particles of native iron, in their transit through the air, must undergo combustion, and, like small portions of iron from a smith's anvil, be transformed either entirely or at the surface only into magnetic oxide, and in this latter case the nucleus is protected from further oxidation by the coating which thus covers it. One may suppose that meteorites in their passage through the atmosphere break into numerous fragments, that incandescent particles of iron are thrown off all round them, and that these eventually fall to the surface of the globe as almost impalpable dust, in the form of magnetic oxide of iron more or less completely fused. The luminous trains of falling stars are probably due to the combustion of these innumerable particles, resembling FIG. 2. FIG. 3. FIG. 2.-Black spherule with metallic nucleus (60: 1). This spherule, covered with a coating of black shining magnetite, represents the most frequent shape. The depression here shown is often found at the surface of these spherules. From 2375 fathoms South Pacific. FIG. 3.-Black spherule with metallic nucleus (60: 1). The black external coating of magnetic oxide has been broken away to show the metallic centre, represented by the clear part at the centre. From 3150 fathoms Atlantic. the sparks which fly from a ribbon of iron burnt in oxygen, or the particles of the same metal thrown off when striking a flint. It is easy to show that these particles in burning take a spherical form, and are surrounded by a layer of black magnetic oxide. Among the magnetic grains found in the same conditions as these we have just described are other spherules, which we refer to the chondres, so that if the interpretation of a cosmic origin for the magnetic spherules with a metallic centre was not established in a manner absolutely beyond question, it almost becomes so when we take into account their association with the silicate spherules, of which we have now to speak. It will be seen by the microscopic details that these spherules have quite the constitution and structure of chondres so frequent in meteorites of the most ordinary type, and on the other hand they have never been found, as far as we know, in rocks of a terrestrial origin; in short, the presence of these spherules in the deep-sea deposits, and their association with the metallic spherules, is a matter of prime importance. Let us see how we distinguish these silicate spherules, and the points upon which we rely in attributing to them a cosmic origin. Among the fragments attracted by the magnet in deep-sea deposits we distinguish granules slightly larger than the spherules with the shining black coating above described. These are yellowish-brown, with a bronze-like lustre, and under the microscope it is noticed that the surface, instead of being quite smooth, is grooved by thin lamellæ. In size they never exceed a millimetre, generally they are about o'5 mm. in diameter; they are never perfect spheres, as in the case of the black spherules with a metallic centre; and sometimes a depression more or less marked is to be observed in the periphery. When examined by the microscope we observe that the lamella which compose them are applied the one against the other, and have a radial eccentric disposition. It is the leafy radial structure (radialblättrig), like that of the chondres of bronzite, which predominates in our preparations. We have observed much less rarely the serial structure of the chondres with olivine, and indeed there is some doubt about the indications of this last type of structure. Fig. 4 shows the characters and texture of one of these spherules magnified 25 diameters. On account of their small dimensions, as well as of their friability due to their lamellar structure, it is difficult to polish one of these spherules, and we have been obliged to study them with reflected light, or to limit our observations to the study of the broken fragments. These spherules break up following the lamellæ, which latter are seen to be extremely fine and perfectly transparent. In rotating between crossed nicols they have the extinctions of the rhombic system, and in making use of the condenser it is seen that they have one optic axis. It is observed also that when several of these lamellae are attached, they extinguish exactly at the same time, so that everything induces us to believe that they form a single individual. In studying these transparent and very thin fragments with the aid of a high magnifying power, it is observed that they are dotted with brown-black inclusions, disposed with a certain symmetry, and showing somewhat regular contours; we refer these inclusions to magnetic iron, and their presence explains how these spherules of bronzite are extracted by the magnet. We would observe, however, that they are not so strongly magnetic as those with a metallic nucleus. We designate them under the name of bronzite rather than of enstatite, because of the somewhat deep tint which they present; they are insoluble in hydrochloric acid. Owing to the small quantity of substance at our disposal, we were obliged to limit ourselves to a qualitative analysis. We have found in them silica, magnesia, and iron. We have limited our remarks at this time to these succinct details, but