REVIEWS. 141 



as this is sufiSciently evidenced, without in the most distant manner approaching 

 to cant or prudery, it renders this volume a most safe and valuable guide to 

 the young, while sceptics might, if they would, derive a salutary lesson from 

 the extensive series of evidences of the power, wisdom, and goodness of our 

 Creator. As bearing on this subject, we quote the concluding paragraph of 

 the body of the work: — 



"When we find animals and plants of forms unknown at the present day, in all conditions 

 as regards development, we read a lesson in regard to the history of the earth's former state 

 as conclusive as that which is derived from the Nineveh relics (independent of Kevelation) in 

 regard to the history of the human race. There is no want of harmony between Scripture and 

 geology. The Word and the Works of God must be in unison, and the more we truly study 

 both, the more they will be found to be in accordance. Any apparent want of correspondence 

 proceeds either from imperfect interpretation of Scripture, or from incomplete knowledge of 

 science. The changes in the globe have all preceded man's appearance on the scene. He is 

 the characteristic of the present epoch, and he knows by Revelation that the world is to undergo 

 a further transformation, when the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and when all the 

 present state of things shall be dissolved ere the ushering in of a new earth, wherein right- 

 eousness is to dwell," 



The Appendix contains ample and well-digested instructions for collecting, 

 preserving, and examining Botanical specimens; and a copious Glossary of 

 fifteen pages, in double columns, will enable any beginner to make himself 

 master of the subject as he peruses the book. The illustrations are admirable 

 and numerous, — about eight hundred being contained in the volume before us, 

 while upwards of one thousand will be found in the first volume. 



We cordially recommend Dr. Balfour's Class Book as not only entirely 

 trustworthy, but also admirably adapted to the wants of the Botanical student. 



On the British Tritons. By John Higginbottom, F. R. S. From the ^^Annals 

 and Magazine of Natural History," for December, 1853. 



This little essay is the result of constant observations extending over a 

 period of five years, and many very important facts are detailed in the accounts 

 of the three species, which are all that Mr. Higginbottom looks upon as fully 

 recognised in Great Britain. That the changes which each species undergo 

 are more numerous than generally suspected, is clearly proved; and that they 

 are four years in arriving at maturity is also shown. We are unable to give 

 any long extracts, and must content ourselves with the author's summary of 

 what he has proved. — 



"1st. — That thei-e are only two species of Triton in the midland counties of England. 



2nd. — That the tadpole of the Triton remains in the water until the branchice are absorbed, 

 ^and the legs become sufiSciently strong to enable it to leave that element, and does not usually 

 return to it again until the expiration of the third year. 



3rd. — That during three years it is a land animal, in a state of activity in the summer, and 

 ■of hibernation during the winter. 



4th. — That the Triton is three years before it propagates its species, and four years in arriving 

 at its full growth. 



5th.— That it revisits the water in the spring for the purpose of reproduction, and leaves it 

 , early in autumn. 



