146 THe Ottawa NarTuratist. [October 
in its natural habitat by the advent of man. Instead of pasting its 
nest in the inside of large hollow trees it now pastes them or the 
inside of our chimneys. They are tireless fliers and practically 
never settle, unless their clinging against the rough surface of the 
inside chimney walls for the night, can be called settling. They 
can be told from swallows by their narrower, more sickle-shaped 
wings, their less gliding flight, and their flying in and out of 
chimneys. The color is brownish-black all over. 
A bird closely related to the Swift, and like it, the only mem- 
ber of its family occurring in Eastern Canada, is the tiny Hum- 
mingbird, TZvrochilus colubris. It is so well known that no 
description is necessary. It is the smallest bird we have ; its 
very smallness precludes confusion with other birds. But, though 
small, it is none the less hardy and active; it goes up to the 
Arctic circle and beyond, and breeds even in cold Labrador. The 
one found with us is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, so named 
from the ruby throat of the male, the female being whitish below 
and the back of both sexes irridescent green. They are, like their 
small downy, lichen-covered nest, perfect gems. To invite them 
to your home, all that is necessary is to plant bright flowers in 
your garden, and the invitation will surely be accepted. 
A NEW NATURE STUDY BOOK. 
The NaturE Stupy Course, with suggestions for teaching it. 
By John Dearness, M.A.—Many Nature Study books have ap- 
peared recently. The latest addition to these is by John Dearness, 
Vice-President of the London (Ont.) Normal School. It is a small, 
convenient-sized octavo of 206 pages, well illustrated but not over- 
loaded with pictures. The author treats his subjects in a succinct 
and definite manner. The introductory part is particularly well 
stated, and it is probable that most readers will agree with Mr. 
Dearness’s views as there expressed. The ideas of the advocates 
of Nature Study are still somewhat diverse, both as to the choice 
of material and the way to use it, and, even with regard to the 
limits of this important branch of education. Mr. Dearness’s idea 
seems to be the right one, that the choice of subjects will depend 
chiefly on the interest the pupils have or can be led to have in any 
common natural object. The method of treatment, including the 
suiting of it to existing conditions, will show the teacher’s power 
of leading and training. This small work, which is issued at the 
moderate price of 60c., is worthy of perusal by everyone interested 
in training boys and girls to become useful citizens. 
JAMES FLETCHER, 
