Natural History Books

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Book SynopsisWhen Nicolaus Copernicus claimed that the Earth was not stationary at the centre of the universe but circled the Sun, he brought about a total revolution in the sciences and consternation in the Church.Copernicus' theory demanded a new physics to explain motion and force, a new theory of space, and a completely new conception of the nature of our universe. He also showed for the first time that a common-sense view of things isn't necessarily correct, and that mathematics can and does reveal the true nature of the material world. As John Henry reveals, from his idea of a swiftly moving Earth Copernicus sowed the seed from which science has grown to be a dominant aspect of modern culture, fundamental in shaping our understanding of the workings of the cosmos.Trade Review'Contains a wealth of detail . an ideal introduction to Copernicus' * Morning Star *

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Book SynopsisFor twenty years Dan O’Brien struggled to make ends meet on his cattle ranch in South Dakota. But when a neighbor invited him to lend a hand at the annual buffalo roundup, O’Brien was inspired to convert his own ranch, the Broken Heart, to buffalo. Starting with thirteen calves, “short-necked, golden balls of wool,” O’Brien embarked on a journey that returned buffalo to his land for the first time in more than a century and a half.Buffalo for the Broken Heart is at once a tender account of the buffaloes’ first seasons on the ranch and an engaging lesson in wildlife ecology. Whether he’s describing the grazing pattern of the buffalo, the thrill of watching a falcon home in on its prey, or the comical spectacle of a buffalo bull wallowing in the mud, O’Brien combines a novelist’s eye for detail with a naturalist’s understanding to create an enriching, entertaining narrative.

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Book SynopsisWhether you’re welcoming a new puppy into your family or want to help your best friend overcome fears or problem behaviors, internationally renowned dog trainer and best-selling author Kyra Sundance presents your essential reference for positive dog training. Using a visually driven, playful presentation, Dog Training 101 offers step-by-step instructions to train your pup to be a happy, attentive, and well-mannered canine. You will use positive training methods—including humane counterconditioning and positive redirection—to build a joyful relationship with your dog, who will become a willing partner in the process. Teach your dog basic commands, such as: Sit Down Stay Come Drop it Leave it Learn real-world tactics for managing common household problems, such as: Leash pulling Jumping on visitors Begging at the table Getting into the trash can Growling Peeing (submissive, excited, and marking) Kyra will also help you teach your pup to overcome common fears, among them: Loud sounds Being left alone Certain people Vacuum cleaner The bathtub This comprehensive guide also includes step-by-step advice for bringing a new dog into your household: preparing for a new dog’s arrival, tips for a smooth transition into the household, introducing him or her to your family, and acclimating your dog to his or her new world.Fun games you can play with your dog offer both opportunities for bonding and a chance to practice rules and boundaries within a defined structure. A “Good to Know” chapter offers an array of useful information, including the Heimlich maneuver for dogs, a list of weird things dogs do that are perfectly normal, and a list of common poisons. Bond with your dog as you strive toward common goals with Dog Training 101.Also by Kyra Sundance, learn to do even more with your dog with: 101 Dog Tricks; The Dog Tricks and Training Workbook; 51 Puppy Tricks; 10-Minute Dog Training Games; 101 Dog Tricks, Kids Edition; The Pocket Guide to Dog Tricks; Kyra’s Canine Conditioning; and The Joy of Dog Training.Trade ReviewSTARRED REVIEW "New and experienced dog owners will find terrific tools to ensure success in behavior and training. Perfect for new dog 'parents.'" -- Library Journal * Library Journal *"From specific issues to general good manners, the author breaks each task into three steps: before you start, troubleshooting, and tip. Then she gets right down to business with written instructions and accompanying photos that show what she’s talking about. Lots of good stuff, including doggie behaviors that seem weird but are actually quite natural." * BayWoof.com *

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Book SynopsisThis book provides a comprehensive text covering all aspects of guinea pig medicine. This updated edition will be of value to veterinary surgeons and students, veterinary nurses, breeders and all those working in the animal care industry.Trade Review3 Star rating from Doody's - www.doody.comTable of ContentsPreface.. 1. The Skin. Specific skin Conditions.. 2. The Reproductive System. Anatomy. Reproductive physiology. Pregnancy. Infertility.. 3. The Urinary System. Anatomy. Physiology. Symptoms of urinary tract disorders.. 4. The Respiratory System. Anatomy and physiology. Symptoms of respiratory disorders. Respiratory infections.. 5. The Digestive System. Anatomy. Physiology.. 6. The Musculoskeletal System. 7. The Head and Neck. The Eye. The ear. The mouth. The Neck.. 8. Behaviour and the Central Nervous System. 9. Husbandry. Housing. Nutrition.. 10. Anaesthetics and Surgical Preparations. Inhalation anaesthetics. Injectable anaesthetics.. 11. Treatments. Antibiotics. Probiotics. Fluid therapy. Anti-fungal agents. Anti-diarrhoeal preparations. Topical preparations. Eye preparations. Ectoparasitic preparations. Endoparasitic preparations. Miscellaneous treatments. Vitamin preparations. Cleansing solutions.. 12. Alternative Therapies. Homeopathy. Common homeopathic remedies. Herbal remedies. Medicinal plants.. 13. Zoonotic Aspects. Appendix 1: Miscellaneous Physiological Data. Appendix 2. Summary of Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies and their Uses. Further Reading. Index.

