512 Eevieics — Bellamy 8f Julies-Browne — Geology of Cyprus. 



suggested, we are told (p. 51), by a map published in 1579, in which 

 several examples of these changes are indicated. 



From earliest historical times Cyprus has known a continual 

 change of rnler, owner, and occupier, and during its geological 

 past it has been no less the scene of many and varied changes. 

 In chapter viii we are given an intei-esting summary of the 

 physical history of the island with maps showing the different 

 aspects of Cyprus during two previous epochs. Its former con- 

 nection with the mainland via the Karpas and the present Gulf of 

 Iskanderun seems to be a fairly established fact. 



One of the chief drawbacks to commercial enterprise on any large 

 scale is the possible insecurity felt on account of Cyprus being in 

 point of fact still a portion of the Ottoman Empire. However, 

 setting this aside, we find as a result of scientific investigation 

 that there is not the amount of inducement that might have been 

 expected from the island's former reputation for great mineral 

 wealth. The copper, which was worked hy the Phoenicians and 

 probably also by the Romans, does not appear to have been re- 

 discovered in any great amount. A few other minerals occur, but 

 apparently only in small quantities. In the chapter (ix, pp. 57-66) 

 devoted to the economics of the island is refuted an error, formerly 

 supported by no less an authority than M. Gaudry, to the effect that 

 Cyprus was devoid of marble. In fact, we read on p. 57 that " It 

 is now placed beyond all doubt that the beds of marble are of 

 great extent, and the varieties numerous and frequently beautiful." 

 Further, a number of specimens were sent to a sculptor and expert in 

 marble, whose verdict proclaimed them to be of excellent quality, 

 one being "equal to the best Parian marble." We believe that 

 this discovery is entirely due to Mr. Bellamy. These marbles are 

 all found in the Trypanian Rocks, which are almost entirely con- 

 fined to the Kerynia Range, which also produces lime of a very fine 

 description. From the Idalian Series alabaster is obtained and also 

 gypsum, which is exported in considerable quantity. Building and 

 paving-stone of various qualities occur in many parts of the island, 

 the best being supplied by the shelly limestones of the Pliocene and 

 Pleistocene beds. It was perhaps considered to be beyond the scope 

 of this work, but at any rate we are not told whether these marbles, 

 or any other of the mineral products, are likely to become of any 

 very great commercial importance to the island in the future. 



The transliteration of Greek into English is frequently a stumbling- 

 block, and in this case it could be wished that there were a little 

 more uniformity in the spelling of place-names, which frequently does 

 not agree in the map and its key with that in the work under dis- 

 cussion, and does not even always cori-espond in the one publication. 

 This is apt to give a suggestion of carelessness to be deprecated in 

 a scientific work. However, this is a small matter and can hardly 

 detract from the usefulness of this valuable and much needed work 

 on the geology of Cyprus. D. M. A. B. 



