A Book of Curious Contributions to Natural History.
By JOHN TIMBS.
With Illustrations by Zwecker. Post 8vo. 6s. cloth.
"Amongst all the books of the season that will be studied with pleasure as well as profit, by girls as well as boys, there is not one more meritorious in aim, or more successful in execution, than Strange Stories of the Animal World. In his Preface to this useful compilation, the author of Things not generally Known says that he has endeavoured 'to present wonders free from that love of exaggeration which besets narratives of Natural History.'"—Athenæum.
"An excellent selection of bird and beast tales, taken by that clever and judicious book-maker, excellent Mr. John Timbs."—Saturday Review.
"Mr. Timbs has never, perhaps, compounded a more attractive book."—Examiner.
"This volume on the Animal World, by Mr. Timbs—the most industrious and interesting of compilers—will delight those model children who like only what is 'quite true,' and may also contribute to awaken in all children that great good taste, a love for Natural History."—Notes and Queries.
"An admirable collection of anecdotes: the matter is very carefully compiled and very well digested. Great praise is due to the author for his careful research."—London Review.
"The care and research which are evident in this volume of Mr. Timbs's are very creditable to him; and they have enabled him to present us with a book which will be a favourite one with young and old."—Churchman.
"The work, which we cordially recommend, is very nicely illustrated."—Illustrated Times.
"This book will furnish instructive amusement for the long winter evenings to all lovers of Nature's wonders."—Morning Post.
GRIFFITH AND FARRAN, ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Annals of England, vol. i. 1855.
[2] Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, N. S. No. 1, 1858.
[3] The Rivers, Mountains, and Sea-Coasts of Yorkshire, 2d edit. 1855.
[4] It must have been a proud day for John Aubrey, the Wiltshire antiquary, when he attended Charles II. and the Duke of York on their visit to Abury, which the King was told at a meeting of the Royal Society, in 1663 (soon after its formation), as much excelled Stonehenge as a cathedral does a parish church. In leaving Abury, the King "cast his eie on Silbury Hill, about a mile off," and with the Duke of York, Dr. Charlton, and Aubrey, he walked up to the top of it. Dr. Stukeley, in his account of Abury, published in 1743, probably refers to another royal visit, when he notes: "Some old people remember Charles II., the Duke of York, and the Duke of Monmouth, riding up Silbury Hill."