314 KANSAS CITY REVIEW OF SCIENCE. 



8th being clear of sun-spots. But a small one had on the east edge; and in forty- 

 hours two large spots had developed near the center of the solar disc; which in- 

 dicates unusual solar activity. The Northern, or Polar Light, may always be 

 looked for soon after an outbreak of this kind — although it was much less in ex- 

 tent than some others which have occurred at different times. So, on the night 

 of the nth an aurora appeared in the north. About this time another good-sized 

 spot had come on at the east edge of the Sun. On the 13th it had grown to 

 large dimensions, but on the 15th, had broken up into five smaller ones. 

 Spiceland, Ind., August 17th. 



BOOK NOTICES. 



The Elements of Forestry: By Franklin B. Hough, Ph. D.; large i2mo. pp. 

 381. Robert Clarke & Co., Cincinnati, O., 1882. $2.00. 



For a number of years Doctor Hough has occupied the position of Chief of 

 the Forestry Division in the Department of Agriculture, at Washington, and has 

 consequently had excellent opportunities for familiarizing himself with the subject 

 of his book, even if he had not had an especial fitness for the work before his 

 appointment. He has undertaken to give in a plain and concise manner practi- 

 cal information concerning the planting and care of forest trees for ornament or 

 profit, also suggestions regarding the creation and care of woodlands with especial 

 adaptation to the wants and conditions of the United States. 



The work is admirably illustrated on all points, and the order of the chapters 

 is natural and logical. Beginning with definitions of technical and scientific 

 terms, he takes up in turn Soils and their preparation; Effects of slope and aspect; 

 Climate and meteorological influences ; Reproduction from seed ; The various 

 modes of propagation of forest trees; The structure and functions of various parts 

 of growing trees ; General views in regard to forestry ; Acts of Congress relating 

 to timber rights ; European plans of forest management ; Ornamental planting . 

 Hedges, screens and shelter belts ; Cutting and seasoning of wood; Fuel charcoal 

 and wood gas ; Causes and prevention of forest fires ; Protection from other in- 

 juries; Insect ravages; Processes for increasing the durabihty of timber and im. 

 proving its quality, etc., etc., closing with a valuable chapter upon Tree-planting 

 in Kansas and Nebraska. 



To this latter subject the author has given particular attention, having spent 

 <;onsiderable time in the west a few years since studying the meteorology, climate 

 and soil of those States. 



We regard the book as eminently practical and valuable to the people of the 

 prairie regions west of the Mississippi where it should and doubtless will have a 

 wide circulation. 



