4 Analyses of Books . [December, 
“ The Balance of Nature ” and “ Gilbert White Reconsidered.”* 
In these essays we have referred to Waterton’s deficiencies as a 
systematist, to the paucity of the work he actually produced if 
taken in comparison with his splendid opportunities, to his in- 
consistency in denouncing scientific terminology w T hilst indulging 
in needless classical quotations, to his errors on the skunk, on 
serpents, on wild dogs and wolves, on the Quadrumana, &c. 
We have noted his disposition to deny altogether any fadl which 
had never come under his own observation, and we have pro- 
nounced him “ an odd mixture of obstinate credulity and of 
scepticism equally stubborn.” It is therefore with no small inte- 
rest that we find our opinion confirmed by Mr. Simson, who has 
quite independently arrived at conclusions very similar. Nor 
have we overlooked that eccentricity which pervaded Waterton’s 
whole character, and which is the only conceivable excuse for 
his suppression of the bulk of his own observations. What, for 
instance, has he put on record concerning the five thousand spe- 
cimens which he dissedted ? We have expressed our regret that 
Waterton should have obtruded his peculiar religious and poli- 
tical opinions upon our notice in works treating ostensibly on 
Natural History. Nor have we overlooked his irritability and 
pugnacity. Still it must be remembered that he was placed 
under great temptations. He had to deal with rampant charla- 
tans and their worshippers, and with one who, though no quack, 
was the champion of that incomprehensible delusion the Quina- 
rian system. 
The utterance of Mr. Moore that “ there is nothing on tropical 
natural history which deserves to be named with the ‘ Wander- 
ings ’ ” seems to us strange indeed, remembering that it was 
written in 1871, — a date subsequent to the appearance of Mr. 
A. R. Wallace’s “ Malay Archipelago.” 
We can scarcely agree with Mr. Simson in supposing that 
Waterton’s aristocratic standing went any way in securing his 
position as a naturalist. Whatever influence he might have 
possessed as the head of an ancient county family would be 
more than lost by his religious and political peculiarities. Sym- 
pathy with the enemies of England, at home or abroad, was not 
in his day a passport to favour and power. 
A very large proportion of the present work is devoted to the 
consideration of Waterton not as a naturalist, but as a man, — a 
matter in which we feel but little interest. Whether the Squire 
of Walton Hall managed the family estates in Demerara well or 
ill, in what manner he ought to have prepared himself for the 
post, and whether his condu< 5 t under Custom-House persecution 
was judicious or otherwise, are points of small moment. Water- 
ton himself would have found difficulty in saying anything too 
strong of a Government which displayed the unwise meanness 
* Journal of Science, 1877, P* x 45* and 1880, p. 632. 
