Arboretum Director Brian Mulligan had his first two articles in “The Bulletin” in the Spring 1947 issue. One of these was a book review, the beginning of a long tradition that continues today. His subject was “Camellias in America” by H. Harold Hume, which he describes as “probably the most 
comprehensive and finely illustrated volume on this important group of decorative shrubs which has ever appeared.” The Miller Library now has the revised, 1955 edition – a gift from the author.
Mulligan’s greatest praise is for the section on the nomenclature and identification as he knew this would be especially valuable for updating records on the Arboretum’s collection. He had very few concerns about the book, the greatest being the price that “will certainly restrict its sale.” How much? $25.50, or about $360 in today’s value!
Reviewed by: Brian Thompson on February 24, 2025
Excerpted from the Spring 2025 issue of the Arboretum Bulletin