SCIENCE 
EDITORIAL CommiTtEE: S. NEwcoms, Mathematics; R. S. WoopwARD, Mechanics; E. C. PICKERING, 
Astronomy; T. C. MENDENHALL, Physics; R. H. THURSTON, Engineering; IRA REMSEN, Chemistry; 
J. LE ContvE, Geology; W. M. Davis, Physiography; HENRY F. OSBORN, Paleontology ; W. K. 
Brooks, C. HART MrERRIAM, Zoology; S. H. ScupDER, Entomology; C. E. Brssry, N. L. 
BRITTON, Botany; C. S. Minot, Embryology, Histology; H. P. Bowpitcu, Physiology; 
J. S. Binyines, Hygiene ; J. MCKEEN CATTELL, Psychology; DANIEL G. BRIN- 
TON, J. W. POWELL, Anthropology. 
Fripay, JULY 28, 1899. 
CONTENTS: 
The Nicaragua Canal Route: Dr. C. WILLARD 
IBLASTTSR}, poconocacaaasoaaga0qon900 sabdonosaseD9GSpsq0NSnOG 97 
Transparency and Opacity: LORD RAYLEIGH...... 104 
Distribution of the Keewatin in Minnesota: PRo- 
FESSOR C. W. HALL..............0000000000+ psad00000000 107 
The Association of American Agricultural Colleges 
and Experiment Stations: DR. A. C. TRUE........ 110 
The International Congress on Hybridization......... 113 
Scientific Books :— 
Russell on German Higher Schools : CHRISTINE 
LADD FRANKLIN. The Native Tribes of Central 
Australia: HIRAM M. STANLEY. Clarke's 
Guide to Excursions in the Fossiliferous Rocks 
of New York State: C.S. Books Received......... 116 
Scientific Journals and Articles...........sscecreceeneees 119 
Discussion and Correspondence :— 
About a Reform in Nomenclature: DR. A. L. 
HERRERA. Tides and Currents in Canadian 
Waters: J. W. D. Natural History of the Tres 
Maria Islands, Mexico: Ros't E. C. STEARNS.. 120 
Notes on Inorganic Chemistry: J. L. H...... ......- 121 
Recent Progress in the Examination of Foods and 
Drugs :— 
Plant Principles ; Foods and Spices: DR. HENRY 
JECTS, coc oosegqotoesdccdonecSCboNdeaeeDaBOaROEH0008 122 
Position of Women in Babylonia: W J M............ 124 
American Mathematical Society.........c00cccseeceeeseees 125 
Scientific Notes and News.,.......s.csecsesccscecesesecnsens 125 
University and Educational News...........00cc00es00e00 128 
MSS. intended for publication and books, etc., intended 
. for review should be sent to the responsibie editor, Profes. 
sor J. McKeen Cattell, Garrison-on-Hudson N. Y. 
THE NICARAGUA CANAL ROUTE. 
Tue attention which the problem of con- 
necting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans by 
means of a ship canal is now attracting 
lends an interest to any information con- 
cerning the Isthmian region and affords an 
excuse for the publication in Scrence of 
matter more fully published in other less 
widely circulated media.* 
Exact information concerning the Nica- 
ragua Canal Route is derived chiefly from 
four surveys of the region, made with a 
view to determining the best route for a 
ship canal. The first was made by Colonel 
Childs, in the interest of the Vanderbilt 
Transit Company, which held a concession 
from the Nicaraguan government for con- 
structing a canal. The second was made 
by Commander Lull, under instructions 
from the Secretary of the Navy. These two 
surveys amounted to a good reconnaissance 
and served to show that no insurmountable 
obstacles were to be met with. The third 
survey was that made by the Maritime 
Canal Company, under the direction of 
Chief Engineer A. G. Menocal. This ex- 
tended over several years, and was much 
more comprehensive than either of the 
* Physiography and Geology of region adjacent to 
the Nicaragua Canal Route. Bul. Geol. Soc. Am., vol. 
10, pp. 285-348. 1899. 
Physiography of the Nicaragua Canal Route. Nat. 
Geog. Mag., July, 1899. 
Appendix 2, report of the Nicaragua Canal Com- 
mission, 1897-99. Govt. Print. In press. 
