g2 The Irish Naturalist. August, 



A very welcome and interesting aspect of modern geographical work 

 is that no special system has become stereotyped as the one and only 

 method of approach. In some cases, notably that of the late Professor 

 Herbertson, one writer may cover the whole field of geography from 

 oceanography to racial distinctions. On the other hand, as with Semple's 

 " Influences of Geographic Environment," the author may confine himself 

 to that particular section of geographical research which appeals most 

 to him and which he has made his own. A third method is illustrated 

 by the " International Geography," where Dr. Mill, acting as general 

 editor, produced a work written by 70 authors. This work embraces 

 an account of all the lands of the world, each author having very special 

 knowledge of the " land " described by him. 



Mr. Fletcher, in follomng this last method, has gathered round him 

 a group of distinguished scholars with special knowledge applicable to 

 Ireland on the subjects of ancient geography, topography, archaeology, 

 geology, botany, zoology, antiquities, administration, industries and 

 manufactures ; and by devoting a section of each volume to each of these 

 subjects he has compiled a complete whole. The disadvantages of such 

 a method are apparent, but the advantages are also very great, and in 

 this particular case, where a profound knowledge of every aspect of Irish 

 life and conditions is required to lift the work above the common level 

 of a school text-book, it appears to be the only method that could have 

 been successfully adopted. 



In one particular the series suffers from the dislocation caused by 

 the Great War. Tiie printing was delayed for several years pending 

 that period of stress, and in consequence some of the information given 

 is not fully up-to-date. Under the circumstances this was unavoidable, 

 and it is only here and there that it makes itself apparent. 



Each volume opens with a short chapter on Ancient Geography, 

 written by Professor R. A. Stewart Macalister. This arrangement, 

 is particularly happy in the case of Ireland. The author's reputation 

 is suflicient guarantee for the originality and interest of this section. 



Dr. R. Lloyd Praeger is responsible for Topography, Botany and 

 Zoology. As a writer on botany and zoology. Dr. Praeger's name is 

 a household word. In these pages he crystallises into definite statements 

 much that hitherto was but vaguely known. His indications of the 

 relationship between flora and physical conditions is especially interesting 

 and seems to indicate that a wide field of work still remains to be covered 

 in what may be termed " Plant Geography." 



'It is not an easy matter to write an interesting description of surface 

 features. Too often it develops into a mere classification of mountain 

 ranges and peaks and lists of rivers and lakes. We therefore congratulate 

 Dr. Praeger on his method of presenting this subject and giving us such 

 a vivid and readable account of the climate, mountains, rivers, lakes, 

 traflic routes and coast lines of each province. The photographic 

 illustrations are well chosen, and the black and white diagrams illustrating 

 relief and traffic control are most effective and provide a valuable aid 

 to a correct understanding of this important subject. 



