The Natural History of the Year. Illustrated by J: A.
Thomson. (Andrew Melrose.)—Mr. Thomson has naturally arranged his talks, as we may call them, in four parts, consisting of five chapters each. They are meant for young readers, and the author has carefully avoided all technicalities and devoted himself to the general aspect of the succession of life in various forms. This large-minded view is the only way to instil into young people a real reverence for the wonderful side of Nature,—children get bored with too many details. But to point out the protection afforded to some creatures by their colour, the marvellous adapta- tion of a bird's wing to the necessities of flight, the seeming extravagance of Nature, and the resulting perfection of form, is what Mr. Thomson has done admirably. He is very happy in some of his remarks, brings out with vigorous sense and clearness the many beautiful and striking features of animal and bird life, and makes a good many points. Children ought to have a really good book of this sort, and truly it should prove a most acceptable gift.
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