Bibliographical Notices. 153 



Acadian Geology : the Geological Structure^ Organic Memains, and 

 Mineral Resources of Nova Ssotla, New BrunsivicJc, and Prince 

 Edward Island. By J. W. Dawson, M.A., LL.D., &c. &c. &c. 

 Second Edition, revised and enlarged ; with Geological Map and 

 numerous Illustrations. 8vo. London, 1868. 



We have before us three new and greatly enlarged editions of im- 

 portant geological works, of which geologists may well be proud, as 

 showing the advance of the science and the manner in which first- 

 class writers can and do treat of it, and of which geologists also 

 assuredly make every-day use, both at home and abroad, in the 

 cabinet and in the field. One of these noble works is purely philo- 

 sophical, gi\T.ng the principles on which the science is founded ; the 

 others magnificently and in detail show the application of these 

 principles in the study of the structure, history, and capabihties of 

 large portions of the globe. 



All geologists know the value of Lyell's ' Principles of Geology,' 

 the object of which is well expressed in its title — namely, to eluci- 

 date the causes and history of those changes on the earth's surface 

 that have been, by a careful study and full exposition of the changes 

 we can now recognize as taking place in both the organic and 

 the inorganic world. Without this idea of the continuous and 

 similar, but ever-varying, operations of natural agencies, the Philo- 

 sophy of Geology w^ould be wanting in its leading principle. In 

 Sir Charles's own words, " The ' Principles ' treat of such portions 

 of the economy of existing nature, animate and inanimate, as are 

 illustrative of geology, so as to comprise an investigation of the per- 

 manent efiects of causes now in action, which may serve as records 

 to after-ages of the present condition of the globe and its inhabi- 

 tants. Such effects are the enduring monuments of the ever- varying 

 state of the physical geography of the globe, the lasting signs of its 

 destruction and renovation, and the memorials of the equally fluc- 

 tuating condition of the organic world. They may be regarded, in 

 short, as a symbolic language, in which the earth's autobiography is 

 written." Besides this special subject, the work before us gives us 

 the historical sketch of the early progress of geological knowledge, 

 which has served as a mine for all popular writers on geology ; also 

 *' a series of preliminary essays to explain the facts and arguments 

 which lead me," says the author, " to believe that the forces now 

 operating upon and beneath the earth's surface may be the same, 

 both in kind and degree, as those which at remote epochs have 

 worked out geological changes." With this principle is bound up 

 the personal interest of this excellent and charming book. Excel- 

 lent in its original plan, in its steady growth and advance through 

 riper and riper editions, and charming in its perfect English, elegant 

 style, and fascinating hold upon the reader. Without some legiti- 

 mate bias, some special aim, the best-written book may prove merely 

 a heavy w^ork of reference. A thread for the necklace, a string to 

 bind the bouquet, a persistent idea in a scientific work, connecting 

 the collected facts and notions as a philosophic whole, is requisite 



