Chapter 5

LARVÆ AND IMAGO OF CASE FLY.

The movements of these creatures are as comical as their specimens of tailoring. We see them mounting a stem or leaf with great gravity, when suddenly up goes the tail, the legs hold tight, and the case turns completely over, as if on the first of May, Jack-in-the-green were to dance on his head. When the creature is hidden, and the case sways to and fro like a buoy attached by too short a rope, the sight is very curious. This case-maker is the larva from a fly which bears resemblances to the two families which stand on either side of it—theLepidoptera, or true butterflies, and theNeuroptera, of which the dragon flies and other membranaceous winged insects are members. As soon as he enters the world, he begins to show his skill in tailoring, and by means of silken threads and gluten constructs his case of bits of stick, straw, dead leaves, or shells, in fact, whatever he can get, and as long as he retains the worm-like form the case is his castle, and he can defy the world. The case outside is generally a rough affair, but if you draw out the cad you will see that inside it is perfectly cylindrical, smooth, and polished, and around the doorway, through which the larva makes acquaintance with the world, it is neatly finished with a very circular rim. When you have removed a cad, if you throw him into a tank you will learnin an instant what is the use of his case, for his soft nakedness is no sooner exposed, than the minnows finish him, and find the flavour excellent. But to see a cad in his proper uniform molested is a very rare sight indeed. He passes his larva life innocently, and is an amusing fellow; when he feels the numbness of death creeping over him, the cad draws in his six legs, and sets to work inside to weave a winding-sheet and to shut the shutters, for he knows that his time is come, and there is no one to do such melancholy offices for him. All alone in his solitary cell, the hermit works day and night, and hourly his fingers grow more feeble. We look and find the shutters closed, and by this time the larva has changed into a pupa.

GRATING OF CASE-WORM, MAGNIFIED.

The mode in which the worm closes its cell is curious enough. Over its entrance it weaves a grating of silk, which hardens in water and remains insoluble. It may be seen very plainly by the naked eye, but under a good lens increases in interest. The grating is placed a little inside the margin of the opening, and fits exactly within it, and its object is to protect the pupa from invasion,and at the same time, to admit water for respiration. De Geer describes one of these gratings in which the pierced holes were disposed in concentric circles, as represented in the engraving. This, however, is not, as far as I am aware, the usual form of the grating, many that I have examined were formed in regular rays from a centre like the spokes of a wheel.

But the escape of the pupa, when about to undergo its last metamorphosis, is as interesting as the fact of its closing the shutters to announce its own death. It is provided with a pair of hooked mandibles, with which to gnaw through the grating, and no sooner have these accomplished their purpose than they fall off, and the pupa takes its last shape of a four winged fly, as represented in the cut.

CHAPTER V.

COLEOPTERA.

The beetle tribe are distinguished from other insects by the possession ofelytra, or wing-cases; which wing-cases are, with regard to the typical structure of an insect, to be regarded as really the first pair of wings hardened into a horn-like consistence to protect the others. The wing-cases are of little or no use in flight, this action being accomplished by means of the second pair, or the true wings, which are generally of large size, and when not in use are neatly folded up beneath the elytra. The division of the body into three parts—head, thorax, and abdomen—is very plain to the eye; but the segments,of which the several parts are composed, are frequently so consolidated that it is difficult to detect or count them. For instance, the thorax, theoretically, consists of three segments; but, practically, the first of these is usually so largely developed as to appear to constitute the thorax in itself. The (theoretical) nine segments of the abdomen are, in like manner, reduced to six or seven, in consequence of the last two or three being consolidated into one.

The order is an immense one, as to its range and variety, and hence there are in it many curious exceptions to the general conformation of a beetle. Some are utterly incapable of flight, owing to the non-possession of elytra, or wings; some have elytra only; and in some the elytra meet and unite along the suture; so that, if the insect had wings underneath, it would be impossible for it to use them.

The specimens of coleoptera, kept in the water-cabinet, are among the most interesting of the whole collection, whether in the larva or imago form; and to this order we are indebted for a large number of aquatic species, that may be kept in jars, and some few that may be introduced without danger to the tank.