we believe that we have said enough to show that these spherules in their essential characters are related to the chondres of meteorites, and have the same mode of formation. In conclusion, we may state that when the coating of manganese depositions, which surround sharks' teeth, ear-bones of Cetaceans and other nuclei, is broken off and pounded in a mortar to fine dust, and the magnetic particles then extracted by means of spherules with a metallic centre, and magnetic iron, in all a magnet, we find these latter to be composed of silicate spherules, respects similar to those found in the deposits in which the nodules were embedded. We have recently examined the dust collected by melting the snow at the Observatory on Ben Nevis, in order to see whether. in that elevated and isolated region, we should be able to find volcanic ashes or cosmic spherules analogous to those we have described. This atmospheric dust, which we have examined microscopically, has not shown any particles which could with certainty be regarded as identical with those substances which are the subject of this paper. Particles of coal, fragments of ashes, and grains of quartz predominated. Besides these, there were fragments of calcite, augite, mica, and grains of rock of all forms and of variable dimensions. These were associated with fibres of cotton, of vegetables, splinters of limonite and of tinin short, everything indicating a terrestrial origin. In order to give an idea of the facility with which the winds may carry these matters even to the summit of the mountain, we may add that Mr. Omond has sent to us fragments of crystalline rocks, some having a diameter of two centimetres, which, be states, were collected on the surface of the snow at the summi: after the storm of January 26, 1884. Arrangements are being made to collect the dust at the top of Ben Nevis during calms with great care. UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, DOWNTON, SALISBURY.-A: the close of the winter session on Wednesday, 16th inst., the certificate of membership and the certificate of proficiency in practical agriculture were granted to Mr. R. A. Benson, F.H.A.S., 11, Caledonia Place, Clifton; Mr. W. de Hoghton Birch, 1, Bathwick Street, Bath; and Mr. C. W. Lincoln Hardy, F.H.A.S., Gittisham, Honiton, Devon; and the certificate of proficiency alone to Mr. B. S. Dunning, 2, Warwick Square, S. W. THE authorities of University College, Liverpool, have asked that that institution be incorporated with Victoria University. SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES LONDON Linnean Society, April 3.-Sir J. Lubbock, Bart., president, in the chair.-Mr. W. Brockbank exhibited a series of double daffodils, wild forms of Narcissus pseudo Narcissus, which were gathered in a Welsh meadow from among many of both the single and double forms occurring there in every stage of growth. Sections invariably revealed stamens and pistils, and in two of the most double forms ovaries filled with seeds were present. With this evidence he therefore contended against the current notion of cultivation and root-growths having produced a heterogeneous multiplication of the perianth segments, split-up crown, and conversion of stamens into petal-growths, his belief being that the plants in question were propagated in the ordinary seed-bearing manner.-Mr. R. M. Middleton showed a jackdaw with albinism of the wing feathers, causing considerable resemblance in the bird to a magpie.-Prof. P. M. Duncan gave a revision of the families and genera of the Sclerodermic Zooantharia, the Rugosa excepted. Since MM. Milne-Edwards and Haimes' work, 1857-60, no systematic revision of the Madreporaria has appeared, while since then a great number of new genera have been founded; hence the necessity for a revision has arisen, and more especially in consequence of the morphological researches of Dana, Agassiz, Verrill, and Moseley. Prof. Duncan explained that the old sections of the Zooanthariæ required modification and addition. In his present revision the Sections Aporosa and Perforata remain shorn of some genera, the old family Fungida becomes a section with three families, two of which are transitional between the sections just mentioned. The section Tabulata disappears, some genera being placed in the Aporosa, and the others are relegated to the Hydrozoa according to Moseley. The Tubulosa cease to be Madreporarian.. Hence the sections treated are MadreporiaAporosa, M.-Fungida, and M.-Perforata. The nature of the hard and soft parts of these forms is considered in relation to classification, and an appeal is made to naturalists to agree to the abolition of many genera, the author having sacrificed many of his own founding. The criticism of 467 genera permits 336 to remain good, and as a moderate number (36) of sub-genera are allowed to continue, the diminution is altogether about 100. The genera are grouped in alliances, the numbers in families being unequal. Simplicity is aimed at, and old artificial divisions dispensed with. There is a great destruction of genera amongst the simple forms of Aporosa, and a most important addition to the Fungida. The genera Siderastrea and Thamnastra are types of the family Plesiofungidæ, as are Microsolenia and Cyclolites of the family Plesioporitidae. The families Fungida and Lophoseridæ add many genera to the great section Fungida. There is not much alteration in respect of the Madreporaria-Perforata, but the sub-family Eusamminæ are promoted to a family position as the Eusammida.