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from the pencil of the author himself, are excellent. The printing and 

 general make up of the book are very noticeable. One great defect, 

 however, exists :-^there is no Index. Other defects, to the editor's 

 mind, are that, in accordance with a prevailing fashion, the paragraphs 

 are too widely leaded, the leaves are not cut and the paper is left 

 uneven at the edges. Although many approve of these latter features, 

 the first certainly breaks the continuity of the subject, and the second 

 makes it difficult to turn the leaves easily for reference. 



The very important role that the trade in Beaver-skins has played 

 in the history of Canada is carefully worked out as well as the uses of 

 the Beaver in manufactures. Of greatest interest to the naturalist is 

 of course the life-history of this animal, in which its habits and methods 

 of constructing its wonderful huts, dams and canals, are fully described 

 and the many fabulous statements of travellers and hunters are discussed. 

 The difference between the European Beaver and the Canadian species, 

 first noticed by Cuvier, is pointed out, and the nan)e Canadefisis ior \\\q 

 North American species, which was given to it by Kuhl in 1820, is 

 claimed to be the correct designation. 



In treating of allied animals of the same order, we are pleased to 

 notice that Mr. Martin uses the name Musk Beaver, iox Fiber Zibelhicus 

 instead of the more usual, but less accurate term Musk-rat. 



The following titles of some of the chapters give some idea of the 

 scope of this very interesting and instructive work : — Mythology and 

 Fo'k-lore ; The more important American Rodents ; Life-history ; 

 Geographical Distribution ; Engineering accomplishments ; Importance 

 in Trade and Commerce ; Hunting the Beaver ; The Beaver in Heraldry. 



Under Exijeriments and Domestication, a full account is given of 

 the Marquis ot Bute's effort to establish a colony of Canadian Beavers 

 near Rothesay in Scotland. The author paid a visit to the "enclosure" 

 in July 1889 and made some interesting observations, which he records. 



As appendices are given photo-copies of parts of original documents 

 (i 721-1726), Samuel Hearne's account of the Beaver, and a description 

 by Dr. Riley of the remarkable beetle parasitic on the Beaver, Plaiy 

 psylhis castoris. 



We have much pleasure in recommending this book to our readers. 



