224. Scientific Intelligence. 



production of gems and precious stones, and it is not surprising 

 that this fact is particularly illustrated in 1914. Even in this 

 country, the important production of sapphires in Montana, and 

 other similar products, showed a large decrease, the only decided 

 increase being in turquoise. Of the last named mineral, two new 

 deposits were developed in Nevada ; one in the Hot Springs min- 

 ing district, Lander County, and the other near the old mining 

 camp of Cortez, not far distant. The mineralogist will find in 

 this pamphlet by Dr. Sterrett many interesting points in regard 

 to the occurrence of beryls, tourmalines, amethysts, and other 

 minerals, although the financial result of the year's work was not 

 striking. It may be added, that the total value of the precious 

 stones in the United States in 1914 was only $125,000, contrast- 

 ing with $320,000 for each of the two preceding yeai's, and 

 1534,000 for 1909. 



13. The Magic of Jewels and Charms ; by George F. Kttnz. 

 Pp. 422. With numerous plates and figures. Philadelphia, 

 1915 (J. B. Lippincott Co.). — This book is a companion volume 

 to " The Curious Lore of Precious Stones " by the same author, 

 and like that treats of the superstitions and fancies that have 

 accumulated about unusual natural objects. The following chap- 

 ter headings will give an idea of its contents : Magic Stones and 

 Electric Gems ; Meteorites, or Celestial Stones ; Stones of Heal- 

 ing ; Virtues of Fabulous Stones, Concretions and Fossils ; Snake 

 Stones and Bezoars ; On the Religious Use of Various Stones ; 

 Amulets ; etc. The book is very well illustrated by means of 

 plates, many of which are colored, and by figures in the text. It 

 is a storehouse of curious information which is presented in an 

 exceedingly interesting manner. w. e. e. 



14. The Mineral Resources of Texas; by William B. Phil- 

 lips. Pp. 320 ; 40 plates. — The value of the mineral resources 

 of Texas in 1913 was nearly $32,000,000, having increased fifteen 

 times in 20 years. In order of importance, measured in cash 

 values, petroleum comes first, followed by clay products and then 

 by coal. The metals are but scantily represented, with the ex- 

 ception of silver, which, for 30 years, has been produced in con- 

 siderable quantities, chiefly as silver chloride in the Shafter dis- 

 trict in Presidio County. 



15. The Mineral Resources of the Philippine Islands for the 

 Year 1914. Issued by the Division of Mines, Bureau of Science. 

 Pp. 41. Manila, 1915. — This report records the rapid develop- 

 ment of gold mining, lode and placer, in the Philippines. The 

 value of the gold produced in 1914 was about $1,175,000 

 (2,350,000 pesos), having in five years increased from $250,000. 

 The value of other metals was small but that of non-metallic 

 products amounted in 1914 to $1,100,000. 



16. Building Stones of Ohio; by J. A. Bownocker. Pp. vi, 

 160; 10 pis. 11 figs. Geological Survey of Ohio, Fourth series, 

 Bulletin 18. — The building stones of Ohio are all of sedimentary 

 origin, including the limestones of the western half of the State 



