| Summary: | Preface to the Second Edition: As with the first edition, this textbook is intended as an introduction to ecology using plant communities as a basis and the vegetation of North America as a primary source of illustrative material. The plan of presentation remains the same although the order of some subjects is rearranged with presumed improvement in logic. The attempt has been made to bring material up to date, in so far as it is practical to include the latest techniques and theories in an introductory textbook. Thus, there are revisions throughout with many sections completely rewritten. The chapter on succession and climax has been entirely redone with the intention of giving the student an impartial summary of both monoclimax and polyclimax theory and application. Because instructors have requested it and because of a rapidly expanding literature, the number of references cited has been very much increased. Nevertheless, where practical, books and review papers, usually American in origin and readily available to the student, have been cited in preference to foreign and original research publications. To name all of those who have in some way contributed to this revision is impractical. Each will recognize his contribution and know that it is appreciated. A special acknowledgment is due to Dr. W. D. Billings and Dr. P. F. Bourdeau for reading the manuscript and contributing ideas and to Robert M. Linn who did the new line drawings and adapted the vegetation map for the reduced reproduction necessary here.--H.J.O.--Durham, North Carolina; February, 1956.
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