-Mr. Chas. F. White thereafter read a note on some pollen from funereal garlands found in an Egyptian tomb circa B.C. 1000. It appears that from among the dried flowers of Papaver Khaas the pollen obtained freely absorbed water, became swollen, and in other respects the grains were barely able to be differentiated by the microscope from the pollen grains of the recent poppy.-A paper was read by Mr. F. J. Briant, on the anatomy and functions of the tongue of the honey bee. Authorities, it seems, are yet divided in opinion as to how the organ in question acts. Kirby and Spence, Newport and Huxley, aver the bee laps its food; while Hermann Müller and others attribute a full share to the terminal whorl of hairs to which the honey adheres, and therefrom is withdrawn. Mr. Briant, on the other hand, from experiment and study of the structures, is inclined to the view that the honey is drawn into the mouth through the inside of the tongue by means of a complicated pumping action of the organ, aided by the closely contiguous parts. wort. Chemical Society, April 3.-Dr. W. H. Perkin, president, in the chair.—The following papers were read :—On the influence of certain phosphates upon vinous fermentation, by A. G. Salamon and W. de Vere Mathew. It has been suggested that the addition of phosphates to beerworts stimulates the growth of the yeast-plant and increases the rapidity of attenuation of the The authors find that ordinary English wort contains an excess of phosphoric acid over that which is proved by their experiments to be most favourable to fermentation; hence it follows that the addition of phosphates to wort is not advisable. -On the occurrence of rhabdophane in the United States, by W. N. Hartley. The author shows that a new mineral, scovillite, described by Brush and Penfield in the Amer. Journ. Sci., xxv. 459, is but a variety of rhabdophane. In a subsequent minerals is recognised by the above authors. number of the journal, March 1884, the identity of the two Geological Society, April 2.--Prof. T. G. Bonney, F.R.S., president, in the chair.-Frank Gotto and George Varty Smith were elected Fellows, and Dr. E. Mojsisovics von Mojsvár, of Vienna, a Foreign Correspondent of the Society.-The following communications were read:-The rocks of Guernsey, by the Rev. E. Hill, M. A. ; with an appendix on the microscopic structure of some of the rocks, by Prof. T. G. Bonney, F.R.S. The southern part of the island is a high plateau consisting entirely of gneiss. This is very coarse, and the bedding is seldom well marked. The bedding, when visible, coincides with the foliation, and the author hopes that hereafter an order of succession may be established. At Rocquaine Castle occur a few slaty beds intercalated in the gneiss, the origin of which is somewhat difficult to understand. The northern part, low ground with hummocks, consists principally of a group of crystalline or subcrystalline rocks, in constitution diorites or syenites. They are described by Ansted as sedimentary rocks metamorphosed into syenites; but they show no bedding either in the many quarries, or, in general, in the shore outcrops, nor do their varieties occur in any manner indicating an order of succession. They appear at Castle Cornet to meet the gneiss intrusively, and their microscopic structure is igneous. A remarkable appearance of bedded structure at Fort Doyle is the only strong argument for a metamorphic origin, and this may be explained as a caught-up mass in conjunction with crushing-planes. The author therefore regards them as igneous. An oval area between St. Sampson's and St. Peter's Port is occupied by hornblendic rocks, locally called "birdseye," which may be described as hornblendegabbros. These also have been called metamorphic. They too, at Hogue-à-la-Perre and another point, present appearances of bedding; but on the same general grounds as for the preceding group these also are regarded as igneous. Two granitic masses are described: the coarse pink granite of Cobo, on the west coast, and the finer-grained gray granite weathering pink of Lancresse, on the north. Each is seen to intrude: the Cobo granite into gneiss at Hommet Barracks, the Lancresse granite into diorite at Fort Le Marchant. Besides these are some smaller masses. Dykes are remarkably abundant and various. Granites and elvans are plentiful everywhere; felsites very rare. majority of the dykes are diorites, varying in coarseness and often of enormous size; there is also mica-trap. In some of these dykes a cleavage has been developed, so that some resemble slates. Infiltration-veins are abundant. In relative age the gneiss appears to be the oldest rock, the hornblende-gabbro to be next, then comes the diorite group, while the granites are newer still. Of the dykes the newest are the compactest diorites. As to the absolute geological age of the rocks no satisfactory evidence at present is known; it will have to be sought for in the other islands and in France.