REVIEWS. 
19 
The Phytologist and Zoologist : Popular Monthly Miscellanies of 
Natural History. Edited by E. Newman, F.L.S., Member Imp. L.C, 
Acad., President of the Entomological Society, London, Monthly 
parts, Is. each; 8vo. London : John Van Voorst. 
The above periodicals are issued monthly in a separate form, under the 
same able editorship, to enable those whose studies are confined either to 
Zoological or Botanical research, to provide themselves, at a trifling ex¬ 
pense, with a journal giving accurately the most recent information in their 
favourite branches of study. The importance of periodicals such as these 
are, in controlling and directing the researches of independent observers, 
who, from circumstances, are removed from personal intercourse with their 
fellow-naturalists, is difficult to appreciate. Some estimate of it may be 
formed by observing how deeply our best writers are indebted to the records 
preserved in them for the riches that adorn their pages. A modern work 
of any standing on British natural history, can scarce be opened without 
finding in it frequent reference to the Zoologist or Phytologist as sources 
on the authority of which statements are with confidence made; while a 
glance at the contents of even a single number will amply convince how 
useful such a periodical must be to all who love to woo nature for her own 
sake. Their pages contain local lists, carefully and accurately compiled, 
thus enabling the student to compare the flora or fauna of his own imme¬ 
diate locality with others, which probably he would never be able to visit; 
notes of the occurrence of rare species, both in the animal and vegetable 
kingdom, are recorded; correspondence between naturalists, often of a most 
interesting character, and always such as is calculated to promote those 
friendly feelings which should always characterize the lovers and seekers 
after truth. Proceedings of societies are noted, thus providing the student 
with a notice of whatever is doing in the natural-history world. To these 
are added Notices of New Books, which last, owing to the pressure of im¬ 
portant original matter, are by no means either frequent or full. We hope 
this hurried review of the contents and objects of these valued periodicals 
may help to induce some of our readers to enlist themselves among their 
subscribers for the coming year, as we fear that they are not as well 
supported on this side of the Channel as their merits deserve. If a 
guarantee were wanting for the able management of these two works, we 
need only mention E. Newman, Esq., the able and esteemed president of 
the Entomological Society, as their editor, whose experience and judgment 
are acknowledged by all those who would be likely to read, or able to judge 
of their merits. 
