NATURAL HISTORY.
I have not found natural history popular in libraries. Indeed, I have known a magazine given up because there was too much of it. The children have a large amount of it in their Readers at school, where they like it, as it is a less dry subject than is presented by many of their lessons. If they belong to the Band of Mercy they sometimes have to get up the subject, and there is no doubt that this conduces to the cure of wanton cruelty. But though, as an alternative to a real study, children will enjoy an anecdote, and though a master, mistress, or friend can lead them to use their eyes and assist in some pursuit or collection, it is only the exceptional ones with a developed taste who will voluntarily read more than an occasional story. Where there is a real taste in one direction, technical books can be supplied, but the aim of the lending library can only be to give out works of general information or interest, such as may lead to a love of nature, prevent wanton or careless barbarity, and possibly excite a wholesome taste in some special direction. The S.P.C.K. has excellent technical and popular manuals, but these are fit for those who wish to study their subject, and should be possessed, not borrowed.
For lending may be suggested:—
820. Population of an Old Pear Tree. From the French of Van Bruyssell. (Macmillan) 4s. 6d.
Capitally illustrated, and full of loveliness of description of the insect inhabitants of the tree.
821. Chapters on Popular Natural History. By Sir J. Lubbock. (National Society) 1s. 6d. and 2s.
Though published as a reading book, this is better for lending.
822. Outdoor Common Birds. Eighty illustrations. (Warne) 1s. 6d.
Even country children need this. They observe birds very little, and hardly know the names of any; even local provincial names are few, and they need to learn not to regard birds as enemies to be robbed and slaughtered.
823. Our Dogs. By Mrs. Beecher Stowe. (Nelson) 1s.
Real dogs—very good for readings and prizes for a Band of Mercy.
824. Songs of Animal Life. By Mary Howitt. (Nelson) 1s.
825. With the Birds. By Mary Howitt. (Nelson) 1s.
Perhaps children have come to look on poetry as necessarily lessons. If not, these are excellent gift-books for little ones.
826. Talks with Uncle Richard about Wild Animals. By Mrs. Cupples. (Nelson) 1s. 6d.
827. Stories of the Cat and her Cousins. By Mrs. Surr. (Nelson) 1s. 6d.
828. Stories of the Dog and his Cousins. By Mrs. Surr. (Nelson) 1s. 6d.
829. Tappy’s Chicks. By Mrs. Cupples. (Sonnenschein) 2s. 6d.
Interesting stories of animal life.
830. Homes without Hands. By the Rev. J. G. Wood. (Longmans) 10s. 6d.
Very delightful accounts of the constructions of moles, bees, &c.
831. Hidden Homes. By M. A. Paull. (Nisbet) 2s. 6d.
Many of the same facts as in Mr. Wood’s book, but made easy and put into a story. The ants and bees tell their habits pleasantly.
832. Birds’ Nests and Eggs. By the Rev. C. A. Johns. (S.P.C.K.) 3s.
Encouragement in birds’ nesting is not desirable, but if there be a school museum such a book as this is wanted.
833. Bird Songs and Bird Pictures. (R.T.S.) 1s.
834. Homes of the Birds. (Nelson) 2s.
835. Lessons taught by Dumb Animals. (S.P.C.K.) 8d.
836. Jenny and the Insects. (Nelson) 2s.
837. Botany Reading Books. (National Society) 1s. and 1s. 8d.
838. Rambles in Search of Wild Flowers. By Miss Plues. (Bell) 7s. 6d.
This is a real manual by which the names of English flowers may be found.
839. The Herb of the Field. By C. M. Yonge. (Macmillan) 6s.
Easy botany for young children.
840. Apples and Oranges. By Mrs. Dyson. (R.T.S.) 3s. 6d.
An excellent book, giving the marvellous structure and history of fruits in a delightful manner, fit for any reader.
841. White’s Selborne. (Macmillan) 6s. (Walter Scott) 1s.
842. Sea Monsters and Sea Birds. By Dr. G. Hartwig. (Longmans) 2s. 6d.
843. Wild Animals of the Tropics. By Dr. G. Hartwig. (Longmans) 3s. 6d.
844. Wild Animals of the Bible. By the Rev. J. G. Wood. (Longmans) 3s. 6d.
845. Homes under the Ground. By the Rev. J. G. Wood. (Longmans) 3s. 6d.
These are full of anecdote and interest for young people.