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Book SynopsisIn this fully revised and updated edition of British Paleozoic Fossils 443 species from this time are described and classified and illustrated with accurate black-and-white line drawings. Reflecting advances in our understanding of the fossil record, it features those animal and plant species that are most commonly found in Britain.

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Book SynopsisA groundbreaking photographic field guide to almost all of Mexico's butterfly species and many of Central America's This is a revised second edition of a groundbreaking photographic field guide to the butterflies of Mexico and Central America. It covers almost all of the more than 1,700 butterfly species found in Mexico, plus many found only in CeTrade ReviewPraise for Jeffrey Glassberg's previous butterfly books: "Glassberg treats his subject as an open door. Walk through it and begin what can be a lifetime adventure."--E. O. Wilson Praise for Jeffrey Glassberg's previous butterfly books: "May do for butterflies what Peterson did for birds."--Village Voice

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This is an exceptional collection of photos... The photos are printed at extremely high resolutions. That many photos and so many birds in 443 pages is asking a lot, but all is crisply delivered."--Jim Williams, Minneapolis Star Tribune's Wingnut blogTable of ContentsIntroduction 6 Species descriptions 12 Swans 12 Geese 14 Shelducks 21 Dabbling ducks 22 Whistling ducks 28 Diving ducks 28 Sea ducks 34 Stifftails 41 Vagrant and exotic ducks 42 Gamebirds 45 Divers (Loons) 55 Grebes 58 Shearwaters and petrels 61 Storm-petrels 66 Rare petrels and albatrosses 67 Frigatebirds 75 Tropicbirds 76 Gannets and boobies 77 Pelicans 80 Cormorants 81 Herons, bitterns and egrets 83 Storks 93 Spoonbills and ibises 94 Spoonbills and storks 96 Flamingos 97 Honey-buzzards 99 Buzzards 101 Snake eagles 105 Kites 106 Vultures 108 Harriers 113 Eagles 117 Osprey and Black-shouldered Kite 126 Accipiters 127 Falcons 129 Rails, crakes and gallinules 137 Cranes 143 Bustards 145 Oystercatcher and Turnstone 148 Stilts and avocets 149 Stone-curlews and coursers 150 Pratincoles 151 Plovers and lapwings 153 Sandpipers 162 Woodcocks and snipes 173 Dowitchers and Upland Sandpiper 176 Godwits 177 Curlews 178 Larger sandpipers 180 Phalaropes 185 Skuas (Jaegers) 187 Gulls 190 Terns 211 Auks 222 Sandgrouse 227 Pigeons and doves 229 Parakeets 234 Cuckoos 235 Owls 238 Nightjars 246 Swifts 248 Contents Kingfishers 251 Rollers 253 Bee-eaters 254 Hoopoe 255 Woodpeckers 256 Larks 262 Swallows and martins 269 Pipits 274 Wagtails 279 Accentors 284 Wren and Dipper 286 Robins and chats 287 Redstarts 291 Stonechats 295 Wheatears 298 Rock thrushes 303 Thrushes 304 Bush warblers and cisticolas 311 Grasshopper warblers 312 Reed warblers 315 Tree warblers 320 Sylvia warblers 324 Leaf warblers 333 Crests 341 Old World flycatchers 343 Tyrant flycatchers 348 Penduline tit and leiothrix 350 Reedling and parrotbill 351 Long-tailed tit 352 Tits 353 Nuthatches 358 Treecreepers 360 Wallcreeper and Golden Oriole 361 Shrikes 362 Crows and jays 370 Starlings 377 Waxwings 379 Bulbuls and mynas 381 Sparrows 382 Introduced exotic finches 386 Finches 389 Buntings 404 Vagrant Nearctic passerines 417 New World warblers 433 Index 434 Photographic credits 444

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Book SynopsisThis book, featuring stunning photographs by Gregory Basco, a professional Costa Rica nature photographer, provides an unparalleled glimpse into the treasures of Costa Rica's parks. Its stunning images and informative text, impart an appreciation for the richness of nature and the importance of environmental conservation.Trade Review(Starred Review) Basco's stunning photography offers a visual testament to the wisdom of the Costa Rican government in preserving natural resources.... VERDICT This inspirational volume can be used in science and environmental studies classes as well as enjoyed by general readers. The nature preserves of Costa Rica are the national park ideal which was born in the United States at its very best. * Library Journal *Table of ContentsFOREWORD BY RODRIGO GÁMEZ-LOBO INTRODUCTION GUANACASTECENTRAL PACIFICOSAARENAL AND TENORIOCENTRAL HIGHLANDSSOUTHERN HIGHLANDSSARAPIQU LOWLANDSTORTUGUEROSOUTHERN CARIBBEANCOCOS ISLANDACKNOWLEDGMENTS FURTHER READING ABOUT THE PHOTOS AND PHOTO CREDITS SPECIES INDEX ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND AUTHOR

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Book SynopsisThe second coloring book from celebrated tattoo artist Chris Garver—star of Miami Ink. Come along on a coloring safari! Featuring a wide array of animals and environments, Animal Odyssey offers the same graceful imagery and distinctive elements that have made Chris Garver a breakout star. Garver’s fans will love filling in his new collection of illustrations, which beautifully blend the familiar and fantastic.

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Book SynopsisA compilation of beautiful heart rocks found in their natural environment by nature photographer Amy M. Dykens.

