Reviews and Notices of Boohs. 395 



Scattari to the Saskatchewan, the farmer scatters his seed over a 

 genial soil. Let us thank God, who has given this great heritage 

 to the British people, and strive to unite all its various popula- 

 tions in the bonds of a common patriotism, which, because itself 

 so large, will be certain not to exclude other nations from its sym- 

 pathies. 



"We have not attempted to quote, but refer our readers to the 

 pamphlets themselves, which, owing to the tardy appearance of 

 this notice, occasioned by the pressure of other matters, most of 

 them will probably have been already seen, in advance of our 

 review. 



Humble Creatures: the Earth-worm and the Common House-fly . 

 In Eight Letters ; by James Samuelson, assisted by J. B. 

 Hicks, M.D., Lond., F.L.S., &c. ; with Microscopic Illustra- 

 tions by the Authors. London : John Van Voorst. Mon- 

 treal : B. Dawson & Son. 



In a series of eight letters we have a most able and interesting 

 treatment of the subjects under consideration in this book. It is 

 written by men who have given serious attention to scientific 

 studies. No one can say that it has been " got up," as too many 

 little books of natural history are in these days from the research- 

 es and witness of others. Although there is nothing very new 

 or original in what it narrates of the structure, habits and repro- 

 duction of these animals, there is yet about the statement of the 

 facts a clearness and freshness which are the sure indications of 

 personal observation and research. The subject is not treated in 

 a purely scientific way, but, by the use of familiar words, the 

 wonderful structure and functions of the Worm and the Fly are 

 made clear to the understanding of the young. In this attempt 

 the authors have avoided that feebleness and imbecility which 

 frequently marks books intended for young persons. The style 

 is pure, simple and manly, and the discussion of the subjects 

 merits even the attention of the scientific. 



The introduction says : — " Not only do these humble creatures 

 merit our attention on the ground that they rank amongst the 

 valuable works of Nature, but also as affording useful lessons in 

 the education of our minds ; for unless we carefully examine and 

 endeavour to comprehend the character and attributes of the 

 lower animals, we remain children in the knowledge of Nature." 



