Reviews. 



Gnindziige der Geologle des unteren Amazonasgebietes {des Staates 

 Pard in Brasilien). Von Dr. Friedrich Katzer. Leipzig, 

 1903. Pp. 302, royal 8vo; illustrations and one geologic map 

 of the state of Para. 



The author of this work has brought together and published in a volume 

 of convenient size the chief matters of interest in regard to the geology 

 and geography of the lower Amazonas, and especially of the state of Para. 



The volume opens with a geographic sketch of the region. This is fol- 

 lowed by a brief history of the work done on the geology, and biographic 

 notices of the men by whom the work has been done. It is an interesting fact 

 that the bulk of our knowledge of the geology of Brazil dates from a visit 

 made to that county in 1864 by Louis Agassiz. The work of Agassiz him- 

 self upon the geology was of no great importance, but his inspiration was 

 far-reaching. C. F. Hartt, one of his assistants, returned to Brazil several 

 times to continue work on the geology, and eventually died in that country. 

 He took with him several assistants — Derby, Rathbun, H. H. Smith, and 

 others — who have continued the work. After Hartt's death, in 1877, Derby 

 remained in Brazil and has devoted his life entirely to the study of Brazilian 

 geology. It was through his influence that descriptions were finally published 

 of the rich Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, and Cretaceous faunas of 

 Brazil. 



Dr. Katzer himself was formerly geological assistant in the museum of 

 Natural History at Para, and in that capacity he traveled extensively through 

 the Amazonas country. His interest in the geology of the region has led him 

 to publish this volume even after he has left Brazil. 



The biographic part is followed by descriptions of the different groups 

 of rocks, and plates are given of the most important fossils from the fos- 

 siliferous horizons. 



The volume is one of much value to those who wish to obtain a general 

 knowledge of the geology of the Lower Amazonas region without having to 

 seek it through a large number of papers published at widely different times 

 and places. 



J. C. Branner. 



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