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Book SynopsisCombining rich historical detail and a harrowing, pulse-pounding narrative, Close to Shore brilliantly re-creates the summer of 1916, when a rogue Great White shark attacked swimmers along the New Jersey shore, triggering mass hysteria and launching the most extensive shark hunt in history. In July 1916 a lone Great White left its usual deep-ocean habitat and headed in the direction of the New Jersey shoreline. There, near the towns of Beach Haven and Spring Lake--and, incredibly, a farming community eleven miles inland--the most ferocious and unpredictable of predators began a deadly rampage: the first shark attacks on swimmers in U.S. history. Capuzzo interweaves a vivid portrait of the era and meticulously drawn characters with chilling accounts of the shark's five attacks and the frenzied hunt that ensued. From the unnerving inevitability of the first attack on the esteemed son of a prosperous Philadelphia physician to the

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Book SynopsisCovering everything cat owners need to know, this practical guide to looking after the most popular pet in the United States is the perfect reference for any cat lover. The Complete Cat Care Manual provides detailed information on the day-to-day care of kittens and adult cats, including feeding, training, handling, exercising, essential equipment, and grooming. Detailed chapters outline the reasons behind behavioral problems, such as eating houseplants and scratching furniture, and provide tips for changing unacceptable behavior.   Health problems are completely detailed with anatomical diagrams, diagnostic charts, and illustrations that identify symptoms and treatments. Step-by-step instructions teach all the techniques needed to nurse a sick animal or administer emergency first aid. Hundreds of remarkable color photographs, specially commissioned for this book, detail every aspect of a cat’s life.   The material is based on extensive research. D

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Book SynopsisIf you imagine that our ancient forbears ate weak gruel, some meat, and bread so hard that it was practically inedible, Jacqui Wood''s study and recreation of ancient cooking methods and recipes will be a revelation. Based on experimental archaeology at the author''s world-famous research settlement in Cornwall, this book describes the ingredients of prehistoric cooking and the methods of food preparation. A general overview of the lifestyle of our prehistoric ancestors is followed by detailed sections (plus cookbook-style recipes) on: bread; dairy foods; meat, fish and vegetable stews; cooking with hot stones; clay-baked food; salt and the seashore menu; peas, beans and lentils; herbs and spices; vegetables; yeast, wine, beer and teas; sweets and puddings. At the end of the book you will realise that a barbecue in the summer need not be sausages on a gas cooker; it could be fish wrapped in grasses and clay, baked in a fire pit at the end of the garden, followed by sweet fruit, seaweed jelly and washed down by Neolithic wine.

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Book SynopsisAnimal bones are one of the most abundant types of evidence found in archaeological sites dating from pre-historic times to the Middle Ages, and they can reveal a startling amount about the economy and way of life of people in the past.

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Book SynopsisWhile the internet provides pet parents with a great deal of information, finding and understanding that information can be like wading through a bog at midnight without a flashlight. In spite of the internet, pet parents remain desperate for valid resources. Health and Nutrition for Dogs and Cats is timely, informative, and delivers sensible information on topics of importance to all pet owners. From reading pet food labels to storing food, from understanding appropriate calorie intake to food allergies, David Wellock helps readers better understand the dietary needs of their dogs and cats. In recent years, Americans have come to pay more attention to the foods they eat. This trend toward a healthier lifestyle quickly found its way into the world of pet foods, allowing better diets to find success in the marketplace. However, the change has been somewhat perplexing for pet parents as they struggle to sort out the various, and sometimes misleading, messages surrounding the new foods aTrade Review[F]ed up with being underpaid and underappreciated' at his long-time job, Wellock decided to purchase a 'down-but-not-totally-out' franchise of pet supply stores, and the wealth of knowledge he’s amassed since then selling dog and cat food is compiled in this thorough, pleasant manual. Wellock is a conscientious purveyor of pet foods with a knack for customer service. He occasionally lays out three or four varieties of kibble for his four-footed customers to taste-test. 'Pet parents' will appreciate Wellock’s good-natured tone, penchant for dad humor, and detail-oriented approach: in a chapter entitled 'How to Read a Pet Food Package' he gives thoughtful exegesis on ingredient lists from a 'poor-quality traditional dog food', a 'good-quality contemporary dog food', a 'grain-free diet' for a cat, a 'raw diet', a 'baked diet', and a 'dehydrated' meal. He decodes terms for mysterious, potentially troublesome ingredients like 'chicken by-product meal' and also covers hot topics like 'portion control' (citing a study which finds that most people with obese pets think their pet is not obese), 'mooching', and arthritis. It may be prudent to note that Wellock is not a veterinarian; however, he is thoughtful, well-informed, and cares deeply about your pets, despite having never met them. * Publishers Weekly *Wellcock explains why a high quality diet is so important to your companion's well being. He provides shopping tips on choosing the right food, which ingredients to look for and avoid, and the importance of variety, and also busts some common pet food myths[.] The book includes chapters on weight management, choosing healthy treats, and how nutrition can affect conditions like allergies, arthritis and dental issues. * Animal Wellness *More and more dog and cat owners realize their responsibility for making diet decisions that are individualized and sensitive to the environmental conditions that occupy a majority of the daily life of a treasured four legged family member. After reading this book, the pet parent will become an advanced advocate for honest foods with repeatable desirable outcomes. This book will enable a pet parent to more confidently decipher pet food marketing materials, and food labels, by using a gained appreciation for scientific facts, experience, and wisdom. I am confident this book will inspire great choices for all pet parents. -- Gary Pusillo, PhD, PAS, ACAN diplomat, board certified animal nutritionist, and AAFS associate memberHealth and Nutrition for Dogs and Cats. Bloody brilliant! This book is so well told it felt as if David Wellock were having a face to face conversation with me. This book will be a timeless reference for those seeking guidance about many aspects of their pets lives and health. It should almost be pre-requisite reading for people planning to add a dog or cat to their family. -- Andrew Redman, pet parentA great read! David Wellock has covered all the bases with a pleasing writing style sprinkled with wit and humor. I certainly recommend this book to franchise owners and pet-parents. -- Edward K. Loyst, chairman, Global Pet Food Stores Inc.David Wellock's Health and Nutrition for Dogs and Cats gave me many ideas which, in my work to free dogs from a chained and miserable existence, I can put to great use with our rescued canines. These dogs come from nothing, and I regularly see dogs who appear unkempt and unhealthy upon coming into rescue blossom into vibrant, shiny beings with a little TLC and high quality food. I believe David's advice is sound and he's funny too—an unbeatable combination. -- Tamira Ci Thayne, founder and CEO of Dogs Deserve BetterTable of ContentsIntroduction 1: The Rise of Pet Foods 2: Shopping For Your Pet’s Food 3: How To Read a Pet Food Package 4: More About Food 5: It’s Hard to Beat a Good Treat 6: Gazing Into My Crystal Ball 7: Weighty Issues 8: Nutrition and Osteoarthritis 9: Nutrition and Allergies 10: Dental Details 11: Urinary Disorders 12: The Scoop on Poop 13: Your Pet’s Pets 14: All Good Things Come To An End

