214 
NATURE NOTES. 
through the book, the class must have been a very large one, but it was at the 
same time distinctly good ; the conversation is naturally one-sided, as Miss Johnson 
takes much more than her share, but when one of the children does get a remark 
in, it is always intensely to the point. With such material to work on, we cannot 
but regret that .Miss Johnson did not more often try to make the scholars ponder 
over reasons instead of simply observing facts, and that she devotes so much space 
to “Tommy's dream,” “ what Gwyneth saw ” about Ernest Leigh’s approaching 
departure for Australia, and an account of an almost miraculous coincidence (p. 
199), which we commend to the investigation of the Society for Psychical Re- 
search. 1 here is, in fact, so much of this sort of thing in the book that if it be 
retained in future editions, we would suggest that “and Moonshine” should be 
added to the title. J. \Y. G. 
The title of Mr. F. W. Hackwood’s book. Kindness to Animals (Dawson, 2, 
Warwick Lane), is sufficient to recommended it to Selbornians. It is “ a handbook 
for teachers,” containing “ complete notes of lessons on the humane treatment of 
animals, with special reference to their structure, habits, and uses.” The author 
might have placed on his title page the refrain of Mr. Ashby-Sterry’s amusing 
poem ; — 
“ Be always kind to animals, wherever )-ou may be.” 
To teachers the little volume cannot fail to be useful and suggestive ; to the 
more ordinary reader it seems sometimes a little strained in its sentiment. It 
may be only because we have more than once been unable to sleep in consequence 
of night being made hideous with caterwaulings, that we demur to the statement 
that “ the cat will never abuse its freedom if properly cared for at home.” It is, 
however, certain, that many be.sides ourselves are inclined to abuse the cat under 
such circumstances. We would suggest that in the next edition (for the work 
will certainly .soon reach one) the modern .American rhyme — we refer to the much- 
parodied “ Mar)' had a little lamb,” whose author died only lately — should 
not be attributed to “ Tudor times,” or considered an evidence of the “impor- 
tance of the great wool-trade : ” the three other rhymes given are all mis- 
quoted, or presented in unfamiliar form. “ A Mr. White of Selborne” will 
sound harshly to Selbornians. Mr. Hackwood judiciously advises teachers to 
“ admit ‘ occasional ’ depredations ” on the part of the sparrow : the anecdote of 
“Frederick the Great of Prussia” will delight Jack’s enthusiastic admirers, but 
certain details in the narrative will, we fear, arouse the suspicions of sceptics. 
There is an admirable lesson on the iniquities of the “ ladies ” who bedeck their 
persons at the cost of the lives of thousands of birds, and the teacher is told to 
“ describe the Selborne Society of England and the Audubon Society of .America, 
established to counteract these pernicious practices.” Our Society is also com- 
mended elsewhere in the book, and we almost hoped to find an allusion to 
Nature Notes — say, as a suitable book for school prizes or libraries. There is 
an excellent index, and the book deserves every encouragement. 
Mr. F. W. L. Sladen, a youthful naturalist, sends us an interesting curiosity 
in the shape of a little lithographed book on “The Humble Bee — its life history 
and how to domesticate it.” It embodies a great deal of observation, and the 
facts, although not of any particular novelty, are evidently recorded at first-hand. 
It is just the sort of thing which we want our young Selbornians to undertake. 
The patience and keen cBservation of minute detail manifested throughout is 
extremely creditable, and the care and trouble spent in the production of the little 
book is equally deserving of praise. Copies can be obtained of the author, at 
Ripple Court, near Dover, for 6d each. 
Beneath HelveUyn's Shade, by the Rev. Samuel Barber (Elliot Stock), is a little 
volume of “ notes and sketches in the valley of Wythburn,” as its full title tells 
us. Its interest is chiefly local, but the general reader will find much in the way 
of custom, tradition, and folklore in its nicely-printed pages ; and we regret that 
the exigencies of space wilt not allow us to notice it at greater length. 
