Works on Gardening, ^-c. 609 



of a great country, readily accounts for the astonishing difference of the vahie 

 of crops in different seasons." 



Col. Le Couteur has kindly sent us five samples of his best va- 

 rieties, which we have divided equally, between Samuel Taylor, 

 Esq., Whittingham, Stokeferry, Norfolk ; Mr. Gorrie, Annat 

 Gardens, near Errolj Perth ; and Mr. Laird, nurseryman, Dundee. 



Chemistry of Nature, designed as a popidar Exposition of the 

 Chemical Constitution and Relations of Natural Objects, and as 

 a General Introduction to the Study of Chemical Science. By 

 Hugo Reid, Lecturer on Chemistry to the Glasgow High 

 School, and Glasgow Mechanics' Institute. 8vo, 312 pages. 



This is just such a book as we have long wished to see pub- 

 lished ; an introduction to chemistry adapted to general readers, 

 who have not the means of performing chemical experiments, 

 or who do not wish to do so. The following extract from the 

 preface will give such an idea of this little book as will, we trust, 

 strongly recommend it to every young gardener : — 



" This Work is not designed to convey instructions for performing experi- 

 ments, but as a book to be read by those who may desire some general know- 

 ledge of the nature of chemical phenomena, the method of chemical research, 

 and the manner in which chemical experiments are commonly made ; and 

 who may feel an interest in studying those natural phenomena which consist 

 in chemical actions. Being convinced that a complete knowledge of the 

 subject is always desired, even by those who read only for general information, 

 those topics which the volume embraces are entered into very fully, so that a 

 satisfactory knowledge of them may be obtained. 



" The author hopes that, from the explanatory manner in which the subjects 

 are treated, and the interest which always accompanies descriptions of the 

 how and why in natural phenomena, the work may be useful as an introduction 

 to the study of chemistry, even for those who intend to pursue the science 

 more fully afterwards. It is of great advantage, before entering on any study, 

 to have a general notion of its scope and bearing, and of the terms employed. 



" These are two striking features in the state of science in modern times ; 

 the great amount of scientific knowledge which has been acquired, and the 

 adaptation of that knowledge so as to be accessible to all who possess the 

 simple qualification of being able to read. Mankind have not been slow to 

 avail themselves of the opportunities thus presented to them ; and scientific 

 information has been found so useful, so agreeable, and now so essential, from 

 the very circumstance of its universal diffusion, that it is beginning to be con- 

 sidered a necessary part of a general education." 



History and Topography of the Isle of Axholme. By the Rev. 

 W. B. Stonehouse, M.A. Parts L and IL 4to, plates and 

 maps. 



This work is noticed here on account of the very excellent de- 

 scription which it contains, illustrated by two plans of the process 

 of warping (p. 36. to 44.) We are not aware of there being so 

 full a description of the process given in any other work. The 

 account of Vermuyden's drainage is also very interesting; and 

 there is an excellent description (p. 68. and 69.) of a decoy. 



Vol. XIII.— No. 93. rk 