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Book SynopsisStruggling with problem behaviour in rabbits can leave you frustrated, embarrassed, and feeling helpless. You're not alone - over forty percent of the 1.5 million pet rabbits in the UK show behaviours that their owners wish they didn't! The lives of these rabbits, and their owners, can be improved by tackling bad behaviours at the root. Behavioural Problems in Rabbits: A Clinical Approach by rabbit behavioural expert Guen Bradbury, gives you the tools you need to address any unwanted behaviour in a rabbit under your care. Whether you are an owner, a veterinary surgeon or nurse, or if you rehome rabbits, this book will help you: * Understand what influences rabbit behaviour * Diagnose the cause of a specific problem behaviour * Learn the principles of modifying rabbit behaviour * Construct an achievable plan to change a specific behaviour * Review and refine the behaviour modification plan as neededTable of Contents1. Introduction; 2. What is the problem behaviour?; 3. Why is the problem behaviour occurring?; 4. How can I change behaviour?; 5. How can I resolve a specific behavioural problem?; 6. Conclusion; Appendix: Advice sheets

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Book SynopsisA revelatory look at the secrets of marine fish migration.Not since F. R. Harden Jones published his masterwork on fish migration in 1968 has a book so thoroughly demystified the subject. With stunning clarity, David Hallock Secor''s Migration Ecology of Fishes finally penetrates the clandestine nature of marine fish migration. Secor explains how the four decades of research since Jones''s classic have employed digital-age technologiesincluding electronic miniaturization, computing, microchemistry, ocean observing systems, and telecommunicationsthat render overt the previously hidden migration behaviors of fish. Emerging from the millions of observed, telemetered, simulated, and chemically traced movement paths is an appreciation of the individual fish. Members of the same populations may stay put, explore, delay, accelerate, evacuate, and change course as they conditionally respond to their marine existence. But rather than a morass of individual behavioTrade ReviewThose of us who throw a line overboard or off a dock and quiver as some invisible creature teases our bait but curse the water's opaqueness will revel in this highly scientific textbook that penetrates the murky secrets of the sea. -- Elisavietta Ritchie Bay Weekly Secor's research brings together the history of ideas on fish migration, as well as an analysis of the new technologies that have provided remarkable observations on movements of fish in the global oceans to address why fish go where they do, and why an understanding is critical to the management of ocean uses. University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science An up-to-date synthesis of current knowledge of marine fish migrations... Appropriate for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, fisheries professionals, and marine ecologists. Choice ... Many students of ecology and a wide range of professionals will benefit from the synthesis of ideas and large collection of relevant citations provided in this book. Journal of Fish Biology David Secor's book on the migration ecology of marine fishes represents a comprehensive synthesis of the state of the science in this field... Secor reveals the complexities of marine fish migration and provides the reader with an unprecedented window into movement dynamics under the sea. Ecology [ Migration Ecology of Marine Fishes] provided the most comprehensive, creative, current, and ambitious overview of migration literature to date. Secor especially succeeded in finding ways to discuss the mechanisms and ecological consequences of migration in almost every aspect of a fish's life... Rev Fish Biol Fisheries ... an insightful and comprehensive account... Migration Ecology of Marine Fishes will make a very useful contribution by providing a framework for the broader interpretation of fish migration. This same framework has important implications for the understanding and management of fish population/species productivity, stability and resilience in the face of fishing pressure and environmental change. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research ...undoubtedly an outstanding book and I strongly recommend it to all scientists, researchers, and students who are interested in migration and fisheries ecology. I cannot praise it highly enough. Marine Biology Research It deserves to be read by everyone with an interest the ecology of fishes, as well as those studying migratory behaviors in other groups. One comes away from the book with the clear impression that studies focusing on single aspects of fish movements are missing much of the story. Quarterly Review of Biology Those taking the time to read this book slowly and repeatedly will continuously find new insights and be rewarded for their effort. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society The value of Migration Ecology of Marine Fishes is that it provides accessible avenues for researchers that do study fish movement at the individual-level (or from behavioral and physiological perspectives) to consider the emergent properties that arise at the population level... Secor accomplishes what he set out to do, adding several useful new dimensions to the treatise by Harden-Jones. Environmental Biology of Fishes This book encapsulates the major advancements of the field, incorporating old and new concepts of migration to the latest technology in studying fish movement... Overall, Migration Ecology of Marine Fishes is an exceptional read for a graduate student or fisheries ecologist. It provides a current review of migration theory-a synthesis that has been long overdue in the marine ecology literature. Reviews in Fish Biology and FisheriesTable of ContentsAcknowledgments1. IntroductionClassifying MigrationBook Organization2. Bird and Fish MigrationMovement in FluidsAnalysis of Movements and MigrationRules of AggregationSchooling and FlockingNavigation CapacitiesSummarySegue3. Mating Systems and Larval DispersalMating SystemsEmbryo and Larval DispersalAlignment of Larval Dispersal with Mating SystemsSelective Harvest during Spawning MigrationsSummarySegue4. Complex Life Cycles and Marine Food WebsMarine Food WebsMigrating among Size SpectraMarine Ecosystem Patchiness, Transience, and PeriodicityLife Cycle SchedulesSchooling through Food WebsThe Storage EffectSummarySegue5. Population StructureFinding Their Way back HomeLife Cycle ClosureOpen Life CyclesMetapopulation TheoryTaking Stock of Population ThinkingSummarySegue6. Propagating PropensitiesConditional MigrationsPartial Migration Writ NarrowEvolution of Partial Migration and Ecological SpeciationPartial Migration Writ LargeSummarySegueRecapitulation7. ResilienceResilience TheoryResilience to Fishing and Climate ChangeCollective Agencies and BiodiversityBuilding Resilience into PopulationsSummaryBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisA user-friendly guide to keeping happy and healthy pigs in your outdoor space, whether for produce, profit or pleasure.Table of Contents : 1. Why keep a pig? : 2. Can anyone keep a pig? : 3. What breed should you have? . : 4. What you need before your pig arrives : 5. Feeding : 6. Pig ailments : 7. How much will it cost to keep a pig? : 8. Pig Breeding : 9. Rearing for Meat : 10. Selling and Marketing : 11. The World of Pigkeepers : 12. Pig Behaviour

