728 | Recent Literature. [ October, 
lines of Echini after they have been differentiated, than we can ex- 
pect to find fossil centaurs or sphinxes. So also with the minor 
lines, though of course the sagacity of the investigator is taxed to 
ascertain what these are. Thus much in defence of hypothetical 
lines bridging present gaps in our knowledge. Such have not 
unfrequently been realized by paleontological discoveries. As to 
lines already worked out, such as the genera of Camelide, Felde, 
Rhinocerontide, horses, etc., no question of mathematical proba- 
bilities can invalidate the significance of the wonderful closeness 
of the successive stages which they present.—E£. Ð. C. 
:0: 
RECENT LITERATURE. 
Netit’s New Map oF Cororapo—lIt is strange that in this 
country there are no map-makers worthy the name. The only 
decent maps, either of the whole or portions of the country, are 
those published by the General Government. : 
It is sad, but true, that the best map of the United States which 
can be purchased, and I may add which can be obtained, is pub- 
lished not here but in Germany. This is not from want of skill 
in drafting and engraving, but it seems to be a want of knowl- 
edge, of enterprise and of care in those superintending the work. 
I am roused to this philippic by the appearance of a map of 
Colorado, which is a vast improvement, both in style and in cor- 
rectness of compilation, over anything heretofore published for 
sale in this country. ote 
The map has been compiled by Mr. Louis Nell, a topographi- 
cal engineer who has been for a number of years connected with 
the Survey of the Territories under Capt. G. M. Wheeler. He 
has brought to the work not only a general knowledge of how a 
country should be represented on a map, but a personal acquaint- 
-anceship with a large part of the country represented. The map 
shows, too, a degree of painstaking accuracy and care which 1s 
verv rare among us. 
‘he map is evidently compiled, although authorities are not 
mentioned in detail, from the work of the surveys under ayden, 
Wheeler, King and the General Land Office. The scale of the 
map is 10.5 miles to one inch. The topography is represented 
by hachures and by contour-curves at every 1009 feet up tO 
11,000 feet. The county lines are given, and it may be said, in 
passing, that the map might have been a little clearer if these 
- lines were less pronounced. tie 
All the later changes due to settlement, roads, railroads, etc., 
have been added, bringing it fully up to date. The estimated — 
area of irrigable (arable) land is represented by colors. The a 
1 Neills New Topographicai cathe A i rado, Com: 
piled from U. S, pie sata Settee wa Bae eae. : Washington, D.C» 
1880. Scale 10.5 miles to one inch. __ . 
