The object of this little book is to show how much may be seen with an ordinary pocket lens, and with a simple microscope; and, as far as possible, to dispel the idea, far too common, especially among beginners, that no real work can be done unless one has a compound microscope, with a large battery of lenses and an array of ‘accessories.’ It would be easy to multiply quotations, from high authorities, in support of the proposition implied in the foregoing paragraph. Two only must suffice. In a recent review of a very good book dealing with Butterflies and Moths (Natural Science, vol. vi. p. 293), the following passage occurs: ‘The only suggestion we should like to make is that a compound microscope is unnecessary for any of the details that the author mentions. A first-rate platyscopic hand lens is much more convenient and the young naturalist should train himself thoroughly in the use of it. There is no more common error than the undue use of the higher powers of a microscope. Except for the intimate details of histology, a low power or a hand lens is much more easy to use, and its employment gives a much better idea of the structure...

Explore ten of the world's most diverse environments and reveal their hidden secrets with a magic coloured lens that illuminates each page in a kaleidoscope of colour. Discover the dark and mysterious creatures of the night, whose super-sensory powers allow them to live and survive in the shadows, then switch the lens to step into daylight, where the heat of the sun supercharges the secret lives of creatures big and small. Finally, use the third lens to reveal the luscious plant life of every habitat as you travel through a jungle, a reef, grasslands, woodland and uncover a world that never sleeps. This is an animal book like no other, allowing you to view the natural world in full technicolour.