NONFICTION - April 20, 1986

A NATURE DIARY by Richard Adams, illustrated by John Lawrence (Viking: $15.95). On the last day of his nature diary, Dec. 31, Richard Adams allows that “wild flowers are like pubs. There are generally one or two open somewhere, if only you look hard enough.” Indeed, Adams finds something of interest to record from each of his daily rambles, whether at home on the Isle of Man, visiting London or Copenhagen, taking a short trip to Australia.

For this amateur naturalist, better known for his first novel, “Watership Down,” followed by “Shardik,” “The Plague Dogs,” and--lately--”Naia,” a generous curiosity and a classical English gentleman’s education have assured Adams’ amusement wherever he is. Because Adams is gifted with words as well, we can share that insight. You can usually find a variety of personal natural histories afloat on your bookseller’s discount tables; they’re not a popular form with Americans.

Assuredly British, Adams confidently goes on at length not only about Cardamine pratensis, but about the weather, his doggy com- panion’s obedience skills, and the comings and goings of his numerous friends . . . and pulls it off. “A Nature Diary” is engaging enough, but most important, it should be an inspiration to those of us with a little time to take lengthy strolls and to learn about what he sees, perhaps even to record it. What fine pleasure so easily--not effortlessly--acquired!