Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 1 (1897).djvu/510

482 "The occurrence of the Beaver in Norway at the present time is chiefly confined to the Stifts of Christiania and Christiansand (the Amt of Nedenæs, as well as that of Lister and Mandal)... The largest tribe is at present located in the middle and southern parts of the river Nisser (or Nid), in Nedenæs Amt."

In 1883 Professor Collett estimated the number of surviving Beavers as about a hundred, and we are glad to read that "it may be regarded as probable that, since that time, the number has been maintained, or possibly somewhat increased."

Twelve photographic plates afford beautiful representations of the natural homes and tree-felling powers of this once abundant animal.

recent years there have been published several illustrated general Natural Histories. We might mention, in sequence, Wood's, Cassell's, and the "Royal." Of handy, condensed, or concise volumes on the subject, Baird's 'Student's Natural History' still held the field for handy reference to a busy man, a student, or a specialist outside his own study. Baird's volume referred to the "Animal, Vegetable, and Mineral Kingdoms"; and at least Plants should form a subject when the term "Natural History" is employed. We therefore prefer to consider this publication as devoted to a concise knowledge of Zoology, and if we cannot rely on the information provided by such a specially strong staff of authorities as have written the volume under notice, then should our faith be in vain. Most of the names of the writers are household words on their subjects. With Lydekker on Mammals, and Sharpe on Birds, and Woodward on Mollusca, we recognize old friends and old instructors; while the names of Garstang, Bather, and Bernard are linked with the groups they study. Mr, Kirby has written much on insects, but