Our Vanishing Wildflowers and Other Essays

Henry S. Salt, Sir Maurice Abbot-Anderson (Preface)

Edition: First Edition
Publisher: Watts & Co., London
Published: 1928
Length: 86
Format: Paperback

Second Edition
Sir Maurice Abbot-Anderson (Preface)
1928 Watts & Co., London, Paperback, 86 pages

Summary

Our Vanishing Wildflowers and Other Essays by Henry S. Salt is a passionate call to protect Britain’s endangered flora. Salt expands on articles previously published in The Times, focusing on the growing threat of extinction for many wildflower species. He highlights how human activities—such as urban development, over-collection by botanical enthusiasts, and the rise of exchange clubs—are contributing to the destruction of the country’s native plants. Salt argues that flora is a national treasure, and its loss is a cultural tragedy.

The book advocates for both legislative action and public awareness, suggesting the creation of a “Wildflowers Preservation Society” or a joint committee from existing environmental organisations. Salt’s vision is supported by Sir Maurice Abbot-Anderson, who proposes forming a popular League for the Protection of Wildflowers, particularly aimed at educating schoolchildren about the importance of conservation. Salt’s essays are not only informative but also thoughtful and witty, showing his deep love for both rare and common plants.

Dedicated to Sir Maurice Abbot-Anderson, this work is a heartfelt plea for protecting the beauty and diversity of Britain’s wild flora.

The first edition was published in May 1928 and the second edition was published in September of the same year.

Content

Preface
Our Vanishing Wildflowers
The Cure?
The Need of Sanctuaries
New Introductions
The Bump of Destructiveness
A Botanist's Garden
Fortune's Freaks
Treasures of a Sandpit
Pastures New
The Well-Beloved
The Long-Sought
Some Lowly Kinds
Conradeship of the Wild
Botanical Literature
The Sensibility of Plants
The Art of Collecting
An Afterword

What the Critics Said

He can both see and describe, and the account of his discoveries should inspire even hardened gardeners to explore the treasures of the wilderness.—Times

Each and every flower has for him its alluring personality… And he depicts the personalities of the wildflowers he discovers in a style as fresh and beguiling as the fair presences thereof.—Morning Post

He writes very pleasantly about wildflowers, which he can love for their beauty even when they are not rare, but which, he would probably himself admit, he loves most when they are both rare and beautiful.—Manchester Guardian

Here are nature-studies akin to Hudon’s, but with a character and charm of their own. This book on wild flowers is a treasurable little masterpiece, as far removed from ordinary essays in botany as wildflowers are from flowers of wax.—To-day