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Book SynopsisSuggests exercises for both English- and Western-style riders, progressing from basic skills to more advanced maneuvers and patterns.

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Book SynopsisIt's the dream scenario for many of us after a long week: having the house completely to ourselves. No partners, no parents, no kids, no pets. But as we settle into the couch, something stirs: maybe a mouse darts out from under a cupboard, or a fly buzzes lazily past the window. We're not actually alone at all. Until quite recently, no one had taken the life that lives with us very seriously: until Rob Dunn and his team decided to take a closer look. Upon investigating the terra incognita of our homes, they discovered that there are nearly 200,000 species living in our bedrooms, kitchens, living areas, bathrooms, and basements. Some of these species can kill us. Some benefit us. And some seem simply benign. But almost all of them were completely unknown--and they've been living alongside us the whole time.In Never Home Alone, biologist Rob Dunn takes us to the edge of biology's latest frontier: our own homes. Every house is a wilderness--from the Egyptian meal moths in our cupboards, to the camel crickets living in the basement, to the antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus waiting on the kitchen counter, thousands of species of insects, bacteria, fungi, and plants live literally under our noses. As we have become increasingly obsessed with cleaning and sterilizing our homes and separating our living spaces from nature, we have unwittingly cultivated an entirely new playground for evolution. Unfortunately, this means that we have created a range of new parasites, from antibiotic-resistant microbes to nearly impossible to kill cockroaches, to threaten ourselves with. At the same time, many of the more helpful organisms--such as microbes that can protect us from autoimmune diseases or promote healthy digestion, or the centipedes that can hunt down those pesky roaches--are caught in the crosshairs. If we're not careful, the "healthier" we try to make our homes, the more likely we'll be putting our own health at risk.A rich natural history and a thrilling scientific investigation, Rob Dunn's Never Home Alone shows us that if are to truly thrive in our homes, we must learn to welcome the unknown guests that have been there the whole time.

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Book SynopsisAs much as dogs, cats, or any domestic animal, horses exemplify the vast range of human-animal interactions. Horses have long been deployed to help with a variety of human activitiesfrom racing and riding to police work, farming, warfare, and therapyand have figured heavily in the history of natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. Most accounts of the equine-human relationship, however, fail to address the last few centuries of Western history, focusing instead on pre-1700 interactions. Equestrian Cultures fills in the gap, telling the story of how prominently horses continue to figure in our lives, up to the present day. Kristen Guest and Monica Mattfeld place the modern period front and center in this collection, illuminating the largely untold story of how the horse has responded to the accelerated pace of modernity. The book's contributors explore equine cultures across the globe, drawing from numerous interdisciplinary sources to show how horses have unexpectedl

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Book SynopsisDescribes eight walks in Assynt, ranging from easy to more challenging mountain walks. A fold-out colour map shows the different rock types which make up the area and also has the walks and other sites of interest marked.

