In this section, some of the Victorian world's best naturalists take you on a guided tour of the natural world. Journey from Africa to the Alps; explore an English meadow and the ecosystems to be found along America's split-rail fences; discover what thrives in a frozen pond. Along the way, enjoy the inimitable style of John Burroughs, Eliza Brightwen, Grant Allen, and other great students of nature!

Notes of a Westmoreland Naturalist (Leisure Hour, 1860)

This short series looks at the habits and anecdotes of a variety of animals and birds.

On a Sand-Bank (Leisure Hour, 1860)

The flora and fauna to be found upon a simple sand-bank.

The Squirrel's Highway (Harper's Monthly, 1882A)

A look at the wildlife, plant and animal, surrounding America's split-rail fences.

Nature in England, by John Burroughs (Century Magazine, 1884A)

British Fertility, by John Burroughs (Century Magazine, 1884B)

A rather curious "natural history" piece written as part of Burroughs' travels in England, remarking upon the fertility of man and beast in that country.

The Brook and Its Banks, by the Rev. J.G. Wood (Girl's Own Paper, 1887)

This series covers a wide range of topics, including the water-rat, water-vole, pike, heron, and many other denizens of the brook and its banks.

The Debt We Owe to Birds and Beasts, by Gordon R. Stables (Girl's Own Paper, 1889)

"Now while cheerfully admitting that there is an increase in acts of kindness to animals in our day...we cannot shut our eyes to the fact that there is also a vast amount of thoughtless and destructive cruelty, coupled with thoughtless extravagance in the use of Nature's gifts and bounties... We are eating our cake, and our posterity of a few centuries hence will have to cry because we have left none for them."

A Meadow Mud-Hole, by Dr. Charles C. Abbott (Harper's Monthly, 1889A)

Poachers Furred and Feathered, by G.E. Lodge (English Illustrated Magazine, 1890A)

The birds and beasts that steal the sportsman's game.

The Art of Bush-Ranging, by Captain A.W. Drayson (Stories of History, 1891)

Tips on observing wildlife in the bush or woodlands.

By the Margin of Afric's Foul Waters, by Captain A.W. Drayson (Stories of History, 1891)

On the fauna to be found on an African riverbank and within the river waters.

Up in the Alps, by Captain Wraxall (Stories of History, 1891)

A lengthy series that covers the scenery and natural history of the Alps, with chapters on the chamois, lammergeier, lynx, fox, golden eagle, marmot, bear, wolf, ibex, cattle and mountain sheep. It also has chapters on alpine hunting and "memorable ascents."

Beauty in Nature, by Sir John Lubbock (The Strand, 1892A)

Field-Notes, by John Burroughs (Century Magazine, 1894B)

Including the weasel and his den; a sparrow's mistake; a thrush's nest; the cunning of the crow; a frightened mink; and a black-snake raiding a blue-jay's nest.

Thoughts and Observations on Natural History, by H.B.M. Buchanan (Girl's Own Paper, 1894)

Chance Glimpses of Nature, by Eliza Brightwen (Girl's Own Paper, 1895)

Eliza Brightwen's observations of the wild creatures in her neighborhood - including a rat diligently robbing the squirrels of their store of nuts, much to their dismay!

An English Meadow, by Fred Miller (Windsor Magazine, 1896B)

The Black Side of Animal Life, illustrated by J.A. Shepherd (The Strand, 1897A)

Panthers, crows, cockroaches, and even the undertaker's horse.

Glimpses of Nature: A Frozen [Pond] World,* by Grant Allen (The Strand, 1898A)

How They Survive (English Illustrated Magazine, 1899A)

Camouflage and protective coloration in nature.

In Nature's Workshop 4: Masquerades and Disguises,* by Grant Allen (The Strand, 1899A)

More animal mimicry.

In Nature's Workshop 5: Some Strange Nurseries*, by Grant Allen (The Strand, 1899A)

How various creatures provide for their eggs and young.

*See Grant Allen's Nature Series for the complete "In Nature's Workshop", "Glimpses of Nature" and "Moorland Idylls" series.