The success of this book is evidenced by the necessity of a second edition so soon. The secondary school teacher can never hope to use a book of this size in his classes but it serves a need long felt for a reference work to which he can send the student with a certainty that he will read with an increased interest. Frequently a book of fundamentals makes no more appeal to the student than a dictionary and one whose task it is to arouse the first interest in the subject dreads their influence.

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... t is a happy combination that permits scientific facts to be so presented that even those first entering the subject are interested. The subject of this first volume makes it a most valuable adjunct to those teaching physical geography as well as geology. The plates and maps are wisely selected and the printing of the topographic maps in the colors of regular maps helps the student materially. It is hardly probable that any secondary school teacher would attempt to follow the book in the proposed quantitative system of classification of the rocks. Certainly it is hoped that none would attempt to impose such upon beginners. The proposed field system is very easily handled and nearly all that is necessary. The book has passed beyond the stage of recommendation and prophecy and has already won its place on the shelves of every geological library, however small. E. C. CASE. Methods in Plant Histology. By Charles 7. Chamberlain. 272 pages, 8vo cloth, net $2.25, postpaid $2.39. The University of Chicago Press. This is the only complete work thus far issued on the preparation of botanical material for the microscope. It is adapted to the needs of the solitary worker with limited apparatus as well as to college classes. Freehand sectioning, the paraffin method, the celloidin method, and the glycerine method are treated in detail. Later chapters give directions for making such preparations as are needed in the study of the various groups of the plant kingdom. Formulas are given for reagents. The new edition includes a description of Professor Klebs's method for securing reproductive phases in the Algae and Fungi, and chapters on the Venetian turpentine method, microchemical tests, freehand sectioning, special methods, and the use of the microscope. The volume is thus increased in bulk from 168 to 272 pages.