Bibliographical Notices. 139 



the perfection of all he sees around him, that the machinery of nature is 

 perfect, and hoping the laws of that machinery discoverable, he points out 

 the indications of those laws wherever he perceives a glimpse of their in- 

 fluence, and works as trustfully towards the development of the truth." 



And although our quotations have extended to great length, we 

 cannot withstand the gratification of giving to our readers the con- 

 cluding paragraph. It breathes a spirit which the pious and phi- 

 losophic naturalist will ever appreciate : — 



" Among the British Echinodermata we have seen some of the most ex- 

 traordinary forms in the animal kingdom, some of the most wonderful 

 structures and of the strangest habits. Much yet remains to be done towards 

 their elucidation, and the investigation of them both structurally and for- 

 mally presents a wide field of inquiry to the student of Nature, as yet but 

 imperfectly explored. The great naturalist of Denmark, Miiller, long ago 

 said that we need not resort to distant regions and foreign climes for rare or 

 wonderful creatures ; that the fields, the woods, the streams, and the seas 

 of our native lands abounded in wondrous evidences of God's power and 

 wisdom. The investigation of our native animals must ever be a chief source 

 of sound zoological knowledge, for it is there only we can watch, under fa- 

 vourable circumstances, for the observation of their development, their ha- 

 bits, and their characters. The naturalist whose acquaintance is confined 

 to preserved specimens in a cabinet, can form but a vague idea of the glo- 

 rious variety of Nature, of the wisdom displayed in the building up of the 

 atoms of matter to be the houses of life and intellect. And unless we study 

 the creatures living around us, how can we gain that delightful knowledge ? 

 The passing note of an animal observed during travel is an addition to science 

 not to be scorned ; the briefly characterizing of a new species from a pre- 

 served specimen, if done with judgement, is of importance; but the real pro- 

 gress of natural history must ever depend on the detailed examination of 

 the beings gathered around us by the laws of geographical distribution, living 

 and multiplying in their destined homes and habitats." 



Our extracts have extended to such a length, that we are unable 

 to notice as they deserve the numerous wood-cuts with which the 

 work is illustrated and embellished. They may be divided into three 

 classes. First, the representation of each of the sixty-three species 

 described in the work, with magnified drawings of such parts as serve 

 to convey a better idea of the specific distinctions or peculiarities of 

 structure. The author says in the introduction, " with three ex- 

 ceptions the figures of species are from my own drawings, and with 

 a view to secure correctness were mostly drawn on the wood by 

 myself." 



" The wood-cutting," he remarks, " speaks for itself, — thanks to Mr. 

 Bastin, who in the most praiseworthy manner made himself acquainted not 

 merely with the drawings, but with the texture and appearance of the ani- 

 mals themselves, in order the better to express them." 



Next in order we may mention those which may be regarded as 

 embellishments, including under this title the poetical or allegorical 

 designs which appear at the commencement of the several orders, and 

 those which are technically known as " tail-pieces." Some of the 

 latter are replete with humour, and will be sure to find favour with 

 every admirer of Bewick. The third division of the illustrations is 

 of a kind peculiar to the present work, and well fitted to increase the 



