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POPULAR SCIENCE REVIEW. 
Although equally desirous to be unbiassed in his review of the opinions 
of others, he is here not so successful ; for whilst he lays it down as his opin- 
ion that all earnest thinkers are not only entitled to a fair hearing, but that 
without the expression of their varied theories and even hypotheses, we should 
never arrive at the truth ; and whilst, in one place, he declares that “ science 
lias its own line and limit of inquiry ” (irrespective of theological belief), yet, 
in another part, where his views are at variance with those of other in- 
quirers, he cannot refrain from stigmatizing the latter as “ materialistic,” 
and censures them for not introducing the religious element into their 
investigations ! 
We merely mention this as a proof how difficult it is, even for those who do 
not wish to be regarded as partizans, to lay aside the theological animus, and 
as an example to be avoided by those who approach the subject with a wish 
to derive full benefit from their inquiries. 
On the whole, however, the author deals with the subject in a fair and im- 
partial manner, and we recommend all who desire, without much effort or 
expenditure of time, to become acquainted with the history of the globe and 
its living denizens so far as it is at present known, to consult the pages of 
this able and interesting work. 
They will find its style popular, the more abstruse technical terms being in 
every needful case explained ; the illustrations accurate, artistically drawn, 
and well engraved ; the type clear, and free from errors, agreeable to read, 
and in harmony with the other adjuncts of the volume. 
HO will not be interested to hear fresh tidings concerning man’s faith- 
ful companion amongst the lower animals ? Every housekeeper, 
every sportsman, every child, knows his worth and can afford him a share of 
liis affection. 
The propensity which dogs have to attach themselves to man is a remark- 
able circumstance in the character of this animal. Poverty, sickness, absence, 
and even unkindness and neglect, do not diminish the love and fidelity of the 
poor dog to his master. When Stanislaus, the unfortunate king of Poland, 
was writing to his daughter, he told her that Tristan, his companion in mis- 
fortune, licked his feet, thus showing that he had still one friend (his dog) 
who stuck to him in his adversity. Sir Walter Scott said that he would 
believe anything of a dog, and indeed their sagacity, extraordinary aptitude 
in learning not only tricks but to obey the wishes of their masters, their fidelity, 
courage, and watchfulness, fully entitle them to this compliment. That some 
dogs have greater sense and qualities differing from others need not be 
doubted. Some will learn readily — others not at all. Let us give an instance 
of this. A lady had a pretty spaniel. She tried repeatedly and indefatigably 
to teach him to beg, but all her efforts were in vain. One day her cat, 
* “ House Dogs and Sporting Dogs,” by John Meyrick. Van Voorst. 
A GOSSIP ABOUT DOG S.* 
BY E. JESSE, F.L.S. 
