892 Recent Literature. [ November, 
history of our knowledge of the Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous 
and Tertiary formations of this continent.” This description 
consists in part of extracts compiled from the writings of Ameri- 
can geologists, and in part of the author's own observations. It 
forms a valuable synopsis of the subject, and the references to 
the palzontology will be especially welcome, since it is the only 
compilation of this work in existence. Such a work deserves 
especial commendation, since American naturalists are generally 
precluded from taking it up owing to the pressure of new work. 
It is to be hoped that “Mr. Miller will be able to accomplish for the 
extinct vertebrates what he has already done for the invertebrates, 
in his synopsis of the described generaand species, Mr. Miller's 
views as to the glacial period are very pronounced. He does not 
find any evidence of the existence of such a period in North Amer- 
ica, either in the stratigraphy or the fossils. 
ON THE STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SKULL IN THE 
much value. The study of the morphology of the vertebrate 
skull has always possessed a high interest, and Professor Parker's 
contributions have added much to our knowledge of it dhe 
present part refers to the Axwura, au includes descriptions of 
numerous species and genera. Of the anatomical work we can 
speak in terms of high. praise. Ua tininately Professor Parker 
has not been able to learn, from his researches, the true relations 
of the contents of the order of Anura. This is seen in his adher- 
ence to the system of Ginther, which is, in every respect, W orth- 
less; and in his entire ignorance ‘of the work of American naturalists 
on the subject. In this country the osteology of the Aura was 
understood sixteen years ago, and the classification was then 
placed upon a positive foundation. Professor Parker's knowledge 
of the literature is evidently not what it should be. The memoir 
is illustrated by forty-four beautifully executed plates. 
Recent Books AND PAMPHLETS.—Notes on the Vertebrata of the Preglacial et 
est Bed Series of the East of England. Part 1v. Rodentia and Insectivora. By ©. 
T. Newto .R.S. 
ar Bie he Vertebrata of the Pre-glacial Forest ee Series of East of England. 
: roboscidze and Cretacea, By E. T. Newton, F.R.S. 8vo, pp. 8: Fre 
the Ceotogia Magazine, fare and 7 ‘dy, 1881. Dantes #881, From the author. 
cata of the United States National Museum. 8vo, pp. 34- W ashing!0” 
sina of the Academy of Sciences, Philadelphia, July 1881. pp- 15- Phila- 
ement of Sciences 
Twenty-ninth Yaga ime deo talge , geoti hag 0, PP- 800, plates, 
a Baie by the society, Salem, 1881. From the society. 
1 On the Rr an and Development of the Skull in the ae By WILLIAM 
Kitcuen Parker, F.R.S. Part 111 she: Eales 
ae - 4to, pp. 266, 44 plates. From 
‘ cal Transactions 0 of the eer Society. Published by the Society. Lon don, 
