1903 The Field Naturalises Library &$ 



Miss Thompson has many interesting experiences to relate, some of 

 them very amusing, A short chapter is devoted to the Reptiles, the 

 remainder of the book being given to the Birds. The Monkeys are 

 cleared of the popular aspersion on their character of being afflicted 

 with fleas, the writer stating that " nothing living could be cleaner than 

 the delicate bluish skin of a monkey, which ... is seen to be absolutely 

 free from parasites." The favourite occupation of the Monkey which sug- 

 gests the vulgar error is " literally nothing more or less than the equiv- 

 alent of the use of a brush and comb to a human being." The process 

 of hairdressing is described in detail. This seems to destroy the quaint 

 remark of Josh Billings, that a monkey scratches himself "as natural as 

 a district schoolboy, and undoubtedly for the same reason." 



Of the many interesting incidents recorded, the following is one of the 

 most amusing : " Art students are not allowed to draw in the Gardens 

 after three o'clock ; and one day, being absorbed in my work, I should 

 have been belated had I not had a curious hint to go. A quiet, in- 

 sinuating voice just behind me asked, ' What's the time ? ' Turning 

 round, and perceiving that it was the hyacinth-coloured Macaw who had 

 spoken, I took out my watch and said solemnly, ' It's 2.45.' ' Eh ? ' 

 said the Macaw, putting his head on one side. ' It's a quarter to three,' 

 I repeated. 'It's a quarter to twelve,' he contradicted emphatically." 



It would not be fair to criticise this book from a scientific standpoint ; 

 it is not the point of view of the writer, nor will it be that of her readers. 

 As a most entertaining description of many of the Zoo inmates, their 

 antics, appearances, and habits, it will be welcomed by a large circle of 

 people who go to the Zoo to see animals and to be interested, rather 

 than for special instruction. It will also make an excellent gift-book for 

 boys and girls with a love for the Zoo. 



' Knowledge' Diary and Scientific Handbook for 1903. 

 London : ' Knowledge ' Office. Price 3s. 



The third volume of this Diary is a very useful production for all 

 engaged in scientific — particularly astronomical — work. The astronomi- 

 cal summary and account of the celestial phenomena for 1903 are re- 

 vised throughout, and the paths of the principal planets are again 

 illustrated by specially made charts. 



A whole page is devoted to each day, thus giving room for real work 

 to be recorded. Most diaries have far too little space per day, and we 

 should be sorry to see the daily space in this Diary reduced. The 

 greatest drawback, in our opinion, is the lack of interleaved blotting- 

 paper. The space given for letters received and despatched might be 

 added to each month, as people who use a book of this sort are generally 

 great correspondents, and four pages is quite inadequate for this purpose 

 per annum. 



The volume contains articles on practical work with the spectroscope ; 

 observation of variable stars ; choice of a microscope ; systematic botany ; 

 meteorological observations ; twelve star maps, showing the night sky 

 for every month ; a calendar ; and a mass of other useful information. 

 Altogether, an excellent companion for the scientific student's desk. 



