156 NATURAL SCIENCE [September 



while the list of original investigators who used the collections for 

 research includes well-known names of several nationalities. 



Among the local acquisitions during the year, one of the most 

 remarkable is a hedgehog (Ennaceus europaews), of which Dr Fritsch 

 has published the sketch reproduced in Plate II. In this specimen 

 there are none of the characteristic spines, the whole body being 

 clothed instead with normal hair. Spines, of course, are only highly 

 modified hairs, and this individual is doubtless to be regarded as 

 an example of atavism, one in which the dermal appendages have 

 reverted to their original condition. 



Most of the acquisitions are, naturally, Bohemian or are im- 

 portant for comparison with specimens found in the country; for 

 the Museum not only stores collections, but is also the central office 

 for the geological and biological exploration of the kingdom. 

 During 1897 Dr Pocta completed the eighth volume of Barrande's 

 well-known " Systeme Silurien de la Boheme " ; Dr Fritsch studied 

 fossil myriapods for his work on the Bohemian gas-coal, and made 

 important geological observations on the Cretaceous rocks ; Drs 

 Fritsch and Vavra continued those researches among the organisms 

 of the freshwater lakes of Bohemia, to which we have previously 

 alluded ; and the botanists made considerable progress in investigat- 

 ing the local flora, Dr Schiffner paying special attention to the 

 mosses. The Barrande Fund was employed by Dr Perner in con- 

 tinuing his work upon graptolites. 



We congratulate our Bohemian colleagues upon their work, and 

 wish them the continued success they so well deserve. 



The Geological Suiivey 



Geologists are indebted to the Director-General of the Geological 

 Survey for one of the most interesting and valuable publications of 

 the year. He has decided for the future to issue an annual Sum- 

 mary of Progress, containing not merely the bare blue-book statistics 

 but also a general readable account of the work of the Survey and 

 its bearing upon previous knowledge. He makes a beginning in the 

 Summary for 1897 now before us, which is a well-printed booklet 

 of 176 pages and three index-maps, to be purchased through any 

 bookseller for the small sum of one shilling;. We commend it to 

 the notice not only of those interested in our own country, but also 

 to geologists in general who, whatever may be their special studies, 

 are sure to find much of value in it. 



This being the first publication of the kind issued by the 

 Geological Survey of the United Kingdom, Sir Archibald Geikie has 

 done well to preface the Summary by an introduction regarding the 

 history and organisation of his department. This introduction 

 occupies 30 pages, and traces the progress of the Survey from its 