Dytiscus Marginalisis one of the handsomest of water-beetles, and its habits are amusing and instructive. It possesses an insatiable appetite, and great muscular power, as we soon discover when removing it from one jar to another, for if it succeeds in planting its claws firmly on the edge of the vessel, it is difficult to move it. It belongs to the large tribe ofaquatic carnivora, rangedin the sectionPentamera, in which the tarsi of all the feet are five-jointed, the fourth being of ordinary size.

DYTISCUS AND LARVA (REDUCED).

TheDytiscusis a true water-beetle, being aquatic in both its larva and perfect forms. The larva, known as the water-tiger, is found in plenty in the muddy ditches round London, and is a strong, stubborn, ugly, and ravenous worm, with a tail formed for respiration, and curved mandibles to tear its prey to pieces. It is very active, and may be kept without difficulty; but nothing else should be placed in the same jar, unless intended as food for this savage. A small fish thrown is eagerly clutched, and held firm by the claws; and the larva then plunges its mandibles into it, and is soon buried head-deep in the mangled body of its prey. I have generally fed them on beef, but they prefer small fish, or larva ofthe dragon-fly, and do not go through their metamorphosis well without such food.

The imago is a handsome creature, with strong hooked claws, furnished with amber hairs, which, under a lens, resemble very closely the claws of a crab. The elytra are beautifully tinted with rich green and bronze, and the divisions of the head and thorax separated from the abdomen by sharp, whitish lines. Small fishes make the best diet for this beetle; but as this food fouls the water, it is best to keep them in clear jars, with a few pebbles and weeds, and once a week remove them to another vessel, to be fed. This plan preserves the brightness of the beetle jar, and prevents the annoyance of effluvia.

Hydrous Piceus.—This is the largest of our native aquatic beetles, and, with the exception of the stag-beetle, it exceeds in bulk any other species of indigenous Coleoptera. It is common in the brooks and ponds in southern counties, but becomes rare as we travel northwards. In the larva state this is a rapacious and bloodthirsty insect, and of so destructive a character as to deserve its French name ofver-assassin. In that early condition it resembles a large soft worm, of a somewhat conical form, provided with six feet, and having its large scaly head armed with two formidable jaws. The head moves with such freedom in all directions, that it can readily seize small shell-fish and other mollusca floating on the surface, without altering the horizontal position of the body maintained in swimming; and it is even bent backwards, and devours its prey more conveniently by using the back as a kind of support. These larvæ swimwith facility, and have two fleshy appendages at the tail, by means of which they suspend themselves at the surface with their heads downwards, when they have occasion to respire (Cuvier). The beetle differs greatly in habit from the grub; it is by no means carnivorous, but quite harmless, docile, playful, and tameable. It is a noble creature for the cabinet, and may even be kept in the Aquarium safely. In its complete form it is as interesting for its gentleness as it is in the larva state for its rapacity and destructiveness. The female spins an elegant and waterproof cocoon for the reception of its eggs, and when they are deposited she watches them with a maternal solicitude not frequently exhibited by creatures of this family.

HYDROUS PICEUS.

The hydrous piceus is here represented of the natural size; the ground colour is black, with a shade of bronze, and the margins of the elytra are tinged with green and purple. Each wing case is marked with dotted lines, the breast is dingy yellow, and the antennæ and organs of the mouth dull red. The legs are black, and the hairs which fringe the tarsi reddish brown.

COLYMBETES.

Colymbetes, of several species, may be obtained in plenty from clear brooks in every part of the country. These are elegantly-formed and lively beetles; their elytra, legs, thorax, head, and breast of the same jet-black hue, and highly burnished, though, when immersed, the breast and abdomen glisten with an intensely metallic silvery lustre, owing to the film of atmospheric air which the beetle obtains from the surface, and which adheres to the hairy covering of the abdomen. This silvery species is here represented in its natural size. They are comparatively harmless, though I have just witnessed the demiseof one that was attacked and eaten by his pretty kindred, the wing-cases and head only remaining to testify of his former individuality. This is a delicate beetle, that requires very pure water and a neat arrangement of aquatic plants, to give full effect to its beauty as a cabinet specimen, and, when carefully preserved, a jar of them forms a conspicuous and attractive object. I have several specimens of a smaller species in a very fine jar of confervoids; they are incessantly in motion, threading their way through the interstices of the delicate vegetation in a business-like way, that seems to say, "I'm on an important errand—have not a moment to lose, and, above all things, I must take care of the bubble of air that sticks to my tail."

