A Text-book of Zoology; treated from a Biological Standpoint

Abstract

THE first part of this school text-book was noticed in our issue of August 23, 1900, and with the publication of Part iii. the work is completed. Considering the fulness with which it is illustrated, and the somewhat restricted circulation of treatises devoted to zoological subjects, the work is a marvel of cheapness; and the manner in which it is turned out reflects the greatest credit on the publishers. Allusion has been previously made to the popular and interesting style in which it is written; and as examples of clear and accurate treatment of somewhat difficult subjects we may call attention to the description, in Part ii., of a bird's respiration while on the wing, and the manner in which the flight-feathers present either an impervious barrier or an easily traversed sieve to the air according to the exigencies of flight at the moment. The descriptions of these functions are, indeed, decidedly better than in any other text-book with which we are acquainted; and they are by no means solitary instances, both in the vertebrate and invertebrate parts. Again, the diagram of the circulation of the carp on p. 274 may be cited as an excellent example of clearness. And it may be confidently affirmed that, so far as physiology and habits are concerned, the work is for the most part all that can be desired.

A Text-book of Zoology; treated from a Biological Standpoint.

Dr. O. Schmeil. Translated by R. Rosenstock, and edited by J. T. Cunningham. Parts ii. and iii. Reptiles to Invertebrates. (London: A. and C. Black, 1900.)