-On a new specimen of Megalichthys from the Yorkshire coalfield, by Prof. L. C. Miall.Studies on some Japanese rocks, by Dr. Bundjiro Kotô. Communicated by Frank Rutley. The author has studied series of Japanese rocks from the collection of the Tokio University and the Geological Survey of Japan. The microscopical investigation was carried on at the Mineralogical Institute at Leipzig, under the direction of Prof. Zirkel, and the chemical analyses were made in the laboratory of Prof. Knop. The most abundant rocks are the pyroxene-andesites, which are not of a glassy texture, but for the most part holocrystalline. The most abundant mineral in these rocks is a plagioclose felspar with twinned and zonal structure, which is proved, by its extinction-angles and by the chemical analysis of its isolated fragments, to be labradorite. Sanadine is present in small quantities. The augites of these rocks present many peculiarities; they are all decidedly The pleochroic; and they exhibit the oblique extinction in basal sections first pointed out by Mr. Whitman Cross, and which is characteristic of triclinic and not of monoclinic crystals. A careful examination of the question has led the author to conclude that the mineral which has lately been regarded as a rhombic pyroxene (probably hypersthene) is really only ordinary augite cut parallel to the optic axis. He does not regard the property of pleochroism as distinctive of hypersthene, while the absence of a brachypinacoidal cleavage and the presence of 10 per cent. of lime in the mineral forbids our referring it to that species. The other abundant minerals in these augiteandesites are magnetite, which is always present, and quartz, which occurs in some of them, both as a primary and a secondary constituent. Hornblende is very rare in these rocks, and when present the peripheral portions of the crystals are seen to be converted into augite, probably by the action of the caustic magma upon them. Enstatite is rare in these rocks, but apatite is always found in them, while tridymite occurs not unfrequently. The author described a number of structural variations in the augite-andesite from different localities. Among the most interesting is a variety containing as much as 69 per cent. of silica. Among the less abundant rocks are the enstatite-andesite, the quartz-augite-andesite, and the hornblende-andesites. The plagioclase-basalts of Japan can only be distinguished from the augite-andesites by the presence in them of olivine. Magma-basalts are rare, most of the varieties being of the dolerite type; but under the name of “basaltlavas" the author describes varieties with a glassy base. an appendix some account is given of a number of pre-Tertiary rocks, including granite, one variety of which contains the new mineral, reinite, of Fritsch (the tetragonal form of the ferrous-tungstate), quartz-mica-diorite, diorite-porphyry, and diabase. In Victoria Institute, April 7.-A paper was read by the Rev. J. M. Mello, F.G.S., on the prehistoric flint implements at Speinnes, implements used by man before the mammoth and rhinoceros had disappeared in Europe. The author described the works at Speinnes, and afterwards said there was one question, namely, were these early men of Europe always in the condition in which they appear to have been living, or were they offshoots of the parent stems of humanity, and had their ancestors no higher civilisation? EDINBURGH Mathematical Society, April 10.-Mr. Thomas Muir, F.R.S.E., president, in the chair.-Dr. Alexander Macfarlane, F.R.S.E., submitted a note on simple, combination, and cumulative voting, after which Mr. A. J. G. Barclay read a paper on the teaching of geometry.-Mr. Muir gave an explanation of an algebraical theorem communicated by Prof. Tait to the January meeting of the Society. MANCHESTER Literary and Philosophical Society, February 5.- Charles Bailey, F.L.S., in the chair.-On the introduction of coffee into Arabia, by C. Schorlemmer, F.R.S. February 19.-H. E. Roscoe, Ph.D., LL.D., F. R.S., &c., president, in the chair.-Notice of the geology of the Haddon district, eight miles south-west of Ballarat, Victoria, by F. M. Krausé, Professor of Geology in the School of Mines, Ballarat. Communicated by the President. PARIS Academy of Sciences, April 7.-M. Rolland in the chair. -An exact or highly approximate calculation of the thrust of sandy masses against their retaining walls, by M. de SaintVenant. On the specific heats of water and of carbonic acid at very high temperatures, by MM. Berthelot and Vieille.-Note on Brioschi's theorem respecting symmetrical functions, by M. Sylvester.-Documents relating to the liquid air condensers for several years employed in the piercing of the Mount Cenis Tunnel, by M. A. de Caligny.-Tabulated results of the various circumstances attending electric discharges during the thunderstorms that occurred in France during the second half of the year 1883, communicated by the Minister of the Posts and Telegraphs.--Telegraphic determinations of the differences of longitude in South America, by M. de Bernardières.-Charts of the atmospheric movements passing over Europe in the various régimes; remarks on their application to the prediction of storms, by M. A. Poincaré.