38 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
conceptions. To the cabinet naturalist in particular it is almost 
an instruction in field observation, and, having proved the charm 
in many recent works, will in time be demanded when animated 
nature is illustrated. As the writer of the text well observes, in 
reference to a fine photograph of the head of ‘‘ The Prairie 
King”: “ This portrait of the head of the Great Bison will be 
a valuable document if ever the living animal disappears from the 
New World. No one could reconstruct from the thousands of 
skulls and bones which lie bleaching on the prairie the exact 
features and lineaments of the extinct Prairie King.” Already 
of many animals now extinct we know as little of their natural 
appearance as we do of the features of most of the ancient 
philosophers. 
Of the many illustrations we may mention the open mouth of 
the Hippopotamus, which is a fine study; the Secretary Bird is 
good, but its attitude is modified by confinement, and this bird 
particularly requires to be seen in its natural condition; the 
Common Seal rising above the water is a living picture; the 
Serval’s Leap is probably not taken from life; the angry Cobra is 
a demonstration in ophidian attitude; the Mute Swans with their 
surroundings and shadows form a very happy production; while 
a Rhea sleeping, and the “final shower of an Elephant’s bath” 
are revelations. 
The work is produced at a very reasonable price, and we trust 
that it may achieve a success sufficient to encourage the production 
of a further series. 
Ee ee eee 
