REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 
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beam.” (p. 82.) In the above fanciful passage, Mr. Roby admits (probably 
unintentionally) that 44 gross and palpable matter” can resemble the creation of 
some 44 genii,” ghost, devil, or whatever other supernatural being may have been 
uppermost in his mind at the time. The cathedral of Antwerp appears to have 
taught him this fact. At the same time he forgets (qu., denies?) that “gross 
and palpable matter” is fashioned, if not created, by that God whose noble works 
find so small favour in his critical eyes. 
Although Mr. Roby appears to have had his mind alive to the subjects of 
ordinary interest to travellers and readers of travels, as well as to some points 
not so generally entering into the scope of such individuals, it grieves us to find, 
running through his pages, a vein of something very like illiberality, similar to 
the few passages we have noticed in the early portion of the first volume. He 
lacks not benevolence or love of accuracy; but at times his imagination appears 
to overrule his reasoning faculties. 
Be it understood, that we have alluded to the faults of this book in no spirit 
of ill-will, but rather because we regret to find them marring a work otherwise 
interesting and instructive, more especially to those who intend to traverse a 
similar tract of country. 
Mr. Roby’s name has been immortalised by Sir Walter Scott. Many of our 
readers will recognise him as the author of Traditions of Lancashire , and all will 
remember with pleasure the report of his botanical lectures at Rochdale, in our 
last number (p. 100). His volumes are inscribed to Lord Francis Egerton, M.P. 
A History of British Birds. By William Yarrell, F.L.S., Y.-P.Z.S. 
Illustrated by a Wood-cut of each Species, and numerous Vignettes. London: 
John Van Voorst , 1 , Paternoster-Row. Part ix. Nov. 1 , 1838. 8vo. pp. 26. 
The November number contains the Pipits, Larks, and Buntings,% or, as Mr. 
Yarrell— adopting small families—expresses it, Anthidce , Alaudidce , and Em- 
berizidce. We are sorry that these family names have been applied to groups 
previously characterised as sub-families. We are inclined to question whether any 
sufficient reason can be adduced for the change, which must beget confusion in 
the mind of the student. 
Without undervaluing the admirable treatises of the late Col. Montagu, 
Prideaux John Selby, Esq., Mr. MacGillivray, the Rev. Leonard Jenyns, 
&c., on the same subject, it cannot be denied that this is the most complete work 
on British birds hitherto published. It may perhaps be cause for regret that its 
issue is not monthly. 
We notice a considerable improvement in nearly all the illustrations in this 
