New-York tribune., 1886-08-28
ANIMALS IN LI1ERA1TRE.

The number of close studrnts of nature possessing
the literary gift bas always been small, but there
is no kind Of literature more fascinating than this.
and few kinds which lind more interested audience.
Observation of Natures moods and her infinite
variety 10 doubtless more common than the record
of it. The study OF animal life and habits whether
free or in captivity. is always full OF interest.
Such writer's as Thoreau. Burroughs. Jefries. DR..
J. G. Wood, Dr. John Browb, John Muir Water
ton. White of Selborne Jessv, appeal to feelings
and ikings common to most healthy minded
people Perhaps il these days of rush and hurry
the ouix and rest of rural life the peace and still
ness of the woods. possess special attraction and
empses of unsophisticated nature are refreshing
beyond the common wort. 1t is, therefore, somewhat
strange that no enterprisng Publisher should yet
have bethought himself Of q series Of volumes de-
voted to those subjects. What is wanted is not
scientific series; not naturalists library Of such
books there are plenty extant; but q series dealing
y th animal life as observ ed in nature and domes-
tication.
The material for such an undertaking already in
existence IS considerable. There plenty Of
volumes on particular animals, though many Of
these arc moro scientific than is desirable tor
popular reading. There are also many u aturaliSts
who have followed specialize. and know how to
make the record OF their observations interesting.
The aim shoud be. we think to combiue nstruc-
ton with amusement. DR.. J. q. Wood has shown
what can be done in collecting anecdotes about
animals and White and Jessy and Waterton and O
score Of others have accumulated most delightful
descriptions and original studies in littl known
directions Such series as are thinking of
should comprise u volume on dogs anc ther
horses another on cats, another on birds, another
ON squirrels. moes and such small deer. another
perhaps on bees and ants, with plenty O: a. after
from Sir John Lubbock in illustration, mother on
other insects. Then volume on snakes though
at gruesome would be full OF interest. while
the anglers would have to be conciliated with one
on fish Such q series. well edited, and freely IN
terspersed with studies OF scenery such as many
living writers could furnish. would it seems proba-
bio, be welcomed heartily b., the public, and if in
final volume toe opinions which have obtained con-
cerning the purposes and ultimate destiny of the
animal creation were gathered together it would
complete the collection appropriately.
OF course IL would be in order to include wild
beasts in such series, though this must extend
the undertaking considerably. In the case OF
animals having any relation to commerce useful
statistics might bo added. and some account of
whatever manufacturing processes were concerned.
A wider dissemination Of know ledge about the
habits OF animals-whas the French would call
their ris iahme-however. should DO tho chief
end sought Thero 10 no probability that mankind
will ever know much more than the surface Of
animal life. From acquaintance with th, Interior
consciousness Of oil these creatures which either