The Sun.
London, England, 1861-11-29 00:00:00

flock, which appeared almost white but a moment
before, is converted into crimson by the sudden dis-
play of the rel lining of their wings." The &How-
jag curious p::sz7..ge relates to

31UolCAL SEA SOUNDS

" On ths ockss :on of a visit which I made to Lit tioaloa,
in September, 1348, I made some inquiries relative to a
story which ha.] reached me of rousica sounds, said to be
often heard issuing front the bottom of the lake, at several
places, both above and below the ferry opposite the old
DutcliFort, and which the natives supposed toproceed front
some fish peculiar to the locality. The report was confirmed
in all its particulars, and one of the spots whence the sounds
proceed was pointed out between the pier and a rock that
intersects the channel two or three hundred yards to the
eastward. They wore said to be heard at night, and most
distinctly when the moon was nearest the full, and they
were described as resembling the faint sweet notes of an
sEolian harp. I sent for seine of the fishermen, who said
they wero perfectly aware of the fact, and that their fathers
had always known of the existence of the musical sounds,
heard, they said, at the spot alluded to, hut only during the
dry season, as they cease when the lake is swollen by the
freshes s fter the rain. They believed them to proceed not
flora a fish, but from a shell, NA hich is known by the Tamil
name of (conic cooleeroo cradoo, or) the crying shell,' a
name iu which the sound seems to have been adopted as an
echo to the sense. I sent them in search of the shell, and
they returned bringing me sonic living specimens of different
shells, chiefly littorina and ccrithinni."
Another feature of interest in this remarkable island
is thus noticed : " Ceylon has long been renowned
for the beauty and variety of the shells which
abound in its seas and inland waters." In the
chapter on " Insects again we meet with most
pleasing information, Tho description here given
is very fascinating—
" Owing to the favourable combination of heat, moisture,
and vegetation, the myriads of insects in Ceylon form one
of the characteristic features of the island. In the solitude
andof
intheefloordeisotussthhearme perpetuali,swahioh frequently music from
tthoe iar
startling;so ot h n
sound, as the cicada trills his sonorous drum on the hollow
bark of some tall tree. At mornin g the dew hangs in diamond
swells
drops on the threads and gossamer which the spiders sus-
pend across every pathway ; and above the pool, dragon-
flies of more than metallic lustre flash in the early sun-
beams. The earth teems with countless ants which emergo
from beneath its surface, or make their devious highways
to ascend to their nests in the trees; lustrous beetles with
their golden lustre bask in the leaves, whilst minuter species
dash through the air in circles which the ear can follow by
the booming of their tiny wings. Butterflies of large size,
and gorgeous colouring, flutter oNer the endless expanse of
flowers, and at times the extraordinary sight presents itself
of flights of these delicate creatures, generally of a white or
pals yellow hue, apparently miles in breadth and of such pro-
digious extension as to occupy hours, and even days in their
passage, whence coming no one knows, whither going none
can tell. As day declines the moths_ come from their re-

treats, the crickets add their shrill voices to swell the din,
and when darkness descends the eye is charmed with the
millions of emerald lamps lighted up by the fire•fliea
amidst the surrounding gloom."

There are nearly a hundred illustrations in this
book, which are executed with a considerable
amount of artistic skill, and afford the most desira-
ble means of obtaining a correct idea regarding the
various animals that are mentioned in these pages.
It would be difficult to over-estimate the amount of
information that is afforded by this admirable work
on the "Natural History of Ceylon." In an agree-
able style and superior manner we are presented
with most interesting details, regarding subjeets'of
which no one would willingly remain in ignorance.
Hence, there is no doubt but that the reading com-
munity will concur in agreeing that they are
under a vast obligation to the learned author who
has thus put before them a work so rich in illustra-
tive anecdote, and so stored with intellectual re-
search. The sublimity and beauty of nature in all

her various forms and diverse attributes attest the

majesty of the Creator in words that are mighty
to impress and works that are landmarks for all
ages. A volume of this class can never fail to be
successful, alike for its intrinsic merit as from its
peculiar interest and manifold attractions, and Sir
J. Emerson Tennant may be congratulated on
having added this welcome supplementary book to
the great work which before so contributed
to his fame and spread abroad his renown.

Beelon's illuminated _Family Bible. Part 111.
We have previously noticed this work in terms
of approval. The designs are from Julius Snorr
and other artists ; the illuminated initials and bar-
deriugs by Noel Humphreys. The grace and readi-
ness of the latter artist must be familiar to all who
have seen an illustrated edition of one of the poets ;
they have rendered him conspicuous in his particu-
lar line. The present number is in no way inferior
to the two former ones, and, when completed, this
will be a very beautiful edition of the Holy Scrip-
tures.

Home Pets. Parts I. to V. Boston.: Strand.

This will be a most delightful series for all young
people, and is not without its attractions for older
folks, if they interest themselves in keeping pets.
The parrot tribes, finches, ravens and their kind,
and thrushes of all descriptions, are treated of in
these parts. The forthcoming ones are to include
pigeons, poultry, water-fowl, rabbits, dogs, gold
and 'Silver fish, and even owls, hawks, and their
tribes. As is justly observed in the introduction,
instructions relative to the proper treatment of
domestic pets are generally contained in books
whose price confines them to a very small circle;
whereas, as we all know, persons in very humble
circumstances are often the possessors of a little
companion of the lower species. It is no uncom-
mon thing to see a blackbird or thrush enlivening
the stall of a cobbler, who could certainly not
afford five or six shillings for a handsome volume.
Threepence is, however, a very different sum, and
anyone who can manage to keep a pet can certainly
contrive to spare it in order to learn how to keep
it properly. Ignorance often leads to cruelty,
which the culprit would shrink from if he knew
something of the bird or animal's real wants. The
series before us undertakes to give simple, sound,
and practical information on every subject con-
nected with the keeping of pets. "Oar labour,"
adds the editor, " has been lightened by the con-
sciousness that many a cage, kennel, dovecot, and
dormer, will henceforth contain, in the place of a
moping, unclean, disease-wasted tenant, a merry
creature, happy and joyous in its life, and ever eager
to testify to its keeper, in its own best 'way, the
most unbounded satisfaction." We must not omit

to mention that every alterate part is adorned with
a beautiful coloured plate from paintings by Har-
rison Weir,

Baton's Book of Garden Management. Parts
I. and 11. Price Threepence. Beeton: Strand.
We have here another of the useful little works
now publishing by Messrs. Beeton. It is issued in
monthly parts at a very low price, and is likely to
be acceptable to all who are fortunate enough to
possess a strip of garden, and who are anxious,
whether from motives of economy or love of botany,
to superintend its cultivation.

BANK OF ENGLAND.

An Account, pursuant to I
cap. 32, fur the week ending
of Nov., 1861:

he Act 7th and Bth
on Wednesday, the 27th day

'ARTMENT.