This is an excellent state work, with detailed and accurate text, excellent photographs, precise maps, and up-to-date scientific nomenclature. Common names are those standardized nationwide since 1978, with the exception of the names used for snakes of the genus Tantilla. Purchasers of this book should go to page 307 and simply cross out the tongue-twisting "black-headed" and replace it with Blackhead (so much easier pronounced; it just rolls off the tongue -- truly a common name). Highly recommended. Certainly the best book on the subject, and a must for all herpetologists. Buy it quick before they run out of copies.

There are many, even myriad, good things about this book. However, there are a few things I did not like and which, if corrected in a future revision, could turn this book into a world beater in the field of herpetology. First the "bad" things: 1. This book needs a topo and political map or several. Places and physical features are constantly mentioned but, other than the tiny range maps associated with each species account, there is only one map at the front of the book which shows the counties and major cities, that is if you consider Animas and Hobbs to be major cities. 2. The glossary needs improvement. There are many terms which are used constantly which should be defined but are not. For instance, in one species account, a lizard is described as having scales which are "imbricate and mucronate." Just for kicks, I looked in the glossary. "Mucronate" is defined - "imbricate" is not. 3. Find another way to arrange the "List of scientific and common plant names used in the text." There is no arrangement whatsoever to the list. Plants are listed alphabetically by genus under the family. However, the family names are haphazard. Thus, if one does not know the family name, one has to peruse the list from top to bottom to find the plant named in the text. Woe be unto the reader who doesn't know that Helianthus is in the family "Compositae," the last named family. Pardon me for saying this but it appears as if the authors used their college botany texts to research the family names. After years of not complying with nomenclatural convention, the botanists finally joined the world and changed family names to agree with convention. Thus, Compositae became Asteraceae and Gramineae became Poaceae, for example. Also, ALL plants mentioned should be listed, even aquatic plants. Plants are keys to finding reptiles and even subtle differences in plant denizens of a habitat may make a great deal of difference in the animals found there. NOW FOR THE GOOD STUFF The standard items are all found at the beginning of the book, e.g., Foreword, Preface, Acknowledgments followed by a concise Physiographic Sketch of New Mexico (Words, not pictures) which in no way can take the place of a good physical map of the state. One of the best features is a "Brief History of Herpetology in New Mexico" in which the authors give insight into the historical aspects of herpetology in the state. This theme is repeated in the text of the species accounts with interesting snippets of history intermixed with the drier facts of science. A checklist of NM herps is provided and this is where disagreements are going to arise. The authors utilize what some would consider "old" or "controversial nomenclature." However, if one reads the species accounts, all disputed uses of nomenclature are explained. Even though I disagree with some of the generic nomenclature used, the authors gave good and valid reasons for using what they did. There are good keys to all the major groups of herps in NM and they appear detailed enough to lead a novice to the right creature, as long as the scales are not imbricate. The species accounts are very well written except for the occasional typo - "then instead of than", for instance -and give loads of information. Virtually everything one would want to know about an animal is in here. The species accounts follow a format similar to the SSAR Catalogue species accounts and that is not at all bad. It might be good if a majority of this type of book were to follow a similar format. A very fine section of glossy photos is found in the midst of the species accounts. It seems that this is the way publishers are going to make books now so, take it or leave it. The photos, by the way, are arranged in the same manner as the text for fairly easy location. Degenhardt, et al, have compiled a magnificent bibliography with everything you ever wanted to know about New Mexico Herps and where to find it. The authors have years of experience in New Mexico herpetology and have used every one of those years in producing an outstanding volume. It's a little large to carry out in the field but it is worth every penny and when in New Mexico, should be at least carried in the vehicle. This book would be a bargain at twice the price.

This book tells just about everything there is to know on beach hunting, surf hunting, ocean hunting, etc. It gives tips and information on how it should be done and were to look. I have been treasure hunting ever since I read this book. I reccomend this book to anybody who wants to get into treasure hunting or lust wants to learn more on the subject.

Our family has been in something of a cash crunch since the late 1970's, so the jaunty optimism in this book's title caught my eye the moment I spied it on a local shelf. It was written by the doyen of metal detection - Charles Garrett, creator of the eponymous Garrett Infinium LS detector, as well as the "ultra-advanced, deepseeking GTI 2500," among many others. His book is a sober introduction to the art of wealth accretion by way of magnetic broom. All is covered, from the first "bench test" before a detector's maiden search, to techniques for keeping the search coil level, to the famous "screw-driver probe" for pinpointing buried objects. Shortly after I bought this book my four-year-old son and I passed a pleasant afternoon on a Chatham beach seeking to re-enter the ranks of the upwardly mobile. By nightfall our plunder included an oversized wing nut (almost certainly from a pirate's ship, I assured my son), three discarded soda cans (good for fifteen cents, or twice that should we make the journey to Michigan, where one can gain double the local redemption rate through ruthless arbitrage), and three pennies that my son regularly planted in front of me to allay his boredom and my flagging spirits. All told I expect that we would have found more precious metals by combing the beach with a Geiger counter, and certainly would have had more success at spooking the locals (as it was, my cover story of being a minesweeper on secret business for Tom Ridge had few takers).

