226 
NATURE NOTES 
the young botanist should look for additional evidence of the 
above-mentioned theory, and that he may understand that the 
classification adopted is strictly “ natural,” in that it follows the 
evolutionary history of plants. 
General Conclusion. — In concluding this series of “ Obser- 
vations,” much has, of course, been omitted which might have 
afforded interest and profit to the young botanist ; but if they 
shall have in any way encouraged him or her to take more notice 
and to examine plants more accurately than they might have 
done, the writer’s object has been gained. 
G. Henslow. 
CHRISTMAS GIFT BOOKS. 
XVhUeS hotf s^ 
( Front an cng^'av vg made iocn a/tcr hts death J 
The Natural History of Selbonie. Ily Gilbert White. Edited, with Notes, by- 
Grant Allen. Illustrated by Edmund II. New. John I^ine. Price 2is. 
nett. 
There can be no more suitable Christmas gift for a Selbornian than a new 
edition of White’s Selborne, no matter what editions he may already possess, 
however little of a bibliophile he or she may be. \Ve are always glad to meet 
our friends once more. Eulogy of the work itself in these pages and at this 
time would be impertinent ; but, in view of Mr. Cirant Allens statement,^ in his 
“ Introduction” to this beautiful edition, that “ the interest of these Letters is now 
chiefly literary,” it may be permissible to (luote the opinion of Professor Alfred 
Newton from his article “ Ornithology ” in the Eucycloficdia Btttaunua, “ This 
book,” he says, “ may be safely satd to have done more to promote a love of 
