Scientific Guide to Switzerland. By J. R. Morel. (Smith and
Elder.) —Mr. Morell gives us an account of the physical geography of Switzer- land, beginning with the mountains and going on to the streams and lakes ; of the geology of the Alps, the flora and the fauna, the glaciers and the general climate of the country. A perusal of his book is interesting to former travellers as recalling so many favourite scenes and investing them with new attractions. But the book is more valuable to those who are going to Switzerland, and will have a chance of verifying its statements by their own experience. In such a country it is impos- sible to have one's eyes too much open. Even with the faithful Murray in one's hands one is sure to miss something. Not having the faculty of comparison excited early enough, one is apt to pass by the first instance of anything peculiar to the scenery, and thus the opening days of the tour are vague in their impressions. Mr. Morel's book will prepare the tourist for many characteristics of Swiss scenery, and will enable him to refer them to some definite principle. Nor is this the only useful feature of the work. Its classification seems good and its completeness ample. We might perhaps have spared the description of English climbers among the Swiss mammals, especially as the place assigned to the climbers is between two kinds of serpents.
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