(1) THE second volume of “Nature-study” consists of three parts. The first of these is composed of chapters by Mr. O. H. Latter on sundry disconnected topics—some insects, centipedes, spiders, a mussel, and a snail. The second, written by Miss Newbigin, treats of fresh-water and marine aquaria. The last describes the haunts of animals and methods of field observation. It is due to Prof. Arthur Thomson. With such able coadjutors, the editor could hardly fail to produce a work of permanent value and of practical suggestiveness. The articles, taken singly, are excellent. The subjects are treated with accuracy and first-hand knowledge; practical difficulties are faced and often solved; lines of thought are suggested from a single fact. The only thing lacking is a better coordination between the topics, and the want of it has led, in this volume, to a regrettable amount of repetition. Mr. Latter describes, for example, the water-beetle and its life-history. Miss Newbigin repeats the story in connection with aquaria, and Prof. Thomson refers to it again in dealing with fresh-water faunas. Thus we have five figures of the same beetle and four of its larva (not always consistent). It is called Dyticus at first and Dytiscus afterwards. Repetition also occurs in text and figure as regards the gnat, the pond-mussel, certain fish and hydroids. The text in other respects is not edited with care. Thus, with respect to the keeping of the pond-mussel, two of the contributors make contrary statements. These blemishes apart, the work is one that will give much pleasure and information to students of animal life, and stimulate to closer observation. The illustrations are of unequal merit, and many might have been saved or greater variety employed by a keener editor. The anatomical diagram at the commencement represents the structure of the pond-mussel.