Out-of-Doors : a Selection of 'Original Articles on Practical Natural
History. By the Rev. J. G. Wood. (Longmans and Co.)—This plea- sant and instructive little volume will prove a delightful companion to lovers of nature. It is a reprint of scattered articles by its well- known author relative to some of his customary topics, all interesting and amusing. "A January Day at Regent's Park " is a treat to one's imagination, which is probably more enjoyable than the reality would be ; the author has observed the animals in the Zoological Gardens and the process of their acclimatisation with the closest interest, and he has something familiar and appropriate to say of each and all. Could not a "movement" be got up on behalf of the lions and tigers who fill one with such remorseful admiration and pity, when one contem- plates the narrow dimensions of their prisons ? Mr. Wood is emphatic on this point :—"I pity those active and restless creatures," he says, " with all my heart. I wish they had some appropriate residences, and am sure that if they were only permitted to exercise their limbs as intended by their Maker, they would be healthier, live longer, and display their wonderful powers in a more perfect manner." He has grand ideas, and they seem very practicable, about a good-sized enclo- sure, where all the feline creatures might be permitted to exercise in rota- tion, according to their species. They could be decoyed back to their dens by a piece of meat, as the time of each expired. Mr. Wood proposes that the enclosure should be furnished with artificial trees, and draws a pretty picture of " a pair of lions or tigers careering round their pleasure- ground, or a company of leopards disporting among the branches, and displaying their lithe forms in all their spotted beauty." We cordially advocate this proposal, and would like to suggest, on our own part, that the elephants should be supplied with boughs, or even switches (as they always are in their stables in India), to sway about with their ever- tremulous trunks. A switch and a dust-heap are the born right of every elephant in captivity, and it is as miserable to see them with- out at least the former alleviation, as it would be to see a monk without a snuff-box. "A Walk through an English Lane " is a delight- ful paper, especially when it treats of glow-worms ; and "The Children of the New Forest " is aggravatingly charming at this season. We are deeply gratified by our introduction to Mr. Wood's favourite "Toads," and " Turkey and Oysters" form a theme which is at once interesting and seasonable.
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