20 AUGUST 1836, Page 18

PROGRESS OF PUBLICATION.

Ma. THOMAS BELL, the lecturer on Comparative Anatomy at Guy's Hospital, has commenced a Ilistory of British Quadriquds. of which the two first numbers are before us; containing the Bat, the Hedgehog, and part of the Mole. The work is to be recommended for the exact- ness and minuteness of its information, the neatness of its typography, and the finish and elaboration of its numerous woodengravings. In all that relates to the science of the subject, Mr. Wu. leaves nothing to require. The points (to speak in jockey language) which form the specific character of the animal, its dimensions, anatomical structure, general appearance, and the universal habits of the species, are fully and distinctly described, and with that ease and precision which show a thorough mastery of the subject. The more popular points of natural history—the individual anecdotes, the animated descriptions of scenery, which vary and relieve the main subject as the background of a picture relieves the figure—are also found in Mr. BELL; but, from the ob- scurity which hangs over the history and habits of the three species treated of, they are of necessity only occasional. The work is illustrated by:wood-cuts of the animals, as well as by head and tail pieces of various parts. They are figured with extreme accuracy, and have that look of life which is the best characteristie of pictorial delineation. The pub- lication is intended as a companion to l'ARRELCS British Fishes; and is of corresponding excellence and beauty : it will be completed in one volume.