The authenticity of birch collections is always in doubt unless one has wild source material; even the collections of Forrest, Wilson, Rock et at. may be suspect in that labels and records have been lost or confused. Collections are best maintained from vegetative sources and clonal selection is discussed. Site tolerances, planting problems and after-care are given detailed coverage. Species, hybrids and cultivars in general cultivation are listed and a summary of representation in British arboreta is included.