(1) Reptiles and Batrachians (2) Some South Indian Insects and Other Animals of Importance, considered especially from an economic point of view

Abstract

(1) THE prominent features of this convenient volume are the notes on habits, and the illustrations—mostly prints of photographs from life taken by Mr. W. S. Berridge in the Zoological Society's Gardens. Comparative anatomy and the general principles of vertebrate zoology do not come within its scope; but a knowledge of these things being taken for granted, the two classes of reptilia and amphibia are surveyed as detached assemblages. Much after the fashion of the best type of museum catalogue, the distinctive characters of every subordinate group of each class are defined, and the geographical distribution of the minor groups determined; and, much after the fashion of the best type of guide-book, the notable species are succinctly characterised and carefully considered as objects of living interest. A vast amount of well-arranged and easily assimilated information is thus presented to the intelligent reader, not only in respect of structural features, taxonomic relations, life-history, habits, range, and mode of life, but also with regard to popular beliefs and native (superstitions, economic bearings, and numerous other matters of interest. Beyond this the author, as one of the curators of the Zoological Society's Gardens, has taken every opportunity of recording. interesting facts concerning the behaviour, adaptability, and treatment of reptiles and batrachians in captivity, and of noting their peculiarities, preferences, and other interesting phenomena of their growth and being.

(1) Reptiles and Batrachians.

By E. G. Boulenger. Pp. xiv + 278. (London: J. M. Dent and Sons, Ltd., n.d.) Price 16s. net.

(2) Some South Indian Insects and Other Animals of Importance, considered especially from an economic point of view.

By T. Bainbridge Fletcher. Pp. xxii + 565. (Madras: Government Press, 1914.) Price 9s.