3086 Notices of New Books. 



shillings and a penny: for owls and hawks, twenty-four shillings, or 

 ten pence. Consequently it is as difficult to approach these wary 

 birds in Norway as in England ; but with respect to all other tribes 

 there is none of that persecution, hunting, throwing of stones by idle 

 boys, or otherwise molesting them, that we so invariably see in 

 England. A Norwegian would never think of terrifying a bird for 

 the sake of sport ; whilst I fear to see such a bird as the magpie 

 sitting quietly on a rail within a few feet, would be a temptation for 

 assault to an English boy which he could not resist. I must acid, 

 however, with regard to magpies, that there is a superstitious prejudice 

 for them current throughout Norway ; they are considered harbingers 

 of good luck, and are consequently always invited to preside over the 

 house ; and when they have taken up their abode in the nearest tree, 

 are defended from all ill : and he who should maltreat the magpie, 

 has perhaps driven off the genius loci, and so may expect the most 

 furious anger from the owner of the neighbouring dwelling, whose 

 good fortune he has thus violently dispersed. 



Alfred Charles Smith. 



Old Park, Devizes, 



March 4, 1851. 



(To be continued). 



Notices of New Books (continued). 



The Naturalist* 



I should be acting in direct opposition to the principle I have 

 always professed and always advocated, were I not to hail with a 

 hearty welcome a natural-history periodical, the object of which is 

 to supply " the wants of that numerous body of naturalists who are 

 unable to indulge in the luxury of expensive works," aud which there- 

 fore is published "at a price which will prevent no one being num- 

 bered among its supporters." This first number is well printed on 

 good paper and is illustrated by seven woodcuts, all of them well 



* The Naturalist, a Popular Monthly Magazine illustrative of the Animal, Vege- 

 table and Mineral Kingdoms, with numerous engravings ; conducted by Beverley K. 

 Munis, Esq., A.B., M. I)., T.C.I)., Mem. Weru. Club. London: Groombridge. 





