(1) Animals and their Ways An Introduction to the Study of Zoology and Agricultural Science (2) The Hedge I Know (3) The Pond I Know (4) Butterflies and Moths shown to the Children (5) Nests and Eggs shown to the Children (6) The Backwoodsmen

Abstract

(1) A LTHOUGH the title of this review of the above series of books might lead one to suppose that this book would be a popular account of the lives and habits of animals, it is unfortunately necessary to point out that such an idea would be fallacious. It is a matter of regret that the author should have chosen a title which, to our minds, does not convey a correct idea of the contents. The reason may be that we have been spoilt by the previous publication of one or two excellent little works on animal life, and that our criterion has been raised. Be this as it may, the author has not succeeded in doing justice to his theme, and we cannot imagine any young student being filled with enthusiasm for zoological science, still less agricultural science, after having had this introduction. That the author must be a botanist is evinced by such a word as “Crustaceæ” (p. 170). The illustrations are poor, Fig. 3 being especially crude; and art acknowledgment of the source of such figures as are taken from the publications of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which are good, should surely be given under the figures, as is customary.

(1) Animals and their Ways. An Introduction to the Study of Zoology and Agricultural Science.

E. Evans. Pp. viii + 184. (London: J. M. Dent and Co., 1909.) Price 1s. 4d.

(2) The Hedge I Know.

W. P. Westell H. E. Turner. Pp. 77. (London: J. M. Dent and Co., 1909.) Price 8d.

(3) The Pond I Know.

Edited by the same. Pp. 78. (London: J. M. Dent and Co., 1909.) Price 8d.

(4) Butterflies and Moths shown to the Children.

Janet H. Kelman, described by Rev. Theodore Wood. Pp. xvi + 94. (London and Edinburgh: T. C. and E. C. Jack, 1909.) Price 2s. 6d. net.

(5) Nests and Eggs shown to the Children.

A. H. Blaikie, described by J. A. Henderson. Pp. xvi + 78. (London and Edinburgh: T. C. and E. C. Jack, 1909.) Price 2s. 6d. net.

(6) The Backwoodsmen.

Charles G. D. Roberts. Pp. 317. (London: Ward, Lock and Co., 1909.) Price 6s.