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Book SynopsisCaroline Akrill reveals the frequent disasters and the occasional triumphs of her long association with a string of equine characters. Engagingly witty, endearingly frank, sometimes surprising, but always amusing, Caroline Akrill regards the horse from the safety of the stable door and scrutinises him with candour and affection.

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Book SynopsisA new edition of a classic on a beloved turtle species. She's the mascot for the University of Maryland's sports teams and her ancestors were nearly driven to extinction by Victorians who indulged in turtle soup. But as she buries herself in the mud every night to sleep, the diamondback terrapin knows none of this. The size of a dinner plate and named for the beautiful concentric rings on her shell, she can live at least forty years and is the only turtle in North America who can live in brackish and salty waters. Several diamondback populations have been the subjects of ecological studies in recent years, but most of that information was buried in scientific literature and various state and federal reports-until this book. Synthesizing all known research on this remarkable animal, Diamonds in the Marsh is the first full-scale natural history of the diamondback terrapin. Focusing on the northern diamondback, Barbara Brennessel examines its evolution, physiology, adaptations, behavior, growth patterns, life span, genetic diversity, land use, reproduction, and early years. She also discusses its relationship to humans, first as an important food source from colonial times through the nineteenth century, and more recently as a cultural icon, frequently depicted in Native American art and design. She concludes with a look at contemporary hazards to the terrapin and urges continued study of this marvelous creature. Updated with a new introduction by Brennessel, and with a foreword by Bob Prescott, former executive director of Massachusett's Audubon Wellfleet Bay Sanctuary, Diamonds of the Marsh is perfect for those interested in the conservation of a species.Trade Review“Environmentalists, ecologists, and marine biologists will delight in this meticulously detailed but highly readable look at the only North American turtle species that can tolerate the ‘fresh water, salt water, and everything in between.’” * Publishers Weekly *"A serious treatment of the natural history of one of the most beloved creatures of the Eastern Seaboard. . . well illustrated with photographs." * Natural New England Magazine *"A comprehensive natural history such as Diamonds in the Marsh is an invaluable tool in the study and conservation of a species, and can provide a solid foundation for future research, conservation, and management decisions. Brennessel effectively pulls together the bulk of literature on the diamondback and communicates it to the reader in a generally clear, uncluttered fashion so as to make it not only a resource for researchers, but also an interesting read for reptile aficionados." * Herpetological Review *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Chapter 1. A Decidedly Unique Creature Chapter 2. A Coast-Hugging Turtle Chapter 3. Reproduction: Insurance for Species Survival Chapter 4. The Lost Years Chapter 5. A Clear and Present Danger for the Most Celebrated of American Reptiles Chapter 6. Learning from the Past; Peering into the Future Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisDeveloping a phenomenology of the animal other through contemporary artTrade Review"Surface Encounters is an insightful consideration of the problematics of animal phenomenology." —Kari Weil, Wesleyan University"Learned and intellectually courageous, Surface Encounters brims with counter-intuitive arguments about what it means to tarry thoughtfully with non-human life. This is nothing less than a scholarly manifesto: compact, lively, and pressing, as much a rousing call for future imaginings as it is a sober analysis in its own right." —David Clark, McMaster UniversityTable of ContentsContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: Staying on the Surface1. Meat Matters: Distance in Damien Hirst2. Body of Thought: Immanence and Carolee Schneemann3. Making Space for Animal Dwelling: Worlding with Snæbjörnsdóttir/Wilson4. Contact Zones and Living Flesh: Touch after Olly and Suzi5. A Minor Art: Becoming-Animal of Marcus CoatesCoda: Human, Animal, and Matthew BarneyNotesIndex

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Book SynopsisClicker train your cat in just 15 minutes a day with this easy-to-use guide Clicker training uses positive reinforcement to teach your cat new skills, encourage good behavior, and correct undesirable behavior. How to Clicker Train Your Cat makes cat training easy with short, targeted lessons that teach everything from basic commands to fun tricks. Just communicate the desired behavior, click, and give your cat a treatit''s that simple! This guide to cat training includes: A progressive approachStart small with essential commands and practical skills that serve as a foundation for additional training, solving behavioral problems, and bonding through play. Step-by-step instructionsFind clear directions that break down each cat training lesson into small steps so both you and your cat feel confident and comfortable. Cat communication basicsLearn what your cat is telling you through their body language, facial expressions, and vocalizations, and how their unique traits require training them differently than other animals. Build a stronger connection and improve your cat''s behavior with this positive approach to cat training.

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Book SynopsisExplore the National Parks with this handy pocket map.Handy little full colour map and guide of New Forest National Park. Detailed mapping and visitor information to the National Park along with a selection of photographs.This small map with additional text and photographs gives a great overview of the New Forest National Park, and is the perfect companion for exploring this beautiful area of Southern England.Clear, detailed mappingKey park, tourist and travel informationIdeal for planning visits to the National ParkIndex to help locate and plan your trip

