i66 SCIENCE PROGRESS 



objects and of dealing with them so that they may be satisfactorily examined 

 — a point that is often largely overlooked in textbooks of this kind. 



An adequate description of objectives and oculars follows, together with 

 the method of adjusting them to obtain the best results under any ordinary 

 conditions of use. 



Microscopes of various types are described, not only the monocular, but 

 also the binocular type, together with those that are intended for the exami- 

 nation of metallurgical and other specimens. 



The book closes with a short chapter on the observation of microscopic 

 objects, a part that is evidently intended for the beginner, but it is neverthe- 

 less of interest and indicates the direction in which those undertaking micro- 

 scopic work may look for objects of interest. 



All the apparatus described is made by Messrs. R. & J. Beck Limited, so 

 that the book does not form a complete guide for those who wish to make 

 a selection from various makers' productions. It is, therefore, admittedly in 

 the nature of an advertisement, but the whole matter is so good and the 

 description of the use of various parts is so adequate that it really hardly 

 loses anything from what otherwise might be regarded as a serious short- 

 coming. It may be recommended to the beginner w ho wishes to obtain some 

 knowledge of the elementary optics and practical use of the microscope. 



J. E. B. 



Through Angola. A Coining Colony. By Colonel J. C. B. Statham, 

 C.M.G., C.B.E. [Pp. xvi -|- 388.] (Edinburgh and London : William 

 Blackwood & Sons. Price 28s. net.) 



Colonel Statham's book is a valuable addition to the increasing number 

 of authoritative works on portions of the African Continent. The book is 

 divided into two parts ; the first being mainly descriptive of the author's 

 journeys in the colony together with his quest for the giant sable ; while the 

 second is a short account of the colony's history, its present economic state, 

 and chapters on the fauna, flora, tribes and their customs, and the future 

 prospects of Angola.' 



There is much information throughout the book for the prospective 

 settler, the sportsman, the naturahst, and the traveller. 



The first thing that strikes the reader, if he is a sportsman or naturahst, 

 after perusal of Part I, is the necessity of protection for the beautiful fauna 

 and more particularly the giant sable, whose sole habitat occupies a com- 

 paratively small area of the colony. There can be little doubt that this 

 beautiful creature is doomed unless the Portuguese make more stringent 

 game regulations and, what is equally important, see that they are carried 

 out. No sportsman could possibly want more than three well-chosen speci- 

 mens of each of the rarer species for his collection, and if, as the author suggests, 

 the game is properly protected as it is in the British Protectorates and 

 Colonies, and the cost of the game licence increased, the country would 

 attract sportsmen who might be impressed by its fertility and wish to remain 

 and take up land or oil and mineral concessions. In any case, the hide hunter 

 should without delay be prevented from pursuing his nefarious occupation. 



As regards the author's remarks on p. 213 coneertil.ig the negro's 

 neglect of his master during sickness, the reviewer's experience, after many 

 years spent amongst various tribes, is that servants of whatever race, if they 

 know their master well, wall never neglect him, but will, on the contrary, not 

 only stick to him through thick and thin, but will not infrequently give 

 their lives for him. 



A great deal of Part II has been culled from the works of Portuguese, 

 Italian, Dutch, and French writers, to whom the author gives due acknow- 

 ledgment. The mass of data in this part of the book might have been 

 better arranged. The meteorological tables, for example on pp. 316 and 



