-- Better Living -- This Father's Day, go 'buy the book' for dad

By Paul Schattenberg AgriLife TODAY

Do you have a nature-loving or outdoorsy Dad? If so, the online Texas AgriLife Extension Service Bookstore may be the place to go this year for a unique Father's Day gift.

The bookstore,

http://agrilifebookstore.org

has a variety of interesting and informative publications for the father who's a farmer or rancher, sportsman, naturalist or outdoor enthusiast. The toll-free number for the bookstore is 888-900-2577.

AgriLife Bookstore publications are referenced by title and identification number. They may be paid for by credit card, check or money order - and most arrive within five days of order placement.

Publications for the "naturalist" father include:

• Exotic Animal Field Guide (SP-342) - Exotic animals are abundant in Texas, and this guide gives descriptions, photos and information on more than 80 hoofed exotics - from axis deer to zebras - including where to find them. This 286-page book is by Elizabeth Cary Mungall.

• Venomous Terrestrial Animals of Texas (B-6118) - Pocket guide to 24 species of venomous insects, spiders and snakes found in Texas. Includes information on animal biology as well as bite or sting first aid. The 32-page book by John Jackman includes 24 color photos.

• The Hummingbird Wheel (SP-376) - This 10-inch identification wheel features 16 of the 18 hummingbird species that have been documented in Texas. For each bird, the wheel lists its habitat type, traditional range in North America, and distinguishing features of both males and females.
It was published by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

• Hummingbirds of Texas (SP-346) - Featuring all hummingbird species found in Texas and the southwestern US, this book also includes information on bird migration and making a hummingbird garden. Clifford Shackleford, Madge M. Lindsay and C. Mark Klym wrote the 110-page book.

• Texas Wildflowers (L-5384) - This colorful identification wheel features 16 of the most common wildflowers in Texas with photos of blooms and as seedlings. Produced by Agricultural Communications, this publication also includes interesting plant facts, planting tips and 32 photos.

• Rare Plants of Texas (SP-337) - Featuring photos, line drawings and maps on more than 225 endangered, imperiled or declining plant species, this 640-page book by Jackie M. Poole, William R. Carr, Dana M. Price and Jason R. Singlehurst also includes information on habitat, flowering time and current plant status.

• Trees, Shrubs and Vines of the Texas Hill Country (SP-336) - Jan Wrede's 246-page field guide identifies more than 125 species of plants in the Texas Hill Country, including information about their leaves, flowers, fruit and bark.

• Butterflies of Texas (L-5308) - This interactive wheel offers pictures of 16 of the most common butterflies in Texas, in both adult and caterpillar forms. Also featured are the butterflies' wingspans and scientific names, as well as interesting facts about butterflies, a list of plants that attract them, and a drawing of the life cycle. It has three pages, 31 photos, two figures and three tables.

Publications for the sportsman-outdoorsman include:

• Freshwater Fishes of Texas (SP-340) - Includes descriptions, habitat information, photos and maps relating to more than 150 species of native and introduced freshwater fish. (220 pp.) This 220 page book was written by Chad Thomas, Timothy H. Bonner and Bobby G. Whiteside.

• Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico (SP-341) - Contains descriptions of more than 500 gulf fish species and information on where each is found. This 424-page book by H. Dickson Hoese and Richard H. Moore Contains also includes 225 color photos, identification key and sections on ecology and conservation.

• Texas Coral Reefs (SP-347) - There are more than 30 coral reefs off the Texas Coast teeming with life, including jackknife fish, hermit crabs and rays. Jesse Cancelmo's publication takes the reader on a tour of this underwater wonderland.

• Wildlife and Game Cookbook (SP-204) - This Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection Cookbook offers adventuresome cooks ways to prepare different types of game and wildlife, as well as marinades, sauces and rubs.

Other publications for the farmer or rancher include:

• Reference Guide for Texas Ranchers (B-6101) - Allan McGinty offers practical information on subjects ranging from livestock husbandry, grazing management, and weed and brush control to seeding rangeland, feed composition and sprayer calibrations for herbicide application. Eight chards and 18 tables are included in the 34 pages.

• Grazing Land Stewardship (B-6221) - This 148 page book, which includes photos, charts and tables, covers livestock nutrition, forage quality, water and fences, land inventories, grazing strategies, record keeping, and managing livestock and wildlife habitat. It was written by C. Wayne Hanselka and Mark Moseley.

• Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning (B-6240) - This guide addresses rainwater catchment systems of less than 50,000 square feet that can store less than 100,000 gallons. It covers all aspects of planning, installing, operating and maintaining such systems, as well as the distribution of water for landscapes, pets, wildlife, livestock and in-home use. The 206-page book was written by

• Brush and Weeds of Texas Grasslands (B-6208)- Charles R. Hart's field guide for landowners and rangeland managers for identifying brush and weed species of greatest concern in their area includes descriptions, maps and photos.

• Wildlife and Fish Management Calendar for Texas and the Southeast (B-6197 - By Billy Higginbotham, this 40-page full-color calendar for year-round management of wildlife and fish resources includes information on deer, doves, water fowl, feral hog, bass and catfish.

• Know Your Grasses (B-182) - This publication has native and introduced grasses of Texas arranged alphabetically by common name, with scientific names given for clarity and reference. Each grass is beautifully illustrated and carefully described, with information about the areas of the state in which it can be found. Barron S. Rector's 100-page book also includes 100 illustrations and one map.

In addition, the AgriLife Bookstore site also has a wide variety of free publications, many of which are available in English and Spanish.

Some of the general topics addressed in these publications include agriculture, business, disaster and emergency preparation and recovery, the environment, family, horticulture, food, home, consumer sciences, insects and pests.