-Note on the influence of luni-solar attraction on the action of pendulums, by M. A. Gaillot.-On the solar spots observed in Rome during the first three months of the year 1884, by M. P. Tacchini.-Note on the halos of diffused light observed round the sun on March 31 at Auteuil. by M. Ch. Moussette.-On the aspect presented by the PonsBrooks comet on January 13, 1884, by M. L. Cruls.-Note on an error committed in determining the exact moment of the chief eruption at Krakatoa last year, by M. A. A. Buijskes. This disturbance, generally stated to have occurred a few minutes before noon on August 27, really took place exactly at eight o'clock in the morning of that day. Hence the calculations the velocities of marine and atmospheric currents based on the former date must be rectified accordingly.-On the principle c the prism of greatest thrust laid down by Coulomb in the theory of the equilibrium of sandy masses, by M. J. Boussinesq.-On the quaternary quadratic formulas, and on the corresponding hyperab lian groups, by M. E. Picard. On the theory of quaternions in connection with Prof. Sylvester's recent solution of equations in which all the given quaternions are found on the same side as the quaternion sought for, by M. Ed. Weyr.-Note on the applica tion of Faraday's law to the study of the conductivity of saliv solutions, by M. E. Bouty.-Note on the verification of the lawof transverse vibrations in elastic rods, by M. E. Mercadier.Fresh experiments in the liquefaction of hydrogen; solidificatio and critical point of pressure for nitrogen, by M. K. Olszewsk. -On the chief circumstances attending the transformation of superheated octahedral sulphur into prismatic sulphur, by M. D. Gernez -Quantitative analysis of the phosphoric acid found in arab lands and in rocks, by M. Ad. Carnot.-On the artificial produc tion of fayalite, by M. Alex Gorgeu. The author's experiment show that the protochloride of iron, fused with silica, produce fayalite under conditions in which the chloride of manganes yields tephroite. It appears incapable of producing a bisilica. corresponding to rhodonite, and yields chlorosilicate of iron wi difficulty. Highly crystallised magnetite and hausmannite may be obtained under analogous conditions by the fusion of their respective chlorides in contact with the air.-Claim of priority. discovery in connection with recent communications on th vitality of virus and of the yeast of beer; letter addressed to the President by M. Melsens.-Researches on the incubation hens' eggs in confined air, and on the part played by ventil tion in the development of the embryo, by M. C. Dareste.—(~ the variations of electric excitability and of the period of later excitement in the brain, by M. H. C. de Varigny.-Note on : Siberian pseudo-meteorite, by M. Stan. Meunier. THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1884 THE EDINBURGH UNIVersity FESTIVAL THE HE brilliant celebration of its three hundredth anniversary by the University of Edinburgh last week suggests some reflections on the connection between University progress and the growth of Science. One of the most remarkable features in these festive proceedings has been the preponderance given to the recognition of the claims of scientific research to University distinction. A hundred years ago and less, had such a gathering been thought of, the great men who would have been invited to receive the highest academic honours would have been learned scholars, eminent professors of the mediaval branches of education, with perhaps a few distinguished medical men and doubtless a good many candidates whose only claim would have been the possession of a hereditary title of nobility. But now a new host of competitors has arisen, and upon them have the laurels of the University been mainly bestowed. Physicists, chemists, physiologists, botanists, geologists, and other representatives of modern science have almost elbowed the older philosophies out of the field. In the pæan sung at every meeting of the festival the brilliance of scientific discovery, the prowess of scientific discoverers, and the glory shed on the University by its connection with both have been the chief themes. This great change in the objects of University recognition has been silently in progress for several generations. But it has never been so openly and strikingly proclaimed as during these recent meetings at Edinburgh. It is not that any formal alteration has there been made in the curriculum of study. On the contrary, the same subjects are still required for degrees in Arts as were demanded centuries ago. Outside the conservative government of the University there has, however, been a steady growth of modern ideas, modern life, and modern science. To the Medical School, in the first place, must the credit be assigned of fostering this wider culture. Its professors have thrown open their old monopoly of teaching, and work harmoniously with their competitors outside the walls of the University. They have cast aside the ancient nefficient system of mere prelections, and have introduced ›ractical teaching into every branch of their science. To ass from the state of things in the youth of these eachers to what they have now made it is to cross a gulf uch as might be thought to mark an interval of some enturies. Everywhere we see practical scientific reearch taking the place of musty lecture-notes and dry nproductive text-books. Not only have the professors imed at being successful teachers, but many of them ave themselves led the way in original discovery. They ave likewise kept themselves and their students abreast f the progress of research all over the world. Hence the ames of Continental men of science have become houseold words among the rising generation. We can readily nderstand and sympathise with the uncontrollable outurst of enthusiasm with which the students greeted the ctual appearance among them of a Pasteur, a Helmholtz, nd a Virchow. VOL. XXIX.