45'2 LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. 



Hot sanction. The same remark applies, more or less, to other departments of 

 Zoology. 



We do not think, with our author (p. 122), that the abundant distribution of 

 herves in molluscous animals, sufficiently proves these animals to possess a con-* 

 siderable degree of sensibility, but rather the contrary ; for besides the (so to 

 speak) lymphatic nature of the brain in these animals, the very diffused character 

 of the nerves that do exist, rather tends to point out an inferior degree of sensi- 

 bility. On comparison of Mollusca with creatures somewhat above them in the 

 scale, our remark will find ample confirmation. 



In the genus Aplasia a purple fluid is secreted under the free side of the dorsal 

 plate, in a spongy tissue, by a gland connected with the cellular reservoir. This 

 gland is supplied by a large branch of the glandular aorta, and sends out two veins 

 to the left vena cava. The fluid has never undergone careful investigation. It is 

 readily ejected in fresh water, and often stains the nets of unsuspecting fishermen 

 to a considerable extent, especially when the animal is squeezed in the meshes. 



The third chapter descants on the uses of molluscous animals. This is a very" 

 engaging portion of the volume, especially to the gourmand ; but space forbids us 

 to enter upon its details. Here, however, are laid forth the excellencies of various 

 shell-fish well known to "the amateur," in the shape of stews, soups, sauces, &c. &c. ; 

 the good qualities of some little creatures at present abandoned to the prof anum 

 vulgus ; and we learn how animals now unheeded by the epicure might, on trial, 

 and with the assistance of the art of cookery, and other " aids to digestion," be 

 found highly palatable and wholesome. — Dyes are likewise obtained from Mollusca 

 — black, purple, red, &c. The brown tint obtained from the Cuttle-fish (Sepia) 

 is familiar to every one. Pearls are furnished by the same class of animals, as 

 likewise is a kind of thread used in the manufacture of garments. Dr. Fleming 

 also includes among the "uses" the amusement afforded to collectors in procuring 

 and preparing shells for the museum — and rightly, in our opinion. 



Here, then, we draw to a close. We are much pleased with the manner in 

 which our author — a veteran in science — has performed his task. The illustra- 

 tive wood-cuts will prove a considerable assistance to the student, though cer* 

 tainly shells do not appear to advantage in this kind of engraving. 



LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. 



A new edition of Dr. Bevan's Hone?/ Bee has just appeared. Critical notices 

 of this work, of Professor Powell's masterly work, of Mr. Wilson's Treatise on 

 Insects, and a whole host of other new publications, received for review, are un- 

 avoidably postponed. A desire to bestow more attention on some of these 

 volume?, and a pressure of matter, will amply demonstrate the propriety of such 

 a procedure. 



