Out of Doors in the West

Out of Doors in the West. Everyone who has attempted to teach elementary general science in the west has found the great need of a text book dealing with western conditions. If it is botany one is teaching, one finds that most of the text books available deal with plant life unknown to the Great Plateau region. If it is zoology one is teaching, one finds, again, that the text books deal, in the main,

with animal life native to other regions than that of the Great Plateau. Or if it is physical geography one is teaching, one finds that the text books deal with conditions of mountains, of valleys, of plains, of rivers, not commonly met with in the Rocky Mountain west. For a long time, therefore, it has been hoped that there would soon arise a man who would write a text book for classes in elementary general science, adapted to the conditions of our own west. As if in fulfilment of the teacher's wish, there comes now from the press of the Skelton Publishing Company, a book entitled "Out of Doors in the West." It is described on the title page as "Notes on Common Plants, Birds, and Insects of the Rocky Mountain Plateau." Part one, the volume now in hand, deals with "Sketches through Autumn and Winter." A second part, dealing with "Sketches through Spring and Summer," is promised. This extremely interesting and timely book is written by Dr. J. H. Paul, Professor of Nature Study in the University of Utah. As the title page indicates, the book is a selection of notes on Rocky Mountain plant and animal life. It cannot, therefore, possess the unity of structure that we should look for in a production wherein every succeeding step depends upon the preceding step. But the notes are well selected. They are well written, in an interesting and easy style. The book is profusely illustrated, with cuts and beautiful colored plates. It cannot but be both entertaining and instructive to both young and old. Moreover, the book is full of scientific matter in small type, to satisfy the demands of the student and teacher, who wants to know more of the common plants, birds, and insects, considered in the book. It is with sincere pleasure and appreciation that we recommend this addition to our home literature. Its value to the teacher in the grades, and in the secondary schools, can hardly be overestimated. Besides, the book can be read .with interestby the general reader. We commend Dr. Paul's efforts, and shall look forward with joyful anticipation for the coming of the second part. At the book stores, price $1.50.