422 
Notices of Books, 
[July. 
rodents of North America, arranged in their eleven families. 
Under each species we find a full account of its specific charac- 
ters and of its geographical distribution. Tables of measure- 
ments, generally made upon a great number of specimens, are 
appended ; the synonymy is given in full ; and the characteris- 
tics of varieties, if such exist, are pointed out. In addition, the 
generic and sub-generic peculiarities are explained in detail. 
The only deficiency which we find is in the habits of the various 
species, concerning which the information supplied is meagre. 
The carnivorous nature of some of the Spermophile squirrels is, 
however, clearly shown — a faCt of great importance, and one 
which proves the necessity of great caution in arguing from the 
structure of an animal to its habits, and especially its diet. 
There is also a synoptical list of the extindt Rodentia of 
North America, and a most elaborate and valuable bibliography of 
North-American Mammalia. 
Each seCtion of the work is accompanied with engravings 
showing the skulls of the principal species described. The index 
is scarcely as full as might reasonably be expeCted from a work 
of this character. 
Heaven and Hell, or the Divine Justice Vindicated in the Plurality 
of Existences. Containing a Comparative Examination of 
the Various DoCtrines concerning the Passage from the 
Earthly Life to Spirit Life ; Future Rewards and Punish- 
ments ; Angels, Devils, &c. : followed by numerous 
examples of the State of the Soul, during and after Death ; 
being the practical confirmation of the Spirits’ Book. 
By Allan Kardec. Translated from the Sixtieth Thousand 
by Anna Blackwell. 1878. London : Triibner and Co., 
Ludgate Hill. 
The volume before us is one of a series explaining and 
defending the doctrines held by Spiritualists. The first prin- 
ciples of Spiritualism are dealt with in previous works ; the one 
under consideration treating, as its title denotes, of the state of 
the Spirit after its release from corporeal bondage. Basing his 
arguments upon the plurality of existences or successive ter- 
restrial incarnations, the author proceeds to consider Heaven and 
Hell from Christian, Pagan, and Spiritualist standpoints, and 
endeavours to prove the triumph of Spiritualistic doCtrine over 
those preceding its revelation. The subject is most exhaustively 
considered, embracing the aCtual situation of Heaven and Hell, 
the duration of happiness and misery, the existence of Angels and 
Demons, Purgatory, &c. Throughout the work is remarkable for 
its sound argument and practical common sense, and those who 
