I I 2 
The Ohio Naturalist. 
[Vol. VII, No. 5, 
Books Received. 
“Boulder Reveries,” by W. S. Blatehlev, State Geologist of 
Indiana. A pleasing little volume bearing the title of “Boulder 
Reveries,” is a late production of W. S. Blatchley, of Indian¬ 
apolis. From the title one might be led to open the volume 
to read about boulders but the author makes it clear that 
living things have more attractions for him for on page G7 
he writes: “ I started alone this morn for my chosen rendezvous 
the moss-covered boulder on the woodland slope. There I 
had an appointment with the squirrels, the marmots, the ants, 
the crows, the jays and all their kin. There I was to meet 
certain representatives which they were to send, and hold with 
them high communion on the peaceful Sabbath day. I started 
alone, and alone I wished to be, alone with my thoughts and 
the denizens of the woods.” 
“The little volume here offered was, with the exception of the 
last two articles, written in an old woods-pasture in Central- 
Western Indiana." It is an account of what the author saw of 
nature while strolling in the woods-pasture mentioned or while 
seated on one of the gray boulders which are reproduced from 
photographs for the book, and which Mr. Blatchley admires a 
great deal. Snakes, frogs, birds, insects and many other animals 
are mentioned and the brook, the trees and other plants come in 
for their share of attention now and then. The work is so written 
that the reader has no trouble in understanding the thoughts 
intended to be expressed and 1 am sure it will do much to stim¬ 
ulate the outdoor study of nature and interest in living things,, 
no matter how lowly. One thought is put foremost, it seems to 
me, and that is, that all animals, even the snake, are much more 
interesting when alive, and when life is taken away there is 
nothing further in them to admire. The work is very com¬ 
mendable and should be read widely. 
“Practical Zoology,” by Professor Alvin Davidson, of 
Lafayette College. This book is sent out by the American Book 
Companv as an elementary text-book treating of the structure, 
life history, and relation of animals. It is well illustrated and con¬ 
tains an abundance of facts taken largely from species that are of 
interest on account of economic habits. The idea is a good one 
for it seems that while a pupil is studying zoology it is well to use 
an economic species as a basis, and there is such a species of 
common occurrence to represent nearly every group of animals 
known. The book should have a wide usage in the place for 
which it is intended. —J. S. H. 