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Book SynopsisThe fifth instalment of the Birder Murder series It is in the silent spaces between the facts that the truth often hides When his most celebrated case is suddenly reopened, Detective Chief Inspector Jejeune's long-buried secrets threaten to come to light. Meanwhile, his girlfriend, Lindy, faces an unseen threat of her own, one which Jejeune may not be able to protect her from. Between fending off inquiries from the internal review and an open murder case to solve, more than ever Jejeune will have to rely on the help of the stalwart Sergeant Danny Maik. But Maik is learning things on his own that have caused him to question his DCI‘s actions, both past and present. In the current case, and in the former one, the facts seem clear enough. But often the most insidious lies hide behind the most honest-seeming truths.Trade Review‘A rattling good read… Burrows knows his birds, but he knows how to create a page-turner, too, so keep it handy for downtime between birding expeditions.’ * Birdwatching *‘An excellent police procedural set in rural Norfolk, with enjoyable characters and a strong conservation slant.’ * Mystery People *Praise for the Birder Murder Mysteries: 'A murder plot built around birdwatching doesn’t, at first, seem plausible or even possible. But Burrows pulls it off... Riveting from first page to final line.' Globe and Mail 'A suspenseful and well-crafted mystery perfect for the beach.' Morning Star 'A neatly-constructed and well-told police procedural. If you like north Norfolk you'll feel as though you're there. If you like birds you'll feel as though you're in heaven.' The Bookbag 'Skillfully written, full of moral ambiguities and artful puzzles, with a spine-tingling final sentence.' Kirkus starred review

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Book SynopsisHow vermin went from being part of everyone's life to a mark of disease, filth, and lower status. For most of our time on this planet, vermin were considered humanity's common inheritance. Fleas, lice, bedbugs, and rats were universal scourges, as pervasive as hunger or cold, at home in both palaces and hovels. But with the spread of microscopic close-ups of these creatures, the beginnings of sanitary standards, and the rising belief that cleanliness equaled class, vermin began to provide a way to scratch a different itch: the need to feel superior, and to justify the exploitation of those pronounced ethnicallyand entomologicallyinferior. In Getting Under Our Skin, Lisa T. Sarasohn tells the fascinating story of how vermin came to signify the individuals and classes that society impugns and ostracizes. How did these creatures go from annoyance to social stigma? And how did people thought verminous become considered almost a species of vermin themselves? Focusing on Great Britain and Table of ContentsIntroduction: Getting Under Our Skins: Vermin in History1. "That Nauseous Venomous Insect": Bed Bugs in Early Modern Britain2. Bed Bugs Creeping Through Modern Times3. Praying Lice: Creeping into Religion, Science and Sexuality4. Lousy Societies: Infesting the Lower Classes and Foreigners5. THe Perils of Lice in the Modern World6. The Flea in Humanity's Ear7. Modern Fleas: Literal and Linguistic Weapons8. Attacking Rodents: Rats in Early Modern Times9. The Two Cultures of Rats: 1800-2020Conclusion: The Power of Vermin

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Book SynopsisIt’s time to let your imagination fly…If you look up on a cloudy day, you'll see a whole new surprising world above you - the world of clouds! The Book of Clouds is an introduction to this world - and the guide you'll want by your side to help you understand it.A mix of dreamy fantasy and scientific fact, this is the perfect gift for any child with their head stuck in the clouds - and for anyone who has ever wondered what's up there in the skies above. This book is ideal for children to use as a starting point for their own imaginative creative play. It is full of playful poems, inspiring, anarchic illustrations, and guides to all of the different aspects of clouds that you could want to know about.With 25 poems and many full-page illustrations that use watercolour and collage, you won’t be able to pick The Book of Clouds up without wanting to immediately start making your own cloud diary. So The Book of Clouds comes with 9 pages for your own notes and sketches at the end - let it truly become YOUR book of clouds! Trade ReviewReaders are in for a real treat as Latvian poet Juris Kronbergs, born in Sweden to a family of Latvian artists, has created an innovative selection of poetry – a mix of funny and playful poems that combine scientific fact and the very many meanings of the word ‘cloud’... It’s no mean feat to translate poetry and Māra Rozīte and Richard O’Brien have done an excellent job in making these poems accessible in English to a whole new audience. -- Outside In World * Outside In World *This cloudy compilation of poetry, art and a good pinch of humour by Latvian poet Kronbergs, appeals to the skygazer in us all. The twenty-five poems in this book tell a story of clouds; from how they move and travel, to how they shapeshift and of course how they transform weather. Interspersed throughout, Melece’s art reflects the comic nebulous nature of clouds. Impish faces anthropomorphise the cumulus characters in different skies, brought to life by a truly playful array of mixed media and watercolours. -- Children's Books Ireland/Inis Magazine * Children's Books Ireland *The delightful book explores its subject in a new and interesting way. Presented as an illustrated book of poetry, this collection is sure to inspire young readers (and writers) to think creatively about the natural world. Taking by turns, a humorous and fact based approach, these poems are excellently well crafted and present the many natures of clouds. -- Literature Works * Literature Works *This wonderful book about the magic of clouds is full of surprising and original poems, perfect for upper key stage two children either at school or at home. The poems are by turns bouncy, funny, quirky and thoughtful, and, being translated from Latvian, have a freshness that will appeal to those looking for something a bit different. -- BookTrust * Book Trust * In this delightful, whimsical and charmingly illustrated book, Juris Kronbergs explores the appearance and ephemeral nature of clouds in 26 poems. My favourites include one in which a cloud has a nightmare about evaporating, and one where real cloud names morph into descriptive ones and then into imagined ones. At the end of the book, the author gives ideas about how to write or illustrate a poem. The annotated illustrations are great fun and complement the poems, making the book one that you can look at for much longer than it takes to read the words. -- MetLink, Royal Meterological Society 'It has colour illustrations throughout and is unashamedly whimsical. A book to dip into when considering the weather as a theme for writing, perhaps, as one can have too many cloud-related poems at one sitting.' * NATE Teaching English Magazine *

