1897.] Recent Literature. 705 
tions as to their structure, the development of the individual, and the 
characteristic features of insect life, followed by a discussion of four of 
the nine orders of Insects, viz.; Aptera, Orthoptera, Neuroptera and a 
portion of the Hymenoptera. In these ordinary descriptions Mr. Sharp 
has incorporated a great deal of interesting information as to the habits 
and life-histories of various insects, fully demonstrating that fact may 
be as entertaining as fiction. 
Aquatic Insects."—This little volume is intended by the author 
to stimulate young naturalists in observing the habits and structures of 
living animals, and to try to discover the way in which the machinery 
of nature works. The writings of the old naturalists, Swammerdam, 
Réaumur, Lyonnet and De Geer are quoted to show what patient 
observation can accomplish. Eleven chapters are devoted to as many 
groups of fresh-water aquatic insects, one to the insects of the sea-shore 
and one to the peculiar contrivances of aquatic insects for locomotion, 
for feeding, for respiration, for egg-laying, and for attack and defence. 
The drawings are in most cases made direct from the Insects and are 
a valuable feature of the book. 
Bird-Craft.” 
to ornithological literature, its author has certainly had about her that 
“pocket full of patience” which she recommends to amateur students 
of bird-life. The chapters on the Spring Song, Building of the Nest, 
and Birds of Autumn and Winter show a long continued personal 
acquaintance with the habits of birds. The “Biographies” also con- 
tain notes from personal observation. 
The illustrations, nearly all colored, add much to the attractiveness 
of the book. 
Some Elementary Botany.”—Four very pretty books for Child- 
ren have been compiled by M. C. Cooke and published by T. epee = 
Sons. The writer adopts the tional style and imparts 
able information to his class concerning a few of the commoner English 
wild-flowers, A corn-field, a copse, a lane and a marsh afford material 
for the several books. Each volume is illustrated with a number of 
figures and one colored plate, and they are altogether attractive addi- 
tions to literature for children. 
‘©The Natural History of Aquatic Insects. By L. O. Miall. London and New 
York, 1895. Macmillan & Co. $1.75. 
a Bird-Craft. By Mable Osgood Wright. New York, 1895. Macmillan & 
$3.00 
Sadani a Corn-field. A Stroll in a Marsh. Through the wn the 
Lane and Back. By Uncle Matt (M. C. Cooke), London, enh oad. and New 
York, 1895. T. Nelson & Sons, Pub. 
