METEOROLOGY. 637 



A monograph of Amanita and Lepiota, L. Quelet and F. Bataille [Flore 

 monograpJiique diit Aituinittn ct des Lrplotes. Pdris: Maason d- Co., 190-2, pp. 88). — 

 Analytical keys are given for the species of Amanita and Lepiota, with directions 

 for distingnishing hetween the edil)le and poisonous species, and suggestions for 

 treatment in case poisonous species are eaten. The general habits of these mush- 

 rooms, their (pialitics, and preparation for food are described. 



A simple respiration apparatus, 11. H. Dixon {Notes Bot. School, Trinity Col., 

 Dublin, 1902, No. 5, pp. 194, 195, fig. 1). — A form of apparatus is described which 

 consists essentially of 2 globes connected by a U-tube, a cross arm connecting the 

 upper portion of the tube for the transmission of gases. This is adapted to use with 

 various small objects in which the evolution of carbon dioxid is to be shown. 



Biological laboratory methods, P. H. Mell {New Yorl;: Tlie Macmillan Co., 1902, 

 pp. XIV^321, figs. 131) . — The author gives full and clear instructions concerning the 

 use of the microscope and other instruments, and methods required in the modern 

 biological lal)oratory. The present manuals are considered too voluminous for the 

 needs of many institutions and not sutliciently detailed for many students. Chapters 

 are devoted to tlie microscope and its accessories, and directions given for the pre- 

 paration of tissues for sectioning and mounting, their staining and i)reservation. The 

 apparatus for the preparation of photo-micrographs is described and the methods 

 adopted for their jireparation are given in considerable detail. The apparatus and 

 methods for use in bacteriological studies are also given, together with numerous 

 fonmdfe for preparations used in microscopic investigations and suggestions for the 

 arrangement an<l equipment of laboratories and their furniture. 



Sectioning ■without embedding, H. H. Dixon {Notes Bot. School, Trinit;/ Col., 

 Dublin, 1902, No. '), pp. 1S9-193). — The author states that if leaves or herl)aceous 

 stems be hardened in alcohol for a few days or if woody stems l)e softened by immer- 

 sing them in a mixture of glycerin and alcohol they may be readily si'ctioned with 

 a microtome if securely clamped between 2 flat pieces of cork or pith. In this way 

 he has been able to prepare sections of sufficient thinness to admit of careful histo- 

 logii-al investigations. 



International catalogue of scientific literature. M— Botany {TntennU. Cat. 

 Sri. Lit., 1 {1902), pt. 1, jip. .'?7<s'). — This catalogue is an outgrowth of the catalogue 

 of stientific papers hitherto published by the Royal Society of London. The 

 branches of science treated have been divided into 17 groups, each of which is to be 

 catalogued separately. A decimal system of classification has been adopted, and 

 both author and subject indexes are given, about 2,000 jjublications being listed for 

 the year covered by the catalogue. An examination of this catalogue shows a 

 decided lack of references to American pul)lications, which it is hoped will be cor- 

 rected in the second part, which is promised. 



METEOROLOGY. 



Meteorological observations, A. O. Leuschner and J. D. Maddrill {California 

 Sta. apt. 1899-1901, pt. 2, folders opp. p. 388) . — This is a synopsis of observations at 

 Berkeley on atmospheric pressure, temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, 

 cloudiness, and direction of the wind during the 2 years ended June 30, 1901. 



Meteorological observations, J. E. Ostrander and S. G. Bacon {Mnssaclmsetts 

 St(t. Met. Bids. 163-16S, pp. 4 each). — Rununaries of observations on pressure, tem- 

 perature, humidity, precipitation, wind, sunshine, cloudiness, and casual phenomena 

 dui'ing July-December, 1902. The general character of the weather of each month 

 is briefiy discussed, and the December l)ulletin gives a summary for the year. The 

 principal data in this summary are as follows: 



Pressured (inches). — Maximum, 30.75, December 15; minimum, 28.86, February 2, 

 February 17; mean, 29.954. Air temperature^ (degrees F. ). — Maximum, 91, May 23; 



« Reduced to freezing and sea level. & In ground shelter. 



