298 The Irish Naturalist. [Nov., 



pursuits is sadly limited, and the best results can only be 

 obtained by the study of fresh materials, for supplies of which 

 I am dependent upon the kindness of my readers. It may 

 interest the microscopist to know that these worms often 

 supply pleasing objects owing to the presence on their ex- 

 tremities of certain species of rotifera. One such is represented 

 in the accompanying diagram (fig. 2). 



reptii.es as pets. 



The Vivarium, being a practical iruide to the construction, 

 arrangement and management of Vivaria. By Rev. 

 Gregory C. Bateman, A.K.C. pp. 424, illustrated. London : L. 

 Upcott Gill, 1897. Price, ^s, 6d. 



Though this work purports to give full information as to all Reptiles 

 suitable as pets, how and where to obtain them and how to keep them 

 in health, it is doubtful whether many readers of the Irish Naturalist will 

 avail themselves of the opportunity thus afforded to add a few of these 

 somewhat despised Vertebrates to their stock of household pets. Never- 

 theless, they will find in this book much to interest them. The 

 construction of a vivarium in itself is of importance not only to the 

 zoologist, but also to the botanist, and what may have been merely 

 intended by the author for Reptiles, might very well be utilised for the 

 rearing and observation of Insects, Spiders and other Invertebrate 

 animals, of the habits of which we have still a good deal to learn. 



This work is replete with the most interesting information concerning 

 the habits of Lizards, Snakes, Tortoises, Crocodiles and Amphibians. 

 The distinctive characters of the various species are clearly set forth. 

 No one would have the slightest difficult}', for instance, in distinguishing 

 at a glance the two common English Snakes, Tropidonotus natrix and 

 Pelias berus after reading the description. Among the many interesting 

 passages, I may mention this statement — and this will be news to many 

 readers of the Irish Naturalist — that we possess in Ireland an as yet 

 unvised source of wealth in our native frog. For Mr. Bateman tells us, 

 that in the markets of Paris, Brussels and Geneva, the species almost 

 invariably off"ered for sale is not the Edible Frog (^Rana esculenta), but our 

 Common Frog {Rana temporarid). 



No work of the kind has before been published in the English language. 



Reliable information on the management of Reptiles and Amphibians 

 in confinement could only be gathered from Fischers' German work 



" Das Terrarium." To managers of Zoological gardens especially, Mr. 



Bateman's treatise will be invaluable, but it is well worthy of a place in 



every zoological library. 



R. V. SCHARFF. 



