Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 34.djvu/142

132 of Philadelphia, comprises a paper by W. B. Scott, entitled "On some New and Little-Known Creodonts," describing Mesonyx obtusidens, Hyænodon horridus, and several other species, with three plates, and a paper by Henry Fairfield Osborn, entitled "On the Structure and Classification of the Mesozoic Mammalia," with two plates, and a number of figures in the text.

The Elisha Mitchell Scientific Society (Chapel Hill, N. C.) gives evidence by its Journal that its fifth year has been one of activity and progress, and has contributed to the advancement of science in the South. Fifty-five papers have been presented to the society during the past year, dealing with subjects in chemistry, mathematics, ichthyology, entomology, meteorology, etc., a large part of which are published in the "Journal." Eight regular meetings were held during the year, and three public lectures delivered.

The first number of Insect Life, a periodical bulletin of the Division of Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture, appeared in July. It will be issued under the direction of Prof. C. V. Riley, United States Entomologist, and is designed to contain short papers, notes, and correspondence, which it is desirable to give to the public without delay, or which would be too disconnected for use in the annual reports or in the special bulletins of the division. The present number contains a variety of information, consisting of descriptions of several noxious insects, notes on the habits of others, and records of experience in using certain insect-exterminators, all of which promises well for the usefulness of the periodical.

In Facts about Ireland, Mr. Alexander B. MacDowall presents the condition of Ireland, and the changes it has undergone, in graphic diagrams or by curves (Edward Stanford, London). Under this system, plates are presented showing the relative changes in population in Ireland, England and Wales, Scotland, and London, by decades since 1801; and the statistics, in Ireland of agriculture, education, emigration, evictions, drunkenness, crime, consumption of spirits, bank deposits, revenue, value of crops, and occupations. Each plate is accompanied by a page of letterpress, calling attention to its significant points. The author hopes that these diagrams may prove of some little use in the study of the Irish question. They certainly show at a glance much that it would take considerable reading to learn otherwise.

The Colloquia Latina of Mr. Benjamin D'Ooge, of the Michigan State Normal School (D. C. Heath & Co.), is a collection of dialogues intended to form the basis for exercises in conversational Latin. It is the outgrowth of methods pursued by the author in his own classes, and most of the dialogues have been tested by actual use. Its purpose is to give greater interest and life to the study, and more thoroughness. The dialogues give the models or forms of expression, after which conversations may be carried on about the subjects, in Latin; while the notes elucidate the grammatical and idiomatic peculiarities which come under notice.

In Selected Poems from Premières et Nouvelles Méditations (D. C. Heath & Co.) Prof. George O. Currie has prepared a collection of Lamartine's poems, with notes, for schools and classes. The author represented is a poet of the highest merit—"the Christian Virgil, only greater, and just as pure and refined," in the editor's view—and the choice gives a fair test of his quality. Notes are appended, which are both grammatical and literary in character; a sketch of Lamartine's life is given; and an article by Prof. A. Williams, of Brown University, on the "General Character of French Verse," adds to the value of the work as a whole.

An Iceland Fisherman, by Pierre Loti (New York, Gottsberger), is a story by a French author of rising fame. His real name is Julien Viaud, and he served during the Franco-Chinese War on a French naval vessel. The adventures which befell him during his cruisings in the Oriental seas furnished him with materials for many vivid stories and sketches, which proved very acceptable to the public. The present story, though written among more quiet scenes at his home near Rochefort, is marked by similar qualities. The translation is acceptably done by Clara Cadiot.

Abbott, Charles C. Evidences of the Antiquity of Man in Eastern North America. Salem, Mass.: The Salem Press. Pp. 25.

Adams, Z. B., Bradford, E. H., and Worthington,