510 The American Naturalist. [June, 
National characteristics are often reflected in the scientific men of 
different nations. This is seen in the varied manner of reception of the 
new candidate for scientific recognition in different countries. If he 
have money and proper social endorsement, ‘our English speaking 
cousins receive him without question. If he have neither of these 
things, he is received with tail in air, the hairs of the median dorsal 
line elevated, a tremulous movement of the upper lip of one side; 
especially if he have discovered many new species. In France he is 
received with open arms. In Germany he is received on his merits. 
RECENT LITERATURE. 
Life in Ponds and Streams.'—Considerable labor was evi- 
dently spent in compiling this collector’s hand-book, which, in spite of 
several very bad blunders, will doubtless be of much use to the British 
amateur collector. Americans would prefer a hand-book dealing with 
the fauna of their own ponds and streams. However, the general plan 
of the work is a good one; the animal kingdom is briefly passed in re- 
view, directions are given for the construction of apparatus, for the con- 
struction and care of aquaria, and then the different animal groups 
treated somewhat in detail. Keys are given that will enable the Brit- 
ish collector to readily identify his discoveries. 
It 1s unfortunate that in several instances the work is marred by 
some very glaring blunders. A figure of a species of Scolopendra is 
given with the legend, “ The centipede (Lithobius)”. Another equally 
bad error occurs in the case of a figure of one of the most ordinary 
three lens pocket magnifiers, which is called “ The Coddington lens.” 
Further, those familiar with the group of insects and related forms 
will be astonished to find that the author begins with the Hemiptera 
and follows them with the Thysanura after saying that he will begin his 
enumeration of the orders with the lowest. Exception also may 
taken to the use of the adjective “gellatinous” in speaking of the 
amoeba. 
Such an exhibition of carelessness or indifference considerably deters 
one from giving the recommendation that one might otherwise be in- 
clined to give.—F. C. 
1 W. Furneaux, 12 mo., 399 PP» 311 figs., 8 pls. (colored). Langmans, Green & 
Co., 1896; price $3 50. 