-No. 756 Silently and unconsciously perhaps the Universities are passing from the exclusive domination of the older learning. At Edinburgh the emancipation is far advanced, but has yet to take shape in a definite rearrangement of the curriculum of study. No thoughtful scientific man would advocate a merely scientific education. The foundations of every man's culture should be laid broad and deep in those humanising departments of thought which the experience of centuries has proved to be admirably fitted for the mental and moral discipline of youth. But the day is not far distant when it will be acknowledged that modern science must be admitted to a place with ancient philosophy and literature in the scheme of a liberal education, when in all our Universities provision will be made for practical instruction in scientific methods, and when at least as much encouragement will be given by fellowships and scholarships to the prosecution of original scientific research as has hitherto been awarded to classical study or learned indolence. To those who hopefully look forward to the widening and broadening of University culture the Edinburgh festival is full of encouragement. Such a gathering of representative intellect has probably never before been assembled. Delegates from the oldest and youngest Universities of the world, from scientific societies and other learned bodies, brought their congratulations to their northern sister. But they felicitated her not so much because she had been a successful educational centre for three hundred years, as because she had held up the torch of scientific discovery, because her professors and graduates had widened the boundaries of knowledge and deciphered new pages in the great book of Nature. If such has been the result of the trammelled past with all its hampering traditions and vested interests, its obstructions and jealousies, what may we not anticipate for the liberated future! After the lapse of another century, what new conquests will there not be to chronicle, what new realms of discovery to celebrate! In this everadvancing progress, the University of Edinburgh, which has done so much in bygone years, will doubtless more than hold her own. No centre of education and research has greater advantages in its favour. The comparatively laboratories and libraries to each other; its vicinity to the small size of the city, the proximity of its lecture-rooms, sea on the one hand and to a varied and picturesque country on the other, combine to offer exceptional advantages to the student. Not the least of its attractions is to the eye and to stimulate the imagination. Long may its own unchanging beauty, which never ceases to appeal Edinburgh remain a beacon of light in educational advancement, in the cultivation of scientific methods, and in the march of scientific discovery. PRJEVALSKY'S TRAVELS IN CENTRAL ASIA 1883.) ΤΗ 'HIS large work is the complete account of the third journey of Col. Prjevalsky to Thibet, notices of the progress of which from time to time appeared in our pages during the year 1880. The first journey, it will be D remembered, was performed during the years 1870-73, when this distinguished traveller reached as far as the Lama monastery of Cheibsen near Lake Koko-Nor, and tɔ Tsaidam, but was forced to abandon his intention of going to Lhassa, and so retraced his steps to Alashan. From thence he went to Pekin, and returned to Siberia across the Desert of Gobi. The second journey was undertaken from Kuldja to the Lake Lob Nor across the Tian-shan Mountains. On the third journey Col. Prjevalsky started from Zaisan, passing through Barkul Khami, Sa-tzhei, and Tsaidam, where he reached the country he had explored on his first journey. He now proceeded to carry out his former intention of going to Lhassa, and he struggled over the great plateau of Tan-la till he reached the town of Boomtza. At Nap-chu, in the neighbourhood of this town, he was informed that he would be allowed to proceed no further in the direction of the capital of the Dalai Lama. He was then a little more than 160 miles from Lhassa. Negotiations were useless: he was not allowed to proceed. Contenting himself with taking a portrait of the messengers from the Dalai Lama, he turned northwards and retraced the long and wearisome march across the Tan-la plateau. The winter of 1879 80 was occupied with this march and with the observations upon the manners and customs of the people, as well as investigations into the flora and fauna of the district he was passing through. Prjevalsky possesses in an eminent