THE ZooLtocGist—APRIL, 1872. 2997 
Hotices of Hew Books, 
Bird-Life. By Dr. A. E. Breum. Translated from the German 
by H. M. Lasoucuere, F.Z.S., and W. Jessz, C.M.Z.S. 
London: John Van Voorst, 1, Paternoster Row. Parts I. to IV. 
Price 2s. 6d. each. 
Tuis is the fourth of those important serials which I enumerated 
in the August number of the ‘ Zoologist’ for last year as evincing 
the spirit of enterprise now so prevalent among our ornithologists 
and publishers. Making little pretence to novelty, and none to 
originality, this translation comes before us with an avowed object, 
that of introducing the study of Nature to the youth of our land in 
an agreeable and attractive form. This object is best explained 
by the leading paragraphs of the Prospectus, which are as 
follows :— 
“Tn these days, when Natural Science forms more or less a necessary 
portion of the education of the youth of our time, the universal adoption of 
such studies may be materially aided by the manner in which its various 
branches are brought before the public. First and foremost, to win your 
pupil’s willing attention let his introduction to Nature be through as bright 
a channel as lies in your power: by this means you develope a love for the 
study itself, which will materially assist the student in attaining to the 
higher branches of the Science. Should deep study not be the object, still 
we cannot but firmly believe that the perusal of a work of such a character 
will have a beneficial effect upon the reader, especially the youthful; some 
study of Nature rarely fails to soften the heart and refine the mind. 
“Tt is with the view of carrying out the above idea that the translators 
have essayed to produce a readable translation of Dr. Brehm’s charming 
book—a work so calculated to foster a taste for Natural History in the 
minds of the young, and yet of sufficient scientific value to have been most 
warmly received by continental naturalists.” 
I cannot sufficiently admire the design thus unfolded, but I am 
fully aware that in endeavouring to appreciate justly a work of 
these high pretensions I ought to have the whole, or at least a 
programme of the whole, in hand; and this not being the case, and 
having been solicited to notice the work in its present state, it will 
of course be seen that my remarks can only apply to Parts L., II., 
I1]., and IV., all that are at present published: hence I can pass no 
SECOND SERIES—VOL. VII. R 
