228 Revieics — Dr. Roive on the White Chalk of Yorkshire. 



type, and finishing with a good index, it has all the requirements of 

 a book of reference. 



The evidence of the borings shows that, in the case of Funafuti, 

 with small temporary oscillations of level, there must have been 

 a steady downward movement for a very long time to account for 

 1,100 feet of coral rock of comparatively recent accumulation. 

 Another noticeable conclusion is that, at any rate in the case of 

 this 'coral island,' corals are not the most important reef-formers. 



It is a matter for regret that the Eoyal Society should be unable 

 to afford a larger sum for carrying out an undertaking of the 

 importance of that described. The expeditions in consequence had 

 to depend largely on private donations and individual help, and 

 without these the second expedition would never have been started. 

 On the other hand, all scientific men will read with pleasure how 

 willingly assistance of all kinds was rendered by those private 

 persons with whom the expedition came in contact. 



W. D. L. 



II. — Dk. a. W, Kowe on the Zones of the White Chalk of 

 Yorkshire. (Proc. Geol. Assoc., vol. xviii, pt. 4; 104 pp , 

 24 plates and 2 text-figures.) (London: E. Stanford, 1904. 

 Price 3s.) 



IN this breezy record of his work in Yorkshire Dr. Eowe has 

 compounded a bracing tonic for all geologists, and especially 

 for those whose appreciative faculties may have become so impaired 

 by the undigested load of accumulated facts that they have lost 

 that keen relish for discovery which should be the never-failing 

 reward of the investigator. We are made to feel as we read this 

 paper that to its author every fresh discovery still comes, as it 

 should come, with the force of a revelation, and is honoured as such. 

 Surely, whoever reads that exciting dramatic episode — so well told 

 and withal so refreshing in technical literature — of the finding of the 

 prognosticated Microster after a venturesome voyage to a well-nigh 

 inaccessible part of the coast must realize that there are moments 

 when it is indeed good to be a geologist ! The importance of 

 our discoveries in science, where not directly 'practical,' depends 

 mainly upon the force with which they appeal to our imagination, 

 and herein lies the strength of Di-. Eowe's method. His naive 

 surprise when the new knowledge happens to burst the bounds 

 of his previous experience, and his satisfaction when it happens to 

 conform to that experience, are admirably expressed and equally 

 delightful. The whole process by which dead facts become vital 

 thoughts is exemplified as Dr. Eowe picks up shred after shred 

 of evidence and pieces it into his fabric. We are forcibly reminded 

 of Browning's fine description of the scientific method — 



" Up and down, inch by iucli. with the taper his reason 



No torch, it suffices — held deftly and straight. 



Eyes purblind at first, feel their way in due season." 

 The author knows that he is doing work worth doing and is doing it 

 well, and he is happy in doing it. No wonder, then, that geologists 



