218 REVIEWS OF RECENT BOOKS 



thermometrical observations at 100 stations in Manchuria, Korea and 

 China Proper, extending from Aigun on the Amur to Lamko in the 

 extreme South. The observations give the mean daily temperature 

 obtained in three different ways ; the mean of maximum and minimum 

 temperatures ; the daily range — net and adjusted ; and the extreme 

 maxima and minima observed at each station, with the year of 

 observation. The number of years since records were first taken is 

 recorded, Zikawei Observatory going back to 1873, followed by Hsien- 

 hsien (Shantung) in 1877. Finally, records are given for 1916 — the 

 latest available year — showing the difference between the mean tem- 

 perature in that year and the normal previously registered, also the 

 maxima and minima and range. There are also notes on bird migra- 

 tion, phenological observations, and of the fall of snow. Each of these 

 observations is shown for every day of the year, and the collection of 

 this mass of material represents a vast amount of labour in the aggre- 

 gate, work voluntarily done to further the cause of science. 



The first part of the book deals with the methods of taking 

 observations at Zikawei and elsewhere, and gives (1) the amount of 

 heat projected on the soil; (2) the mean temperature of the air, as 

 influenced by the absorption of the atmosphere. This is detected in 

 many ways : by the Arago-Davy actinometer, by a heliograph register, 

 and by a thermometer placed below the soil. Atmospheric pressure is 

 also a factor, as well as absorption of heat by carbonic acid, ozone and 

 the vapour in the air. 



The modification of the local conditions by those prevailing in 

 neighbouring regions has also been the subject of study, and tables are 

 given showing the influence of wind on temperature (its evaporative 

 force) and also the influence exerted by the sea, the latter calculated at 

 Shaweishan and at the Saddles. 



The second article comprises a study of the daily variation of 

 temperature at Zikawei and Part II of this section with the other 

 stations from which records have been sent, monthly conditions being 

 shown in regard to atmospheric pressure, wind, mist, rain, and tem- 

 perature. This is a valuable statement, of the normal atmospheric 

 situation throughout the year in a wide region extending from North 

 Siberia to the region where typhoons are born. Charts follow giving 

 the isotherms of China and — by way of comparison — of North America, 

 during each month. 



The number of graphs is innumerable, a valuable aid to the layman 

 who wishes to learn something of the conditions under which he lives 

 in the Far East. It may be said ' in conclusion, that although the 

 erudition in this great work is above the head of the average man, 

 there is still much which will be of great help to him, and to the 