Gyrinus Natator.—This is a member of an interesting and pretty family.Gyrinustakes its name from the tendency most of the beetles of the tribe have tomove in circles, and this particular species exemplifies the habit of the tribe in a very striking manner. It is a very sociable beetle, always found in company with others of its kindred, forming little communities, which pass their time in whirling and spinning upon the surface of still pools, like congregations of dancing dervishes. They are as shy as they are nimble, and it requires some dexterity to net them, for they dive and scatter on the approach of a footstep; but if the observer remains quiet a few minutes by the water's edge, or on a plank or bridge above the pool, they soon resume their gambols under his eye, and in the sunshine appear like minute buttons of burnished metal rapidly revolving or darting to and fro upon the surface,and for a length of time, that proves them to be by no means subject to giddiness.

GYRINUS NATATOR.

Thespecies of Gyrinusare not numerous in Britain, not more than eight being known to naturalists; but the paucity of species is compensated by the profuseness of the individuals, and of thesenatatoris the most abundant. When placed under a lens, this beetle bears the form represented in the next page. The colour is blue-black, with a resplendent metallic lustre, in which shades of copper, silver, and bronze occur, as we view it at various angles to the rays of light. The thorax is marked with three transverse lines on each side, of which theanterior one is punctured, and runs parallel with the margin. The elytra are turned in at the sides, and the surface of each is marked with eleven striæ or longitudinal lines, composed of minute punctures. The terminal segment of the abdomen, together with the legs, are of a rust-red.

If we inquire by what means it is enabled to perform its elegant performances on the water, and which very closely resemble those of a skilful skater on the ice, we find that its structure is eminently fitted for such peculiar movements. In the first place, the antennæ are short and thick; if they protruded forward to a great length, as inLongicornes, they would seriously impede the freedom of action, which is the life and joy of this nimble fellow. They are clavate, and consist of seven closely-jointed rings, each antenna being attached by a slender peduncle to the upper and internal edge of a large radical joint furnished with an auricle at its outer side, which, like the lid of a box, shuts in the antennæ when unemployed, and protectsthem from the water (Kirby). The anterior legs are long, and formed for walking or to act as instruments of prehension; the four hinder ones are very short, and ciliated externally, bearing a strong resemblance to the paddle of an oar. "The head is sunk in the thorax as far as the eyes, and the latter are divided by a process from the anterior part of the head, in such a manner that there appear to be two eyes above and two below—a mode of structure admirably adapted to the wants of the insect, which requires at the same time to observe objects both in the air and water." The hinder legs are capable of a free oar-like action, which render thisgyrinusthe most expert of swimmers, and the circular movements are accomplished by the more rapid action of the oars on one side than on the other. So equipped, the whirlwig leads a merry life; he skates away from morning to night, never in fear of being drowned, and seemingly never tired.

CHAPTER VI.

HETEROPTERA.

In the Cuvierian arrangement the land and water bugs stand between the true beetles and butterflies, and in those members of the order which possess wings, the chief characteristic is, that the anterior pair fold nearly horizontally, partly lapping over each other, and are of a leathery texture at the base. The majority of the members of the order are inhabitants of tropical climates, and some of them display colours equal to those of the true beetles. Not a few have the power of emitting powerful odours, insome cases of an agreeable nature, and in others—as the common bed bug—of a most disgusting nature. The order readily separates itself into two great divisions—namely, theGeocorisa, or Land Bugs, and theHydrocorisa, or Water Bugs. Both divisions supply a few specimens for the Water Cabinet, but the most important are those belonging to the second class.

Among the first class in this order the most interesting isHydrometra stagnorum, or the Water-measurer, which may be seen treading the surface of still brooks and rank pools in summer-time, in company with swarms of tipulidan gnats (Chironomi), whirlwigs, and two other aquatic bugs, theGerris locustrisand theVelia currensof Latreille. The Hydrometra is a lively creature, a body so slender as to be little more than a black line half an inch in length, from which the long and angularly-jointed legs proceed in regular pairs. Under the microscope the divisions of the body are very plainly and prettily marked, and the terminal processes of the legs are made after the model of those water-shoes with which a certain clever Norwegian lately undertook to walk on water with nearly as much ease as on land. Whether the mechanician ever succeeded in this enterprise is not on record, but it is on record in the Book of Nature that this, and many other similarly-formed creatures, have found on the aqueous element a safe flooring for their feet ever since the first hour of creation, ere He who equipped them, had sent his Son to walk upon the waves.

