REVIEWS AND BOOK NOTICES. 358 
the solid crust now firmly united to the persistent pedicel. The ab- 
sorbents of these blood-vessels now commence active operation 
and undermine the antler. They do not carry away the surface 
of the bone evenly so as to leave it smooth, but as it were they 
remove alternate particles, or rather alternate groups of granules, 
till the union, which before was so firm that no force could break 
it at the point of junction, has become so weakened that the antler 
drops off or is detached by some slight violence. This process of 
absorption requires about one month’s time. As before stated the 
blood now flows freely from the blood-vessels of the periosteum of: 
the pedicel which had penetrated the seam, now ruptured by the 
removal of the antler. If we now examine the butt of the antler 
we shall find the surface very rough, like coarse sand-paper, re- 
sulting from the unequal absorption before described. 
We shall also find. it of a most immaculate whiteness without 
the least trace of blood coming from it, although it is sometimes 
stained with the blood from below. ; 
Space will not now permit me to pursue the subject and explain 
the peculiarities of the growth of the antlers on the emascu- 
lated buck, and show why it is that they never mature so as to be 
thrown off, but are persistent through a long course of years, even 
to the death of the animal. : 
REVIEWS AND BOOK NOTICES. 
Youne’s Paysican Grograruy.*— This is a terse and excellent 
compilation by one who, as formerly connected with the geological 
Survey of Great Britain and now a teacher of geology, knows how 
to meet the wants of students. As the preface was written in 
November, 1873, and the latest information given concerning the 
results of deep sea dredging and other explorations which have 
thrown so much light on the geology of the globe, we may feel 
Sure that it contains very late information. The views on the 
formation of continents and theoretical considerations regarding 
Me geological cause of the present distribution of animals and 
P Neer Geen eee 
* : a a 
ve Physical Geography. By John Young, Regius Profe y of Glas 
_ 8°W. Putnam’s advanced Science Series, New York. 12mo, pp. 368. [1874, no date 
Si on title page.] $1 00. 
_ AMER, NATURALIST, VOL. VIII. 23 
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