BOOK NOTICES 63 



three dealing with classification, anatomy, physiology, and develop- 

 ment ; then follow seven treating of aquatic forms, colour, origin of 

 adaptations, the relations of insects to plants, animals, and other 

 insects ; then one on insect behaviour, one on distribution, and a 

 concluding chapter on insects in relation to man. Not the least 

 useful feature of the volume is a very full classified bibliography, 

 giving (upon a rough estimate) about 1000 titles. 



In conclusion, we can honestly recommend Dr. Folsom's work 

 as one of the best general introductions to the science that has 

 appeared in recent years. The price is exceedingly moderate. 



P. H. G. 



BRITISH FLOWERING PLANTS. By W. F. Kirby, F.L.S., F.E.S. 

 London: Sidney Appleton, 1906. With 120 Coloured Plates and 

 119 Illustrations in the text. 55. 



How TO FIND AND NAME WILD FLOWERS. By Thomas Fox, 

 F.L.S. London: Cassell and Company, 1906. Illustrated by the 

 Author. 2s. 



These two works represent different types of the efforts so 

 frequent on the part of publishers to meet the growing interest in 

 and love for Nature. The desire to know more about the universe, 

 and especially about the living beings that dwell around one's home, 

 can only add to the richness and enjoyment of life ; but without a 

 guide progress is slow and uncertain. Books written by those that 

 possess the required knowledge along with the power of clear 

 exposition are the best substitutes for the living voice and guidance 

 of the enthusiastic teacher ; and their usefulness is greatly increased 

 by well-selected illustrations. Among the difficulties of the beginner 

 not the least are those to be overcome in learning the names of 

 plants and animals ; and the books that have been issued as guides 

 through the maze of difficulties are already many, yet have not solved 

 the problems, if one may judge from the everflowing streams of new 

 efforts. The two under review are not likely to stop that flow or to 

 meet the needs of beginners, although both can claim the merit of 

 being very low-priced for the work involved in their production. 



" British Flowering Plants " is scarcely an accurate title for a 

 book that in its 120 coloured "plates" includes over 20 per cent 

 of species riot native in the British Isles. The descriptions rarely 

 give real guidance likely to help a beginner in doubt as to the 

 characters of a genus or family, or as to the methods or aims of 

 classification ; but there are notes on the properties and uses of 

 some of the plants that may arouse interest, and numerous references 

 to the insects that feed on the various plants give the work an 

 individuality among such books. 



" How to Find and Name Wild Flowers " must have cost its 

 author much labour, but we fear the usefulness to the beginner will 

 not be as great as he hopes. A classification based on the months 



