REVIEWS 429 



Besides having had the good fortune to secure tons of highly inter- 

 esting palseontological material, Mr. Hatcher has placed geologists the 

 world over in his debt by having definitely settled the problem as to 

 the age of the Santa Cruz beds, which has long been a serious 

 stumbling-block. Not only this, but he was able to trace the entire 

 stratigraphic succession from the Cretaceous upward, thus furnishing 

 us with a complete section of Patagonian formations. Doubts as to 

 the occurrence of certain strata in particular areas have been satisfac- 

 torily cleared, and in a word, light has been shed upon a number of 

 burning issues in geology and palaeontology. The author also has 

 much to say in his narrative of interest to the meteorologist and 

 anthropologist. Climatal conditions, the character of the soil and its 

 vegetation, very full accounts of the native Indians, their customs and 

 peculiarities, and a great deal regarding the habits of wild animals, 

 even the psychological experiences of himself and companions whilst 

 buried in the wilderness — all these and many other topics are presen- 

 ted in a simple aud pleasing style ; and what with the narrative and 

 camera illustrations, the reader has a sense of being fairly transported 

 into the heart of Patagonia. 



With characteristic modesty, the author touches but lightly upon 

 the hardships and privations endured by himself and faithful compan- 

 ions ; yet we know that the party had only the most meager facilities 

 and very limited means at its command, and we can only picture to 

 ourselves in imagination how extremely serious the situation was at 

 times, how apparently insurmountable the difficulties. No one can 

 fail to admire the quiet courage, patience and energy of the man who 

 planned and successfully carried out, almost single-handed, an expedi- 

 tion of such magnitude and so rich in scientific results, and at the same 

 time in the face of such discouraging obstacles. 



C. R. E. 



