482 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



" The occurrence of the Beaver in Norway at the present 

 time is chiefly confined to the Stifts of Christiania and Chris- 

 tiansand (the Amt of Nedenaes, as well as that of Lister and 

 Mandal) . . . The largest tribe is at present located in the 

 middle and southern parts of the river Nisser (or Nid), in 

 Nedenaes Amt." 



In 1883 Professor Collett estimated the number of surviving 

 Beavers as about a hundred, and we are glad to read that " it 

 may be regarded as probable that, since that time, the number has 

 been maintained, or possibly somewhat increased." 



Twelve photographic plates afford beautiful representations 

 of the natural homes and tree-felling powers of this once abun- 

 dant animal. 





The Concise Knowledge Natural History. By R. Lydekker, 

 B.A. F.R.S. ; R. Bowdler Sharpe, LL.D. ; W. F. Kirby, 

 F.L.S.; W. Garstang, M.A., F.Z.S.; B.B.Woodward, 

 F.L.S., F.S.S. ; F. A. Bather, M.A., F.G.S. ; R.Kirk- 

 patrick; R. I. Pocock; and H. M. Bernard, M.A., F.L.S. 

 Hutchinson & Co. 



During recent years there have been published several 

 illustrated general Natural Histories. We might mention, in 

 sequence, Wood's, Cassell's, and the "Royal." Of handy, con- 

 densed, or concise volumes on the subject, Baird's * Student's 

 Natural History ' still held the field for handy reference to a busy 

 man, a student, or a specialist outside his own study. Baird's 

 volume referred to the "Animal, Vegetable, and Mineral King- 

 doms"; and at least Plants should form a subject when the term 

 11 Natural History " is employed. We therefore prefer to consider 

 this publication as devoted to a concise knowledge of Zoology, and 

 if we cannot rely on the information provided by such a specially 

 strong staff of authorities as have written the volume under 

 notice, then should our faith be in vain. Most of the names of 

 the writers are household words on their subjects. With 

 Lydekker on Mammals, and Sharpe on Birds, and Woodward on 

 Mollusca, we recognize old friends and old instructors ; while the 

 names of Garstang, Bather, and Bernard are linked with the 

 groups they study. Mr, Kirby has written much on insects, but 



