Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 14.djvu/255

Rh of biological inquiry converge in this direction; and, as pointed out by Prof. Huxley in his address on "The Progress of Anthropology," published in the October number of this journal, that science has already gained a well-established place, counts among its numerous workers a large number of eminent men, and promises to remain, for many years to come, the chief centre of scientific interest in all countries where science is cultivated.

Up to within a few years most of the work in this department has been done abroad, and the Anthropological Societies of Paris, London, and Berlin, each with its special organ for making known the fruits of research, and with a large and distinguished membership, show the wise provisions that have been made for the prosecution of future investigations.

Although commonly spoken of as the "New World," it is becoming daily more apparent that this continent has had a past that is full of interest for the archæologist and ethnologist, and out of which much is yet to be gathered that will throw light on the interesting problems involved. American investigators are already numerous, and the publication before us meets an important want, in supplying an authoritative medium for the announcement of discoveries, the discussion of new views, and the presentation of the results of American research. The broad ground it is intended to cover is thus stated in the prospectus:

"The Early History, Exploration, Discoveries, and Settlement of the different portions of the Continent.

"The Native Races, their Physical and Mental Traits, Social Organizations and Tribal Distinctions; their Religious Customs, Beliefs, and Traditions, as well as their earlier and later Migrations and changes.

"The Antiquities of America, especially the Prehistoric Relics and Remains, or any evidences as to Ancient Earthworks and Structures, Inscriptions, Hieroglyphics, Signs, and Symbols.

"Prehistoric Man, his Origin, Antiquity, Geological Position, and Physical Structure.

"The Antiquarian will also treat of subjects of a more general character, such as The Descent of Man, The Rise of Society. The Origin of Writing, The Growth of Language, The History of Architecture, The Evolution of Ornament, and Ceremonial Observances, Comparative Religions, Serpent-Worship and Religious Symbols, Man and the Mastodon, Man and Animals, Earth and Man, and many other topics which are connected with the Science of Anthropology, especially as they are viewed by the antiquarian.

"Besides these topics especial arrangements have been made by which articles will be contributed upon Archæological Relics, upon Aboriginal Languages and Dialects, and upon the Traditions of this Continent compared with those of other lands.

"The Investigations made by different Historical and Scientific Societies, as well as the Results of all Explorations and Discoveries, will also be reported as far as possible.

"In the editorial management the assistance of several prominent gentlemen has been secured."

The present number contains nine articles, all of them on topics of interest, and several finely illustrated. There is also a valuable editorial department, made up of contributions from several distinguished writers besides the editor-in-chief The magazine is a credit to American science, and deserves to be well sustained.

object of this work is to acquaint the reader with those important points of general public gardening, and of fruit and vegetable culture, in which France is in advance of other countries. The author, who has traveled extensively and given prolonged and careful attention to the subjects treated, looks upon English agriculture and rural affairs in general as far before those of France, yet in many important matters he shows that there is much to be learned of the French. The first half of the book is devoted to the parks and gardens in and about Paris, and to the squares, avenues, boulevards, and other improvements, of new Paris. In his criticisms, the aim of the author has been "not only to record and illustrate what is good in them, but also to point out what is harmful." While he finds much to learn and much to admire in their public grounds, yet of the cemeteries he says that "their best aspects are painful to any one who knows what is possible, or what has already been accomplished in the formation of decent burial grounds near large cities." After a most