REVIEWS. 191 



This most useful Cyclopedia contains nearly 2,000 concise and explanatory 

 articles on every topic of current political, social, and general interest referred 

 to by the Press and in general conversation. It is claimed for it that it provides 

 UP TO DATE information only on such subjects as are now, or are likely soon 

 to be, in the mind of the public, thus forming a companion to the newspaper 

 and a guide to every-day topics of conversation. It contains an unusual 

 amount of most valuable information. 



Stories of my Pets : Tales of Birds, Beasts, and Reptiles. 



By the Author of " Moravian Life in the Black Forest," etc. Crown 8vo, 

 pp. 240. (London : Swan Sonnenschein and Co. 1886.) Price is. 6d. 



In this very cheap little book we have some capital stories, which we are 

 informed by the author are all true. Many of the pets really belonged to him, 

 and their wonderful little ways and doings are in nowise exaggerated. The 

 tales are charmingly told, and must interest young readers. 



The Queen's Resolve : " I will be good " ; with Anecdotes 



and Incidents. A Humble Memorial. By Rev. Charles Bullock, B.D. 

 Royal 8vo, pp. 64. (London : Home Words Office. 1886.) Price 2s. 6d. 



This handsomely got up volume, by the Editor of Home Words, forms a 

 graceful memorial of her Majesty's Jubilee, and will doubtless be read with 

 much interest by a great number of her loyal subjects. The frontispiece to the 

 volume is a likeness of the Queen from life, by George H. Thomas, from a 

 picture lent by the Earl of Bradford, and bears her autograph. The other 

 illustrations are numerous and good. 



Man and his Handiwork. By the Rev. J. G. Wood. 

 Crown 8vo, pp. xii, 668. (London : Society for Promoting Christian Know- 

 ledge. 1886.) Price los. 6d. 



This is, we think, one of the most interesting of Mr, Wood's works. It is, 

 to use his own words, "in no sense a treatise on Technology, but a brief 

 sketch of human handiwork. It deals with man, to whom was given the 

 Divine command to subdue the earth, and shows some of the means by which 

 he is steadily carrying out his high mission." 



In a most pleasing way the author begins by comparing the hands and feet 

 of man to those of the gorilla and other animals. The primitive pick-axe is 

 then described, followed by some of the earlier homes of man. Then his war- 

 implements and instruments used and methods resorted to in procuring food, 

 and finally some of the luxuries of savage life, musical instruments, the pipe, 

 etc., are described. The illustrations are good and very numerous. 



The New Agriculture, or, The Waters Led Captive. By 

 A. N. Cole. 8vo, pp. 223. (New York : The Angler's Publishing Company. 

 1885.) Price $2. 



Mr. Cole describes here a process of sub-surface drainage and irrigation, 

 from which he has obtained most wonderful results, cereal crops being increased 

 fourfold. The size, flavour, and production of fruit increased fivefold. Vege- 

 tation is said to be rendered absolutely free from disease, and drought effectually 

 prevented. The book is nicely illustrated. 



The Naturalist's Diary : a Day-Bo ok of Meteorology, 



Phenology, and Rural Biology. Arranged and edited by Charles Roberts, 

 F.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., etc. With a Chart showing the Blossoming of Spring 

 Flowers in Europe, and an Introduction on Natural Periodic Phenomena, etc. 

 8vo, pp. xlvi., 365. (London : Swan Sonnenschein and Co. 1886.) Price 2s. 6d, 



