Geology and Mineralogy. 289 



tributions to the science of physiography. In a recently pub- 

 lished paper, Erosion and its Significance (Jour, and Proc. Royal 

 Soc. N. S. Wales, xlv, pp. 116-136, 1911) the factors involved 

 in the interpretation and correlation of peneplains are discussed. 

 The conclusion reached is expressed as follows : " Whenever two 

 peneplain or [old age] surfaces are found associated in resistant 

 rock structures, such as granites, crystalline schists, and dense 

 quartzites or sandstones, and the two such surfaces are situated 

 one above the other and the two are separated by a youthful or 

 mature topography, it may be considered that they were formerly 

 continuous, but are now discontinuous, owing to earth processes 

 other than those due to erosive activities. Such earth -processes 

 may be either warping or faulting. This is absolutely irrespec- 

 tive of any irregularity of plan possessed by the youthful topog- 

 raphy separating the two peneplains." (p. 131). 



Mr. Andrews announces that a paper on the physiographic 

 criteria of faulting is in preparation. h. e. g. 



6. Australia in its Physiographic and Economic Aspects y by 

 Griffith Taylor. Pp. 256 ; 60 figures. Oxford, 1911 (Claren- 

 don Press). — The continent of Australia receives scant treatment 

 in standard atlases and reference books. Much of the published 

 geology and geography consists of detailed studies of discon- 

 nected areas and the economic studies are in large part statistical. 

 The book by Mr. Taylor will therefore find a place among geog- 

 raphers and other students interested in the relation of man and 

 his activities to the topography, climate and products of the 

 region in which he dwells. 



Chapters I-XI treat of Physiographic Aspects, including cli- 

 mate, vegetation, and regional treatment of physiographic prov- 

 inces. Economic Aspects are discussed in Chapters XIII-XXIV, 

 under the headings : stock raising, agriculture, mining, transport, 

 and minor industries. 



, As regards possibilities for settlement, the combined Australian 

 provinces are divided as follows : Arid, 44 per cent — 24^ per 

 cent useless, 19^ per cent useless in bad seasons ; 17 per cent 

 suited for tropical agriculture ; 39 per cent suited for profitable 

 white settlements, i. e. 28 per cent good pastoral land, 11 per 

 cent good farming land. When the geographic conditions are 

 viewed as a whole, it is considered possible that the present popu- 

 lation of 5,000,000 may reach 19,000,000 before the close of the 

 century. h. e. g. 



7. Canada, Department of Mines ; William Templeman, 

 Minister of Mines. — The list given below includes the publications 

 of the Canadian Department of Mines received since the last 

 enumeration (vol. xxxi, p. 574). (1) In the Geological Survey 

 Branch, R. W. Brock, Director : 



Summary Report of the Geological Survey Branch of the 

 Department of Mines for the calendar year 1910. Pp. 314 ; 8 

 figures and 1 map. 



Report on a part of the North West Territories drained by the 

 Winisk and Attawapiskat Rivers ; by William McInnes. Pp. 

 58 ; 5 plates, 1 map. 



