Woodland Harvests of the Eastern Forests

This video field guide to the fruits of eastern trees offers absolutely top-notch videography of leaves, fruits, and animals. Narrated by Charles Kuralt (it's always a treat to hear his voice), the program features unobtrusive on-screen number codes for each tree or plant which correspond to the table of contents on the video box, providing for easy browsing. While the factual information is solid and interesting, the filmmakers should have placed more emphasis on conservation (plants which make pretty arrangements are pointed out, for example, although the fact that it's illegal to pick them in public lands, such as parks, is not). Teachers wanting to use the tape in class might hesitate at the remark that catalpa seed pods ("Indian cigar") are sometimes smoked by "adventuresome kids;" at least the script does not point out the same for morning glory and jimsonweed. Recommended, with some reservations. Other titles in the series include: Spring Wild Flowers of the Eastern Forest (VL-9/94), Summer Wild Flowers of the Eastern Forests and Fall Wild Flowers of the Eastern Forests. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Reagan)