NotanectaandNepaare of the same order, but are true water-bugs, formed for diving and sub-aqueous life.TheNotanecta, or Boat-fly, is a rapacious creature, that spends much of its time lying in wait for prey, but which exhibits immense activity when it captures its booty, darting down with it, and holding it firmly by the forelegs, which are formed as claws. It is ingeniously adapted for the predaceous aquatic life it leads; the general form is well adapted for propulsion through water, and the hinder legs have an oar-like form, and are fringed with bristles along the edge, by which their striking surface is much increased. The boat-fly is an artistic swimmer; it varies its motions considerably, and delights in swimming on its back, a feat in which it is aided by its eyes being so placed as to enable it to see both above and below, and thus gain early intelligence of danger, or of the approach of its prey. Owing to their liveliness and voracity, they afford much interest when domesticated, and should be treated as directed forDytiscus.

The Water Scorpion is a good representative of theNepidæ, and has the distinguishing features of its tribe very strongly marked. The Water Scorpion is a very common inhabitant of our brooks, and its singular form quickly arrests the eye of the sportsman when turning over the contents of the drag-net.N. neptuniaandN. cinereaare, perhaps, the most common; and either of these is an admirable object for the microscope. The water-scorpion is the victim of the parasitic water-mite (Hydrachna abstergens), which inserts its egg in the body of the Nepa, and thus compels it to support the young of its worst enemy, a task which it performs at thecost of its life. I have several times introduced theHydrachnainto my jars of Nepa, but have never yet witnessed the parasitic deposit of the eggs. In confinement, the Nepa is the least hardy of any creature in the collection, if the sun strikes the jar it perishes, and it will not live long unless it has means of occasionally leaving the water—hence a broad jar should be used for it, and a small piece of pumice stone should be floated in it, to form an island on which the insects may take refuge.

CHAPTER VII.

THE FROG.—NOTES ON MANAGEMENT.

The Frog.—TheRanidæor true frogs, and theBufoidæor toad tribe, contribute, whether in the larva or perfect form, some very lively, entertaining, and instructive specimens. I am sorry that my space is so limited as to prevent the insertion here of such full notices as this subject deserves, and must content myself by assuring the reader that but little progress can be made in the study of Zoology without a patient study of the history of the frog.

During the spring and summer the brooks abound with what boys call "loggerheads," or tadpoles; these are the larva of the frog. They may be caught easily, and preserved in jars of growing weed, for observation of their development. I have now (August 18th,) several specimens ofBufoidæ, in which even the first stage of metamorphosis has not commenced, though, since June, some hundreds of toads and frogs have attained completeness in my vessels, many of which are now inmates of the garden, some of them exceedingly tame.

In the egg state we find abundance, during April, in every pond and brook, adhering in gelatinous masses to the under leaves of aquatic plants. The eggs gradually acquire a dark tint, and at last the young "tads" emerge, and begin their quiet existence in this first rudimental form. In this state they are very lively in their motions, the eyes are very distinctly visible, and the mouth isplaced, as it were, on the breast. They are not wholly herbivorous; for though they nibble the fronds ofRicciaand threads ofConferva, they do not scruple to eat their dead kindred, and half a dozen may be seen engaged upon the carcase of a defunct brother. In this stage the gills form a fine microscopic object. As the "tad" increases in bulk, the hinder part of the body swells, and at last the budding of the hind legs may be distinctly seen. These at last acquire some degree of completeness, and then the other pair of legs sprout in a similar manner, and the tail begins to shrink rapidly as the general bulk of the reptile increases. The gills now rapidly disappear, and the body grows at the expense of the tail, and before the latter appendage is completely extinguished, the juvenileRanustakes his first dose of atmospheric air, by mounting a leaf of frog-bit or a slice of cork. He now leads an amphibious life, and at last quits the water altogether, climbs up the glass side of the tank or jar, and escapes,unless confined by a glass lid or gauze. But he is now a true frog, delicately mottled, agile in his movements, very clever in jumping and swimming—his tadpole tail entirely absorbed, and his whole system metamorphosed. If he interested us before, he is still more interesting now, for in the structure and economy of his frame Nature reveals phenomena typical of animal life in all its orders and gradations. Hence the frog is the victim of the philosopher; he suffers spasm under the galvanic wire, blindness under the glare of the microscope lamp, tetanus through being dosed with strychnine, and innumerable other agonies in which operators detect analogies that throw a light on the fundamentals of animal life, and that even aid in the explanation of the subtle organism of man himself.

