276 Revieics — Kinahans Geology of Ireland. 



The greater portion of the region consists of (2) a broad intermediate 

 tract of gneiss, and (3) a vast area of volcanic rocks which extend to 

 the shores of the Victoria Nyanza. 



The author points out that the valleys throughout the coastal belt 

 were eroded when the land stood at least 60 feet above the present 

 sea-level, and after the formation of the coral reef. There have, 

 therefore, been considerable changes in level in comparatively recent 

 geological times. 



It is reckoned that an artesian supply of water might be met with 

 in the sandstones below the Jurassic shales at a depth of about 1,600 

 feet near Mombasa. Other local sources of water, and possible further 

 sources in different parts of the Protectorate, are duly discussed. 



Attention has been paid to the soils on the several rock formations. 

 On the gneiss there is much red earth with limestone nodules 

 (Kunkar), the origin of which is explained by the author. He also- 

 points out the injury that is done Avhen the forest growth is removed 

 from the natural slopes, as the rains then readily carry off the red 

 earth. 



In the volcanic region there are numerous 'fumaroles,' which 

 constantly emit clouds of steam, and there are some warm springs. 

 The superficial deposits include red claj', like the Indian ' laterite,' 

 black cotton soil like the ' regur,' and loam or loess. In places there- 

 are thin layers of pisolitic iron-ore, known by its Indian name ' muram,' 

 and this, as the author remarks, is smelted by the natives, who manu- 

 facture spears and knives from the iron. 



In conclusion, it may be mentioned that throughout the report many 

 other matters of general geological interest are ably treated by the 

 author. 



Y. — Superficial and Agricultural Geology, Ireland. 



TTNDER the above general title Mr. G. H. Kinahan, M.R.I. A., etc., 

 \j has commenced a series of shilling handbooks, " Kinahan's 

 Booklets," published by Messrs. Sealy, Bryers, & "Walker, of Dublin. 

 Two are already issued: ^o. 1, Lime, and No. 2, Soils. In the first 

 work he deals with the utility of lime as a manure, and points out its 

 natural sources in Ireland. That lime is required by many fruit-trees 

 is shown by analyses, although its prime importance in the cultivation 

 of the land is the influence it exerts on the constituents of the soil. 

 Thus peaty lands when well drained can be successfully cultivated 

 with the aid of lime manures. In the second work Mr. Kinahan deals 

 with " Soils, Natural and Augmented," or, in other words, as modified 

 by tillage and manures. The soils on different formations, on upland 

 and lowland, are described, and much attention is given to the drainage 

 and cultivation of the bog lands. The importance of due consideration 

 of the subsoil is rightly urged, and indeed a soil-map which did not 

 indicate the subsoils would have little or no practical value. 



As early as 1837 Portlock, who was in charge of the Geological 

 branch of the Ordnance Survey in Ireland, established at Belfast 

 a laboratory for the examination of soils, and he recognized the 

 importance of ascertaining not only the soluble and insoluble 



