242 Scientific Intelligence. 



of land and water on its surface. This was illustrated by experi- 

 mental methods, the ocean areas of the mapped globe being 

 covered with a thin sheet of iron, roughly contoured to the coast 

 lines of the continental areas ; a close agreement with the un- 

 sym metrical lines of declination was obtained. A further cause 

 of magnetic asymmetry is sought for in the diamagnetism of the 

 waters of the globe and of the compounds of the alkaline metals 

 which they hold in solution. 



9. The Astronomical Handbook for the year 1892. 38 pp. 

 12mo. Brooklyn, 1892. — This little handbook and ephemeris, pre- 

 pared under the direction of the Executive Committee of the 

 Department of Astronomy in the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and 

 Sciences, will be found useful particularly by all persons — even 

 if they have not a full scientific training — who are interested, as 

 amateurs, in astronomy and in studying celestial phenomena. It 

 gives information in regard to eclipses, the positions of the planets, 

 notes on the double stars and so on, with suggestions as to special 

 observations which individuals may make with interest and pi'ofit. 

 It is also stated that the President of the Department (Garrett P. 

 Serviss, 8 Middagh st., Brooklyn) will give information and 

 advice to those not able to attend the meetings. 



II. Geology and Mineralogy. 



1. Honor to the United States Geological Survey from the 

 French Academy of Sciences.— The Academy of Sciences of 

 France at its last Annual Session, on the 21st of December, con- 

 ferred on the United States Geological Survey the Cuvier prize. 

 The commissioners of the Academy — consisting of MM. Gaudry, 

 Fouque, de Quatrefages, Milne Edwards, with M. Daubree, 

 Reporter — state in their report with reference to the prize : 



" L'oeuvre du Geological Survey, avec le magnifique ensem- 

 ble de travaux qu'elle comprend, merite done que nous lui ren- 

 dions up hommage eclatant, pour la lumiere si vive et si inatten- 

 due qu'elle a jetee sur P histoire geologique et sur les richesses 

 minerales de 1' Amerique du Nord. Le prix Cuvier est decerne 

 a cette grandc ceuvre collective, non seulement aux collaborateurs 

 actuels, mais aussi a ceux qui ont dfl cesser leurs fonctions. II 

 sera, nous 1' esperons, conserve dans les archives du Geological 

 Survey, comme un temoignage de la haute estime de 1' Academie 

 des Sciences." 



These closing words of the Report are preceded by a review 

 of the geological work carried forward by American geologists 

 in connection with the various State surve}"S from 1833 onward; 

 by the U. S. Geological and Geographical Survey of the Terri- 

 tories under Hayden, mentioning in detail some of the great 

 results: the expedition of Powell along the canon of the Col- 

 orado ; the " study extremely remarkable " of the Henry Moun- 

 tains by Gilbert; the Exploration and Survey of the 100th 

 Meridian under Lieut. Wheeler, of the IT. S. Department of 

 Engineers ; the U. S. Survey of the 40th Parallel under Clarence 