Frog

Management of the Cabinet.—The instructions already given for the management of Aquaria will be found to embrace most of the points involved in the management of beetle and larva jars, for these are but Aquaria on a smaller scale. The chief matter is to separate the species as much as possible, so that the carnivorous kinds shall not destroy the harmless ones; and on this plan the study of each kind is greatly facilitated. Since the jars afford the best means for the culture of choice aquatic specimens of the various kinds ofRiccia,Conferva,Nitella,Lemna, and other minute water-weeds may be used for maintaining the necessary balance ineach, and if some of the vessels are filled with brook-water only, the student will come into possession of many beautiful specimens of both animal and vegetable life, the search for the names and histories of which will be even more profitable than the contemplation of their beauty. The first specimen I ever possessed of the beautiful confervoidHydrodictyon utriculatumwas obtained in this way—the water, after depositing a green sediment, gave birth to a rich net-work of vegetation, in which this conferva was conspicuous. Several of the jars which I prize the most are those which have been simply filled at the brook side, and left for the minute germs of animal and vegetable life to develope in their own way, and it is not long before a rich growth takes place, that affords abundant material for observation with the microscope.Feedingis necessary only in the case of carnivorous larva and beetles, and for these small fish is undoubtedly the best; the herbivorous creatures supply themselves. As a general rule the water in the jars should never be changed; it is by leaving things to themselves that the best display is to be obtained, especially ifcharaand other low forms of vegetation are preserved.

Nitellais almost too delicate for the tank, but an admirable plant for growth in jars in which cabinet specimens of larvæ are kept. I rarely place it in the aquarium, considering it too choice a thing, its delicate structure rendering it barely perceptible amidst the more luxuriant growths with which it gets entwined. Still, it does well there, but cannot be studied unless a bunch is placed in a glass jar for separate culture. It consistsonly of joints and threads of a pale, but pleasing, green, grows rapidly, and gives out abundance of the vital phlogiston, about which aquarians are compelled to say so much.

The microscopeat once increases a hundred fold the pleasure of instruction which the cabinet is capable of affording us. For the minuter forms of animal life, and for observing the circulation in the frog, or in vallisneria, &c., a good compound microscope is necessary. But for ordinary purposes, I should recommend a Coddington lens, or the pocket Aquarian lenses, sold by Mr. Cox, of 100, Newgate Street. They are made of three powers, fitting into a case, and may be used separately, or combined according to circumstances. The one here figured costs 7s. 6d., but a cheap common lens, fittedwith frame and handle, may be had of Mr. Cox for from half-a-crown to five shillings.

The present work does not afford me space to discuss the educational and ornamental uses of the aquarium, and I have confined myself to its mere elements, dealing with those in a way that I think will be most useful to beginners. The aquarium has uses of a higher character than such as may suggest themselves by the perusal of these few pages, and is capable of extension so as to combine with it the most attractive features of the wardian case, and, to some extent, a vivarium for a selection of amphibious and true land animals. These matters are pretty fully discussed in my work onRustic Adornments, to which I have already called the reader's attention, and to its pages I once more refer for more extended information on this and other subjects of a kindred nature.

[149]

RUSTIC ADORNMENTS

FOR HOMES OF TASTE,

AND RECREATIONS FOR TOWN FOLK IN THE STUDY AND IMITATION OF NATURE.

By SHIRLEY HIBBERD.

"The work is in itself almost as pleasant an object of contemplation as the thing it treats of."—John Bull."The work is got up in good style, has many well-executed engravings and coloured plates, and forms a suitable book for the drawing-room table."—Civil Engineer and Architect's Journal."Nothing could be more seasonable than this elegant book; it is beautifully illustrated, and, as a present to those whom we love or esteem, we do not know anything more appropriate."—Cottage Gardener."Aquariums, Ward's Cases, Aviaries, Fernery, Bees, Rockwork, Garden Scenery, Fountains—in fact, everything delightful, will be found in this tasteful volume. The matter and manner of the work coincide happily, and each in turn well illustrates the other."—Naturalist."Here is a book which we can honestly and cordially recommend to all lovers of nature, as treating, in a simple, pleasant way, of the Vivarium, Ward's Cases, Aviary, and other rustic adornments. Mr. Hibberd's book, let us add, is embellished with remarkable taste."—Leader."An extremely pretty volume, nicely illustrated. The most casual reader will find something to interest and aid him in cultivating his acquaintance with those portions of the animal and vegetable kingdoms which may keep his love of nature alive in the city. It is indeed no small privilege to find how much may be done, even in the crowded street, to keep us in communication with a plant, a bird, an inhabitant of the waters or the air. We hold such subjects of observation very precious; and the book which teaches us how to preserve them is much to be esteemed as a household friend."—Gentleman's Magazine.

