BOOKS OF THE QUARTER. 
95 
we find, that in most instances manuals, text-books, hand-books, <c et hoc 
genus omne ,” are preferred, as offering a simpler path to learning than 
that we have alluded to. “ The Reason Why ” is, in our opinion, a work 
by no means inferior to any of its class. It embraces two kindred 
branches of knowledge : Physical Geography and Geology ; and since 
these are linked together by Zoology, the latter has found a place in this 
volume. The system pursued in the treatment of the subject is the cate- 
chetical ; and although for the purposes of continued reading this is 
somewhat objectionable, it is nevertheless a very useful method in the 
hands of a teacher. The Geology is especially good, and the wood-cuts, 
taken, as they have been, from the works of recognized authorities, form 
valuable adjuncts to the text. The notes in smaller type show that the 
compiler has given his subjects more than superficial examination, and 
serve to render the work a really compendious book of reference for the 
general reader. 
SYNOPTICAL TABLE OF AQUEOUS ROCK-GROUPS.* 
T HE author of the monograph on the Permian fishes has drawn up 
the tabular classification which lies before us. It is, we believe, 
intended for the use of students, to whom it offers many advantages not 
usually possessed by schematic tables of its class. The plan is divided 
into five columns : in the first is placed the name of a class (primary, for 
instance), the second embraces the various systems this class includes 
(Cambrian, Silurian, Permian, &c.), in third and fourth are ranked the 
different formations, one being set apart for marine, and the other for land 
and fresh- water types, whilst in the fifth stand the organisms characteristic 
of the entire system. We notice the introduction of two new terms em- 
ployed to designate the pleistocene and post-pleistocene systems, which 
Professor King styles the “ Clydian ” and i( Argyllian ” systems respect- 
ively. 
WILD FLOWERS AND THEIR USES.+ 
T HE authoress expresses a perfectly just opinion when she says , li The 
task of writing for children is by no means so easy as many people 
imagine.’ , In this brochure , however, an attempt — and we think a tolerably 
effective attempt— has been made to construct a series of stories which, 
though of a character adapted to the comprehension of children, have, as it 
were, interwoven with them much genuine botanical instruction. The illus- 
* “ Synoptical Table of Aqueous Rock-Groups.” By William King, 
Professor of Geology in Queen’s College, Galway. 
t “Wild Flowers and their Uses.” A Book for Children. By Caro- 
line Southwood Hill. Edinburgh : W. & R, Chambers. 1863. 
