186 Siminson^s Exotic Conchology, 



the book ; but all we have previously known is adduced con- 

 nectedly, clearly, eloquently. 



Fraser, James B., Esq., author of "Travels in Khorasan;*' 

 " A Tour through the Himala," &c. : An Histoncal and 

 Descriptive Account of Persia, from the earliest Ages to 

 the present Time, &c. Small 8vo, 472 pages, with a 

 map, and 13 engravings by Jackson. It forms vol. xv. of 

 the Edinburgh Cabinet Library. Edinburgh, Oliver and 

 Boyd, 1834. 



Fourteen pages, in a chapter at the end, include what is 

 communicated on the ** natural history of Persia." This is 

 of the popular and general kind; and although the writer, it 

 may be seen, has striven to identify the objects spoken of with 

 the systematised species of naturalists, this is but partly done. 

 The information on the geology of Persia is richer than that 

 on its zoology and botany. That which is told, is told most 

 agreeably. We would that a similar style of narrative were 

 obvious in all notices of objects of natural history. 



Swaznson, Wtn,, F.R.S., &c. : Exotic Conchology; or Figures 

 and Descriptions of rare, beautiful, or undescribed Shells. 

 Part I. 4<to, 8 plates, coloured. 105. 6d, 

 " Many of the most rare and beautiful species of volutes 

 have been figured by Swainson in the first plates of his Exotic 

 CoTichologT/y with a verisimilitude that has never been equalled, 

 and probably never will be excelled, by an artist. This 

 talent, combined with his scientific knowledge as a naturalist, 

 must render the above work the most eminent of its kind." 

 Such was the opinion of the late lamented Lamarck, who, 

 from his intimate knowledge of the subject, was better qua- 

 lified to give an opinion on the merits of a work like this 

 than any writer who has ever existed. Mr. Swainson ob- 

 serves that a few of the early plates were published some 

 years ago ; but unavoidable accidents having injured the 

 remainder, they were withdrawn, and nearly the whole have 

 since been re-executed. Six parts, one to be published every 

 alternate month, will complete the work. Nothing can ex- 

 ceed the delicate, chaste, and exquisite beauty of the figures 

 in the first part. Plates 3. 5. and 8. are gems to rivet the 

 attention of the most fastidious connoisseur ; and defy alike 

 rivalry or copyism. There is a subdued and quiet colouring 

 in all Mr. Swainson's works that will plead for itself against 

 the meretricious glare and gaiety now so much in vogue. It 

 is impossible to make Nature too beautiful ; but it is very easy 

 to make her too gaudy. — E, 