"The work is in itself almost as pleasant an object of contemplation as the thing it treats of."—John Bull.

"The work is got up in good style, has many well-executed engravings and coloured plates, and forms a suitable book for the drawing-room table."—Civil Engineer and Architect's Journal.

"Nothing could be more seasonable than this elegant book; it is beautifully illustrated, and, as a present to those whom we love or esteem, we do not know anything more appropriate."—Cottage Gardener.

"Aquariums, Ward's Cases, Aviaries, Fernery, Bees, Rockwork, Garden Scenery, Fountains—in fact, everything delightful, will be found in this tasteful volume. The matter and manner of the work coincide happily, and each in turn well illustrates the other."—Naturalist.

"Here is a book which we can honestly and cordially recommend to all lovers of nature, as treating, in a simple, pleasant way, of the Vivarium, Ward's Cases, Aviary, and other rustic adornments. Mr. Hibberd's book, let us add, is embellished with remarkable taste."—Leader.

"An extremely pretty volume, nicely illustrated. The most casual reader will find something to interest and aid him in cultivating his acquaintance with those portions of the animal and vegetable kingdoms which may keep his love of nature alive in the city. It is indeed no small privilege to find how much may be done, even in the crowded street, to keep us in communication with a plant, a bird, an inhabitant of the waters or the air. We hold such subjects of observation very precious; and the book which teaches us how to preserve them is much to be esteemed as a household friend."—Gentleman's Magazine.

With Illustrations, plain and coloured, crown 8vo, 10s.6d.

[150]

Published by Groombridge and Sons.

SELF AND SELF-SACRIFICE;

OR,

NELLY'S STORY.

ByANNA LISLE.

Small post 8vo, price 6s.6d.bar_double

Works by the Rev. GEORGE GILFILLAN.

THE BARDS OF THE BIBLE.

Post 8vo, cloth, price 5s.

II.

A FIRST GALLERY OF LITERARY PORTRAITS.

Post 8vo, cloth, price 5s.

III.

A SECOND GALLERY OF LITERARY PORTRAITS.

Post 8vo, cloth, price 5s.

IV.

A THIRD GALLERY OF PORTRAITS.

CONTENTS.

Post 8vo, cloth, price 7s.6d.

[151]

Published by Groombridge and Sons.

GRACE AGUILAR'S WORKS.

NEW EDITIONS.

Adapted for Presents, Birthdays and Christmas Gifts.

HOME INFLUENCE:

A TALE FOR MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS.

Foolscap 8vo, price 6s.6d.

II.

THE MOTHER'S RECOMPENSE.

A SEQUEL TO "HOME INFLUENCE."

Foolscap 8vo, price 7s.

III.

WOMAN'S FRIENDSHIP;

A STORY OF DOMESTIC LIFE.

Foolscap 8vo, price 6s.6d.

IV.

THE VALE OF CEDARS;

A STORY OF SPAIN IN THE 15THCENTURY.

Foolscap 8vo, price 6s.

THE DAYS OF BRUCE;

A STORY FROM SCOTTISH HISTORY.

Foolscap 8vo, price 7s.6d.

VI.

HOME SCENES AND HEART STUDIES.

TALES.

Foolscap 8vo, price 6s.6d.

VII.

THE WOMEN OF ISRAEL.

2 vols. foolscap 8vo, price 12s.

[152]

Published by Groombridge and Sons.

ETHEL; OR THE DOUBLE ERROR.

ByMARIAN JAMES.

Crown 8vo, cloth, price 6s.6d.

WHITTLINGS FROM THE WEST.

WITH SOME ACCOUNT OF BUTTERNUT CASTLE.

ByABEL LOG.

