and concise information make this an invaluable and enjoyable guide to a fascinating subject.

This informative guide covers the five billion years of history that have given the earth its present form, including: The earth's relation to the rest of the universeThe rocks and minerals of which it is madeThe effects of glaciers, gravity, volcanoes, and other forcesIllustrated in full color, this guide is valuable for everyone interested in our planet, the ultimate basis of our present society.

This handy identification guide to the most common kinds of rocks and minerals offers concise and fascinating information on:- Physical and chemical properties- Origins and geologic significance- Gems and semiprecious stones- How to find and collect specimensIllustrated in full color throughout, Rocks, Gems and Minerals is a gem of a guide for rockhounds and mineral collectors!

This guide will help you identify-quickly and easily-the birds you are most likely to see. It tells you:What to look forWhere and when to lookHow to attract birdsRange maps show where each bird is found, and handy tables at the back of the book contain a wealth of additional information about migration, eggs, nests, and food. This is the perfect bird book for beginners at any age.

Enjoy and Learn!Expert Knowledge!Easy-to-Read!This introduction to the diverse yet little known world of spiders is packed with concise, accurate information. With full-color pictures and readable text, this guide identifies representative species and describes:Their characteristics and habitsGrowth, courtship and enemiesWhere they are foundIncludes information on poisonous species and how to collect, preserve, and raise spiders.

This Golden Guide describes and illustrates in full color more than 140 of our most common trees. Learn:-How to recognize tree shapes, flowers, buds, leaves, and fruits-Where each species grows-The parts of a tree and the various kinds of treesPerfect for nature lovers of all ages, this is an indispensable guide for everyone who wants to be able to recognize the different trees in North America.

This guide to the snakes, frogs, turtles, and salamanders of North America aids in the identification of 212 species. Learn:- How to tell the difference between reptiles and amphibians- How and where to find them- How to separate fact from fableReptiles and Amphibians includes full-color illustrations, up-to-date range maps, and a host of fascinating facts about these interesting and unusual animals.Using clear text and detailed illustrations, Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press present accurate information in a handy format for the beginner to the expert. These guides focus on what your students are really going to see. They are easy to use: detailed, full-color illustrations, text, and maps are all in one place. They are easy to understand: accurate, accessible information is simplified without being misrepresented. They are authoritative, containing up-to-date information written experts and checked by specialists. And they are portable: handy and lightweight, designed to fit in a pocket and be carried anywhere.

Filled with practical information for the amateur astronomer, this Golden Guide explains:-How to select and use binoculars and telescopes-How to best observe stars, the moon, planets, comets, meteors, and other celestial objects-How to use star chartsProfusely illustrated with photographs, diagrams, charts, and tables, this guide is recommended by leading astronomers.