494 Reviews, [ Oct., 
gravitation, the duration of the leap, if the initial direction be 
horizontal or even descending (as represented), cannot possibly be 
greater than the time in which, with expanded membranes, it 
would simply fall from the top to the bottom of the tree from which 
it springs. The velocity needed to carry the Galeopithecus a 
horizontal distance of 150 yards in such a time as this, would leave 
little chance that a bone of the creature would be unbroken on its 
arrival at the second tree. Retardation towards the close of the 
leap would be impossible, inasmuch as it would cause the force of 
gravity to act in bringing the animal at once to the ground. We 
must therefore conclude that the specified distance, about 150 yards, 
must be in excess of the fact, or that the Galeopithecus must have 
a true power of flight. The difficulty is apparently not recognized 
in the ‘ Rambles.’ 
A few points may be suggested for revision in a following 
edition. “ Neritine,” p. 25. Neritine are fresh-water molluscs, 
and are unlikely to be found on Pratas Island: should it be Nerite ? 
“ Tryxalis,” p. 40 (Truxalis?). “ Modulus,” p. 49 (Modiolus ?), 
the small stony-shelled molluscs belonging to the genus Modulus 
seem very unlikely to have been an “article of considerable con- 
sumption by the people.” “Certhosia Cyane,” p. 185, should be 
Cethosia Cyane. ‘The vignettes used as headings for some of the 
chapters are from drawings made by the author, and are nicely 
executed; but the plate of Nudibranchs from the China Sea is a 
failure, and conveys the idea of a vista showing the sea between 
cliffs at a distance from the beholder, with monsters many yards in 
length crawling on the rocks. 
The work is scholarlike and engaging throughout, but will do 
more, by its pleasing style, to commend, than, by its original 
observations, to advance Natural Science. 
MINOR WORKS AND NEW EDITIONS. 
ACADIAN GEOLOGY.* 
TuE scope of this work is as extensive as its contents are varied. 
The author commences in anger and ends with enthusiasm. His 
indignation is directed, as a Nova Scotian, in the first place, against 
the Imperial legislation which has deprived his country “of their 
cherished provincial independence and direct connection with the 
mother-country ;” and, secondly, against the Commissioners on 
* «Acadian Geology: the Geological Structure, Organic Remains, and 
Mineral Resources of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward’s Island.’ 
By John William Dawson, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S., F.G.S. 8yvo, pp. 694. Second 
edition. London: Macmillan & Co., 1868. 
