American biological publications, lavishly illustrated, the figures being entirely of an osseous character. But we still wish that the author had, and we shall continue to hope that he will, in the light of his strictures, publish a revision, and give evidence of the faith that is within him.
Our country's shells and how to name them is really the aim of this little book. A knowledge of the British Mollusca is something quite distinct, being related to the animal, and not only to his dwelling place. However, everything comes in time; first a collection of shells, and then a desire to know something of their inhabitants. As an aid to recognize species, this compilation by Mr. Gordon is admirable, and is the main end of a profusely illustrated brochure. Few will probably read the classificatory chapters, but Chapter V., in its introductory paragraphs, has the charm of real natural history. "We grow in knowledge as we grow in years"; but oh to be a boy again, with an inexpensive book like this in our pocket, and all the seashore before us! Thirty-three chromo-lithographic plates are said to illustrate every British species.
In his preface to this small and very inexpensive publication, Mr. Hasluck informs us that "This Handbook contains, in a form convenient for everyday use, a comprehensive digest of the knowledge of Taxidermy, scattered over nearly twenty thousand columns of 'Work,' a weekly journal, and that the information was originally contributed by Mr. J. Fielding-Cottrill." It is certainly one of the simplest little books on the subject which we have seen, and the information is imparted in a concise and easily understood way. It also contains a chapter on "Preserving, Cleaning, and Dyeing Skins," and another on "Preserving Insects and Birds' Eggs." One of the best injunctions in the work is—"Beginners are advised not to purchase the 'boxes of bird-stuffing tools' as advertised, or they may find half of the tools useless, and the other half unnecessary."