I took the Comparative Biochemistry at UVa taught by Prof. Garrett and it was the best class I took at UVa. He had an amazing way of organizing lectures so that I kept wanting to learn more and more as the hour went by. I didn't even have to take a lot of notes, because he made things clear and it all sunk in. I was really inspired to do a good job on our research papers and really learned alot because of the types of things he taught us to think about. I was a terrible student, had awful grades especially in chemistry and biology but this class really stuck out. Oh, and I got an A too. Unlike alot of professors, he didn't have a loud or condescending tone. While I didn't pursue biochemistry any further, I sometimes wonder what would have happened if I had because he was such a great professor and I enjoyed his class so much.

Undergraduate biochem at my school is taught by the biochem department (not surprising). However, as a result, we have all sorts of people taking the course from prospective chemists (me) to premeds and general bio sci majors. So the dept. uses this book and it's probably the best compromise out there. Voet and Voet would be perfect if the course was taught exclusively for chemists, Stryer if the course was loaded up with premeds (horrifying thought, I know :) ) But Garrett and Grisham have managed to write a rather well balanced text (one is in UVA's bio dept., the other UVA's chem dept) with plenty of both chemical insight and medical relevance. Based on (I'm sure) similar experiences they've had teaching biochem to a mixed audience, and knowing that most undergrad biochem courses tend to be taught to similar groups of students nationwide, this is the best book for a case like that. (However, I'm getting Voet and Voet as a reference for me personally one of these days.)

This book provided invaluable reference information to me for a one year course in biochemistry. It was designed in a manner so that the class or student can learn topics in depth or get a broad overview of the subject. It also has lots of interesting historical perspectives and useful graphics. I am definately keeping this book for a reference as I continue my studies.

I read the book and tried to follow the reasoning in my personal life. For instance, when trying to decide between two Ralph Lauren polo shirts - one a celedon green and one a melon - I stopped to consider what Jesus would do, and then bought the melon-colored shirt. But when I got home and put it on I looked SO washed out. Jesus had a swarthy Mediterranean complexion which was complemented by shades in the orange family. I, however, am of Norse descent and the melon looked horrible on me.

Even though it doesn't really cover it in the book, I'm convinced that you have to think, WWJWFM? or "What Would Jesus Want For Me." But I guess that's too much for a bracelet or a bumpersticker.

Thanks, anyway.

To tell you the truth when I found out I had to read this for school, I thought it would (...)... But I read it and here's what I think...(You can hear my opinion, but read this book yourself as well, trust me and be open-minded!!!)

So it goes, a pastor of a church Henry Maxwell is interupted in finishing writing his sermon for Sunday morning tomorrow when the doorbell rings and he has to answer it because his wife is out. Well when he opens the door there is what a appears to be a tramp(A dirty shabby man), asking for work. But Henry is kind and tells him he knows of none. The man leaves and Henry get's back to work. Henry was proud of his sermon, until the next morning at church, after the sermon is over the man(supposed tramp)burst into the church and runs up to the front of the church where the pastor is. He tells them he is no tramp nor drunk. But he is searching for work and everyone has been rude to him and that they could not be real questions, and he really questions them what it is to follow in Jesus steps. Then the man passes out

So starts the amazing revelation of the First Church of Raymond, Henry is so moved by the question, which questions his own discipleship that he asked anyone who is willing to meet him in a room after the service if they are willing to take a pledge to ask the question "What Would Jesus Do?" no matter what the consequences of anything including: Social and financial loss... What good is money and social status after you are dead anyways? around 50 ppl in the first week promise to take the pledge. Which changes the course of life not only in Raymond, but in many other cities to come as well.

It is a little slow the first few pages, but quickly speeds up. The author develops the story through the development of the characters, and is a very nice change from the normal novels most of us read. Plus it has all the ingredients of most novels and so much more. It has murder,deception,and greed, but also contains Godly principals which build the book.

I was not let down, but was amazed at how good the book was, since I expected it to (...)!!! So come in with low expectations and an open-mind and you are sure to enjoy this book and be truely inspired. It is especially for Christains and non-Christains as well. (...)

I really enjoy reading in His Steps and What Would Jesus Do? It was interesting to know what people in the past had to do to follow the teaching of Jesus. It is also interesting to see how the people of this era have to say and do to follow Jesus. I think it is harder today than in the past because we have more to tempt us and more outwordly things to distract us from the purpose that Jesus set for us. I think everyone should read this book. I feel it would do a lot of people a lot of good. I know it did for me.

This is a very touching book which gets you thinking and challenges you to walk in faith. I have never read In His Steps, but I liked this book, which I think is very similar except it is a contemporary version. In the novel, a pastor of a church challenges his congregation with the ulitmate question-- What Would Jesus Do? He challenges them to ask themselves this question before making any decision. This challenge also affects us as the reader because it also challenges us. It is a good challenge, to think of what Jesus would do before making any decision, and I think it is a challenge we all should take.

