Bibliographical Notices. 147 



and to render easy the subsequent acquisition of a more exact 

 knowledge of that portion of the subject. It follows, as nearly as 

 possible, the arrangement given by Cuvier in the second edition of 

 his ' Regne Animal,' with alterations in those i)ortions of it which 

 have been modified by succeeding observers. 



As the necessarily low price of a popular work must always im- 

 pose a narrow limit on its author, it is evident that certain groups 

 and species will be thrown more prominently forward than others. 

 Mr. Maunder appears to have selected for this purpose those 

 which are most likely to come immediately under the notice of the 

 young naturalist, namely the British birds and butterflies, most of 

 which are noticed in the work, and many of them nicely and accu- 

 rately figured in the accompanying woodcuts. Eight hundred and 

 sixty of these illurjtrations are scattered through the book, principally 

 representing the species referred to in the letterpress, but occasionally 

 furnishing the reader with illustrations of the anatomical and generic 

 characters of the groups under discussion. "As to the manner in 

 ■which this work has been embellished," says Mr. Maunder in his feel- 

 ing and well-written preface, " I can speak with perfect satisfaction. 

 About nine hundred accurate ivoodcuts have been given ; and in order that 

 this highly important part of the work should not be treated slightly or 

 erroneously, I obtained the valuable assistance of Mr. Adam White, 

 of the British Museum, a gentleman who to the enthusiasm belong- 

 ing to the true naturalist unites a sober judgement and great ex- 

 perience. To him was accordingly entrusted the selection of all the 

 subjects, and under his superintendence every dra'ving has been 

 made by competent artists. And here let me add that I have availed 

 myself of Mr. White's acknowledged zoological attainments, and im- 

 proved my book by adopting many valuable hints and suggestions 

 with which he has from time to time kindly furnished me. The en- 

 gravings are in iNIr. R. Branstone's best manner, and will no doubt 

 be properly appreciated." 



In the alphabetical portion, the animals are arranged principally 

 in accordance with their English names, where such exist ; but the 

 scientific names are also given, thus furnishing the vminitiated reader 

 with some insight into the mysteries of the binomial method of no- 

 menclature, which, fortunately, still survives the attacks of French 

 radicalism. Mr. Maunder however has wisely avoided encumbering 

 himself with synonyms, and the one example (see Asserador^ with 

 which he has furnished his readers, of the synonymy of a species, 

 will no doubt prove abundantly mystifying to those who are still 

 happy enough to suppose that there is but one name for each ani- 

 mal, and one animal for each name. 



We must not omit to notice the excellent " Syllabus of Practical 

 Taxidermy" which will be found at the end of the 'Treasury.' 

 The preface states that it is by Mr. A. Hepburn of Whittlngham, 

 and it is one of the best treatises on the subject with which we are 

 acquainted. It forms a very appropriate appendage to a work in- 

 tended to raise a taste for Natural History in the minds of the young, 

 and will prove very valuable to the country zoologist. A " Glossary 

 of Technical Terms " closes the volume. 



10* 



