Under The Microscope

READING THE ROCKS -- A guide to the geological features of the Wairarapa Coast, by L. Homer and P. Moore; DSIR and Landscape Publications, 1990; 64 pages and inserts; $40

This is the first of a series. Homer's photographs -- aerial, panoramic, close-up, micrographic -- are better than the best television at showing the crunch and tilt of plate tectonics, and the drip and crumble of erosion.

Moore's text, graphics and captions are fascinating. The book is beautifully printed and bound, and has six loose plastic waterproof Field Guides in a pocket at the back.

Hitherto inexperienced in geology, I feel that with this book I could take a bus-load of school pupils up the Wairarapa coast and keep them interested. In tribute to the DSIR, I shall cheerfully spend forty dollars of my own money to buy the Banks Peninsula book as soon as it appears.

Ken McAllister