REVIEWS. 
25 
of some truth, but shadowy and indistinct as the gigantic features which 
were seen in the cascade by the knightly lover of Undine; yet at some 
future day we seize it as a reality. 
Such being our opinions, we read with pleasure the announcement of 
any new publications which add to the existing stock of knowledge, or 
are calculated to bring new recruits into the ranks. Yet, there is here one 
danger to be avoided—that of seeking to learn by books alone that which 
can only be acquired by books and specimens. Against this the late Professor 
Edward Forbes cautioned his students, in the address delivered by him in 
Edinburgh on the first of November, 1854, when entering on those duties 
which, unhappily for science, were so soon brought to a close. We shall 
quote his words, as they carry with them an authority derived in part 
from the reverential regard which attaches to his name, and in part from 
the circumstances under which they were uttered :— 
“Were we to form our opinion from the number of books on all branches of 
the science issued almost monthly from the press in Britain alone, and perused 
with avidity, we might suppose ourselves a nation of naturalists. We are too well 
aware of the wide-spread ignorance of these studies. The fact is this, the books 
in question are bought and read—the interesting statements they contain excite 
momentary attention and pleasure; even scientific classifications seem pleasing, 
because suggestive of well digested order. But the knowledge so gained is word- 
knowledge only. Now, this kind of knowledge can take no root unless accom¬ 
panied by a knowledge of things and beings.’’ 
The excellent series of natural history books issued by Mr. Peeve is 
not likely to produce such results. We have carefully examined those 
whose titles appear at the head of the present article, and can say that 
they are eminently fitted to tempt the youthful student out to the woods 
and fields, to the sea shore, and to those land-locked bays where the 
dredge can be used with the happiest effect. The natural objects will 
send the youth to the volumes wherein they are figured and described ; 
the volumes will send him back to the objects for further observations on 
the living animals and their allied species. 
We have here before us, birds, shells, insects, and zoophytes. Each 
subject is copiously illustrated, the figures are good, and in general the 
same remark will apply to the colouring. Had we been beside the colour- 
artist when engaged in his task, we would have felt disposed now and then 
to whisper in his ear, “ o’erstep not the modesty of naturebut it is 
seldom that such a caution would have been required; and there are 
instances in which our richest tints fall short of the gorgeous hues of 
nature. Each volume is by an author whose name is a guarantee for the 
character of the book ; and each has done his best to make it both useful 
and attractive. When Elia, in his amusing enumeration of “ books that 
