sent to publishers asking for specimen numbers of their periodicals. The catalogue includes the titles of five thousand one hundred and five periodicals in the English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Scandinavian, Hungarian, and Slavic languages, of which two thousand one hundred and fifty are placed in the library check-list. Ninety-four subjects are included in the classified list, in which periodicals devoted to general science do not enter. Of these subjects, the most numerously represented is that of agriculture.
Geological and Natural History Survey of Minnesota. By N. H. Winchell, State Geologist. First Annual Report, 1872, pp. 112; Tenth do., 1881, pp. 254, with Fifteen Plates; Eleventh do., 1882, pp. 219; Twelfth do., 1883, pp. 387, with Map and Plates.
The first report includes an historical sketch and list of publications relating to the geology and natural history of Minnesota, beginning with Father Hennepin's book, and a general sketch of the geology of the State. The "tenth report" contains descriptions of about four hundred rock samples and notes on their geological relations, continued from the previous report; a paper on the Potsdam sandstone, papers on the Crustacea of the fresh waters of Minnesota, etc. The "eleventh report" includes a report on the mineralogy of the State; and papers on the crystalline rocks; rock outcrops in Central Minnesota; Lake Agassiz (a large, ancient lake, of which traces are found in an extensive region); the iron region of Northern Minnesota, etc. The "twelfth report" is mainly devoted to paleontology and the fauna and flora.
Life of Frank Buckland. By his Brother-in-Law, George C. Bompas. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company. Pp. 433. Price, $2.
Few men have been privileged to do more to popularize science, as represented in natural history, and to spread abroad love for animals, than the subject of this memoir. His life was very largely devoted to the study of animated nature, to the development of its economical value, and the collection and increase of information on every aspect of it. The objects with which he labored, and the principles by which he was guided are well expressed in the counsel he gave in the first number of "Land and Water," in January, 1866: "Let none," he said, "think himself unable to advance the great cause of natural history. Thousands of Englishmen and Englishwomen have knowledge and experience, acquired by their actual observation of useful facts relating to animated beings, be they beasts, birds, insects, reptiles, fishes, or plants. Friendly controversy and argument are invited on all questions of practical natural history, and although the odium salmonicum not unfrequently assumes more virulence than even the odium theologicum of the good old days of fagot and stake, no writer need fear that his pet theory shall be ruthlessly set on fire, or that his arguments shall be decapitated, without a fair and friendly hearing." Mr. Bompas has given a very picturesque and engaging story of a man who was certainly one of the liveliest characters in the history of science.
Forests and Forestry in Poland, Lithuania, the Ukraine, and the Baltic Provinces of Russia. Compiled by John Croumbie Brown. Edinburgh: Oliver & Boyd; Montreal: Dawson Brothers. Pp. 276.
Dr. Brown follows up his review of the condition of the forests and of forestry in the several countries of Europe with praiseworthy industry and devotion to the cause of reclothing the waste places of the earth. The present volume is like the others of the series which we have noticed in plan and style. It gives accounts of the countries and peoples, and their history so far as it is connected with forestry, and detailed information concerning the present extent, use, and care of the forests.
Magneto- and Dynamo-Electric Machines; with a Description of Electric Accumulators. From the German of Glaser de Cew. New York: D. Van Nostrand. Pp. 301.
This is the first volume of a new series, called "The Specialist Series," to be edited by Dr. Paget Higgs and Professor Charles Forbes, the purpose of which is to impart information on recent technical subjects in a manner suited to the popular intelligence. Concerning the immediate subject of the
