These are excellent to give to schoolmasters or persons with some education and knowledge of history, but needing further elucidation of ‘turning-points.’
818. English Church History. By C. M. Yonge. (National Society) 1s. 6d. and 2s.
An easy account. Meant for schools.
819. Lights and Shadows of Church History. By the Rev. W. Hardman. 4s.
A series of excellent brief sermon lectures on the most noted facts in the growth of the Church. It has the merit of not being too long, and is fit for readers of superior education.
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.