858 ; REPORT—1896. 
‘ average monthly rainfall reduced accordingly. This is being done at present by 
Dr. Buchan, Secretary of the Scottish Meteorological Society, and the author, and, 
as far as they are aware, it is the first attempt to do so for the whole world. The 
scanty records of some regions make the positions of the lines of equal rainfall 
(tsohyets) somewhat uncertain. These are dotted onthe maps. The other isohyets 
are shown by firm lines, and the different intensities of colour indicate different 
quantities of water precipitated. From such maps the relationship of the distri- 
bution of rainfall to latitude and altitude, to remoteness from the coast and the 
nature of the land around, to the changing seasons or prevalent winds, is 
clearly seen. Some typical examples were given, especially those of economic 
importance. 
2. The Climate of Nyasaland. By J. W. Morr. 
3. Report on African Climate.—See Reports, p. 495. 
4. Practical Geography in Manchester. By J. Howarp ReEep. 
The author believes the Manchester Geographical Society has demonstrated that 
geography is popular among the people. Mr. Eli Sowerbutts, secretary of the 
Manchester Society, commenced giving popular geographical lectures some years 
ago. The demands for work of this kind grew to such proportions that a body of 
prominent members of the Society, including the chairman, took up the lecturing 
work, which has increased year by year ever since. The lecturers now form an 
organised body of expert geographers and practised speakers, who freely volunteer 
their services for the purpose of spreading reliable geographical information. The 
lectures are all given in a popular manner, and are mostly illustrated by lantern 
views. During the past five years over three hundred lectures have been delivered 
in Manchester and the surrounding districts, and over ninety thousand hearers have 
been reached. The audiences are principally of the working class, but also include 
the members of many well-known literary and scientific clubs, and students of 
continuation schools. The lectures given include such titles as: ‘ Shaping of the 
Earth’s Surface by Water-action, ‘Map Projection,’ ‘ India,’ ‘ China, Corea, and 
Japan,’ ‘Polar Exploration,’ ‘ Across the Rocky Mountains,’ ‘Canada,’ ‘ Across 
Africa with Stanley, ‘ Uganda,’ &c. Applications for lectures are made to an hon. 
secretary, who conducts all correspondence and makes arrangements with the local 
societies and clubs and the lecturers. The engagement of halls, printing, and 
similar matters are carried out on the spot by the local people. This system has 
proved so satisfactory, and the enthusiasm of the voluntary workers has been so 
well maintained, that no hitch has ever occurred. The terms on which the lectures 
are given are very simple. Any member of the Manchester Geographical Society 
or any affiliated society is entitled to apply for lectures. Lantern apparatus and 
volunteer operator are supplied when required. A nominal fee is charged for each 
lecture, travelling and lantern expenses being added when incurred. Any balance 
in hand at the end of each season is applied to the upkeep of lantern plant and the 
making and purchase of new slides. Another important branch of voluntary work 
consists in the analysis of some two hundred British and foreign scientific journals. 
This is most useful for scholars and students. It enables them to follow up, with 
ease, the literature on any special subject. It has received the commendation of 
several high authorities. The Manchester geographers intend to follow up the 
work they are doing, and hope to more fully occupy the field. They are conscious 
that there is ample room for development. The author feels sure they would be 
glad to hear of similar organised effort in other parts of the country. 
5, Canada and its Gold Discoveries. By Sir JAMES GRANT. 
