994 
papers. A study, entitled ‘Influence de la 
Pression Barométrique sur |’Action chimique 
de la Lumiére directe du Soleil,’ by Dr. M. 
Andresen, deals briefly with the work of Bun- 
sen and Roscoe, and other investigators, and 
presents results obtained by the author at the 
Mont Blane Observatory. A short paper by 
M. and Mme. Vallot deals with ‘Expériences 
sur la Vitesse de la Circulation de |’Hau dans 
les Torrents et sous les Glaciers.’ The most 
important contribution is one by M. Vallot, 
entitled ‘Expériences sur la Marche et les 
Variations de la Mer de Glace.’ This is an 
elaborate study, setting forth the results of 
observations made by the author on the Mer 
de Glace during the nine years 1891-1899. 
The observations included variations in level, 
variations in velocity, and variations in velocity 
in relation to variations in level. The paper is 
illustrated by means of a series of 61 plates, 
published in Vol. V. of the Annales, and de- 
serves attention on the part of all who are in- 
terested in glacial problems. These two vol- 
umes are further evidence that M. Vallot’s 
Observatory is doing effective scientific work. 
THE MOON AND THE WEATHER. 
A NEW journal, Climat, printed in four 
languages under the editorship of M. Dem- 
schinsky, of Torbino, Russia, and devoted to 
the publication of articles on the relation of 
the moon and meteorological phenomena, has 
recently been widely advertised. So far, three 
numbers of this magazine have been received. 
M. Demschinsky published, in Nos. 1 and 2 of 
Climat, a series of curves showing the probable 
course of the barometer and thermometer dur- 
ing the month of April at a large number of 
stations, The only comparison of the predic- 
tions with the facts of observed weather con- 
ditions that has thus far been given publicity 
is discussed by Dr. H. R. Mill, in Symons’s 
Monthly Meteorological Magazine for May. Dr. 
Mill has made a careful comparison of the 
predicted conditions and of the actual weather 
observed in the cases of Aberdeen and of 
Valencia. The conclusion reached is, as might 
have been expected, that ‘ practically the fore- 
casts as a whole appear to be valueless,’ so far 
as these two stations are concerned. 
SCIENCE. 
(N.S. Vou. XIII. No. 338, 
NOTES. 
In the National Geographic Magazine for May 
an article by Gannett, on ‘The General Geog- 
raphy of Alaska’ (pp. 180-196), gives a good 
general account of the climate of that territory. 
This article forms one of the chapters of the 
volume dealing with the Harriman Expedition. 
The writer is inclined to believe ‘that if any 
part of Alaska can become of agricultural im- 
portance it is the interior rather than the Pacific 
coast. But it is doubtful whether even this re- 
gion will admit of profitable farming. * * * How- 
ever, as the higher rate of freight to the interior 
will have the effect of a protective tariff on 
home products, it may be possible to raise grain 
and vegetables at a profit under conditions 
which would be prohibitory on the coast.’’ 
The Meteorological Observations for 1900, as 
contained in the 13th Annual Report of the 
Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station, at 
Fort Collins, Colo., show that the mean annual 
evaporation at that station is 41.16 inches (10 
years). This is the amount evaporated from a 
water surface in a tank 3x 3 x3 feet, flush with 
the ground. 
Part VII. of the Report of the Chief of the 
Weather Bureau for 1899-1900 contains the 
‘Meteorological Observations of the Second 
Wellman Expedition,’ by Evelyn B. Baldwin, 
the leader of the present Baldwin-Ziegler Ex- 
pedition. 
R. DEC. WARD. 
SCIENTIFIC POSITIONS UNDER THE GOV- 
ERNMENT. 
THE U. S. Civil Service Commission an- 
nounces that it is desired to establish an eligible 
register for the position of laboratory assistant 
in physics, National Bureau of Standards, Treas- 
ury Department. It will not be necessary for 
applicants to appear at any place for examina- 
tion. The examination will consist of the fol- 
lowing subjects : 
Education and training........-....:eeceee 30 
Original investigations..........0....0-+.s0 30 
JBN q ASTI canemoonanooepnassonaaocEDeos bepesoage 20 
HD AGSHIS) ann on nooononsoncoooSndcnaadsinappSggaNcON OSS 20 
ARO bs reacenancoopastosuncooonoano0ascoN0B000800 100 
From the eligibles resulting from this ex- 
amination it is expected that certification will 