Crown 8vo, cloth, price 7s.6d.

DE QUINCEY'S WORKS.

Now ready, price 7s.6d.each, Vols. I., II., III., IV.,

SELECTIONS GRAVE AND GAY.

ByTHOMAS DE QUINCEY.

VOL. 1. AUTOBIOGRAPHIC SKETCHES.The Affliction of Childhood—Dream-Echoes of these Infant Experiences—Dream-Echoes Fifty Years Later.Introduction to the World of Strife.Infant Literature.The Female Infidel.I am Introduced to the Warfare of a Public School.I Enter the World.The Nation of London.Dublin.First Rebellion.French Invasion of Ireland, and Second Rebellion.Travelling.My Brother.Premature Manhood.VOL. 2. AUTOBIOGRAPHIC SKETCHES.Laxton:—Cymon and Iphigenia—The Orphan Heiresses—Female Students in Theology.The Priory.Early Memorials of Grasmere.Samuel Taylor Coleridge.William Wordsworth.William Wordsworth and Robert Southey.VOL. 3. MISCELLANIES. CHIEFLY NARRATIVE.The Spanish Military Nun.The Last Days of Kant.System of the Heavens as revealed by Lord Rosse's Telescopes.Joan of Arc.The Casuistry of Roman Meals.Modern Superstition.VOL. 4. MISCELLANIES.On Murder:—Considered as one of the Fine Arts.Revolt of the Tartars; or Flight of the Kalmuck Khan and his People from the Russian Territories to the Frontiers of China.Dialogues of Three Templars on Political Economy.On War.The English Mail Coach.

VOL. 1. AUTOBIOGRAPHIC SKETCHES.

The Affliction of Childhood—Dream-Echoes of these Infant Experiences—Dream-Echoes Fifty Years Later.

Introduction to the World of Strife.

Infant Literature.

The Female Infidel.

I am Introduced to the Warfare of a Public School.

I Enter the World.

The Nation of London.

Dublin.

First Rebellion.

French Invasion of Ireland, and Second Rebellion.

Travelling.

My Brother.

Premature Manhood.

VOL. 2. AUTOBIOGRAPHIC SKETCHES.

Laxton:—Cymon and Iphigenia—The Orphan Heiresses—Female Students in Theology.

The Priory.

Early Memorials of Grasmere.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

William Wordsworth.

William Wordsworth and Robert Southey.

VOL. 3. MISCELLANIES. CHIEFLY NARRATIVE.

The Spanish Military Nun.

The Last Days of Kant.

System of the Heavens as revealed by Lord Rosse's Telescopes.

Joan of Arc.

The Casuistry of Roman Meals.

Modern Superstition.

VOL. 4. MISCELLANIES.

On Murder:—Considered as one of the Fine Arts.

Revolt of the Tartars; or Flight of the Kalmuck Khan and his People from the Russian Territories to the Frontiers of China.

Dialogues of Three Templars on Political Economy.

On War.

The English Mail Coach.

[153]

Published by Groombridge and Sons.

NIGHT AND THE SOUL;

A DRAMATIC POEM.

BySTANYAN BIGG.

Crown 8vo, cloth, price 6s.

Noble and truthful. Beauties lie thick as stars upon the floor of Heaven.—Sheffield Times.

Here is a book that will not die—it throbs with a vitality that will endure. The poet stands before us, and we are fascinated by his divine art. The work is felt to be a reality and a power, and commends itself by its pathos, purity, and elegance.—Christian Weekly News.

Nowhere out of 'Festus' do we find passages which heave and hurry along with a more genuine afflatus than in many of Mr. Bigg's pages. On the future career of such a one there can rest no shadows of uncertainty.—From a Criticism by George Gilfillan, author of 'The Bards of the Bible.'

There is much of vigour and beauty both of thought and expression in the poem before us.—Eclectic Review.

'Night and the Soul' is a remarkable performance, and will take its stand with the 'Festus' of Bailey.—Daily Express.

We question whether there is any modern instance where selections from a poem would more dazzle a reader. We can scarcely applaud too loudly, or too warmly.—Critic.

'Night and the Soul' at once places Stanyan Bigg in the front rank of English poets.—Bucks Chronicle.

In carefully going through this poem, we meet flashes of inspiration, and fine thoughts scattered with a bounteous hand.—Eliza Cook's Journal.