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Book SynopsisEvery Sunday for almost a century John Cann's family ran the famous snake show in a pit at La Perouse in Sydney - an area once alive with tiger, brown and black snakes. After growing up with over 300 'pet' snakes in their backyard, John and his brother George took over the snake show from their parents in 1965. By the time John retired in 2010, he'd survived five venomous snake bites.Many of those familiar with John and his shows wouldn't know that he was also an Olympic athlete, a top state rugby league player who played alongside some of the legends of the game, a state champion boxer, an adventurer and a world authority on turtles.The Last Snake Man chronicles John's extraordinary life and times. From wrangling snakes to chasing turtles, from remote country towns to the impenetrable jungles of New Guinea, this is the story of an amazing Australian and his never-ending search for fascinating animals and adventure.Table of ContentsPreface 1. The Snake Man of La Perouse 2. Cleopatra, Queen of the Snakes 3. War baby 4. Underwater football 5. Born to run 6. The Games 7. Race relations 8. Roughing it 9. 'This one's dead . . .' 10. Work 11. Snaking 12. Snakebites 13. 'He got me!' 14. Showtime 15. Turtles 16. Collecting in Irian Barat 17. A cruel end 18. Back to work 19. Turtle wars 20. My brother George 21. My family 22. Martin Lauer 23. Reptiles and reprobates 24. No fortune, no fame 25. Survivor Appendix Australia's great snakeys Appendix John's turtles Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisHierdie hersiene uitgawe van die Roberts Voëlgids bevat byna 1000 spesies wat in Suider-Afrika (suid van die Cunene- en Zambesi-rivier) voorkom. Die gids spog met puik nuwe illustrasiewerk wat besonderhede gee oor seisoenale, ouderdoms en geslagsverskille in ongeveer 240 geannoteerde kleurplate, bygewerkte verspreidingskaarte, broei- en seisoenstafies en bondige dog insiggewende teks oor uitkenning, asook aspekte van biologie soos kos en roep. Voëlgeesdriftiges se biblioteke sal beslis baat by hierdie nuwe toevoeging.

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Book SynopsisCats can be mysterious and cat owners are eager to understand their behavior and learn how to strengthen the bond between cats and humans. In the revised 2nd edition of The Cat Behavior Answer Book (77,000 copies in print), pet expert Arden Moore answers the many questions cat owners have, from the practical aspects of training, feeding, and caring to the puzzling aspects of behavior and communication. Do cats dream? What's the purpose of a cat's whiskers? How do I catproof my house? Why does my elderly cat howl at night? How can I train my cats not to jump upon the kitchen counter? Can I keep my cat from climbing the curtains? What's the best way to train a kitten to use the litter box? How can I eliminate the smell of cat urine? What's the best way to trim a cat's nails? Is it okay for my cat to eat grass? Arden Moore provides insightful answers to all these questions and many more, along with reassuring guidance on addressing the problems that can get in the way of living happily with a cat. The 2nd edition has been completely updated to reflect the most recent research and recommendations and redesigned in a larger, highly browsable format.

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Book SynopsisWith lucid prose that recalls the best-selling and beloved Cosmos, Ann Druyan takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the vast and unexplored realms of Earth and space, past and future, fact and imagination. Written and published in coordination with the sensational international television debut of a second season of National Geographic's Cosmos,Cosmos Possible Worlds travels through more than 14 billion years of cosmic evolution and into an astonishing future where probes travel by light beams to distant stars, helping us solve enduring mysteries of our origins and dream of an unimaginable time ahead. Along the way, we meet the colorful characters who push beyond the boundaries of knowledge - both the little-known but monumental visionaries of the past and the scientists whose work is shaping our future. Color photographs, art, and diagrams based on graphics created for the television series - plus a foreword by Neil deGrasse Tyson, best-selling author, wTrade Review“In the breadth of its scope and the magnitude of its imagination…Possible Worlds is a triumphant return to scale, and a direct challenge to a humanity that seems to have lost its will to confront and overcome the problems that face it. It encompasses astronomy, neuroscience, quantum physics, the origins of life, the future of space flight, nuclear weaponry, alternate intelligence models, cosmology, archaeology, anthropology, and biochemistry in the breathtaking course of its 370 richly illustrated pages, all driven by Druyan’s approachable but grand prose that urges us to find in ourselves the intellectual courage to truly know who we are, where we came from, and what possible futures stretch out before us.” –Women You Should Know“Now, 40 years later, Ann Druyan boldly carries the torch forward with the long-awaited sequel to the book, COSMOS with Cosmos: Possible Worlds.” –Laughing Place“In the breadth of its scope and the magnitude of its imagination, it is teaching us again how to look beyond our tribal specializations towards a future powered by a bold syncretism. Possible Worlds is a triumphant return to scale, and a direct challenge to a humanity that seems to have lost its will to confront and overcome the problems that face it. It encompasses astronomy, neuroscience, quantum physics, the origins of life, the future of space flight, nuclear weaponry, alternate intelligence models, cosmology, archaeology, anthropology, and biochemistry in the breathtaking course of its 370 richly illustrated pages, all driven by Druyan’s approachable but grand prose that urges us to find in ourselves the intellectual courage to truly know who we are, where we came from, and what possible futures stretch out before us.” –Women You Should Know “Ann Druyan is reimagining the future.” –Scientific American

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