THE AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST. 9 
Bush Calendar;’’ but a newspaper article is one thing, and 
a permanent record in the shape of a book is another. And 
it was just such a little work as this for which the author’s 
many friends were waiting ; nor have they been disappointed. 
In turning over the pages of ‘‘A Bush Calendar,’’ the reader 
almost feels that he or she can hear the birds depicted there 
twittering ; that he or she can detect the fragrance and fresh- 
ness of the bush. Admirably written, it is equally admirably 
illustrated. Indeed, it seems almost impossible to pick out 
one picture that excels another either in fidelity to Nature 
or delicacy of treatment. The book is aptly termed ‘‘A Bush 
Calendar,’’ for it commences with early spring (August), 
when everything is just coming into life, and month by 
month takes one through the year to the close of winter . 
(July). For each month there is a list of plants that are to 
be found blooming, a list of birds arriving or departing, and, 
as the case may be, a list of those breeding. | That every 
month and every season hag its own particular charm, and 
that the enjoyment of these charms are within the reach of 
all, ‘‘A Bush Calendar’’ bears eloquent testimony. [‘‘A 
Bush Calendar,’”’ by Amy E. Mack; Angus and Robertson, 
Sydney, publishers; 3s. 6d.] 
Destructive Insects.—Mr. C. French, F.L.S., F.E.S., 
Government Entomologist of Victoria, has just issued Part 
IV. of his ‘‘Handbook to the Destructive Insects of Vic- 
toria.”’” [Melbourne: Osboldstone and Co., pp. 195, price 
2s. 6d.]. The work contains brief descriptions and details ot 
the life-histories of a number of destructive insects common 
to Victoria, and, for that matter, New South Wales, and 
these are illustrated by twenty coloured plates, all of which 
should be helpful to the husbandman. In addition to the 
above, the work contains reprints of the Vegetation Diseases 
Acts, and coloured illustrations, and popular descriptions of 
a number of our native feathered friends that render valu- 
able assistance by the destruction of orchard and garden in- 
sects. The work is one that will repay perusal, and it is also 
one that should be in the library of every naturalist. The 
Victorian Government is doing good work in publishing the | 
results of Mr. French’s mature experience, but it is a pity 
that such a long period of time is allowed to elapse between 
the publication of the different parts. Mr. French tells us 
that he has manuscript and plates ready and waiting for 
Parts V. and VI., but he will be a veritable patriarch when 
the latter part is published—that is, if the present rate of 
progress be observed, a fact which is not very encouraging to 
the author should he be contemplating an additional number, 
