‘_Homes Without Hands_ is more interesting than a fairy tale, and shews how highly endowed are the inferior races, which from the very first produced in perfection works to which the nobler intellect of man could attain only after the discipline and experience of centuries. There is scarcely an invention of man of which the prototype may not be discovered in the great patent office of Nature, nor a mechanical contrivance in which he has not been anticipated by the insects and animals which he is in the habit of regarding with contempt, if not with loathing. The invention of paper was a new era in human history, but wasps made veritable paper and papier-mâché from the beginning of the world. Mankind waited through thousands of years for Professor WHEATSTONE to invent the electric telegraph, but the Arachnidæ had their lines in operation on the morning when ADAM first opened his eyes upon the world. The beaver was from the beginning conversant with the strength and virtues of the arch; the burrowing spider made use of the poppet valve; and as for the bearings of timbers and the strength of materials, birds, beasts, and insects were well acquainted with them thousands of years before VITRUVIUS or TREDGOLD or FAIRBAIRN was born. The Author, in a fascinating style and with a profusion of elegant engravings, illustrates instinctive art in all its departments, from the labours of the smallest insect up to those of the largest animal which builds itself a dwelling. To enumerate the wonders contained in the book we should be compelled to write an abstract of its contents, for each page contains something that will interest and delight the reader. It is a work calculated to bring pleasures of the most rational and elevating kind into many a school-room and many a family circle during the Christmas season; and certainly it would be impossible to recommend a more suitable book for a present to a young person.’ DAILY NEWS. POPULAR WORKS BY DR. GEORGE HARTWIG. Just published, with 8 full-page Engravings on Wood, from Original Designs by F. W. Keyl, and about 200 Woodcuts in the Text, in One Volume, 8vo. price 18_s._ THE HARMONIES OF NATURE; OR, THE UNITY OF CREATION. BY DR. GEORGE HARTWIG.