degree the buoyant spirit of the traveller which enables him to observe calmly and critically the surroundings in which he finds himself, even though he is overcome with hardship or pressed by the weight of disappointment. Returning to Tsaidam, he set out on his way to Lake Koko-Nor, where he had been in the year 1873. He remained in this neighbourhood for some time, and he followed the course of the Hoang-ho for about 150 miles. This part of his journey took him over new ground, and his explorations of these upper waters of the Yellow River or Hoang-ho are of the utmost value. He followed the course of the river as far as Gui-dui, which forms an oasis amidst great arid mountain-chains. It was so difficult to advance and forage was so scarce that Prjevalsky turned back from the Hoang-ho and directed his steps towards Lake Koko-Nor. The rain, which had stopped for a time, recommenced, and was often accompanied with severe cold, which added materially to the discomforts of the journey. The monastery of Cheibsen was revisited after the lapse of about seven years, and there Prjevalsky was well received by the priests, whose acquaintance he had made on his former visit. The journey was continued through Nan-shan and Alashan amidst the wildest mountain scenery, till a descent was made upon the great Desert of Gobi. The change was great from the high mountains of Pan-cu to the waterless expanse of the desert, but Prjevalsky was always ready with his notebook as well as with his gun; and the result is that this volume contains a mass of information for the ethnologist as well as for the naturalist. The return was made in safety through the desert to Urga and Kiakhta. This is a brief outline of the journey recorded in these pages, and the only regret one has is that so few amongst us can read the language in which it is written. It is to be hoped that the volume will ere long be translated into our own language. The simplicity of the style, the novelty of the subject the interest of the narrative, and the personality of th writer, who has reached such a high position among adventurous travellers, combine to make this a most in valuable acquisition for the library of the naturalist a well as of the geographer. Very many new species hav been obtained of both plants and animals, and one of the most important of the discoveries recorded is that of new species of horse. Polyakoff has proposed to cal this new species (of which a specimen is to be found in the museum of the Academy of Sciences in St. Peters burg) after the discoverer-Equus Prjevalskii. But th new species of plants and animals are so numerous tha it has been proposed to apply a special name to the flora and fauna of the district, which are found to differ con siderably from those of Western China. OUR BOOK SHELF Deutsche Kolonien. Ein Beitrag zur Besser Kenntnis des Lebens und Wirkens unserer Landleute in alle Erdteiler. Von Karl Emil Jung. (Leipzig: Freyta 1884.) DR. JUNG is well known as an accomplished writer, both on the scientific and economical aspects of the Australia colonies, in which he spent some years His presen brochure is one of much interest, though its immediate though the Germans have no colonies, they are probably. It is a curious fact tha subject is beyond our scope. next to the English, the greatest colonisers of any European nation. Even according to the census returns, the German population of the United States is very great and as Dr. Jung shows, it is much greater than it seems for many of the earlier colonists have Anglicised the names, and been absorbed in the general population. T the culture of the States, and indeed to the intellectua side of all the colonies in which they have settled, the Germans have largely contributed. Dr. Jung gives interesting details of German migrations into England Russia, Australia, South Africa, as well as the States, and from the ethnological standpoint his little work deserves the attention of the scientific student. Catalogue de la Bibliothèque Japonaise de Nordenskjold Coordonné, revu, annoté, et publié par Léon de Rosny (Paris, 1883.) THIS collection of Japanese works in all departments of literature, which appears to have been collected by Baron Nordenskjöld while in Japan, has been presented by him to the Bibliothèque Royale at Stockholm. The editor the veteran Japanese scholar, M. de Rosny of Paris, has not been satisfied with a bald catalogue, but has in many instances added descriptive and analytic notes of the con tents, the character of the work, and its place in Japanese literature; and although the collection can hardly equal in extent and value those of several European libraries we are not aware that such an excellent catalogue exista in any European language. The whole contains ab 1000 works in over 5000 volumes, and is divided and su divided by M. de Rosny with much nicety. The scientifi works are not very numerous. On the exact sciences (arithmetic, geometry, algebra, astronomy, &c.) there are only 104 volumes, and on the natural sciences 445. B most of these are dated prior to the opening of the country to foreigners, and to the student who cou examine them they would present an interesting po ture of the state of scientific knowledge at vario.5 periods. |