Surpassed by nothing that we have met with in the whole compass of recent poetry.—Glasgow Christian News.

This poetry is indeed what it professes to be. Its ring is the ring of genuine metal.—Whitehaven Herald.

How it sparkles with gems! Beautiful pieces of imagery stand out from every page.—Random Readings.

We pay willing tribute to the magnificence of the diction, the profuse prodigality of the imagery, and the air of grandeur pervading it.—Weekly Dispatch.

'Night and the Soul' is a great poem. The passages are endless which we might be tempted to quote. It is altogether a work of great fascination.—Forres, Elgin, and Nairn Gazette.

Deep in philosophy, splendid in diction, and at once gorgeous and delicate in imagery, it has few compeers among the poetical productions of our time; we rank Stanyan Bigg as the poet, par excellence, of the rising generation.—Church of England Quarterly Review.

This is no volume to skim lightly over. 'Night and the Soul' is a poem undoubtedly of remarkable vigour of thought, and abounding with passages of great poetical power.—Dublin University Magazine.

[154]

Published by Groombridge and Sons.

THE ASHBURTON PRIZES,

FOR THE TEACHING OF COMMON THINGS.

With the Questions at the First Examination,

AND A PREFACE BY LORD ASHBURTON.

Second Edition. 12mo, price 3d.

LESSONS

THE PHENOMENA OF INDUSTRIAL LIFE,

AND THE

CONDITIONS OF INDUSTRIAL SUCCESS.

EDITED BY THE REV. R. DAWES,

DEAN OF HEREFORD,

Author of "Suggestive Hints towards an Improved System of Secular Instruction," etc., etc.

12mo, cloth, price 2s.

JOHNSTON'S ILLUSTRATIONS OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.

Size 50 by 42 Inches, Coloured and Mounted on Cloth and Rollers.

Unvarnished, 10s.; Varnished, 12s.each.

[155]

Published by Groombridge and Sons.

SUGGESTIVE HINTS TOWARDS IMPROVED SECULAR INSTRUCTION.

Making it bear upon Practical Life. Intended for the Use ofSchoolmasters and Teachers in our Elementary Schools; forthose Engaged in the Private Instruction of Children at Home;and for others taking an Interest in National Education.

By the Rev. R. DAWES, A.M., Dean of Hereford.

6th Edition, Enlarged and Improved.

12mo, cloth, price 2s.3d.

THE TEACHING OF COMMON THINGS.

A Lecture delivered at St. Martin's Hall, August 7th, 1854.In connection with the Educational Exhibition of theSociety of Arts, etc., etc.

By the Rev. R. DAWES, A.M., Dean of Hereford.

Post 8vo, price 6d.

A SELF-PAYING SYSTEM OF EDUCATION,

SUGGESTED FROM THE WORKING OF A VILLAGE SCHOOL IN HAMPSHIRE.

By the Rev. R. DAWES, A.M., Dean of Hereford.

Fifth Edition. 12mo., price 8d.

SCHOOLS FOR THE INDUSTRIAL CLASSES.

A Paper read before the Society of Arts, April 27, 1853.

By the Rev. R. DAWES, A.M., Dean of Hereford.

12mo, price 4d.

VILLAGE LIBRARIES & READING ROOMS.

A Lecture delivered at St. Martin's Hall, August 7th, 1854.In connection with the Educational Exhibitionof the Society of Arts.

By the Hon. SAMUEL BEST, Clk., M.A.

Post 8vo, price 6d.

[156]

Published by Groombridge and Sons.

THE IRON AND COAL MASTERS' PRIZE SCHEME,

For the Encouragement of Education in the Mining and Manufacturing Districts.

By the Rev, J. P. NORRIS, H. M. Inspector of Schools.

12mo, price 6d.

FRIENDLY LETTERS

THE RECENT STRIKES.

From a Manufacturer to his own Workpeople.

12mo, price 3d.

THE SAVINGS' BANK AND THE FIRESIDE.

With Hints about Homes, Independence, and Health.

Also a List of Books for Home Libraries,in part selected fromH. R. H. Prince Albert's Cottage Box.

12mo, price 3d.

COOKERY FOR MAIDS OF ALL-WORK.

By Mrs. WARREN,

Authoress of "Drawing Room Magazine," "Books of the Boudoir," "Timethrift," etc.

Back to Index Next