A iventures of a Young Naturalist

Abstract

THIS is a narrative of travel in Mexico, intended especially for young people interested in Natural History. The party consists of a young lad the hero, his father, a Swiss naturalist who does all the moralising, a dog, and one of those half-bred Indians who know everything and can do everything, who are such a bore in most books of Western travel. Though written in a somewhat pedantic style, we have no doubt it will find many admirers among our adventure loving young readers, the country described being one of unsurpassed beauty and interest. For our own part, we should decidedly object to being cross-examined in the following manner before being allowed to eat our breakfast. “Do you know the family of the animal we are going to have for breakfast?” asked Sumichrast. “Yes; it is a Rodent.” “Well done; but how did you recognise it to be so?” “By the absence of canine teeth in its jaws, its large incisors, and its hind-legs being longer than its fore-legs.” Especially if the lesson were given in such a confused style as this:— “The bird belongs to the family of Climbers, that is to say, to that order which have two toes in front of their claws and two behind, like your great friends the parrots.” Still the young naturalist will find in the book much that is interesting and amusing; and the numerous illustrations and gorgeous binding will make it an acceptable present during the Christmas season.