While much of what this Mr. Garrett writes can be helpful to someone new to the hobby of metal detecting (such as learning how to pinpoint targets, and how to dig for coins), this book must be read with these things in mind:
1) It is heavily biased since it is written by Charles Garrett of Garrett metal detectors. He neglects to mention or picture other metal detecor brands.
2) Mr. Garrett's discussion on detector technology is largely obsolete.
3) Many of the claims presented in the book are highly sensationalized and idealistic. Sure, the stories about people finding gold coins and hoards of buried coins are entertaining to read, but even my local coin dealer who sells coin detectors says he has never heard of anyone finding such items.
4) This book does not give a well-rounded view of the metal detecting hobby. Mr. Garrett only emphasizes the good and the sensational, making it sound like anyone can make a lot of money metal detecting coins. This is just not the case unless you make metal detecting your part-time job. To find the good coins, you will have to spend a great deal of time researching (which Mr. Garrett mentions) and even then, you will have to dig a lot of trash. You can spend three hours in a field and all you find is a button and a few current coins. Garret's book gives you the impression that gold coins are buried right in your backyard. This is simply not true. Avoid this book, as it is nothing more than an elaborate Garrett sales brochure.

While much of what this Mr. Garrett writes can be helpful to someone new to the hobby of metal detecting (such as learning how to pinpoint targets, and how to dig for coins), this book must be read with these things in mind:
1) It is heavily biased since it is written by Charles Garrett of Garrett metal detectors. He neglects to mention or picture other metal detecor brands.
2) Mr. Garrett's discussion on detector technology is largely obsolete.
3) Many of the claims presented in the book are highly sensationalized and idealistic. Sure, the stories about people finding gold coins and hoards of buried coins are entertaining to read, but even my local coin dealer who sells coin detectors says he has never heard of anyone finding such items.
4) This book does not give a well-rounded view of the metal detecting hobby. Mr. Garrett only emphasizes the good and the sensational, making it sound like anyone can make a lot of money metal detecting coins. This is just not the case unless you make metal detecting your part-time job. To find the good coins, you will have to spend a great deal of time researching (which Mr. Garrett mentions) and even then, you will have to dig a lot of trash. You can spend three hours in a field and all you find is a button and a few current coins. Garret's book gives you the impression that gold coins are buried right in your backyard. This is simply not true. Avoid this book, as it is nothing more than an elaborate Garrett sales brochure.

This is a great book which got me started in metal detecting. It is extremely helpful, and will motivate treasure hunters by giving ideas on new places to hunt, it is also written very well and is easy to understand. The only drawback is that like most Garrett texts it promotes Charles Garrett's personal brand of metal detector

It's hard to imagine this book being of much value even for a true and complete novice to prospecting. Written with blatant self promotion in mind for other Garrett products there is little if any substantive information on panning that could not be reduced to 4 or 5 pages with a couple of diagrams added. Would appear author may have been paid by the word given the tedious repetitions found throughout. Truly basic and nothing new here - spend your money elsewhere.

This book does describe how to wet pan, dry pan and a few other things...BUT it is a very expensive advertisment for Garrett Metal Detectors and the "new" plastic pan. Very disappointed in content. Pictures are ok but not worth the money.

The book was well written in easy to understand language. The pictures were good. However it sounded like an advertisement for Garrett Metal Detectors and products.

Mr. Labal seemed to lack detailed knowledge about dry washing in the desert and dry washers in general. Dry washers do more than "vibrate" to extract the gold. Some use air and some use a combination of both. He talked about the lack of water in the desert and how drywashing was the only way to get the gold out. There is some truth to this but there are portable sluices or wet washing machines which use recirculated water to separate the gold from the "pay dirt". Most people who dry wash take wash tubs and containers of water with them. This allows them to use a gold pan and water to separate the gold from the concentrated material dry washers produce.

The book was revised in 1992 and needs to be revised again. There have been many advances in recreational prospecting equipment in the last decade and the book needs to reflect that.

As president of my local prospecting club I would recommend this book to any beginning prospector. I learned that my gold pan can do more than I thought it could!

The reason for the low rating is because this book is a repeat of Mr Garrett's book,"Let's Talk Treasure Hunting" which was first printed in 1992. Chapters and wording of "Treasure Hunting for Fun and Profit is practically identical. If you buy either book, there is no need to buy the other. These books have some information on the technics of metal detecting, but is more focused in the end in describing the kind of metal detector to use which is the Garrett detector...which is a great metal detector!

I borrowed this book from our public library in hopes of finding out something about how metal detectors work and how they are used. What I found appears to me to be 400+ pages of promotion for Mr. Garrett, his products and his company. The product placement, self-congratulatory product descriptions, and blantant promotion of his firm and dealers in his products are so thick that I found it impossible to extract any useful information from this volume at all. He even insists on including 11 pages of (quote) Letters and certificates received by Garrett electronics and the author (unquote), from everyone from Ronald Reagan to the US Department of Defense. While some readers might consider this amusing, I find it insulting. I am glad that I did not pay money to read this massive advertising piece. What makes this situation exceptionally disappointing is that there exist wonderful books that promote the author's products and still deliver incredible value, such as (for example) Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction : Wood and West System Materials. There was no need to write something as unreadable as Modern Metal Detectors.