In Nature's Workshop

Abstract

IN reading this book one cannot fail to notice a considerable resemblance between Mr. Grant Allen's manner of treating his subject and that adopted by the late Dr. Taylor in his “Sagacity and Morality of Plants.” But while the latter work consisted only of examples taken from the vegetable kingdom, here the animal kingdom, and especially the insect world, receives a large share of attention. Thus there are chapters on “sextons and scavengers,” dealing with burying beetles; “false pretences” and “masquerades and disguises,” dealing with warning colours, mimicry and such matters; “animal and vegetable hedgehogs,” dealing with spiny fishes, insects, cactuses, lizards and beetles; “plants that go to sleep.” The book should prove delightful reading to young people and others who can take an interest in natural history treated in an unscientific and popular way, and Mr. Enock's skill as an artist in portraying all sorts and conditions of animal and plant life greatly add to its charm.

In Nature's Workshop.

By Grant Allen. With 100 illustrations by Frederick Enock. Pp. 240. (London: George Newnes, Ltd., 1901.) Price 3s. 6d.