66 West Aiiierican Scientist. 



and on the Pacific Coast, while they are few in the provinces bor- 

 dering the Japan Sea. Of the whole number, 235 local disturb- 

 ances were recorded, which extended over not more than joo 

 miles of land area. The maximum area of one earthquake was 

 34,700 square miles. The aggregate area of disturbance during 

 the year was 796,000 square miles, which is equivalent to saying 

 that the whole of Japan has been shaken 5.4 times during the year. 



LITER A TURE, 



Another valued contemporary, Random Notes on Natural 

 History^ of Providence, R. I., conies to the conclusion of its 

 third volume, and of the idea that it is needed, as well, announc- 

 ing that it will be discontinued as a regular publication. 



The Century magazine is rapidly nearing the immense circu- 

 lation of 300,000 copies, and it is by far the best read magazine 

 of all the great American monthlies, having greater sales, we are 

 informed by the San Francisco News Co , than any other on this 

 coast. 'The Life of Lincoln,' begun with its current volume, is 

 the last achievement of its managers in adding to the popularity 

 and historic value of its war series. 



Scribners Magazine has reached our table embellished with 

 numerous fine engravings and a mass oi literary excellence equal 

 in every way to that of the higher priced monthlies. 



The Youth's Compa?iio7i celebrates this year its sixtieth an- 

 niversary. It might well be named the ' Universal Companion,' 

 so widely is it read and so wisely adapted to all ages. Its con- 

 tributors are the most noted writers of this country and of 

 Europe. Among them are W. D. Howells, J. T. Trowbridoe, 

 Prof Huxley, The Duke of Argyle, The Marquis of Lome and 

 Princess Louise, Archdeacon Farrar, C. A. Stephens. Admiral 

 David Porter, Lieut. Schwataka, and many others. We do not 

 wonder that the Companioyi, with such contributors, has nearly 

 400,000 subscribers. It costs but $1.75 a year, and a subscription 

 sent now is credited to January, 1888. 



The Botanical Gazette. 

 An illustrated monthly of 24 pages or more devoted to all de- 

 partments of Botany. Contains original investigations, descriptive 

 articles, editorial comments, and botanical news from all parts of 

 the world. It appeals both to specialist and to the intelligent lov- 

 er of plants. Price, $2.00 a year. 



Dr. J. M. Coulter, Crawfordsville, Ind. 

 Prof. C. R. Barnes, LaFayette, Ind. 

 Prof. J. C. Arthur, Geneva, N. Y. 



Editors and Publishers. 



