‘This book appears to be, in style, language, and scope, eminently adapted for its purpose, which is to awaken among the little folks an interest “in the history of life upon the earth,” and “give them the taste for more extended study in after years.”’ ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS. ‘“Though these pages are designed for young persons,” says the Author, “other readers, perhaps, who are not familiar with the subject, may find some interest in them, if they are not deterred by the necessarily simple style,”—which, we venture to say, they most assuredly will not be.... To many grown persons, therefore, as well as their descendants, will this book be a great boon, which, if they are at all liberal-minded, they will advocate as well as appreciate.... Like the Science Primers of Professors Huxley, Roscoe, Balfour Stewart, &c., if duly read and weighed, it will tend to unravel and sweep away a deal of baneful superstition.’ LAND and WATER. ‘That Mr. NICOLS has succeeded in the object he proposed to himself may be safely affirmed. He has done his work briefly and lucidly, and has produced a book capable of arresting the attention, not only of children, but of those from whom they receive their earlier lessons.’ The COUNTRY. ‘A perfect “Open Sesame” for young scientific students, and so cleverly composed as to make students of those who are not scientific: not merely the young, but older people too. Mr. NICOLS thoroughly understands his work.’ NOTES and QUERIES. ‘Easily and attractively written for young people.... The treatment of so wide a subject, and the condensing it into a volume of 150 pages is no light task. We can, however, congratulate Mr. NICOLS upon having accomplished it in so judicious, perhaps, better still, so suggestive a manner; and we have no doubt that his little book will become a well-worn favourite in the hands of all thoughtful and intelligent children who may be so fortunate as to possess it.’ ENGINEER. ‘The manner in which the pieces of the puzzle—fossils—are found, put together, and interpreted, is related in language readily understood by children; the description of the vegetable, animal, and human parts being peculiarly interesting. The illustrations are the best of the kind with which we are acquainted.... We strongly recommend it.’ SCHOOLMASTER. ‘It is the puzzle as to the history of life on the earth unravelled in a manner to interest and enlighten the minds, and to develop the observing and reflecting faculties of children.... The results of costly and laborious investigations in many different branches of science are concentrated in these free and easy lessons or colloquial lectures to young children.... Calculated to arouse an interest in all but the dullest and most indifferent juvenile minds.... Will be found invaluable to teachers and a great help in the rational cultivation of the intelligence of the rising generation.’ SCHOOL BOARD CHRONICLE.