

ABSTRACTS 



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GEOGRAPHY. — Kostarika: Beitraege zur Orographic und Hydrographie- 

 H. Pittier in Dr. A. Petermann's Geographische Mitteilungen, 

 Ergaenzungsheft no. 175, July 20, 1912; with a map and six pro- 

 files. 

 This paper gives a part of the scientific results of the author's surveys 

 in Costa Rica, from 1887 to 1903. For the introduction, a short his- 

 torical sketch of the cartography of the country is given, together with 

 a description of the methods followed in the topographical survey and 

 the subsequent construction of the map. This is followed by a detailed 

 study of the mountain and river systems, with frequent discussions 

 of the geological factors which have affected the general relief of the 

 country. 



The memoir contains also a list of nearly 500 altitudes arranged alpha- 

 betically. From this it is seen that the highest summit in the country 

 is 3832 m., or about 12,572 feet, above sea level, an altitude much 

 higher than has been admitted heretofore. For a concluding chapter, 

 the author expresses his views on the much disputed boundary ques- 

 tion between Costa Rica and Panama, and tries to show the injustice 

 of the Loubet award. 



The map is on the scale of 1: 500,000 and measures 83 x 71.5 cm. 

 It gives in distinct colors the altitudinal zones and is executed with 

 the usual care of all the publications of the justly celebrated German 

 firm of Justus Perthes. The profiles are reproductions of the tours 

 d'horizon used in connection with the astronomical triangulation of 

 the countrv. H. P. 



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