46 Recent Literature. (January, 
sixty pages out of 618 are given to insects, and less than a hun- 
dred are reserved for all the other classes of the animal kingdom, ~ 
The result is a well-written, profusely-illustrated and well-bound 
story book, which would make an admirable present to a lad in- — 
terested in natural history. The value of such books is consider — 
able, and the author has succeeded admirably in his task. g 
With much to commend in the treatment of his subject, wé 
could, however, have wished for a more modern rendering of © 
zoological science, especially those facts and laws relating to the — 
struggle for existence, the relations of animals to each other and 
to their surroundings, as well as protective mimicry and the like ~ 
topics. It is evident that the author has not been inoculated with - 
the ideas and discoveries of modern biology; hence there is yet 
room for a skilfully written popular sketch of creation. : 
The author deprecates any criticism from specialists, so that 
fault-finding with his classification would be ungracious, though — 
we must say that his arrangement of the insects, the Crustacea 
and Mollusca is unnecessarily old-fashioned. The average reader 
would find the work just as interesting if it had been in this te — 
spect made more in accordance with modern views. 
The book is, however, a very entertaining one, with one OF 
more well selected illustrations on nearly every page, and the 
stories are well told, so that the publishers may feel well satisfied 
with the way in which the author has accomplished what 15, at 
best, a difficult task. 
Curist’s FLORA oF SWITZERLAND AND ITs Oricin.'—This m 
portant work, which we have received through the kindness of 
the author, is one that we think destined to attract much attent- 
tion. It is addressed not only to professional botanists but to cul 
tivated people everywhere. Many Americans visit the little re 
public every year, led by its unequaled natural attractions. To 
such this book will prove invaluable. It is not a flora in the com 
monly accepted sense, that is, a list and description of all pis 
plants of the region. On the contrary, it is an extended and pains- 
taking treatise on the phyto-geography of the country; the 0! 
gin, history and development of the vegetable growth. | 
The author has given many years of assiduous labor to 
work, and writes not only with polished grace but with evi 
devotion. In fact, we have found ourselves quite carried away © 
some of his graphic descriptions. gee 
The author treats minutely of the zones of distribution and y5 
causes which act upon them, and one who reads it carefully @ 
i hardly fail to acquire increased and useful information On 4 | 
variety of botanical subjects. Accompanying the work, whic 
one of 571 pages octavo, are five beautiful maps in color, 5% 
ing vegetable distribution, and four full-page illustrations of ¢ 
! Flore de la Suisse et ses origines. Par le Dr. H. Curist, Bale. 
