134 Bibliographical Notices. 



vailed. The numbers before us are no doubt beautiful, but we have 

 lately seen so much of the luxury of illustration that we are perhaps 

 spoiled and become too fastidious. The work is, comparatively 

 speaking, moderate in price, and the figures will answer every pur- 

 pose of the naturalist ; but knowing at the same time what London 

 can do in this department, and knowing also that a large sum of 

 money (£1500)* has been voted by the Treasury for its use, we should 

 have liked to have seen every part finished in the highest style of art. 

 The plates, entirely lithographic, want boldness, and in some instances 

 clearness, or decision in the outline and markings. Lithography 

 suits some subjects beautifully, but in a work like that before us a 

 combination of styles should be used wherever one was more suit- 

 able than another to the subject, and in the representations of most 

 of the Mammalia engraving or etching produces the more natural ef- 

 fect. The backgrounds and stumps are extremely careless ; witness 

 the accompaniments to Echinorhynus obesus, where it may be diffi- 

 cult to say what it is intended to represent. Diagrams of the teeth, 

 &c., and other structures, should be introduced either on separate 

 plates or as wood-cuts ; the latter is the most convenient and does 

 not entail more expense. The descriptive part is clear, distinct, and 

 scientific, just what it should be ; and we can only wish that " the 

 more detailed account of the manners and habits" proposed to be given 

 in an appendix, " hereafter to be published," had been given now. 



Each number contains ten plates, published miscellaneously, but 

 numbered so that each department may be arranged separately. In 

 No. 1. we have Rhinoceros Keitloa, Smith, a new species, and con- 

 trasted with the R. bicornis, Linn., to which it is somewhat allied. 

 Dr. Smith considers that this animal does not now range higher than 

 about 25° S. latitude, though some time back they must have fre- 

 quented the vicinity of Latakoo ; but from the evidence which was 

 collected from the natives he is of opinion that at least another 

 distinct and at present unknown species still remains to be discovered. 

 3. Falco semitorquatus, Smith. 4. Chizarhis concolor, Smith. Jud- 

 ging from the figure we should consider this bird more closely allied 

 to Corythaix of lUiger ; it was first met with at nearly 25° S. la- 

 titude ; it perched on the highest branches of trees, flitting to and 

 fro in search of fruits. 5. Sterocles gutturalis, Smith, discovered 

 about 80 miles eastward of Latakoo. 6. Otis ruficrista. Smith. 



* These instances of the partial patronage of science by the Treasury 

 have, we find, caused some dissatisfaction, as being questionable on the score 

 of favouritism, and of the disadvantage at which others have to appear, un- 

 aided, before the public ; and not merely unaided, but subjected to excessive 

 fiscal burthens, through the Post Office, the advertisement duty, the sur- 

 render of copies to privileged libraries, &c. &c. 



